SBA Loan Default: 6 Things You Should Know
Are you concerned with what to do in the event of an SBA loan default? Then read about some things you'll need to consider when defaulting on an SBA loan.
As a responsible party (stemming from an SBA Note or SBA Unconditional Guarantee) for an SBA loan default or SBA debt that has been transferred to the Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service, you may want to consider challenging your liability for the alleged debt by investigating whether the original seller of the small business that you purchased (through an SBA-guaranteed loan) may have engaged in fraud or misrepresentation in the sale and purchase of the subject small business based on inflated or fraudulent financials.
Case in Point: U.S. v. Rood
Todd E. Rood was the owner of Rood Machine & Engineering when he falsified documents in 2015 and 2016 to make his business look more attractive than it actually was. By altering his business’s bookkeeping records, Rood inflated its income by approximately $583,827 and lowered its liabilities by reclassifying them.
Rood, who pleaded guilty to SBA loan application fraud, admitted making false statements to the buyers’ bank in order to defraud the buyers and their financial institution – which was a participating SBA lender. The loss to the SBA lender and the small business buyers amounted to approximately $1,347,608.
Rood’s company was purchased for $2.05 million based on the fraudulent financial documents. A $1.74 million loan used to purchase the small business was guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
According to court documents, the buyers of Rood’s small business also undertook a "quick sale" of their home in order to buy Rood Machine & Engineering on the timetable set forth by Rood, who falsely claimed to have terminal colon cancer. The buyers incurred a loss of $40,000 on their home as a result.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Rood must pay the company's buyers $262,000 in restitution for their closing costs as well as a required cash infusion into the business.
Rood was sentenced to four years in a federal prison without parole. Rood also has been ordered by the federal court to pay $1,347,608 in restitution and a money judgment to the government of $1,207,979, which covers his profit from the sale.
To view a copy of Rood’s Plea Agreement, click here
If you are facing an SBA loan default involving an SBA Unconditional Guarantee or a Treasury/Bureau of Fiscal Service debt problem, contact us today for a FREE initial consultation with an experienced SBA or Treasury workout attorney at 1-888-756-9969
We can analyze your SBA loan, Treasury/BFS debt or Private Collection Agency problem and advise you on a range of potential solutions.
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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
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.
The clients are personally guaranteed an SBA 7(a) loan. The SBA referred the debt to the Department of Treasury, which was seeking payment of $487,981 from our clients. We initially filed a Cross-Servicing Dispute, which was denied. As a result, we filed an Appeals Petition with the SBA Office of Hearings and Appeals asserting legal defenses and supporting evidence uncovered during the discovery and investigation phase of our services. Ultimately, the SBA settled the debt for $25,000 - saving our clients approximately $462,981.
Our firm successfully facilitated the SBA settlement of a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) f 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.
Our firm successfully assisted a client in closing an SBA Disaster Loan tied to a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The borrower obtained an EIDL loan of $153,800, but due to the prolonged economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the business was unable to recover and ultimately closed.
As part of the business closure review and audit, we worked closely with the SBA to negotiate a resolution. The borrower was required to pay only $1,625 to release the remaining collateral, effectively closing the matter without further financial liability for the owner/officer.
This case highlights the importance of strategic negotiations when dealing with SBA settlements, particularly for businesses that have shut down due to unforeseen economic challenges. If you or your business are struggling with SBA loan debt, we focus on SBA Offer in Compromise (SBA OIC) solutions to help settle outstanding obligations efficiently.