Federal Election Commission Campaign Guide 
About this Guide 

This guide replaces the 2009 edition of the Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees. It summarizes the laws applicable to party committees as of 

August 2013, and includes the updated contribution limits for 2013-14 elections, as well as revised 

regulations on federal candidates’ participation 

in nonfederal fundraising events, Federal Election 

Activity and coordinated communications. 

Federal Election Commission 

Washington, DC 20463 

Commissioners: 

Ellen L.Weintraub, Chair 

Donald F. McGahn II,Vice Chairman 

Caroline C. Hunter 

Matthew S. Petersen 

Steven T. Walther 

Staff Director: 

Alec Palmer 

Prepared by the 

Information Division of the 

Offce of Communications 

Greg J. Scott, Director 

Zainab S. Smith, Editor 

i 
ii 
INTRODUCTION 

This campaign guide has been written to help 

political party committees at all levels—national, 

state, district and local—comply with federal 

campaign finance laws. These laws regulate the 

money raised and spent to elect candidates 

to the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Presidency. 

(Unregistered party organizations should consult 

the FEC brochure on “Local Party Activity.”) 

This publication provides guidance on certain 

aspects of federal campaign finance law. It is not 

intended to replace the law or to change its 

meaning, nor does this publication create or confer 

any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal 

Election Commission (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. 

Defned Terms 

Definitions of key terms used in this guide appear 

in Appendix H. 

Citations 

Most of the citations in this guide refer to Federal 

Election Commission regulations. FEC regulations 

are located in Title 11 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations, Parts 100-300 and 9001-9039. FEC 

advisory opinions (AOs) are also cited. (More on 

AOs below.) 

Getting More Help 

Toll-Free Line 

Many questions on the federal campaign finance 

law can be answered informally by FEC staff. Call 

the FEC at: 

800/424-9530 

202/694-1100 (Washington, DC area) 

202/219-3336 (TDD) 

Hearing-impaired persons may reverse the charges 

when calling long-distance on the TDD number. 

Questions may also be submitted by electronic 

mail to info@fec.gov. 

Free Publications 

In addition to this guide, the FEC publishes a 

series of brochures and other publications on 

several aspects of the federal campaign finance 

law, all available free of charge. Subscriptions to 

the Commission’s newsletter, the Record, are also 

available at no charge. Call the FEC to place your 

order. All FEC publications are available on the 

Commission’s website (see below). 

FEC Website 

Filing forms and other informational materials such 

as advisory opinions and recent changes in the FEC 

regulations are also available on the FEC website 

(www.fec.gov). 

Advisory Opinions 

FEC advisory opinions (AOs) respond to questions 

on the legality of specific activities. Individuals and 

organizations involved in an activity that does not 

differ in any material aspects from that addressed 

in an AO may rely on the opinion for legal 

guidance. AOs are available on the Commission’s 

website. Copies of AOs may also be ordered from 

the FEC’s Public Records Office; there is a small 

copying charge. 

Anyone may request an AO on his or her own 

proposed or ongoing activity. Requests presenting 

only general questions of law, past activity, 

hypothetical questions or the activities of others 

do not qualify. The Commission has 60 calendar 

days after receiving a request to issue the AO. In 

certain situations, a 20-day expedited response 

is available to candidates (or their authorized 

committees or agents). 112.4(b). However, if the 

iii 
Commission requires further information from the 

requester, the beginning of the 60-day period may 

be postponed. AO requests should be addressed 

to the Office of General Counsel at: 

Federal Election Commission 

1050 First Street, N.E. 

Washington, DC 20463 

iv 
CONTENTS 

Introduction iii 

CHAPTER 1 

Getting Started 1 

1. Who Should Use This Guide 1 

2. Committee Registration 1 

3. Types of Funds 2 

4. Agents and Entities of the Committee 2 

5. Committee Bank Accounts 4 

6. Committee Treasurer 6 

7. FEC Registration Form 7 

8. Incorporating the Committee 9 

CHAPTER 2 

Contributions and Other Sources of 

Funds 11 

1. Types of Contributions 11 

2. Prohibited Contributions 12 

3. Limits on Contributions Received by 

the Committee 14 

4. Afliation and the Contribution Limits 16 

5. Bank Loans and Overdrafts 16 

6. Interest and Dividends 17 

7. Other Sources of Funds 17 

8. State Tax Checkof Funds and Other 

State Proceeds 18 

CHAPTER 3 

Fundraising Procedures 21 

1. Solicitation Notices 21 

2. Forwarded Contributions 21 

3. Treasurer’s Receipt 22 

4. Federal Candidates and Nonfederal 

Fundraising 22 

5. Prohibited Fundraising Activity 23 

6. Handling Illegal Contributions 23 

7. Joint Fundraising Procedures 25 

CHAPTER 4 

Other Committee Resources 27 

1. Legal and Accounting Services 27 

2. Volunteer Activity 27 

3. Transportation Expenses 28 

4. Vendor Discounts 28 

5. Corporate / Labor Exceptions 29 

6. Use of Corporate/Labor Facilities and 

Resources 31 

7. Fundraisers For Candidates 32 

8. Independent Expenditures 33 

9. Electioneering Communications 33 

CHAPTER 5 

Contributions to Candidates and 

Committees 35 

1. Overview 35 

2. Contributions to Candidates 35 

3. How the Candidate Limits Work 38 

4. Designating Contributions to Candidates 39 

5. Contributions to PACS 40 

6. Restrictions on Making, Directing or 

Soliciting Funds 41 

CHAPTER 6 

Earmarked Contributions 43 

1. Conduits 43 

2. Contribution Limits 43 

3. Forwarding Earmarked Contributions 44 

4. Reporting Conduit Activity 44 

5. Contents of Transmittal Reports 45 

6. Reporting Instructions for Political 

Committee Conduits 45 

CHAPTER 7 

Other Candidate Support Activities 47 

1. Coordinated Party Expenditures 47 

2. Exempt Party Activities 49 

3. Phone Banks 50 

4. Support of Presidential Nominee 51 

5. Use of Candidates’ Names in 

Special Projects 51 

6. Indirect Candidate Support 51 

CHAPTER 8 

Federal Election Activity 53 

1. What Federal Election Activity Is 53 

2. What Federal Election Activity Is Not 55 

3. Funding Federal Election Activity 57 

4. Levin Funds 57 

5. Reporting Requirements 58 

v 
CHAPTER 9 

Communications 59 

1. Party Coordinated Communications 59 

2. Communications Coordinated with 

a Party Committee 62 

3. Independent Expenditures 62 

4. Communications that are Federal 

Election Activity 63 

5. Electioneering Communications 64 

6. Disclaimer Notices on Communications 64 

CHAPTER 10 

Keeping Records 67 

1. Treasurer’s Duties 67 

2. Receipts 67 

3. Disbursements 68 

4. Treasurer’s Best Eforts 69 

CHAPTER 11 

Filing FEC Reports 71 

1. Treasurer’s Duties 71 

2. Reporting Deadlines 71 

3. Monthly Reporting 72 

4. Quarterly Reporting 73 

5. Special Elections 75 

6. Electronic Filing 75 

7. Where to File 76 

8. Public Review of Reports 77 

CHAPTER 12 

Completing FEC Form 3X 79 

1. Reporting Forms 79 

2. Itemized Receipts: Schedule A 80 

3. Reporting Receipts: The Detailed 

Summary Page 84 

4. Itemized Disbursements 86 

5. Reporting Disbursements: 

The Detailed Summary Page 87 

6. Contribution Refunds Made 

and Received 89 

7. Reporting Reimbursed Advances of 

Personal Funds 90 

8. Investments 92 

9. Coordinated Party Expenditures 92 

10. Independent Expenditures 93 

11. Reporting Loans 95 

12. Reporting Debts Other Than Loans 97 

13. Levin Funds / Federal Election Activity 98 

14. The Summary Page 99 

15. Filing Amendments 100 

CHAPTER 13 

Allocating Certain Federal

and Nonfederal Expenses 101 

1. Who Must Allocate 101 

2. What Expenses to Allocate 101 

3. Allocation Methods 102 

4. Payment of Allocated Expenses 103 

5. Reporting Allocated Administrative, 

Voter Drive Activity and Exempt Party 

Activity Expenses 104 

6. Reporting Allocated Committee 

Fundraising Expenses 105 

7. Candidate Support Activities as 

In-Kind Contributions 107 

8. Transfers and Payments Covering 

Diferent Categories 108 

9. Refunds and Rebates of Allocable 

Expenses 109 

10. Prohibited In-Kind Donations for 

Allocable Administrative and 

Fundraising Activities 111 

CHAPTER 14 

Reporting Federal Election Activity 115 

1. What to Report 115 

2. When to File 115 

3. Reporting Receipts and Disbursements 

of Levin Funds 115 

4. Allocation Between Federal and 

Levin Funds 116 

5. Reporting Unallocated Federal 

Election Activity 117 

6. Reporting Allocated Expenses 118 

CHAPTER 15 

Termination and Debt Settlement 121 

1. Committees with No Outstanding 

Debts 121 

2. Committees with Outstanding Debts: 

Debt Settlement 121 

3. Committees with Outstanding Debts: 

Administrative Termination 124 

vi 
 

APPENDIX A 

Nonmajor Political Parties 127 

1. Benefts of Political Party Status 127 

2. Qualifying as Political Party 127 

3. Qualifying as National Committee 128 

4. Qualifying as State Party Committee 128 

5. Qualifying as District or Local Party 

Committee or Subordinate Committee 129 

APPENDIX B 

Joint Fundraising 131 

1. Introduction 131 

2. Restrictions 131 

3. Fundraising Representative 132 

4. Written Agreement 132 

5. Separate Depository 132 

6. Statements of Organization 132 

7. Start-Up Costs 133 

8. Joint Fundraising Notice 133 

9. Screening Contributions 134 

10. Recordkeeping 134 

11. Allocating Gross Proceeds 134 

12. Allocating Expenses 135 

13. Calculating Net Proceeds 135 

14. Reporting 135 

15. Exception for Party Committees and 

Organizations 136 

APPENDIX C 

Partnership Contributions 137 

1. Contribution Limits 137 

2. Attribution Among Partners 137 

3. Prohibited Partnership Contributions 137 

4. Contributions from Professional 

Corporations 138 

5. Reporting Partnership Contributions 138 

6. Partnership Contribution Plans 139 

7. Partnership PACs 139 

APPENDIX D 

National Convention Delegates 141 

1. Delegates and Delegate Committees 141 

2. Funds Raised and Spent for 

Delegate Activity 141 

3. Contribution Prohibitions and Limits 142 

4. Expenditures 142 

5. Afliation 144 

APPENDIX E 

Federal and Nonfederal 

Campaign Laws 147 

1. When Federal Campaign Finance Law 

Takes Precedence 147 

2. When Federal Campaign Finance Law 

Does Not Take Precedence 147 

3. Levin Funds 148 

APPENDIX F 

Lobbyist Bundled Contributions 149 

1. What is a Bundled Contribution? 149 

2. Who are Lobbyist/Registrants and 

Lobbyist/Registrant PACs? 150 

3. Filing Reports 151 

APPENDIX G 

Compliance with Other Laws 157 

1. Ballot Access Laws 157 

2. Tax Laws 157 

3. Communications Act 157 

4. Hatch Act 157 

APPENDIX H 

Definitions 159 

vii

 

CHAPTER 1 

GETTING STARTED 

1. WHO SHOULD USE THIS 

GUIDE 

This guide is written for party committees that 

have registered (or may need to register) as federal 

political committees. 

This guide is not intended for local party groups 

that engage in only limited federal activity and do 

not have to register as federal political committees. 

However, those groups remain subject to several 

FEC regulations. All funds raised and spent by 

unregistered political party organizations (regardless of the aggregate amount) in connection with 

federal elections are subject to the limitations and 

prohibitions of the Federal Election Campaign Act (the 

Act). For more information on these limitations, 

see Chapter 2. See also the FEC brochure on “Local 

Party Activity.” 

In this guide, the term party committee refers to 

a party unit that has qualifed as a political committee under federal law, with attendant registration 

and reporting requirements. 100.5.The term party 

organization refers to a party unit that has not 

triggered federal registration and reporting requirements. 1 

2. COMMITTEE REGISTRATION 

A party organization becomes a political committee under the Act when its activity in connection 

with a federal election exceeds one of the registration thresholds explained below.The committee 

then has 10 days to fle an FEC registration form 

(FEC Form 1). 100.5(a) and (c); 102.1(d). 

A newly registered political committee must begin disclosing its fnancial activity in FEC reports. 

Registration Thresholds 

State and National Organizations 

A party organization at the state or national 

level2

 becomes a political committee when, during a 

calendar year, it: 

• Spends more than $1,000 in contributions 

and other expenditures; or 

• Raises more than $1,000 in contributions. 

100.5(a). 

ocal Organizations 

A local party organization becomes a political 

ommittee when, during a calendar year, it: 

• Raises more than $5,000 in contributions; 

• Spends more than $5,000 on exempt party 

activities;3 

• Makes more than $1,000 in contributions; or 

• Spends more than $1,000 in other expenditures.4 100.5(c). 

ermissible Funds 

Note that party organizations must fnance all of 

heir activity in connection with federal elections 

ith funds that comply with the federal contribuion limits and prohibitions. 102.5(b). 

L

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t

1 See especially 11 CFR 100.5(a) and (c) – defnition of political committee; 100.51-100.56 – defnition of contribution; 

100.110-100.114 – defnition of expenditure; 102.5(a) and (b) 

– organizations fnancing activity in connection with federal 

and nonfederal elections; 102.6(a)(1) and (2) – transfers of 

funds; 106.7 – allocation of federal and nonfederal activity 

by party committees; 110.1 and 110.2 – contribution limits; 

110.4, 110.20, 114.2 and 115.2 – prohibited contributions; 

109.32 – party committee expenditure limits; 110.11(a) – 

communications; and 100.24 and 300.36(a) - federal election 

activity. For more information on unregistered party organizations, call the FEC. 

2 Please note that certain criteria must be met before a committee qualifes as a national party committee or state party 

committee; see Appendix A. 

3 See Chapter 7 for more information on exempt party activities. 

4 Note that the terms contribution and expenditure mean 

money, loans, advances, goods, services or anything of 

value given for the purpose of infuencing federal elections. 

100.52(a) and 100.111(a). 

1 
2 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 1

$1,000 Threshold for Contributions/ 

Expenditures Made 

A party organization must register as a political 

committee once it makes contributions or expenditures that exceed $1,000 per calendar year. Note 

that the $1,000 threshold is an aggregate one—it 

applies to all contributions and expenditures made 

by the organization during the year, including transfers to a party committee (i.e., a federal account). 

100.5(a). 

$1,000 and $5,000 Thresholds for 

Contributions Received 

The “contributions received” threshold is $1,000 

for state and national organizations and $5,000 for 

local party organizations. Funds specifcally solicited 

or donated for the purpose of infuencing federal 

elections count against this threshold, as do funds 

received in response to a solicitation that indicates 

receipts will be used to support or oppose a clearly 

identifed federal candidate. 102.5. 

Funds (including loans) transferred in from a 

party committee (i.e., a federal account) also count 

against the threshold if they are used by the recipient party organization for federal activity. 

$5,000 Threshold for Exempt Activities 

This threshold applies only to local party organizations. Spending in excess of $5,000 per year on 

exempt party activities triggers political committee 

status. However, if the exempt activity supports 

both federal and nonfederal candidates, only the 

portion of the expense allocable to federal candidates counts against the $5,000 threshold. 

For more information on exempt party activities, 

see page 49. 

3. TYPES OF FUNDS 

State, district and local party committees may 

raise and spend as many as three different types of 

funds: 

•	 Federal – These funds are subject to the limits, prohibitions and reporting requirements 

of the Act and are used to fnance activities 

in connection with federal elections. Only 

federal funds count against the registration 

thresholds described above; 

•	 Nonfederal – These funds are subject to 

state law, but may not be permissible under 

federal law. Nonfederal funds are generally 

used to fnance state and local election activities; and 

•	 Levin – This category of funds is used to 

fnance certain types of federal election activity (FEA). Levin funds may include donations 

from some sources ordinarily prohibited by 

federal law (e.g. corporations, unions and 

federal contractors) but permitted by state 

law. Levin donations are limited to $10,000 

per calendar year from any source or to 

the limits set by state law – whichever limit 

is lower. For more information on FEA and 

Levin funds, see Chapter 8. 

National parties may not solicit, raise, direct 

or spend funds, or anything of value, that are not 

subject to the prohibitions, limitations and reporting requirements of the Act.This prohibition of 

nonfederal and Levin funds also applies to any agent 

or offcer acting on behalf of the national party 

committee or any entity that is directly or indirectly established, fnanced, maintained or controlled 

by a national party committee. 300.10(a)-(c). For 

information on committee agents and entities, see 

below. 

4. AGENTS AND ENTITIES OF 

THE COMMITTEE 

Any prohibitions that apply to political party 

committees also apply to any agent or offcer acting 

on behalf of the party committee or any entity that 

is directly or indirectly established, fnanced, maintained or controlled by a party committee. 

Agents of a Committee 

An agent is any person who has actual authority, 

either expressed or implied, to engage in certain 

activities on behalf of the committee.5 

5 Additional defnitions of agent appear in the glossary, Appendix H. 11 CFR 109.3. 
3 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 1

State, District and Local Party Committees 

In the case of state, district and local party committees, these activities are: 

•	 Expending or disbursing any funds for federal 

election activity; 

•	 Transferring or accepting transfers of funds 

for federal election activity; 

•	 Engaging in joint fundraising activity if any part 

of the funds are to be used for federal election activity; or 

•	 Soliciting any funds for, or making or directing any donations to, any tax-exempt 501(c) 

organization or 527 organization that is not 

also a political committee, a party committee 

or a campaign committee. 300.2(b)(2). 

National Party Committees 

In the case of the national party committees, 

these activities are: 

•	 Soliciting, directing or receiving a contribution, donation or transfer of funds; or 

•	 Soliciting any funds for, or making or directing contributions to, any tax-exempt 501(c) 

organization or 527 organization that is not 

also a political committee, a party committee 

or a campaign committee. 300.2(b)(1). 

Defnition of ‘Solicit’ 

To solicit means to ask, request or recommend, 

either explicitly or implicitly, orally or in writing, 

that another person contribute, donate or transfer 

funds or otherwise provide anything of value. A 

solicitation may be made directly or indirectly. In 

order to qualify as a solicitation, a communication 

must be reasonably understood in the context in 

which it is made to contain a clear message asking, 

requesting or recommending that another person 

make a contribution, donation or transfer of funds 

or otherwise provide something of value. Context includes the conduct of those involved in the 

communication. Solicitation does not include mere 

statements of support or guidance as to the applicability of a particular law or regulation. 300.2(m). 

Defnition of ‘Direct’ 

To direct means to guide, either directly or 

indirectly, a person who has expressed an intent to 

make a contribution, donation, transfer of funds or 

otherwise provide anything of value, by identifying 

a candidate, political committee or organization for 

the receipt of such funds or things of value. The 

contribution, donation, transfer or thing of value may 

be made directly or through a conduit or intermediary. Direction does not include merely providing 

information or guidance as to the applicability of a 

particular law or regulation. 300.2(n). 

Entities of a Committee 

To determine whether or not an organization is 

an entity of a party committee (meaning that it is 

established, fnanced, maintained or controlled by a 

party committee), a number of factors may be taken 

into account. Each is examined within the context 

of the overall relationship between the sponsor and 

the entity.These factors include whether the sponsor: 

•	 Directly or indirectly owns a controlling interest in the voting stock or securities of the 

entity; 

•	 Directly or indirectly has the authority or 

ability to direct or participate in governing the 

entity.This authority may come from bylaws, 

constitutions, contracts or other rules, or 

through formal or informal practices; 

•	 Directly or indirectly has the authority or 

ability to hire, fre or otherwise control the 

decision-making members of the entity; 

•	 Has overlapping membership with the entity 

which indicates a formal or ongoing relationship between them; 

•	 Has overlapping offcers or employees with 

the entity that indicates a formal or ongoing 

relationship between them; 

•	 Has any members, offcers or employees who 

were members, offcers or employees of the 

entity that indicates a formal or ongoing relationship between them; 

•	 Directly or indirectly provides funds or goods 

in a signifcant amount or on an ongoing basis 

to the entity.This does not include transfers of 

an allocated share of joint fundraising activity; 

•	 Directly or indirectly causes or arranges for 

funds in a signifcant amount or on an ongoing basis to be provided for the entity. Again, 

this does not include transfers of an allocated 

share of joint fundraising activity; 

•	 Directly or indirectly had an active or signifcant role in the formation of the entity; and 

•	 Has similar patterns of receipts or disbursements with the entity that indicate a formal or 

ongoing relationship between them. 300.2(c) 
4 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 1

5. COMMITTEE BANK ACCOUNTS 

State, district and local party committees that en- and nonf gage in both federal and nonfederal activities must sible und follow certain rules to ensure that federal activity eral acc is fnanced with funds that comply with the limitaaccount tions, prohibitions and reporting requirements of 

the Act. Federal activities include, for example: below—

ditures o •	 Contributions and other spending on behalf election. of specifc federal candidates; By con •	 The federal portion of allocable expenses, 

may not such as administrative expenses and generic nonfede voter drive costs; 

obligatio •	 Certain transfers of funds to other party federal l committees; 

require •	 Contributions to federally registered PACs; for nonf and 

es to rai •	 Certain federal election activity (FEA), de- Levin co scribed in Chapter 8. must de Any state, district or local party committee that ing proc fnances activity in connection with federal elec- nonfede tions must maintain a federal account. A commitLevin co tee that fnances activity in connection with both this com federal and nonfederal elections can choose to: 

(3). Rece •	 Maintain only a federal account; the nonf •	 Maintain a federal account used exclusively disclosur for federal activity and a nonfederal account discussio used for nonfederal activity; or Becaus •	 Maintain a federal account, a nonfederal ac- nonfede count and a Levin account used for certain 

federal a FEA. 300.30(c)2. from the

Maintaining a Federal Account to cover

A committee may choose to set up one or more 

federal bank accounts for all of its activity, both 

federal and nonfederal. All funds deposited into this 

account must comply with the limitations and prohibitions of the Act, regardless of whether the funds 

are used to pay for federal activity, nonfederal activity or FEA. Such an account cannot accept Levin 

funds. 300.30(c)(1) and 102.5(a)(1)(ii). Additionally, 

all receipts and disbursements must be reported, 

including those that involve nonfederal activity and 

federal election activity. 102.5(a)(1)(ii).The committee’s nonfederal activity is subject to nonfederal law 

(see below). 

Maintaining Both Federal and 

Nonfederal Accounts 

A committee may choose to set up both federal 

ederal accounts. Again, only funds permiser the Act may be deposited into the fedount.The committee must use the federal 

—or an allocation account, as described 

for all disbursements, contributions, expenr transfers in connection with any federal 

102.5(a)(1)(i). 

trast, funds in the nonfederal account 

be used to fnance any federal activity.The 

ral account has no registration or reporting 

ns under federal law but is subject to nonaws, such as state registration and reporting 

ments.The nonfederal account may be used 

ederal activity and, if the committee choosse Levin funds, it may also be used for the 

mponent of allocable FEA.The committee 

monstrate through a reasonable accountess that it has adequate Levin funds in the 

ral account to cover any payments for the 

mponent of allocable FEA that come from 

bined account. 102.5(a)(3) and 300.30(c) 

ipts and disbursements of Levin funds from 

ederal/Levin account are subject to the 

e provisions of the Act. See Chapter 8 for 

n of FEA and Levin funds. 

e administrative and other mixed federal/ 

ral expenses cannot be paid from a nonccount, the committee may transfer funds 

 nonfederal account to the federal account 

 the nonfederal share of allocable expenses. 

102.5(a)(1)(i) and 106.7(f); 300.30(b)(3)(v). No 

other nonfederal-to-federal transfers are permissible. 

Alternatively, a committee may choose to establish a special account, called an allocation account, 

solely for the purpose of paying mixed federal/ 

nonfederal expenses. Funds are then transferred 

from the federal and nonfederal accounts into the 

allocation account to pay for allocable activity. Once 

a party committee establishes such an allocation account, all allocable expenses must be paid for from 

that account as long as it exists. 106.7(f). No funds 

from an allocation account may be transferred to 

any other account maintained by the committee or 

organization. 300.30(b)(4)(v). 
5 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 1

Maintaining Federal, 

Nonfederal and Levin 

Accounts 

In addition to maintaining federal and nonfederal accounts, as 

described above, a state, district 

or local party committee can also 

choose to set up one or more Levin 

accounts used for certain FEA. 

300.30(c)(2). In this case, payments 

for FEA must be paid from the federal account or from an FEA-specifc 

allocation account, which is separate 

from any federal/nonfederal allocation account. If the federal account 

pays the expenses, the committee 

may transfer funds from its Levin 

account to cover the allocable share. 

If an FEA-specifc allocation account 

is used, the committee must transfer funds from both its federal and 

Levin accounts to cover the allocable 

expenses. 300.34(c). No other transfers of Levin funds are permissible. 

300.34(b). 

Receiving and Depositing 

Federal Contributions 

Contributions deposited in either 

a federal account or an account used 

for both federal and nonfederal activity must meet certain conditions. 

All contributions deposited into the 

federal account are subject to the limitations and 

prohibitions of the Act. 

Only contributions solicited and received according to the following conditions may be deposited in 

a federal account: 

•	 Contributions must be designated by the 

contributors for the federal account; 

•	 The solicitation must expressly state that 

contributions may be used wholly or in part 

in connection with a federal election; or 

•	 The contributor must be informed that all 

contributions are subject to the limitations 

and prohibitions of the Act. 

102.5(a)(2) and 300.30(b)(3)(ii). 

See also “Solicitation Notices,” page 21. 

r 7 

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Office 

Use 

Only 

3. FEC IDENTIFICATION NUMBER C 

4. IS THIS STATEMENT X NEW (N) OR AMENDED (A) 

I certify that I have examined this Statement and to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct and complete. 

John Responsible Type or Print Name of Treasurer 

Signature of Treasurer Date 

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y

05 01 2013 

NOTE: Submission of false, erroneous, or incomplete information may subject the person signing this Statement to the penalties of 5 2 U.S.C. §30109. 

ANY CHANGE IN INFORMATION SHOULD BE REPORTED WITHIN 10 DAYS. 

For further information contact: 

Federal Election Commission FEC FORM 1 Toll Free 800-424-9530 (Revised 02/2009)

Local 202-694-1100 

FEC 

FORM 1 Office Use Only 

Freedom Party State Committee 

123 Washington Street ADDRESS (number and street) 

(Check if address 

is changed) City 

CITY 

COMMITTEE'S E-MAIL ADDRESS (Please provide only one e-mail address) 

(Check if address 

is changed) 

COMMITTEE'S WEB PAGE ADDRESS (URL) 

FPSC@libertyparty.org 

http://www.freedomparty.org 

(Check if address 

is changed) 

M M

05 D D

2. DATE 01 Y Y Y Y

2013 

12FE4M5 

 00000 

STATE ZIP CODE 

STATEMENT OF

ORGANIZATION 

1. NAME OF 

COMMITTEE (in full) is changed) over the lines. 

/ / 

ST

(Check if name Example:If typing, type 

Soliciting Levin Funds 

Levin funds must be raised under unique rules. 

For information on how to raise Levin funds, see 

page 57. 

Nonfederal Laws Apply 

Contributions received and disbursements made 

in connection with a nonfederal election are subject 

to all relevant state or local laws. Committees 

should therefore seek guidance from the appropriate election offcials for information on nonfederal 

activity. See also Appendix E. 

COMMITTEE REGISTRATION (PART 1) 
6 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 1

 

 

 

 

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FEC Form 1 (Revised 02/2009) Page 2 

5. TYPE OF COMMITTEE 

Candidate Committee: 

(a) This committee is a principal campaign committee. (Complete the candidate information below.) 

This committee is an authorized committee, and is NOT a principal campaign committee. (Complete the candidate 

information below.) 

Name of 

Candidate 

Candidate 

Party Affiliation 

Office 

Sought: House Senate President 

District 

State

(c) This committee supports/opposes only one candidate, and is NOT an authorized committee. 

Name of 

Candidate 

Party Committee: 

(b) 

(d) X This committee is a State (National, State 

or subordinate) committee of the Freedom (Democratic, Republican, etc.) Party. 

(e) This committee is a separate segregated fund. (Identify connected organization on line 6.) Its connected organization is a: 

Corporation Corporation w/o Capital Stock Labor Organization 

Membership Organization Trade Association Cooperative 

In addition, this committee is a Lobbyist/Registrant PAC. 

(f) This committee supports/opposes more than one Federal candidate, and is NOT a separate segregated fund or party 

committee. (i.e., nonconnected committee) 

In addition, this committee is a Lobbyist/Registrant PAC. 

In addition, this committee is a Leadership PAC. (Identify sponsor on line 6.) 

Political Action Committee (PAC): 

Joint Fundraising Representative: 

This committee collects contributions, pays fundraising expenses and disburses net proceeds for two or more political

committees/organizations, at least one of which is an authorized committee of a federal candidate. 

(h) This committee collects contributions, pays fundraising expenses and disburses net proceeds for two or more political 

(g) 

C

C

C

3. 

4. C

committees/organizations, none of which is an authorized committee of a federal candidate.

 Committees Participating in Joint Fundraiser 

1. 

2. 

FEC ID number

FEC ID number

FEC ID number

FEC ID number

6. COMMITTEE TREASURER 

Treasurer Required 

The committee must have a treasurer before 

it accepts contributions or makes expenditures. 

102.7(a) and (b). Also, only a treasurer or an assistant treasurer designated on the committee’s FEC 

Statement of Organization (FEC Form 1) may sign 

FEC reports and statements. 102.2(a), 104.1(a) and 

104.14(a). 

Treasurer’s Duties 

The treasurer is responsible for: 

•	 Signing all reports and statements. 

102.2(a), 104.1(a) and 104.14(a). 

•	 Filing complete and accurate 

reports and statements on time. 

104.1(a) and 104.14 (d).

•	 Monitoring contributions to 

ensure compliance with the Act’s 

•	 Depositing receipts in the committee’s designated bank within 

10 days. 103.3(a). 

