SBA Loan Default: What Happens When You Default & What You Can Do About It

An SBA loan default is serious and if you are facing this situation, it may feel like the end of the world. If your business lacks funds to make payments for your SBA loan, here’s what you need to know about delinquency and defaulting on loans.

From Delinquent To Default

A loan will go into default when a borrower repeatedly fails to meet the legal conditions of the loan. Before you default on a loan, chances are the loan will first be deemed delinquent. Although they aren’t exactly the same problem, both loan delinquency and default can do serious damage to your credit score. A loan becomes delinquent as soon as you have missed or are late making a payment, even if only by one day. If your loan becomes delinquent, your lender may charge you late fees or increase your interest rate. If you don’t take care of a delinquent loan quickly, it can easily lead to a default.

When Is My SBA Loan In Default?

Depending on the specifics of your loan agreement, a delinquent loan will fall into default status after a certain amount of time has passed and no action has been taken on the outstanding balance. Lenders will usually wait anywhere from 90–120 days before considering a delinquent loan to be in default.

What Happens If You Default On An SBA Loan

If no alternative options are possible, or you have no ability to make payments, your lender may force you to default on the loan. They will then begin standard loan collection procedures, as outlined on your SBA loan agreement.

First, your lender will contact you via phone and email. You should know that FTC guidelines that restrict how often, when, and how collectors may contact you don’t apply to business loans, so any restrictions on this communication will depend on which state your business operates.

The bank will then be able to seize any collateral you put up on the loan, first business assets and then personal, per your agreement. If your business has failed and there are no remaining assets to fulfill repayment, your personal guarantee will be invoked. Alternatively, they may force you to sell your assets, or obtain a court order demanding any money in your business accounts.

If the loan is still not repaid in full, the lender will then file with the SBA for the guaranteed portion of the loan, minus any amount they were able to collect through alternative means.

Although the loan will have been fully paid back to the lender at this point by the SBA, the process is unfortunately not over. The SBA will then contact you for repayment of the funds they gave to the bank as part of your SBA loan agreement. This communication will come in the form of a “60-day demand letter.” This letter states that, unless you respond within 60 days, your case will be transferred to the Treasury Department.

If you cannot pay what the SBA is demanding, you’ll need to put together an “offer in compromise”: a proposed payment plan, or lump sum of money, to settle your debt. This compromise will open a dialogue between you and the SBA to settle your debts in an amicable manner.

When creating an appeal, you will need documentation of tax returns, business and personal assets, income statements, expense reports, and more. These documents should serve as proof that you cannot repay the borrowed funds to the SBA in a reasonable time period, and show you are in need of a more lenient payment plan. If your argument is convincing, the SBA might accept the offer, even if it amounts to less money than you owe.

If you do not respond to the 60-day demand letter, or the SBA does not accept your offer in compromise, your case will be transferred to the Treasury Department. The Treasury has the ability to garnish wages, withhold future tax refunds, or file suit against you in a civil court. They will collect the debt by any means necessary if you have not resolved by the given deadline. While it is still possible to settle at this point, it is much more difficult, so it’s recommended that you work with the SBA before it gets to this point.

Tips To Avoid Defaulting On Your Loan

Communicate With Your Lender

If you’re struggling to make payments on your loan, you should first contact your lender to discuss your position. This is always preferable to waiting until the problem worsens. You may find a better way to fix your temporary financial issues by speaking with your lender transparently, rather than waiting for the loan to default.

Create A Modified Repayment Plan

If you communicate honestly with your lender, they may be open to helping you create a more feasible payment plan or reducing the overall cost of your loan. SBA partner lenders are almost always willing to work with borrowers since they lose money when they have to chase down someone in SBA loan default. You can expect any proposed repayment plan to be largely in favor of the lender, but it will most likely be a better option than defaulting.

Final Thoughts

Above all else, remember that defaulting on an SBA loan is serious, but it is not the end of the world. Although it can be a stressful time, it is possible to recover after you’ve settled the debt. Do what you can to avoid defaulting, but if you must, just keep moving forward, and keep improving your financial health!