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      Food and beverage vendor discounts

Food and beverage vendor discounts A vendor of food or beverages (even if incorporated) may sell food and beverages to a party committee at a discount. The amount charged must at least equal the vendor’s cost for the items. If the value of the discount—the difference between the normal charge and the amount paid by the committee—does not exceed $2,000 per calendar year on behalf of all the committees of one political party, the discount is not considered a contribution. Discounts exceeding $2,000, however, must be reported as in-kind contributions by the party committee. A corporate vendor may not exceed the discount limit since corporate contributions are prohibited.
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          Volunteer activitySupport from corporations and labor organizations Need help? Get help from the FEC by phone or email
 Continue learning about this topic Volunteer activity
 Legal citations Regulations 11 CFR 100.78 and 100.38Exemptions for sale of food or beverages by vendor 11 CFR 114.1(a)(2)(v)Sale of food or beverages at cost by corporate vendor to political party committee not a contribution or expenditure


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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