UCC filing online portal keeps rejecting my continuation - debtor name exact match issue

This is why I always keep copies of the original filing docs. The name has to match exactly what's on file, not what your current paperwork says.

Called SOS once about this exact thing and they told me to use whatever name is on the original UCC-1, period. No updates, no corrections, just exactly what was filed originally.

Good point about checking the original filing. I assumed I had the right name but maybe I should verify first. Do you know if there's a way to search and view the original filing details online?

Most states let you search UCC filings by debtor name or filing number. Should be able to pull up your 2020 filing and see exactly how the name was entered originally.

Be careful with those searches tho - some states charge fees even just to view the documents online. Found that out the hard way when I was trying to verify collateral descriptions for a client.

Never heard of that tool but sounds useful. How accurate is it with catching those kinds of discrepancies?

Pretty solid from what I've seen. It cross-checks everything automatically when you upload the PDFs. Caught three different issues in my docs that I completely missed manually reviewing them.

Anything that can prevent UCC filing rejections sounds worth trying. The stress of missing continuation deadlines is brutal.

Tell me about it. I've had filings rejected for using 'Street' instead of 'St.' in an address. The systems are way too rigid.

At least with paper filings you could include a cover letter explaining any potential discrepancies. Online systems just spit out error codes.

That's an interesting approach. Would I need to file a UCC-3 amendment first to fix the name, then another UCC-3 for the continuation?

Exactly. Amendment first to correct the debtor name, then continuation to extend the effectiveness. Just make sure you don't miss your deadline window while doing both filings.

Double filing fees though. Might be cheaper to just call the SOS office and ask them to manually process the continuation with a note about the punctuation difference.

This is the right answer. I've seen too many people assume they know how their company name was filed originally.

Yep, and if there was a mistake on the original filing, you're stuck with that mistake for continuation purposes. You can't 'fix' it during a continuation.

Good point about not waiting. I've got about 3.5 months left on the deadline so I should probably sort this out soon rather than assuming I can fix it last minute.

Professional UCC service might be worth it for that amount of collateral. They deal with these name matching issues all the time.

Or try that Certana tool someone mentioned earlier. Might catch the issue before you submit and save you the professional service fees.

Will do. Planning to pull the original filing tomorrow and see exactly how the name appears. If that doesn't work I'll try the document verification approach before calling in the professionals.

Smart plan. The verification step could save you a lot of back-and-forth with the online system.

How long does that verification process take? If it's instant that could be really helpful for these time-sensitive filings.

Pretty much instant once you upload the PDFs. Just drag and drop your original UCC-1 and your continuation draft, and it highlights any inconsistencies between them.

That sounds way better than manually comparing documents. I always worry I'm missing something important when I review filings myself.

That's actually a really good idea. Our loan officer probably deals with UCC continuations regularly and might know the tricks for getting around these online portal quirks.

Lenders definitely want those continuations filed correctly. They're usually pretty helpful when their security interest is at risk.