•	 Authorizing expenditures and appointing authorized agents (either 

orally or in writing) to receive 

contributions and make expenditures. 102.7(c) and 102.9. 

•	 Keeping all required records of 

receipts and disbursements. 102.9 

and 104.14(b). 

Treasurer’s Liability 

Treasurers are responsible for carrying out the duties listed above and 

should understand these responsibilities (as well as his or her personal 

liability for fulflling them) before 

taking them on. 

When the Commission brings an 

enforcement action against a political 

committee, the treasurer is usually 

named as a respondent along with 

the committee itself.The treasurer 

can be named and found liable in his 

or her offcial capacity as a representative of the committee. Also, the 

treasurer can be named and found 

liable in his or her personal capacity 

if he or she knowingly and willfully violates the Act 

or intentionally deprives himself or herself of the 

operative facts giving rise to the violation. 

Even when an enforcement action alleges violations that occurred during the term of a previous treasurer, the Commission usually names the 

current treasurer as a respondent in the action. 

See the Statement of Policy Regarding Treasurers 

Subject to Enforcement Proceedings, 70 Fed. Reg. 3 

(January 3, 2005). 

Vacancy in Ofce 

A committee cannot raise or spend funds when 

there is a vacancy in the offce of treasurer. 102.7(a) 

and (b). For that reason, the Commission urges 

COMMITTEE REGISTRATION (PART 2) 

limits and prohibitions. 103.3(b). 
7 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 1

every committee to designate an 

assistant treasurer on its Statement 

of Organization who may assume 

the treasurer’s duties when the 

treasurer’s offce becomes temporarily vacant or when the treasurer 

is unavailable.The assistant treasurer 

should be apprised of any fling 

requirements and, if the committee 

fles electronically, should obtain an 

electronic fling password as well.The 

committee must report any change 

in the treasurer’s status within 10 

days by amending Form 1. 102.2(a) 

(1)(iv) and 102.2(a)(2). See “Updating 

Registration Information” below. 

New Treasurer 

If a committee appoints a new 

treasurer, the committee must fle an 

amended Statement of Organization 

(Form 1) naming the new treasurer 

within 10 days of the change. If the 

committee fles electronically, it must 

submit the amendment electronically. 

should consult Chapter 11, Section 

6 on “Obtaining a Password: New 

Treasurers” for more information.) 

If the committee fles on paper, then 

the change may be made by fling an 

amended Form 1 or by submitting a 

letter containing the same information.The new treasurer should sign 

the amendment. 

treasurer resigns and a new treasurer is not appointed, the outgoing treasurer should notify the 

Commission of his or her resignation by submitting 

a letter to the FEC requesting an amendment to 

the committee’s Statement of Organization refecting the resignation and noting the date the resignation is to take effect. From that date forward, the 

committee would be rendered dormant until a new 

treasurer is named using the procedures outlined 

above. Again, the committee would not be able to 

raise or spend funds while there is a vacancy in the 

offce of treasurer. 102.7(a) and (b). 

r 7 

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Relationship: Leadership PAC Sponsor 

CITY

Connected Organization X Affiliated Committee 

7. Custodian of Records: Identify by name, address (phone number 

books and records. 

John Responsible Full Name 

Mailing Address 

-- optional) and position of the person in possession of committee 

111 Dock St. 

City

Title or Position CITY 

Treasurer 

FEC Form 1 (Revised 02/2009) Page 3 

Write or Type Committee Name 

Freedom Party State Committee 

6. Name of Any Connected Organization, Affiliated Committee, Joint Fundraising Representative, or Leadership PAC Sponsor 

Douglas County Freedom Party 

222 Mission Road Mailing Address 

City ST 

STATE 

Joint Fundraising Representative 

00000 

ST 

STATE 

Telephone number 

00000 

ZIP CODE 

555 555 1044 

8. Treasurer: List the name and address (phone number -- optional) of the treasurer of the committee; and the name and address of 

any designated agent (e.g., assistant treasurer). 

John Responsible 

111 Dock St. 

ST 00000 

CITY STATE 

Telephone number 

ZIP CODE 

555 555 1044 

Full Name 

of Treasurer 

Mailing Address 

Title or Position 

Treasurer 

_Ll 

7. FEC REGISTRATION FORM 

Within 10 days of exceeding a registration threshold and triggering political committee status, a party 

committee must fle a Statement of Organization 

(FEC Form 1). 102.1(d). Line-by-line instructions are 

provided below, and with the form itself. 

Line-by-Line Instructions 

Line 1. Name and Address of the 

Committee 

Enter the full, offcial name of the committee 

and its mailing address.This address is considered 

COMMITTEE REGISTRATION (PART 3) 

(Committees fling electronically 

In cases where a committee’s 
8 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 1

COMMITTEE REGISTRATION (PART 4) 

7 

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FEC Form 1 (Revised 02 /2009) Page 4 

Full Name of 

Designated

Agent 

Mailing Address 

Alice Second 

City 

CITY 

ST 

STATE 

00000 

ZIP CODE 

Title or Position 

Assistant Treasurer Telephone number 555 555 2869 

111 West Ventura 

9. Banks or Other Depositories: List all banks or other depositories in which the committee deposits funds, holds accounts, rents 

safety deposit boxes or maintains funds. 

Name of Bank, Depository, etc. 

Mailing Address 

Sun Island Bank 

111 Milan Street 

City ST 00000 

CITY STATE ZIP CODE 

r 

the committee’s address of record. 102.2(a)(1)(i). 

In addition, a committee must include its Internet 

website, if it maintains a site, and its e-mail address. 

102.2(a)(i)(vii). 

A party committee’s name cannot include the 

name of any candidate. Furthermore, a party committee cannot use the name of any candidate in 

the name of a special communication, such as a 

fundraising project, unless the project name shows 

unambiguous opposition to the candidate, as explained on page 51. 102.14(a) and (b)(3). 

Line 2. Date 

Enter the date when the committee offcially became a political committee—that is, the date when 

the committee exceeded a registration threshold. 

Line 3. FEC Identifcation Number 

Leave this space blank.The committee will be 

notifed of its FEC ID number by mail a few weeks 

after fling Form 1. From then on, the ID number 

should be included on reports, statements and 

other communications. 102.2(c). 

If a committee must fle a report before it has 

received an ID number, it should leave that space 

blank on the reporting form (FEC Form 3X, line 2). 

Line 4. Is This Statement New or an 

Amendment? 

Check “new.” (Amendments are discussed under 

“Updating Registration Information,” page 9.) 

Line 5. Type of Committee 

A party committee checks box (d) and 

identifes itself as either a national, state or 

subordinate (local) committee of a particular party. 102.2(a)(1)(i). National and 

state party committee status is determined 

by the Commission through the advisory 

opinion process. 100.13 and 100.14(a). 

Line 6. Afliated Committees 

List the names and addresses of any 

affliated committees. 102.2(a)(1)(ii). See 

102.2(b)(1)(ii)(B). Affliated committees 

share the same limits on contributions 

received and made; see page 16. 

•	 A district or local party committee 

lists the state party committee as an 

affliate. Local committees are presumed to be under the direction and 

control of the state committee—and 

thus affliated with the state committee—unless they can demonstrate 

otherwise. See 110.3(b)(3). 

•	 A state party committee lists all affliated local party committees. (It should not list local 

party organizations.) See 110.3(b)(3). 

•	 A national party committee lists any committees it has established, fnanced, maintained 

or controlled. However, a national committee 

does not list state or local party committees, since they are not considered affliated 

with the national committee for purposes 

of the contribution limits. A party’s Senate 

and House campaign committees are also 

not considered affliated with the national 

committee for purposes of the contribution 

limits.6 110.3(b)(1) and (b)(2). 

Line 7. Custodian of Records 

Enter the name and address of the person who 

has actual possession of the committee’s fnancial 

records.The committee’s treasurer, assistant treasurer or another person (such as an accountant or 

bookkeeper) may serve as the custodian of records. 

102.2(a)(1)(iii). (Recordkeeping rules are discussed 

in Chapter 10.) 

6 However, the Democratic and Republican national committees and their respective Senate campaign committees 

share the same limit on contributions to Senate campaigns. 

110.2(e). See page 35. 
9 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 1

Line 8. Treasurer and Assistant 

List the name and mailing address of the treasurer. 102.2(a)(1)(iv). As previously discussed in 

Section 6, the Commission urges all political committees to list an assistant treasurer as well. 

Line 9. Banks or Other Depositories 

List the name and address of each bank where 

the committee deposits funds.The committee must 

have at least one checking account for the deposit 

of receipts. 102.2(a)(1)(vi) and 103.2. 

Signing and Dating the Form 

The treasurer or assistant treasurer must sign 

and date the form on the bottom line. 102.2(a)(1). 

The signer’s name must also be typed or printed 

where indicated. 

Filing the Form 

A party committee must fle its Statement of Organization with the FEC within 10 days of becoming 

a political committee. 102.1(d). 

The Statement of Organization must be fled with 

the FEC and with the fling offce of the state in 

which the committee has its headquarters, unless 

that state received a waiver from the requirement 

to maintain copies of FEC statements and reports. 

108.1.7 For more information and for a list of states 

and territories granted waivers, visit http://www.fec. 

gov/pages/statefling.shtml. 

Updating Registration Information 

Whenever any of the information on the Statement of Organization (Form 1) changes, the committee must report the change within 10 days by 

fling an amended Form 1 or a letter containing the 

same information (for paper flers only). 

The amount of information required on an 

amended Statement of Organization depends on 

whether the committee fles on paper or electronically. If the committee fles electronically, it must 

submit a fully completed Form 1. 

In the case of paper flers, the Form 1 or letter 

needs to include only: 

•	 The name and address of the committee 

(Form 1, Line1); 

•	 The date the change took effect (Line 2); 

•	 The FEC ID number (Line 3); 

•	 An indication that the statement is an amendment to the Statement of Organization (Line 4); 

•	 The changed information (appropriate line 

number); and 

•	 The name and signature of the treasurer 

(or assistant treasurer) and the date signed. 

102.2(a)(2). 

8. INCORPORATING THE 

COMMITTEE 

If a party committee incorporates for liability 

purposes only, its outgoing contributions and other 

expenditures are not subject to the prohibition on 

corporate contributions and expenditures. 114.12(a). 

See also AO 2005-15. 

The treasurer, however, remains liable for the 

committee’s compliance with the federal campaign 

fnance law. Liability for debts is generally governed 

by state law. See AO 1995-7 and opinions cited 

therein. See also Karl Rove and Company v. Thornburgh, 39 F.3d 1273 (5th Cir. 1994). 

7 As of 2013, all 50 states, American Samoa and the U.S.Virgin 

Islands have been granted waivers from the Commission. 

11 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2 

CONTRIBUTIONS AND OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDS 

1. TYPES OF CONTRIBUTIONS 

A contribution is defned as anything of value given for the purpose of infuencing a federal election. 

100.52(a).1

 Contributions are subject to the limits 

and prohibitions of the Federal Election Campaign 

Act (the Act), as explained later in this chapter.The 

most common types of contributions are: 

•	 Gifts of money; 

•	 Gifts of goods and services (in-kind contributions); 

•	 Loans (other than bank loans meeting certain 

conditions); and 

•	 Guarantees or endorsements of bank loans. 

Gifts of Money 

Cash contributions are limited to $100 per contributor. Contributions of more than $100 must 

be made by check or other written instrument. 

110.4(c). (See also page 15.) 

Sales or Lease Proceeds 

Sale of Fundraising Items and Tickets 

The full purchase price of a fundraising item or 

ticket to a fundraising event is considered a contribution. For example, when a person buys a $50 

ticket to a fundraising dinner, the amount of the 

contribution is $50, regardless of how much the 

meal costs the committee. 100.53. 

A person who buys several tickets to a fundraiser 

makes a contribution in the amount of the total 

purchase unless the contribution is intended as a 

joint contribution (see page 15). 

Sale of Committee Assets 

When a committee sells or leases an asset (such 

as a mailing list), the full amount received from the 

1 The defnition of contribution also includes the payment by 

any person of compensation for the personal services of another person if those services are rendered without charge 

to a political committee for any purpose, except for legal and 

accounting services under certain conditions (see Chapter 4 

and 100.85 and 100.86). 100.54. See also AO 2006-22. 

purchaser is generally considered a contribution to 

the committee unless: 

•	 The committee had purchased or developed 

the asset for the committee’s own use rather 

than as a fundraising item; 

•	 The asset has an ascertainable market value; 

•	 Rental of the asset comprises only a small 

percentage of the committee’s overall use; 

and 

•	 The purchaser pays the usual and normal 

charge. (Any payment in excess of that 

amount is considered a contribution.) See, for 

example,AOs 2006-34, 2003-19, 1992-40 and 

1991-34. 

For more information on leasing a party mailing 

list, see AO 2002-14. 

Under certain conditions, the Commission has 

also concluded that a contribution does not result 

from a sale that is an isolated disposal or sale of 

unwanted and depreciated committee assets (such 

as offce furniture). For more information, see AOs 

2003-19 and 1986-14. 

In-Kind Contributions 

Defnition 

In-kind contributions include: 

•	 Goods and services offered free of charge; 

•	 Goods and services offered at less than the 

usual and normal charge (unless the discount 

is offered in the ordinary course of business—see, for example,AO 1994-10); 

•	 Payments, by a third party, of committee bills; 

and 

•	 Advances of personal funds. 100.52(d), 100.54 

and 116.5(b). 

Value 

The dollar value of an in-kind contribution is subject to limits.The value is determined as follows: 

•	 Goods (such as equipment, supplies, facilities 

and mailing lists) are valued at their normal 

purchase or rental price at the time of the 

contribution. 
12 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 2

•	 Services (such as advertising, printing and consulting) are valued at the prevailing commercial 

rate at the time the services are rendered. 

•	 Discounts are valued at the difference between the usual or normal charge and the 

amount paid by the committee. 100.52(d). 

Advances of Personal Funds 

General Rule 

When an individual uses his or her personal funds 

(or personal credit card) to pay for a committee 

expense, that payment is generally considered a 

contribution from that individual if he or she is not 

reimbursed by the committee within certain time 

limits: 30 days after payment by cash or personal 

check; or 60 days after the closing date of the billing statement on which the charges frst appear, if 

the amount was charged to a personal credit card. 

116.5(b). For example, an in-kind contribution results 

if a committee staff member or volunteer pays for 

postage, offce supplies or campaign materials with 

his or her personal funds and is not reimbursed. 

(The special reporting rules that apply to advances 

of personal funds are explained on page 90.) 

Travel Exception 

When an individual uses personal funds to pay for 

his or her own travel expenses (transportation, food 

and lodging), the payments are not considered contributions if they fall under the travel exception: 

Exempt Travel. An individual may spend up to 

$2,000 per calendar year on his or her own transportation expenses for party-related travel without 

making a contribution, and a volunteer may spend 

unlimited amounts for his or her normal subsistence 

expenses (food and lodging) while volunteering. 

100.79 and 116.5(b)(1). 

See pages 90–92 for more information on reporting travel expenses. 

Loans 

A loan to a committee is a contribution to the extent that it remains outstanding. 100.52(b)(2). (Loans 

from banks are not contributions if they meet certain conditions; see page 16.) 

Repayments made on a loan reduce the amount 

charged against the lender’s contribution limit. However, a loan that exceeds the lender’s limit is unlawful 

even if repaid in full. 100.52(b)(1). 

Endorsements and Guarantees 

of Bank Loans 

An endorsement or guarantee of a bank loan 

is a contribution.The amount guaranteed counts 

against the endorser’s or the guarantor’s limit only 

to the extent that the loan remains outstanding. 

Repayments on the loan proportionally reduce the 

amount charged against each endorser’s (or guarantor’s) contribution limit. 

If a loan agreement does not stipulate the amount 

for which each endorser or guarantor is liable, then 

the contribution amount of each endorser or guarantor is determined by dividing the total amount of 

the loan by the number of endorsers or guarantors. 

100.52(b)(3) and 100.82(c). 

2. PROHIBITED CONTRIBUTIONS 

Acceptance of Prohibited Contributions 

A political committee is prohibited from knowingly accepting a contribution that violates the 

prohibitions on contributions. 110.20(g), 110.4(b)(1) 

(iv), 114.2(d) and 115.2(c). See also 110.9. 

For information on how to handle possibly illegal 

contributions, see page 23. 

For information on how to handle in-kind donations from prohibited sources for mixed federal/ 

nonfederal activities, see page 111. 

Corporations and Labor Organizations 

The Act prohibits corporations and labor organizations from making contributions in connection 

with federal elections.2 114.2(b).This prohibition 

applies to all types of incorporated organizations, 

except political committees that incorporate only 

for liability purposes. 114.12(a), National banks and 

federally chartered corporations, such as federal 

savings and loan associations, are prohibited from 

2 A corporation or labor organization may pay the expenses 

of setting up, administering and soliciting contributions for its 

own political committee, called a separate segregated fund 

(or PAC). 114.1(a)(2)(iii). A party committee may accept 

contributions from a corporate or labor PAC registered with 

the FEC. 
13 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 2

making contributions in connection with state and 

local as well as federal elections. 3 114.2(a). 

Contribution Reimbursements 

A corporation or labor organization may not 

reimburse individuals who make contributions to a 

political committee, for example, through a bonus, 

expense account or other direct or indirect compensation. See 114.5(b)(1) and (c)(1)(ii); see also 

110.4(b). 

Extensions of Credit 

An extension of credit to a political committee by 

an incorporated commercial vendor is a prohibited 

contribution unless the credit is extended in the 

ordinary course of business with terms substantially 

similar to those given to nonpolitical clients of similar risk. A prohibited contribution can also result if 

a corporate vendor extends credit for longer than 

the normal practice in the vendor’s business or if 

the vendor fails to make a commercially reasonable 

effort to collect payment on the debt. 100.55 and 

116.3(b) and (c). 

Forgiveness or settlement of a debt owed by a 

political committee must comply with the debt 

settlement procedures explained in Chapter 15. 

Discounts 

If an incorporated commercial vendor sells goods 

or services to a committee at a price below the 

usual or normal charge, a prohibited contribution 

results in the amount of the discount. 100.52(d) 

(1). (There is, however, an exception for discounts 

offered by vendors of food and beverage; see page 

28.) A reduced price is not considered a prohibited 

discount; however, if it is offered by the vendor 

in the ordinary course of business at the same 

amount charged to nonpolitical clients. See AOs 

2004-06, 1993-20 and 1992-24. 

Compensation for Services 

If a corporation or labor organization pays for 

services rendered to a committee, a prohibited 

contribution results. 100.54. 

A corporation or labor organization may, however, provide free legal and accounting services to 

a party committee. 100.85. See page 27 for more 

information. 

Federal Government Contractors 

Federal government contractors are prohibited 

from making contributions or expenditures in 

connection with federal elections. 115.2(a). See 

AO 2008-11. For example, a contribution from a 

partnership with a government contract would be 

prohibited. 115.4 As another example, a contribution from the personal or business funds of an 

individual or a sole proprietor with a government 

contract would be prohibited. 115.5. However, 

employees, individual stockholders and offcers of 

federal contractors may make contributions or 

expenditures from their personal assets. 115.4(c) 

and 115.6. Also, the spouse of an individual who is 

a federal contractor may make a personal contribution or expenditure in his or her own name. 115.5. 

Foreign Nationals 

Foreign nationals are prohibited from making 

contributions, donations or expenditures, either 

directly or through any other person, in connection with any election—federal, state or local. See 

110.20(b), (c) and (f). (See also Appendix E for information on how this prohibition applies to state and 

local elections.) In addition, foreign nationals may 

not donate to any party committee building fund, 

or fund electioneering communications or independent expenditures. 110.20(d)-(f). 

The Act prohibits knowingly soliciting, accepting or receiving contributions or donations from 

110.20(g). In this context,“knowa person: 

nowledge that the funds solicd or received are from a foreign 

acts that would lead a reasonable 

onclude that there is a substantial 

hat the funds solicited, accepted 

are likely to be from a foreign 

acts that would lead a reason-

 to inquire whether the source 

 solicited, accepted or received 

ational, but the person failed to 

asonable inquiry. 110.20(a)(4). 

s of facts which may be pertinent, 

)(5). 

l to knowingly provide substantial 

gn nationals making contributions 

foreign nationals. 

ingly” means that 

•	 Has actual k

ited, accepte

national; 

•	 Is aware of f

person to c

probability t

or received 

national; or 

•	 Is aware of f

able person

of the funds

is a foreign n

conduct a re

For example

see 110.20(a

It is also unlawfu

assistance to forei

3 The prohibition does not generally apply to activities related 

to state ballot measures. See First National Bank v. Bellotti, 435 

U.S. 765 (1978) and AO 1980-95. 
14 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 2

or donations in connection with any U.S. election. 

110.20(h). “Substantial assistance” refers to active 

involvement in the solicitation, making, receipt or 

acceptance of a foreign national contribution or 

donation with the intent of completing the transaction successfully.4 This prohibition includes, but is 

not limited to, individuals who act as conduits or 

intermediaries. 

Defnition of Foreign National 

The following entities are considered foreign 

nationals and are therefore subject to the prohibition: foreign governments; foreign political parties; 

foreign corporations; foreign associations; foreign 

partnerships; and individuals with foreign citizenship 

unless they have “green cards” indicating they have 

been lawfully admitted for permanent residence. 

110.20(a)(3). 

Safe Harbor Provision 

In some cases, a committee may have questions 

regarding whether or not a contribution is from a 

foreign national. For example, the contributor may 

have a foreign address or bank. In this case, a committee has made reasonable assurances that the 

individual is not a foreign national if the committee 

obtains current and valid U.S. passport papers for 

the contributor. 110.20(a)(7). 

The safe harbor cannot be relied on if the committee has actual knowledge the contribution is 

from a foreign national. 110.20(a)(7). 

PACs of Domestic Subsidiaries of Foreign 

Corporations 

A political party committee may accept contributions from the PAC (separate segregated fund) of 

a U.S. corporation that is a subsidiary of a foreign 

corporation as long as: 

•	 The foreign parent does not fnance the 

PAC’s activities through the subsidiary; and 

•	 No individual foreign national participates in 

the operation of the PAC (including the selection of persons to run the PAC) or makes any 

decisions regarding PAC contributions or expenditures. 110.20(i). See also AOs 2006-15, 

2000-17, 1995-15, 1992-16, 1990-08, 1989-29 

and 1989-20. 

Corporate Donations for Nonfederal 

Activity 

A domestic subsidiary of a foreign corporation 

(or a domestic corporation owned by foreign nationals) may donate funds in connection with state 

or local elections (including nonfederal accounts of 

political parties) so long as the funds do not come 

from the foreign parent or owner, and individual 

foreign nationals are not involved in any way in the 

making of donations to nonfederal candidates or 

committees. Please note that many states place additional restrictions on donations made to nonfederal candidates and committees. See AOs 2006-15 

and 1992-16. 

Contributions in the Name of Another 

Contributions made by one person in the name 

of another person are prohibited, and no one may 

assist someone in making such a contribution. 

110.4(b). 

3. LIMITS ON CONTRIBUTIONS 

RECEIVED BY THE 

COMMITTEE 

Political committees are prohibited from accepting contributions that violate the contribution 

limits. 110.9. For information on how to handle 

excessive contributions, see page 23. 

State and Local Committees 

A state party committee may receive up to 

$10,000 per calendar year from individuals and 

from non-multicandidate political committees. 

110.1(c)(5). As explained later in this chapter, 

this limit is shared with all district and local party 

committees within the state unless a district or 

local committee can demonstrate it is not affliated 

with the state committee. (A district or local party 

committee that has demonstrated its independence 

from the state party committee may receive up 

to $5,000 from an individual.) Additionally, a state 

party committee may receive up to $5,000 per year 

from multicandidate political committees. 110.2(d). 

4 See Contribution Limitations and Prohibitions, 67 Fed. Reg. 

69928, 69945-46 (Nov. 19, 2002). 
15 

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Chapter 2

National Party Committees 

A national party committee may receive up to 

$15,000 per calendar year from a multicandidate 

committee and $32,4005

 per calendar year from 

non-multicandidate committees and individual contributors. 110.1(c)(1), 110.1(c)(3) and110.2(c)(3). 

Biennial Limit for Individuals 

In addition to the limits on individual contributions to a particular political committee, there is an 

overall biennial limit. During a two-year calendar 

year cycle (January 1 of an odd-numbered year 

through December 31 of an even-numbered year), 

an individual may contribute a total of $123,200 to 

all political committees combined.6 

This amount may not go entirely to any one 

type of political committee. Only $48,600 may be 

contributed to candidate committees.The remaining $74,600 may be contributed to PACs and party 

committees, but only $48,600 of that amount may 

go to state and local parties and PACs.The remaining $26,000 is reserved for national party committees. 110.5(b). 

Candidate Limit May Apply 

A contribution received by a party committee 

may count against the contributor’s contribution 

limit for a particular candidate if: 

•	 The contributor knows that a substantial 

portion of his or her contribution will be 

given to or spent on behalf of a particular 

candidate; or 

•	 The contributor retains control over the 

funds after making the contribution (for example, the contributor earmarks the contribution for a particular candidate). 110.1(h), 

110.2(h) and 110.6. 

Contributions from Afliated PACs 

Political action committees (PACs) that are affliated with one another share the same set of 

contribution limits. For example, affliated nonmulticandidate PACs may contribute a combined 

total of $10,000 per year to a state party committee (and its district and local affliates). 110.3(a) and 

110.1(c)(5). 

Affliated multicandidate PACs may contribute a 

combined total of $5,000 per year to a state party 

committee (and its district and local affliates). 

110.2(d). 

Contributions from Spouses 

A husband and wife each have separate contribution limits, even if only one spouse has an income. 

110.1(i). A couple may make a joint contribution 

(part of which would be attributed to each), as 

explained below. 

Joint Contributions 

A joint contribution is a contribution that is made 

by more than one person using a single check or 

other written instrument. A joint contribution represents the personal funds of each donor, so each 

donor must sign either the check or an accompanying statement. 110.1(k)(1). 

For the purposes of the contribution limits, a 

joint contribution is attributed equally to each 

donor, unless an accompanying statement indicates 

that the funds should be divided differently. 110.1(k) 

(2). See “Excess Contributions: Reattributions,” page 

24. 

Partnership Contributions 

A contribution from a partnership counts against 

the partnership’s limit and also counts proportionally against the limits of each participating partner. 

110.1(e). See Appendix C for more information on 

contributions from partnerships. 

$100 Limit on Cash Contributions 

Contributions of currency from any one source 

are limited to $100. A cash contribution in excess 

of that limit must be returned to the contributor. 

110.4(c)(1) and (2). 

$50 Limit on Anonymous Contributions 

An anonymous contribution is limited to 

$50. Any amount in excess of $50 must be promptly disposed of, and may be used for any lawful 

purpose unrelated to any federal election, candidate 

or campaign. 110.4(c)(3). 

5 The limit is indexed in odd-numbered years to account for 

infation. 

6 The biennial limit is indexed in odd-numbered years to account for infation. Note that the biennial limit applies only 

to individuals. 
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4. AFFILIATION AND THE 

CONTRIBUTION LIMITS 

State and Local Committees 

General Rule 

A state party committee and local party committees within that state are presumed to be affliated. 

That is, all contributions received and made by local 

party committees count against the state committee’s limits. 110.3(b)(3). 

This means that the state committee and local 

committees together may receive a maximum of 

$10,000 per calendar year from any one individual 

or non-multicandidate committee contributor. 

110.1(c)(5). Similarly, the state committee and local 

committees together may not contribute more 

than $5,000 to a candidate per election, assuming 

the state party committee has qualifed as a multicandidate committee (see page 35). 110.2(b)(1). 

To avoid exceeding the contribution limits, a state 

party committee should set up a centralized monitoring system to ensure that all contributions made 

and received by local party committees are within 

the limits. See 103.3(b) and 110.9. 

Independent Local Committees 

A local party committee may operate under its 

own separate set of contribution limits if the committee’s independence can be demonstrated. An 

independent party committee has the same set of 

contribution limits as a PAC.Thus, for example, an 

independent local party committee that has multicandidate committee status may contribute up to 

$5,000 to a federal candidate, while an independent 

local party committee that is a non-multicandidate 

committee may contribute up to $2,6007

 to a federal candidate. For more information, see 110.3(b) 

(3). See also AOs 1978–09, 1999-04 and 2005-02. 

National Party Committees 

A national party committee operates under its 

own set of contribution limits. 110.3(b)(1)(i). Only 

federally permissible funds may be raised and spent 

by the national parties. 300.10. 

The Democratic and Republican parties each have 

three national party committees: a national committee, a House campaign committee and a Senate 

campaign committee. Each of these committees has 

a separate set of contribution limits, except for a 

special limit on contributions to Senate campaigns; 

see page 35. 110.2(e) and 110.3(b)(2). 

5. BANK LOANS AND 

OVERDRAFTS 

Bank Loans 

Unlike other loans, a loan or line of credit from a 

bank is not considered a contribution if the conditions set forth below are satisfed. If a loan fails to 

meet any of these conditions, it is considered a 

prohibited contribution from the lending institution. 

Conditions 

A committee may obtain a loan or line of credit 

from a bank provided that the loan: 

1. Bears the bank’s usual and customary interest 

rate for the category of loan involved; 

2. Is evidenced by a written instrument; 

3. Is subject to a due date or amortization schedule; 

and 

4. Is made on a basis which assures repayment. 

100.82(a)(1)-(4). 

Methods of Assuring Repayment 

A loan is made on a basis which assures repayment if it is obtained using one or more of the following authorized methods of securing the loan: 

Collateral. A loan may be secured using assets 

of the committee, such as real estate, personal 

property, negotiable instruments and stocks.The 

fair market value of the assets pledged must, on the 

date of the loan, equal or exceed the amount of 

the loan and any senior liens.The committee must 

ensure that the bank has established a “perfected 

security interest” in the collateral (that is, taken 

steps to legally protect its interest in the collateral 

in the event that the committee defaults on the 

loan). 100.82(e)(1)(i). 

Guarantees or Endorsements. A loan may also 

be secured using guarantors or endorsers, who 

agree to repay the loan should the committee 

default. As previously stated, an endorsement or 

guarantee of a bank loan is considered a contribu- 7 The limit is indexed in odd-numbered years to account for 

infation. 
17 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 2

tion by the endorser or guarantor to the extent the 

loan remains outstanding, and is therefore subject 

to the law’s prohibitions and limits on contributions. 

