SBA Loan Default: The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996
We will analyze your SBA loan problems and advise you on potential solutions such as an SBA offer in compromise for your SBA loan default.
Small business owners acquire commercial loans to start their companies. These opportunities allow them to gain financing to purchase a location and merchandise needed to operate the business. When the owner can no longer manage this financial obligation, they need an SBA Offer in Compromise to avoid the negative impact of a default.
Essentially, an SBA offer in compromise is a settlement offer. The small business owner submits an application with their lender to acquire approval. The lender evaluates the financial circumstances of the business owner and identifies a value that is fair and reasonable. This value is based on a percentage of the total value owed to the lender. Upon acceptance of this value, the business owner submits the payment as specified.
An SBA loan default is the primary reason for seeking an offer in compromise. Once the loan is in default, the lender has the legal right to file a claim against the identified collateral. The collateral could include the building, machinery, and any inventory that was financed through the loan. If the borrower doesn't take action, the lender could seize the collateral and generate a major financial loss for the borrower. An SBA loan foreclosure is included in the available legal actions.
The borrower must hire an attorney to communicate with their lender. When hiring an attorney, the borrower must provide the SBA demand letter. The attorney discusses a possible settlement offer with the lender. In most cases, the lender will accept a lower value in order to settle the debt. Once it enters default, the lender may acquire a portion of the funds through an insurance settlement. When this is the case, it gives the borrower leverage over their case.
Small business owners need commercial loans to open their companies. These financing opportunities are available to any party that has a lucrative business venture. However, the mismanagement of their finances could lead to a default. When this happens, foreclosure is an almost certainty. Small business owners who need a settlement offer or to participate in a Tax Offset Program 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.

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 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.

The client personally guaranteed an SBA 7(a) loan for $150,000. His business revenue decreased significantly causing default and an accelerated balance of $143,000. The client received the SBA's Official 60-day notice with the debt scheduled for referral to the Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service for aggressive collection in less than 26 days. We were hired to represent him, respond to the SBA's Official 60-day notice, and prevent enforced collection by the Treasury and the Department of Justice. We successfully negotiated a structured workout with an extended maturity date that included a reduction of the 14% interest rate and removal of substantial collection fees (30% of the loan balance), effectively saving the client over $242,000.