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Luca Romano
Given the tight timeline and loan amount, you might want to pay for expedited processing if that's available. Some states offer same-day or next-day processing for an additional fee. Worth it for a deal this size to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Zainab Omar
•That's a great suggestion. I'll check if expedited processing is available - the extra fee would be worth it for peace of mind.
Nia Jackson
•Expedited processing saved my closing once. Definitely worth the extra cost when you're cutting it close on timing.
One more thing - keep copies of everything and get a filing receipt with the file number. You'll need that information for future amendments or continuations, and it's proof of your filing date and lien priority. Some states email confirmations, others require you to download or print them.
Good practice to save everything electronically too. Makes it easier to find when you need to file continuations in a few years.
Aisha Khan
•I keep a spreadsheet of all UCC filings with file numbers and expiration dates. Helps track when continuations are due.
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Update us when you find out what happened! I'm dealing with a similar situation in Texas and curious if it's a widespread issue with state filing systems right now.
Eli Butler
•Will do! Going to try calling first thing tomorrow morning and see if I can get some answers.
Pro tip: always keep screenshots of your filing submission page and payment confirmation. If there's ever a dispute about timing or whether you filed properly, that documentation can save you. I learned this the hard way after a filing got lost in their system.
Isaac Wright
•Great advice. I always save PDFs of everything now after getting burned once.
Maya Diaz
•Same here. I also started using that Certana.ai service to double-check everything before filing. Upload your docs and it verifies all the details match up correctly. Much better than finding out about problems weeks later.
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Had a similar deal last year where I almost filed in the wrong state because I focused on where the business operated instead of where it was organized. Delaware filing saved the day when the borrower defaulted and we needed to enforce.
Enforcement issues are exactly why getting the filing location right matters so much. Glad it worked out for you.
Absolutely. Nothing worse than finding out your UCC-1 is ineffective when you're trying to collect.
For what it's worth, I always run a belt-and-suspenders approach on complex deals. File the UCC-1 in Delaware for sure, but also consider whether any of the equipment might qualify for certificate of title perfection in Texas if it's motor vehicles.
Yeah, any titled vehicles would need to be perfected on the Texas titles regardless of the Delaware UCC-1 filing.
Ava Garcia
•Good catch. Always important to separate out titled vehicles from general equipment when planning your perfection strategy.
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Also make sure you're filing the continuation well before the 5-year mark if this is a long-term SBA loan. Set a reminder for year 4 so you don't accidentally let the UCC lapse. SBA gets really unhappy about unperfected security interests.
Emma Johnson
•Do you need to notify SBA when you file the continuation or do they not care as long as it's done?
Usually just need to keep your files updated. They care that it's done but don't need notification unless they ask.
Liam Brown
One last check - verify that the LLC is in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State before filing. SBA sometimes requires current certificates of good standing and you want everything to align. A lapsed LLC status could complicate the entire loan process.
Liam Brown
•Yes, Illinois has an online business entity search. You can verify status and get certificates there.
Noah Lee
•This thread has been incredibly helpful. Thanks for all the detailed advice everyone!
StellarSurfer
The bottom line is the Secretary of State UCC Division is the filing office, not the advisory office. They maintain records, process forms, and provide search services. Everything else - legal strategy, deadline tracking, document accuracy - is your responsibility as the secured party.
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Sean Kelly
•Perfect summary. They're the record keeper, not the legal advisor. Know what you're filing and why before you submit to the division.
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Zara Malik
•This is why I started using document verification tools like Certana.ai. The SOS division won't catch your mistakes, so you need to catch them yourself before filing.
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Luca Greco
Thanks everyone - this really helps clarify the division's role. Sounds like they're basically the administrative processor for UCC filings, not the legal advisor. I'll make sure my paperwork is solid before submitting since they won't review for accuracy.
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Nia Thompson
•Exactly! Get your debtor names perfect and your collateral descriptions right, then let the SOS UCC division handle the filing and record keeping part.
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Mateo Rodriguez
•Good luck with your equipment financing filing. The division staff can help with portal issues but the legal accuracy is all on you.
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