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.
Client's small business obtained an SBA COVID EIDL for $301,000 pledging collateral by executing the Note, Unconditional Guarantee and Security Agreement. The business defaulted on the loan and the SBA CESC called the Note and Guarantee, accelerated the principal balance due, accrued interest and retracted the 30-year term schedule.
The loan was transferred to the Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service which resulted in the statutory addition of $90,000+ in administrative fees, costs, penalties and interest with the total debt now at $391.000+. Treasury also initiated a Treasury Offset Program (TOP) levy against the client's federal contractor payments for the full amount each month - intercepting all of its revenue and pushing the business to the brink of bankruptcy.
The Firm was hired to investigate and find an alternate solution to the bankruptcy option. After submitting formal production requests for all government records, it was discovered that the SBA failed to send the required Official 60-Day Pre-Referral Notice to the borrower and guarantor prior to referring the debt to Treasury. This procedural due process violation served as the basis to submit a Cross-Servicing Dispute to recall the debt from Treasury back to the SBA and to negotiate a reinstatement of the original 30-year maturity date, a modified workout, cessation of the TOP levy against the federal contractor payments and removal of the $90,000+ Treasury-based collection fees, interest and penalties.
Clients personally guaranteed an SBA 7(a) loan that was referred to the Department of Treasury for collection. Treasury claimed our clients owed over $220,000 once it added its statutory collection fees and interest. We were able to negotiate a significant reduction of the total claimed amount from $220,000 to $119,000, saving the clients over $100,000 by arguing for a waiver of the statutory 28%-30% administrative fees and costs.
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.
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