March 28, 2022
What is SBA Form 912, and Do You Need to Complete It?
Understandably, the SBA wants to lend money to individuals who are of good moral standing that they can trust.
Because this form is part of assessing your eligibility for all types of SBA loans, familiarizing yourself with this document is critical.
If you’re applying for an SBA loan, keep reading this post to learn about SBA Form 912. After reading this post, you’ll be prepared to complete this form and finalize your loan application.
Everything You Need to Know About SBA Form 912:
Do I Need to Complete SBA Form 912?
Any small business owner applying for an SBA loan could be required to fill out this form by the federal government. However, if you don’t have a criminal record, you may not be asked to complete it. That said, different lenders have their own procedures, so while one lender may require you to complete SBA Form 912, another might not. In addition, if you’re seeking the SBA’s most popular loan options (SBA 7a and SBA 504), you’ll be required to complete it. If you’re unsure if you’ll need to submit form 912, ask your lender if they require it. In addition, keep in mind that certain people in your company could be required to complete it as well. The following individuals are typically required to complete this form, depending on your business structure:- For a sole proprietorship, only the owner will need to complete form 912.
- If you’re in a partnership, all general partners, any limited partner with 20 percent or more equity, and any partner involved in managing the business must complete the form.
- If you own a corporation, all owners who have 20 percent or more of the corporation must complete the form. In addition, every officer and director will need to complete form 912.
- For limited liability companies (LLCs), all members who own 20 percent or more of the company, each officer, director, and the managing member will submit the form.
- Any person hired by the business to manage day-to-day operations
- Any trustor, if a trust owns the business.
- Any individual providing a loan guarantee
What Information is on Form 912?
You can view Form 912 on the SBA website before submitting it if you’d like. Although the form is essential for assessing your program eligibility, it’s relatively short. You’ll have to provide a few personal details about yourself (such as if you’re a United States citizen), your ownership percentage, your social security number, and your lender’s information. You’ll also need to include the loan amount you applied for on the form. Next, you’ll need to provide the following details about your criminal history:- If any formal criminal charges are currently being brought against you
- If you’ve been arrested in the past six months for a criminal offense
- If you’ve been convicted, plead guilty or no contest, been placed on parole, or pretrial diversion.
How Should I Answer Criminal History Questions on Form 912?
Of course, you should answer questions regarding your criminal history truthfully, even if you don’t think it’s pertinent to your role as a business owner. Any personal information you provide can be verified, so being dishonest will result in your loan application being denied. According to Form 912, you may also face criminal charges for lying on your loan application. If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you’ll need to provide supporting documentation, including the following information about your criminal charges:- Dates
- Location
- Fines
- Sentences
- Court documentation
- Other relevant information about the criminal act or charges