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.

Our firm successfully assisted a client in closing an SBA Disaster Loan tied to a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The borrower obtained an EIDL loan of $153,800, but due to the prolonged economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the business was unable to recover and ultimately closed.
As part of the business closure review and audit, we worked closely with the SBA to negotiate a resolution. The borrower was required to pay only $1,625 to release the remaining collateral, effectively closing the matter without further financial liability for the owner/officer.
This case highlights the importance of strategic negotiations when dealing with SBA settlements, particularly for businesses that have shut down due to unforeseen economic challenges. If you or your business are struggling with SBA loan debt, we focus on SBA Offer in Compromise (SBA OIC) solutions to help settle outstanding obligations efficiently.

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.

Clients obtained an SBA 7(a) loan for their small business in the amount of $298,000. They pledged their primary residence and personal guarantees as direct collateral for the loan. The business failed, the lender was paid the 7(a) guaranty money and the debt was assigned to the SBA. Clients received the Official 60-Day Notice giving them a couple of options to resolve the debt balance directly with the SBA before referral to Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service. The risk of referral to Treasury would add nearly $95,000 to the SBA principal loan balance. With the default interest rate at 7.5%, the amount of money to pay toward interest was projected at $198,600. Clients hired the Firm with only 4 days left to respond to the 60-Day due process notice. Because the clients were not eligible for an Offer in Compromise (OIC) due to the significant equity in their home and the SBA lien encumbering it, the Firm Attorneys proposed a Structured Workout to resolve the SBA debt. After back and forth negotiations, the SBA Loan Specialist assigned to the case approved the Workout terms which prevented potential foreclosure of their home, but also saved the clients approximately $294,000 over the agreed-upon Workout term with a waiver of all contractual and statutory administrative fees, collection costs, penalties, and interest.