Small businesses that are facing financial difficulties need help through legal services. These opportunities could prevent them from losing their business location and possibly their machinery used by their company. When serious delinquencies arise, these businesses have the opportunity to acquire an SBA Offer in Compromise
After the company defaults, the business owner could face foreclosure. This legal process allows the lender to seize the property financed by the loan. If the process continues, the lender will auction the property off and collect through the sale. If they don't recover the full balance of the loan, the lender could file a claim against the borrower through the court. For this reason, the borrower must take action as soon as an SBA loan default begins.
A loan default gives the lender the right to collect the collateral immediately. Once they collect the collateral, the foreclosure or repossession of the property appears on the borrower's credit report. This listing could lead to a reduction in the credit score. A lower credit score could prevent the borrower from starting new lines of credit. This includes new loans to recover from any financial losses. Once the borrower receives the SBA demand letter these circumstances are immediate.
The first step is to approach an attorney. The attorney evaluates the SBA loan documentation to determine if the terms of the loan are predatory. They determine if it is possible to acquire a loan modification first. If this action could settle the issue, the attorney continues with the process. However, if it is necessary to arrive at a settlement, the attorney submits the application for the offer in compromise to prevent an SBA loan foreclosure.
Small business owner evaluates opportunities to avoid foreclosure by consulting an attorney. An attorney could help them evaluate opportunities to settle their SBA loan debt. Among these opportunities are loan modifications and an offer of compromise. These actions reduce the negative impact of a default and prevent further financial damage for the business owner. Any owners who need a Tax Offset Program or additional help should contact an attorney now.
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.
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.
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.
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.
.jpg)
