Project Reports & CMA Data · Question

How do I fill estimated figures for the current year in CMA data?

Short answer

Take your actual books up to the latest closed month, then add a reasoned forecast for the remaining months, using this year's trend and seasonality. Present the result as the estimated figures for the running year, keep the working visible, and make sure the balance sheet balances and flows into next year's opening position. Do not simply copy last year or inflate by a flat factor.

In more detail

The running year is the awkward column because it is part fact and part forecast. A lender uses it as the bridge between your history and the projections, so it carries more weight than first-time fillers expect.

First, close the books of the latest completed month or quarter and use those as the actual portion. Second, estimate the balance period month by month, not as a single lump. Sales should follow your seasonality: if the busiest months are still ahead, say so and show the order book or past-year pattern that supports it.

Third, project costs in line with the volume you expect, separating those that move with sales from fixed expenses such as salaries and rent. Fourth, estimate year-end balances for stock, receivables, payables and borrowings using your actual holding and credit days.

The estimate for the full year should sit sensibly between recent actuals and next year's projection, with no sudden jump or dip.
Closing stock and receivables should look like a business at that sales level, not a year-end wish.
Tax, depreciation and interest should be included for the full year, not just the elapsed part.
Figures should agree with GST returns and bank turnover within explainable differences.

Do not window-dress

Adjusting year-end figures to make ratios look better is risky. Lenders cross-check against statements and returns, and a gap between the CMA estimate and later audited numbers harms trust far more than a modest estimate would have.

Keep a short working note showing how you built the balance months, since the officer may ask.

Key points

Combine closed actual months with a month-by-month forecast for the rest of the year.
Reflect seasonality and order book instead of applying one flat growth factor.
Include full-year interest, depreciation and tax in the estimate.
Reconcile the estimate with GST returns and bank statements before submitting.

Who this applies to

Borrowers applying mid-year for a new limit, renewal or enhancement.
Accountants asked for CMA data before the books are finalised.
Owners unsure how to treat the running year while the audit is pending.

Last reviewed 3 October 2026

This answer is general information, not advice on your particular case. Terms, eligibility, and requirements change, so check the current position with the relevant institution or authority.