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Is There a Statute of Limitations on SBA Loans?

Yes, there is a statute of limitations that applies to defaulted SBA loans. But the government can still collect from you.

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Is There a Statute of Limitations on SBA Loans?

Yes, there is a statute of limitations that applies to defaulted SBA loans.  But the government can still collect from you.

Statute of limitations for SBA loan

The Federal Government is Limited to a 6 Year Statute of Limitations on Defaulted SBA Loans

When your business obtains an SBA loan, you sign a personal guarantee, which means that you agree to be personally liable for the debt of your business should it default.

The law specifically states that every action for money damages brought by the United States or an officer or agency thereof which is founded upon any contract express or implied in law or fact, shall be barred unless the complaint is filed within six years after the right of action accrues or within one year after final decisions have been rendered.

Therefore, if the government fails to bring suit against you within 6 years from the date its right to sue for breach of contract starts, it cannot sue you for the debt.

However, the Government Can Still Collect From You Through "Offset"

Unless Congress explicitly provides for a limitations period, federal agencies, including the SBA, will not be time barred from collecting their debts through any means, including offset. In general, there is no

statute of limitations for offset.   Offset is the process where the government takes all or some of payments you receive from it.

Even when a statute of limitations for pursuing a civil action has expired, the United States can still collect via offset.  Therefore, the SBA can collect against you by taking your tax refund or part of your Social Security, disability, military pension and other government benefits.  Moreover, the SBA can take the full amount of some other payments such as travel reimbursements from the government, rent from a government rented building you own, etc.  If you are a federal employee, you may have up to 15% of your pay offset.

The Government Can Also Garnish Your Wages

Administrative wage garnishment (AWG) is a process in which a federal agency may collect delinquent SBA debt by garnishing the wages of a delinquent debtor without first obtaining a court order.  You do have an opportunity for a hearing and to present evidence.

But, as with the offsets addressed above, no statute of limitations exists to prohibit the government from garnishing your wages. Even if state law provides for a limitations period, it does not apply to the federal government. This means even if you defaulted on your SBA loan 10 years ago, the government can still garnish your wages.

You Have Options Available With Your SBA Loan

Protect Law Group can provide you with options to deal with an SBA loan default before the government sues or otherwise tries to take your hard earned money.  An offer in compromise, where you pay a fraction of the debt as a settlement, or a payment plan may provide available options.

Contact Protect Law Group Today If You Are Facing an SBA Debt

Don't let the federal government take your money.  Our experienced and aggressive attorneys can provide you with solutions to your SBA loan default problem.  Contact us today for a free initial case evaluation.

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 COVID EIDL - OFFER IN COMPROMISE & RELEASE OF COLLATERAL

$150,000 SBA COVID EIDL - OFFER IN COMPROMISE & RELEASE OF COLLATERAL

Our firm successfully facilitated the SBA settlement of a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) where borrower received an SBA disaster loan of $150,000, but due to the severe economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the business was unable to recover.

Despite the borrower’s efforts to maintain operations, shutdowns and restrictions significantly reduced the customer base and revenue, making continued operations unsustainable. After a thorough business closure review, we negotiated with the SBA, securing a resolution where the borrower paid only $6,015 to release the collateral, with no further financial liability for the owner/officer.

This case demonstrates how businesses affected by the pandemic can navigate SBA loan settlements effectively. If your business is struggling with an SBA EIDL loan, we specialize in SBA Offer in Compromise (SBA OIC) solutions to help close outstanding debts while minimizing financial burden.

$212,000 SBA 7(a) LOAN – PERSONAL GUARANTY LIABILITY | NEGOTIATED 24% SETTLEMENT

$212,000 SBA 7(a) LOAN – PERSONAL GUARANTY LIABILITY | NEGOTIATED 24% SETTLEMENT

Our firm successfully resolved an SBA 7(a) loan default in the amount of $212,000 on behalf of an individual guarantor. The borrower’s business experienced a significant downturn in revenue and was unable to sustain operations, ultimately leading to closure and a remaining personal guaranty obligation.

After conducting a thorough financial review and preparing a comprehensive SBA Offer in Compromise (SBA OIC) submission, we negotiated directly with the SBA and lender to achieve a settlement of $50,000—approximately 24% of the outstanding balance. This favorable resolution released the guarantor from further personal liability and provided the opportunity to move forward free from the burden of enforced collection.

$975,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OIC CASH SETTLEMENT

$975,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OIC CASH SETTLEMENT

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.

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