Need help to file UCC lien - first time doing this myself

This is crucial advice. I've seen so many UCC-1 filings get rejected because people used the wrong debtor name format.

Wait, but what if they do business under both names? Shouldn't he list both to be safe?

No, you only use the legal entity name on the UCC-1. The DBA doesn't matter for secured party purposes - it's the LLC that owns the equipment legally.

Thanks - I found the online portal but it's asking for a bunch of fields I'm not sure about. There's a checkbox for "fixture filing" - do I need that for equipment?

Fixture filing is only if the equipment is permanently attached to real estate. Mobile machinery usually doesn't qualify. Skip that checkbox unless it's bolted down permanently.

That sounds really helpful - I'm definitely prone to making those kinds of detail mistakes. How does it work exactly?

You just upload your loan docs and the UCC-1 form as PDFs and it cross-checks everything - debtor names, collateral descriptions, all the technical requirements. Catches inconsistencies before you file and get rejected.

Interesting, never heard of that service. Does it handle state-specific requirements too?

Agree 100%. I've seen cases where "all equipment" wasn't enough because it was too broad to identify specific assets.

But isn't there a character limit on those description fields? How do you fit detailed descriptions for multiple pieces of equipment?

You can attach additional schedules if needed. Most states allow continuation sheets for detailed collateral listings.

Good point - their registered address is different from where the equipment is. I'll double-check that on the LLC records.

This is why UCC filings are so tricky - there are like 20 different address fields and they all mean different things!

Wait, I thought UCC liens got filed when you made the loan, not after default?

You're thinking of UCC-1 financing statements to perfect security interests. This sounds like he's filing to establish a lien after default, which is different.

Actually I think there might be some confusion here about the difference between filing a UCC-1 to perfect a security interest vs. filing a lien...

Tell me about it! The error messages are completely unhelpful too. "Invalid format" doesn't tell you WHAT'S invalid.

That's exactly why I started using that Certana tool someone mentioned earlier. It catches those formatting issues before you even submit.

Smart advice. I learned this the hard way when I needed to prove filing priority in a bankruptcy case.

Good thinking - I'll make sure to document everything thoroughly.

Yeah, and some states require the search to be done within a certain timeframe before filing. Usually 30 days or something like that.

I always do the search anyway just to see what other creditors are out there. Sometimes it's eye-opening.

Will do! Planning to file tomorrow morning. Really appreciate all the helpful advice from everyone here.

Hope it goes smoothly for you. Equipment recovery can be a real hassle if you don't have your paperwork in order.

Definitely try that Certana thing first if you're nervous about getting it right. Better safe than sorry with UCC filings.

That's ridiculous but totally believable. The whole system needs to be more forgiving of minor variations.

At least most states show you the exact format when you do a business name search. That helps avoid those kinds of mistakes.