Better understand the approval process for an SBA Offer in Compromise (OIC). Explore SBA loan forgiveness with Protect Law Group. Contact us!
Book a Consultation CallWhen facing financial challenges due to Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, it is essential to explore all available options to minimize damage to your business or personal assets. One such option is the SBA Offer in Compromise (OIC), which aims to settle SBA debt with your lender. While you’ll still be responsible for a smaller portion of the loan, an Offer in Compromise will settle the entirety of your loan.
Today, our SBA loan attorney is here to discuss the factors considered in the approval of an OIC and how it can provide concrete solutions for small businesses seeking debt relief.

The first step in the approval process for an OIC is a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant's financial status. This assessment analyzes the business's income, assets, liabilities, and overall financial viability. The Small Business Administration assesses the applicant's ability to pay back the debt without adversely affecting their current financial situation.

To qualify for an OIC, the applicant must demonstrate their inability to repay the SBA loan in full. This requires presenting evidence of economic hardship, such as declining revenues, increased operating costs, or unforeseen circumstances like a natural disaster or economic downturn.

Determining the offer amount plays a crucial role in the approval of an OIC. The Small Business Administration carefully evaluates the applicant's financial information to arrive at a reasonable offer that considers their ability to pay and the outstanding debt balance. Factors such as current assets, future earnings potential, and available cash flow are taken into account during this calculation.

Applicants must adhere to the guidelines set by the SBA when submitting an OIC. This includes providing accurate and complete financial documentation, responding promptly to inquiries, and demonstrating a genuine intent to settle the debt. Compliance with these guidelines increases the chances of approval.

Having knowledgeable and experienced legal representation can significantly impact the approval process of an OIC. Working with attorneys specializing in SBA debt relief ensures proper preparation of the OIC, accurate calculations, and effective negotiation strategies. Professional representation can increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Obtaining approval for an SBA Offer in Compromise requires careful consideration of multiple factors. By conducting a thorough financial assessment, demonstrating economic hardship, calculating a fair offer amount, complying with guidelines, and seeking professional representation, small businesses can significantly increase their chances of debt settlement and obtain much-needed relief.
At Protect Law Group, we specialize in helping our clients navigate the intricate approval process for an OIC, ensuring the best possible outcome for their SBA debt issues. If you are located in San Diego, Orange, or Los Angeles County, let our team provide you with concrete solutions and guide you toward a better financial future. Contact us 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.

Clients executed several trust deeds pledging seven (7) real estate properties and unconditional personal guarantees for an SBA 7(a) loan from the participating lender. The clients' small business failed and eventually defaulted on repayment of the loan exposing all collateral pledged by the clients. The SBA subsequently acquired the loan balance from the lender, including the right to liquidate and collect all pledged collateral pursuant to the trust deed instruments.
The Firm was hired to negotiate separate release of lien proposals for all 7 real estate properties. In preparation for the work assignment, the Firm Attorneys initiated discovery to secure records from the SBA and Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service. After reviewing the records and understanding the interplay between the lender and the SBA, the attorneys then prepared, submitted and negotiated the release of lien (ROL) for each of the 7 real estate properties for consideration.
After submitting the proposals, the assigned SBA Loan Specialists approved each ROL package - significantly reducing the total SBA debt claimed.

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.

Our firm successfully negotiated an SBA offer in compromise (SBA OIC), settling a $974,535.93 SBA loan balance for just $18,000. The offerors, personal guarantors on an SBA 7(a) loan, originally obtained financing to purchase a commercial building in Lancaster, California.
The borrower filed for bankruptcy, and the third-party lender (TPL) foreclosed on the property. Despite the loan default, the SBA pursued the offerors for repayment. Given their limited income, lack of significant assets, and approaching retirement, we presented a strong case demonstrating their financial hardship.
Through strategic negotiations, we secured a favorable SBA settlement, reducing the nearly $1 million debt to a fraction of the amount owed. This outcome allowed the offerors to resolve their liability without prolonged financial strain.