Specific Rules for UCC Records

Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) records do not have to be acknowledged in order to be filed in the register's office.  However, the state tax on the filing or recording of instruments evidencing an indebtedness ("mortgage" tax), if due, must be paid before the register accepts the instrument.  T.C.A. § 67-4-409.  The register's fee must also be paid before the UCC instrument is accepted. 

T.C.A. § 47-9-516 lists the reasons a register may refuse to accept and file or record a UCC record:

1. The record is not communicated by a method or medium of communication authorized by the register.
2. The amount tendered is not equal to or greater than the sum of the filing fee plus recording tax ("mortgage" tax) on indebtedness, if any.
3. The register is unable to index the record because:
   a. In the case of an initial financing statement, a name for the debtor is not provided.
   b. In the case of an amendment or information statement, the record does not identify the initial financing statement or identifies an initial financing statement whose effectiveness has lapsed.
   c. Where the debtor's name is given in the initial financing statement or an amendment as an individual and the record does not identify the debtor's last name.
   d. In a fixture filing, the record does not provide the name of the debtor and a sufficient description of the real property to which it relates (we would advise you to accept the filing if any attempt to describe the property is made).
4. In the case of an initial financing statement or an amendment that adds a secured party, the record does not provide a name and mailing address for the secured party of record.
5. In the case of an initial financing statement or an amendment that provides a name of a debtor which was not previously provided in the financing statement, the record does not provide a mailing address for the debtor or indicate whether the debtor is an individual or an organization.
6. In the case of an assignment reflected in an initial financing statement or an amendment, the record does not provide a name and mailing address of the assignee.
7. In the case of a continuation statement, the record is not filed within the 6-month period.
8. The record does not contain, either on its face or in an accompanying sworn statement, the language required under the "mortgage" tax law.
9. If the information in the record is unable to be read or deciphered by the Register's office.

Filing a UCC in the wrong office is NOT a reason to reject a UCC record.  Also, lack of a signature is NOT a reason to reject a UCC record.  Generally, if the register receives sufficient fees and taxes due and can properly index the UCC record, it is advisable to accept the record.