Can a Business Loan be Forgiven if the Business Fails?
Discover key factors regarding business loan repayment obligations after a business failure. Explore SBA loan forgiveness options and consult with Protect Law Group.
Small businesses facing mounting debt obligation from an SBA loan may seek a small business reorganization under the new bankruptcy law.
Book a Consultation CallThe rapid deterioration of the American job market (and the world job market) will make it tough on San Diego businesses in the coming months. The new Chapter 11 Subchapter V bankruptcy may provide an easier solution for small businesses. A small business reorganization may save your business.
Employment
No matter how you slice it, the employment picture does not bode well for small businesses. With people out of work, less money will be spent in the economy and at your business. Unfortunately, this will further negatively affect employment. Even with the Payment Protection Program and various deferments, the situation does not look good for small businesses. For many small businesses, an SBA 7a or 504 loan consists of the main debt obligation. Without a small business reorganization, the lender and / or the SBA can attempt to collect.
Like many businesses, your business may be facing a downturn. The options may seem few. Lending programs, like the SBA's Disaster Loan program, may help but serve to add debt to an existing debt problem. The regular Chapter 11 bankruptcy provides protection from creditors while a business reorganizes its debts, but it remains a costly and time-consuming option. If the situation exists as too dire, your business could just shut its doors. But, as a small business owner, you may still owe on your business debts as a personal guarantor. For instance, you will remain personally liable on an SBA loan even if your business closes its doors.
The new Chapter 11 bankruptcy went into effect in February of 2020. As such, a small business whose main debt consists of an SBA loan may use the new bankruptcy to reorganize the debt. Therefore, a bankruptcy reorganization may enable your small business to quickly and efficiently restructure its SBA debt. By reorganizing the debt, your small business may reduce its monthly debt obligation to coincide with its cash flow. A reorganization bankruptcy would allow your small business to continue operating.
If your San Diego County small business needs reorganization of its SBA loan debt, talk to one of our experienced attorneys today.
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
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
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.

Our firm successfully facilitated the SBA settlement of a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) where borrower received an SBA disaster loan of $150,000, but due to the severe economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the business was unable to recover.
Despite the borrower’s efforts to maintain operations, shutdowns and restrictions significantly reduced the customer base and revenue, making continued operations unsustainable. After a thorough business closure review, we negotiated with the SBA, securing a resolution where the borrower paid only $6,015 to release the collateral, with no further financial liability for the owner/officer.
This case demonstrates how businesses affected by the pandemic can navigate SBA loan settlements effectively. If your business is struggling with an SBA EIDL loan, we specialize in SBA Offer in Compromise (SBA OIC) solutions to help close outstanding debts while minimizing financial burden.

Small business and guarantors obtained an SBA COVID-EIDL loan for $1,000,000. Clients defaulted causing SBA to charge-off the loan, accelerate the balance and refer the debt to Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service for collection. Treasury added nearly $500,000 in collection fees totaling $1,500,000. Clients were served with the SBA's Official 60-Day Notice and exercised the Repayment option by applying for the SBA’s Hardship Accommodation Plan. However, their application was summarily rejected by the SBA without providing any meaningful reasons. Clients hired the Firm to represent them against the SBA, Treasury and a Private Collection Agency. After securing government records through discovery, we filed an Appeals Petition with the SBA Office of Hearings & Appeals (OHA) court challenging the SBA's referral of the debt to Treasury. During litigation and before the OHA court issued a final Decision and Order, the Firm successfully negotiated a reinstatement and recall of the loan back to the SBA, a modification of the original repayment terms, termination of Treasury's enforced collection and removal of the statutory collection fees.

Client personally guaranteed an SBA 7(a) loan to help with a relative’s new business venture. After the business failed, Treasury was able to secure a recurring Treasury Offset Program (TOP) levy against his monthly Social Security Benefits based on the claim that he owed over $1.2 million dollars. We initially submitted a Cross-Servicing Dispute, but then, prepared and filed an Appeals Petition with the SBA Office of Hearings and Appeals (SBA OHA). As a result of our efforts, we were able to convince the SBA to not only terminate the claimed debt of $1.2 million dollars against our client (without him having to file bankruptcy) but also refund the past recurring amounts that were offset from his Social Security Benefits in connection with the TOP levy.