SBA Offer In Compromise Calculator
Estimate the minimum offer the SBA may accept to settle your defaulted loan. This sba offer in compromise calculator is based on the Reasonable Collection Potential (RCP) formula, providing a data-driven starting point for your negotiation.
Personal & Business Assets
Monthly Income & Expenses
Calculation Parameters
Estimated Minimum Offer Amount
$0
Liquidated Asset Value
$0
Monthly Disposable Income
$0
Future Income Value
$0
Formula: Estimated Offer = (Liquidated Asset Value) + (Monthly Disposable Income * Future Income Period)
Offer Composition
Calculation Breakdown
| Component | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cash & Bank Accounts | $5,000 | 100% of liquid cash is included. |
| Real Estate Equity | $25,000 | Assumes 80% liquidation value. |
| Investments | $10,000 | Full market value of accessible investments. |
| Other Assets | $7,500 | Estimated quick-sale value. |
| Total Liquidated Asset Value | $47,500 | The amount realizable from selling all assets. |
| Monthly Disposable Income | $500 | Income remaining after necessary expenses. |
| Total Future Income Value | $24,000 | Disposable income projected over 48 months. |
What is an SBA Offer in Compromise?
An SBA Offer in Compromise (OIC) is a program that allows eligible small business owners who have defaulted on their SBA-guaranteed loan to resolve their debt for less than the full amount owed. It’s not a forgiveness program, but a settlement negotiation based on the government’s assessment of what it can realistically collect from you. This process is formalized through documents like SBA Form 1150. If you’re facing overwhelming debt from a failed business, using an sba offer in compromise calculator is the first step to understanding your options and presenting a viable offer.
An OIC should be considered when the business has closed, all business assets have been liquidated, and the guarantor (the person who personally guaranteed the loan) cannot repay the remaining balance. The core principle is to offer an amount that is equal to or greater than what the SBA and the lending bank believe they could recover through forced collection measures, such as wage garnishment or asset seizure. A common misconception is that the SBA will accept any lowball offer. In reality, the offer must be meticulously supported by financial documentation that proves your inability to pay in full. For a deeper dive into your options, you might explore our SBA Loan Guide.
SBA Offer in Compromise Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The foundation of any SBA OIC negotiation is the “Reasonable Collection Potential” (RCP) formula. There isn’t a single, rigid government formula, but all negotiations are based on this concept. Our sba offer in compromise calculator simulates this logic. The calculation is a two-part assessment of your financial position:
- Net Liquidatable Value of Assets: This is what the SBA believes it could get from selling your personal assets. They don’t use full market value; instead, they apply a discount (typically 20-30%) to simulate a “quick sale” or forced liquidation.
- Present Value of Future Income: This component projects your ability to make payments over time from your disposable income. It’s calculated by determining your monthly income minus allowable expenses and multiplying that by a set number of months (usually 48 to 60).
The final offer amount is the sum of these two components: Offer = (Net Asset Value) + (Net Disposable Income * Future Income Multiplier). This figure represents the total amount the SBA reasonably believes it can collect from you over time.
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asset Fair Market Value | The estimated price an asset would sell for on the open market. | Dollars ($) | Varies widely |
| Liquidation Discount | The percentage deducted from asset value for a quick sale. | Percent (%) | 20% – 30% |
| Net Disposable Income (NDI) | Monthly income minus IRS-approved standard living expenses. | Dollars ($) | Can be negative or positive. |
| Future Income Multiplier | The number of months your NDI is projected forward. | Months | 48 – 60 |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Guarantor with Real Estate Equity
Sarah guaranteed a $250,000 SBA loan for her retail store, which has now closed. Her only significant asset is her home, with a market value of $400,000 and a mortgage of $320,000, leaving $80,000 in equity. She has $5,000 in cash. Her monthly household income is $7,000, and her allowable expenses are $6,800.
- Asset Value: ($80,000 Real Estate Equity * 80% liquidation value) + $5,000 Cash = $64,000 + $5,000 = $69,000
- Future Income Value: ($7,000 Income – $6,800 Expenses) * 48 months = $200 * 48 = $9,600
- Estimated Offer: $69,000 + $9,600 = $78,600
In this case, the sba offer in compromise calculator shows that a credible offer would need to be around $78,600, primarily based on her home equity.
Example 2: Guarantor with Higher Income but No Assets
John was a partner in a tech startup funded by a $500,000 SBA loan. The business failed, and he has no significant assets like real estate. However, he has secured a new job with a good salary. His monthly income is $12,000, and his allowable living expenses are $10,500. He has $10,000 in savings.
- Asset Value: $10,000 Cash = $10,000
- Future Income Value: ($12,000 Income – $10,500 Expenses) * 60 months = $1,500 * 60 = $90,000
- Estimated Offer: $10,000 + $90,000 = $100,000
Even with minimal assets, John’s high disposable income leads the sba offer in compromise calculator to a substantial six-figure offer amount. This demonstrates how future earning potential is a critical factor. If you need to calculate an SBA settlement under different circumstances, adjust the inputs accordingly.
