Operating a business in New York City can be extremely rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most common issues business owners face is dealing with overwhelming business debt. When cash flow gets tight and you fall behind on payments, it can quickly snowball into a major crisis that threatens the survival of your company.If you find yourself facing serious business debt, know that you have options. Working with an experienced New York business debt relief attorney can help you negotiate settlements, restructure payments, and take other steps to regain control of your finances. At our firm, we understand the complex laws around New York City business debt and can provide the guidance you need to protect your interests.

Common Sources of NYC Business Debt

There are many potential sources of business debt that New York companies take on. Some of the most common we see include:

• Business Loans – Term loans, lines of credit, and SBA loans are used to fund operations, equipment purchases, expansions, and more. If sales decline, these debts can become unmanageable.
• Merchant Cash Advances – MCAs provide quick financing by advancing a portion of future credit card sales. The payback can drain cash flow if business slows.
• Commercial Leases – Most businesses rent their commercial space. If revenues drop, making rent can be a struggle.
• Accounts Payable – Vendors must be paid for inventory, materials, professional services, etc. AP can pile up if money is tight.
• Business Credit Cards – Cards are commonly used for miscellaneous expenses. High balances can accumulate quickly.
• Payroll Taxes – Failure to pay payroll taxes leads to serious IRS consequences. Attorney assistance may be needed.
• PPP Loans – Defaults on Paycheck Protection Program loans could lead to fraud allegations and charges.

If you’re behind on any of these debts, it helps to speak with a business debt lawyer right away to protect yourself.

New York Debt Settlement Attorneys Can Help

Debt settlement is one potential option for dealing with unmanageable New York City business debt. The process involves negotiating directly with creditors to settle accounts for less than the full balance owed. A business debt relief lawyer handles the negotiations for you, using their expertise to achieve favorable settlements.Here are some of the ways a skilled NYC debt settlement attorney can help:

• Negotiate with Creditors – An attorney has the experience to negotiate effectively with banks, MCA companies, landlords, vendors and other creditors. Their legal background commands respect and leads to better outcomes.
• Settle Debt for Less – Through negotiations, an attorney can often settle debt for pennies on the dollar. The creditor agrees to accept the reduced payment as payment in full on the account.
• Consolidate Multiple Debts – By consolidating multiple debts into one overall settlement, the total savings can be even greater.
• Establish Affordable Payment Plans – Attorneys can negotiate extended payment plans spread out over 6 months to 3 years so the settlements are affordable.
• Avoid Lawsuits & Judgments – Settling debts can help you avoid creditor lawsuits and judgments that could seriously damage your business.
• Stop Harassing Collections – Debt settlement can stop creditor harassment and collection calls that disrupt your business operations.
• Improve Cash Flow – By reducing debt balances and payments, more cash flow is freed up to operate your business.
• Prevent Bankruptcy – For businesses with assets, settling debt is often preferable to the damaging effects of bankruptcy.

Attorney Assistance with All Types of Business Debts

Our experienced NYC business debt relief attorneys have successfully negotiated settlements on all kinds of business debts, including:Loans

• Business term loans
• Business lines of credit
• SBA loans
• PPP loan issues

Financing

• Merchant cash advances
• Equipment financing
• Commercial real estate loans
• Shareholder loans

Taxes

• Payroll taxes (941 Trust Fund)
• Sales taxes
• Corporate income taxes

Real Estate

• Commercial leases
• Commercial mortgages
• Landlord disputes

Accounts Payable

• Supplier invoices
• Inventory financing
• Service provider bills

Other Debts

• Judgments
• Business credit cards
• Vehicle loans
• Equipment leases

Regardless of the specific type of business debt you’re facing, an experienced attorney can advise you on your options and negotiate settlements that work for your unique situation.

What to Expect in the Debt Settlement Process

If you decide to pursue business debt relief through settlement, here is an overview of what you can expect:

1. Consultation – Meet with an attorney for a free consultation to discuss your situation and debt settlement options. Bring account statements, lease agreements, loan documents, and other paperwork.
2. Analysis – The attorney will analyze your debts, assets, cash flow, and other factors to develop a customized debt relief strategy.
3. Representation Agreement – Sign a representation agreement authorizing the attorney to negotiate your debt settlements.
4. Documentation – Provide all documentation about your debts to the attorney. This includes original contracts, statements, default notices, etc.
5. Cease Communications – The attorney sends cease and desist letters to creditors, requiring them to communicate only with the attorney going forward.
6. Negotiations – The attorney contacts creditors, provides documentation, and begins settlement negotiations. Multiple rounds of offers and counter-offers are typical.
7. Settlements Reached – With persistence, the attorney reaches debt settlement agreements with each creditor for reduced lump sum payments or payment plans.
8. Payment – You provide the negotiated settlement funds to the attorney, who disburses payments to creditors.
9. Debt Relief! – Accounts are settled and marked “Paid in Full” on your credit report. You get a fresh start free from business debt burdens!

The attorney handles everything – from negotiations to documentation to payments. All you need to do is provide the requested information and settlement funds. It’s an efficient process with the highest success rates.

Avoid Risky DIY Debt Settlement Attempts

Some business owners consider trying to settle their debts on their own to save on attorney fees. This is rarely a wise choice. DIY settlement attempts often fail or lead to unintended consequences for several reasons:

• Lack negotiating skills – Attorneys have years of experience negotiating with creditors. Most business owners lack these specialized skills.
• No legal leverage – Attorneys have legal tools to bring pressure on creditors. You have no leverage on your own.
• Don’t know legal rights – There are complex debt collection laws you probably don’t know. Attorneys use these to gain advantage.
• Unrealistic expectations – People often expect too much self-negotiating. Attorneys know what results are realistic.
• No time – DIY settling takes an enormous amount of time and effort. Attorneys settle debts quickly.
• Angry creditors – Attempting to lowball creditors often angers them. Attorneys smooth the process.
• Damaged credit – Botched DIY settling often leaves black marks on your credit. Attorneys protect your score.
• Lawsuits – Creditors will sue if they feel strung along. Attorneys prevent litigation.
• No experience – Attorneys settle millions in business debts annually. Most people have never done it before.

Without professional guidance, the odds of successfully settling your business debts are extremely low. An attorney levels the playing field and handles the process seamlessly.

Protect Your Business with a Free Consultation

If you’re struggling with overwhelming business debt, contact our firm today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney. We’ll review your situation, explain your debt relief options, and answer all your questions so you can make an informed decision. Our #1 goal is helping New York City business owners protect their companies by resolving debt problems.

With experienced legal guidance, you can negotiate settlements that reduce balances substantially and establish affordable payment plans. You can avoid lawsuits and judgments, stop creditor harassment, improve cash flow, and prevent bankruptcy. In most cases, you can resolve your debt in 6-12 months and get back to clear skies ahead.