Somerset, NJ asked in Bankruptcy, Banking, Business Law and Collections for New Jersey

Q: Am I personally liable for an EIDL loan of $130k taken out by my S Corp if I close the business?

I have a small business set up as an S Corp in NJ. Took out a $130k EIDL loan as well as a $30k loan from my bank. Business is dying. Will the SBA be able to go after my personal assets if I close the business? No personal guarantee, only against collateral/inventory which is hard to sell right now. With no personal guarantee, will I have to pay this for the next 30 years per the loan document?

3 Lawyer Answers
Michael David Siegel
Michael David Siegel
Answered
  • Bankruptcy Lawyer
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: This is actually an evolving area of the law. If you have no guarantee, the answer should be no. But, the SBA has been investigating whether proceeds were properly used. If you took the money for improper purposes, the US Attorney could come after you. But, there are so many of these loans, it is hard to see that happening in every case.

Timothy Denison agrees with this answer

Leonard R. Boyer
Leonard R. Boyer pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Bankruptcy Lawyer
  • Clifton, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: If your business closes next week, you're personally liable for the debt. EIDLs are not forgivable. You'll repay them over the 30-year term, though you can pay your loan off early with no prepayment penalties. Also, for future reference, a Sub-Chapter S corp is your worst nightmare and your accountant's best friend. When you need legal services or advice, contact an attorney.

Timothy Denison agrees with this answer

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Bankruptcy Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: In New Jersey, as with other states, the structure of an S Corporation typically provides a degree of separation between the business's debts and your personal assets. This means that in many cases, shareholders are not personally liable for the debts of the corporation.

Since you mentioned that there was no personal guarantee on the EIDL loan, normally, your personal assets should not be at risk for this loan if your S Corp cannot pay it back. The liability for the loan would typically remain with the corporation. However, this is contingent upon the specific terms of the loan and the absence of any personal guarantees.

If the business closes and the assets of the S Corp are insufficient to cover the EIDL loan, the SBA's ability to collect may be limited to what was put up as collateral, in this case, the inventory or other business assets.

Regarding the $30k bank loan, the liability would depend on the terms of that loan and whether or not you provided a personal guarantee. If there was a personal guarantee, you might be personally liable for that debt.

It's important to review all loan documents and understand your obligations. The terms of the loans and the nature of the liabilities can vary based on the contracts you signed.

If you are considering closing your business, consulting with an attorney experienced in corporate and bankruptcy law is advisable. They can help you navigate the closure process, understand your liabilities, and protect your rights.

Remember, each situation is unique, and professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances is crucial in complex financial and legal matters like this.

Timothy Denison agrees with this answer

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.