Elements of a Successful SBA Offer in Compromise
SBA loan settlements require specific knowledge of current policies and changes. Here are the elements of a successful SBA offer in compromise.
A loan guaranteed by the Small Business Administration can open a lot of doors for a business. They could use the funds to purchase real estate, equipment or even to finance their debts. Unfortunately, because this economy is still not completely back on track following the recent recession, it's quite possible a company will run into problems paying their SBA loan. Although it might be possible for a business owner to negotiate a settlement after they receive an SBA demand letter, it could be much easier to manage with the help of an attorney.
SBA loan default is a serious matter and each case is as different as every business that uses this loan program. Default could result in SBA loan foreclosure or seizure of business or even personal tax refunds through the Tax Offset Program. Neither of these options are going to be very appealing to a business owner who is struggling to keep their company afloat. The first step a business owner should take when they are faced with this situation is to find an attorney who has enough experience in this area to analyze each case individually and devise a solution that could benefit the business owner and the SBA.
Any business owner who has defaulted on an SBA loan can send an SBA Offer in Compromise to attempt to settle the debt. The SBA carefully evaluates each request for this type of loan forgiveness and if there are any errors, omissions or misrepresentations, the application is likely to be denied and the business owner will have to find another way to resolve the debt. Instead of going through this process alone, an entrepreneur might have a much better chance of success if they work with an attorney who has a proven track record.
This is not something business owners need to handle alone. Getting professional help is essential to having a favorable outcome in this complicated debt situation. Once an entrepreneur knows what they want to get out of the process, they should contact an attorney to give them the best chance of getting something close to that result.
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.
Clients' 7(a) loan was referred to Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service for enforced collection in 2015. They not only personally guaranteed the loan, but also pledged their primary residence as additional collateral. One of the clients filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy thinking that it would discharge the SBA 7(a) lien encumbering their home. They later discovered that they were mistakenly advised. The Firm was subsequently hired to review their case and defend against a series of collection actions. Eventually, we were able to negotiate a structured workout for $180,000 directly with the SBA, saving them approximately $250,000 (by reducing the default interest rate and removing Treasury's substantial collection fees) and from possible foreclosure.
Clients personally guaranteed an SBA 7(a) loan that was referred to the Department of Treasury for collection. Treasury claimed our clients owed over $220,000 once it added its statutory collection fees and interest. We were able to negotiate a significant reduction of the total claimed amount from $220,000 to $119,000, saving the clients over $100,000 by arguing for a waiver of the statutory 28%-30% administrative fees and costs.
Small business sole proprietor obtained an SBA COVID-EIDL loan for $500,000. Client defaulted causing SBA to charge-off the loan, accelerate the balance and refer the debt to Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service for aggressive collection. Treasury added $180,000 in collection fees totaling $680,000+. Client tried to negotiate with Treasury but was only offered a 3-year or 10-year repayment plan. Client hired the Firm to represent before the SBA, Treasury and a Private Collection Agency. After securing government records through discovery and reviewing them, we filed an Appeals Petition with the SBA Office of Hearings & Appeals (OHA) court challenging the SBA's referral of the debt to Treasury citing a host of purported violations. The Firm was able to negotiate a reinstatement and recall of the loan back to the SBA, participation in the Hardship Accommodation Plan, termination of Treasury's enforced collection and removal of the statutory collection fees.
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