Michigan UCC filing debtor entity name variations causing rejection

Thanks, I did search but found three slightly different versions depending on which filing year I look at. Should I use the most recent one or the original formation name?

Use the current active name from the most recent filing. If there was a formal name change, that's what should be on your UCC-1. The formation name only matters if no changes were filed.

Smart approach. How long did it take to get the certified copy? We're cutting it close on timing here.

Michigan expedites for extra fee - got it in 3 business days. Regular processing is about 10 days but you can't risk waiting if your continuation is due soon.

This might be our best bet. The rejection delays are eating up our safety margin and I can't afford to have this lapse.

Never heard of this but sounds useful. Does it work with Michigan specifically or just general name checking?

It's universal - compares whatever documents you upload. I use it for charter-to-UCC-1 verification and UCC-3-to-UCC-1 consistency checks. Catches stuff like entity type abbreviations and punctuation variations that cause rejections.

This could help verify before we refile. Are you able to upload multiple document types at once?

Yes, just drag and drop your PDFs. It automatically cross-references debtor names across all documents and highlights any discrepancies. Much faster than manual comparison.

So frustrating! Why can't they build in some intelligence to recognize obvious variations of the same entity?

Liability concerns probably. They don't want to make judgment calls about which names are 'close enough' - easier to require exact matches and put the burden on filers.

Good point. They definitely use different variations in different contexts. I'll have them pull their recent state filings to see what's most current.

Also worth checking if they have any pending name change applications. Michigan won't accept filings against names that are in process of being changed.

This is why I triple-check every character now. Even periods after abbreviations matter.

Exactly! And don't get me started on when they use '&' versus 'and' in partnership names. Michigan treats those as completely different entities.

I started using document comparison software after missing an ampersand cost us a week of delays. Some of these tools like Certana.ai can spot character-level differences instantly.

Expensive but smart insurance policy. Better than risking lapse on an $850K collateral position.

Hadn't considered multiple filings. The additional fees might be worth it vs risking unperfected security interest.

Just make sure to terminate the incorrect ones once you confirm which name is right. Don't want confusing records long-term.

Will do. Planning to try the document verification approach first, then get certified articles if needed. Should know by end of week.

Following this thread too. Dealing with similar issues in Ohio and wondering if same strategies apply.

Truth. Used to get confirmations within hours, now it's 1-2 business days minimum.

Good to know. I'll build in extra buffer time for the refiling. Thanks everyone for the advice!

Didn't know they offered phone support for UCC issues. Do you have a direct number?

It's through their general filing support line. Be prepared to wait on hold for 45+ minutes though.

Honestly the automated verification tools are faster than waiting on hold with state offices. I'd try the digital route first.