Is There a Statute of Limitations on SBA Loans?
Yes, there is a statute of limitations that applies to defaulted SBA loans. But the government can still collect from you.
Small business owners need to re-evaluate their finances when they face a loan default. This occurrence could lead to devastating effects for the business. When they have a loan default through the Small Business Administration, they could face more than just a financial loss. They could lose everything they own quickly. A SBA Offer in Compromise is the first step for avoiding a total loss.
If the lender accepts a settlement, the borrower could achieve closure for the loan. Their attorney works with their lender to identify the most acceptable compromise. The offer of compromise includes a balance that is less than the total balance and allows the business owner to settle the debt quickly. Once the offer is accepted, the business owner no longer has any obligation to the lender.
If the borrower chose bankruptcy, first they would have to qualify for their chosen chapter. If they select chapter 13, they are required to pay a fixed balance each month. If they cannot pay this balance each month, the case is dismissed. When this occurs, they are responsible for all debts included immediately. Since the bankruptcy case remains on their credit history for at least ten years, it prevents them from opening new lines of credit. For companies that are trying to rebuild after financial issues, this could have disastrous effects. This is why the borrower must choose a compromise instead of bankruptcy when they have a SBA loan default.
If the borrower doesn't manage the default, they could face foreclosure. The moment they receive the SBA demand letter the wheels are in motion already. At this point, the lender has the right to seize property to settle the debt. Through a SBA loan foreclosure, the lender could acquire the business property and all assets.
Small business owners need assistance before they default on their SBA loan. By taking earlier action, they could avoid potential hardships that could lead to financial ruin. Business owners who need to discuss a compromise or enter into a Tax Offset Program should contact an attorney immediately.
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 borrowed and personally guaranteed an SBA 7(a) loan. Clients defaulted on the SBA loan and were sued in federal district court for breach of contract. The SBA lender demanded the Client pledge several personal real estate properties as collateral to reinstate and secure the defaulted SBA loan. We were subsequently hired to intervene and aggressively defend the lawsuit. After several months of litigation, our attorneys negotiated a reinstatement of the SBA loan and a structured workout that did not involve any liens against the Client's personal real estate holdings.
Clients' 7(a) loan was referred to Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service for enforced collection in 2015. They not only personally guaranteed the loan, but also pledged their primary residence as additional collateral. One of the clients filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy thinking that it would discharge the SBA 7(a) lien encumbering their home. They later discovered that they were mistakenly advised. The Firm was subsequently hired to review their case and defend against a series of collection actions. Eventually, we were able to negotiate a structured workout for $180,000 directly with the SBA, saving them approximately $250,000 (by reducing the default interest rate and removing Treasury's substantial collection fees) and from possible foreclosure.
Client personally guaranteed SBA 7(a) loan balance of over $150,000. Business failed and eventually shut down. SBA then pursued client for the balance. We intervened and was able to present an SBA OIC that was accepted for $30,000.
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