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      Advances by individuals

Advances by individuals General rule When an individual uses personal funds (or personal credit) to pay for a campaign expense, that payment is generally an in-kind contribution from that individual. For example, an in-kind contribution results if a campaign staff member pays for postage, office supplies or campaign materials with personal funds. This rule also applies to payments made by volunteers and by the candidate. Although such advances are considered in-kind contributions until reimbursed, special reporting rules apply when individuals pay for campaign expenses and later receive reimbursement from the committee. Travel expenses later reimbursed by the committee are treated differently.
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        Staff reimbursements
 Congressional and presidential staff The Hatch Act prohibits official staff of members of Congress from making a contribution to their employing member’s campaign. As such, it is important for those individuals to avoid advancing any funds to the campaign (for example, buying stamps for a campaign mailing). Additional provisions of the Hatch Act apply to congressional and presidential staff. For more information, contact the Senate Select Committee on Ethics or the House Committee on Ethics. For information about political activity by federal employees, contact the U.S. Office of Special Counsel.
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          Types of contributionsTravel expenses paid by individuals
            
          
            
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          Office of Congressional EthicsU.S. Senate Select Committee on EthicsOffice of Special Counsel: Hatch ActOffice of Government Ethics From the FEC Record Interpretive rule on reporting ultimate payees of political committee disbursements
 Need help? Get help from the FEC by phone or email
 Continue learning about this topic FECFile for authorized committees: Entering disbursements for operating expenditures and staff reimbursements
 Legal citations Statutes 18 U.S.C. § 602Solicitation of political contributions (Hatch Act) 18 U.S.C. § 603Making political contributions (Hatch Act)
 Regulations 11 CFR 100.52(a)Gift, subscription, loan, advance or deposit of money 11 CFR 100.79Unreimbursed payment for transportation and subsistence expenses 11 CFR 116.5Advances by committee staff and other individuals


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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