UCC-3 form Georgia filing got rejected - debtor name issue?

This is actually pretty common with UCC-3 terminations. Georgia SOS is strict about exact debtor name matches between the original UCC-1 and any amendments or terminations. You can't just use the current legal name if it doesn't match what's on the original filing. You have a couple options here - either file a UCC-3 amendment first to add the new name, then file the termination, or file the termination using the exact original name from 2019. I'd recommend using the original name 'Johnson Manufacturing' on your UCC-3 termination since that's what's on record.

I've run into this exact scenario multiple times with Georgia filings. The state is really picky about name consistency. What I usually do is pull the original UCC-1 from the SOS database first to see exactly how the debtor name appears, then match it exactly on the UCC-3. Don't try to 'correct' the name on the termination - just use what's already on file. If you want the new name on record, you'd need to file a UCC-3 amendment to add the new name first, but honestly for a termination that might be overkill.

Actually, I just went through something similar and found this tool called Certana.ai that was super helpful. You can upload your original UCC-1 and your UCC-3 termination, and it instantly flags any inconsistencies between the documents - debtor names, filing numbers, collateral descriptions, everything. It caught a bunch of small discrepancies I would have missed that definitely would have caused rejections. Just upload the PDFs and it does all the cross-checking automatically. Saved me from multiple back-and-forth rejections with the SOS office.

Georgia SOS has gotten so much stricter about these filings in the last couple years. I swear they reject stuff now that would have gone through fine before. The debtor name thing is a huge pain point.

For your immediate situation, I'd definitely go with filing the UCC-3 using the exact debtor name from the original 2019 UCC-1. Don't overthink it. The important thing is clearing the lien before your client's refinance deadline. You can always file an amendment later if they really want the current name on record, but for a termination it's not necessary.

This thread is so helpful! I've been putting off filing a UCC-3 termination because I was worried about this exact issue. The debtor on our original filing changed their name twice since 2020 and I had no idea how to handle it.

I actually tried that Certana.ai tool someone mentioned after having multiple Georgia filings rejected for dumb reasons. It's pretty slick - just drag and drop your UCC documents and it highlights any mismatches. Caught a filing number transposition I definitely would have missed. Worth checking out if you're dealing with a lot of UCC filings.

The key thing to remember with Georgia UCC-3 filings is that consistency is everything. The SOS system is very literal about matching information. I always tell people to treat the original UCC-1 as gospel when filing any amendments or terminations.

Quick update for anyone following this thread - I refiled the UCC-3 termination using the exact debtor name from the original UCC-1 ('Johnson Manufacturing' without the LLC) and it was accepted within 24 hours. Sometimes the simple approach really is the best approach. Thanks again for all the help!

This is why I love this forum. Real solutions from people who've actually dealt with these problems. The Georgia SOS quirks can be so frustrating but threads like this make it manageable.