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Kentucky Promissory Note




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A Kentucky Promissory Note operates similarly to an IOU, though significantly more organized. It's an agreement between two entities, where one loans money from the other and pledges to refund them. It encapsulates all the vital details, such as the repayment schedule and any interest fees. It's more than an informal understanding, it functions as a legally enforceable contract ensuring precision and transparency for all participating parties.

What is the Usury Rate for Kentucky?

Essentially, a usury rate signifies the maximum legal interest rate allowable in lending transactions. Levying beyond this rate results in "usury," which is considered illegal. Rates fluctuate across states, underscoring the importance of understanding the regulations unique to your locality. Recognizing the usury rate ensures equitable lending, warding off potentially harmful circumstances. Hence, it's a vital statistic to recognize when contemplating a loan for your business.


For Kentucky, the legal rate of interest is 8%. If an agreement exists, the general usury limit is the lesser of 4% greater than the Federal Reserve rate or 19%. When identified in a contract in writing on a loan greater than $15,000, any rate may be charged. (Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. Β§ 360.010)

 

What's included in a Kentucky Promissory Note?

Here are some key components that are typically included in a Kentucky Promissory Note:

  1. Amount and Terms of the Loan
  2. Closing and Delivery
  3. Representations, Warranties the Company
     
    1. Organization, Good Standing and Qualification
    2. Corporate Power
    3. Authorization
    4. Compliance with Laws
    5. Use of Proceeds

1. Amount and Terms of the Loan

"The Loan" outlines the precise sum of funds you're allotting to the company. This part is key as it guarantees clarity and protection for all involved parties. To meet this requirement, just insert the loan quantity in the provided empty space. Additionally, review "Exhibit A", showcasing the promissory note serving as the recorded evidence and validation of the loan.

Fundamentally, this crucial clause underscores the capital you're distributing, laying a transparent foundation for your promissory note agreement.

The Loan.  Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Purchaser agrees to lend to the Company at the Closing $_________ (β€œLoan Amount”) against the issuance and delivery by the Company of a promissory note for such amount, attached as EXHIBIT A (β€œNote”). 

2. Closing and Delivery

The CLOSING AND DELIVERY clause elucidates the final stages of your promissory note arrangement. With Closing, you identify the instant the agreement concludes. This date is adaptable, not rigidly tied to the contract's commencement date.

Delivery explains the exchange procedure: the lender extends the loan amount to the company, and in return, the business provides the lender with the completed promissory note, attesting the lender's obligation to repay. This reciprocal exchange ensures transparency and commitment from all participating parties.

CLOSING AND DELIVERY


Closing.  The closing of the sale and purchase of the Notes (the β€œClosing”) will be held on the Effective Date, or at such other time as the Company and Purchasers may mutually agree (such date is referred to as the β€œClosing Date”).

 

Delivery.  At the Closing (i) Purchaser will deliver to the Company a check or wire transfer funds in the amount of the Loan Amount; and (ii) the Company will issue and deliver to Purchaser a Note in favor of Purchaser payable in the principal amount of Purchaser’s Loan Amount.

3. Representation, Warranties The Company

This section pertains to the business's assertions about the authenticity of critical details. They are legally bound to maintain accuracy, avoiding possible legal issues. Include relevant information concerning the company's financial status, operations, or legal matters. Sustaining honesty and transparency in your agreement is of paramount importance.

a. Organization, Good Standing and Qualification

The Organization, Good Standing, and Qualification portion authenticates the company's legal standing. Emphasize the area where the business functions, facilitating competent conduct and fostering trust among all participating parties.

Organization, Good Standing and Qualification.  The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of [State].  The Company has the requisite corporate power to own and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted.  The Company is duly qualified and is authorized to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in all jurisdictions in which the nature of its activities and of its properties (both owned and leased) makes such qualification necessary, except for those jurisdictions in which failure to do so would not have a material adverse effect on the Company or its business.

b. Corporate Power

The Corporate Power provision asserts the company's legal capacity to execute this agreement and fulfill its commitments. In essence, it states, "Our corporation holds the legal aptitude for this transaction." This is essential in reinforcing confidence and lawfulness. Consequently, it's imperative to include this phrase and understand it completely.

Corporate Power.  The Company has all requisite corporate power to execute and deliver this Agreement, to issue the Note and to carry out and perform its obligations under the terms of the Note.  

c. Authorization

The Authorization section encompasses the consent of corporate stakeholders and corroborates the note's legal legitimacy. It's a vital component of your agreement that guarantees all necessary business procedures are satisfied. This segment protects both parties engaged and establishes a solid groundwork for your contract.

Authorization.  All corporate action has been taken on the part of the Company, its directors and its stockholders necessary for the authorization of the Note and the execution, delivery and performance of all obligations of the Company under the Note.  The Note, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, the relief of debtors.

d. Compliance with Laws

The Compliance with Laws clause asserts that your company isn't deliberately breaching any regulations that could jeopardize its functions. Incorporating this term reassures all parties of your business's steadfast dedication to maintaining legal standards.

Compliance with Laws.  To its knowledge, the Company is not in violation of any applicable statute, rule, regulation, order or restriction of any domestic or foreign government or any instrumentality or agency in respect of the conduct of its business or the ownership of its properties, which violation would materially and adversely affect the business, assets, liabilities, financial condition or operations of the Company.

e. Use of Proceeds

The Use of Proceeds clause requires that the loaned funds are exclusively for business initiatives, not personal. It's crucial in cultivating transparency and upholding responsibility towards lenders.

Use of Proceeds.  The Company will use the proceeds of the Note for the operations of its business, and not for any personal, family or household purpose.

Can a promissory note be used without a mortgage?

Indeed, utilizing a promissory note without a mortgage is viable. A promissory note acts as a legal commitment, detailing the loan's specifics. Conversely, a mortgage offers loan security, linking it with assets like real estate. Promissory notes are advantageous for both kinds of loans, secured and unsecured. Therefore, employing a promissory note without a mortgage, essentially an unsecured loan, is entirely achievable. However, it's usually impractical to possess a mortgage without a promissory note, as this document outlines your repayment strategy and symbolizes your devotion to repaying the loan.

How do you collect from a promissory note?

To recover from a promissory note, begin by calculating the total amount owed, including interest and fees. Then, politely pen a letter to the borrower. If repayment doesn't occur, explore your legal alternatives. Maintain all pertinent records and engage legal advice, as laws vary by location. Remember, persistently hassling the debtor could infringe legal limits. It's always wise to collaborate with an attorney to evade possible errors.