Maine UCC forms - which version for equipment continuation filing?

This is good advice. I learned the hard way that exact name matching is critical. Had a continuation rejected because I used updated business name instead of original filing name.

Yes electronic is the way to go. Paper filings take forever and you don't know if there's problems until much later.

No, for continuations you use the exact debtor name from original UCC-1. Name changes require a separate UCC-3 amendment first, then you can continue under the new name. Don't mix the two processes.

Oh wow, so if their name changed I need to do amendment first then continuation? That seems like it could get complicated with timing.

Actually you can do both on same UCC-3 form - check both amendment and continuation boxes. Just make sure you get the sequence right in the form.

That sounds really helpful. Is it easy to use? I'm worried about making a mistake with the name matching.

Super easy - literally just drag and drop your PDFs. It checks debtor names, filing numbers, all the critical stuff that needs to match between documents.

Hmm never heard of this service. Seems like something you should be able to do manually though?

I hear you on the frustration but the electronic system has gotten better recently. Haven't had crashes in my last few filings.

The trick is to file early morning or late evening when traffic is lighter. Noon filings always seem to have problems.

Good point. Should I check the Maine Secretary of State business registry to verify their current status?

Yes definitely check the registry, but remember for continuation purposes you still use the original UCC-1 debtor name regardless of current registry info.

That's reassuring. Did you use the standard Maine SOS portal or is there a separate UCC portal?

Standard Maine SOS portal has the UCC section. Look for 'UCC Filings' under business services. Pretty straightforward once you find it.

Make sure you save confirmation numbers and print everything. Maine's system has been known to lose records occasionally.

How would I know if there were errors in the original filing? It was done by our previous attorney.

Request a copy of the filed UCC-1 from Maine SOS and compare it to your loan documents. Look for spelling differences, address variations, anything that doesn't match exactly.

Agree on electronic but I still keep paper backups of everything. Had one case where electronic confirmation disappeared from the system.

That's scary. How long should we keep the electronic confirmations?

I think it's around $20 for electronic continuation filings, but check the Maine SOS fee schedule to be sure. Fees change occasionally.

It was $20 when I filed last month. Much cheaper than the $40 paper filing fee.

That's good to know. I might try it before submitting my continuation just to be safe.

Yeah I've heard good things about it from other lenders. Seems like it could prevent a lot of headaches with rejected filings.

That's a great point about losing priority during the gap. I'll definitely file well before March to avoid any issues.

I always recommend filing continuations at least 60 days before lapse. Gives you time to fix any problems if the filing gets rejected.

Exactly. And if you catch problems early, you have time to research solutions instead of panicking at the last minute.