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What Advantages Does an Offer in Compromise Have Over Bankruptcy?

What are the Advantages of an SBA OIC

When faced with a defaulted Small Business Administration (SBA) loan obligation, both an offer in compromise (OIC) and bankruptcy are potential options to consider. Each option has its advantages and considerations. Here are some advantages of an offer in compromise over filing for bankruptcy in the context of an SBA loan:

Debt Resolution: An offer in compromise allows you to negotiate a settlement with the SBA to resolve the debt. If accepted, the SBA agrees to accept a reduced amount as full satisfaction of the debt. This can provide a quicker resolution compared to bankruptcy, which may involve a more extensive legal process.
Potential Debt Reduction: With an offer in compromise, you have the opportunity to negotiate a reduced settlement amount that is affordable for you. This can help alleviate the financial burden and potentially reduce the total amount you owe to the SBA.
Avoiding Bankruptcy Effects: Filing for bankruptcy can have long-lasting effects on your credit history and financial reputation. By pursuing an offer in compromise, you may be able to avoid or lessen the negative consequences associated with bankruptcy and maintain a better credit profile.
Specific to SBA Loan: An offer in compromise is a direct negotiation with the SBA regarding the defaulted loan. This allows you to address the specific terms and conditions of your SBA loan and work towards a resolution tailored to your situation. Bankruptcy, on the other hand, is a more general legal process that may not specifically target the SBA loan.

What are the Disadvantages of Bankruptcy

Filing for bankruptcy when you owe on a defaulted SBA loan can have several pitfalls and considerations. Here are some potential pitfalls to be aware of:

Limited Dischargeability: SBA loans are typically not dischargeable in bankruptcy under certain circumstances. While filing for bankruptcy may provide relief for other debts, such as credit card debt or medical bills, it may not eliminate your obligation to repay the SBA loan if the SBA alleges and proves that fraud was committed in obtaining the loan or if loan proceeds of an EIDL loan were used for personal use. This means you may still be responsible for repaying the loan even after the bankruptcy process.
Potential Loss of Collateral: If your SBA loan is secured by collateral, such as real estate or business assets, filing for bankruptcy may not protect you from losing the collateral. Depending on the specific circumstances and the type of bankruptcy you file (Chapter 7 or Chapter 13), the SBA or the lender may have the right to seek recovery of the collateral.
Impact on Credit: Bankruptcy has a significant impact on your credit history and credit score. A bankruptcy filing can remain on your credit report for several years, making it challenging to obtain credit in the future. This can affect your ability to secure financing for personal or business needs.
Public Record: Bankruptcy filings are public records, which means they can be accessed by anyone who searches for them. This lack of privacy may have personal and professional implications, as potential lenders, employers, or business partners may consider your bankruptcy history when making decisions.
Potential Legal Costs: Filing for bankruptcy involves legal fees and expenses. Depending on the complexity of your case and the type of bankruptcy you pursue, these costs can add up. It's important to consider these expenses when evaluating the financial implications of filing for bankruptcy.
Future Business Opportunities: Filing for bankruptcy, particularly if you are a business owner, may have an impact on your future business opportunities. It can affect your ability to secure loans, attract investors, or obtain favorable business relationships.

Contact Protect Law Group About Your SBA Loan Matter

It's important to note that the suitability of an offer in compromise or bankruptcy depends on your individual circumstances. Consider consulting with one of our SBA debt attorneys who can assess your specific situation and provide guidance on the best course of action. They can help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option and determine which approach aligns best with your financial goals and circumstances.

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

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.

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$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.

$680,000 SBA COVID-EIDL LOAN - SBA OHA LITIGATION

Small business sole proprietor obtained an SBA COVID-EIDL loan for $500,000. Client defaulted causing SBA to charge-off the loan, accelerate the balance and refer the debt to Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service for aggressive collection. Treasury added $180,000 in collection fees totaling $680,000+. Client tried to negotiate with Treasury but was only offered a 3-year or 10-year repayment plan. Client hired the Firm to represent before the SBA, Treasury and a Private Collection Agency. After securing government records through discovery and reviewing them, we filed an Appeals Petition with the SBA Office of Hearings & Appeals (OHA) court challenging the SBA's referral of the debt to Treasury citing a host of purported violations. The Firm was able to negotiate a reinstatement and recall of the loan back to the SBA, participation in the Hardship Accommodation Plan, termination of Treasury's enforced collection and removal of the statutory collection fees.

$150,000 SBA COVID EIDL - OFFER IN COMPROMISE & RELEASE OF COLLATERAL

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.

What Advantages Does an Offer in Compromise Have Over Bankruptcy?