South Carolina UCC forms portal keeps rejecting my continuation - debtor name issues?

Good point - I should double check the actual filed version. I've been going off our internal records but you're right that the state database might show something different.

Definitely pull the certified copy first. SC charges like $2 for the search and it'll show you exactly what's on file. Save yourself the rejection headache.

I haven't called yet but that's probably my next step. Do you know if they have a dedicated UCC help line or is it just the general SOS number?

It's the general number but ask for UCC filings specifically. They're usually pretty helpful once you get through to the right person. Just be prepared to wait on hold forever.

I had a similar issue last year and calling definitely helped. The person I talked to could see exactly why my filing was being rejected and walked me through fixing it.

Never heard of that service but sounds useful. How accurate is it with catching those tiny name differences that cause rejections?

Pretty spot on from what I've seen. It flagged the exact comma placement issue we had, plus some address formatting problems I hadn't even noticed. Definitely worth trying before submitting again.

That actually sounds really helpful for my situation. I'll check it out - at this point I need all the help I can get before the deadline.

This is correct. The continuation has to match the original filing exactly, not the current business formation documents. It's counterintuitive but that's how the system works.

Wait, so even if the LLC officially changed their name format, the UCC continuation still needs to use the old version? That seems backwards.

Exactly right. The UCC filing creates its own record with that specific debtor name. If the business actually changed names legally, that would require an amendment first, then the continuation. But for minor formatting differences like commas, just match the original.

Extra spaces?? That's so frustrating that something that minor can cause a rejection. Did you end up having to refile the continuation exactly matching those spaces?

Yep, had to match it character for character including the weird spacing. Submitted it again and it went through immediately. SC's system is very literal about exact matches.

This is why I always copy and paste debtor names directly from the original filing database when doing continuations. Prevents these exact types of formatting headaches.

Good catch! I downloaded the form from their website but it's possible I had an old version saved on my computer. I'll make sure I'm using the current one.

The form version is usually at the bottom of the PDF. Make sure it says 2024 or later for SC forms.

That's actually a really smart backup strategy. Never thought of using an amendment to clean up discrepancies before the continuation.

Interesting approach. With my deadline coming up that might be worth considering as a safety net.

Just make sure you understand which type of amendment you need - a UCC-3 amendment for debtor name corrections vs other types of changes. Don't want to complicate things further.

How much does something like that cost? Might be worth it to avoid rejection fees and delays.

The time savings alone made it worthwhile for me. Much easier than manually comparing documents line by line, especially when the differences are subtle formatting things.

So true! I've had more problems with South Carolina UCC filings than any other state. Their error messages are basically useless too.

At least it's not just me then! Thought I was losing my mind trying to figure out what was wrong with my continuation form.

Definitely will do that. This whole experience has been a learning curve but I'll make sure to keep detailed notes for next time.

Good advice. I keep a whole folder of state-specific filing notes because every state has their own weird requirements and preferences.

Same here! My SC notes are like three pages long at this point with all their formatting quirks and common rejection reasons.