What are the most important documents to provide first?

Start with your most recent statutory accounts, the last 3–12 months of business bank statements, recent management accounts and your latest VAT returns. These items give lenders a rapid view of trading performance and cash flow.

How far back do lenders want bank statements?

Commonly lenders request between three and twelve months of business bank statements. Some facilities or stricter underwriters may ask for longer histories to assess seasonal patterns or one‑off transactions.

Will a director need to provide personal documents?

Yes, directors are often asked for proof of identity and proof of address. Lenders may also request personal bank statements or tax returns if the director’s finances are relevant to the facility.

I don’t have perfect paperwork — what should I do?

Be transparent and provide explanations alongside available documents. Completing a Quick Quote with Best Business Loans helps match you to lenders or brokers who accept your documentation and can guide next steps.

What documents do lenders usually ask for (accounts, bank statements, VAT returns)?

Quick answer and what to expect

Lenders typically request a combination of financial, legal and identity documents to assess a business’s creditworthiness and the suitability of finance products.

Core items include company accounts, business bank statements, VAT returns, and evidence of ownership or security; additional paperwork depends on the finance type and the lender’s underwriting rules.

Why lenders need documentation

Lenders use documents to verify trading history, cash flow, profitability and security for a proposed facility.

Clear, organised paperwork speeds up decisions and improves the chances of an accurate match to suitable finance providers.

How this guide helps

This page lists the most common documents requested, explains why each matters and offers preparation tips that save time during an application.

If you want help matching to lenders or brokers who accept your documents, complete a Quick Quote to get an eligibility check.

Financial statements and corporate filings lenders commonly ask for

Statutory accounts are usually the first documents lenders request for established limited companies.

These include audited accounts (where applicable) or unaudited statutory accounts filed at Companies House and the accompanying directors’ report and notes.

Management accounts and cashflow forecasts

Lenders often ask for recent management accounts covering the last 3–12 months to see up‑to‑date trading performance.

Cashflow forecasts for the next 6–12 months help underwriters understand short‑term liquidity and repayment capacity.

Tax returns and corporation tax evidence

Corporation Tax returns and HMRC statements corroborate declared profit and tax position, and can be required for underwriting.

Self‑employed directors may need to supply personal tax returns (SA302) and tax year overviews instead.

Director and shareholder information

Companies must usually provide details of directors and major shareholders, including signed director’s loan account statements where relevant.

Lenders use this to confirm ownership, identify related‑party transactions and assess personal exposure.

Bank statements, payment history and VAT returns

Business bank statements are among the most scrutinised documents because they show actual cash movement.

Lenders typically request the last 3–12 months of business account statements; some will also ask for personal statements for directors.

What underwriters check on bank statements

Typical checks include turnover consistency, large deposits or withdrawals, customer payment patterns and overdraft or returned payment history.

Reconciled statements and bank‑to‑ledger reconciliations make it much easier for lenders to verify invoices and cashflow.

VAT returns and sales evidence

Quarterly VAT returns confirm declared sales and VAT liability; lenders use these to corroborate turnover figures, particularly for VAT‑registered businesses.

Some lenders also ask for VAT submission schedules or HMRC confirmation of filings if returns are late or irregular.

Invoices, debtor and creditor ageing

For invoice finance or borrowing against receivables, lenders want copies of outstanding invoices, customer credit terms and an ageing report.

This shows the quality of the debtor book and the likelihood of collection within agreed terms.

Identity, security and contract documentation

Most lenders require identity verification for directors and principal owners, and proof of registered business address.

Acceptable documents include passport or driving licence scans and recent utility or council tax bills dated within three months.

Legal documents and contracts

Contracts with major customers, supplier agreements, lease agreements and hire purchase contracts are often requested when assessing stability and collateral.

Long‑term contracts can improve lending outcomes by demonstrating income visibility.

Security and asset documentation

Where finance is secured, lenders will ask for detailed asset schedules, valuations, invoices for purchased equipment and evidence of ownership.

For asset-backed deals you may need photographs, maintenance records and proof of insurance for the assets offered as security.

Property and third‑party consents

If a charge is to be registered against company property, solicitors’ searches or landlord consents may be required.

Lenders will confirm no prior charges exist and that consent to grant security is in place where necessary.

Sector or product specific documents, preparation tips and next steps

Different finance products demand additional paperwork: invoice finance, asset finance, merchant cash advances and working capital loans all have tailored requirements.

For example, invoice finance needs customer lists and invoice copies, while asset finance requires supplier quotes and delivery paperwork.

Examples: asset finance and invoice finance

If you are seeking asset finance, have manufacturer invoices, delivery notes and depreciation schedules ready.

To explore options for plant, machinery or vehicles you can start here: asset finance.

How to present documents to speed approval

Organise files clearly by type and date, provide reconciliations and add a short cover note summarising key figures and the purpose of finance.

Digital PDFs, indexed filenames and a single zipped upload make it quicker for brokers and lenders to assess your case.

Practical tips to improve outcomes

Address common red flags before applying: regularise late VAT filings, resolve bouncing payments and bring personal and business accounts into good standing.

Consider a short phone call with a broker to confirm which lenders accept trade in your sector before you submit full documentation.

Next steps and how Best Business Loans helps

Best Business Loans does not supply lending but matches UK businesses to lenders and brokers who will review your documents and provide quotes.

Complete a Quick Quote to get an eligibility check and an introduction to specialists who accept your sector and paperwork.

Key takeaways

Prepare statutory and management accounts, recent business bank statements and VAT returns as priority documents.
Identity, ownership, contracts and asset details are often required and can make or break an underwriting decision.
Organisation, reconciliations and a clear cover summary speed decisions and improve match rates with lenders.
Best Business Loans can help you get matched to suitable lenders and brokers—start with a Quick Quote for a fast eligibility check.

Compliance note: Best Business Loans is an independent introducer that does not provide loans or regulated advice.

We aim to provide clear and accurate information, but you should consider seeking regulated financial advice when required and review lender terms carefully before accepting any offer.