How to Handle an Audit of Your PPP Loan Spending

By federallawy583
June 13, 2025
8 min read
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If you're reading this, you're in trouble – and you know it. The SBA is auditing your PPP loan, and they're looking at how you spent the money. When the PPP program first came out, no one knew what was going on. There were so many guidelines, everyone was confused, and the government was putting out new guideliens every month. You thought you were smart, taking that loan when businesses were struggling. But now federal investigators are knocking at your door, asking questions about every dollar you spent – and you're terrified. You should be. Federal PPP loan fraud convictions have a 93% conviction rate. That's not a theory – that's the reality you're facing due to how stringent PPP guidelines are. At Spodek Law Group – we understand that, and we've handled some of the toughest federal cases in the country. Our team of top rated criminal defense attorneys knows exactly what you're up against.

You Made Mistakes – And the Federal Government Knows It

Every hour matters in federal PPP loan audit cases. The SBA has authority to audit forgiven PPP loans, even years later. You don't understand federal sentencing guidelines. You don't know that PPP fraud can result in up to 30 years in prison. This knowledge gap will hurt you – ASAP. Here's what you might have done wrong: You inflated your payroll numbers, or you used the money for personal expenses, or you applied with false information. Maybe you thought everyone was doing it. Maybe you figured the government wouldn't catch you. But the DOJ has charged over 1,500 individuals for PPP fraud as of 2022 – and they're still going and they're not stopping. The federal government has a strong mandate, and many state and federal agencies are empowered to focus on rooting out the alleged PPP loan fraud,..

The Spodek Law Group Difference – We Get It

Unlike other law firms who are more focused on their relationship with prosecutors, Spodek Law Group owes loyalty to only YOU. Todd Spodek - a prominent attorney, represented Anna Delvey, known as Anna Sorokin. When Netflix released a series about one of Todd's clients: Anna Delvey/Anna Sorokin in 2022, it showed the world what we do best – we fight the toughest cases and win. Todd Spodek is a second-generation attorney with over 50 years of combined experience among our team. We're not your average criminal defense law firm - we get it. Our premier, top rated federal criminal defense attorneys are available 24/7. We have handled thousands of tough cases,and we're one of the few law firms in the country have a completely online digital portal. Our nationwide coverage means we can help you – coast to coast –regardless of where your PPP loan audit is happening.

What triggers a PPP audit?

What is the threshold for PPP loan audit?

PPP loans over $2 million are automatically audited. But don't think you're safe with a smaller loan. The SBA can audit any loan amount – and they're doing it. Federal investigators are using data analytics, bank records, and tips from whistleblowers to identify fraud. If someone suspects you misused funds, they've probably already reported you. The audit process is brutal. The SBA gives tight timeframes to respond – usually 15 days. They want to see everything: your loan application, bank statements, payroll records, receipts, tax returns. If you can't provide documentation,or if the numbers don't match, you're facing federal charges. This isn't a game – it's your life.

Are 20k PPP loans being audited?

Recent sentencing data shows judges aren't going easy on PPP fraud. Even defendants with $20,000 loans are getting prison time. The amount doesn't matter – fraud is fraud. Federal sentencing guidelines use a sliding scale based on loss amount, but even small amounts can result in years behind bars if you have any criminal history.

Federal Penalties You're Facing – The Truth About PPP Loan Fraud Sentencing

Let's be clear about what you're facing. Making false statements to the SBA carries up to 30 years in federal prison. Wire fraud? Another 30 years. Bank fraud? 30 more years. Money laundering? 20 years. These charges stack up – and federal prosecutors love to pile them on. Recent sentencing data shows judges aren't going easy on PPP fraud. Even defendants with $20,000 loans are getting prison time. The amount doesn't matter – fraud is fraud. Federal sentencing guidelines use a sliding scale based on loss amount, but even small amounts can result in years behind bars if you have any criminal history.

Our Rock Star Team of Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

At Spodek Law Group, we're selective about the numbers of clients we onboard every month. We only work with clients we truly believe we can help. Our goal is to provide white-glove service to a fewer number of clients than our competitors. Todd Spodek has been featured on major media outlets, like NY Post, Newsweek, Fox 5, Business Insider, Bloomberg, and others. HeWeargued complex federal cases nationwide – coast to coast. Our team of premier criminal defense lawyers has over 50 years of combined experience. We've handled some of the toughest cases in the country. Many attorneys send us clients because they know they can trust us. We focus on only working with clients who we can truly help – and we get results.

