The Advantages Of Nationwide Filing Services

By Jeanette Parsons


Some nationwide filing services file important real estate documents. Others file SEC documents, UCC documents, and business entity documents. Many private companies take advantage of this service, outsourcing their documents for preparation or editing, and filing in appropriate jurisdictions. The service allows them to focus on activities that generate revenue, instead of working on non-productive, time-consuming activities.

Some providers specialize in Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The SEC's EDGAR system collects, validates, indexes, accepts, and forwards document submissions from any entity, which is legally required to file forms with the SEC. There are many types of forms supported by the EDGAR system, including reports of sales of securities, annual reports, and definitive proxy statements.

Other providers offer Uniform Commercial Code filings. UCC filings are liens, placed upon a business or the assets of a business, for protection during a business transaction. For instance, a borrower might offer a fixed asset as collateral, in exchange for a loan from a creditor. Most UCC forms are filed with Secretaries of State, with a few filed at the county level.

Business entity filings are also completed by services. Business entity forms, for the purpose of creating LLCs and corporations, may be filed in all fifty states. Other forms that a service may file include qualifications, amendments, name changes, restatements dissolutions, withdrawals, and mergers.

The filing process begins when customers send documents to the service. Customers may send in documents via overnight courier, fax, mail, or e-mail. Once received, the service edits the documents, to insure there are no rejections for incorrect information, or illegibility. Once the customer approves, the service files the documents via electronic filing, walk-up service, or overnight courier, with the appropriate recorder or clerk.

E-file is a major governmental initiative and a major focus for filing services. E-file, the sending and recording of documents via internet, saves on express mail and courier services. Customers receive same-day recording information, and documents never leave the office. Not sending documents through the mail prevents risk of damage, or loss of the document in transit. Also, customers receive instant notification if their document does not meet recording or scanning standards, rather than waiting weeks for turnaround via mail.

In every state, nationwide filing services both prepare, and then record, important documents. Some providers offer document tracking, so that companies are notified when their forms have expired, or need to be re-filed. SEC filings, UCC filings, business entity filings, real estate filings, and trademark registrations, are all prepared and recorded by these services. Their work keeps companies focused on generating revenue, and not on tiresome paper-pushing.




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