How to Use This sba offer in compromise calculator
Our calculator is designed to provide a transparent estimate of your Reasonable Collection Potential. Follow these steps to get the most accurate result:
- Enter Your Assets: Input the current fair market value for each asset category. For real estate, the calculator automatically applies an 80% liquidation value. For other assets like vehicles or equipment, use their quick-sale value, not what you paid for them.
- Input Monthly Finances: Provide your total household gross monthly income and your total necessary monthly living expenses. Be realistic and use figures based on the national and local standards provided by the IRS, as the SBA will do the same.
- Adjust Parameters: The future income period is a key variable. The default is 48 months, but the SBA can use up to 60 months. Adjust this to see how it impacts your offer amount.
- Review Your Results: The sba offer in compromise calculator instantly displays the estimated minimum offer, broken down into “Liquidated Asset Value” and “Future Income Value.” The chart and table provide a visual and detailed breakdown of how the final number was reached. This is crucial for understanding business debt settlements.
- Refine and Prepare: Use this result as a baseline. An actual OIC submission requires extensive documentation (tax returns, bank statements, etc.) to validate these numbers.
Key Factors That Affect SBA Offer in Compromise Results
The amount the SBA will accept is not arbitrary. It’s influenced by several key factors that our sba offer in compromise calculator models. Understanding these will help you prepare a stronger offer.
- Value of Assets: This is the most significant factor. The SBA expects a substantial portion of your non-exempt asset equity to be part of the offer. This includes equity in your primary residence, rental properties, cash, and investments.
- Future Earning Potential: Your age, health, education, and profession all play a role in how the SBA views your ability to earn income in the future. A high earner will be expected to pay more over time, even with few assets.
- Household Income vs. Expenses: The SBA scrutinizes your disposable income. They use standardized expense allowances, so claiming excessively high personal expenses can cause your offer to be rejected.
- Dissipation of Assets: If you’ve transferred assets to family members or sold them for less than fair market value after the business failed, the SBA may add that value back into their calculation, significantly increasing the expected offer.
- Third-Party Contributions: Often, the funds for an OIC come from a third party, like family, friends, or a new business partner. The source of funds must be disclosed but can be a key part of a successful offer.
- Cooperation and Documentation: Providing accurate, well-organized financial documents is crucial. Delays, inaccuracies, or a lack of transparency can lead to rejection, as it signals bad faith to the lender and the SBA. This is essential for any path toward SBA debt relief.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I submit an Offer in Compromise if my business is still operating?
It’s rare. An OIC is typically for businesses that have ceased operations and liquidated all assets. If your business is still viable but struggling, you should look into loan modification or other workout options first.
2. What happens if the SBA rejects my offer?
If your offer is rejected, the SBA will typically provide a reason. You may be able to submit a revised, higher offer. If negotiations fail, the SBA may proceed with enforced collection, which could include referral to the Treasury Department for wage garnishment or asset seizure.
3. Do I need a lawyer or consultant to submit an OIC?
While not required, it is highly recommended. The OIC process is complex, and an experienced SBA workout attorney can help you navigate the bureaucracy, correctly complete forms like the SBA Form 1150 help guide, and negotiate effectively, which often leads to a better outcome.
4. Are retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA included in asset calculations?
Generally, federally protected retirement accounts (like ERISA-qualified 401(k)s and IRAs) are exempt from the asset calculation. However, the SBA will still consider their value when assessing your overall financial strength. They expect you to be in financial hardship to approve an OIC.
5. How long does the OIC process take?
The process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, sometimes longer. It involves the lender reviewing your package, submitting it to the SBA, and the SBA conducting its own due diligence before making a final decision.
6. What’s the minimum amount the SBA will accept?
There is no official minimum. The acceptable amount is always tied to your Reasonable Collection Potential (RCP). An offer of less than $5,000 is rarely accepted unless there are extreme hardship circumstances. Using an sba offer in compromise calculator helps set a realistic starting point.
7. Does the OIC affect my credit score?
By the time you are considering an OIC, your credit has likely already been severely damaged by the loan default. A successful OIC will show the debt as “settled for less than the full amount,” which is better than an open default, and allows you to begin rebuilding your credit.
8. Can my spouse be held liable for the debt?
It depends. If your spouse signed a personal guarantee, they are 100% liable for the full debt, just as you are. If they did not sign the guarantee, their liability depends on state law, especially in community property states.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Navigating financial distress requires the right information. Here are some other resources that may help you on your journey:
- SBA Debt Relief Options: An overview of alternatives to an Offer in Compromise, including deferment and loan modifications.
- Calculate SBA Settlement: A general-purpose tool to explore different settlement scenarios beyond the strict OIC formula.
- Understanding Business Debt: A guide to the different types of business liabilities and how personal guarantees work.
- SBA Loan Guide: A comprehensive resource on the lifecycle of SBA loans, from application to default.
- SBA Form 1150 Help: Step-by-step guidance on filling out the official Offer in Compromise form.
- Treasury Offset Program Guide: Information on what happens if your debt is referred to the Treasury Department.