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The Role of Legal Professionals in SBA Offers in Compromise: How We Can Help

In today's complex business landscape, many entrepreneurs and small business owners face financial challenges that can lead to overwhelming debt. One solution offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) is the "Offer in Compromise."

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The Role of Legal Professionals in SBA Offers in Compromise: How We Can Help

The Role of Legal Professionals in SBA Offers in Compromise: How We Can Help

In today's complex business landscape, many entrepreneurs and small business owners face financial challenges that can lead to overwhelming debt. One potential solution offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) is the "Offer in Compromise" program. This article delves into the intricacies of SBA Offers in Compromise and highlights the invaluable role legal professionals play in helping businesses navigate this process successfully.

Understanding SBA Offers in Compromise

What is an SBA Offer in Compromise?

An SBA Offer in Compromise is a debt settlement program designed to assist personal guarantors in resolving their outstanding SBA loan debt for less than the full amount owed. It provides a lifeline to businesses facing financial hardship and is particularly relevant in today's economic climate.

Eligibility Criteria for SBA Offers in Compromise

To qualify for an SBA Offer in Compromise, businesses must meet specific criteria outlined by the Small Business Administration. These criteria often include demonstrating financial distress, an inability to repay the full debt, and a willingness to cooperate with the SBA.

The Benefits of SBA Offers in Compromise

SBA Offers in Compromise offer several advantages, including debt reduction, avoiding legal action, and the opportunity for a fresh financial start. These benefits make it an attractive option for business owners in dire financial straits.

The Role of Legal Professionals in SBA Offers in Compromise

Expertise in Navigating the Complex SBA Process

Navigating the SBA's Offer in Compromise program can be a daunting task. Legal professionals with experience in this area can provide invaluable guidance, ensuring that businesses meet all eligibility requirements and adhere to the necessary legal procedures.

Negotiating with the SBA

One of the most critical aspects of the SBA Offers in Compromise process is negotiating with the SBA itself. Legal professionals are well-versed in negotiation strategies and can work to secure the best possible settlement terms for their clients.

Protecting Your Rights and Interests

Legal professionals understand the legal rights and protections available to businesses under the SBA Offers in Compromise program. They can advocate on behalf of their clients, ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the process.

Developing a Comprehensive Offer Package

Preparing a compelling offer package is crucial to a successful SBA Offer in Compromise. Legal professionals have the expertise to gather and present all required financial documentation and persuasive arguments to support their clients' cases.

How We Can Help

Our Commitment to Your Success

At Protect Law Group, we are dedicated to helping business owners overcome financial challenges and achieve a fresh start. Our team of experienced legal professionals works exclusively with SBA Offers in Compromise and will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Tailored Solutions

We understand that every person's situation is unique. That's why we provide personalized solutions tailored to your specific circumstances. Whether you owned a small startup or an established enterprise, we have the expertise to assist you.

Transparent Communication

We believe in open and transparent communication with our clients. Throughout the SBA Offers in Compromise process, we will keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring you understand the progress and potential outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SBA Offers in Compromise are a lifeline for business owners, offering the hope of financial recovery and a fresh start. Legal professionals play a pivotal role in guiding businesses through this complex process, ensuring eligibility, protecting rights, and negotiating favorable terms.

If you are facing financial hardship and considering an SBA Offer in Compromise, don't go it alone. Seek the expertise of experienced legal professionals who can navigate this challenging terrain with you.

FAQs

What is the primary goal of an SBA Offer in Compromise?

The primary goal of an SBA Offer in Compromise is to help business owners in financial distress settle their SBA loan debt for less than the full amount owed, providing them with a fresh start.

Who is eligible for an SBA Offer in Compromise?

Business owners who signed a personal guarantee for a SBA loan and are facing financial hardship, unable to repay their SBA debt in full, and willing to cooperate with the SBA may be eligible for an Offer in Compromise.

How can legal professionals assist with SBA Offers in Compromise?

Legal professionals provide expertise in navigating the complex SBA process, negotiating with the SBA on behalf of businesses, protecting clients' rights, and developing persuasive offer packages.

What are the key benefits of pursuing an SBA Offer in Compromise?

The benefits include debt reduction, avoiding legal action, and the opportunity for a fresh financial start.

Why Hire Us to Help You with Your Treasury or SBA Debt Problems?

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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

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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

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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.

