Shareholder Loan Agreement
Alternate Names:
A Shareholder Loan Agreement is also known as a:
- Stockholder Loan Agreement
- Shareholder Loan to Corporation
What is a Shareholder?
A shareholder (or stockholder) is an individual or institution who buys into a company and, in doing so, legally owns a percentage of it.
What is a Shareholder Loan Agreement?
A Shareholder Loan Agreement, sometimes called a stockholder loan agreement, is an enforceable agreement between a shareholder and a corporation that details the terms of a loan (like the repayment schedule and interest rates) when a corporation borrows money from or owes money to a shareholder.
The Shareholder Loan Agreement is essentially evidence of a debt of a corporation to its shareholder.
For example, if a shareholder is an employee and is owed wages from the corporation, the parties could use a shareholder loan agreement to detail those amounts owed.
Why do I need a Shareholder Loan Agreement?
Having a written Loan Agreement is a good way to keep a record of a loan and to clearly detail the obligations of each party in the agreement, as well as any other terms or conditions.
How do I write a Shareholder Loan Agreement?
Similar to a standard Loan Agreement, a Shareholder Loan Agreement should include:
- A payment schedule (the manner in which the debt is repaid, e.g. a lump sum on a specific date or scheduled regular payments over a period of time)
- The loan amount (including details about interest, if applicable)
- Shareholder details (name and address)
- Corporation details (name and address)
- Collateral (if applicable)
- Default details (e.g. increased interest rate if the corporation fails to repay on time)
- Signing details (date and witness signatures, if applicable)
What can a company use as collateral?
Collateral ensures that you'll receive compensation if the corporation defaults on the loan or fails to make payments. It's common to use collateral when a large sum is being loaned or if there's a high risk that the company will default.
Some things commonly used as collateral to secure loans are:
- Business inventory (any materials or stock used by and for the business)
- Equipment (any special equipment or machinery used in the running of the business)
- Accounts receivable (the value of any services that the corporation gets after billing clients)
It should be noted that without securing collateral as part of the Loan Agreement, you'll have to go to court to seize any corporate assets.
Also, it might be a good idea to select collateral that, when liquidated, covers the outstanding debt in the event of something unforeseen like the corporation going bankrupt.
Related Documents: