What Is SBA Form 912?

SBA Form 912 is the Small Business Administration's certification and disclosure statement that every SBA loan applicant - and anyone signing as a guarantor - must complete as part of the loan application process. The form asks the applicant to confirm eligibility, attest that all provided information is truthful, and disclose any past convictions, bankruptcies, or other matters that could affect loan approval.

The form's scope covers all SBA‑backed loan programs, and it must be signed before the SBA can issue a commitment. Information reported on Form 912 is used by the SBA for eligibility verification and fraud prevention; inaccuracies can trigger penalties or denial of the loan. Verify the final version of the form and any required signatures before submitting your application.

The SBA requires a signature on Form 912 to obtain a written affirmation that the information you provided is true, complete, and accurate, and to document your agreement to the program's eligibility rules. This signature also creates a legal record that helps the SBA and lenders detect and prevent fraud, verify that borrowers understand their obligations, and satisfy statutory reporting requirements.

• Confirms you have reviewed each question and that your answers reflect your current financial and legal status.
• Provides the SBA with a verifiable statement for compliance audits and potential investigations.
• Serves as evidence that you consent to the SBA's use of the data for loan eligibility and monitoring.
• Helps protect the SBA's credit programs by establishing accountability for false or misleading disclosures.
• Meets the Small Business Act's requirement that borrowers sign a certification when applying for SBA‑guaranteed assistance.

(If you have doubts about what you're certifying, consult the SBA's guidance in the 'How to complete Form 912 accurately' section before signing.)

Anyone whose personal credit will be pulled for the SBA loan must sign SBA Form 912.

• The primary applicant - the person identified as the main borrower.
• Any co‑applicant or co‑borrower listed on the loan application.
• Any individual who holds a 20 % or greater ownership interest in the borrowing entity.
• Any person who is required to sign a personal guarantee for the loan.
• An SBA authorized representative does not sign; the form is limited to the individuals whose credit is being authorized.

SBA Form 912 is usually requested at specific points in the loan lifecycle, not arbitrarily.

1. During the initial SBA loan application - After the lender forwards your paperwork to the SBA, the agency often sends you Form 912 to verify identity and eligibility before approving the loan.
2. Just before loan closing - Most lenders require a signed Form 912 as part of the final documentation package, so the signature typically occurs within a few days of the approval decision and before any funds are disbursed.
3. When refinancing or modifying an existing SBA loan - Any change to the loan terms triggers a new Form 912 request, because the SBA must reconfirm the borrower's information under the updated agreement.
4. During SBA compliance or post‑closing reviews - Occasionally the SBA conducts periodic checks and may ask for a refreshed Form 912 if its records are outdated or if there have been material changes to your business or personal circumstances.

If you receive a Form 912 at any of these stages, review the questions carefully, ensure the information matches your records, and sign only after confirming the request came from your lender or directly from the SBA.

SBA Form 912 asks you to provide basic identifying data and to answer a series of yes/no questions about debarment, suspension, ineligibility, convictions, and debt.

Information the form collects

• Borrower details - full legal name, mailing address, phone number, and either Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number.
• SBA loan/contract reference - SBA loan number(s) and/or contract number(s) associated with the request.
• Debarment, suspension, or ineligibility - a checkbox asking whether you are currently debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible to receive federal assistance, with space to describe the reason and agency.
• Criminal convictions - a series of questions covering federal, state, or local convictions for offenses such as fraud, embezzlement, or other felonies; you must indicate 'yes' or 'no' and, if yes, provide the offense, date, and sentencing details.
• Delinquent federal debt - asks whether you owe any past‑due debt to the U.S. government, and if so, the amount and agency involved.
• Bankruptcy - a question about recent bankruptcy filings, with space to note the case number and filing date.
• Certification statement - a declaration that the information is true and complete, followed by your signature, printed name, title (if applicable), and date.

Double‑check each entry for spelling accuracy and ensure any 'yes' answers are accompanied by the required details; incomplete or false information can lead to penalties.

