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Bottom line is you need to treat each entity as a separate debtor requiring its own UCC-1 for initial perfection. UCC-3 amendments can only modify existing valid UCC-1 filings. If you're not certain about your current filing status, audit everything before your next exam. Bank regulators are paying much closer attention to UCC compliance these days.
Appreciate all the guidance here. Sounds like we definitely need to do a comprehensive review of our UCC filing practices across all multi-entity credit facilities. Better to find problems ourselves than have regulators point them out.
Absolutely. The cost of fixing filing gaps is nothing compared to the regulatory headaches and potential loss of security interest if you get it wrong.
This thread is incredibly helpful - I'm dealing with a similar situation where we have a credit facility spanning five related entities and I'm realizing we may have some serious gaps in our UCC filing strategy. From what I'm reading here, it sounds like each entity needs its own UCC-1 regardless of cross-guarantees or master agreements. I'm particularly concerned about the continuation timing issue mentioned - we definitely didn't coordinate our initial filing dates so we'd have different renewal deadlines for each entity. Has anyone found effective ways to systematically audit existing portfolios to identify these kinds of filing gaps? Starting to think we need professional help to review everything before our next regulatory exam.
Bottom line - stick with the exact debtor name from your original UCC-1 filing. California will reject terminations for even minor name variations. Double check the file number too. Should be straightforward once you have those details right.
Thanks everyone for the detailed responses. This gives me confidence to move forward with the termination using the original debtor name format.
Glad to hear your termination was accepted! For future reference, California also allows you to search their UCC database online to verify exact debtor names and file numbers before filing terminations. The search fee is minimal compared to dealing with rejections and refiling costs. This thread should be bookmarked - lots of solid practical advice here about California's strict matching requirements.
One more thing to consider - if any of your debtors are LLCs make sure you're using their exact registered names from the Georgia corporate records. Even slight variations like LLC vs L.L.C. can cause rejections.
I actually ran into this issue before. Ended up cross-referencing everything with Certana.ai's name verification to make sure the charter matched my UCC forms exactly.
Smart approach. Those name mismatches are the most frustrating rejections because they seem so minor but can void your perfection.
Just want to add that Georgia's UCC system is pretty user-friendly compared to other states I've dealt with. The $10 flat fee structure is straightforward and their online portal rarely has issues. One tip - if you're doing multiple filings like you mentioned, consider doing them all at once rather than spacing them out. That way if there are any systemic issues with debtor names or collateral descriptions, you can catch them early and fix them across all filings before any get processed. Also, their customer service is actually helpful if you run into problems, unlike some other state filing offices.
Bottom line - for equipment financing you need the UCC-1 financing statement. Get the debtor name perfect, describe the collateral adequately, pay attention to addresses, and file electronically if possible. The other PA UCC forms you mentioned are for later if you need to amend, continue, or terminate the filing.
And don't stress too much - it's more straightforward than it seems at first.
Thanks everyone, this has been really helpful. Going to double-check that LLC name and get this filed.
Great advice from everyone here! One additional tip for PA UCC forms - if you're filing online, the system will give you a file number immediately after submission. Print or save that confirmation page right away because you'll need that file number for any future amendments or continuations. Also, PA typically processes electronic filings within a few hours during business days, so you should get your official filing receipt pretty quickly. For equipment financing like yours, the UCC-1 is definitely the right starting point - you're on the right track!
That's such a good point about saving the file number immediately! I made the mistake once of closing the browser too quickly and then had to contact the state office to get my filing number. Also, since you mentioned the quick processing time - it's worth noting that if there are any issues with your filing, PA will usually send an email rejection notice pretty fast too, so you can fix and resubmit quickly if needed.
Kristian Bishop
I'd suggest getting Tesla to commit to a specific timeline in writing. Send them a formal demand letter referencing your lease terms and request confirmation of when they'll file the UCC-3 termination. That creates a paper trail if you need to escalate further.
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Amaya Watson
•That's smart - having dates in writing would help if we need to involve our attorney.
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Kaitlyn Otto
•Make sure to send it certified mail or email with delivery confirmation so you have proof they received your demand.
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Axel Far
Just went through this exact scenario last month with a different Tesla vehicle. The name mismatch issue got resolved when we provided Tesla with a corporate resolution showing the subsidiary was authorized to act for the parent company. Took about 2 weeks after that for them to file the termination. Also used that Certana tool someone mentioned earlier to double-check all our entity names matched up correctly across documents - definitely worth the peace of mind.
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Jasmine Hernandez
•Corporate resolutions are the magic bullet for most entity name issues on UCC filings. Tesla's legal team knows what to look for.
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Gabriel Freeman
•Thanks for sharing your experience! This is exactly what I needed to hear. I'll reach out to our corporate counsel tomorrow to get a resolution drafted. Two weeks sounds reasonable given we're already at three weeks. Did Tesla give you any pushback on the resolution format or did they accept it right away?
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