Getting Calls from the SBA About Your EIDL Loan?
You are not alone. Thousands of business owners are receiving this exact voicemail right now. Here is what they are not telling you — and what you can do about it.
Voicemail from:
U.S. Small Business Administration
Transcript
"This is a courtesy call from the U.S. Small Business Administration regarding outstanding loan payments on the COVID EIDL loan to you or your business... Our records indicate that the loan is past due. Please log into the MySBALoan portal at lending.sba.gov to update or create an account and pay the past due balance in full..."
This is an actual automated voicemail left by the U.S. Small Business Administration on a borrower's phone.
What This Voicemail Actually Means
The language sounds polite, but the implications are serious. Here is what is really happening behind the scenes.
"Courtesy Call"
What it really means: This is a pre-collection notice. The next step is referral to the U.S. Treasury for aggressive collection — including wage garnishment and tax refund seizure.
"Pay the Past Due Balance in Full"
What it really means: They are demanding full repayment. They are not mentioning hardship programs, payment plans, or Offer in Compromise options that may be available to you.
"Reserves Its Legal Rights"
What it really means: This is a legal threat. If you have not filed bankruptcy, the SBA is signaling they may pursue litigation, liens, or Treasury offset against you personally.
"Notify SBA if Business Has Dissolved"
What it really means: If your business closed, you may still be personally liable — especially on loans over $200,000 where a personal guarantee was required.
What the SBA Is Not Telling You
You may qualify for an Offer in Compromise (OIC) to settle for less than what you owe
Subchapter V bankruptcy can restructure your EIDL debt while keeping your business open
The personal guarantee may be challengeable if proper procedures were not followed
There are specific timelines and deadlines — once Treasury takes over, your options narrow significantly
Many borrowers are successfully resolving these situations with proper preparation
Free Guide: "You Got the SBA Call — Now What?"
5 things you should do before calling the SBA back. Includes your options for settlement, restructuring, and protection — plus the exact timeline before Treasury takes over.
Free instant download. We respect your privacy — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common Questions About the SBA Calls
I got this voicemail. Should I call them back?
Before calling the SBA back, understand your full situation first. Anything you say can affect your options. Take our free assessment to understand your exposure, then decide your next step with full information.
What happens if I just ignore it?
Ignoring the calls does not make the debt go away. The SBA will eventually refer your loan to the U.S. Treasury for collection, which adds a 30% surcharge and enables wage garnishment, tax refund seizure, and bank levies — all without a court order.
Can they really garnish my wages?
Yes. Once referred to Treasury, administrative wage garnishment of up to 15% of disposable pay can begin without a court judgment. They can also seize federal and state tax refunds.
My business closed. Am I still liable?
It depends on your loan amount. Loans over $200,000 required a personal guarantee, making you personally liable even if the business no longer exists. Loans under $200,000 generally did not require a personal guarantee, but the SBA may still pursue collection against business assets.
Is there a way to settle for less than I owe?
Potentially, yes. The SBA has an Offer in Compromise program, and Subchapter V bankruptcy can restructure the debt. The key is acting before Treasury takes over, when your options are much more limited.
This page provides educational information only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Consult with a qualified attorney or financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation. PPP Fairness is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.