Small Business Bankruptcy: A Guide to Chapter 11, Subchapter 5
Chapter 11, Subchapter 5 went into effect in February. Discover what the new law means for you, and how it affects small business bankruptcy.
You may have learned that your defaulted SBA loan was "charged off". You are still liable for the loan deficiency, however, and competent legal counsel is highly recommended.
The transcript of the video follows below for further review.
What is SBA's Policy Regarding Charge Off Accounts? Many times people think that because their defaulted SBA loan has been “charged off” they are not longer liable to the SBA. Unfortunately, this is not the case. “Charge off” is the process by which SBA recognizes a loss and removes the uncollectible loan account from its active receivable accounts. The SBA's policy is to be diligent and thorough in collection of debt and to promptly charge off all uncollectible accounts to more accurately reflect the status of the individual account and the Agency's entire portfolio. It should be noted that a charge off is merely an administrative determination that does NOT affect SBA's rights against any obligor nor reduce the SBA's (or a participant lender's) ability to proceed with any available remedy. A charge off is justified when the third party lender has complied with all requirements of collection and liquidation and further collection of any substantial portion of the debt is doubtful. The determination to justify a charge off may be based on one or more of the following:
a) The third party lender has exhausted all efforts in cost-effective recovery from:
Voluntary payments from the borrower;
Liquidation of collateral;
Compromise with obligor leaving only a deficiency balance; and
Consideration has been given to any legal remedies available so that no further reasonable expectation of recovery remains.
b) Estimated costs of future collection exceed any anticipated recovery;
c) Obligor cannot be located or is judgment proof;
d) The Lender/SBA's rights have expired (e.g., statute of limitations, restrictions of State law, Agency policy);
e) Debt is legally without merit;
f) Adjudication of a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy as a no asset case, or completion of Chap 11/13 case;
g) The inability of the Lender to effect further worthwhile recovery.
If your defaulted SBA loan has been charged off you will still need an experienced attorney to help negotiate a settlement. Contact Protect Law Group today at (888) 756-9969 or at www.sba-attorneys.com and schedule your consultation with an SBA workout attorney.
We analyze your SBA loan problems and advise you on potential solutions such as an SBA offer in compromise for your SBA loan default.
Helping provide real solutions to individuals who are facing SBA loan problems. Contact one of our experienced SBA Attorneys and Federal Agency Practitioners today for a Case Evaluation - (888) 756-9969.
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 resolved an SBA 7(a) loan default in the amount of $212,000 on behalf of an individual guarantor. The borrower’s business experienced a significant downturn in revenue and was unable to sustain operations, ultimately leading to closure and a remaining personal guaranty obligation.
After conducting a thorough financial review and preparing a comprehensive SBA Offer in Compromise (SBA OIC) submission, we negotiated directly with the SBA and lender to achieve a settlement of $50,000—approximately 24% of the outstanding balance. This favorable resolution released the guarantor from further personal liability and provided the opportunity to move forward free from the burden of enforced collection.
Client received the SBA's Official 60-Day Notice for a loan that was obtained by her small business in 2001. The SBA loan went into default in 2004 but after hearing nothing from the SBA lender or the SBA for 20 years, out of the blue, she received the SBA's collection due process notice which provided her with only one of four options: (1) repay the entire accelerated balance immediately; (2) negotiate a repayment arrangement; (3) challenge the legal enforceability of the debt with evidence; or (4) request an OHA hearing before a U.S. Administrative Law Judge.
Client hired the Firm to represent her with only 13 days left before the expiration deadline to respond to the SBA's Official 60-Day Notice. The Firm attorneys immediately researched the SBA's Official loan database to obtain information regarding the 7(a) loan. Thereafter, the Firm attorneys conducted legal research and asserted certain affirmative defenses challenging the legal enforceability of the debt. A written response was timely filed to the 60-Day Notice with the SBA subsequently agreeing with the client's affirmative defenses and legal arguments. As a result, the SBA rendered a decision immediately terminating collection of the debt against the client's alleged personal guarantee liability saving her $50,000.
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.
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