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Bankruptcy Options for the Small Business Owner

Learn about different bankruptcy options for small business owners. Contact Protect Law Group serving San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties.

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Bankruptcy Options for the Small Business Owner

For small business owners facing overwhelming debt burdens, bankruptcy can be a viable option for gaining financial relief and a fresh start. However, when it comes to dealing with Small Business Administration (SBA) debt, understanding the bankruptcy options available is crucial. In this blog post, Protect Law Group will explore the various bankruptcy options specifically tailored for small business owners with SBA debts.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as liquidation bankruptcy, is a common option for small business owners looking to eliminate their SBA debts. Through this process, the business's assets are liquidated, and the proceeds will be used to pay off creditors, including the SBA. Once the debts are discharged, the business owner can start anew without the burden of SBA obligations.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

For small business owners who wish to continue operating their businesses while seeking debt relief, Chapter 11 bankruptcy may be the right option. This type of bankruptcy allows for the restructuring of debts, including SBA loans, by developing a repayment plan that is manageable for the business. The plan typically extends the repayment period and may involve negotiating reduced interest rates or lower monthly payments. 

SBA Loan Workouts or Settlements

In some cases, small business owners may be able to negotiate loan workouts or settlements directly with the SBA. This involves discussing revised repayment terms or exploring the possibility of settling the debt for a reduced amount. Working with an experienced bankruptcy attorney during these negotiations can greatly increase the chances of securing favorable terms.

SBA Offer in Compromise

The SBA offers an option called an Offer in Compromise (OIC), which allows small business owners to settle their SBA debts for less than the amount owed. This option is typically available if the business demonstrates an inability to repay the debt in full and can provide supporting financial documentation. While an OIC can be a viable solution, it's important to note that the decision lies with the SBA.

For small business owners struggling with SBA debts, exploring bankruptcy options can provide a path to financial recovery. Book a consultation call with one of Protect Law Group’s SBA loan attorneys serving San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties today!

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Why Hire Us to Help You with Your Treasury or SBA Debt Problems?

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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.

$150,000 SBA 7A LOAN – NEGOTIATED WORKOUT AGREEMENT

$150,000 SBA 7A LOAN – NEGOTIATED WORKOUT AGREEMENT

Client’s small business obtained an SBA 7(a) loan for $150,000.  He and his wife signed personal guarantees and pledged their home as collateral. The SBA loan went into default, the term or maturity date was accelerated and demand for payment of the entire amount claimed was made.  The SBA lender’s note gave it the right to adjust the default interest rate from 7.25% to 18% per annum. The business filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but was dismissed after 3 years due to its inability to continue with payments under the plan. Clients wanted to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which would have been a mistake as their home had significant equity to repay the SBA loan balance in full as the Trustee would likely seize and sell the home to repay the secured and unsecured creditors. However, the SBA lender opted to pursue the SBA 7(a) Guaranty and subsequently assigned the loan and the right to enforce collection to the SBA. Clients then received the SBA Official 60-Day Notice and hired the Firm to respond to it and negotiate on their behalf. Clients disputed the SBA’s alleged balance of $148,000, as several payments made to the SBA lender during the Chapter 11 reorganization were not accounted for. To challenge the SBA’s claimed debt balance, the Firm Attorneys initiated expedited discovery to obtain government records. SBA records disclosed the true amount owed was about $97,000. Moreover, because the Clients’ home had significant equity, they were not eligible for an Offer in Compromise or an immediate Release of Lien for Consideration, despite being incorrectly advised by non-attorney consulting companies that they were. Instead, our Firm Attorneys recommended a Workout of $97,000 spread over a lengthy term and a waiver of the applicable interest rate making the monthly payment affordable. After back and forth negotiations, SBA approved the Workout proposal, thereby saving the home from imminent foreclosure and reducing the Clients' liability by nearly $81,000 in incorrect principal balance, accrued interest, and statutory collection fees.

$430,000 SBA 7A LOAN - NEGOTIATED WORKOUT AGREEMENT

$430,000 SBA 7A LOAN - NEGOTIATED WORKOUT AGREEMENT

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.

$1,500,000 SBA COVID-EIDL LOAN - SBA OHA LITIGATION

$1,500,000 SBA COVID-EIDL LOAN - SBA OHA LITIGATION

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.

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