Dealing with an SBA OIC case can be hard. You should allow one of our lawyers to settle SBA debt on for you. Talk to us about your SBA loan default today.
Book a Consultation CallIf you have an SBA loan default you may be thinking about bankruptcy. However, filing for bankruptcy instead of pursuing an SBA OIC to settle SBA debt may not always be the best way.
Disadvantages Of Chapter 7
o Taking bankruptcy can weaken your ability to get credit, especially at a low interest rate. Also, your bankruptcy may haunt you when a prospective employer looks up your credit report as part of reference check.
o The trustee takes over complete control of your debts and finances from the day you file until the judge discharges your case. You can't spend anything without the trustee's approval.
o For Sole Proprietors and Partnerships: The costs, hassles and surrendering of your property could cause you to close your business.
o You may lose a large amount of wealth if you have a large amount of nonexempt personal property or a large amount of equity in secured assets such as one or more of your cars.
Disadvantages Of Chapter 11
o The process of obtaining approval of your reorganization plan is long and expensive.
Chapter 11 cases are subject to much more assertive and aggressive creditor action, including adversary actions (lawsuits filed within the context of the bankruptcy proceeding). Active creditors make Chapter 11 cases more expensive and more drawn out for long periods of time. As a general rule of thumb, Chapter 11 cases will cost $50,000 at a minimum and most attorneys will ask for $20,000 or more up front.
Final Thoughts on Filing Bankruptcy:
o Filing for bankruptcy does have a “hidden” cost. Operating in the business world is complicated when the borrower files for bankruptcy, and these complications can cost real money over the 10 years that a bankruptcy is reported on a credit report. It has been estimated that the cost of filing bankruptcy is between $75,000 – $125,000. Stated another way, if an SBA debtor can afford an OIC settlement for less, it is probably a good idea to try and obtain an SBA OIC or DOT compromise. However, if the SBA OIC or DOT compromise settlement cost is higher than the “hidden” bankruptcy cost, then the SBA debtor should probably seek protection through a bankruptcy.
This video also covers SBA loan default and bankruptcy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrVUWHGKvbw
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 $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.
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.
Clients' 7(a) loan was referred to Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service for enforced collection in 2015. They not only personally guaranteed the loan, but also pledged their primary residence as additional collateral. One of the clients filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy thinking that it would discharge the SBA 7(a) lien encumbering their home. They later discovered that they were mistakenly advised. The Firm was subsequently hired to review their case and defend against a series of collection actions. Eventually, we were able to negotiate a structured workout for $180,000 directly with the SBA, saving them approximately $250,000 (by reducing the default interest rate and removing Treasury's substantial collection fees) and from possible foreclosure.
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