100.82(c) and (e)(1)(ii). 

Pledge of Future Receipts. A committee may 

pledge its future receipts as security for the loan; 

the amount of the loan must not exceed a reasonable estimate of anticipated receipts, based on 

documentation provided by the committee (such 

as cash fow charts or fundraising plans). Future 

receipts may include, for example, anticipated 

contributions or interest income.The loan agreement must require the committee to deposit the 

pledged funds into a separate account established 

for this purpose. If the account is established at a 

depository other than the lending institution, the 

committee must assign the account’s funds to the 

lender and notify the depository of the assignment. 

100.82(e)(2). 

Other Methods of Assuring Repayment 

The Commission may, on a case-by-case basis, 

approve other methods of assuring repayment. 

100.82(e)(3). A committee may wish to request 

an advisory opinion from the Commission before 

entering into an alternative repayment agreement. 

Overdrafts 

If a bank honors a check written by a committ

with insuffcient funds in its account, no contribu

tion from the bank results as long as the overdra

•	 Is made on an account subject to automati

overdraft protection; 

•	 Is subject to the usual and customary inter

rate; and 

•	 Is subject to a repayment schedule. 100.82(

An overdraft that does not meet the above co

ee 

-

ft: 

c 

est 

d). 

nditions is a prohibited contribution. 

Overdraft protection secured through a line of 

credit is subject to the rules on bank loans. 

6. INTEREST AND DIVIDENDS 

A committee may earn interest and dividends on 

funds invested in, for example, a savings account, 

money market fund or certifcate of deposit. Interest and dividends are not contributions. 

Disclosure of Bank on 

Statement of Organization 

Any bank where the committee deposits funds 

must be listed on the Statement of Organization 

(Form 1) or an amendment. 102.2(a)(1)(vi). 

Other institutions holding committee investments 

(such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.) are not 

disclosed on Form 1. Before disbursing such funds, 

however, the committee must transfer them to a 

checking account maintained at one of the committee’s campaign depositories. 103.3(a). See also AOs 

1997-06, 1986-18 and 1980-39. 

Taxes 

A committee must generally pay taxes on interest and dividend income. See Appendix G for IRS 

information. 

7. OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDS 

Ofsets to Operating Expenditures 

Offsets to operating expenditures, such as returns 

of deposits, refunds and rebates, are not considered 

contributions. Rebates, however, must be offered in 

the ordinary course of business and on the same 

terms and conditions as those offered to nonpolitical entities. Otherwise, the rebate may be considered a contribution—a prohibited contribution if 

the vendor is a corporation. See, for example,AOs 

1986-22 and 1985-28. 

Transfers from Other Party Committees 

A party committee may receive unlimited transfers of permissible funds from other party committees and party organizations. A party organization 

making such transfers, however, may trigger federal 

registration. 102.6(a)(1)(ii), (iv) and (a)(2). 

Transfers of Candidate Campaign Funds 

A candidate’s authorized committee may transfer 

unlimited campaign funds to a party committee 

or organization. 113.2(c). Any nonfederal law that 

would prohibit such a transfer to a party organization is preempted by federal law. AO 1993-08. 
18 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 2

Loan Repayments 

If a party committee makes a loan to any person, 

the loan repayments received are not contributions 

but must be composed of permissible funds. 

Any interest charged on the loan must also be 

paid with permissible funds. Interest payments are 

not considered contributions unless they exceed 

the prevailing interest rates. 100.52(b)(5). 

Ballot Access Payments 

Fees paid to a party committee as a condition of 

ballot access are not contributions.This exemption 

covers ballot access fees paid by federal candidates 

as a requirement of state law and those paid to 

state and subordinate party committees by delegates and delegate committees. Such fees must be 

paid with permissible funds, except that individual 

delegates may use funds that are not subject to the 

limits. 100.90 and 110.14(c)(1)(i) and (2). See Appendix D for information on delegate activity. 

Building Fund Donations 

State, district and local party committees may accept unlimited funds donated specifcally to defray 

the costs of constructing or purchasing a party 

offce building (but not to infuence any particular 

federal election). Such building fund donations are 

not considered contributions and are not subject 

to any limits or prohibitions, other than the prohibition against donations from foreign nationals. 

100.84, 114.1(a)(2)(ix) and 300.35.This exemption does not apply to national party committees 

because they are prohibited from raising or spending funds not subject to the limitations, prohibitions 

and reporting requirements of the Act. 114.1(a)(2) 

(ix) and 300.12(d). 

A party committee must deposit such donations 

in a nonfederal account, since they do not meet the 

requirements for deposit in a federal account (see 

pages 4–5). 100.84 and 102.5(a)(2). Federal funds 

may also be used to construct or purchase a party 

offce building. If federal funds are used for this 

purpose, the limitations and prohibitions of the Act 

apply. 

If nonfederal funds are used, they are subject to 

the limits and prohibitions of state law. State party 

committees may need to report such activity under 

state law. 300.35(b)(1). See also AO 2004-28. 

Note that this exemption does not apply to funds 

used to pay rent, operating costs, property taxes 

or other administrative expenses of a party offce 

building. (See AOs 2001-12 and 2001-01.) 

Leasing a Portion of the Ofce Building 

A state or local party committee may lease a 

portion of its offce building at the usual and normal 

charge. If the building is purchased or constructed 

with any nonfederal funds, all rental income must be 

treated as nonfederal funds. If the building is purchased or constructed solely with federal funds, the 

income may be deposited in the federal account. 

300.35(c). 

8. STATE TAX CHECKOFF FUNDS 

AND OTHER STATE PROCEEDS 

State and local party committees in some states 

may receive funds derived from state tax checkoffs 

or fees paid for a state service (e.g., fees for personalized license plates).This section explains when 

these funds may be deposited in a federal account 

and, if so, when they are considered contributions 

rather than miscellaneous receipts. 

Deposit in Federal Account 

As a general rule, if the funds in question are from 

permissible sources (e.g., individuals) rather than 

from persons prohibited from making contributions 

under federal law (e.g., corporations, labor organizations, foreign nationals), the funds may be deposited into a federal account. For example, in several 

advisory opinions, the Commission concluded that 

proceeds from state income tax checkoff programs 

(whereby individual taxpayers designate funds for 

political parties) and fees for personalized licenses 

plates were permissible funds and could therefore 

be deposited into a federal account. AOs 1993-

21 (Ohio checkoff),8

 1991-14 (Kentucky checkoff), 

1983-15 (Virginia checkoff), 1982-17 (Indiana license 

plate fees), 1980-103 (North Carolina checkoff) and 

1978-09 (Iowa checkoff). 

In another opinion, AO 1988-33, a state party 

committee was allowed to deposit into its federal 

8 AO 1993-21 also determined that federal law preempted 

an Ohio law barring the party committee from depositing 

checkoff proceeds into an allocation account. 
19 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 2

account ballot fees and party assessments paid to 

the state of Florida by federal candidates. However, 

because state law allowed nonfederal candidates to 

accept funds that would be considered prohibited 

or excessive under federal law, fees and assessments from nonfederal candidates could not be 

deposited into the federal account. 

Treatment as Contributions 

In the above cited advisory opinions, checkoff 

funds that did not increase the taxpayer’s liability 

or decrease his or her refund were not considered contributions. Nor were the personalized 

license plate fees. In these situations, the funds were 

considered miscellaneous receipts (reportable as 

“other receipts”—see page 85). 

However, in AO 1983-15 (Virginia checkoff), the 

checkoff funds represented taxpayer refunds. Under 

those circumstances—where the money would 

otherwise be refunded to the taxpayer—the funds 

were considered contributions if deposited into a 

federal account. Because the amount of each contribution was only $2 per taxpayer, the contributions 

were reportable as unitemized contributions from 

individuals (see page 80). 

21 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3 

FUNDRAISING PROCEDURES 

1. SOLICITATION NOTICES 

Federal Election Purpose 

Solicitations must inform potential contributors 

that their contributions will be used in connection 

with federal elections or that they are subject to 

the limits and prohibitions of the Federal Election 

Campaign Act (the Act). 102.5(a)(2)(ii) and (iii). 

Disclaimer Notice 

Solicitations for the party committee must 

include a disclaimer stating who has paid for the 

communication and must contain the following 

information: 

If the communication is authorized by a candidate, 

candidate’s committee or agent of either entity, but 

paid for by any other person, the disclaimer must 

state the communication is paid for by the third 

party and is authorized by the candidate, authorized 

committee or agent. Example:“Paid for by XYZ 

State Party Committee and authorized by Joe Smith 

for Congress.” 110.11(b)(2). 

If the communication is not authorized by a candidate, authorized committee or agent of either, the 

disclaimer must include who paid for the communication, the permanent street address, telephone 

number or website address of the person paying 

for the communication and that the communication 

was not authorized by any candidate. 110.11(b)(3).

 Example:“Paid for by the XYZ State Party Committee (www.XYZ.org) and not authorized by any 

candidate or candidate’s committee.” 110.11(b)(3). 

For additional information concerning disclaimers, 

see page 64 or consult the FEC’s brochure “Special 

Notices on Political Ads and Solicitations.” 

“Best Eforts” Notice 

Party committees and their treasurers must make 

“best efforts” to obtain, maintain and report the 

name, address, occupation and employer of each 

contributor who gives more than $200 in a calendar year. 100.12, 102.9(a), (d). Reports fled with the 

Commission will be considered to be in compliance 

with the Act when the treasurer shows that best efforts have been used to obtain, maintain and submit 

the information required by the Act. 104.4, 104.7. In 

order to show that the committee has made “best 

efforts,” solicitations must specifcally request that 

information and inform contributors that the committee is required by law to undertake best efforts 

to report it. 104.7(b)(1). For details, see “Treasurer’s 

Best Efforts,” page 69. 

IRS Notice 

Section 6113 of the Internal Revenue Code 

requires political committees whose gross annual 

receipts normally exceed $100,000 to include a 

special notice on solicitations informing solicitees 

that their contributions are not tax deductible. 

There are substantial penalties for failure to comply 

with this provision. Contact the IRS for more information (see Appendix G). 

FCC Notice 

Check with the Federal Communications Commission for information on required notices for 

political ads aired on radio or television (see Appendix G). 

2. FORWARDED CONTRIBUTIONS 

Time Limits 

Any person who receives contributions for a 

party committee must forward the contributions, 

together with certain information about the contributors (see Chapter 6), to the committee treasurer within the following time periods: 

•	 Contributions of $50 or less—within 30 days 

after receiving the funds; 
22 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 3

•	 Contributions of more than $50—within 10 

days after receiving the funds. 102.8(b).1 

No Commingling with Personal Funds 

Contributions and other committee receipts 

must not be deposited in a personal account or 

otherwise commingled with personal funds. 102.15. 

3. TREASURER’S RECEIPT 

Deposit or Return Contributions within 

10 Days 

Within 10 days of receipt by the treasurer, a contribution or other receipt must be deposited in the 

committee’s campaign depository or returned to 

the source (see footnote 1 below). 103.3(a). 

Determining Legality 

The committee treasurer is responsible for 

examining all contributions to ensure that they are 

neither prohibited nor excessive. In order to determine whether a contribution exceeds the contributor’s limit, the contribution must be aggregated 

with any others made by the contributor to the 

committee or its affliates during the calendar year. 

103.3(b). 

Contributions of questionable legality must be 

handled as described in Section 6 below. 

4. FEDERAL CANDIDATES AND 

NONFEDERAL FUNDRAISING 

Federal candidates, offceholders and their agents 

may not raise funds for federal elections, including funds for FEA, outside the limits, prohibitions 

and reporting requirements of the Act. In addition, 

federal candidates, offceholders and their agents 

may only raise funds in connection with nonfederal elections in amounts and from sources that 

are consistent with state law and within the limits 

and prohibitions of the Act.2

 300.61 and 300.62. In 

2010, the Commission revised its rules regarding 

participation by federal candidates and offceholders 

in state, district and local party fundraising events. 

The following rules apply to participation by federal 

candidates and offceholders at all nonfederal 

fundraising events (and in related publicity) that are 

in connection with an election for federal offce or 

any nonfederal election. 

Participation at Nonfederal 

Fundraising Events 

A federal candidate or offceholder may attend, 

speak at and be a featured guest at a nonfederal 

fundraiser. 300.64(b)(1). He or she is also free to 

solicit funds at the fundraising event, provided that 

the solicitation for funds is within the limitations 

and prohibitions of the Act and are consistent with 

state law. 300.61, 300.64(b)(2). 

Such a solicitation should either be explicitly 

limited or should be limited by displaying at the fundraiser a clear and conspicuous written notice, or 

by making a clear and conspicuous oral statement, 

that the solicitation is not for Levin funds (when 

applicable) and does not seek funds in excess of 

federally permissible amounts or from corporations, 

labor organizations, national banks, federal government contractors and foreign nationals. 300.62(b) 

(2)(i-ii). If the federal candidate or offceholder 

chooses to make an oral statement, it need only be 

made once. 

Publicity for Nonfederal Fundraising 

Events 

FEC regulations also address the publicity for 

nonfederal fundraisers including, but not limited to, 

ads, announcements or pre-event invitation materials, regardless of format or medium of the communication. 300.64(c). 

If the publicity does not contain a solicitation 

or solicits only federally permissible funds, then 

the federal candidate or offceholder (or agent of 

2 These restrictions apply to the solicitation, receipt, direct1 The receipt of a contribution by an authorized agent (that ing, transfer, spending, and disbursement of funds. They also 

is, a person authorized by the treasurer to receive contribu- apply to entities that are directly or indirectly established, 

tions and make expenditures for the committee – 102.9) fnanced, maintained or controlled by a federal candidate or 

is the equivalent of the treasurer’s receipt and triggers the offceholder, including leadership PACs. 300.61 and 300.62; 

10-day deposit period at 103.3(a). AO 1992-29. see also 300.2(c) and 300.60. 
23 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 3

either) is free to consent to the use of the name or 

likeness of the federal candidate or offceholder in 

the publicity for the nonfederal fundraiser. 300.64(c) 

(1)-(2). 

If the publicity contains a solicitation for funds 

outside the limitations or prohibitions of the Act or 

Levin funds, the federal candidate or offceholder 

(or agent of either) may consent to the use the 

name or likeness of the federal candidate or offceholder in the publicity, only if: 

•	 The federal candidate or offceholder is identifed in a manner not specifcally related to 

fundraising, such as a featured guest, honored 

guest, special guest, featured speaker or honored speaker; and 

•	 The publicity includes a clear and conspicuous oral or written disclaimer that the 

solicitation is not being made by the federal 

candidate or offceholder. 300.64(c)(3)(i). 

Examples of disclaimers are provided in the 

regulation at 300.64(c)(iv). 

However, a federal candidate or offceholder (or 

agent of either) may not agree to the consent of his 

or her name or likeness in publicity that contains 

a solicitation of funds outside the limitations and 

prohibitions of the Act or of Levin funds if: 

•	 The federal candidate or offceholder is 

identifed as serving in a manner specifcally 

related to fundraising, such as honorary chairperson or member of a host committee; or 

is identifed in the publicity as extending the 

invitation to the event; or 

•	 The federal candidate or offceholder signs 

the communication. 

These restrictions apply even if the publicity contains a disclaimer. 300.64(c)(v). 

In addition, the federal candidate or offceholder 

is prohibited from disseminating publicity for nonfederal fundraisers that contains a solicitation of 

funds outside the limitations or prohibitions of the 

Act or of Levin funds. 300.64(c)(vi). 

5. PROHIBITED FUNDRAISING 

ACTIVITY 

501(c) and 527 Organizations 

National, state, district and local party committees, and their offcers, agents and entities of a 

committee,3 may not solicit any funds for—or make 

or direct any donations of nonfederal funds (including Levin funds) to—the following organizations: 

•	 501(c) tax-exempt organizations that make 

expenditures or disbursements in connection 

with a federal election, including for federal 

election activity (FEA).This prohibition applies even if the organization has only applied 

for tax-exempt status. 300.11(a)(1) and (2); 

300.37(a)(1) and (2); 300.50(a)(1) and (2); and 

300.51(a)(1) and (2); or 

•	 527 organizations which are not political 

committees, state, district or local party committees or authorized campaign committees 

of a state or local candidate. 300.11(a)(3), 

300.37(a)(3), 300.50(a)(3) and 300.51(a)(3). 

See also McConnell v. FEC, 540 U.S. 93, 174-81 

(2003). 

However, state, district and local party committees may make or direct donations to a state political committee that supports only state and local 

candidates, and does not make any expenditures or 

disbursements in connection with federal elections, 

including for federal election activity (FEA). See 

Chapter 8. 300.37(a)(3)(iv) and 300.51(a)(3)(iv). 

Certifcation of 501(c) and 527 

Organizations 

When determining whether a 501(c) or 527 

organization makes expenditures or disbursements 

in connection with a federal election, including 

for FEA, the party committee may rely on a certifcation by the organization. 300.11(c) and (d); 

300.37(c) and (d); 300.50(c) and (d); and 300.51(c) 

and (d). For more on the certifcation requirements, 

see page 41. 

6. HANDLING ILLEGAL 

CONTRIBUTIONS 

Depositing Questionable Contributions 

Within 10 days of receiving a contribution that 

appears to be excessive or prohibited, the committee treasurer must either return the contribution 

or deposit it. 103.3(b)(1). 

3 This includes entities directly or indirectly established, fnanced, maintained or controlled by the party committee or 

the party committee’s agents. 
24 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 3

If it is deposited, the treasurer must: to 

•	 Keep enough money in the committee’s ac- per

count to cover the potential refund or estab- tha

lish a separate account for such contributions. exc

•	 Keep a record explaining why the contribu- co

tion may be illegal and include this explana- by 

tion on Schedule A if the contribution has to am

be itemized before its legality is established. att

•	 In the case of an excessive contribution, sce

obtain a redesignation or reattribution of the Re excessive portion or refund it to the contributor (see below). but

•	 In the case of a possibly prohibited contri- trib bution, confrm its legality or refund it (see 

or below). 103.3(b)(1), (3), (4) and (5). 11

Excessive Contributions: Reattributions 

In addition to return or refund, a committee may 

remedy an excessive joint contribution through 

reattribution by the contributors or through 

presumptive reattribution by the committee, as 

described below. 

Reattribution By Contributor 

With a reattribution, the contributor instructs 

the committee in writing to attribute the excessive portion of a joint contribution to the other 

individual joining in the contribution. For example, 

if the committee receives an excessive contribution 

drawn on a joint checking account, but signed by 

only one account holder, the committee may seek 

a signed reattribution of the excessive amount to 

the other account holder. 110.1(k)(3)(ii)(A). (A joint 

contribution shall be attributed equally to each 

contributor, if the amount to be attributed is not 

indicated, but may also be reattributed so that a 

different amount is attributed to each contributor, 

if instructed by the contributors.) Note that a joint 

contribution must represent the personal funds of 

each contributor because contributions made in the 

name of another are prohibited. See 110.4(b). 

When requesting reattributions, the committee 

must also inform contributors that they may, alternatively, ask for a refund of the excessive portions 

of their contributions. 110.1(k)(3)(ii)(A). 

Requesting Reattribution 

If the written instrument has more than one 

name imprinted on it, the treasurer may ask the 

contributor whether the contribution was intended 

be a joint contribution from more than one 

son.The treasurer must inform the contributor 

t he or she may instead request a refund of the 

essive portion.The treasurer should also inform 

ntributors that a reattribution must be signed 

each participating contributor and indicate the 

ount attributed to each contributor, if equal 

ribution is not intended. 110.1(k)(3)(ii)(A). (This 

nario would not be presumptive reattribution). 

ceive Reattribution or Make Refund 

Within 60 days of receiving the original contriion, the treasurer must receive a proper reatution, presumptively reattribute (if applicable) 

refund the excessive portion. 103.3(b)(3) and 

0.1(k)(3)(ii)(A)(2) and (B)(3). 

Presumptive Reattribution 

By Committee 

Under certain circumstances, a committee may 

reattribute an excessive contribution without frst 

receiving a written request from the contributors. 

When a committee receives an excessive contribution made via a written instrument with more than 

one individual’s name imprinted on it, but only one 

signature, the committee may attribute the permissible portion to the signer.The committee may 

make a presumptive reattribution of the excessive 

portion to the other individual whose name is imprinted on the written instrument, without obtaining a second signature, so long as the reattribution 

does not cause the contributor to exceed any 

other contribution limit. 110.1(k)(3)(ii)(B)(1). 

The committee is required to notify the contributors of the reattribution within 60 days of the 

treasurer’s receipt of the contribution, and must 

offer the contributor the option to receive a refund 

instead. 

Example of Presumptive Reattribution 

A state party committee receives an $11,000 

check that is drawn on a joint account but signed 

by only one account holder.The treasurer deposits 

the check and attributes $10,000 to the signer and 

$1,000 to the other account holder.Within 60 days 

of receiving the original contribution, the treasurer 

sends a letter informing the contributors of the 

reattribution and of their right to a refund. Assuming neither contributor objects, the committee may 

now keep the full $11,000. 
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Prohibited Contributions 

Questionable Source 

If a committee treasurer deposits a contribution 

that appears to come from a prohibited source, he 

or she has 30 days from the date of the contribution’s receipt to: 

•	 Confrm the legality of the contribution; or 

•	 Refund the contribution. 103.3(b)(1). 

As evidence of legality, the treasurer should 

obtain a written statement from the contributor 

explaining why the contribution is legal. Alternatively, the treasurer may obtain an oral explanation by 

telephone and keep a written record of the conversation. 103.3(b)(1). 

Late Discovery Of Prohibited Contribution 

If a treasurer discovers that a previously deposited contribution came from a prohibited source, he 

or she must refund the contribution within 30 days 

of making the discovery.This situation might arise, 

for example, if the treasurer learned that a past 

contribution was made by a foreign national. 

If the committee does not have suffcient funds 

to refund the contribution when the illegality is 

discovered, the treasurer must use the next funds 

the committee receives. 103.3(b)(2). 

7. JOINT FUNDRAISING 

PROCEDURES 

Party committees may engage in joint fundraising 

with other political committees and organizations. 

See Appendix B. 

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Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4 

OTHER COMMITTEE RESOURCES 

In addition to receiving contributions and other 

funds (see Chapter 2), party committees may 

receive certain goods and services without any 

contribution resulting. In many cases, no reporting 

is required. 

1. LEGAL AND ACCOUNTING 

SERVICES 

A party committee may receive, without limit, 

free legal and accounting services as long as: 

•	 The services do not directly further the election of a specifc federal candidate; 

•	 The person paying for the service is the 

regular employer of the individual performing 

the service; 

•	 The employer does not hire additional employees to free regular employees to perform 

the service; 

•	 The employer does not hire new employees 

to perform the service directly; and 

•	 The committee reports the value of the 

service (the amount paid by the employer), as 

well as the name of each person who performed the service and the date the service 

was provided. 100.85, 104.3(h) and 114.1(a) 

(2)(vi). 

If an individual personally volunteers legal or accounting services without compensation, the above 

restrictions do not apply. See “Volunteer Activity: 

Personal Services,” below. 

2. VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY 

Personal Services 

An individual may volunteer uncompensated 

personal services to a party committee without 

making a contribution. 100.74.Volunteer activity is 

not reportable. 

Note, however, that if volunteers are paid for 

their services by someone other than the party 

committee, the activity is no longer considered 

volunteering, and the payments result in in-kind 

contributions to the party committee. 100.54. Generally, if an individual provides services to a party 

committee during paid working hours (other than 

incidental or isolated activity which is discussed in 

more detail below), the employer makes a contribution to the committee. However, legal and accounting services, if they meet the conditions described 

in the above section, are an exception to this rule. 

For further exceptions, see 100.54(a)-(c). 

Volunteer’s Living Expenses 

While volunteering, an individual may pay for 

normal subsistence expenses (meals and lodging) 

without making a contribution.These payments are 

not reportable. 100.79(b). 

Activities in Home, Church, Community 

Room 

Individuals, in the course of volunteering personal 

services, may use their homes — or the recreation room of the apartment complex where they 

live — for activities to support a party committee 

without making a contribution.Volunteers may also 

use a church or community room for party-support 

activities as long as the facility is regularly used 

for noncommercial purposes by members of the 

community without regard to political affliation. (A 

nominal fee paid by the individual for the use of a 

recreation or community room is not a contribution and is not reportable.) 100.75 and 100.76. 

For more information on political activity by 

religious organizations, contact the IRS tax exempt 

organizations division. See Appendix G. 

Food, Drink, Invitations at Home Event 

Individuals may volunteer to hold fundraising 

receptions or other types of party-support activities in their homes or in churches or community 

rooms. An individual may purchase food, beverages 

and invitations for the event without making a contribution as long as such spending does not exceed 
28 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 4

$2,000 per calendar year on behalf of all political 

committees of the same party. (A husband and 

wife may together spend up to $4,000 per year.) 

Any amount spent in excess of $2,000 per person, 

however, must be reported by the party committee 

as an in-kind contribution. (Otherwise, the activity 

is not reportable.) 100.77. Note that any expenses 

paid by a nonresident co-host of an activity are 

considered in-kind contributions to the party committee benefting from the event. AO 1980-63. 

Corporate/Labor Volunteers 

An employee, stockholder or member of a corporation or labor organization may make occasional, isolated or incidental use of the organization’s 

facilities for volunteer work on behalf of a party 

committee (or candidate), subject to the rules and 

practices of the organization. However, the volunteer may have to reimburse the corporation or labor organization in some cases. 114.9(a)(1) and (b) 

(1).The rules for this type of volunteer activity are 

discussed under “Use of Corporate/Labor Facilities 

and Resources,” page 31. 

Uncompensated Internet Activity 

An individual or group of individuals may engage 

in Internet activity for the purpose of infuencing a 

federal election without making an expenditure or a 

contribution. The activity must be uncompensated, 

and the exemption does not include payments for 

e-mail lists.The individual or group need not own 

the computer(s) used for the activity and is permitted to pay a nominal fee for the use of another 

person’s web site without the amount paid being 

considered a contribution. 100.94. 

3. TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES 

Unreimbursed Travel Expenses 

The rules described below apply only to an 

individual’s payments for his or her own travel 

expenses; if an individual uses personal funds to pay 

the travel expenses of another, an in-kind contribution results. 

$2,000 Transportation Exemption 

An individual working for a party committee 

(including a paid staff member or a volunteer) may 

voluntarily spend up to $2,000 for unreimbursed 

transportation expenses on behalf of all political 

committees of the same party without making a 

contribution. Payments for transportation expenses that exceed $2,000 per year, however, are 

considered contributions—unless they are reimbursed by the party committee in a timely manner 

(see below). 100.79(a). 

Reimbursed Travel Expenses 

When an individual working on behalf of the 

party committee pays transportation and subsistence expenses while traveling, no contribution will 

result if the committee reimburses the individual 

within the following time limits: 

•	 If the expense was paid with cash or a personal check, within 30 days from the date the 

expense was incurred. 

•	 If the expense was paid with a credit card, 

within 60 days of the closing date on the 

credit card billing statement where the 

charge frst appears. 

Outside of these time limits, the payments are inkind contributions. 116.5(b). See “Reporting Reimbursed Advances of Personal Funds” on page 90 for 

reporting rules. 

4. 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. 100.78 and 114.1(a)(2)(v). 
29 

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5. CORPORATE / LABOR 

EXCEPTIONS 

Although corporations (including incorporated 

trade associations and membership organizations) 

and labor organizations are prohibited from using 

their treasury funds to make contributions in connection with federal elections, they are permitted 

to: 

•	 Establish separate segregated funds (popularly referred to as PACs), which can support 

federal candidates and party committees 

(114.1(a)(2)(iii)); 

•	 Provide certain free legal and accounting services to a campaign or party committee (See 

Section 1 above); 

•	 Allow employees, stockholders and members 

to make incidental use of their facilities for 

volunteer campaign work1

 (see Section 2 

above); 

•	 Sponsor communications to the restricted 

class (e.g., a corporation’s executives and 

stockholders and their families; a labor organization’s members and their families) that 

contain express advocacy and may be coordinated with a candidate or party committee; 

and 

•	 Sponsor certain election-related communications to other employees and/or the general 

public as long as they are not coordinated 

with a candidate or party committee. See 

Citizens United v. FEC. 

This section focuses on the last two items. 

Restricted Class 

A corporation’s restricted class consists of its executive and administrative personnel, its stockholders and the families of those two groups. A labor 

organization’s restricted class consists of its members, executive and administrative personnel and 

the families of those two groups. A membership 

organization’s restricted class generally includes 

the executive and administrative personnel of the 

organization, the organization’s members and the 

families of those two groups. (Note: If a member is 

incorporated, a membership organization or trade 

association would communicate with the personnel of the member corporation with whom they 

normally conduct business. See the Campaign Guide 

for Corporations and Labor Organizations for more 

information.) 

Coordination with a Candidate or Party 

Committee 

An expenditure that is coordinated between a 

candidate, the candidate’s campaign or a political 

party committee and a third party is considered 

an in-kind contribution to the candidate or party 

committee, which must be reported as a contribution received and an expenditure made. 104.13(a), 

109.20(b) and 109.21(b). Because the Act prohibits 

corporations and labor organizations from making 

contributions, it is important to avoid coordinating 

with corporations and labor organizations regarding 

communications outside the restricted class except 

to the extent permitted under FEC regulations at 

11 CFR 114.4. 

Coordination Defned 

An expenditure is coordinated if it is made in 

cooperation, consultation or concert with, or at the 

request or suggestion of, a candidate, a candidate’s 

authorized committee, or their agents, or a political 

party committee or its agents.2

 109.20(a). FEC regulations provide for a three-part test to determine 

whether a communication is coordinated, and thus, 

represents an in-kind contribution (unless it is otherwise exempt under FEC regulations). See 109.21 

and Chapter 9,“Communications.” 

Communications to Restricted Class 

As noted above, a corporation may use its general 

treasury funds to pay for independent expenditures 

and electioneering communications. See Citizens 

United v. FEC. In addition, under Commission regulations a corporation may make certain communications to its restricted class, as described below. 

