How to get UCC filings - need help accessing records for due diligence

This is solid advice. Just make sure you're searching the EXACT legal name as it appears on corporate documents. Even a missing comma can cause you to miss filings.

Yeah the name matching thing bit me once. Company was doing business as 'ABC Corp' but legal name was 'ABC Corporation' - completely different search results.

That makes sense but how do I know where all their assets are located? The preliminary info I have is pretty limited.

Property tax records, business licenses, facility leases if you can access them. Also check their existing loan docs if available - lenders usually file where the collateral sits.

Don't forget fixture filings! Those might be in real estate records instead of the main UCC database.

That sounds exactly like what I need. How does it handle the multi-state aspect?

You upload your target company's charter or articles of incorporation and it verifies the exact legal name across multiple jurisdictions. Takes the guesswork out of name matching.

Interesting - I've been doing these searches manually for years. Might be worth checking out if it catches variations I'm missing.

Yes! And pay attention to continuation dates. A UCC-1 expires after 5 years unless continued. Recent expirations could signal problems.

How do you interpret partial releases? I see UCC-3 amendments that release some but not all collateral.

Partial releases usually mean they paid down debt or refinanced part of the obligation. Look at the timing and amounts if disclosed.

Ugh that's exactly what I'm worried about with tight deadlines. Are there backup options if portals are down?

Some states still accept phone requests but it's slower and more expensive. A few have third-party services but verify they're accessing official records.

Good point. Also some states offer subscription services for frequent searchers.

Wisconsin has a really nice bulk download feature. Wish more states would adopt something similar.

How do I find all the subsidiary names? Corporate records?

Start with their tax returns if you can access them, then check business license databases in each state where they operate.

Secretary of State corporate filings usually show subsidiaries too. Look for annual reports and amendments.

That's really smart about documenting the search process. Never thought about needing to prove what you looked for.

Trust me, when deal disputes arise, having a clear record of your search methodology can save you. Include dates, jurisdictions, search terms used.

I hadn't thought about tax liens. Where do those get filed?

Usually with the county recorder or clerk where the business is located. IRS liens are public record but in a different database than UCC filings.

Some states include federal tax liens in their UCC search results, but don't count on it. Better to check both.

This is getting overwhelming. Feels like there are so many places things could be hiding.

It is complex but don't panic. Start with the main jurisdictions and legal name, then expand from there. You'll catch the major stuff first.

Exactly. Perfect is the enemy of good in due diligence. Get the big picture first, then fill in details if needed.