$310,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OIC TERM WORKOUT

$310,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OIC TERM WORKOUT

Client personally guaranteed an SBA 7(a) loan for $100,000 from the lender. The SBA loan went into early default in 2006 less than 12 months from disbursement. The SBA paid the 7(a) guaranty monies to the lender and subsequently acquired the deficiency balance of about $96,000, including the right to collect against the guarantor. However, the SBA sent the Official 60-Day Due Process Notice to the Client's defunct business address instead of his personal residence, which he never received. As a result, the debt was transferred to Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service where substantial collection fees were assessed, including accrued interest per the promissory note. Treasury eventually referred the debt to a Private Collection Agency (PCA) - Pioneer Credit Recovery, Inc. Pioneer sent a demand letter claiming a debt balance of almost $310,000 - a shocking 223% increase from the original loan amount assigned to the SBA. Client's social security disability benefits were seized through the Treasury Offset Program (TOP). Client hired the Firm to represent him as the debt continued to snowball despite seizure of his social security benefits and federal tax refunds as the involuntary payments were first applied to Treasury's collection fees, then to accrued interest with minimal allocation to the SBA principal balance.

We initially submitted a Cross-Servicing Dispute (CSD) challenging the referral of the debt to Treasury based on the defective notice sent to the defunct business address. Despite overwhelming evidence proving a violation of the Client's Due Process rights, the SBA still rejected the CSD. As a result, an Appeals Petition was filed with the SBA Office of Hearings & Appeals (OHA) Court challenging the SBA decision and its certification the debt was legally enforceable in the amount claimed. After several months of litigation before the SBA OHA Court, our Firm Attorney successfully negotiated an Offer in Compromise (OIC) Term Workout with the SBA Supervising Trial Attorney for $82,000 spread over a term of 74 months at a significantly reduced interest rate saving the Client an estimated $241,000 in Treasury collection fees, accrued interest (contract interest rate and Current Value of Funds Rate (CVFR)), and the PCA contingency fee.

$166,000 SBA 7A LOAN - NEGOTIATED WORKOUT AGREEMENT

$166,000 SBA 7A LOAN - NEGOTIATED WORKOUT AGREEMENT

Clients executed personal and corporate guarantees for an SBA 7(a) loan from a Preferred Lender Provider (PLP). The borrower corporation defaulted on the loan exposing all collateral pledged by the Clients. The SBA subsequently acquired the loan balance from the PLP, including the right to collect against all guarantors. The SBA sent the Official Pre-Referral Notice to the guarantors giving them sixty (60) days to either pay the outstanding balance in full, negotiate a Repayment (Offer in Compromise (OIC) or Structured Workout (SW)), challenge their alleged guarantor liability or file a Request for Hearing (Appeals Petition) with the SBA Office of Hearings & Appeals.

Because the Clients were not financially eligible for an OIC, they opted for Structured Workout negotiations directly with the SBA before the debt was transferred to the Bureau of Fiscal Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Treasury for enforced collection.

The Firm was hired to negotiate a global Workout Agreement directly with the SBA to resolve the personal and corporate guarantees. After submitting the Structured Workout proposal, the assigned SBA Loan Specialist approved the requested terms in under ten (10) days without any lengthy back and forth negotiations.

The favorable terms of the Workout included an extended maturity at an affordable principal amount, along with a significantly reduced interest rate saving the Clients approximately $181,000 in administrative fees, penalties and interest (contract interest rate and Current Value of Funds Rate (CVFR)) as authorized by 31 U.S.C. § 3717(e) had the SBA loan been transferred to BFS.

$975,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OIC CASH SETTLEMENT

$975,000 SBA 7A LOAN - SBA OIC CASH SETTLEMENT

Our firm successfully negotiated an SBA offer in compromise (SBA OIC), settling a $974,535.93 SBA loan balance for just $18,000. The offerors, personal guarantors on an SBA 7(a) loan, originally obtained financing to purchase a commercial building in Lancaster, California.

The borrower filed for bankruptcy, and the third-party lender (TPL) foreclosed on the property. Despite the loan default, the SBA pursued the offerors for repayment. Given their limited income, lack of significant assets, and approaching retirement, we presented a strong case demonstrating their financial hardship.

Through strategic negotiations, we secured a favorable SBA settlement, reducing the nearly $1 million debt to a fraction of the amount owed. This outcome allowed the offerors to resolve their liability without prolonged financial strain.

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