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      Bank accounts of SSF

Bank accounts of SSF Establishing federal and nonfederal bank accounts All political committees must register an official committee depository. A committee engaging in both federal and nonfederal election activity has two options: Set up one federal account (accepting only contributions subject to the limits and prohibitions of the Federal Election Campaign Act) to support both federal and nonfederal candidates and report all activity to the FEC; orSet up two accounts—one for federal elections and another for state and local elections. The second option permits the committee to maintain a separate nonfederal account that has no federal registration or reporting obligations. When conducting an activity that relates to both federal and nonfederal elections however, the committee could also allocate the costs between the two accounts . Also, please note that any activity (including reporting requirements) by nonfederal accounts is governed by relevant state law. A nonfederal account generally has no reporting obligations with the FEC. Administrative account Although the law permits the connected organization to pay administrative and fundraising costs for an SSF, the connected organization may establish a separate administrative account to be used solely for the SSF’s administrative and fundraising expenses. Administrative expenses include, for example, rent, utilities, office supplies and salaries not attributable to a candidate. The funds contained in the administrative account may never be commingled with the SSF’s own funds, which are derived solely from lawful contributions. Trade associations sponsoring SSFs can solicit their members for donations to their administrative account under certain circumstances.
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          Getting a tax ID and a bank accountSupport nonfederal candidatesDay-to-day operations of the SSFDonations to administrative account of trade associationAllocating shared expenses between federal and nonfederal accounts Need help? Get help from the FEC by phone or email
 Legal citations Regulations 11 CFR 102.5(a)(1)(i) and (ii)Organizations that are political committees financing political activity in connection with federal and nonfederal elections
 Advisory opinions AO 1980-59Corporate funds donated to defray administrative costs of separate segregated fund AO 1981-19Combined investment of political/administrative funds in money market AO 1986-13Eligibility of trade association's corporate members and state associations to finance PAC expenses AO 1990-04Use of credit cards to make combined dues/contribution payments AO 1992-20Funds from members' corporate practice accounts used to pay SSF's expenses


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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