UCC-1 Filing Expiration Timeline - How Long Does My Security Interest Stay Valid?

This is exactly right. I learned this the hard way when we missed a continuation deadline by 3 days and had to refile everything as a new UCC-1. Cost us about $800 in filing fees plus the legal review time.

Wait, so if I file the continuation too early it gets rejected? I thought you could file it anytime during the 5-year period.

You can only file the continuation during that 6-month window before expiration. File it earlier and most states will reject it. The system is pretty strict about this timing requirement.

That sounds exactly like what I need. Does it handle state-specific variations or just the standard 5-year rule?

It handles state variations. Some states have slightly different rules for fixture filings or manufactured homes, and the tool accounts for those differences. Much better than trying to track everything manually.

How accurate is the automated calendar? We've had issues with other software missing nuances in the filing dates.

Very accurate in my experience. It reads the actual filing dates from your PDF documents rather than relying on manual input, so there's less room for human error.

Good point. We do have some construction equipment that might qualify as fixtures depending on installation. I'll need to review those filings specifically.

In my state fixture filings last indefinitely until terminated, but that varies by jurisdiction. Definitely worth checking your specific state rules.

This is a great point. We had a situation where we continued a UCC-1 that included equipment that had already been released. Created confusion during the loan audit.

Exactly. Clean up your collateral schedule before filing continuations. It's much easier to maintain accurate records from the start than to sort out conflicts later.

Should you file an amendment before the continuation or can you do both at once?

File the amendment first, then the continuation. Some states allow combined filings but it's cleaner to do them separately to avoid rejection issues.

That's smart. What kind of discrepancies do you typically find when reviewing for continuations?

Usually debtor name changes due to corporate restructuring, or collateral that's been sold/released but not properly documented. Sometimes address changes for debtors that haven't been updated.

We set our reminders at 9 months out. Better safe than sorry with these deadlines.

All commercial for us, but good to keep in mind. We occasionally do ag equipment financing so that could come up.

Agricultural filings are definitely different in most states. Usually shorter effectiveness periods and different continuation requirements.

What happens if the debtor moves to a different state? Do you need new UCC-1 filings?

If the debtor's location changes, you usually have 4 months to file a new UCC-1 in the new state while maintaining your original priority date. But you still need to continue the original filing until the new one is properly in place.

This gets complicated fast. We usually just file in both states until we're sure the transition is handled correctly.

Most states have procedures for technical difficulties but you have to document the attempt. Save screenshots if the system is down.

We always try to file at least a week before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. Learned that lesson the hard way.

What other features should you look for in UCC tracking software besides calendar reminders?

Document storage, search capabilities, reporting for audits, and integration with your loan management system if possible. Being able to quickly pull up all UCC filings for a specific borrower is invaluable.

That's exactly why I'm trying to get our system organized now. The potential losses are just too significant to leave to chance.

Absolutely. And don't forget that some loans might need multiple continuations over their lifetime. A 10-year loan could require two continuation filings during its term.

Good point. Each continuation gives you another 5 years, so long-term loans definitely need multiple continuations built into the calendar.