Coordination 

A corporation or labor organization may communicate with its restricted class in a manner that 

expressly advocates the election or defeat of a 

1 For information on a campaign or party committee’s use of 

corporate/labor facilities, see Section 6, this chapter. 

2 For the purposes of 11 CFR part 109 only,“agent” is defned 

at 11 CFR 109.3. 
30 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 4

clearly identifed candidate, and the organization 

may coordinate these communications with a candidate or party committee without making a prohibited contribution.While such coordination does not 

transform the restricted class communication into 

an in-kind contribution, it may provide evidence 

that could jeopardize the independence of future 

communications to those outside the restricted 

class by the organization or its SSF. 114.2(c) and 

114.3(a)(1). 

Permitted Restricted Class Communications 

Corporations and labor organizations may engage 

in certain types of communications to the restricted class provided they follow the guidelines contained in the FEC regulations.The pertinent regulations and some examples are listed below. 

•	 Publications. A corporation or labor organization may produce and distribute publications that endorse or solicit funds for a 

candidate or party (as long as the publications 

are not reproductions of the candidate’s campaign materials and the organization does not 

actually collect the funds). 114.2(f)(4)(ii) and 

114.3(a) and (c)(1). 

•	 Web Pages and E-mails. A corporation or 

labor organization may endorse or solicit 

funds for a candidate or party committee 

through an e-mail directed solely to members 

of its restricted class. Likewise, a corporation 

or labor organization may set up a web page, 

accessible only by its restricted class, which 

may contain express advocacy or solicitations. 

Note that in either case the organization 

may not actually collect the funds, but may 

provide the address of the campaign or party 

committee to which contributions may be 

sent. 114.2(f)(4)(ii) and 114.3(a). See also AOs 

1997-16 and 1996-01. 

•	 Candidate and Party Appearances. A 

candidate or party representative may make 

an appearance before the restricted class. 

He or she may solicit and accept contributions before, during or after the appearance. 

114.3(c)(2). 

•	 Get-Out-The-Vote and Voter Registration 

Drives and Phone Banks. The corporation 

or labor organization may run voter drives 

and phone banks urging the restricted class 

to vote for a particular candidate or to register with a particular party. 114.3(c)(3) and (4). 

•	 Endorsements. Endorsements may be announced during a candidate appearance or in 

a publication to the restricted class. 114.3(c) 

and 114.4(c)(6) 

Communications to Those Outside the 

Restricted Class 

As noted above, a corporation may use its general 

treasury funds to pay for independent expenditures 

and electioneering communications. See Citizens 

United v. FEC. In addition, under Commission regulations a corporation may make certain communications to individuals outside the restricted class, as 

described below. 

Disbursements by corporations and labor organizations for election-related activities described 

in 11 CFR 114.4 [i.e., communications that reach 

beyond the restricted class] will not cause those 

activities to be contributions or expenditures, even 

when coordinated with any candidate or party 

committee to the extent permitted in that section.3 

114.2(c). 

Note that any election-related communications 

made to those outside the restricted class may also 

be made to the restricted class. 

Types of Communications 

Corporations and labor organizations may engage 

in the following types of election-related communications that go beyond the restricted class provided 

they follow the guidelines contained in the FEC 

regulations. The pertinent regulations are listed 

below. 

•	 Appearances Before All Employees and 

Their Families. A candidate or party committee, but not the sponsoring organization, may 

ask for support and may solicit contributions. 

Note, however, that the candidate or party 

committee may not accept contributions, but 

may leave envelopes and campaign materials 

for the audience. 114.4(b)(1). Coordination 

between the candidate and the corporation 

or labor organization may include discussions 

regarding the structure, format and timing of 

the appearance, and the candidate’s position 

on issues, but may not include any discussion 

of the candidate’s plans, projects or needs relating to his or her campaign. 114.4(b)(1)(vii). 

3 See 114.4(b)(1)(vii), 114.4(c)(2), 114.4(c)(3)(v), 114.4(c)(4), 

114.4(c)(5)(i) and (ii), 114.4(c)(6)(ii) and 114.4(d)(1). 
31 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

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•	 Appearances at Schools, Colleges or Universities. A candidates or party committee 

may appear at an educational institution at no 

charge or at less than the usual and normal 

charge without the appearance being a prohibited contribution, provided that the school 

makes a reasonable effort to ensure that the 

appearance is in an academic setting (such 

as a speech or a question/answer setting) 

rather than a campaign setting (such as a rally 

or event) and the school does not expressly 

advocate the election or defeat of, nor favor, 

any specifc candidate or party committee. 

Alternatively, the facilities of the school may 

be provided to the committee provided that 

the usual and normal rental charge is paid in 

the ordinary course of business. For more information on such appearances, see 114.4(c) 

(7)(i) and (ii). 

•	 Candidate Debates. Candidate debates may 

be sponsored by a broadcaster, bona fde 

newspaper, magazine or other periodical or 

a nonproft organization (i.e., those organizations under 501(c)(3) or (c)(4) of the Internal 

Revenue Code), in accordance with section 

110.13 of the FEC regulations. In particular, a 

debate must include at least two candidates 

and should not be structured to promote or 

advance one candidate over the other. 

•	 Endorsements. The corporation or labor 

organization may, without coordinating with 

the candidate or his or her campaign, publicly 

announce endorsements through a press 

release and press conference conducted 

through its normal media contacts.The endorsement may also be posted on a web page 

that is accessible to the general public if the 

corporation or labor organization normally 

posts its press releases online and the release 

is posted along with all other corporate or 

organization press releases. 114.4(c)(6)(i) and 

(ii); see AO 1997-16. 

6. USE OF CORPORATE/LABOR 

FACILITIES AND RESOURCES 

When using the facilities and resources of a corporation (including an incorporated trade association or membership organization) or labor organization, a party committee must pay the organization 

according to the rules described below. Otherwise, 

the use may result in a prohibited contribution 

from the corporation or labor organization. 

Facilities 

If a party committee uses the facilities of a 

corporation or labor organization, the party committee must reimburse the organization within a 

commercially reasonable time and at the usual and 

normal rental charge. Use of facilities may include, 

for example, the use of telephones, typewriters or 

offce furniture. 114.9(d). If another political committee or an individual reimburses a corporation 

or labor organization for the campaign-related use 

of its facilities, the payment is considered an in-kind 

contribution from that committee or individual to 

the campaign. (In the case of a political committee 

sponsored by the organization providing the facilities, it is also advisable that payment be made to the 

organization in advance in order to avoid a prohibited contribution from the organization.) Note, 

however, that employees, stockholders and members of a corporation or labor organization may 

make incidental use of an organization’s facilities, 

subject to the corporation or labor organization’s 

own rules, for volunteer work without having to reimburse the organization (except for any increased 

overhead), as explained in Section 2 of this chapter. 

114.9(a) and (b). 

Meeting Rooms 

Usual and Normal Rental Rate 

Candidates and political parties may, at the discretion of the organization, rent a corporation or labor 

organization’s meeting rooms at the usual and normal rate, provided reimbursement is made within a 

commercially reasonable time. 114.9(d). 
32 

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Chapter 4

Provided by Organization’s Political 

Committee 

As with other facilities, if the organization’s 

political committee pays for the room as an in-kind 

contribution, it is advisable that payment be made in 

advance to avoid a prohibited contribution from the 

organization. 

For Free or at a Discount 

A candidate or party committee may be able to 

use the rooms for free or at a discount under the 

following conditions: 

•	 The corporation or labor organization customarily makes its meeting rooms available to 

civic and community groups; 

•	 The corporation or labor organization makes 

the rooms available to other political committees upon request; and 

•	 The corporation or labor organization makes 

the rooms available to the candidate or political committee on the same terms given to 

other groups (i.e., for free or at a discount if 

those are the terms offered to other groups). 

114.13. 

Use of Corporate/Labor Name or 

Trademark 

A corporation or a labor organization may not 

use the corporation’s names, trademarks, or service 

marks to facilitate the making of contributions to 

a federal political committee, and a federal political committee may not knowingly accept or receive such facilitated contributions. For example, a 

campaign or party committee may not recognize 

the corporate (or labor) employers of individual 

contributors in connection with a fundraising event. 

These restrictions do not apply to the use of a 

name as part of the name of a political committee. 

114.2(d) and (f). See AO 2007-10. 

7. FUNDRAISERS FOR 

CANDIDATES 

Restricted Class Events 

Under the exemptions at 114.3(c)(2) permitting 

candidate or party appearances before the restricted class (summarized in Section 5 of this chapter), 

the corporation or labor organization may allow a 

candidate or party committee to solicit its restricted class at an event without the related costs for 

the event counting as a contribution.The candidate 

may also collect funds at the appearance. However, 

corporate or labor organization staff are prohibited from collecting funds for the campaign, with a 

limited exception discussed in the next paragraph. 

114.2(f) and 114.3(c)(2)(ii) and (iii). 

Collection of Funds 

An exception to the general prohibition on 

corporate or labor organization staff’s collection 

of funds at a candidate’s fundraising event exists in 

cases where the fundraiser is a restricted-class only 

event and the funds collected are treated not only 

as contributions to the candidate, but also as contributions both to and from the SSF of the corporation/labor organization. 114.2(f)(2)(iii) and (4)(iii). In 

this case, the event may not raise funds in excess of 

the SSF’s candidate contribution limit ($5,000 for 

a multicandidate PAC). Alternatively, the campaign 

may collect the funds. 

Events Beyond the Restricted Class 

Event Sponsored by Corporate/Labor SSF 

Because the organization’s SSF may make communications to the general public using the funds 

it has raised, it may sponsor fundraising events for 

a candidate or party committee and invite outside individuals and political committees. 114.5(i). 

All related costs paid for by the SSF, including staff 

time, mailing, room rental and catering charges, may 

count as an-kind contribution to the candidate or 

party committee, depending on whether the event 

is coordinated with the candidate or party committee. 109.20(b) and100.52(d). Note that, as with 

other uses of corporate/labor facilities, the SSF 

must pay in advance for any use of corporate/labor 

staff, food service or mailing lists. Additionally, it is 

advisable that the SSF pay for rooms and equipment 

in advance to avoid a prohibited contribution from 

the organization. 

Use of Corporate/Labor Staf, Food Services 

and Mailing Lists for Events Beyond the 

Restricted Class 

A corporation or labor organization may only allow its food services and mailing lists to be used for 

candidate or party fundraisers if it receives payment 
33 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 4

in advance at the fair market value for the goods 

or services. 114.2(f)(1) and (2). Likewise, a corporation or labor organization may direct its personnel 

to work on these fundraisers, so long as employees 

are not coerced into providing on-the-job fundraising services if they do not wish to perform them. 

In all cases, advance payment by a source who may 

legally make a contribution or expenditure (such 

as the campaign, party committee or the organization’s SSF) is required in order to avoid a prohibited 

contribution by the organization. FEC regulations 

specifcally require advance payments for: 

•	 The services of corporate or labor personnel 

directed to carry out fundraising activities as 

part of their job; 

•	 The use of catering or other food services 

arranged for or provided by the corporation 

or labor organization; and 

•	 The use of the organization’s list of clients, 

customers, vendors or other persons outside 

the restricted class for purposes of soliciting 

contributions or distributing invitations. 

114.2(f)(2)(i)(A), (C) and (E). 

Note, however, that if a corporation is providing 

the services (such as catering or personnel) in its 

ordinary course of business as a commercial vendor, 

payment does not have to be made in advance as 

long as: (1) the payment is at the usual and normal 

charge; and (2) the payment schedule conforms to 

normal business practice. Otherwise, a prohibited 

contribution results. 100.52(d)(1) and (2); 114.2(f) 

(1); 116.3; see also, for example,AOs 1994-33 and 

1991-18. 

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Collection of Funds 

As with restricted-class only events, corporate 

or labor organization staff may not collect contributions at an event that is coordinated, unless the 

funds collected are treated not only as contributions to the candidate, but also as contributions 

both to and from the SSF of the corporation/labor 

organization. 114.2(f)(2)(iii) and (4)(iii). Alternatively, 

the campaign or party committee may collect the 

funds. 

Reporting 

If the campaign or party committee makes the 

advance payment for the costs of the event, it must 

report the cost as an expenditure. If the advance 

payment is made by any other source, such as 

the corporation or labor organization’s SSF or an 

individual, the campaign or party committee must 

report it as an in-kind contribution received, where 

the event’s costs are required to be treated as an 

in-kind contribution, as described above. 104.3(a) 

and (b). 

8. INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES 

dependent expenditure is an expenditure 

ommunication that expressly advocates the 

n or defeat of a clearly identifed candidate 

ch is not made in coordination with any 

te or his or her campaign or political party. 

109.21 and 109.37. Independent expendire not subject to any limits but are subject 

rting requirements. (The campaign of a canbenefting from an independent expenditure 

reporting obligation.) See Citizens United v. 

d AOs 2010-11 and 2010-09. 

ndix D of the Campaign Guide for Congresandidates and Committees provides detailed 

tion on independent expenditures.The 

x may be reproduced and distributed by 

aign or party committee to anyone who 

s FEC guidelines on independent spending. 

ttee staff should pay special attention to 

tion “Coordinated Communications” which 

s when the independence of an expenditure 

romised through contact with a campaign 

y committee and thus results in an in-kind 

contribution, subject to contribution limits, to the 

committee. If a corporation or labor organization 

funds the coordinated expenditure, it results in a 

prohibited contribution. 

9. ELECTIONEERING 

COMMUNICATIONS 

Any broadcast, cable or satellite communication that is publicly distributed within 30 days of a 

primary or 60 days of a general election, refers to 

a clearly identifed federal candidate and is targeted 

to the relevant electorate is an electioneering communication. 100.29(a). 

If a registered political committee makes an electioneering communication, it must report it as it 

reports an expenditure or independent expenditure 

under the Act. 100.29(c)(3); 104.20(b). 
34 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 4

Coordination of Electioneering 

Communications 

If a communication is considered coordinated 

under the Commission’s three-part test, it results in 

an in-kind contribution subject to contribution limitations, source prohibitions and reporting.To avoid 

receiving an illegal excessive or prohibited contribution, campaigns and party committees should avoid 

certain interactions with those making electioneering communications. See 109.21(d) and Appendix 

D, Section 2 of the Campaign Guide for Congressional 

Candidates and Committees for more information. 
35 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5 

CONTRIBUTIONS TO CANDIDATES AND COMMITTEES 

1. OVERVIEW 

Contributions to infuence federal elections are 

subject to the limits (and prohibitions) of the Act. A 

contribution that exceeds the limits is a violation of 

the Act. 110.9. 

Types of Contributions 

The contributions made by a political committee 

commonly take the form of: 

•	 Gifts of money, including the full purchase 

price of fundraising items or tickets to fundraisers; 

•	 In-kind contributions (gifts of goods or services); 

•	 Loans (other than bank loans); and 

•	 Guarantees and endorsements of bank loans. 

See Chapter 2 for more details. 

Afliation 

Party committees within one state are generally 

subject to the state party’s limits on contributions 

received and made (see page 16). 

2. CONTRIBUTIONS TO 

CANDIDATES 

Limits on Contributions to Candidates 

As a general rule, the limits on contributions to 

federal candidates and candidate committees apply 

separately to each election in which a candidate 

participates—primary, runoff or general. 

$2,600 Per Election 1 

For elections held during the 2013-14 election 

cycle, a committee may contribute up to $2,600 to 

a candidate, per election, unless it has qualifed as a 

multicandidate committee. 110.1(b)(1). 

$5,000 Per Election: Multicandidate Status 

A multicandidate committee may contribute up 

to $5,000 per candidate, per election (see below). 

110.2(b)(1). 

National Committee’s $45,400 Limit for 

Senate Candidates2 

For elections held in the 2013-14 election cycle, 

a national party committee is entitled to contribute 

up to $45,400 to a U.S. Senate candidate. Unlike 

the per-election limits, this limit applies to contributions made during the entire campaign period (e.g., 

the primary and general elections).The Democratic 

and Republican national committees share this limit 

with their parties’ national Senate campaign committees. 110.2(e). 

Multicandidate Status 

Qualifcation Criteria 

A political committee becomes a multicandidate 

committee—with its higher per-candidate contribution limit—when it: 

1. Has been registered as a political committee for 

at least six months; 

2. Receives contributions (of any amount) from at 

least 51 contributors; and 

3. Makes contributions (of any amount) to at least 

fve federal candidates. 100.5(e)(3). 

There is no time limit for satisfying the second and 

third criteria. 

A state party committee becomes a multicandidate committee when it satisfes the frst two 

criteria. 100.5(e)(3). 

Qualifying by Afliation 

A party committee that is affliated with a qualifed multicandidate committee automatically shares 

that committee’s $5,000 per candidate, per election contribution limit (since affliated committees 

share the same limits on contributions received and 

made). 110.2(a)(1);AOs 1983-19 and 1980-40. For 

example, a newly registered local party committee 

affliated with the state party committee auto1 This fgure is indexed for infation in odd-numbered years. 2 This fgure is indexed for infation in odd-numbered years. 
36 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 5

matically qualifes as a multicandidate

committee if the state party committee has already achieved multicandidate status.The local committee 

should fle Form 1M along with its 

Statement of Organization (Form 1). 

Multicandidate Status 

Notifcation: 

FEC Form 1M 

Once a committee qualifes as 

a multicandidate committee, it is 

required to certify its status by fling 

Form 1M within 10 days.3 102.2(a)(3). 

Each affliated committee must fle 

its own Form 1M. 

FEC Form 3X 

A committee must also indicate 

that it has qualifed as a multicandidate committee on Form 3X. 

Written Notice to Recipient 

Candidates 

When making contributions, a 

multicandidate committee must give 

written notice of its qualifed status as a multicandidate committee 

to recipient candidate committees. 

110.2(a)(2). For convenience, committees may choose to print the 

statement on their checks, letterhead or other appropriate materials. 

In-Kind Contributions 

Value 

The amount of an in-kind contribution counts against the contribution limits in the 

same way as a gift of money. 100.52(d). (See page 

11 for information on valuation of in-kind contributions.) 

The donor committee must notify the recipient 

candidate committee of the amount of an in-kind 

contribution.The recipient needs this information in 

order to monitor the donor’s aggregate contributions and to report the correct amount. 104.13(a)(1).

MULTICANDIDATE STATUS (Form 1M) 

□ 

□ 

NOTIFICATION OF MULTICANDIDATE STATUS 

(See reverse side for instructions) 

This form should be ÿled after the Committee qualiÿes as a multicandidate committee. 

1. (a) NAME OF COMMITTEE IN FULL 

Local Freedom Party 

(b) Number and Street Address 

111 Bryce St. 2. FEC IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 

C00300002 (c) City, State and ZIP Code 

Flatpoint, ST 00000 

3. TYPE OF COMMITTEE (check one) 

 STATE PARTY 

X OTHER 

I certify that one of the following situations is correct (complete line 4 or 5): 

4. STATUS BY AFFILIATION: The committee submitted its Statement of Organization (FEC FORM 1) 

on and simultaneously qualiÿed as a multicandidate committee through its affili- 12/01/2013 

ation with: 

Committee Name: Freedom Party State Committee

C00300001 FEC Identiÿcation Number: . 

5. STATUS BY QUALIFICATION: 

(a) Candidates: The committee has made contributions to the ÿve (5) federal candidates listed below (ONLY State party committees may leave this blank.): 

Name Offi ce Sought State/District Date 

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

(iv) 

(v) 

(b) Contributors: The committee received a contribution from its 51st contributor 

on: . 

(c) Registration: The committee has been registered for at least 6 months. FEC FORM1 was 

submitted on: . 

(d) Qualiÿcation: The committee met the above requirements on: . 

I certify that I have examined this Statement and to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct and complete. 

FE1AN048 

TYPE OR PRINT NAME OF TREASURER SIGNATURE OF TREASURER DATE 

NOTE: Submission of false, erroneous, or incomplete information may subject the person signing this Statement to the penalties of 52 U.S.C. §30109. 

12/01/2013 Larry Halladay 

ANY CHANGE IN INFORMATION SHOULD BE REPORTED WITHIN 10 DAYS. 

For further information contact: 

Federal Election Commission, Washington, DC 20463 

Toll-free 800-424-9530 FEC FORM 1M (Revised 1/2001) Local 202-694-1100 

Allocation Among Candidates4 

When an in-kind contribution is made on behalf 

of more than one candidate, the amount must be 

allocated among the candidates in proportion to 

the beneft reasonably expected to be derived by 

each candidate. 106.1(a)(1).The allocated amount 

to each candidate is the amount of the committee’s 

contribution. 

In the case of a fundraiser held on behalf of several candidates, the portion of the costs allocated 

as an in-kind contribution to a particular candidate 

is based on the ratio of the funds received for that 

candidate to total funds received for all candidates. 

3 Committees that notifed the FEC of their multicandidate 

status on Form 3X prior to January 1, 1994, do not have to 

fle Form 1M. 

4 These allocation rules also apply to coordinated party expenditures and exempt party activities. 
37

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38 

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Chapter 5

Similarly, in the case of a publication or broadcast supporting several candidates, the allocation 

is based on the ratio of space or time devoted to 

each candidate to total space or time for all candidates. 104.10(a); 106.1(a) and (b). 

For attributions to a candidate who is clearly 

identifed in mass mailings that expressly advocate 

the election of that clearly identifed federal candidate and refer to other candidates of the party only 

generically (e.g.“Vote for John Doe and our great 

Freedom Party team”), see AO 2006-11. 

Note that expenses for opinion polls are subject 

to the allocation rules at 106.4. For more on allocation, see Chapter 13. 

Earmarked Contributions 

A party committee may receive earmarked 

contributions, or a contribution that a contributor directs (either orally or in writing) to a clearly 

identifed candidate or authorized committee 

through an intermediary or conduit. An earmarked 

contribution does not count against the party 

committee’s limit for the candidate unless the party 

committee exercises direction or control over the 

contributor’s choice of candidate. 110.6(d). Chapter 

6 explains the rules for transmitting and reporting 

earmarked contributions. 

Supporting Nonfederal Candidates 

Contributions to nonfederal candidates are subject to relevant state and local law. See page 147. 

3. HOW THE CANDIDATE 

LIMITS WORK 

House and Senate Candidates 

As explained earlier, the limits on contributions 

to U.S. House and Senate candidates apply separately to each election in which a candidate participates. In House and Senate races, each primary 

election, general election and runoff is considered 

a separate election with a separate limit. A special election—which may be a primary, general or 

runoff—also counts as a separate election for the 

purposes of the contribution limits. 100.2, 110.1(j) 

(1) and 110.2(i)(1). 

Party Caucus or Convention 

A party caucus or convention constitutes a separate election only if it has the authority under state 

law to select a nominee for federal offce (e.g., Utah 

and Connecticut). Otherwise, there is no separate 

limit for a caucus or convention; it is considered 

part of the primary election. 100.2(e). See AOs 

2004-20, 1992-25 and 1986-17. 

Candidates Not Running in an Election 

A candidate is entitled to receive contributions 

for a particular election only if he or she seeks offce in that election.Thus, for example, a candidate 

who loses the primary (or otherwise does not 

participate in the general election) is not entitled 

to contributions for the general election. 102.9(e), 

110.1(b)(3)(i) and 110.2(b)(3)(i). 

Unopposed Candidates 

A candidate has a separate contribution limit for 

an election in which he or she is running even if: 

•	 The candidate is unopposed; 

•	 A primary or general election for a particular 

offce is not held because the candidate is 

unopposed; or 

•	 The general election is not held because the 

candidate received a majority of votes in the 

previous election. (The date on which the 

election would have been held is considered 

the date of the election.) 110.1(j)(2) and (3); 

110.2(i)(2) and (3). 

Presidential Candidates 

All elections held during a calendar year for the 

offce of President (except a general election for 

that offce) are considered to be one election. 

110.1(j)(1) and 110.2(i)(1).Thus, for example, a 

multicandidate committee may give only $5,000 to 

a Presidential candidate’s primary campaign, regardless of the number of separate state Presidential 

primaries in which the candidate participates. 

In the general election, contributions to the campaign of a Democratic or Republican nominee receiving public funding are not permitted.Therefore, 

state and local parties must be careful that their 

activities do not constitute a contribution. However, contributions may be made to the candidate’s 

compliance fund to defray certain costs like legal 

and accounting services to ensure compliance with 

federal law. 9003.3(a)(1) and (2). 
39 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 5

A nonmajor party nominee may receive partial general election public fnancing based on the 

results of the last Presidential election. 9004.2. 

The nominee may supplement that funding with 

private contributions up to the expenditure limits described in 9003.2(c)(3), but the nominee is 

otherwise subject to the same contribution limits 

that apply to House candidates. If the Presidential 

nominee does not receive public funding, then the 

general election contributions received by the nominee of a nonmajor party are subject to the same 

contribution limits that apply to House candidates, 

but there is no limit on total contributions received. 

See also page 51. 110.1(j)(1) and 110.2(i)(1). 

Recounts 

A party committee may establish a recount fund 

to conduct recount activities in support of the 

party’s federal candidate. Although they are not 

considered contributions under the Act, any funds 

solicited, received, directed, transferred or spent in 

connection with a recount of an election are subject to the amount limitations, source prohibitions 

and reporting requirements of the Act. See 100.91 

and 300.30(b)(3)(iii).This means that the normal 

contribution limits, reporting requirements and 

source restrictions apply. Donations to the party 

committee’s recount fund, however, will not be aggregated with contributions from the same individuals to the party committee for the calendar year. 

Similarly, the aggregate biennial contribution limits 

do not apply to individuals’ donations to recount 

funds. 52 U.S.C. §30116(a)(3). For more information 

and reporting instructions, see AOs 2006-24, 2009-

04, 2010-14, and 2011-03. 

4. DESIGNATING CONTRIBUTIONS 

TO CANDIDATES 

Designated Contributions 

The Commission encourages committees, when 

contributing to candidates, to designate their contributions in writing for a particular election (for 

example, primary or general).The designation may 

be made either on the contribution check or in a 

signed statement accompanying the contribution. 

110.1(b)(2)(i), (b)(4) and 110.2(b)(2)(i), (b)(4). 

Undesignated Contributions 

An undesignated contribution automatically 

counts against the limits for the next scheduled 

election. 110.1(b)(2)(ii) and 110.2(b)(2)(ii).Therefore, if a committee wishes to make a contribution 

for any election other than the next one, the contribution must be designated in writing, as explained 

below. 

When Designation is Required 

Future Elections 

A written designation is required when a committee wants a contribution to apply toward a future 

election other than the next one. For example, a 

committee may make a contribution to a candidate’s general election campaign before the primary 

election has taken place, but the committee’s check 

(or an accompanying statement) must say “General” 

in order to count toward the general election limit. 

Past Elections (Debt Retirement) 

A committee must similarly designate a contribution for the appropriate election when making a 

contribution to retire a candidate’s debt from a past 

election campaign.The committee should be certain 

that the contribution, when aggregated with other 

contributions from the committee for that same 

election, does not exceed the committee’s perelection limit. 

A candidate committee may accept a contribution 

only if the campaign has net debts outstanding with 

respect to the designated election on the day it 

receives the contribution. 110.1(b)(3)(i) and (iii) and 

110.2(b)(3)(i) and (ii). 

Efect of Date Made 

Designated Contributions 

A candidate committee may accept a designated 

contribution if it is made before the designated 

election, regardless of whether the candidate has 

outstanding debts from that election. However, a 

designated contribution is subject to the net debts 

outstanding rule, described above, if it is made after 

the election for which it is designated. 110.1(b)(3) 

(i), (ii) and (iii) and 110.2(b)(3)(i) and (ii). 
40 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 5

Undesignated Contributions 

A committee may make an undesignated contribution on or before the day of the election regardless of whether the candidate has debts, even if the 

candidate does not receive the check until after the 

election has passed. An undesignated contribution 

made after the election has passed, however, must 

be applied to the donor’s limit for the next election. 

110.1(b)(2)(ii) and 110.2(b)(2)(ii). For the purposes 

of the per-election limits, then, it is important to 

distinguish the date a contribution is made from the 

date it is received by a candidate. 

Determining the Date Made 

The date a contribution is made is the date when 

the contributor relinquishes control of the funds. 

Therefore: 

•	 An in-kind contribution is made on the date 

that the goods or services are provided to 

the recipient committee. 

•	 A mailed contribution is made on the date of 

the postmark. 

•	 A hand-delivered contribution is considered made on the date it is delivered to the 

campaign committee or to an agent of the 

campaign (such as the candidate). 110.1(b)(6) 

and 110.2(b)(6). 

Redesignation 

A candidate committee may ask a committee to 

redesignate a contribution (or a portion of it) for a 

different election. Redesignation permits the donor 

to remedy an excessive contribution so that the 

excessive portion counts against a different election 

limit. 110.1(b)(5) and 110.2(b)(5). A committee may 

comply with a request for redesignation by returning a signed statement redesignating the contribution.The candidate committee must receive the 

redesignation within 60 days of its receipt of the 

original contribution. Otherwise, the candidate 

must refund the excessive portion to the committee. 

In some cases, an authorized committee may 

“presumptively redesignate” an excessive primary 

contribution to the general election if the redesignation would not result in another excessive 

contribution. 110.1(b)(5)(ii)(B). Note that authorized committees may presumptively redesignate a 

contribution from non-multicandidate committees, 

but not from multicandidate committees. For more 

information on presumptive redesignation, see the 

Campaign Guide for Congressional Candidates and 

Committees. 

The committee may always request a refund from 

the candidate instead of providing the redesignation. 

103.3(b)(3), 110.1(b)(5)(ii) and 110.2(b)(5)(ii). 

5. CONTRIBUTIONS TO PACS

In addition to contributing directly to candidate 

committees, a party committee may support PACs 

and other unauthorized committees, that is, committees that are not authorized committees of 

candidates. 

Limits on Contributions to 

Unauthorized Committees 

General Rule 

A party committee may make contributions of 

up to $5,000 per calendar year to a PAC or other 

unauthorized committee. 110.1(d) and 110.2(d). 

Candidate Limits May Apply 

A contribution to an unauthorized committee 

may count against the contributing committee’s 

limit for a candidate if: 

•	 The recipient committee is a single-candidate 

committee (i.e., an unauthorized committee 

that supports only one candidate); 

•	 The contributing committee knows that a 

substantial portion of its contribution will 

be given to or spent on behalf of a particular 

candidate; or 

•	 The contributing committee retains control 

over the contribution. 110.1(h) and110.2(h). 

