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      Understanding independent expenditures

Understanding independent expenditures An independent expenditure is an expenditure for a communication that expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate and which is not made in coordination with any candidate or their campaign or political party. Independent expenditures are not subject to any amount limitations but may be subject to reporting requirements. (The campaign of a candidate benefiting from an independent expenditure has no reporting obligation.) Campaign staff should pay special attention to the page on “Coordinated communications” which explains when the independence of an expenditure is compromised through contact with a campaign and thus results in an in-kind contribution, subject to contribution limits, to the campaign. If a corporation or labor organization funds the coordinated expenditure, it results in a prohibited contribution.
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          Making independent expendituresAdvertising and disclaimers From the FEC Record Basic rules for disclaimers on radio and TV ads
 Need help? Get help from the FEC by phone or email
 Legal citations Regulations 11 CFR 100.16Definition of independent expenditure 11 CFR 109.21What is a coordinated communication? 11 CFR 109.37What is a party coordinated communication?
 Advisory opinions AO 2010-11Nonconnected committee accepting corporate and union contributions to make independent expenditures AO 2010-09Establishment and administration of, and solicitations by, a political committee that is connected to 501(c)(4) corporation and only makes independent expenditures
 Court cases Citizens United v. FEC


This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public. The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions and applicable court decisions.


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