Small businesses facing a loan default must take immediate action. A default could provide their lender with the legal right to seize all collateral used to secure the loan. This could include the building from which their company operates. Since these loans are backed by a personal guarantee and government funding, they require specific actions through an attorney. Local attorneys could help business owners acquire a SBA Offer in Compromise to settle their debt.
The first step when the owner receives a SBA demand letter is to seek legal counsel. An attorney could provide clarity about effective strategies to prevent a complete foreclosure of their property. A foreclosure could generate a higher loss for the business owner. This could also destroy their credit and make it impossible to acquire a different property later.
The next step is to complete the paperwork for the SBA offer in compromise. These documents provide a legal request for the offer in compromise. The attorney calculates the total value in which the borrower could pay to settle the SBA loan default. These documents are filed through the court once the compromise is accepted.
The attorney could also provide assistance through a Tax Offset Program. This helps the business owner acquire a settlement offer for any overdue tax payments associated with their company. They can submit these requests at the same time as the offer in compromise request.
The borrower should work with the attorney to acquire the most effective settlement. This could include closing the doors of their business and arranging the sale of the property. This could increase their odds of acquiring acceptance. It could also improve their ability to pay.
Lenders often accept these offers when the borrower can prove that they have the ability to pay the agreed upon value. This could prevent the likelihood of a SBA loan foreclosure and secure the borrower's credit.
Small businesses acquire government-backed loans to start new ventures. Unfortunately, select ventures may become unsuccessful. This could lead to a loan default and possible foreclosure. Business owners who need help should contact an attorney who could manage an offer of compromise for them today.
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 client personally guaranteed an SBA 504 loan balance of $375,000. Debt had been cross-referred to the Treasury at the time we got involved with the case. We successfully had debt recalled to the SBA where we then presented an SBA OIC that was accepted for $58,000.
Client’s small business obtained an SBA 7(a) loan for $150,000. He and his wife signed personal guarantees and pledged their home as collateral. The SBA loan went into default, the term or maturity date was accelerated and demand for payment of the entire amount claimed was made. The SBA lender’s note gave it the right to adjust the default interest rate from 7.25% to 18% per annum. The business filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but was dismissed after 3 years due to its inability to continue with payments under the plan. Clients wanted to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which would have been a mistake as their home had significant equity to repay the SBA loan balance in full as the Trustee would likely seize and sell the home to repay the secured and unsecured creditors. However, the SBA lender opted to pursue the SBA 7(a) Guaranty and subsequently assigned the loan and the right to enforce collection to the SBA. Clients then received the SBA Official 60-Day Notice and hired the Firm to respond to it and negotiate on their behalf. Clients disputed the SBA’s alleged balance of $148,000, as several payments made to the SBA lender during the Chapter 11 reorganization were not accounted for. To challenge the SBA’s claimed debt balance, the Firm Attorneys initiated expedited discovery to obtain government records. SBA records disclosed the true amount owed was about $97,000. Moreover, because the Clients’ home had significant equity, they were not eligible for an Offer in Compromise or an immediate Release of Lien for Consideration, despite being incorrectly advised by non-attorney consulting companies that they were. Instead, our Firm Attorneys recommended a Workout of $97,000 spread over a lengthy term and a waiver of the applicable interest rate making the monthly payment affordable. After back and forth negotiations, SBA approved the Workout proposal, thereby saving the home from imminent foreclosure and reducing the Clients' liability by nearly $81,000 in incorrect principal balance, accrued interest, and statutory collection fees.
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.
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