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Factors That Can Affect the Success of an SBA Offer in Compromise Application
Book a Consultation CallIn today's challenging economic landscape, many small business owners find themselves struggling to meet their financial obligations, including paying off loans backed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). When facing financial hardship, one option to consider is an SBA Offer in Compromise (OIC) application. However, the success of such an application depends on various factors. In this article, we will explore these key factors that can significantly impact the outcome of your SBA OIC application.
Before delving into the factors that affect the success of your SBA OIC application, let's start by understanding what it entails. An SBA Offer in Compromise is a program that allows eligible small business owners to settle their SBA debt for less than the full amount owed. It is a lifeline for those who are struggling financially and unable to repay their loans in full.
Now, let's take a closer look at the factors that can determine whether your SBA OIC application is approved or denied.
One of the crucial elements in your SBA OIC application is documenting your financial hardship. The SBA will scrutinize your financial records, so it's essential to provide clear and comprehensive documentation of your financial situation. This should include income statements, bank statements, tax returns, and any other relevant financial records.
To convince the SBA that you are genuinely unable to pay your debt in full, you must present compelling evidence. This might include showing that your business has experienced a significant drop in revenue, increased expenses, or other circumstances that have affected your ability to make payments.
When applying for an SBA OIC, you must provide an accurate valuation of your business and personal assets. Overvaluing your assets can lead to your application being rejected. It's essential to provide a realistic assessment of your assets to support your case effectively.
The SBA OIC application process can be complex, with numerous forms to fill out and documents to submit. Any errors or omissions can delay the process or result in a denial. Ensure that you carefully follow the application instructions and double-check all information before submission.
Adhering to the SBA's guidelines and requirements is crucial. Failure to meet their specific criteria can lead to the rejection of your application. Familiarize yourself with the SBA's guidelines and consult with experts if needed to ensure compliance.
Consider seeking professional assistance from attorneys who are experienced in SBA OIC applications. They can help you navigate the complexities of the process, ensuring that your application is well-prepared and stands the best chance of approval.
Submitting your SBA OIC application promptly is vital. Delays can negatively impact your case, and it's essential to meet all deadlines specified by the SBA.
Show the SBA that you are acting in good faith by being cooperative and transparent throughout the application process. A willingness to work with the SBA can be viewed positively.
If you have filed for bankruptcy or are considering it, be aware that it can affect your SBA OIC application. Consult with legal counsel to understand how bankruptcy might impact your case.
Successful negotiation skills can play a crucial role in achieving a favorable outcome. Be prepared to engage in negotiations with the SBA to reach an agreement that benefits both parties.
Your SBA OIC application will be reviewed by SBA officials who will assess the merits of your submission. The thoroughness and accuracy of your application will influence their decision.
In case your SBA OIC application is denied, you have the option to request reconsideration. Understanding this process and seeking legal advice can be beneficial.
Keep in mind that settling your SBA debt through an OIC may impact your credit score. It's essential to weigh the potential consequences against the benefits of debt relief.
Maintaining open and honest communication with the SBA throughout the process is vital. Be prepared to provide additional information or clarification if requested.
Lastly, the SBA OIC process can be time-consuming. Be patient and persistent in pursuing your application. A well-prepared, persistent applicant may ultimately achieve a successful outcome.
Navigating the SBA OIC application process can be challenging, but understanding the factors that can affect its success is crucial. By documenting your financial hardship, providing accurate information, and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can improve your chances of a favorable outcome. Remember that patience and persistence are key, and even if your initial application is denied, there are avenues for reconsideration.
An SBA Offer in Compromise (OIC) is a program that allows eligible small business owners to settle their SBA debt (personal guarantee) for less than the full amount owed, providing relief to those facing financial hardship.
You can prove financial hardship by providing comprehensive documentation of your financial situation, including income statements, bank statements, tax returns, and other relevant records.
Yes, you have the option to request reconsideration. However, the chances are the initial decision will be confirmed.
Yes, settling your SBA debt through an OIC may have an impact on your credit score. It's essential to consider this when exploring your options.
Seeking professional assistance from attorneys who are experienced in SBA OIC applications can be beneficial, as they can help you navigate the complexities of the process and improve your chances of success.
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 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.

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.

Clients borrowed and personally guaranteed an SBA 7(a) loan. Clients defaulted on the SBA loan and were sued in federal district court for breach of contract. The SBA lender demanded the Client pledge several personal real estate properties as collateral to reinstate and secure the defaulted SBA loan. We were subsequently hired to intervene and aggressively defend the lawsuit. After several months of litigation, our attorneys negotiated a reinstatement of the SBA loan and a structured workout that did not involve any liens against the Client's personal real estate holdings.