Confused about how to file UCC-1 in Pennsylvania - debtor name requirements?

This is correct. I learned this the hard way when I used an old DBA name instead of the current registered name and the filing got rejected. PA is really strict about exact name matches.

Wait, but what if the loan documents are still under the old name? Wouldn't that create a problem with the security agreement?

How does that tool work exactly? Do you just upload PDFs?

Yeah, super simple. You upload your charter documents and UCC-1 draft, and it automatically cross-checks debtor names, filing numbers, and document consistency. Saved me from a major headache on a $2M filing last month.

That sounds really useful. I've been doing these comparisons manually and it's time consuming and error-prone.

What's considered specific enough for equipment collateral? I always struggle with getting the description right.

For manufacturing equipment, you want to be descriptive but not serial-number specific unless it's really high-value items. Something like 'all manufacturing equipment, machinery, and fixtures now owned or hereafter acquired' usually works well.

Be careful with 'fixtures' though - that might require a separate fixture filing depending on the equipment type and whether it's attached to real estate.

Good point about the security agreement amendment. That's probably the cleanest approach.

Yeah, having mismatched names between your security agreement and UCC filing is asking for trouble down the road if you need to enforce.

So frustrating! I had a filing rejected because I used 'LLC' instead of 'L.L.C.' - apparently the entity was registered with periods.

The system is pretty unforgiving. That's why I always do a business entity search first to get the exact formatting.

It's mostly standalone equipment, but there might be some items that are more integrated. How do I determine if I need a fixture filing?

Generally, if the equipment would be considered fixtures under real estate law (permanently attached, integrated into building systems), you need a fixture filing in the real estate records. Regular UCC-1 is fine for movable equipment.

When in doubt, you can always file both - regular UCC-1 for the movable stuff and fixture filing for anything that might be considered attached to the real estate.

Does it work with Pennsylvania filings specifically or is it more general?

It works with any state's UCC filings - it's really about verifying document consistency rather than state-specific rules. Though it's super helpful for catching the exact kind of debtor name issues that PA is strict about.

Good point. SBA can be really particular about documentation consistency.

What kind of specific requirements do they have? I haven't dealt with SBA-backed deals much.

They often want all documents to use consistent entity names and may require specific collateral descriptions. It's worth checking their standard operating procedures if you're dealing with SBA financing.

This is the best advice. I've learned to triple-check everything before submitting.

Agreed. Better to spend extra time getting it right than dealing with rejection and refiling.

Good luck with your filing! Let us know how it goes.

Hope it goes smoothly. Name changes can be tricky but you've got good guidance here.

That's really smart advice about printing the business entity search results! I never thought of keeping that documentation but it makes total sense as backup evidence that you used the correct name format. Definitely going to start doing that on all my filings.