For SBA lenders
Short answer
The lender must remit the upfront SBA guaranty fee to the SBA electronically via the E-Tran system within 90 days of loan approval, regardless of when the loan actually closes.
The SBA's policy requires the upfront guaranty fee to be remitted within 90 days of the date the SBA provides its guaranty approval (e.g., E-Tran authorization date), not the loan closing date. This fee is typically collected from the borrower at closing, but the lender's obligation to remit is tied to the approval date.
A $1,000,000 7(a) loan is authorized on January 15th, with a 3.5% upfront guaranty fee ($35,000). The loan closes on March 1st. The lender must ensure the $35,000 fee is remitted to the SBA via E-Tran by April 15th (90 days from authorization), even though it was collected from the borrower at the March 1st closing.
Insider move
Missing the 90-day remittance deadline can result in the loss of the SBA guaranty. Lenders must have robust internal tracking systems to monitor authorization dates and ensure timely fee remittance, regardless of closing delays.
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
7(a) Fees Effective During Fiscal Year 2026
SBA 7(a) Loan Guaranty Fee Calculator
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
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