Discover the truth behind common misconceptions about SBA Offers in Compromise. Get insights into the myths of the OIC. Find out how to navigate these misconceptions effectively.
Book a Consultation CallWhen it comes to the world of small business finances, one topic that often causes confusion and uncertainty is SBA (Small Business Administration) Offers in Compromise (OIC). However, along with genuine information, there are several misconceptions floating around that can mislead business owners. In this comprehensive guide, we're here to debunk these myths and provide accurate insights into SBA Offers in Compromise.
Many business owners believe that once they apply for an SBA Offer in Compromise, their SBA debts will automatically be reduced, and their financial burdens will disappear. However, this is far from the truth. SBA Offers in Compromise go through a rigorous evaluation process, and not all offers are accepted. The success of your offer depends on various factors, including your ability to demonstrate genuine financial distress.
Some people think that applying for an SBA Offer in Compromise is as easy as filling out a basic form. In reality, the application process is complex and requires meticulous attention to detail. It involves submitting detailed financial information, tax documents, and a compelling case for your financial hardship. Working with an attorney experienced in SBA OICs can significantly improve your chances of success.
It's a common misconception that only people on the verge of bankruptcy qualify for an SBA Offer in Compromise. While financial hardship is a key criterion, it doesn't mean you need to be on the brink of collapse. As long as you can prove that paying the full amount would cause significant financial strain, you may be eligible.
Another misconception is that applying for an SBA Offer in Compromise puts an immediate stop to all collections activities by the SBA or Treasury. While the application is being evaluated collections can continue.
Every person's financial situation is unique, and SBA Offers in Compromise are not a standardized solution. The SBA takes into account various factors, including your assets, income, expenses, and future earning potential, when evaluating your application. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and outcomes can vary widely.
While successfully settling your debt through an SBA Offer in Compromise is a positive step, it doesn't automatically repair your credit score overnight. The process of rebuilding your credit takes time and consistent financial responsibility.
The SBA's standard operating procedures state that such an offer is permissible, but in practice the SBA usually requires that the business has been closed with the secretary of state.
No, there are no upfront fees required to submit an application for an SBA Offer in Compromise. However, qualified legal counsel will request payment for their services. Furthermore, most accepted OICs must be paid in a lump sum within 60 days of acceptance.
Once the SBA accepts your Offer in Compromise, you are bound by the terms. Negotiation is not possible after acceptance.
The processing time for an SBA Offer in Compromise can vary widely, often taking several months. Patience is crucial during this period.
Separating fact from fiction is vital when it comes to SBA Offers in Compromise. By dispelling these common misconceptions, we hope to provide clarity and guidance for business owners seeking solutions to their SBA debt challenges. Remember, seeking professional advice and thoroughly understanding the process can significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome. Please contact us for more information.
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.
Client’s small business obtained an SBA 7(a) loan for $750,000. She and her husband signed personal guarantees exposing all of their non-exempt income and assets. With just 18 months left on the maturity date and payment on the remaining balance, the Great Recession of 2008 hit, which ultimately caused the business to fail and default on the loan terms. The 7(a) lender accelerated and sent a demand for full payment of the remaining loan balance. The SBA lender’s note allowed for a default interest rate of about 7% per year. In response to the lender's aggressive collection action, Client's husband filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in an attempt to protect against their personal assets. However, his bankruptcy discharge did not relieve the Client's personal guarantee liability for the SBA debt. The SBA lender opted to pursue the SBA 7(a) Guaranty and subsequently assigned the loan and the right to enforce collection against the Client to the SBA. The Client then received the SBA Official 60-Day Notice. After conducting a Case Evaluation with her, she then hired the Firm to respond and negotiate on her behalf with just 34 days left before the impending referral to Treasury. The Client wanted to dispute the SBA’s alleged debt balance as stated in the 60-Day Notice by claiming the 7(a) lender failed to liquidate business collateral in a commercially reasonable manner - which if done properly - proceeds would have paid back the entire debt balance. However, due to time constraints, waivers contained in the SBA loan instruments, including the fact the Client was not able to inspect the SBA's records for investigation purposes before the remaining deadline, Client agreed to submit a Structured Workout for the alleged balance in response to the Official 60-Day Notice as she was not eligible for an Offer in Compromise (OIC) because of equity in non-exempt income and assets. After back and forth negotiations, the SBA Loan Specialist approved the Workout proposal, reducing the Client's purported liability by nearly $142,142.27 in accrued interest, and statutory collection fees. Without the Firm's intervention and subsequent approval of the Workout proposal, the Client's debt amount (with accrued interest, Treasury's statutory collection fee and Treasury's interest based on the Current Value of Funds Rate (CVFR) would have been nearly $291,030.
Client personally guaranteed SBA 7(a) loan for $350,000. The small business failed but because of the personal guarantee liability, the client continued to pay the monthly principal & interest out-of-pocket draining his savings. The client hired a local attorney but quickly realized that he was not familiar with SBA-backed loans or their standard operating procedures. Our firm was subsequently hired after the client received the SBA's official 60-day notice. After back-and-forth negotiations, we were able to convince the SBA to reinstate the loan, retract the acceleration of the outstanding balance, modify the original terms, and approve a structured workout reducing the interest rate from 7.75% to 0% and extending the maturity date for a longer period to make the monthly payments affordable. In conclusion, not only we were able to help the client avoid litigation and bankruptcy, but our SBA lawyers also saved him approximately $227,945 over the term of the workout.
Our firm successfully resolved an SBA 7(a) loan default in the amount of $140,000 on behalf of a husband-and-wife guarantor pair. The business had closed following a prolonged decline in revenue, leaving the borrowers personally liable for the remaining balance.
After conducting a comprehensive financial analysis and preparing a detailed SBA Offer in Compromise (SBA OIC) package, we negotiated directly with the SBA and the lender to achieve a settlement for $70,000 — just 50% of the outstanding balance. This settlement released the borrowers from further personal liability and allowed them to move forward without the threat of enforced collection.
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