Contributions to Delegates and Delegate 

Committees 

The limits on contributions to delegates and delegate committees are discussed in Appendix D. 
41 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 5

6. RESTRICTIONS ON MAKING, 

DIRECTING OR SOLICITING 

FUNDS 

Party committees may not solicit any funds for, or 

make or direct any donations of nonfederal funds 

(or Levin funds) to the following organizations: 

•	 501(c) tax-exempt organizations that make 

expenditures or disbursements in connection 

with a federal election, including for federal 

election activity (FEA).This prohibition applies 

even if the organization has only applied for 

tax-exempt status; 

•	 527 organizations that are not political committees, state, district or local party committees or authorized campaign committees of a 

state or local candidate. 300.11(a), 300.37(a), 

300.50(a) and 300.51(a). See also McConnell v. 

FEC, 540 U.S. 93, 174-81 (2003). 

However, state, district and local party committees may make or direct donations to a state political committee that supports only state and local 

candidates, and does not make any expenditures or 

disbursements in connection with federal elections, 

including for FEA. See Chapter 8. 300.37(a)(3)(iv) 

and 300.51(a)(3)(iv). 

501(c) Certifcation 

When determining whether a 501(c) organization 

makes expenditure or disbursements in connection 

with federal elections or for FEA, a party committee may rely on a certifcation by the organization if 

the certifcation: 

•	 Is a signed written statement by an authorized representative of the organization who 

has knowledge of the organization’s activities; 

•	 States that within the current election cycle 

the organization has not made, and does not 

intend to make, any such expenditures or 

disbursements; and 

•	 States that the organization does not intend 

to pay debts incurred in the past election 

cycle from those expenditures or disbursements. 

If the party committee or any of their agents or 

entities knows the certifcation to be false, it may 

not be relied upon. 300.11(c)-(e), 300.37(c)-(e), 

300.50(c)-(e) and 300.51(c)-(e). 

527 Certifcation 

When determining whether a 527 organization is 

a state-registered political committee that supports 

only state and local candidates and does not make 

expenditures or disbursements in connection with 

federal elections, including for FEA, a party committee may rely on the same certifcation requirements 

of 501(c) organizations described in the section 

above. 300.37(c)(2) and 300.51(c)(2). 

43 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6 

EARMARKED CONTRIBUTIONS 

An earmarked contribution is one which the 

contributor directs (either orally or in writing) to a 

clearly identifed candidate or candidate’s committee through an intermediary or conduit. Earmarking 

may take the form of a designation, instruction or 

encumbrance and may be direct or indirect, express 

or implied. 110.6(b)(1). 

In addition to the disclosure requirements regarding earmarked contributions discussed below, political party committees may be required to disclose 

information concerning certain “bundled” contributions that are forwarded by, or received and credited to lobbyists, registrants and political committees 

established or controlled by a lobbyist or registrant. 

See Appendix F for more information. 

1. CONDUITS 

Who is a Conduit? 

Anyone who receives and forwards an earmarked 

contribution to a candidate committee is considered a conduit or intermediary. 110.6(b)(2). (The 

terms “conduit” and “intermediary” are interchangeable;“conduit” will be used in the remainder 

of this chapter.) 

Political committees (such as party committees 

and PACs), unregistered organizations (such as 

party organizations), individuals and partnerships 

are among those who may act as conduits for earmarked contributions. 

Persons Not Considered Conduits 

For the purposes of the earmarking rules, certain 

individuals and organizations are not considered 

conduits even though they may participate in activities to raise money for a candidate.These persons 

include: 

•	 An employee or full-time volunteer working 

for a candidate committee; 

•	 An individual who occupies a signifcant position in a candidate’s campaign and who is expressly authorized to raise money on behalf 

of the candidate; 

•	 A committee affliated with the candidate 

committee; 

•	 A fundraising representative conducting a 

joint fundraiser with the candidate committee; and 

•	 A commercial fundraising frm retained by the 

candidate committee. 110.6(b)(2)(i). 

Prohibitions Apply 

No corporation, labor organization, foreign 

national or other entity prohibited from making 

contributions in connection with federal elections 

may act as a conduit for an earmarked contribution. 

110.6(b)(2)(ii). 

Furthermore, no individual may receive a contribution on behalf of a candidate (as a conduit or 

otherwise) while acting as the representative of 

a corporation, labor organization or other entity 

prohibited from making contributions.1 110.6(b)(2) 

(i)(A) and (E). See AO 1986-04. 

2. CONTRIBUTION LIMITS 

Contributor’s Limit 

An earmarked contribution counts against the 

contributor’s limit for the recipient candidate. 

110.6(a). 

Conduit’s Limit 

Direction or Control 

The conduit’s contribution limit is affected when 

the conduit exercises direction or control over 

the contributor’s choice of the recipient candidate. 

1 A corporation, labor organization or separate segregated 

fund (SSF) may, however, solicit earmarked contributions to 

be collected and forwarded by the SSF. However, any such 

contributions solicited by the corporation or labor organization must be treated as contributions received and made 

by the SSF (as well as contributions made by the individual 

contributors to the designated candidates) and count against 

the limits of both the contributor and the SSF. 114.2(f)(2)(iii) 

and (4)(iii). 
44 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 6

In that case, the full amount of the contribution 

counts against the limits of both the original contributor and the conduit, even though the candidate 

receives only one check. 110.6(d)(2). For examples 

of how the Commission has viewed the “direction or control” rule in specifc situations, see AOs 

2003-23, 1986-04, 1981-57 and 1980-46. 

Solicitation Costs for Earmarked 

Contributions 

If a committee’s solicitation is coordinated with 

the recipient campaign or its agents, then the direct 

costs of the solicitation constitute in-kind contributions to the named candidates. If the solicitation is 

not coordinated, however, the costs will be considered independent expenditures. AO 2003-23 and 

100.16. 

Efect on Unregistered Organization 

An unregistered organization acting as a conduit 

should be aware that conduit activity could result 

in contributions by the organization if it exercises 

direction or control over earmarked contributions 

or if solicitation costs for earmarked contributions 

result in in-kind contributions to candidates. Such 

contributions may trigger registration and reporting 

requirements. 100.5(a)–(c). 

3. FORWARDING EARMARKED 

CONTRIBUTIONS 

A person who receives a contribution of any 

amount for an authorized political committee, or a 

contribution greater than $50 for a political committee that is not an authorized committee, must 

generally forward the contribution, along with a 

transmittal report, to the intended recipient no 

later than 10 days after receipt. 102.8(a) and (b)(2), 

and 110.6(c)(1)(iii) and (iv). 

The Commission allows an exception to the 

10-day time period for forwarding contributions 

if the contribution is earmarked to a presumptive 

candidate, rather than to a named candidate. In 

AO 2006-30, the Commission determined that a 

political committee could solicit and receive contributions earmarked for a prospective candidate 

and delay forwarding those contributions until no 

later than 10 days after the candidate had registered a campaign committee, rather than within 10 

days after the political committee’s receipt of the 

contribution.The Commission also determined that 

the political committee could forward the contribution to a named party committee in the event 

the intended candidate did not register with the 

Commission. See also AO 2003-23. Note that an 

earmarked contribution counts against the contributor’s limits in effect during the election cycle 

in which the contribution is actually made by the 

contributor, regardless of the year in which the 

contribution is eventually forwarded to the recipient candidate or committee. 110.5(c)(1); 110.1(b) 

(6). See AO 2008-08. 

4. REPORTING CONDUIT 

ACTIVITY 

A conduit discloses information on earmarked 

contributions on two reports. 

Report for Recipient Candidate 

Committee 

A conduit must provide a transmittal report to 

the recipient candidate committee when it forwards an earmarked contribution. 110.6(c)(1)(i). 

Report Filed with the Government 

Registered Political Committee 

A political committee acting as a conduit must 

include information on an earmarked contribution 

on its next regularly scheduled FEC report. 110.6(c) 

(1)(i) and (ii). 

Unregistered Entity 

An individual or other unregistered entity acting 

as a conduit must disclose information on an earmarked contribution in a letter to the FEC within 

30 days after forwarding the earmarked contribution. 110.6(c)(1)(ii). 
45 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 6

JD c::J 

: : : : : : : I : : : : : : : : : I 

El □ I: : : : : : : : : 

J D c:::...J 

r 

: : : : : : : : : I 

□ 

, , . 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

, , . 

C 

M M / D D / 

SCHEDULE A (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED RECEIPTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

A. Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

federal political committee. 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF Use separate schedule(s) (check only one) for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 11a 11b 11c 12

 13 14 15 16 17 

1 1 

X 

Freedom Party State Committee 

Bob Stevens 

112 Brooks Road 

City ST 00000 

08 17 

500.00 

RadioCorp Inc. Vice-president Earmarked for Jay Meyer, 

House, ST., District 6 

X 

SCHEDULE B (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED DISBURSEMENTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Amount of Each Disbursement this Period 

, , . 

A. Date of Disbursement 

Use separate schedule(s) 

for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF

(check only one) 

Purpose of Disbursement 

Candidate Name 

Office Sought: House 

Senate 

President 

State: District: 

Category/

Type 

Disbursement For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

M M / D D / 

21b 22 23 24 25 26 

27 28a 28b 28c 29 30b 

1 1 

X 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

08 20 

500.00 

X X 

ST 6 

011 

Friends of Jay Meyer 

111 East Egg Street 

Contribution 

Jay Meyer 

Earmarked by Bob Stevens 

and transmitted by committee 

check. 

Y Y Y Y

2014 

Y Y Y Y 

2014 

EARMARKED CONTRIBUTIONS 

5. CONTENTS OF

TRANSMITTAL REPORTS 

Both conduit reports must disclose the following 

information: 

• The name and mailing address of each contributor and, if the contribution exceeds $200, the

contributor’s occupation and employer.

• The amount of each earmarked contribution

and the date the conduit received it.

• The intended recipient designated by the contributor. It is suggested that the conduit also

include the election for which the contribution

was designated (if any), the offce sought by the

candidate (state and, if applicable, Congressional district) and the name and address of the

recipient candidate committee.

• The date the earmarked contribution was forwarded to the recipient committee.

• How the contribution was forwarded (by cash,

contributor’s check or conduit’s check).

• A statement indicating that the conduit’s limit 

was also affected, if applicable. 110.6(c)(1)(iv) 

and (d)(2). 

6. REPORTING

INSTRUCTIONS FOR

POLITICAL COMMITTEE 

CONDUITS 

Using Schedules A and B 

A political committee acting as a conduit itemizes information on earmarked 

contributions in its regular FEC reports 

using Schedules A and B. Note that if a 

committee forwards earmarked contributions in the form of the contributors’ 

checks, without depositing them, it must 

itemize the earmarked contributions 

as memo entries on Schedules A and B. 

110.6(c)(1)(v). Alternatively, instead of 

labeling each entry as a memo entry, the 

committee may itemize the contributions 

on Schedules A and B clearly labeled as 

memo entry schedules. 

Schedule A 

A conduit committee reports the following information on Schedule A for each earmarked contribution: 

• Contributor information (name, address and,

if applicable, occupation and employer).

• The date of receipt and amount of the contribution.

• The name of the designated candidate.

Schedule B 

A conduit committee reports the following information on Schedule B: 

• The designated candidate and, preferably, the

offce sought by the candidate and the name

and address of the candidate committee.

• The amount of the contribution, the date it

was forwarded and, preferably, the election (if

any) designated by the contributor.

• A notation as to how the contribution was

forwarded (cash, contributor check, committee check).

• A statement that the conduit’s limit was also

affected, if applicable.

47 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7 

OTHER CANDIDATE SUPPORT ACTIVITIES 

In addition to making contributions, party committees may support federal candidates through the 

activities described below. 

In general, any candidate-support activities must 

be paid with federally permissible funds. 

1. COORDINATED PARTY 

EXPENDITURES1 

A national party committee and state party 

committees may make special expenditures in 

connection with the general election campaigns of 

federal candidates. 109.30.These coordinated party 

expenditures do not count against the contribution 

limits but are subject to a different set of limits, as 

explained below. Additionally, coordinated party 

expenditures must be made with federally permissible funds only. 

Committees Authorized to Make 

Coordinated Party Expenditures 

National Committee 

Only a national party committee has a coordinated party spending limit for the party’s Presidential 

nominee. 109.32(a). 

A national party committee also has a coordinated party expenditure limit for the party’s House 

and Senate candidates in the general election. 

109.32(b). 

State Committee 

A state party committee has its own separate 

spending limit for each of the party’s House and 

Senate nominees in that state. 109.32(b). 

Local Committees 

A district or local party committee or organization may make coordinated party expenditures 

1 Coordinated party expenditures are also called “441a(d) expenditures” because they are provided for in Section 441a(d) 

of the Federal Election Campaign Act. 

only if authorized to do so by the national or state 

committee. District and local party units do not 

have any coordinated party spending authority of 

their own. 

Assigning Spending Limits 

General Rule 

A national or state party committee may assign all 

or part of its coordinated party spending authority 

to another party committee. 109.33.The assigning 

committee must frst authorize the spending in a 

written agreement and must specify the amount the 

designated committee may spend. 

In this way, for example: 

•	 State, district and local party committees may 

spend against the national committee’s Presidential spending limit; and 

•	 A district and local party committee may 

spend against the state committee’s limits for 

House and Senate candidates. 

Authorizing Committee’s Responsibility 

A state party committee must ensure the entire 

state party organization complies with the coordinated party expenditure limits, for example by monitoring and disclosing party expenditures made by 

local committees within the state party structure. 

A state committee may use an FEC-recommended 

plan for this purpose (see pages 93) or some other 

method approved in advance by the Commission. 

109.33(b). 

National party committees should also monitor 

and disclose coordinated party expenditures made 

by party committees with assigned authority to 

spend within the national party committee spending 

limits. 
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Formulas for Coordinated Party 

Expenditure Limits

Coordinated party expenditure limits are calculated as follows:

• House Candidate:2

 $10,000 increased by the 

Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)3

 or, in 

states with only one representative, the same 

as the Senate limit.

• Senate Candidate: state voting age population 

x 2 cents, increased by the COLA; or $20,000 

increased by the COLA, whichever is greater.

• Presidential Candidate: National voting age 

population x 2 cents, increased by the COLA. 

109.32

Every election year, the Commission publishes the 

dollar amounts of the coordinated party expenditure limits in its newsletter, the Record.

Party Expenditures vs. Contributions

In making a coordinated party expenditure, the 

party committee pays for goods or services in 

coordination with a candidate but does not give 

the money directly to the candidate or candidate 

committee. For example, the payment of a campaign 

bill could be treated and reported as a coordinated 

party expenditure, while a check payable to the 

candidate committee could not—it would have to 

be treated as a contribution. 109.20(b).

Similarities

Coordinated party expenditures, then, are similar 

to in-kind contributions in that both represent payments for goods or services that benefit a federal 

candidate. A coordinated expenditure in connection with a general election campaign may count 

against either the coordinated party expenditure 

limit or the contribution limit for the candidate. It 

is up to the party committee to decide (assuming it 

has authority to make a coordinated party expenditure).

2 The limit also applies to candidates for Delegate (District of 

Columbia, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands) and Resident Commissioner (Puerto 

Rico). 109.32(b)(2)(ii).

3 The Cost of Living Adjustment has more than tripled the 

limits since 1974, the base year. In 2013, the coordinated 

party expenditure limit for House nominees in states with 

only one representative is $93,100. In other states, the limit 

for each House nominee was $46,600. The 2013 Senate 

limits ranged from $93,100 to $2,682,200.

Differences

Coordinated party expenditures differ from contributions in the following ways:

• Coordinated party expenditures may be 

made in connection with the general election 

only, whereas contributions may be made in 

connection with any election.

• Coordinated party expenditures count 

against a separate limit, distinct from the contribution limits.

• There is only one coordinated party expenditure limit per candidate (it applies only to the 

general election candidate),4

 whereas there is 

a separate contribution limit for each election 

in which a candidate participates.

• The coordinated party expenditure limits are 

much larger than the contribution limits.

• Coordinated party expenditures are reported 

by the party committee only, while contributions are reported by both the party committee and the recipient candidate committee.

Communications

Coordination

If a communication is coordinated with a candidate and paid for by a party committee, then the 

payment is either an in-kind contribution to that 

candidate or it is a coordinated party expenditure. 

109.37(b). A communication is coordinated if it 

satisfies a three-pronged test. For more on determining coordination, see Chapter 9.

Disclaimers

Disclaimers on coordinated party communications must identify the committee that actually 

paid for the communication, regardless of whether 

the committee is spending against its own limit or 

against an amount assigned to it by another committee. 110.11(d)(1)(i).

When a coordinated party communication is distributed before the date of the party’s nomination, 

the communication need only state who paid for it; 

no authorization statement is required. 110.11(d)

4 In a few states, if an election does not result in the selection of a final winner because none of the candidates wins 

a majority of the votes, a second election is held between 

the top two vote getters. In this situation, however, only one 

coordinated party expenditure limit applies to both elections. Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee v. FEC, 918 F. 

Supp.1 (DDC 1994).
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(1)(ii). However, a post-nomination coordinated 

party communication approved by a candidate or 

candidate’s committee must state also that it is authorized by the nominee or nominee’s committee. 

110.11(d)(2).These post-nomination coordinated 

party expenditures must also comply with the additional disclaimer requirements explained on pages 

64–65 

For more on candidate appearances in their communications, see the Campaign Guide for Congressional Candidates. 

Allocation Among Candidates 

A coordinated party expenditure made on 

behalf of more than one candidate must be allocated in proportion to the beneft each candidate 

is expected to receive.The amount allocated to a 

candidate counts against the coordinated spending 

limit (or contribution limit) for that candidate. Allocation procedures are the same as those used to 

allocate in-kind contributions; see pages 36 and 37. 

104.10(a); 106.1(a) and (b). 

Pre-Nomination Expenditures 

Party committees may make coordinated party 

expenditures in connection with the general election campaign before or after the party’s candidate 

has been nominated. All pre-nomination coordinated expenditures are subject to the coordinated 

party expenditure limitations, whether or not the 

candidate on whose behalf they are made receives 

the party’s nomination. 109.34. 

2. EXEMPT PARTY ACTIVITIES 

State and local party committees may spend 

unlimited amounts for certain activities—called 

exempt party activities—that beneft federal candidates but that are exempt from the defnitions 

of contribution and expenditure. (A national party 

committee is not entitled to these exemptions.) 

Generally, party committees must report spending on exempt activities as operating expenditures. 

(Exempt party activities are not reportable by the 

committees of federal candidates benefting from 

the activity.) In many instances, however, these activities will qualify as federal election activity (FEA), 

triggering specifc payment and disclosure requirements discussed in the next chapter. In cases 

where exempt party activities qualify as FEA, the 

party must fnance it as FEA and not as exempt activity. See Chapter 8 for more information on FEA. 

Disclaimers 

Public communications authorized by a candidate, candidate committee, or a party committee 

that qualify as exempt party activities are required 

to carry a “paid for by” disclaimer. However, the 

disclaimer does not need to state whether the 

communication is authorized by a candidate, or any 

authorized committee or agent of any candidate. 

See further discussion of the disclaimer rules at 

page 64. 110.11(e). 

Slate Cards and Sample Ballots 

A state or local party committee may prepare 

and distribute a slate card, sample ballot, palm card 

or other printed list naming candidates for any 

public offce.The payments are not considered contributions or expenditures on behalf of any federal 

candidate listed, as long as the following conditions 

are met: 

•	 The list names at least three candidates running for election to any public offce in the 

state in which the committee is organized. 

•	 The list is not distributed through broadcast 

stations, newspapers, magazines and similar 

types of public political advertising (for example billboards). Direct mail, however, is an 

acceptable method of distributing a slate card 

or sample ballot. AO 1978–09. 

•	 The content is limited to the identifcation 

of each candidate (pictures may be used), 

the offce or position currently held, the offce sought and party affliation. Additional 

descriptions, designs, images and photographs 

must not provide supplemental biographical information, descriptions of candidates’ 

positions on the issues or statements of 

party philosophy. Certain voting information, 

however, may be given, such as time, place and 

instructions on voting a straight party ticket. 

See AOs 1978–89 and 2008-06. 

•	 Costs allocable to federal candidates are paid 

with permissible funds. 100.80; 100.140. For 

information on how to allocate exempt activity expenses, see page 104. 
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Volunteer Activity 

A state or local party committee may prepare 

and distribute campaign materials such as pins, bumper stickers, handbills, brochures, posters and yard 

signs.The payments are not considered contributions or expenditures if the following conditions are 

met: 

• The activity is conducted on behalf of the 

party’s nominees or presumptive nominees. 

See AO 2010-01. 

• The materials are distributed by volunteers. 

• The materials are not distributed through 

public political advertising such as television, 

radio, newspapers, magazines, billboards or 

direct mail (i.e. mailings by a commercial vendor or from commercial lists). 

• The party committee does not use materials 

purchased by the national party committee or 

money transferred from the national committee for the purchase of such materials. 

• The party committee does not use funds designated for a particular federal candidate. 

• A payment from a nonfederal campaign to 

help pay for the materials does not exceed its 

allocated share of the expenses. 

• Costs allocable to federal candidates are paid 

with permissible funds. 100.87; 100.147. For 

information on how to allocate exempt activity expenses, see page 104. 

Voter Drives for Presidential Nominee 

A state or local party committee may conduct a 

voter registration or get-out-the-vote drive on behalf of the party’s Presidential and Vice Presidential 

nominees without the payments being considered 

contributions or expenditures as long as the following conditions are met: 

• The activity does not involve the use of public 

political advertising such as television, radio, 

newspapers, magazines, billboards or direct 

mail (mailings by a commercial vendor or 

from commercial lists). 

• Phone banks are operated by volunteers 

(although paid professionals may design 

system, develop calling instructions and t

supervisors). 

• The party committee does not use fund

transferred by the national party commi

for such voter drive activities. 

the 

rain 

s 

ttee 

• The party committee does not use funds designated for a particular federal candidate. 

• Cost allocable to federal candidates are paid 

with permissible funds. For information on 

how to allocate exempt activity expenses, see 

page 104. 

Any reference to a U.S. House or Senate candidate must be incidental to the overall activity; otherwise, the cost allocable to the House or Senate 

candidate is an in-kind contribution or coordinated 

party expenditure on behalf of that candidate. 

100.89, 100.149 and 106.1(c)(3). 

3. PHONE BANKS 

In some cases, phone banks are governed by 

unique allocation rules.These unique rules apply to 

a phone bank conducted by a national, state, district 

or local party committee that: 

• Refers to a clearly identifed federal candidate; 

• Does not refer to any other clearly identifed 

federal or nonfederal candidate; 

• Includes another reference that generically 

refers to other candidates of the federal candidate’s party without clearly identifying them 

(i.e.,“Come out and vote for President John 

Doe and our great Party team.”); 

• Does not solicit any contribution or donation 

or any other funds from any person; and 

• Is not exempt from the defnition of contribution or expenditure.5

 106.8(a). 

If the phone bank satisfes all of these conditions, 

then 50 percent is attributed to the federal candidate as an in-kind contribution or coordinated 

party expenditure (or may be reimbursed by the 

candidate or the candidate’s authorized committee) 

and must be paid for with federal funds.The remaining 50 percent is not attributed to any candidate, but must also be paid for with federal funds. 

106.8(b). 

5 See 100.89 and 100.149 for these exemptions. 
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4. SUPPORT OF 

PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE 

Contributions to Major Party Nominees 

No Contributions to General Election 

Campaign of Publicly Funded Candidate 

Major party nominees who opt to receive public 

funding for the general election may not accept any 

campaign contributions and must limit campaign 

spending to the amount of the public funding grant.6 

Thus, a Republican or Democratic party committee may not make any contributions to the general 

election campaign of its Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees if those nominees accept public 

funding. 9003.2(a)(2). 

Contributions to Compliance Fund 

Publicly funded nominees and individuals seeking a major party nomination may, however, accept 

contributions designated for a general election legal 

and accounting compliance fund (GELAC fund), a 

special account used to pay legal and accounting 

expenses incurred in complying with the campaign 

fnance law. Contributions to a GELAC fund are 

subject to the Act’s prohibitions and the per-election contribution limits. (Contributions are limited 

to $2,600 or, in the case of a multicandidate committee, $5,000.) 9003.3(a). 

Contributions to Nonmajor Party 

Nominees 

General election contributions to the Presidential nominee of a nonmajor party are subject to 

the per-election contribution limits. 110.1(j)(1) and 

110.2(i)(1). 

A minor or new party candidate in the Presidential general election may qualify for partial public 

funding if the party’s nominee in the previous Presidential election received at least 5 percent of the 

popular vote or if the current nominee received at 

least 5 percent of the vote. 9004.2 

The nominee may accept contributions (subject 

to the limits and prohibitions) to pay for expenses 

6 If there is a defciency in the Presidential Election Campaign 

Funds, nominees may solicit contributions to the extent 

necessary to make up the defciency. 9003.3(b)(1). 

in excess of the public funding grant. (The candidate 

is subject to the same spending limit as a major 

party nominee.) 9003.2(b) and 9003.3(c)(1). 

Exempt Activities 

State and local party committees may support the 

party’s Presidential ticket through the exempt party 

activities listed earlier in this chapter. 

Coordinated Party Expenditures 

As stated earlier, only a national party committee has a coordinated party spending limit for the 

party’s Presidential nominee. Other party committees may spend against this limit if they have the 

national committee’s prior written authorization 

(which must include the amount that may be spent). 

109.33. 

5. USE OF CANDIDATES’ NAMES 

IN SPECIAL PROJECTS 

As explained on page 8, a party committee cannot 

include the name of any candidate in its own name. 

FEC rules also prohibit a party committee (or any 

unauthorized committee) from using a candidate’s 

name in the name of a special communication, such 

as a fundraising or advertising project, unless the 

name clearly shows opposition to the identifed 

candidate. 102.14(a) and (b)(3). Candidate names 

may, however, be used in the text of the communication. 

A special project that opposes a candidate (e.g., a 

fundraiser entitled “Defeat Jones in ’08”) is considered an in-kind contribution, a coordinated party 

expenditure or an independent expenditure on 

behalf of the candidate’s opponent. (See Chapter 9.) 

6. INDIRECT CANDIDATE 

SUPPORT 

A party committee may perform certain activities 

and pay expenses which indirectly beneft a candidate, but which are not directly attributable to any 

clearly identifed candidate.These forms of indirect 

candidate support are not considered contributions 

or coordinated party expenditures and, therefore, 

do not count against those limits. Nevertheless, 
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Chapter 7

party committees with separate federal, Levin and 

nonfederal accounts must allocate a portion of such 

costs as federal expenses, payable with permissible 

funds. 106.1(c)(1) and (2), 106.1(e); 106.7(b)-(d). 

(For information on setting up federal and nonfederal accounts, see page 4. See Chapter 13 for details 

on allocation.) 

The specifc types of indirect support activities 

described below must be allocated (or paid for 

entirely with federal funds). 

Administrative Expenses 

Expenses for rent, personnel, overhead and other 

day-to-day costs of running the committee are not 

considered contributions or coordinated party expenditures as long as the expenses are not directly 

attributable to a clearly identifed candidate. As 

explained above, however, some of these expenses 

are allocable. 106.1(c)(1) and 106.7(c)(2). 

Generic Voter Drive Costs 

Activities that urge the general public to register, 

to vote or to support candidates of a particular 

party or associated with a particular issue, without 

mentioning a specifc candidate, are not considered 

contributions or coordinated party expenditures. 

However, costs for this type of activity are allocable. 

106.1(c)(2) and 106.7(c)(5). 

In many instances, these activities will qualify as 

federal election activity, triggering specifc payment 

and disclosure requirements discussed in the next 

chapter. 
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CHAPTER 8 

FEDERAL ELECTION ACTIVITY 

1. WHAT FEDERAL ELECTION 

ACTIVITY IS 

Federal election activity (FEA) is a specifcally 

defned term of art for activity by state, district or 

local party committees and organizations (whether 

registered as political committees with the Commission or not) that triggers special payment and 

reporting requirements. As a general rule, FEA 

must be paid for with federal funds. However, under 

certain circumstances Levin funds may be used to 

pay a portion of some types of FEA. No nonfederal 

funds may be used for FEA. 

There are four types of FEA: 

I. Voter registration activity during the period 

120 days before a regularly scheduled federal 

election including the election day itself; 

II. Voter identifcation, get-out-the-vote and 

generic campaign activity conducted in connection with an election in which a candidate 

for federal offce appears on the ballot;1 

III. A public communication that refers to a 

clearly identifed candidate for federal offce 

and that promotes, attacks, supports or opposes (PASOs) a candidate for that offce.The 

communication need not expressly advocate 

the election or defeat of the federal candidate 

to qualify as FEA; and 

IV. Services provided during any given calendar 

month by an employee of a state, district or 

local party committee who spends more than 

25 percent of his or her compensated time 

during that month on activities in connection 

with a federal election, including FEA mentioned above.2

 100.24(b). 

Type I FEA: Voter Registration Activity 

Time Period: 120 days before a regularly scheduled federal election. 

In regard to federal election activity, voter registration activity means: 

•	 Encouraging or urging potential voters to 

register to vote, whether by mail (including 

direct mail), e-mail, in person, by telephone 

(including pre-recorded telephone calls, 

phone banks and messaging such as SMS and 

MMS) or by any other means; 

•	 Preparing and distributing information about 

registration and voting; 

•	 Distributing voter registration forms or instructions to potential voters; 

•	 Answering questions about how to complete 

or fle a voter registration form, or assisting 

potential voters in completing or fling such 

forms; 

•	 Submitting or delivering a completed voter 

registration form on behalf of a potential 

voter; 

•	 Offering or arranging to transport, or actually 

transporting, potential voters to a board of 

elections or county clerk’s offce for them to 

fll out voter registration forms; or 

•	 Any other activity that assists potential voters 

to register to vote. 100.24(a)(2). 

Exception: Brief, Incidental Exhortations 

Brief exhortations to register to vote (regardless 

of the forum or medium) will not be considered 

voter registration activity as long as the exhortation 

is incidental to a communication, activity or event. 

100.24(a)(2)(ii). Exhortations must be both brief 

and incidental to qualify for the exception. 

