Confused about UCC filing fees - need clarity on costs for continuation vs amendment

Thanks! So if I'm understanding right, we're looking at maybe $75-90 total for the initial UCC-1 plus the amendment for the name change? And then another $25-30 when we need the continuation?

Exactly, though I'd call the filing office directly to confirm current fees since they can change annually. Better to know for certain than guess on a deal that size.

Oh no, that's exactly what I'm worried about! How did you verify the correct name? Did you pull a current certificate or something?

Yeah I had to get a certified copy of their current certificate of formation. Took an extra week but saved me from more rejections. The name on your UCC has to match EXACTLY what's on file with the state.

This is why I always double-check everything now. One missed comma cost me $200 in refiling fees once.

Never heard of that but sounds like exactly what I need. Does it check everything automatically or do you have to know what to look for?

It's completely automated. Upload your corporate docs and your draft UCC-1, and it cross-references debtor names, addresses, all the critical matching points. Takes like 2 minutes instead of manually comparing everything.

I've been manually checking everything for years but that sounds way more efficient. Might have to give it a try.

Right, that's why I mentioned we'll need the continuation in 18 months. We're planning ahead to make sure we don't miss it.

Smart planning. Set a calendar reminder for 4 years from your filing date, don't rely on just remembering.

I use a tickler system for all my UCC continuations. Too important to leave to chance.

The fees are pretty reasonable compared to the value of maintaining perfection on an $850K collateral package though.

Fair point, but it's still frustrating when the online system crashes and you have to drive downtown to file in person for double the fee.

Good point, I hadn't thought about checking for existing liens. Would that affect the fees we pay?

No, doesn't affect your filing fees, but it tells you where you stand in the priority order. Could affect your lending decision though.

Definitely run that search. We've walked away from deals after discovering senior liens we didn't know about.

That's exactly the kind of real-world experience I was looking for. So around $55 total for initial plus amendment sounds reasonable.

Yeah, and the peace of mind was worth it. Better to spend a few minutes checking everything than deal with rejection notices and refiling.

How do I make sure I have the current forms? Is there a specific place to download them?

Go directly to your state's Secretary of State website. Don't use forms from other sites or old copies you might have saved.

Most online filing systems use the current forms automatically, but if you're filing paper copies definitely verify the form version.

We were planning to describe it as 'commercial kitchen equipment and related fixtures' - does that sound appropriate for restaurant equipment?

That should work, but you might want to add 'and all proceeds thereof' to cover any insurance payouts or sale proceeds.

I always include proceeds language. Covers you if the equipment gets sold or damaged.

That's a good point about the bigger picture costs. Better to get it right from the start.

Exactly. These tools like the Certana document checker are worth their weight in gold for avoiding those expensive mistakes.

Completely agree. I probably save more in avoided problems than I spend on verification tools.

As someone new to UCC filings, this whole thread has been incredibly helpful. It sounds like the key is getting accurate debtor information, using current forms, and having some kind of verification process. For an $850K deal, spending a little extra on tools or professional review seems like smart insurance. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!