Can a Business Loan be Forgiven if the Business Fails?
Discover key factors regarding business loan repayment obligations after a business failure. Explore SBA loan forgiveness options and consult with Protect Law Group.
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 facilitated the SBA settlement of a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) where 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.

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.

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.