Defense Strategies That Actually Work – How We Fight PPP Loan Audits

First, stop talking to investigators. Everything you say can,and will be used against you. You need an attorney who knows how to fight federal PPP loan fraud charges – someone who gets it. At Spodek Law Group, we know the defenses that work:
  • Good Faith Defense: Maybe you genuinely believed you qualified for the loan. The PPP rules were confusing, changing constantly during the pandemic.
  • Lack of Intent: Mistakes aren't fraud. If you made errors in calculations or misunderstood eligible expenses, that's different from intentional deception.
  • Constitutional ViolationsFederal investigators must follow proper procedures. If they violated your rights, evidence can be thrown out.
  • Insufficient Evidence: The government must prove fraud beyond a reasonable doubt. We challenge every piece of evidence, every witness, every document.

What You Need to Do RIGHT NOW – Before It's Too Late

Stop what you're doing and call us. Seriously. The statute of limitations for PPP fraud extends to 2031 – the government has years to prosecute you. Every day you wait makes your situation worse. Federal investigators are building their case against you right now. Here's what you must do immediately:
  1. Preserve all documents related to your PPP loan – don't destroy anything
  2. Stop discussing your case with anyone except your attorney
  3. Don't try to "fix" any documentation or create new records
  4. Call Spodek Law Group for a free consultation – available 24/7
You're facing 10-20 years. That's not speculation. That's the sentencing guideline for your charge. Federal judges follow sentencing guidelines in 95% of cases. Without proper representation, you're likely to become part of that statistic.

The Process – What Happens After You Hire Us

Once you sign up with us, we handle all aspects of your case. We'll immediately contact federal investigators on your behalf. We review every document, analyze every piece of evidence, and develop a comprehensive defense strategy. Our premier criminal defense attorneys work as a team – multiple attorneys assigned to every case. We negotiate with prosecutors from a position of strength. Unlike other law firms who are more focused on their relationship with prosecutors and judges, we fight for YOU. If the government wants to take this to trial, we're ready. Our attorneys have secured numerous acquittals at trial for our clients.

Don't Wait – Your Future Depends on Acting Now

Federal PPP loan audits are serious business. The DOJ and FBI are continuing to investigate PPP loan recipients – and they're not slowing down. The government has virtually unlimited resources,and they're coming after you. You need a criminal defense attorney who will stand by you and go to battle for you. At Spodek Law Group – we're not your average criminal defense law firm. We have over 50 years of combined experience. We're available 24/7, nationwide – coast to coast. Our managing partner, Todd Spodek, has been featured on major media outlets and represented some of the toughest cases in the country. We offer free consultations, flexible payment plans, and most importantly – we get it. Your future is in jeopardy. PPP loan fraud is a federal crime with serious consequences. You're facing potential decades in federal prison, massive fines, and a permanent criminal record. But with the right representation, you can fight these charges. Call Spodek Law Group now – before it's too late. We're here for you, 24/7. Regardless of how complicated your case is, or how challenging it is – we can help you get the outcome you need and want.

Will the IRS audit PPP loans?

Don't face federal PPP loan fraud charges alone. The stakes are too high, and the federal conviction rate is 95%. You need premier, top rated criminal defense attorneys who understand federal law and know how to fight these cases. Spodek Law Group has the experience, the resources, and the track record to defend you. Call us now for a free consultation. We're available 24/7, nationwide. Our white-glove service and flexible payment plans mean money shouldn't stop you from getting the legal help you deserve. Your future depends on the decisions you make today. Make the right choice – call Spodek Law Group.a

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About the Author

Todd Spodek, Managing Partner

Todd Spodek is the Managing Partner of Spodek Law Group, a premier NYC law firm specializing in divorce, family law, and criminal defense. Featured in Netflix's "Inventing Anna," Todd brings over 48 years of combined legal experience to every case. Known for his strategic approach and dedication to clients, he has successfully handled thousands of complex legal matters throughout New York.

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