Examples: 

•	 A phone call for a state party committee fun1 “In connection with an election in which a federal candidate draiser that provides recipients with informa- appears on the ballot” means the period beginning on the 

fling deadline for primary election ballot access for federal 

candidates under state law – or January 1st of the election 

year for states that do not hold primaries – and ending on 

the day of the general election (or of the general election 

runoff if one is held). For special elections, it means the period beginning on the day that the date is set for the special 

election and ending on the day of that election. 

2 The salaries, wages and fringe benefts of employees who 

spend 25 percent or less of their compensated time in a 

given month on FEA or on activities in connection with a 

federal election may be paid for with federal funds or allocated as administrative costs. Employees who spend no time 

on FEA or on activities in connection with a federal election 

may be paid with nonfederal funds. 300.33(d)(1) and (3). For 

more information, see Chapter 13. 
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tion about the event, solicits donations and 

concludes by reminding the listener,“Don’t 

forget to register to vote,” would qualify for 

the exception because the exhortation is 

brief and incidental. 

•	 An exhortation to register to vote that occupies a large amount of space on a mailer 

would not qualify for the exception because 

it would not be brief. 

•	 A communication stating only “Register to 

Vote by October 1st!” and containing no 

other text would not qualify for the exception because it would not be incidental. 

Note:The exception will not inoculate speeches 

or events that otherwise would meet the defnition 

of voter registration activity. 

Type II FEA: Voter ID, GOTV, Generic 

Campaign Activity 

Time Period:“In connection with an election in 

which a federal candidate is on the ballot.”3 

Voter Identification 

With regard to federal election activity, this 

means acquiring information about potential voters, 

including, but not limited to, obtaining voter lists 

and creating or enhancing voter lists by verifying or 

adding information about the voters’ likelihood of 

voting in an upcoming election or voting for specifc 

candidates. 100.24(a)(4). A purchase of a voter list 

before the FEA period begins may be made with an 

allocated mix of federal and nonfederal funds. Also, 

any subsequent use of the voter list during the FEA 

period will not be considered a separate FEA cost 

unless the political party is also “enhancing” the 

voter list by verifying or adding information.4 

3 For a regularly scheduled election, the time period begins 

on the day of the earliest federal offce fling deadline for 

primary election ballot access under state law (or on January 

1st in even years for states that do not hold primaries).The 

time period ends on the day of the general election (or on 

the day of a general election runoff, if applicable).The time 

period in connection with a special election begins on the 

day that the date is set for a special election and ends on the 

day of that election. 100.24(a)(1). 

4 See, Defnition of Federal Election Activity, 71 Fed. Reg. 8926, 

8930-31 (Feb. 22, 2006). 

Get-Out-The-Vote 

In regard to federal election activity, GOTV activity means: 

•	 Encouraging or urging potential voters to 

vote, whether by mail (including direct mail), 

e-mail, in person, by telephone (including prerecorded telephone calls, phone banks and 

messaging such as SMS and MMS), or by any 

other means; 

•	 Informing potential voters, whether by mail 

(including direct mail), e-mail, in person, by 

telephone (including pre-recorded telephone 

calls, phone banks and messaging such as SMS 

and MMS), or by any other means, about the 

hours or location of polling places, or about 

early voting or voting by absentee ballot; 

•	 Offering or arranging to transport, or actually 

transporting, voters to the polls; 

•	 Any other activity that assists potential voters 

in voting. 100.24(a)(3). 

Exception: Brief, Incidental Exhortations 

Brief exhortations to vote (regardless of the 

forum or medium) will not be considered GOTV so 

long as the exhortation is incidental to a communication, activity or event. 100.24(a)(3)(ii). Exhortations must be both brief and incidental to qualify 

for this exception. 

Examples: 

•	 A mailer praising the public service record 

of a mayoral candidate and/or discussing 

the candidate’s platform that concludes by 

reminding the recipients to “Vote for [mayoral candidate] in November!” would qualify 

for the exception because the exhortation is 

both brief and incidental. 

•	 A message in a mailer that stated only “Vote 

on Election Day!” with no other text would 

not be incidental and would not qualify for 

the exception. 

Note:The exception will not inoculate speeches 

or events that otherwise would meet the defnition 

of GOTV. 
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Generic Campaign Activity 

Generic campaign activity is a public communication that promotes or opposes a political party 

and does not promote or oppose a clearly identifed federal candidate or a nonfederal candidate.5 

100.25. 

Type III FEA: Public Communication that 

PASOs a Federal Candidate 

Time Period:Any time during the calendar year. 

Type III FEA covers public communications that 

refer to a clearly identifed candidate for federal 

offce, regardless of whether a candidate for state 

or local election is also mentioned or identifed, and 

that promote, support, attack or oppose (PASO) 

any candidate for federal offce. Such public communications are FEA whether or not the communication expressly advocates a vote for or against 

a federal candidate. 100.24(b)(3). However, a public 

communication that merely identifes an individual 

who is a federal candidate does not, in itself, PASO 

that candidate. See, e.g.,AO 2009-26. 

Type IV FEA: Employee Services 

Time Period:Any time during the calendar year. 

Services provided during any month by an employee of a state, district or local committee of a 

political party who spends more than 25 percent 

of that individual’s compensated time during that 

month on activities in connection with a federal 

election. 100.24(b)(4). 

2. WHAT FEDERAL ELECTION 

ACTIVITY IS NOT 

FEA does not include any amount expended by a 

state or local party committee for: 

•	 A public communication that refers solely to 

clearly identifed candidates for nonfederal 

offce and does not PASO a federal candidate. 

However, the communication may be FEA if it 

otherwise qualifes as voter registration activity, generic campaign activity, get-out-the-vote 

activity or voter identifcation; 

•	 A contribution to a candidate for state or local offce, provided that it is not designated to 

pay for the FEA described above; 

•	 Costs of a state or local political convention, 

meeting or conference; 

•	 Costs of grassroots campaign materials (such 

as buttons, bumper stickers, yard signs, handbills, brochures and posters) that name or depict only candidates for state and local offce; 

•	 Voter ID conducted solely in connection with 

a nonfederal election held on a date on which 

no federal election is held, and which is not 

used in a subsequent election in which a federal candidate appears on the ballot; 

•	 GOTV activity conducted solely in connection with a nonfederal election held on a date 

on which no federal election is held, provided 

that any communications made as part of such 

activity refer exclusively to: 

− Nonfederal candidates participating in the 

nonfederal election, if the nonfederal candidates are not also federal candidates; 

− Ballot referenda or initiatives scheduled 

for the date of the nonfederal election; or 

− The date, polling hours, and locations of 

the nonfederal election; 

•	 De minimis costs associated with the following: 

− Placing voter registration forms or absentee ballot applications obtained from the 

board of elections at the offce of a party 

committee or an association of state or 

local candidates; or 

− On the website of a party committee or 

an association of state or local candidates: 

 Posting a hyperlink to a state or local 

election board’s web page containing 

information on voting or registering to 

vote; 

 Enabling visitors to download a voter 

registration form or absentee ballot 

application; or 

 Posting information about voting dates 

and/or polling locations and hours of 

operation. 

100.24(c). 

5 A public communication is a communication by means of 

any broadcast, cable or satellite communication, newspaper, 

magazine, outdoor advertising facility, mass mailing (more 

than 500 pieces of mail of substantially similar nature within 

any 30 day period) or telephone bank (more than 500 calls 

of a substantially similar nature within any 30-day period) to 

the general public, or any other form of general public political advertising.The term general public political advertising 

does not include communications made over the internet, 

except for communications placed for a fee on another 

person’s website. 100.26, 100.27, 100.28. 
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Federal Election Activity

FEA TYPE Time Period Payment Examples

TYPE I: 

Voter Registration Activity

120 days before 

regularly scheduled 

federal election

Federal Funds or 

Allocate between 

Federal / Levin Funds

Mass mailing voter registration forms to 

potential voters, or submitting completed 

voter registration forms to the state or 

local voter registration office 

TYPE II: 

Voter ID, GOTV, 

Generic Campaign Activity

“in connection with 

an election on which 

a candidate for federal 

office appears on the 

ballot”1

Federal Funds or 

Allocate between 

Federal / Levin Funds

Voter ID: Verifying a voter’s likelihood of 

voting for specific candidates and updating 

the party committee’s voter list.

GOTV: Driving a sound truck through 

a neighborhood and playing a message 

urging listeners to “Vote next Tuesday at 

the Main Street community center” or 

making telephone calls (including robocalls) 

reminding the recipient of the times the 

polls are open on election day.

Generic Campaign Activity: Paying for a 

television ad campaign encouraging support 

for a party committee.

TYPE III: 

Public Communication2

that PASOs a Federal 

Candidate 

Any time during the 

calendar year Federal Funds Only

Paying for a phone bank that encourages 

support for a clearly identified federal 

andidate.c

TYPE IV: 

Services of Employee 

who Spends over 25% of 

Compensated Time per 

Month on FEA

Any time during a 

calendar year Federal Funds Only

Employee spending over 25 percent of her 

time preparing materials for use in voter 

registration drives and then validating and 

turning in completed voter registration 

forms. See AO 2010-24.

1 “In connection with an election in which a federal candidate appears on the ballot” means the period beginning on the 

filing deadline for primary election ballot access for federal candidates under state law – or January 1st of the election 

year for states that do not hold primaries – and ending on the day of the general election (or of the general election 

runoff if one is held). For special elections, it means the period beginning on the day that the date is set for the special 

election and ending on the day of that election. 100.24(a)(1).

2 A public communication is a communication by means of any broadcast, cable or satellite communication, newspaper, 

magazine, outdoor advertising facility, mass mailing (more than 500 pieces of mail of substantially similar nature within 

any 30 day period) or telephone bank (more than 500 calls of a substantially similar nature within any 30-day period) 

to the general public, or any other form of general public political advertising. The term general public political advertising does not include communications made over the Internet, except for communications placed for a fee on another 

person’s website. 100.26, 100.27, 100.28.
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3. FUNDING FEDERAL ELECTION 

ACTIVITY 

The frst and second types of FEA may generally 

be allocated between federal and Levin funds according to fxed percentages described in Chapter 

14.The third and fourth types of FEA above must 

be paid for solely with federal funds. 

Levin funds may not be used to pay for any part 

of FEA if the activity refers to a clearly identifed federal candidate. In addition, Levin funds may 

not be used to pay for any part of the cost of any 

broadcasting, cable or satellite communication (unless the communication refers solely to a clearly 

identifed state or local candidate). 300.32(c)(2).6 

Disbursements for allocable federal election 

activity may be paid for either entirely with federal 

funds or with a combination of federal funds and 

Levin funds. 300.32(c)(4), 300.33. See Chapter 14 

for information about reporting FEA. 

Unregistered party organizations should note 

that, unless the payments otherwise qualify as expenditures, payments of federal funds or Levin funds 

for FEA by a state, district or local party committee 

do not constitute expenditures for the purpose of 

determining registration requirements. 300.36(a)(2). 

Exempt Party Activity that is also 

Federal Election Activity 

If an exempt party activity also meets one or 

more of the defnitions of FEA described above, the 

activity is subject to the FEA funding rules/restrictions. 300.33. Levin funds may not be used to fund 

any activity that refers to a clearly identifed federal 

candidate. As a result, any exempt party activity 

that qualifes as FEA and refers to a clearly identifed federal candidate must be funded entirely with 

federal funds. See Prohibited and Excessive Contributions: Non-Federal Funds or Soft Money Final 

Rule, 67 Fed. Reg. 49064, 49069, (July 29, 2002). See 

page 49 for a discussion of exempt party activities 

and see Section 3 below for a discussion of Levin 

funds. 

4. LEVIN FUNDS 

As noted in Chapter 1, Levin funds are a category 

of funds that can be used for certain types of FEA. 

State, district and local party committees may raise 

Levin funds in limited amounts and use them to 

pay for certain federal election activities. 300.2(i), 

300.30 and 300.34. 

Levin funds may be kept in an account with other 

nonfederal funds or may be placed in an account 

exclusively for Levin funds. 300.30(c)(2) and (3). For 

more on committee bank accounts and Levin funds, 

see Chapter 1 and Chapter 12, Section 13,“Levin 

Funds/Federal Election Activity.” 

Raising Levin Funds 

Limitations 

A party committee may not solicit or accept 

Levin funds which aggregate to more than $10,000 

per donor in a calendar year. If the laws of the state 

in which the committee is organized limit donations 

to that committee to less than $10,000, that lower 

limit would apply. 300.31(d)(1)-(2).

 Certain sources that cannot contribute federal 

funds (e.g. corporations and labor organizations) 

may contribute Levin funds, so long as the applicable state law permits it. 300.31(c). 

Levin fund donations are not subject to the normal aggregation requirements based on affliation 

between committees.While other contributions 

to state and local committees aggregate toward 

the same limit, donations of Levin funds do not. 

300.31(d)(3). 

Similarly, while state, district and local parties can 

typically transfer among themselves without limit, 

Levin funds cannot be transferred. Any Levin funds 

expended or disbursed by a committee must have 

been raised solely by that committee. 300.31(a), 

300.34(b). A state, district or local party committee must itself raise the federal component of an 

expenditure or disbursement allocated between 

federal and Levin funds. 300.34(a)(1). 

Moreover, when making allocated payments for 

FEA, a committee must be able to show that the 

6 If a party committee pays to produce Internet content that 

would qualify as FEA—e.g., a video that PASOs a clearly 

identifed federal candidate—and pays to post that content on another person’s website, then the entire cost of 

production and publication of the content must be paid for 

with federal funds. 100.24(a)(3) and 300.32(a)(2). See also 

Internet Communications, 71 Fed. Reg. 18589, 18597 (Apr. 

12, 2006). 
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federal and Levin funds it uses to make a disbursement for FEA do not include federal funds transferred to it by any other party committee. 300.34(a) 

(2). 

Additionally, Levin funds may not be raised via a 

joint fundraiser with any other party committee. 

300.31(f). Also see Appendix B for more information on joint fundraising. 

Fundraising Expenses 

Expenditures to raise only federal funds which are 

to be used for FEA must be made with federal funds. 

However, expenditures to raise Levin funds which 

are to be used for FEA must be made with either 

entirely federal funds or Levin funds. 300.32(a)(3) 

and (4). These fundraising expenses include the cost 

of solicitation and the administration and planning for 

the event. A party committee may use federal funds 

raised in a federal/nonfederal fundraiser for FEA if 

proper allocation is used. 300.32(a)(3). See page 

102 for the “funds received” allocation method for 

federal/nonfederal fundraising. 

Prohibited Sources 

Party committees may not accept donations to 

their Levin accounts which were solicited, received, 

transferred or spent by, or in the name of: 

•	 A national committee of a political party, including their national congressional campaign 

committee, any offcer or agent acting on 

behalf of the national party committee, or any 

entity that is directly or indirectly established, 

fnanced, maintained or controlled by the 

national party committee; 

•	 A federal candidate or offceholder, an agent 

of a federal candidate or offce holder, or an 

entity directly or indirectly established, fnanced, maintained or controlled by, or acting 

on behalf of, one or more federal candidates 

or individuals holding federal offce; or 

•	 A foreign national. 

300.31(c) and (e). 

Corporate and union donations and donations 

from federal government contractors are permissible, as long as state law does not prohibit them. 

300.31(c). 

Spending Levin Funds 

In addition to the FEA expenses identifed above, 

state, district and local party committees may use 

Levin funds to pay for any activity that is lawful in 

the state where the party committee is organized. 

300.32(b)(2). 

Bear in mind, however, that state, district and local 

arty committees may not spend Levin funds on: 

•	 Any part of the cost of any broadcast, cable 

or satellite communication unless it refers 

solely to a clearly identifed candidate for 

state or local offce; 

•	 Services provided by an employee of a state, 

district or local party committee who devotes over 25 percent of his or her compensated time to activity in connection with 

federal elections; and 

•	 FEA which refers to a clearly identifed federal candidate. 300.32(c). 

p

5. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 

Party committees must report their federal 

election activity, including all expenditures of Levin 

funds. Reporting requirements are explained in 

Chapter 14. 
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CHAPTER 9 

COMMUNICATIONS 

In addition to contributions and other fnancial 

assistance, party committees may also distribute 

communications which support candidates.This 

chapter discusses the varied types of communications, how they must be paid for and the disclaimer 

requirements that apply. 

1. PARTY COORDINATED 

COMMUNICATIONS 

When a party committee pays for a communication that is coordinated with a candidate, the 

communication is either an in-kind contribution or 

a coordinated party expenditure. (On the other 

hand, when a non-party committee pays for a communication that is coordinated with a political party 

committee, the communication is an in-kind contribution to the party committee.) 

Coordination Defned 

Coordinated means made in cooperation, consultation or concert with, or at the request or 

suggestion of, a candidate, a candidate’s authorized 

committee, or their agents, or a political party committee or its agents.1

 109.20. 

Determining Coordination 

There is a three-pronged test to determine 

whether a communication is a party coordinated 

communication. A communication must satisfy all 

three prongs of the test to be considered a party 

coordinated communication. 109.37(a). Political 

party committees are subject to a coordination test 

similar to, but not the same as, that which would 

be applied to communications paid for by other 

persons. Compare109.21(a) with109.37(a). 

The three prongs of the test consider: 

•	 The source of payment (payment prong); 

•	 The subject matter of the communication 

(content prong); and 

•	 The interaction between the person paying 

for the communication and the candidate or 

political party committee (conduct prong). 

Payment Prong 

A coordinated communication is paid for, in 

whole or in part, by a political party committee or 

its agent. 109.37(a)(1). 

Content Prong 

A communication that meets any one of these 

three standards meets the content prong: 

•	 A public communication that republishes, disseminates or distributes candidate campaign 

materials, unless the activity meets one of the 

exceptions at 109.23(b); 

•	 A public communication that expressly 

advocates the election or defeat of a clearly 

identifed candidate for federal offce; or 

•	 A public communication that: 

− Refers to a clearly identifed House or 

Senate candidate and is publicly distributed in the identifed candidate’s jurisdiction within 90 days of the candidate’s 

primary or general election; or 

− Refers to a clearly identifed Presidential or Vice Presidential candidate and is 

publicly distributed in a jurisdiction during 

the period starting 120 days before the 

primary election in that jurisdiction and 

ending on the date of the general election. 

109.37(a)(2). 

Conduct Prong 

The purpose of the conduct prong is to determine when interaction between the campaign and 

the person paying for the communication might 

constitute coordination.When the conduct prong, 

the content prong and the payment prong are all 

satisfed, then the communication is a party coordinated communication and results in an in-kind 

1 For the purposes of 11 CFR part 109 only,“agent” is defned 

at 109.3. 
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contribution or a party coordinated expenditure. A communication that satisfes any one of th

conduct standards described below satisfes the 

conduct prong. 

1) Request or Suggestion 

This conduct standard has two parts, and satisfy

ing either satisfes the standard.The frst part is 

satisfed if the person creating, producing or distri

uting the communication does so at the request o

suggestion of a candidate, authorized committee, 

or agent of any of these. A communication satisfes the second part of the “request or suggestion

conduct standard if the person paying for the com

munication suggests the creation, production or 

distribution of the communication to the candidate, authorized committee, or agent of any of the

above, and the candidate assents to the suggestion

109.21(d)(1). 

2) Material Involvement 

This conduct standard is satisfed if a candidate, 

candidate committee, or an agent of any of these 

is “materially involved in decisions” regarding any 

of the following aspects of a public communicatio

paid for by the party committee: 

•	 Content of the communication; 

•	 Intended audience; 

•	 Means or mode of the communication; 

•	 Specifc media outlet used; 

•	 Timing or frequency of the communication; 

or 

•	 Size or prominence of a printed communication or duration of a communication 

by means of broadcast, cable or satellite. 

109.21(d)(2). 

3) Substantial Discussion 

A communication meets this conduct standard i

it is created, produced or distributed after one or 

more substantial discussions between the person 

paying for the communication, or the person’s 

agents, and the candidate clearly identifed in the 

communication or that candidate’s committee, tha

e 

-

br 

” 

-

. 

n 

f 

t 

candidate’s opponent or opponent’s committee, or 

an agent of the above. A discussion is “substantial” 

if information about the plans, projects, activities 

or needs of the candidate that is material to the 

creation, production or distribution of the communication is conveyed to the person paying for the 

communication. 109.21(d)(3). 

4) Employment of Common Vendor 

The conduct standard provides that the use of a 

common vendor in the creation, production or distribution of a communication satisfes the conduct 

standard if: 

•	 The person paying for the communication 

contracts with, or employs, a “commercial 

vendor” to create, produce or distribute the 

communication;2 and 

•	 The commercial vendor, including any offcer, owner or employee of the vendor, has 

provided to the candidate or that candidate’s 

opponent at least one of nine specifc services related to campaigning and campaign 

communications.3 Note that these services 

would have to have been rendered during the 

previous 120 days before the production of 

the communication; and 

•	 The commercial vendor uses or conveys 

information about the campaign plans, projects, activities or needs of the candidate or 

that candidate’s opponent, or information 

previously used by the commercial vendor 

in serving the candidate or that candidate’s 

opponent, to the person paying for the communication, and that information is material 

to the creation, production or distribution of 

the communication. 109.21(d)(4). 

5) Former Employee/Independent Contractor 

This conduct standard applies to communications 

paid for by a person (or the employer of a person) who has previously been an employee or an 

independent contractor of a candidate’s campaign 

committee or that candidate’s opponent during the 

previous 120 days. 

This standard requires that the former employee 

use or convey information about the campaign 

plans, projects, activities or needs of the candidate 

or that candidate’s opponent, or information used 

by the former employee in serving the candidate or 

that candidate’s opponent, to the person paying for 

the communication, and the information is material 

to the creation, production or distribution of the 

communication. 109.21(d)(5). 4 

2 The term “commercial vendor” is defned at 116.1(c). 

3 See 109.21(d)(4)(ii). 

4 Under the rules, a candidate with whom a party coordinated 

communication is coordinated would not receive or accept 

an in-kind contribution that resulted only from conduct described in the “Employment of Common Vendor” and ”Former Employee/Independent Contractor” sections. 109.37(a) 

(3) and 109.21(b)(2). 
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Special Rules Regarding Dissemination, 

Distribution or Republication of Campaign 

Material 

A communication that republishes, disseminates 

or distributes campaign material only satisfes the 

frst three conduct standards on the basis of the 

candidate’s conduct—or that of his or her committee or agents—that occurs after the original 

preparation of the campaign materials that are disseminated, distributed or republished. 109.21(d)(6).5 

The following uses of campaign materials do not 

constitute a contribution to the candidate who 

prepared the materials pursuant to the exceptions 

at 109.23(b): 

•	 The campaign material is disseminated, distributed or republished by the candidate or 

authorized committee of the candidate who 

prepared the material; 

•	 The campaign material is incorporated in a 

communication that advocates the defeat of 

the candidate who prepared it; 

•	 The campaign materials is disseminated, 

distributed or republished in a news story, 

commentary or editorial that is described in 

100.73 and 100.132; 

•	 The campaign material used consists of a 

brief quote of materials that demonstrate 

a candidate’s position as part of a person’s 

expression of its own views; or 

•	 A national, state or local political party pays 

for the communication using coordinated 

expenditure authority. 109.23(b). 

Agreement or Formal Collaboration. 

Neither agreement (defned as a mutual understanding on any part of the material aspect of the 

communication or its dissemination) nor formal 

collaboration (defned as planned or systematically 

organized work) is necessary for a communication 

to be a coordinated communication. 109.21(e). 

Safe Harbor Provisions to the 

Conduct Prong 

Safe Harbor for Responses to Inquires 

about Legislative or Policy Issues 

A candidate’s response to an inquiry about that 

candidate’s positions on legislative or policy issues, 

which does not include discussion of campaign 

plans, projects, activities or needs, will not satisfy 

any of the conduct standards. 

109.37(a)(3). 

Safe Harbor for Publicly Available 

Information 

Using information that was obtained from a 

publicly available source to create, produce or distribute a communication would not, in and of itself, 

satisfy the conduct standard unless the public communication itself was a request or suggestion by the 

candidate’s committee. 109.21(d)(2); 109.21(d)(3); 

109.21(d)(4)(iii); 109.21(d)(5)(ii). 

Safe Harbor for the Establishment and Use 

of a Firewall 

The conduct standard for coordination is not met 

if a commercial vendor, former employee or political committee establishes a “frewall” to prohibit 

the fow of information between employees or 

consultants of the person paying for the communication and employees or consultants currently 

or previously providing services to the candidate 

who is clearly identifed in the communication or 

an opponent of the candidate mentioned in the 

communication. The frewall must be described in 

a written policy that is distributed to all relevant 

employees, consultants and clients affected by the 

policy. 109.21(h)(1) and (2). 

Safe Harbor for Candidate Endorsements 

and Solicitations 

A federal candidate may endorse or solicit funds 

for a candidate for federal or nonfederal offce in 

a public communication without the communication being considered a “coordinated communication” with respect to the endorsing or soliciting 

candidate, so long as the communication does not 

promote or support the candidate making the 

endorsement or solicitation and does not attack 

or oppose his/her opponent.The safe harbor described in this paragraph also covers candidate solicitations for other political committees (including 

5 Please note that the fnancing of the distribution or republication of campaign materials, while considered an in-kind 

contribution by the person making the expenditure, is not 

considered an expenditure (or an accepted contribution) by 

the candidate’s authorized committee unless the dissemination, distribution or republication of campaign materials is a 

party coordinated communication. 109.23(a). 
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party committees) and candidate solicitations for 

certain tax-exempt organizations. For permissible 

tax-exempt organizations, see 300.65. 109.21(g)(1) 

and (2). 

In-Kind Contribution vs. Party 

Coordinated Expenditure 

Party coordinated communications must be 

treated by the party committee as either an in-kind 

contribution to the candidate or as a coordinated 

party expenditure to the general election campaign 

of the candidate. 109.37(b). See page 48. 

2. COMMUNICATIONS 

COORDINATED WITH 

A PARTY COMMITTEE 

In addition to the rules regarding “party coordinated communications” discussed above, there 

are also rules governing communications that are 

paid for by an outside group or individual and 

are coordinated with a party committee. If these 

communications meet the three-pronged test for 

coordination, then the payment for the communication is an in-kind contribution to the party committee. 109.21(a). In 2010, the Commission revised 

the content prong under 109.21 to cover public 

communications that are the functional equivalent 

of express advocacy. See the Campaign Guide for 

Congressional Candidates and Committees, Appendix 

D, for more information. 

Determining Coordination 

Communications that are coordinated with a 

party committee satisfy a similar three-pronged test 

for coordination. However, there are six important 

differences: 

•	 First, the communication must be paid for in 

whole or in part by a person other than the 

political party committee. 109.21(a)(1). 

•	 Second, electioneering communications will 

satisfy the content prong. 109.21(c)(1). 

•	 Third, the content prong includes a standard 

that addresses references to political parties. 

If the public communication refers to a political party, does not refer to a clearly identifed 

federal candidate and is publicly distributed 

or otherwise publicly disseminated in a jurisdiction where one or more candidates of that 

political party will appear on the ballot, then 

the content standard for a communication 

that is coordinated with a party committee 

will be met. 109.21(c)(4)(iii). 

•	 Fourth, a public communication that is the 

functional equivalent of express advocacy will 

satisfy the content prong if the communication is susceptible of no reasonable interpretation other than as an appeal to vote for or 

against a clearly identifed federal candidate. 

109.21(c)(5).6 

•	 Fifth, the coordination rules establish an 

additional safe harbor for communications 

identifying a candidate only in his or her capacity as the owner or operator of a business. 

109.21(i) 

Finally, coordinated communications under 

109.21 are treated as in-kind contributions, 

and are not under the coordinated party 

•	

expenditure limits. 

3. INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES 

Party committees may support (or oppose) 

candidates by making independent expenditures. 

Independent expenditures are not contributions 

and are not subject to contribution limits. 

Independent expenditures must be paid for with 

federally permissible funds and must be reported 

to the Commission. Reporting requirements are 

explained on page 93. 

Defned 

An independent expenditure is an expenditure 

for a communication, such as a website, newspaper, 

TV or direct mail advertisement, that: 

•	 Expressly advocates the election or defeat of 

a clearly identifed federal candidate; and 

•	 Is not coordinated with a candidate, candidate’s committee, party committee or their 

agents. (See above.) 100.16(a). 

6 This content standard applies without regard to the timing 

of the communication or the targeted audience. In applying 

the test, the Commission will follow the Supreme Court’s 

reasoning in FEC v.Wisconsin Right to Life, Inc., 551 U.S. 449 

(2007) and Citizens United v. FEC, 130 S.Ct. 876 (2010). 
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Clearly Identifed Candidate 

A candidate is “clearly identifed” if the candidate’s name, nickname or image appears, or the 

identity of the candidate is otherwise apparent. 

Examples include:“the President,” “your Congressman,” “the Democratic presidential nominee,” “the 

Republican candidate for Senate in the State of 

Georgia.” 100.17. 

Express Advocacy 

“Express advocacy” means that the communication includes a message that unmistakably urges 

election or defeat of one or more clearly identifed 

candidate(s).There are two ways that a communication can be considered express advocacy.100.22. 

Explicit Words of Advocacy of Election or 

Defeat 

The following words are examples of those 

that convey a message of express advocacy (see 

100.22(a) for more examples): 

•	 “Vote for the President,” “re-elect your 

Congressman,” “support the Democratic 

nominee,” “cast your ballot for the Republican challenger for the U.S. Senate in Georgia,” 

“Smith for Congress,” “Bill McKay in ‘94”; 

•	 Words urging action with respect to candidates associated with a particular issue, e.g., 

“vote Pro-Life”/ “vote Pro-Choice,” when 

accompanied by names or photographs of 

candidates identifed as either supporting or 

opposing the issue; 

•	 “Defeat” accompanied by a photograph of the 

opposed candidate, the opposed candidate’s 

name or “reject the incumbent;” and 

•	 Campaign slogan(s) or word(s), e.g., on posters, bumper stickers and advertisements, 

that in context can have no other reasonable 

meaning than to

identifed candi

 support or oppose a clearly 

date, for example,“Nixon’s the 

One,” “Carter ‘76,” “Reagan/Bush.” 100.22(a). 

