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Factors Considered in the Approval of an OIC

Better understand the approval process for an SBA Offer in Compromise (OIC). Explore SBA loan forgiveness with Protect Law Group. Contact us!

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Factors Considered in the Approval of an OIC

When 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.

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Finances

Financial Status Assessment

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.

Financial troubles

Demonstrating Economic Hardship

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.

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Offer Amount Calculation

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.

Compliance

Compliance With SBA Guidelines

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.

Representation

Professional Representation

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.

Work Towards SBA Loan Forgiveness Today

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!

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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.

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

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

The client personally guaranteed an SBA 7(a) loan for $150,000. His business revenue decreased significantly causing default and an accelerated balance of $143,000. The client received the SBA's Official 60-day notice with the debt scheduled for referral to the Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service for aggressive collection in less than 26 days. We were hired to represent him, respond to the SBA's Official 60-day notice, and prevent enforced collection by the Treasury and the Department of Justice. We successfully negotiated a structured workout with an extended maturity date that included a reduction of the 14% interest rate and removal of substantial collection fees (30% of the loan balance), effectively saving the client over $242,000.

$310,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OIC TERM WORKOUT

$310,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OIC TERM WORKOUT

Client personally guaranteed an SBA 7(a) loan for $100,000 from the lender. The SBA loan went into early default in 2006 less than 12 months from disbursement. The SBA paid the 7(a) guaranty monies to the lender and subsequently acquired the deficiency balance of about $96,000, including the right to collect against the guarantor. However, the SBA sent the Official 60-Day Due Process Notice to the Client's defunct business address instead of his personal residence, which he never received. As a result, the debt was transferred to Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service where substantial collection fees were assessed, including accrued interest per the promissory note. Treasury eventually referred the debt to a Private Collection Agency (PCA) - Pioneer Credit Recovery, Inc. Pioneer sent a demand letter claiming a debt balance of almost $310,000 - a shocking 223% increase from the original loan amount assigned to the SBA. Client's social security disability benefits were seized through the Treasury Offset Program (TOP). Client hired the Firm to represent him as the debt continued to snowball despite seizure of his social security benefits and federal tax refunds as the involuntary payments were first applied to Treasury's collection fees, then to accrued interest with minimal allocation to the SBA principal balance.

We initially submitted a Cross-Servicing Dispute (CSD) challenging the referral of the debt to Treasury based on the defective notice sent to the defunct business address. Despite overwhelming evidence proving a violation of the Client's Due Process rights, the SBA still rejected the CSD. As a result, an Appeals Petition was filed with the SBA Office of Hearings & Appeals (OHA) Court challenging the SBA decision and its certification the debt was legally enforceable in the amount claimed. After several months of litigation before the SBA OHA Court, our Firm Attorney successfully negotiated an Offer in Compromise (OIC) Term Workout with the SBA Supervising Trial Attorney for $82,000 spread over a term of 74 months at a significantly reduced interest rate saving the Client an estimated $241,000 in Treasury collection fees, accrued interest (contract interest rate and Current Value of Funds Rate (CVFR)), and the PCA contingency fee.

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