Need help with UCC documents and forms - debtor name consistency across filings

Exactly right. I learned this the hard way after getting three rejections on a continuation filing. The debtor name has to match character for character, including punctuation and spacing.

But what if the original UCC-1 has the wrong name? Do you just perpetuate the error or can you correct it with the amendment?

This is where I always get confused. So if I'm amending to correct the debtor name, do I use the old wrong name in the debtor name field, or the new correct name? The forms aren't clear about this.

You typically use the corrected name in the debtor name field and then in the amendment section you indicate you're changing the debtor name from the old version to the new version. But definitely check your state's filing guide.

Never heard of that but sounds useful. How does it work exactly? Do you just upload the documents and it compares them?

Yeah, you upload the PDFs and it cross-checks debtor names, filing numbers, and other key fields. It's designed specifically for UCC filings so it knows what to look for. Really helpful for catching those tiny formatting differences that cause rejections.

Wait, you're at 4.5 years? You need to get that continuation filed ASAP! You've only got 6 months left before it lapses. File it exactly as it appears on the original UCC-1, comma or no comma.

I know I know! That's why I'm so stressed about this. One more rejection and I might run out of time. Going to try the exact match approach.

Don't panic but definitely prioritize this. If you're really unsure, you could file the continuation with the exact name from the UCC-1 and then immediately file a separate amendment to correct the name if needed. Two filing fees but bulletproof protection.

This is why I always check the state's UCC filing guide before doing any amendments. Each state publishes their specific requirements for debtor names and amendments.

Yeah but even the state guides can be confusing. I've seen guides that contradict their own portal requirements. Sometimes you have to call the filing office directly.

Good point. I always check the Secretary of State database for the exact legal name before filing any UCC documents. Sometimes the entity name in the business records is different from what the borrower uses in their marketing materials.

This is getting complicated. So I need to check the original UCC-1, the loan documents, AND the state business records? How do you keep track of all this?

That's actually a really good system. I might steal that idea. Do you also track filing numbers and dates in the same spreadsheet?

Yep, filing numbers, dates, expiration dates for continuations, everything. It's saved me from missing continuation deadlines multiple times.

How long did it take to check the documents? I'm always in a rush with these filings.

Like 30 seconds. You just upload the PDFs and it instantly shows you any inconsistencies. Much faster than manually comparing documents line by line.

Interesting approach. Wouldn't that create two separate UCC-1 filings for the same collateral though? Might confuse future searchers.

True, but it's better than having a gap in perfection. You can always clean it up later with terminations once you figure out the correct approach.

This seems overly complicated. Why not just call the filing office and ask them directly about the name formatting?

Smart choice. Better safe than sorry with UCC filings. Good luck with your amendment!

Let us know how it goes! Always interested to hear about successful filings after all this troubleshooting.