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SBA and Federal Debt Articles

We Provide Nationwide Representation of Small Business Owners, Personal Guarantors, and Federal Debtors with More Than $30,000 in Debt before the SBA and Treasury Department's Bureau of Fiscal Service

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SBA Articles

Contact Us to Help You With Your SBA Debt

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Millions of Dollars in SBA Debts Resolved via Offer in Compromise and Negotiated Repayment Agreements without our Clients filing for Bankruptcy or Facing Home Foreclosure

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Millions of Dollars in Treasury Debts Defended Against via AWG Hearings, Treasury Offset Program Resolution, Cross-servicing Disputes, Private Collection Agency Representation, Compromise Offers and Negotiated Repayment Agreements

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Our Attorneys are Authorized by the Agency Practice Act to Represent Federal Debtors Nationwide before the SBA, The SBA Office of Hearings and Appeals, the Treasury Department, and the Bureau of Fiscal Service.

$975,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OIC CASH SETTLEMENT

$975,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OIC CASH SETTLEMENT

Our firm successfully negotiated an SBA offer in compromise (SBA OIC), settling a $974,535.93 SBA loan balance for just $18,000. The offerors, personal guarantors on an SBA 7(a) loan, originally obtained financing to purchase a commercial building in Lancaster, California.

The borrower filed for bankruptcy, and the third-party lender (TPL) foreclosed on the property. Despite the loan default, the SBA pursued the offerors for repayment. Given their limited income, lack of significant assets, and approaching retirement, we presented a strong case demonstrating their financial hardship.

Through strategic negotiations, we secured a favorable SBA settlement, reducing the nearly $1 million debt to a fraction of the amount owed. This outcome allowed the offerors to resolve their liability without prolonged financial strain.

$150,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OIC CASH SETTLEMENT

$150,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OIC CASH SETTLEMENT

Client personally guaranteed SBA 7(a) loan balance of over $150,000.  Business failed and eventually shut down.  SBA then pursued client for the balance.  We intervened and was able to present an SBA OIC that was accepted for $30,000.

$154,000 SBA COVID-19 EIDL - AUDIT REPRESENTATION & RELEASE OF COLLATERAL

$154,000 SBA COVID-19 EIDL - AUDIT REPRESENTATION & RELEASE OF COLLATERAL

Our firm successfully assisted a client in closing an SBA Disaster Loan tied to a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The borrower obtained an EIDL loan of $153,800, but due to the prolonged economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the business was unable to recover and ultimately closed.

As part of the business closure review and audit, we worked closely with the SBA to negotiate a resolution. The borrower was required to pay only $1,625 to release the remaining collateral, effectively closing the matter without further financial liability for the owner/officer.

This case highlights the importance of strategic negotiations when dealing with SBA settlements, particularly for businesses that have shut down due to unforeseen economic challenges. If you or your business are struggling with SBA loan debt, we focus on SBA Offer in Compromise (SBA OIC) solutions to help settle outstanding obligations efficiently.

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SBA FAQS
What is an SBA Offer in Compromise?
What is an SBA Offer in Compromise?

An SBA Offer in Compromise is generally on out-of-court work out option for a business which probably needs to shut down and there is no reasonable turnaround plan that can be executed to resurrect it from its current financial quandary. Furthermore, this remedial option is best utilized when it is apparent that the business’s pledged collateral is insufficient to pay off the outstanding loan balance and the personal guarantees of the owners are at stake.

How Does The SBA Offer In Compromise Process Work?
How Does The SBA Offer In Compromise Process Work?

An SBA Offer in Compromise is not possible if the liability of the debtor is clear and the SBA can collect fully without protracted litigation. The amount offered for settlement must bear a reasonable relationship to the estimated value of the projected amount of recovery available through enforced collection. An SBA OIC is not available when the obligor has the ability to pay the deficiency in full within a reasonable time frame – generally, no later than 5 years. An OIC cannot be accepted if there is any evidence or knowledge of fraud, substantial misrepresentation, or financial dishonesty on the part of the offeror.

How Does the SBA Assess An Obligor's Ability to Pay When Evaluating An SBA OIC?
How Does the SBA Assess An Obligor's Ability to Pay When Evaluating An SBA OIC?

The adequacy of an SBA OIC must begin with an evaluation of the assets of the obligor(s). The starting point is ordinarily the net present value of the forced sale value of such assets (not the loan balance). This value combined with the prognosis of the obligors’ earning power form the basis for determining the adequacy of the offer. The review must balance the right of the Government to collect the amount owed and the obligation to treat all obligors with dignity and fairness.

Do I Need To Hire An Attorney To Represent Me Before The SBA?
Do I Need To Hire An Attorney To Represent Me Before The SBA?

Yes. The Agency Practice Act (5 U.S. Code Section 500 et seq.) specifically authorizes attorneys in good standing of the bar of the highest court of their State to represent you before the U.S. Small Business Administration, the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Bureau of Fiscal Service. However, if you decide to hire a non-attorney firm or consultant to handle your SBA matter before the aforesaid federal agencies, be advised that this non-attorney firm or consultant are in violation of the Federal Agency Practice Act, and cannot advise you on any legal issues. The problem we have with non-attorney representation for SBA matters in this industry is that we do not believe these non-attorneys have the legal authorization and ability to advise or counsel you on any interpretation of SBA administrative law (such as the SBA’s SOPs, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), SBA OHA decisions, bankruptcy issues, federal/state statutory law or federal case law). In addition, many of these non-attorney representatives are neither affiliate members of NADCO, NAGGL (SBA trade associations) nor authorized to practice before the Department of Treasury pursuant to the Agency Practice Act and Circular 230. Finally, in the event that you need to appeal your case to the SBA Office of Hearings and Appeals in connection with your SBA debt or any adverse decision that may be considered an abuse of discretion, the non-attorney representatives will NOT be able to cite to legal precedent or argue applicable law before the SBA’s Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) as any attempt on their part would arguably be the unauthorized practice of law, and would be useless since these non-attorneys wouldn’t have any clue as to how to proceed with representing your interests in this special forum as these individuals do not have the education, training or experience to administratively litigate your case and protect your interests.

How Can the SBA Go After My Personal Assets When My Business Is the Party To The Loan Agreement?
How Can the SBA Go After My Personal Assets When My Business Is the Party To The Loan Agreement?

Even if your business incorporated (i.e. corporation, Limited Liability Company), almost all lenders and the SBA required that you sign personal guarantees as part of the initial loan funding process. Therefore, despite the fact that your business entity signed on the Loan Agreement with the bank or CDC, you would still be liable as a result of the personal guaranty that you or any other individuals signed. The personal guaranty, upon default on the loan, gives the bank or CDC and the SBA direct access to your personal assets such as your home, personal bank accounts, investments, real estate, etc.

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