SBA loan basics
Short answer
Yes, an ongoing annual service fee (also called a "guaranty maintenance fee") is typically charged to the borrower for the life of the loan, calculated on the outstanding guaranteed balance.
In addition to the upfront guaranty fee, the SBA also charges an ongoing annual service fee. This fee is a small percentage (e.g., 0.55% as of FY2026) of the outstanding guaranteed balance of the loan. It is usually collected by the lender and remitted to the SBA, and it helps cover the costs of the program.
For a $1,000,000 loan with an outstanding guaranteed balance of $750,000, the annual service fee at 0.55% would be $4,125 for that year. This amount decreases as the principal balance is paid down.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
7(a) Fees Effective During Fiscal Year 2026
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
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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