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Challenges in SBA Loan Forgiveness

SBA Loan Forgiveness can be a challenging process. Don’t go through it alone, as Protect Law Group is here to help! Learn more today.

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Challenges in SBA Loan Forgiveness

Securing forgiveness for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans is a critical, yet challenging, task for many small business owners. While SBA loans provide essential relief, the forgiveness process can be complex and fraught with obstacles. Understanding these challenges, including recent updates and regulations, is crucial. This blog explores common issues businesses face and how Protect Law Group can assist with essential SBA loan help.

Understanding Forgiveness Requirements

A major challenge in SBA loan forgiveness is navigating the complex and evolving requirements. Initial provisions under the CARES Act were broad, but subsequent updates have introduced new rules concerning fund usage and employee retention. Staying informed and compliant with these regulations is vital for maximizing forgiveness.

Accurate Documentation

Proper documentation is crucial but often problematic. The SBA requires detailed records of how loan funds were used, including payroll, rent, and utilities. Errors or missing information can delay or deny forgiveness. Partnering with an SBA loan attorney from Protect Law Group ensures accurate documentation and reduces the risk of issues.

Compliance with Spending Requirements

Meeting specific spending requirements is essential for forgiveness. Loans must be used mainly for payroll, with up to 40% allowed for other expenses. Recent changes have adjusted these thresholds and timelines. An SBA loan attorney can provide guidance on correct fund allocation to comply with the latest rules.

Employee Retention Challenges

Maintaining the required number of employees is another challenge. The SBA forgiveness program often mandates that businesses retain or restore staffing levels to pre-pandemic numbers. If retaining staff is difficult, businesses may struggle to meet this criterion. Protect Law Group offers SBA loan help to address these retention issues and navigate workforce requirements.

Adapting to Legislative Changes

The SBA forgiveness landscape is continuously evolving. New rules and amendments can affect eligibility and terms. Staying current with these changes is essential. Protect Law Group’s expertise in the latest SBA regulations can help businesses adapt and make informed decisions.

Appeal and Review Process

Sometimes, businesses face challenges during the review process or receive a denial. Navigating the appeal process requires a thorough understanding of SBA procedures. An SBA loan attorney from Protect Law Group can assist with preparing and presenting an effective appeal.

Navigating SBA loan forgiveness involves addressing complex requirements, documentation issues, and compliance challenges. With recent updates and evolving regulations, the process can be daunting. Protect Law Group offers invaluable SBA loan help, providing expert guidance to overcome these obstacles and enhance your chances of successful forgiveness. Partnering with our attorneys ensures that you can manage these challenges effectively and focus on your business's growth and recovery.

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.

$300,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OIC TERM SETTLEMENT

$300,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OIC TERM SETTLEMENT

Clients personally guaranteed SBA 7(a) loan balance of over $300,000.  Clients also pledged their homes as additional collateral.  SBA OIC accepted $87,000 with the full lien release against the home.

$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.

$391,000 SBA COVID EIDL - CROSS-SERVICING DISPUTE | NEGOTIATED REINSTATEMENT & WORKOUT

$391,000 SBA COVID EIDL - CROSS-SERVICING DISPUTE | NEGOTIATED REINSTATEMENT & WORKOUT

Client's small business obtained an SBA COVID EIDL for $301,000 pledging collateral by executing the Note, Unconditional Guarantee and Security Agreement.  The business defaulted on the loan and the SBA CESC called the Note and Guarantee, accelerated the principal balance due, accrued interest and retracted the 30-year term schedule.  

The loan was transferred to the Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service which resulted in the statutory addition of $90,000+ in administrative fees, costs, penalties and interest with the total debt now at $391.000+. Treasury also initiated a Treasury Offset Program (TOP) levy against the client's federal contractor payments for the full amount each month - intercepting all of its revenue and pushing the business to the brink of bankruptcy.

The Firm was hired to investigate and find an alternate solution to the bankruptcy option.  After submitting formal production requests for all government records, it was discovered that the SBA failed to send the required Official 60-Day Pre-Referral Notice to the borrower and guarantor prior to referring the debt to Treasury. This procedural due process violation served as the basis to submit a Cross-Servicing Dispute to recall the debt from Treasury back to the SBA and to negotiate a reinstatement of the original 30-year maturity date, a modified workout, cessation of the TOP levy against the federal contractor payments and removal of the $90,000+ Treasury-based collection fees, interest and penalties.

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