SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
Yes, the annual service fee, also known as the ongoing guaranty fee, is generally calculated as a percentage of the outstanding guaranteed portion and can vary based on loan amount categories.
The SBA charges an annual service fee to lenders, which is typically passed on to borrowers, to cover the ongoing costs of managing the guaranty program. This fee structure often includes tiers where higher loan amounts may have slightly different percentage rates for the fee calculation.
For loans greater than $1,000,000, the annual service fee might be 0.36% of the guaranteed portion, while for smaller loans, it could be a different rate, as published in the annual fee schedules.
Insider move
Lenders must correctly calculate and collect the annual service fee according to the SBA's published schedule for each fiscal year, ensuring accurate pass-through to the borrower and avoiding compliance issues.
7(a) Fees Effective During Fiscal Year 2026
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Last checked 2026-06-14. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-14. 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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