Fill out SBA Form 912 carefully and completely. Start by gathering your personal identification (Social Security number, date of birth, and contact information) and any supporting documentation the form requests, such as previous loan numbers. Read the SBA's directions line‑by‑line; each box must be answered exactly as asked - no 'N/A' unless the form specifically permits it. Write legibly in black ink, double‑check spelling of names and accuracy of dates, and sign on the signature line exactly as it appears on your loan documents, then date the form.

Run a quick checklist: confirm every required field is filled, verify that numbers (e.g., loan amounts) match your records, and ensure no spaces are left blank unintentionally. Compare your answers to any prior SBA correspondence to catch mismatches. Keep a photocopy of the completed form and any attached documents for your records; if anything is unclear, consider contacting the SBA or a qualified advisor before submission.

The most frequent errors on SBA Form 912 are:

• Leaving required fields blank or marking them 'N/A' instead of providing the asked‑for information. Complete every mandatory entry, even if the answer is 'None' or '0.'
• Misspelling your legal name, Social Security number, or other identifiers. Check the spelling and numbers against your government ID before you write them.
• Failing to disclose past convictions, bankruptcies, or legal judgments when the form asks. If the question applies, answer truthfully; an omission can delay processing.
• Signing in the wrong spot or using a nickname/initials that do not match the name on the form. Sign exactly where indicated, using the same name you entered.
• Submitting an outdated version of the form. Download the current SBA Form 912 from the SBA website each time you file.

If you're unsure about any answer, review the SBA's official instructions or consult a qualified professional.

To report a conviction or a bankruptcy on SBA Form 912, locate the yes/no question in Part B that asks whether you have been convicted of a crime or filed for bankruptcy, answer 'Yes,' and provide the details the form requests.

Reporting a conviction - Mark 'Yes' on the conviction line, then list the offense, date of conviction, jurisdiction, and the final outcome (e.g., sentenced, pardoned). Attach any official record or court document that verifies the conviction. SBA guidance typically requires disclosure of felony convictions and any crime involving fraud, even if the conviction was later vacated.

Reporting a bankruptcy - Mark 'Yes' on the bankruptcy line, then specify the chapter (e.g., Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 13), filing date, case number, and the court that handled the case. Note whether the case was discharged, dismissed, or still pending, and include a copy of the bankruptcy filing or discharge order. Both personal and business bankruptcies must be disclosed.

If any question is unclear, contact the SBA or the lender that provided the form for clarification before submitting.

Providing false or misleading information on SBA Form 912 can cause the SBA to deny, suspend, or terminate the underlying loan application, and may trigger administrative or legal penalties.

The agency may rescind any approval already granted, require repayment of disbursed funds, and refer the case to the Department of Justice for potential civil or criminal fraud actions, depending on the severity and intent.

If you discover an error, contact the SBA immediately to correct the record and retain all correspondence; correcting the mistake early can mitigate further consequences.

Keep a complete, organized file of the signed SBA Form 912 and every document you attached or referenced. Your file should include:

• a signed copy of the form (original or scanned);
• proof of submission, such as an email confirmation, courier receipt, or portal screenshot;
• any supporting records you provided (e.g., bank statements, tax returns, court filings, bankruptcy papers);
• all written correspondence with the SBA (letters, emails, notes from phone calls);
• a brief log noting dates you submitted, received confirmations, or received follow‑up requests.

Store the file in a secure location - both a physical copy and a backed‑up digital version. Retain everything for at least three years, or longer if the loan or any related legal matter remains open, because the SBA may request these records during an audit or review.

If you later need to reference the information, having the original documents and a clear timeline will simplify any follow‑up with the agency.

If you cannot or will not sign SBA Form 912, inform your SBA lender immediately. The form must be signed by the borrower or a legally authorized representative; without a valid signature the loan application cannot be completed and will be delayed or denied.

Ask the lender whether someone with a power‑of‑attorney, corporate officer authority, or other documented authority can sign on your behalf. Provide the appropriate written authorization so the lender can attach the substitute signature to the form.

If no authorized signatory can be arranged, understand that the SBA will not approve the loan. You may need to explore alternative financing options that do not require the SBA's certification.

Consider consulting a qualified attorney or a reputable SBA‑focused advisor to confirm who is eligible to sign and to ensure any power‑of‑attorney documentation meets SBA requirements. Do not attempt to submit a forged or unsigned form, as that can lead to denial and potential penalties.