“Only Reasonable Interpretation” Test 

In the absence of such explicit words of advocacy 

of election or defeat, express advocacy is found in 

a communication that, when taken as a whole and 

with limited reference to external events, such as 

the proximity to the election, can only be interpreted by a “reasonable person” as containing advocacy 

of the election or defeat of one or more clearly 

identifed candidate(s). 100.22(b)(1) and (2). 

This test requires an electoral portion of the 

communication that is unmistakable, unambiguous 

and suggestive of only one meaning. 100.22(b)(1). 

Note that the author’s intent is irrelevant.The 

test is how a “reasonable” receiver of the communication objectively interprets the message. If 

reasonable minds could not differ as to whether it 

encourages actions to elect or defeat a clearly identifed candidate, it is express advocacy regardless of 

what the author intended. 100.22(b)(2). 

Disclaimer Notice Required 

A communication representing an independent 

expenditure must display a disclaimer notice. See 

“Disclaimers” section later in this chapter for more 

information. 

Allocation among Candidates 

When an independent expenditure is made on 

behalf of more than one clearly identifed candidate, the committee must allocate the expenditure 

among the candidates in proportion to the beneft 

that each is expected to receive. For example, in 

the case of a published or broadcast communication, the attribution should be determined by the 

proportion of space or time devoted to each candidate in comparison with the total space or time 

devoted to all the candidates. 106.1(a). 

4. COMMUNICATIONS THAT ARE 

FEDERAL ELECTION ACTIVITY 

The funding of certain activities is restricted under the Act when those activities qualify as federal 

election activity (FEA).The funding restrictions 

cover certain communications. 

A public communication that refers to a clearly 

identifed candidate for federal offce and that promotes, attacks, supports or opposes any candidate 

for federal offce is FEA.The communication does 

not need to expressly advocate the election or 

defeat of the federal candidate to qualify as federal 

election activity. FEA requires specifc payment 

methods. 

For further information on all types of federal 

election activity, see Chapter 8. 
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5. ELECTIONEERING 

COMMUNICATIONS 

An electioneering communication is any broadcast, cable or satellite communication that 1) refers 

to a clearly identifed federal candidate, 2) is publicly 

distributed within 60 days of a general election or 

30 days of a primary and 3) in the case of House 

and Senate candidates, is targeted to the relevant 

electorate. 100.29(a). Individuals and other persons, 

including corporations, labor organizations and 

unregistered 527 organizations, may make electioneering communications. 

Certain communications by unregistered party 

organizations may qualify as electioneering communications, and may thus be subject to the reporting 

requirements of the Act. However, if a communication that meets the three requirements discussed 

above is made by a registered party committee, it 

must be reported as an expenditure or independent expenditure that is required to be reported 

accordingly under the Act. 104.20(b). 

Electioneering communications must include 

disclaimers (as described below) and are subject 

to disclosure requirements. Unregistered political 

organizations report electioneering communications aggregating over $10,000 in a calendar year 

on Form 9. However, registered political party 

committees simply report their communications as 

disbursements on Form 3X. 

For more information on electioneering communications, see the Campaign Guide for Congressional 

Candidates and Committees, Appendix D. 

6. DISCLAIMER NOTICES ON 

COMMUNICATIONS 

Any public communication made by a political 

committee – including communications that do 

not expressly advocate the election or defeat of a 

clearly identifed federal candidate or solicit a contribution – must display a disclaimer. As explained 

below, disclaimers must also appear on political 

committees’ Internet websites and in certain e-mail 

communications. 110.11(a)(1). Please note that solicitations must meet additional disclaimer requirements. See page 21. 

Types of Communications 

The disclaimer requirements apply to public communications, including “communication by means 

of any broadcast, cable or satellite communication, 

newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising facility, mass mailing or telephone bank to the general 

public, or any other form of general public political 

advertising.” 100.26. A “mass mailing” is defned 

as more than 500 pieces of mail of an identical or 

substantially similar nature within a 30-day period. 

100.27. 

These requirements also apply to political committees’ websites available to the general public, to 

e-mails of more than 500 substantially similar communications, to paid web ads and to any electioneering communication. 110.11(a). 

Wording of Disclaimer 

How the disclaimer is worded depends on the 

type of communication, and whether or not it was 

authorized by a candidate.There are additional visibility requirements for the disclaimers, as explained 

below. 

Communications Not Authorized by a 

Candidate 

Communications not authorized by a candidate 

or his/her campaign committee, including any 

solicitation, must disclose the full name and permanent street address, telephone number or website 

address of the person who paid for the communication, and also state that the communication was 

not authorized by any candidate. 110.11(b) and 

110.11(d)(3). 

Example:“Paid for by the XYZ State Party Committee (www.XYZ.org) and not authorized by any 

candidate or candidate’s committee.” 

For a radio or television communication that is 

not authorized by a candidate or the candidate’s 

authorized committee, a representative of the individual or group paying for the communication must 

state, either on-screen or in voice-over, that “XXX 

is responsible for the content of this advertising,” 

where “XXX” is the name of the political committee or other person who paid for the communication. If applicable, the name of the sponsoring committee’s connected organization is also required in 
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the disclaimer.7 A television communication must 

also include a similar statement in clearly readable 

writing at the end of the communication. 110.11(c) 

(4)(iii). 

Communications Authorized by a 

Candidate 

The disclaimer for a communication authorized 

by a candidate or candidate’s committee, but paid 

for by any other person, must state both who paid 

for the communication and that it was authorized 

by that candidate. 110.11(b)(2). 

Example:“Paid for by the XYZ State Party Committee and authorized by the John Doe for Congress Committee.” 

Authorized by Multiple Candidates 

If an advertisement lists several candidates, the 

disclaimer may state that the advertisement was 

authorized by the candidates identifed in the ad or, 

if only some candidates have authorized it, by those 

candidates identifed with an asterisk. AO 1994-13. 

Example:“Paid for by the Civil Republic PAC 

and authorized by the candidates marked with an 

asterisk.” 

Coordinated Party Expenditures 

On a communication that is made as a coordinated party expenditure before a nominee is offcially 

chosen, the disclaimer notice need only identify the 

committee that paid for the message. 110.11(d)(1) 

(ii). 

Example:“Paid for by the XYZ State Party Committee.” 

Once a candidate has been nominated for the 

general election, the disclaimer notice must also 

state who authorized the communication and comply with the other applicable requirements listed 

below. 

Example:“Paid for by the XYZ State Party Committee and authorized by John Doe for Congress 

Committee.” 110.11(d)(2). 

Exempt Party Activity 

On an exempt activity communication such as 

slate cards, sample ballots, or get-out-the-vote 

materials, the disclaimer notice must identify the 

committee that paid for the message, but need not 

state whether the communication is authorized by 

a candidate. 110.11(e). 

Example:“Paid for by the XYZ State Party Committee.” 

Visibility Requirements 

All disclaimers must be “clear and conspicuous” 

regardless of the medium in which the communication is transmitted. A disclaimer is not clear and 

conspicuous if it is diffcult to read or hear, or if its 

placement is easily overlooked. 110.11(c)(1). 

Specifc Requirements for Radio and 

Television Communications 

For radio and television communications authorized by a candidate, the candidate must deliver an 

audio statement identifying himself or herself, and 

stating that he or she has approved the communication. 110.11(c)(3)(i) and (ii). For example, the 

candidate could state “My name is John Doe, I’m 

running for Senate, and I approved this message.”8 

See AO 2004-01. For a television communication, 

this disclaimer must be conveyed by either: 

•	 A full-screen view of the candidate making 

the statement; or 

•	 A “clearly identifable photographic or similar 

image of the candidate” that appears during the candidate’s voice-over statement. 

110.11(c)(3)(ii)(A) and (B). 

In the case of a televised ad not authorized by a 

candidate, the disclaimer must include a statement 

indicating the political committee or person paying 

for the ad, that is conveyed by a full screen view of 

a representative of the political committee or other 

person making the statement, or a voice-over by 

the representative. 110.11(c)(4)(i) and (ii). See AO 

2007-33. 

Both authorized and unauthorized television 

communications must also contain a “clearly readable” written statement that appears at the end of 

the communication, with a reasonable degree of 

color contrast between the background and the 

disclaimer statement. The written statement must 

7 In addition, communications by political committees transmitted through telephone banks, defned by 11 CFR 100.28 

as more than 500 substantially similar calls within 30 days, 

must carry this same disclaimer statement made by a representative of the individual or group paying for the communication. 110.11(a); 100.26. 

8 This is an example of an acceptable statement that would 

satisfy the spoken statement requirements of 110.11(c)(3) 

with respect to a radio, television, or other broadcast, cable 

or satellite communication but it is not the only allowable 

statement. See 110.11(c)(3)(iv). 
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Chapter 9

occupy at least four percent of the vertical picture 

height, and it must be shown for a period of four 

seconds. 110.11(c)(3)(iii) and 110.11(c)(4)(iii). 

Safe Harbors for Television Communication 

Disclaimers 

A still picture of the candidate shall be considered “clearly identifable” if it occupies at least 80 

percent of the vertical screen height. 110.11(c)(3) 

(ii)(B). Disclaimers that are printed in black text on 

a white background, as well as disclaimers that have 

at least the same degree of contrast with the background color as the degree of contrast between the 

background color and the color of the largest text 

used in the communication, will satisfy the color 

contrast requirement. 110.11(c)(3)(iii)(C). 

Specifc Requirements for Printed 

Communications 

Printed materials must contain a disclaimer in a 

printed box that is set apart from the contents in 

the communication. The disclaimer print in this box 

must be of suffcient type size to be “clearly readable” by the recipient of the communication, and 

the print must have a reasonable degree of color 

contrast between the background and the printed 

statement. 110.11(c)(2)(i-iii). 

The regulations contain a safe harbor that establishes a fxed, twelve-point type size as a suffcient 

size for disclaimer text in newspapers, magazines, 

fyers, signs and other printed communications 

that are no larger than the common poster size of 

24”X36.” 110.11(c)(2)(i). Disclaimers for larger 

communications will be judged on a case-by-case 

basis. 

The regulations additionally provide two safe 

harbor examples that would comply with the colorcontrast requirement: 

•	 The disclaimer is printed in black text on a 

white background; or 

•	 The degree of contrast between the background color and the disclaimer text color 

is at least as great as the degree of contrast 

between the background color and the color 

of the largest text in the communication. 

110.11(c)(2)(iii).9 

Multiple-Paged Document 

A disclaimer need not appear on the front page 

or cover of a multiple-paged document so long as 

it appears somewhere within the communication. 

110.11(c)(2)(iv). 

Package of Materials 

Each communication that would require a disclaimer if distributed separately must still display 

the disclaimer when included in a package of 

materials. 110.11(c)(2)(v). For example, if a campaign poster is mailed with a solicitation for contributions, separate disclaimers must appear on the 

solicitation and the poster. 

When Disclaimer Not Required 

A disclaimer is not required: 

•	 When it cannot be conveniently printed (e.g., 

pens, bumper stickers, campaign pins, campaign buttons and similar small items). 

•	 When its display is not practicable (e.g., clothing, water towers and skywriting). 

•	 When the item is of minimal value, does not 

contain a political message and is used for 

administrative purposes (e.g., checks and 

receipts). 

110.11(f). See AOs 2004-10 and 2002-09. 

9 Please note these examples do not constitute the only ways 

to satisfy the color contrast requirement. 
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Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10 

KEEPING RECORDS 

1. TREASURER’S DUTIES 

The treasurer is responsible for complying with 

recordkeeping requirements, even if someone else 

keeps the committee’s records. See AO 1995-10. 

The treasurer’s responsibilities include: 

•	 Keeping required records on all receipts and 

disbursements. 102.9(a) and (b)(1); see also 

104.3(a)(2), (a)(4), (b)(1) and (b)(3). (Specifc 

requirements are explained below.) 

•	 Retaining a copy of each statement, disclosure 

report and notice fled under the Federal Election Campaign Act (the Act), along with original 

backup records relevant to the report or 

notice (such as bank statements, paid invoices, 

etc.). 104.14(b)(1) and (2). 

•	 Preserving the above records for 3 years 

after the related report or statement is fled 

and making them available to the Commission 

upon request. 102.9(c) and 104.14(b)(3). 

•	 Exercising “best efforts” to obtain, maintain 

and report required information and keeping 

a complete written record on such efforts 

for the required 3-year period. 102.9 (d). See 

page 69. 

2. RECEIPTS 

Records Needed 

With respect to receipts, the Act requires that 

rds be kept only for contributions. Neverthe-

, committees are advised to keep records on 

eceipts in order to comply with the reporting 

irements (Chapter 11). 

Receipts 

r each receipt, a treasurer must record the foling information: 

Amount received; 

Date of receipt; and 

Name and address of source. See 102.9(a) 

and (a)(1). 

reco

less

all r

requ

All 

Fo

low

•

•

•

Contributions Aggregating Over $200 

Records must additionally identify the occupation 

and employer of an individual contributor whose 

contribution exceeds $200 or aggregates over $200 

when added to previous contributions made during 

the calendar year. 100.12 and 102.9(a)(2). 

Contributions Over $50 

In addition to any other recordkeeping requirements, committees must retain a full-size photocopy 

or digital image of the check for any contribution 

over $50. 102.9(a)(4). See also 102.9(a)(1). 

Small Contributions Collected at 

Fundraising Event 

When a committee receives a large number of 

contributions of $50 or less at a fundraising event, 

records need identify only the name of the event 

and the total amount received on each day of the 

event. AOs 1981-48 and 1980-99.These amounts 

are reported under the category “unitemized contributions from individuals” (see page 84). 

Small Contributions Collected through Tax 

Checkof 

When a committee receives small contributions 

in the form of state tax checkoff funds (see page 

18), records on individual contributors are not required.The contributions are reported as “unitemized contributions from individuals.” AO 1983-15. 

However, the committee must keep a record of the 

state government source, the date of receipt and 

the amount received. 

Contributions through Online Banking 

Services 

When a committee receives a contribution from 

a contributor who used an online banking service 

to issue a physical check bearing the signature of 

an authorized bank offcial, the treasurer is not 

required to send a follow-up letter to the contributor in order to obtain a written signature if all of 

the necessary contributor information is included 

on the check. However, where the check does not 

include all of the necessary contributor information and the treasurer does not have accurate and 
68 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 10

up-to-date contributor information on fle for the 

individual on whose account the check is drawn, the 

treasurer must use “best efforts” to obtain such information. (See “Treasurer’s Best Efforts” opposite.) 

102.9(d). See AO 2007-17. 

Contributions by Text Message 

Recipient committees are solely responsible for 

ensuring that contributions sent by text messages 

are lawful under the Act and Commission regulations. Committees should work with the text 

messaging application provider to collect the name, 

address, occupation and employer of individuals 

making contributions that aggregate over $200 in a 

calendar year. Committees must return or refund 

any contribution that comes from a prohibited 

source. For more information on contributions by 

text, see AOs 2012-17, 2012-26, 2012-28, 2012-30. 

Reattributed Contributions 

For each reattributed contribution, a committee must keep a copy of the reattribution as well 

as documentation verifying that the reattribution 

was received within 60 days after the committee’s 

receipt of the original contribution. If these records 

are not kept, the reattribution is not effective. 

102.9(f); 110.1(k)(3)(ii)(A); 110.1(l)(3), (5) and (6). 

Possibly Illegal Contributions 

A committee must keep a written record noting 

the basis for concern for each deposited contribution that: 

•	 Requires a written reattribution from the 

contributor; or 

•	 Requires confrmation that it is not from a 

prohibited source. 103.3(b)(5). 

See “Handling Illegal Contributions,” page 23. 

Date of Receipt 

General Rule 

A contribution’s date of receipt is the date on 

which the person receiving the contribution on 

behalf of the committee obtains possession of it. 

102.8(b)(2).That is the date used for recordkeeping 

and reporting. 

The date of receipt may be earlier than the date 

the committee treasurer receives the money, since 

a person collecting contributions (other than an 

authorized agent) has 10 days (or 30 days for contributions of $50 or less) in which to forward them 

to the treasurer. 102.8(b). (See “Forwarded Contributions,” page 21.) 

Contributions Charged on Credit Cards 

When the committee receives contributions 

through credit card charges, the date of receipt 

is the date on which the committee receives the 

contributor’s signed authorization to charge the 

contribution.The treasurer should retain a copy of 

the authorization form in the committee’s records. 

See AOs 1995-09 and 1990-04. 

Contributions Sent by Text Message 

The date of receipt for contributions sent by 

text message is the date the contributor “opts-in,” 

or confrms that he or she intends to make the 

contribution and certifes his or her eligibility. AO 

2012-17. 

In-Kind Contributions 

The date of receipt for an in-kind contribution is 

the date the goods or services are provided to the 

committee, even if the contributor pays the bill for 

the goods or services after they are provided. See 

110.1(b)(6). 

(For information on how to determine the value 

of an in-kind contribution, see page 11.) 

Deposit of Receipts 

Once the treasurer (or authorized agent) receives a contribution or other receipt, he or she 

must deposit it within 10 days. Contributions not 

deposited within 10 days must be returned to their 

donors. 103.3(a). 

3. DISBURSEMENTS 

Check and Cash Disbursements 

Disbursements must be made by check or similar 

draft drawn on an account maintained at the committee’s designated campaign depository. 102.10 

and 103.3(a). 

A committee may make disbursements from a 

petty cash fund, but petty cash payments to one 

person for any one purchase or transaction may 

not exceed $100. 102.11. 

Regardless of whether a disbursement is made 

by check or from a petty cash fund, the required 

recordkeeping information must be maintained. 
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Chapter 10

Records Needed 

All Disbursements 

Each disbursement must be identifed by: 

•	 Date; 

•	 Amount of payment; 

•	 Name and address of payee; and 

•	 Purpose of disbursement (a brief explanation 

of why the disbursement was made, such as 

“dinner expenses” or “postage”).1 102.9(b)(1). 

Disbursements Exceeding $200 

For each disbursement of more than $200, the 

committee must keep a receipt, invoice or canceled check (in addition to the information above). 

102.9(b)(2). 

Contributions and Expenditures on Behalf 

of Candidates 

In addition to the records discussed above for all 

disbursements, a committee must keep the following records on expenditures made on behalf of 

candidates: 

•	 Name of candidate and offce sought by candidate, including the state and, for House candidates, Congressional district (102.9(b)(1)(iii); and 

•	 Election for which a contribution was made 

(to facilitate reporting). 

Credit Card Transactions 

For each credit card transaction, a committee 

must retain a monthly billing statement or customer receipt and the canceled check used to pay the 

account. 102.9(b)(2)(ii). 

Credit Union Checks or Share Drafts 

A committee may use carbon copies of share 

drafts or checks drawn on a credit union account 

provided it also retains the monthly account statement (showing that the draft or check was paid by 

the credit union). 102.9(b)(2)(iii). 

4. TREASURER’S BEST EFFORTS 

Party committees and their treasurers must make 

best efforts to obtain, maintain and report the information required by law with respect to itemized 

receipts and disbursements. 102.9(d).When reporting information is incomplete, the committee and 

the treasurer will be in compliance with the law if 

they can demonstrate that they used “best efforts” 

in trying to obtain and report the needed information. 104.7(a).The criteria for making “best efforts” 

vary, depending on the type of transaction. 

Contributor Information 

If an individual who has contributed more than 

$200 during the calendar year fails to provide the 

required recordkeeping information (i.e., name, 

address, occupation and employer), the committee 

must be able to show that it made “best efforts” to 

obtain and report that information.To demonstrate 

“best efforts,” the committee must be able to show 

that it requested the information—frst, in the solicitation materials that prompted the contribution 

and, second, in a follow-up request. Furthermore, 

if requested information is not received until after 

the contribution has been reported, the committee must report the information using one of the 

procedures described under “File Amendments if 

Necessary,” below. 

Solicitation Materials2 

To satisfy the “best efforts” standard, solicitation materials must include an accurate and clear 

statement of the law’s requirements for the collection and reporting of contributor information.The 

following examples are acceptable wording that may 

be included in the solicitations (other statements of 

similar meaning may also be used): 

•	 “Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing 

address, occupation and name of employer of 

individuals whose contributions exceed $200 

in a calendar year.” 

2 Any contribution which is reported by a committee with all 

required contributor information will meet the reporting 

requirements, whether or not the committee asked for the 

information or used the language specifed under “Solicitation Materials.” See the Explanation and Justifcation published with the fnal rule, 58 Fed. Reg. 57725, 57727 (October 

27, 1993). 

1 A list of acceptable/unacceptable descriptions of “purpose” 

was published in a Policy Statement at 72 Fed. Reg. 887 

(January 9, 2007).This notice and an updated list of unacceptable “purpose” statements are available online at http://www. 

fec.gov/law/policy.shtml#purpose. 
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Chapter 10

•	 “To comply with federal law, we must use 

best efforts to obtain, maintain and submit 

the name, mailing address, occupation and 

name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 per calendar year.” 

The request and the statement must appear in a 

clear and conspicuous manner on both the committee’s solicitations and response materials.The 

request and statement will not be considered to be 

“clear and conspicuous” if: 

•	 The request and statement are printed in 

smaller type than the solicitation and response materials; 

•	 The printing is diffcult to read; or 

•	 The request and statement are placed where 

they may be easily overlooked. 104.7(b)(1). 

Follow-Up Request within 30 Days 

If the contributor does not provide suffcient 

reporting information when making a contribution, in order to satisfy “best efforts” standards, the 

committee must make at least one request for the 

information after the contribution is received.This 

follow-up request must be made for any solicited or 

unsolicited contributions that aggregate in excess 

of $200 per calendar year and lacks the necessary 

information (see “Contributions Aggregating over 

$200” on page 67). 

The request must be made within 30 days of 

receipt of the contribution; it may not include an 

additional solicitation or material on any other subject, but it may thank the contributor.The followup request may be made orally or in writing, but a 

written request must be accompanied by a preaddressed postcard or envelope for the response. 

Requests made by telephone must be documented 

in a memorandum. A political committee may also 

use e-mail to request missing contributor information. AOs 1999-17 and 1995-9. Committees must 

retain records of follow-up requests. 102.9(d) and 

104.7(b)(2). 

The follow-up request must, like the solicitation, 

include a clear and conspicuous statement of the 

Act’s requirement for the collection and reporting 

of contributor information, such as stated in the 

examples above. 

Use of Information from Prior Records 

If the contributor does not respond to the 

follow-up request, but the committee possesses the 

information in its contributor records, fundraising 

records or prior reports fled during the same twoyear election cycle, then the committee must use 

that information when disclosing the contribution. 

104.7(b)(3). 

File Amendments if Necessary 

If requested information about a contribution is 

received after the contribution has been disclosed 

on a report, the committee must either: 

•	 File amendments to the original reports; or 

•	 File a memo Schedule A with its next regularly scheduled report, listing all contributions 

for which new contributor information has 

been received. 

In either case, the entries must cross-reference 

to the prior reports to which they relate. However, the committee is only required to submit the 

information for contributions received during the 

current two-year election cycle. 104.7(b)(4). See 

“Filing Amendments” on page 100 for instructions 

on fling amendments. 

Documenting a Contribution’s Legality 

In order to determine whether a contribution 

of questionable legality was made by a permissible 

source and was not excessive, the treasurer may 

deposit the contribution, within a 10-day window 

for depositing contributions, and make at least one 

written or oral request for evidence of the contribution’s legality. If the contribution cannot be determined to be legal, the treasurer must refund the 

contribution within thirty days of receipt. 103.3(b) 

(1). See also page 23,“Handling Illegal Contributions.” 

Documenting Disbursements 

If a treasurer fails to receive a receipt, invoice or 

canceled check (required for disbursements exceeding $200), he or she must make at least one 

written effort per transaction to obtain a duplicate 

copy of the needed documentation in order to 

show he or she used “best efforts.” 102.9(d). 
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Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11 

FILING FEC REPORTS 

Once an organization has triggered political 

committee status, it must begin to fle reports of 

receipts and disbursements on FEC Form 3X and 

supporting schedules. 

This chapter explains when and where to fle FEC 

reports. 

1. TREASURER’S DUTIES 

The treasurer of a committee has the following 

reporting responsibilities: 

•	 Signing and fling complete, accurate reports 

and statements on time. 104.14(a) and (d). 

•	 Making “best efforts” to obtain and report 

required information (see page 69). 102.9(d) 

and 104.7. 

•	 Retaining a copy of each report (and pertinent backup records) for 3 years. 102.9(c) 

and 104.14(b). 

•	 Continuing to fle required reports until the 

committee has fled a termination report and 

the FEC notifes the party committee that 

the termination report has been accepted. 

102.3(a). 

In case of the treasurer’s absence, a committee 

should designate an assistant treasurer to assume 

the duties and responsibilities of the treasurer. 

Note that no contribution may be accepted or expenditure made at a time when there is a vacancy in 

the offce of treasurer. 102.7(b). Only an assistant 

treasurer designated on the committee’s Statement 

of Organization may sign reports and assume the 

treasurer’s duties. See 102.7(a); 102.9; 104.14. See 

page 6 for more information. 

2. REPORTING DEADLINES 

Report on Time 

Committee treasurers must fle reports on time. 

104.14(d).The Commission does not have statutory 

authority to grant extensions to reporting deadlines. Filing reports late or not at all may result in 

enforcement action, including administrative fnes. 

See below. 

Filing Date 

Unless sent by registered or certifed mail, priority or express mail having a delivery confrmation 

or an overnight delivery service with an online 

tracking system, a report is considered to be fled 

on time if it reaches the appropriate federal and 

state fling offces by close of business on the fling 

date. 100.19 and 104.5(e).Thus, reports fled by frst 

class mail or by hand delivery must be received by 

the FEC by the fling date. 

A fling date is not extended even if it falls on a 

weekend or holiday, when fling offces are closed. In 

such cases, the report must reach the fling offces 

by the last working day before the fling date. 

Registered, Certifed, Priority or 

Express Mailing Date 

If a report is sent by registered or certifed mail, 

or by priority or express mail having a delivery 

confrmation, it is considered fled on time if postmarked by the fling date. Exception: In the case of a 

pre-election report, the report must be postmarked 

at least three days before the fling date. 100.19(b) 

and 104.5(e). 

Overnight Delivery Date 

If a report is sent by overnight delivery service 

with an online tracking system and is scheduled to 

be delivered the next business day, it is considered 

fled on time if delivered to the overnight service 

and postmarked by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard/ 

Daylight Time on the fling date. Committees should 

keep the mailing receipt with its postmark, or a similar document if a private overnight delivery service 

is used, as proof of fling. 100.19(b). 

Exception: In the case of a pre-election report, 

the report must be delivered to the overnight 

service and postmarked at least 15 days before the 

date of the election. 100.19(b)(1)(ii) and 104.5(e). 
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Electronic Filing 

An electronic report is considered “fled” when 

it is received and validated by the Commission’s 

computer system on or before 11:59 p.m. (Eastern 

time) on the fling date. Incomplete or inaccurate 

reports that do not pass the FEC’s validation program will not be considered fled. 100.19(c). 

The Commission will notify the fler if the report 

is not accepted. 104.18(e)(2). If the report is accepted, the Commission will send the fler a receipt. 

An electronic fler that fles its report on paper, 

instead of electronically, is considered a nonfler. 

104.18(a)(2). 

Administrative Fines for Late Filers and 

Nonflers 

The Commission has implemented an Administrative Fine Program, based on amendments to 

the Federal Election Campaign Act,

1

 for assessing civil 

money penalties for violations involving: 

•	 Failure to fle reports on time; 

•	 Failure to fle reports at all; and 

•	 Failure to fle 48-hour notices (campaign 

committees). 111.30; see also 52 U.S.C. 

§30104(a). 

If the Commission fnds “reason to believe” (RTB) 

that a committee and its treasurer violated the law, 

the Commission will notify them in writing of its 

fnding and the amount of the civil money penalty.2 The committee has 40 days to either pay the 

penalty or submit a written challenge to the Commission action. If the committee does not respond 

to the Commission’s original RTB fnding, the 

Commission will make a fnal determination with 

an appropriate civil money penalty. If the committee challenges the fnding, the Commission will turn 

the case over to an independent reviewing offcer 

who was not involved in the RTB fnding. After the 

Commission considers the reviewing offcer’s recommendation and the committee and treasurer’s 

response to it, the Commission will make a fnal 

determination whether the committee violated 52 

U.S.C. §30104(a) and, if so, will assess a civil money 

penalty based on the schedule of penalties. The 

committee will then have 30 days to pay the penalty 

or seek court review of the case. If the committee 

loses the court challenge, it will have 30 days after 

the fnal disposition to pay the civil money penalty. 

111.39(b). For more information on the Administrative Fine Program, see 111.30 to 111.45. 

Information on Reporting Dates 

General rules on when to fle reports are outlined below.To ensure timely fling, treasurers 

should read the FEC reporting notices sent two 

weeks before most reporting deadlines.They should 

also consult the FEC’s newsletter, the Record, and 

the FEC’s website (www.fec.gov) for upcoming reporting dates.While others occasionally fll out reports for treasurers, the treasurer must sign and is 

ultimately responsible for ensuring that all reports 

are fled completely and timely. 104.14(d). 

3. MONTHLY REPORTING 

All national party committees fle monthly, as 

does any state, district or local party committee 

that engages in reportable federal election activity 

(FEA). 104.5(c)(4) and 300.36(c). 

All committees, including those which fle monthly, must fle a year-end report due January 31st of 

the next year. Also, in even-numbered years (election years), party committees that generally fle 

monthly reports fle pre-general and post-general 

election reports in lieu of the reports otherwise 

due in November and December. 

State, district and local party committees that 

do not engage in reportable FEA may fle quarterly 

in election years and semiannually in nonelection 

years, or they may choose to fle monthly. 104.5(c). 

See Chapter 8. 

Monthly Filing Schedule 

A committee fling on a monthly schedule fles reports covering each month’s activity by the 20th of 

the following month. For example, January activity is 

1 Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act of 

2000, Pub. L. No. 106-58, §640, 113 Stat. 430, 476-77 (1999). 

See also Act of October 16, 2008, Pub. L. No. 110-433, §1(a), 

122 Stat. 4971, which extends the Administrative Fines 

Program to include most reports that cover activity between 

January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2013. 

