USDA Tweaks Paperwork for Rural Business Loan Programs
Published Date: 4/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA wants to update the paperwork for rural loan programs that help small businesses borrow money. If you’re involved in these loans, you might see some changes to the forms and info they ask for. They’re asking for your thoughts by June 22, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too much work.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Paperwork Time Burden for Loan Respondents
If you are an intermediary or an ultimate recipient in the Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) or the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP), the information collection is estimated to average 4 hours per response. The agency estimates 4 responses per respondent for about 500 respondents, totaling 8,000 annual burden hours.
Most Collected Data May Be Publicly Available
Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the general public can request the majority of data the Agency collects from intermediaries, though information classified as confidential is excluded.
Financial Reporting Used for Oversight and Program Work
The collection includes financial reporting that Rural Business‑Cooperative Service will use to monitor the IRP/RMAP programs, report to Congress, and support program innovation and expansion under the Government's Performance Review.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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2026-07332 — Notice of Rescission of Funding Opportunity for the Rural Energy for America Program
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2026-04581 — OneRD Annual Notice of Guarantee Fee Rates, Periodic Retention Fee Rates, Loan Guarantee Percentage and Fee for Issuance of the Loan Note Guarantee Prior to Construction Completion for Fiscal Year 2026
Starting October 1, 2025, the USDA’s Rural Development agencies are updating the fees and loan guarantee percentages for their loan programs that help rural businesses, housing, utilities, and energy projects. If you’re applying for these loans in fiscal year 2026, expect new rates for guarantee fees, retention fees, and issuance fees before construction finishes. These changes keep the programs running smoothly and support rural America’s growth.
2026-04034 — Notice of Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection: OMB No. 0570-0067
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2026-03790 — Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) for Fiscal Year 2026
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2025-22567 — OneRD Guaranteed Loan Regulation
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