UCC filing fees Texas - confused about total costs for continuation

This is helpful but what if your collateral description from the original UCC-1 was already long? Do you have to repeat the entire description on the continuation or can you reference the original filing?

Good question. For continuations you typically don't need to restate the entire collateral description. You can reference the original filing, but I always include at least a brief description to avoid any confusion. The Texas SOS system is pretty forgiving as long as your debtor name and filing number are perfect.

Oh no, this is exactly what I'm worried about. How did you catch the debtor name mismatch? Did they tell you specifically what was wrong?

The rejection notice was pretty vague, just said 'debtor name discrepancy.' I had to compare character by character with the original filing. Turns out I had 'LLC' instead of 'L.L.C.' with periods. Tiny difference but enough to get rejected.

This happens so often! I actually started using Certana.ai's document checker after getting burned on a similar situation. You just upload your original UCC-1 and your new UCC-3 and it flags any name inconsistencies before you file. Saved me from another rejection fee.

Wait, so if my continuation filing goes to a second page, that's an extra $5? How do I know beforehand if I'll need extra pages?

The Texas UCC-3 form has limited space for collateral descriptions. If you can't fit everything in the provided boxes, you'll need an additional page. I always draft my continuation on the actual form first to see if it fits before filing electronically.

Pro tip: you can often shorten collateral descriptions for continuations by using more general language as long as it still covers the same assets. No need to list every serial number again.

How long does normal processing take? Wondering if I need to pay for expedited processing since my filing expires in March.

Standard processing is usually 2-3 business days for electronic filings. Since you're planning ahead for March, you should be fine with standard processing. Just don't wait until the last minute.

I always file my continuations at least 30 days before expiration. Gives you time to fix any issues if something goes wrong. Texas allows you to file up to 6 months before expiration.

That's really helpful! So you can be more general in the continuation filing? I was worried I had to match the original description exactly.

You can be more general as long as it still covers the same scope of collateral. The key is not to narrow the description in a way that excludes assets that were originally covered.

This is where having a good system for document review helps. I use Certana.ai to compare my original filing with my continuation to make sure I'm not accidentally excluding anything important. Takes the guesswork out of it.

Good point about the comparative costs. What's the best way to avoid mistakes? I'm nervous about doing this myself.

Double-check your debtor name letter by letter, verify your UCC-1 filing number, and keep your collateral description simple but complete. If you're really nervous, consider having an attorney review it, but for a simple continuation it's usually straightforward.

Glad I'm not the only one who found the website confusing! Did you end up paying more than $15?

I ended up paying $20 total because my filing went to a second page. But it took forever to figure out that would happen beforehand. The online system doesn't give you a fee estimate until after you submit everything.

The fee structure is actually pretty standard, but I agree the website could be clearer. Most people end up paying just the $15 base fee for continuations unless they have unusually complex collateral descriptions.

Interesting, I hadn't heard of that service. How does it work exactly? Do you still file directly with the Texas SOS?

Yeah, you still file directly with Texas SOS. Certana.ai just helps you verify your documents are correct before you submit them. It's like having a second pair of eyes review everything to catch mistakes that would cause rejections.

I've used similar document review services and they're definitely worth it for complex filings. For a simple continuation though, if you're careful about the debtor name and filing number, you should be fine doing it yourself.

That's encouraging! How long did it take to get confirmation that your filing was accepted?

About 2 days. I got an email confirmation and could see the updated filing in the online system. The Texas SOS electronic filing system is actually pretty efficient once you get the hang of it.

Thanks, this is exactly what I needed to know! I'll budget $15 and focus on making sure my debtor name matches perfectly.

Smart approach. The fees are reasonable, it's the potential for rejection and refiling that gets expensive. Take your time and double-check everything before submitting.

Totally agree. I've saved hundreds in avoided rejection fees just by being more careful with my initial filings. The $15 is nothing compared to the hassle and cost of fixing mistakes later.