Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an SBA Offer in Compromise
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an SBA Offer in Compromise
We provide people who are facing an SBA loan default with solutions. We analyze SBA loan problems and provide solutions such as an SBA offer in compromise.
Book a Consultation CallDealing with the idea that you might be facing an SBA loan default can be terrifying. The SBA attorneys in our office are skilled at helping clients understand all the facets of their situation. We will advise you as to the potential for an SBA offer in compromise. You should never face your SBA loan problems alone. It is important to retain the services of an attorney who can help you through this difficult time in your life. Please contact us for a free initial consultation.
Pursuant to SBA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) a lender is limited as to what fees it can charge a borrower.
What Fees Can a Lender Charge?
Extraordinary servicing.
Subject to prior written SBA approval, if all or part of a loan will have extraordinary servicing needs, the Lender may charge the applicant a service fee not to exceed 2 percent per year on the outstanding balance of the part requiring special servicing. An example of extraordinary servicing is the special servicing required on an Asset Based Line of Credit, under the umbrella of the CAPLines program where the lender must conduct field audits of inventory and accounts receivable, collect receivables, and maintain cash collateral accounts.
Out-of-pocket expenses.
The Lender may collect from the applicant necessary out-of-pocket expenses such as filing or recording fees. Expenses incurred by the lender may be added to the loan balance while SBA's guaranty is outstanding with SBA's approval (except for PLP, LowDoc, and FA$TRAK). For loans sold in the secondary market, they may NOT be added to the loan balance prior to SBA purchasing the guaranty.
Late payment fee.
The Lender may charge the Borrower a late payment fee not to exceed 5 percent of the regular loan payment.
(b) Is the fee mandatory?
i. No, the late fee is optional; and
ii. Lenders may charge less than 5 percent. (c)
When can the lender charge the late fee?
The late fee may be collected if the lender receives a payment more than 10 days after its due date. For example, if the payment is due on the 5th, the lender can collect the late fee if the payment is received on or after the 16th. The lender must not add late fees to the transcript of account submitted by the lender for purchase of the guaranty. The SBA will not be responsible for paying any late fees. If SBA purchases a loan, SBA will permit the lender to collect late fees from the borrower which were owed at the time of purchase, but only AFTER SBA has been paid in full. The lender must apply all scheduled loan payments first to interest and then to principal.
What fees are prohibited?
The Lender may not charge a fee for full or partial prepayment of a loan.
If you have an SBA loan in default, contact us today at 888-756-9969 for a FREE case evaluation.
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 an SBA 504 loan balance of $337,000. The Third Party Lender had obtained a Judgment against the clients. We represented clients before the SBA and negotiated an SBA OIC that was accepted for $30,000.

Our firm successfully resolved an SBA COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) default in the amount of $150,000 on behalf of Illinois-based client. After the business permanently closed due to the economic impacts of the pandemic, the owners faced potential personal liability if the business collateral was not liquidated properly under the SBA Security Agreement.
We guided the client through the SBA’s Business Closure Review process, prepared a comprehensive financial submission, and negotiated directly with the SBA to release the collateral securing the loan. The borrower satisfied their collateral obligations with a payment of $2,075, resolving the SBA’s security interest.

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.