Dealing with SBA Bankruptcy? A SBA offer in compromise may help get you out of this difficult situation. Protect Law Group is here to help. Find out more today!
Book a Consultation CallFinancial difficulties can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to dealing with SBA loan debts. However, there is a potential solution that can provide relief for small business owners and guarantors – the SBA Offer in Compromise (OIC). In this blog, our team at Protect Law Group will guide you through the intricacies of the SBA OIC process, outlining the steps you need to take to navigate this challenging situation successfully.
Before you proceed with the SBA OIC, it is crucial to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria. An SBA OIC is usually an option when a small business has ceased operations, and all its assets have been liquidated. Additionally, the borrower or guarantor must demonstrate their inability to pay the full debt amount within a reasonable time frame. It is recommended to consult with an experienced SBA loan attorney to assess your eligibility and understand the potential outcomes.
To initiate the SBA OIC process, you will need to gather the necessary documentation. This includes financial statements, tax returns, bank statements, and any other relevant financial records. These documents support your case by providing a comprehensive overview of your financial situation. An experienced SBA loan attorney can help you organize and present this information effectively.
Cooperation and effective communication play a vital role in maximizing the chances of a successful settlement through the SBA OIC. It is essential to work closely with your SBA loan attorney and the SBA debt attorneys to ensure your unique circumstances are understood and presented accurately. By clearly presenting your financial limitations and actively participating in the process, you can increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
When pursuing an SBA OIC, several potential outcomes can arise. One possibility is having your offer accepted, resulting in a reduced repayment amount that is manageable for your financial situation. Another outcome may involve negotiating a repayment plan that suits your circumstances, such as a monthly installment payment plan not exceeding five years. It is crucial to discuss these potential outcomes with your SBA loan attorney to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Dealing with SBA loan debts can be challenging, but the SBA Offer in Compromise provides a ray of hope for struggling borrowers and guarantors. By understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering the necessary documentation, and maintaining open lines of communication, you can navigate the SBA OIC process effectively. Remember, the assistance of an experienced SBA loan attorney, such as our team at Protect Law Group, is invaluable during this journey of finding business debt relief and securing SBA loan help. If you are facing financial difficulties, don't hesitate to reach out to our team of SBA debt attorneys for guidance and support.
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 personally guaranteed SBA 504 loan balance of $750,000. Clients also pledged the business’s equipment/inventory and their home as additional collateral. Clients had agreed to a voluntary sale of their home to pay down the balance. We intervened and rejected the proposed home sale. Instead, we negotiated an acceptable term repayment agreement and release of lien on the home.
Clients obtained an SBA 7(a) loan for $324,000 to buy a small business and its facility. The business and real estate had an appraisal value of $318,000 at the time of purchase. The business ultimately failed but the participating lender abandoned the business equipment and real estate collateral even though it had valid security liens. As a result, the lender recouped nearly nothing from the pledged collateral, leaving the business owners liable for the deficiency balance. The SBA paid the lender the 7(a) guaranty money and was assigned ownership of the debt, including the right to collect. However, the clients never received the SBA Official 60-Day Notice and were denied the opportunity to negotiate an Offer in Compromise (OIC) or a Workout directly with the SBA before being transferred to Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service, which added an additional $80,000 in collection fees. Treasury garnished and offset the clients' wages, federal salary and social security benefits. When the clients tried to negotiate with Treasury by themselves, they were offered an unaffordable repayment plan which would have caused severe financial hardship. Clients subsequently hired the Firm to litigate an Appeals Petition before the SBA Office & Hearings Appeals (OHA) challenging the legal enforceability and amount of the debt. The Firm successfully negotiated a term OIC that was approved by the SBA Office of General Counsel, saving the clients approximately $205,000.
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.
.jpg)