2 The civil money penalty is calculated according to a set 

schedule that may be viewed at the FEC’s website www.fec. 

gov and at 11 CFR 111.43. In those cases where the report 

in question has not been fled, the civil money penalty included with the RTB fnding will be based upon the estimated 

level of activity. 111.43(a)(2). 
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Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 11

fled in the monthly report due February 20.There 

are, however, certain exceptions to this schedule in 

both election and nonelection years. 104.5(c)(3)(ii). 

Election Year Reporting 

In an election year, the last regularly scheduled 

monthly report is the one covering September 

activity (due October 20). In lieu of the reports due 

in November and December, the committee fles 

a 12-day pre-general election report and a 30-day 

post-general election report.The last report of the 

year, covering activity that occurred from the closing date of the post-general report through December 31, is the year-end report, due by January 31 of 

the following year. 104.5(c)(3)(ii); see also 52 U.S.C. 

30104(a)(4)(b). 

Nonelection Year Reporting 

In nonelection years, there is one exception to 

the monthly fling schedule.The fnal report of the 

year, normally covering December activity, is called 

a year-end report and is due January 31. 104.5(c)(3) 

(i) – (ii); see also 52 U.S.C. §30104(a)(4)(B). In the 

event of a special election in an odd-numbered year, 

the committee should fle its usual monthly report 

and is not required to fle a special election report. 

104.5(h). 

Changing the Filing Schedule 

Committees that are not required to fle monthly 

may change their fling schedule from monthly to 

quarterly (or vice versa) only once per calendar 

year.The treasurer must notify the FEC in writing at 

the time it fles a required report under its current 

fling schedule before changing its fling schedule. 

The committee will then be required to fle the 

next report under its new fling schedule. Electronic flers must fle this notifcation electronically. 

104.5(c). 

4. QUARTERLY REPORTING 

Election Year Reporting for Quarterly 

Filers 

Election years are years in which there are 

regularly scheduled federal elections (i.e., evennumbered years). 

Quarterly Reporting 

The following reports are required from state, 

district and local party committees fling on a quarterly schedule during an election year: 

Three Quarterly Reports 

Under the quarterly schedule, a committee must 

fle three quarterly reports, due respectively on the 

15th of April, July and October. A quarterly report 

covers activity that occurred after the closing date 

of the previous report through the end of the calendar quarter (i.e., through March 31, June 30 and 

September 30). 104.5(c)(1)(i)(A)–(B). 

The Commission will waive a quarterly report if 

a pre-election report (see below) is due between 

the 5th through the 15th of the month following 

the close of the calendar quarter 104.5(c)(1)(i)(C). 

Committees should check with the FEC to verify a 

quarterly report waiver. 

Year-End Report 

A year-end report, covering activity from the 

close of the previous report through December 

31, is due on January 31 of the following year. All 

committees are required to fle a year-end report. 

104.5(c)(1)(i)(A)–(B). 

Primary Election Reporting 

12-Day Pre-Primary (or Runof) Report 

In addition to fling quarterly and year-end reports, a committee may have to fle pre-primary 

reports. A pre-primary report is required if the 

committee makes contributions or expenditures 

in connection with a primary election during the 

coverage dates for the primary report: the day 

following the close of books of the previous report through the 20th day before the primary.The 

report is due no later than the 12th day before the 

primary election. If sent by registered or certifed 

mail, by priority or express mail having a delivery 

confrmation or by overnight mail, the report must 

be postmarked no later than the 15th day before 

the election. 104.5(c)(1)(ii). 

To avoid the pre-primary fling obligation, a committee may change from a quarterly to a monthly 

fling schedule. 104.5(c). For information on changing a committee’s fling schedule, see Section 3 

above 

Note that the FEC does not automatically send 

party committee treasurers notices and forms for 
74 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 11

pre-primary reports.The treasurer is responsible 

for determining whether the committee must fle a 

pre-election report. 

Example 

A committee fles its frst quarterly report, covering activity through the March 31 closing date. On 

May 17, the committee makes a contribution to a 

candidate running in a June 7 primary. Because the 

May 17 contribution falls within the coverage dates 

for the pre-primary report, i.e., from April 1 (day 

after the closing date of previous report) through 

May 18 (20 days before election), the committee 

must fle the pre-primary report.The report must 

reach the appropriate state and federal fling offces 

by May 26 (12 days before election). If sent by registered or certifed mail, or priority or express mail 

having a delivery confrmation, the report must be 

postmarked by May 23 (15 days before election). 

The committee’s next report is the second 

quarterly report, due July 15. It should cover activity 

from May 19 (day after closing date of pre-primary 

report) through June 30. Because this is not a preelection report, the report may be postmarked as 

late as the July 15 fling date if sent by registered or 

certifed mail, or priority or express mail having a 

delivery confrmation. 

No Post-Primary Report 

There is no requirement for a post-primary 

report. By contrast, all party committees must fle a 

post-general election report, as explained below. 

General Election Reporting 

12-Day Pre-General Election Report 

A committee must fle a pre-general election 

report covering activity that occurred after the 

closing date of the previous report through the 

20th day before the general election if the committee makes contributions or expenditures in connection with the general election during that period. 

The report is due no later than the 12th day before 

the general election unless sent by registered or 

certifed mail, or priority or express mail having 

a delivery confrmation, in which case the report 

must be postmarked no later than the 15th day 

before the election. 104.5(c)(1)(ii). 

30-Day Post-General Election Report 

Regardless of its activity, a party committee must 

fle a post-general election report.The report covers activity that occurred after the closing date of 

the previous report through the 20th day after the 

general election.The report is due 30 days after the 

election. 104.5(c)(1)(iii). 

Example 

A party committee that does not engage in federal election activity (FEA) fles its third quarterly 

report, covering activity through September 30. On 

October 1, the committee makes a coordinated 

party expenditure on behalf of a candidate running in the general election. (For purposes of this 

example, the general election is on November 5.) 

The committee must therefore fle a pre-general 

election report to disclose the October 1 expenditure.The report covers activity from October 1 

(day after closing date of previous report) through 

October 16 (20 days before election). It is due by 

October 24 (12 days before election). Because it 

is a pre-election report, it must be postmarked no 

later than October 21 (15 days before election) if 

sent by registered or certifed mail, or priority or 

express mail having a delivery confrmation. 

Although the committee does not make any 

further contributions or expenditures in connection with the general election, it is still required 

to fle a post-general election report.The report 

covers activity from October 17 (day after closing 

date of pre-election report) through November 25 

(20 days after the November 5 election). It must be 

received by the appropriate federal fling offce by 

December 5 (30 days after election) or postmarked 

by that date if sent by registered or certifed mail, 

or priority or express mail having a delivery confrmation. 

Nonelection Year Reporting for 

Quarterly Filers 

Nonelection years are years in which there are 

no regularly scheduled federal elections (i.e., oddnumbered years). 

During a nonelection year, party committees that 

fle quarterly automatically switch to a semiannual 

reporting schedule.Two semiannual reports are 

required: 

•	 The mid-year report, covering activity from 

January 1 through June 30, must be fled by 

July 31; and 

•	 The year-end report, covering activity from 

July 1 through December 31, must be fled by 

January 31 of the following year. 104.5(c)(2)(i). 

If the committee makes contributions or expen-
75 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 11

ditures in connection with a special election, it may 

have additional reporting responsibilities, as explained below. 

5. SPECIAL ELECTIONS 

Committees making contributions or expenditures in connection with a special election may be 

required to fle special election reports. Filing dates 

for special elections are published in the Federal 

Register and—whenever possible-- the FEC Record newsletter. 104.5(h)(1). A regularly scheduled 

report may be waived by the Commission if a committee must fle a special election report within 10 

days of the regularly scheduled report fling date. 

The Commission will notify all affected committees 

if their report has been waived. Committees fling 

on a monthly basis are not required to fle special 

election reports. 104.5(h)(2). 

6. ELECTRONIC FILING 

A committee must fle all reports and statements electronically if it receives contributions that 

exceed $50,000 or makes expenditures that exceed 

$50,000 in any calendar year, or expects to do so. 

Committees that are required to fle electronically, 

but that fle on paper or fail to fle, will be considered nonflers and may be subject to enforcement 

action. 104.18(a)(1) and (2). See page 72,“Administrative Fines for Late Filers and Nonflers.” 

Since electronic fling is more effcient and cost 

effective than paper fling, even committees that 

do not meet the $50,000 threshold requirements 

are encouraged to fle electronically. Please note, 

however, that voluntary electronic flers must continue to fle electronically for the remainder of the 

calendar year unless the Commission determines 

that extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances 

make continued electronic fling impracticable. 

104.18(b). 

Methods of Electronic Filing 

Most committees fling electronically fnd it convenient to do so via an Internet connection with 

a password (see “Treasurer’s Duties” on page 6). 

Committees may, however, submit their electronic 

reports on 3.5” foppy diskettes or on CDs (either 

hand delivered or sent by a delivery service). 

Electronic flers must fle all their reports electronically, and the reports must adhere to the 

FEC’s Electronic Filing Specifcations Requirements. 104.18(d). Committees fling electronically 

on diskette or on CD must also submit a written 

certifcation - signed by the treasurer or assistant 

treasurer - either on paper (e.g. a signed frst page 

of FEC Form 3X) or as a separate fle with the 

electronic report, verifying that the treasurer has 

examined the documents and that, to the best of 

his or her knowledge, the report is true, correct 

and complete. 104.18(g). 

Calculating the Threshold 

Committees should use the following formulas to 

determine if their total expenditures or total contributions are over $50,000 per calendar year: 

Total Contributions Received3 

- Refunds of Contributions 

+ Transfers from Affliated or Other Party 

Committees 

= Total Contributions 

or 

Total Federal Expenditures 

+ Federal Contributions Made 

+ Transfers to Affliated Federal 

Committees or Other Party Committees 

+ Independent Expenditures 

+ Coordinated Party Expenditures 

= Total Expenditures 

Have Reason to Expect to Exceed the 

Threshold 

Once committees actually exceed the $50,000 

yearly threshold, they have “reason to expect to 

exceed” the threshold in the following two calendar 

years. 104.18(a)(3)(i). Consequently, committees 

must continue to fle electronically for the next two 

calendar years (January through December). 

Committees with No History 

New committees with no history of campaign 

fnance activity have reason to expect to exceed 

the $50,000 yearly threshold if: 

3 This amount includes the outstanding balance of any loans 

received during that reporting period. 
76 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 11

• The committee receives contributions or 

makes expenditures that exceed one-quarte

of the threshold amount in the frst calenda

quarter of the calendar year (i.e., exceeds 

$12,500 by the end of March); or 

• The committee receives contributions or 

makes expenditures that exceed one-half of

the threshold amount in the frst half of the

calendar year (i.e., exceeds $ 25,000 by the 

end of June). 

104.18(a)(3)(ii). 

Verifcation Requirements 

The political committee’s treasurer must verify 

the electronically fled reports by: 

• Using a personal password from the FEC (s

below); 

• Submitting a signed certifcation on paper 

along with the diskette or CD; or 

• Submitting a digitized copy of the signed 

certifcation as a separate fle in an electroni

submission. 

The signed verifcation must certify that the 

treasurer or assistant treasurer has examined the 

r 

r 

ee 

c 

submitted report, and that, to the best of his or her 

knowledge, the report is true, correct and complete. 104.18(g). 

Obtaining a Password 

Requesting a Password 

A committee’s treasurer or assistant treasurer 

can request or change an electronic password online at www.fec.gov/elecfl/passwords.shtml. 

For security purposes, the committees will have 

to provide information to verify its identity. Additionally, the committee must have an offcial e-mail 

address listed on its Statement of Organization fled 

with the FEC.The Commission will use that e-mail 

address to validate the change. 

Registered committees that have not previously 

used the online system should contact the FEC’s 

Electronic Filing Offce at 202/694-1642 for assistance. 

New Treasurers 

When a committee appoints a new treasurer, 

it must amend its Statement of Organization to 

disclose the change. In order to do so electronically, 

the new treasurer must request a password following the instructions above. 

Once a password is received, the new treasurer 

can fle the amended Form 1 to indicate the change 

of position. 

Lost or Forgotten Password 

The Commission cannot provide a treasurer’s 

password to a treasurer or committee if a treasurer forgets or loses the password because the 

passwords are encrypted. Instead, the treasurer 

must ask for a new password, repeating the process 

described above. 

Special Requirements 

The following documents have special signature 

d submission requirements: 

• Schedule C1 (Loans and Line of Credit), including copies of loan agreements; and 

• Form 8 (Debt Settlement Plan). 

Schedule C1 and Form 8, in addition to being 

luded in the electronic report, must be submitd on paper or in a digitized format (submitted as 

an

inc

te

a separate fle in the electronic report). 104.18(h). 

7. WHERE TO FILE 

Party committees fle reports and statements with 

the Federal Election Commission, 1050 First Street, 

N.E.,Washington, DC, 20463. 52 U.S.C. §30102(g); 

105.4. 

State Filing 

Except as provided above, all reports must be 

fled with the FEC and with the fling offce of the 

state in which the committee has its headquarters, 

unless that state received a waiver from the requirement to maintain copies of FEC statements 

and reports. 108.1. Note: As of 2013, all 50 states, 

American Samoa and the U.S.Virgin Islands have 

been granted waivers from the Commission. For 

more information and for a list of states and territories granted waivers, visit www.fec.gov/pages/ 

statefling.shtml. 
77 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 11

8. PUBLIC REVIEW OF REPORTS 

All reports fled by political committees are available for public inspection and copying in the FEC’s 

Public Records Offce.They are also available on 

the Commission’s website (www.fec.gov). Copies 

of reports may also be purchased by mail. For more 

information, call 800/424-9530 or 202/694-1120. 

“Sale or Use” Restriction 

The Act prohibits anyone from selling or using the 

names and addresses of individual contributors copied from FEC reports for commercial purposes or 

for the purpose of soliciting funds.This “sale or use” 

restriction, however, does not apply to the names 

and addresses of political committees that are disclosed in FEC reports. 104.15 and AO 2003-24. 

Sale or Use of Committee’s 

Contributor List 

The sale or use restriction does not prevent a 

committee from compiling its own list of contributors and distributing it to others. Under certain 

conditions, a committee may donate, sell, trade or 

rent its own contributor list to other committees 

and organizations. AOs 2002-14, 1982-41 and 1981-

53. For more information, see the Commission’s 

brochure “Sale and Use of Campaign Information” 

at www.fec.gov/pages/brochures/saleuse.shtml. 

“Salting” Reports to Detect Misuse 

A committee may “salt” a report with up to 10 

fctitious contributors (referred to under the law 

as “pseudonyms”) to detect impermissible uses of 

individual contributor information by other organizations. 104.3 (e)(1) and (e)(2). 

The committee must subtract the dollar amount 

of the fctitious contributions from the total 

amount listed on line 11(a) of the Detailed Summary Page: “Unitemized contributions from individual 

persons other than political committees.” 

In this way, the committee will overstate the 

amount of itemized contributions received and will 

understate (by the same amount) the unitemized 

contributions received. 104.3(e)(3). 

On or before the day the committee fles the 

report, it must send the list of the fctitious names 

used in the report under separate cover directly 

to the FEC’s Reports Analysis Division, 1050 First 

Street, N.E.,Washington, DC 20463. (The list should 

not be sent to any other fling offce.) The FEC will 

not make the list public. 104.3(e)(5). 

If a solicitation or commercial mailing is sent to 

the fctitious names, the committee will know that 

someone has illegally used the names of contributors disclosed in the report.The committee may 

then fle a complaint with the FEC. See the “Filing 

a Complaint” brochure at www.fec.gov/pages/brochures/complain.shtml. 

79 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12 

COMPLETING FEC FORM 3X 

1. REPORTING FORMS 

FEC paper forms should be typed; printing in ink 

is also acceptable as long as the forms are legible. 

Because flings will be photocopied several times 

before being placed on the public record, the documents fled with the Commission should be the 

originals. Committees submitting illegible documents will be required to refle. 

The treasurer must retain a photocopy of each 

report fled with the Commission, along with the 

appropriate records, for three years. 102.9(c), 

104.14(b)(1), (2) and (3). 

Form 3X and Schedules 

FEC Form 3X is the form used by party committees to disclose receipts and disbursements.The 

same form is used for all types of reports, including quarterly reports, semiannual reports, pre- and 

post-election reports and termination reports. 

The Form 3X booklet contains: 

• The Summary Page 

• The Detailed Summary Page 

• Schedule A—Itemized Receipts 

• Schedule B—Itemized Disbursements 

• Schedule C—Loans 

• Schedule C-1—Loans and Lines of Credit 

from Lending Institutions 

• Schedule D—Debts and Obligations 

• Schedule E—Independent Expenditures 

• Schedule F—Itemized Coordinated Party 

Expenditures 

• Schedules H1-H6—Allocation of Federal 

Nonfederal and Levin Expenses (See Chapter 

13 for information on the allocation schedules.) 

• Schedules L, L-A and L-B. – Receipts and Disbursements of Levin Funds 

Information entered on the Summary Page and 

Detailed Summary Page is based on information 

from the schedules.The schedules, therefore, are 

normally flled out frst.The instructions in this 

chapter begin with Schedule A. 

Electronic Filing 

A party committee must fle all reports and 

statements electronically if it raises or spends, or 

has reason to expect to raise or spend, more than 

$50,000 in any calendar year. 104.18(a). Reports 

may be fled electronically on a 3.5” foppy disk 

or a CD, or via modem or the Internet. For more 

information about electronic fling, including the 

mandatory electronic fling requirements that apply 

to some committees, see page 75 of this guide or 

contact the FEC. 

While what follows in this chapter applies to both 

paper and electronic flers, electronic flers should 

consult their software providers for additional 

information. 

Computerized Forms 

A committee that fles on paper may use computer-produced versions of the Schedules included 

in Form 3X, but they must frst be submitted to 

the Commission for approval.This rule applies even 

if the committee is using commercial software 

advertised as approved for FEC reporting. 104.2(d). 

Committees may also submit computer-generated 

Summary and Detailed Summary Pages, but these 

pages must be reproductions of the original FEC 

forms. See AO 1992-11. 

The committee should send samples of its proposed forms and schedules to the FEC’s Reports 

Analysis Division. 104.2(d); FEC Directive 37. 

Forms Available on FEC Website 

All FEC reporting forms are also available on the 

FEC website (www.fec.gov/info/forms.shtml). 
80 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

2. ITEMIZED RECEIPTS: 

SCHEDULE A 

When to Itemize Receipts 

Regardless of Amount 

Several types of receipts must be itemized on 

Schedule A regardless of amount.They include: 

• Contributions from political committees and 

similar organizations; 

• Transfers from other party committees and 

party organizations; 

• Transfers from nonfederal accounts and of 

Levin funds; 

• Loans received; 

• Loan payments received; and 

• Refunded contributions received from political committees. 104.3(a)(4). 

$200 Threshold 

A receipt in any of the following categories must 

be itemized if it exceeds $200 per calendar year, 

either by itself or when aggregated with other 

receipts from the same source: 

• Contributions from individuals and groups 

other than political committees; 

• Offsets to operating expenditures (rebates, 

refunds and returns of deposits); and 

• Other receipts (such as interest and dividends earned on invested funds). 104.3(a)(4). 

Itemizing Receipts When Not Required 

A committee that chooses to itemize all its receipts, regardless of the $200 threshold, should use 

a separate Schedule A to itemize the receipts that 

do not aggregate over $200.The committee should 

include those receipts in the total for Line 11a(ii) 

on the Detailed Summary Page (see page 84). 

Categorizing Receipts 

Before beginning to itemize the committee’s 

receipts, separate them into the different categories 

listed on the Detailed Summary Page (“Contributions from Individuals,” “Contributions from Political Committees,” etc.; an illustration of a completed 

Detailed Summary Page appears on page 84).The 

receipts in each category must be itemized on a 

separate Schedule A designated for that category. 

Indicate the type of receipt itemized on a particular Schedule A by entering the corresponding line 

number from the Detailed Summary Page where 

indicated in the upper right corner of the schedule. 

The appropriate category of receipt may also be 

written at the top of each page. 

Some categories may require several pages.The 

total for each category should be entered on the 

bottom line of the last page for that category. 

Memo Entry 

Use a memo entry on a schedule (a dollar 

amount with the designation “memo”) to provide 

information about a particular transaction when the 

amount of that transaction is not to be included 

in the total fgure for that schedule (and the corresponding line number on the Detailed Summary 

Page). For example, a memo entry is used to disclose a reattribution of a contribution whose dollar 

amount has already been included in the total for 

Line 11. 

Negative Entry 

A negative entry is usually shown as a dollar amount in parentheses.The amount is always 

deducted from the total for that schedule (and the 

corresponding line number on the Detailed Summary Page). A negative entry is used, for example, 

when a contributor’s check bounces or is returned 

to the contributor without having been deposited 

in the committee’s account. In this case, there must 

also be a report of the receipt of the check or the 

committee’s cash on hand will be defated. See 

“Refunds Made by the Committee” and “Refunds 

Received by the Committee” on Page 89. 

Itemized Information 

For each itemized receipt, provide: 

• The full name and mailing address (including 

zip code) of the contributor or other source; 

• The name of the contributor’s employer (if 

the contributor is an individual); 
81 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

• The contributor’s occupation (if the contributor is an individual);

• The date of receipt;

• The amount;

• The aggregate, year-to-date total of all receipts (within the same category) from the

same source. 104.3(a)(4) and 104.8; and

• The committee ID number of the contributor, if appropriate.

(The space indicating the election for which a 

contribution is made (“Receipt For”) should be 

left blank by a party committee unless the receipt 

is a refund of a contribution made to a candidate.) 

Special Employer Information 

If a contributor is self-employed, that should be 

recorded in the Employer space. If a contributor is 

not employed, the Employer space should be left 

blank, but the Occupation space should always be 

completed (e.g., “unemployed,” “retired,” “homemaker”). 

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS 

Itemize in-kind contributions on both Schedules A and B so as not to inf

cash on hand balance. 

: : : : : : : : : I 

El □ 

SCHEDULE B (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED DISBURSEMENTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Amount of Each Disbursement this Period 

A. Date of Disbursement 

Use separate schedule(s)

for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF

(check only one) 

Purpose of Disbursement 

Candidate Name 

Office Sought: House 

Senate 

President 

State: District: 

Category/

Type 

Disbursement For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

M M / D D / 

21b 22 23 24 25 26 

27 28a 28b 28c 29 30b 

X 

1 1 

07 04 

in-kind 

Party Supplies 

Barnes, John 

111 Gettysburg Ave. 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

Y Y Y

2014 Y 

, , . 1500.00 

ate the 

Best Eforts Required 

Apply “best efforts” to obtain and report the information listed above. See page 69 for information. 

In-Kind Contributions 

When determining whether to itemize an in-kind 

contribution, follow the same guidelines listed under 

“When to Itemize Receipts,” page 80. See page 11 for 

information on how to determine the dollar value of 

an in-kind contribution. 

In addition, add the value of the in-kind contribution to the operating expenditures total on Line 21b 

(in order to avoid infating the cash-on-hand amount). 

104.13(a)(2). 

If the in-kind contribution must be itemized on 

Schedule A, then it must also be itemized on a Schedule B for operating expenditures (see illustration). 

Appreciated Goods 

When a committee receives an in-kind contribution of an item to be liquidated whose value may 

appreciate over time, such as stock, bonds, 

artwork, etc., special reporting rules apply: 

 the initial gift as a memo entry 

edule A. Under “Amount,” 

the fair market value of the 

ution on the date the item 

eived. (Reminder: the amount 

ct to applicable contribution 

Do not include that amount in 

al for Line 11a(i) on the Detailed 

ry Page. 

he item is sold, report the 

ice as a contribution from the 

ser on Line 11a(i) if the puris known. Report the sale price 

ther receipt” on Line 17 if the 

ser is unknown (e.g. if the stock 

through an established market 

ism where the purchaser’s 

 not known by the committee). 

 the transaction on Schedule 

e purchase price exceeds $200, 

the name of employer and 

tion if the purchaser is known. 

(b). Any expenses incurred from 

idation of appreciated goods 

e reported as operating expen-

. See AOs 2000-30 and 1989-06. 

• Itemize

on Sch

report 

contrib

was rec

is subje

limits.)

the tot

Summa

• Once t

sale pr

purcha

chaser 

as an “o

purcha

is sold 

mechan

name is

Itemize

A. If th

report 

occupa

104.13

the liqu

must b

ditures

JD c:..J 

: : : : : : : : : I , , . 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

, , . 

C 

M M / D D / 

SCHEDULE A (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED RECEIPTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

A. Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

federal political committee. 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF Use separate schedule(s) (check only one) for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 11a 11b 11c 12

 13 14 15 16 17 

Freedom Party State Committee 

Barnes, John 

111 Gettysburg Ave. 

City ST 00000 

07 04 

1500.00 

In-kind party supplies 

HBE, Inc. Service Manager 

1500.00 

X 

1 1 

Y Y Y Y

2014 
82 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

Joint Contributions 

A joint contribution is made by a single 

check (or other written instrument) that 

bears two signatures. A check with one 

signature may also be a joint contribution if 

an accompanying form or letter, signed by 

both contributors, instructs the committee 

to treat it as a joint contribution. (A check 

drawn on a joint bank account but signed 

by only one person does not qualify as a 

joint contribution absent an accompanying form or letter signed by the second 

person. Attribute the full amount of such 

a check only to the person who signed it. 

Alternatively, the committee may reattribute the contribution using the procedures 

described below.) 

For the purposes of itemization, report 

a joint contribution as though the joint 

contributors had given separately. 

A joint contribution is itemized in the illustration (entries A and B).The committee 

received a $1,000 check from Mr. and Mrs. 

Cochran, signed by both. Because there 

were no instructions as to how to attribute 

the check, the committee must divide it 

equally between the two spouses—$500 

from each. 110.1(k)(2). 

Reattributions 

This section describes how to report 

contributions for which the committee has 

requested reattributions from contributors. 

(See page 24.) 

Receipt of Original Contribution 

When itemizing a contribution that must be reattributed to correct an excessive amount, include a 

statement on Schedule A noting that a reattribution 

has been requested. 103.3(b)(5). 

Receipt of Reattribution 

In the report covering the period during which 

the reattribution is received, itemize as memo 

entries: 

• Information on the contribution as it was

previously disclosed; and

• Information on the contribution as it was

reattributed, including the date the reattribution was received. 104.8(d)(3).

_______ ____, L.J D c::J 

: : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I , , . 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

, , . 

C 

M M / D D / 

SCHEDULE A (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED RECEIPTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

A. Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

federal political committee. 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF Use separate schedule(s) (check only one) for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 11a 11b 11c 12

 13 14 15 16 17 

1 1 

X 

111 Camino La Costa 

15,000.00 

05 20 

15,000.00 

Reattribution requested. 

Williams, George 

BMI Detective Agency Owner and CEO 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

Y

The entry should note that the committee has requested a reattribution to show 

Y 

2014 Y Y 

---------------< L.J D c:J 

: : : : : : : I 

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---------------< L.J D c::::J 

I : : : : : : : : : : I 

, , . 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

, , . 

C 

C , , .

M M / D D / 

M M / D D / 

, , . 

SCHEDULE A (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED RECEIPTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

A. Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

federal political committee. 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

B. 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

federal political committee. 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF Use separate schedule(s) (check only one) for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 11a 11b 11c 12

 13 14 15 16 17 

1 1 

X 

Cochran, Dan 

1472 Loleta Street 

Grimbridge and Associates General Manager 

06 23 

500.00 

500.00 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

500.00 

500.00 

1472 Loleta Street 

City ST 00000 

Cochran, Linda 

Starker High School Teacher 

06 23 

Y

Y Y Y Y 

2014 

Y Y Y 

2014 

JOINT CONTRIBUTIONS 

REATTRIBUTION REQUESTED 

that it has taken corrective action for an excessive contribution. 
83 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

REATTRIBUTION RECEIVED 

Use memo entries to show reattributions of excessive contributions 

RETURNED/BOUNCED CHECK 

L] D I : : : I 

: : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I 

El □ 

D I : : : I 

I I : : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I 

El □ 

L..:] D I : : : I 

I I : : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I 

, , . 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

, , . 

C 

C , , .

C , , .

M M / D D / 

M M / D D / 

M M / D D / 

, , . 

, , . 

SCHEDULE A (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED RECEIPTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

A. Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

federal political committee. 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

B. 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

federal political committee. 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

C. 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

federal political committee. 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF Use separate schedule(s) (check only one) for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 11a 11b 11c 12

 13 14 15 16 17 

1 1 

X 

111 Camino La Costa 

15,000.00 

05 20 

15,000.00 

MEMO - Reattribution. 

Williams, George 

BMI Detective Agency Owner and CEO 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

111 Camino La Costa 

Williams, George 

City ST 00000 

10,000.00 

-5,000.00 

BMI Detective Agency Owner and CEO 

07 01 

111 Camino La Costa 

City ST 00000 

Williams, Claudia 

Sidney Aaron LLP Attorney 

MEMO - Reattribution below. 

07 01 

5,000.00 

MEMO - Originally disclosed 

in June Monthly Report. See 

$5,000.00 reattribution below. 

5,000.00 

Y Y Y Y

2014 

Y Y Y Y

2014 

Y Y 

2014 Y Y 

1:::1 

: : : : : : : I : : : : : : : : : I 

El □ I : : : : : : : : : 

, , . 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

, , . 

C 

M M / D D / 

SCHEDULE A (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED RECEIPTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

A. Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

federal political committee. 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF Use separate schedule(s) (check only one) for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 11a 11b 11c 12

 13 14 15 16 17 

1 1 

X 

111 Insolvency Lane 

-250.00 

06 

0.00 

Deadbeat, John 

Self-Employed Writer 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

Bounced check, 

Originally disclosed in 

April Monthly Report. 

Y Y Y Y 

14 2014 

Refund of Excessive Portion 

If the committee does not receive 

the reattribution instruction from 

the contributors, the committee 

must refund the excessive portion 

within 60 days of the treasurer’s 

receipt of the contribution. 110.1(k). 

Disclose the refund on the next 

report. 103.3(b)(3) and (5); 104.8(d) 

(4). See also “Refunds Made by the 

Committee,” page 89 and “Reattributions” on page 82. 

Bounced Checks 

If a committee reports the receipt 

of a check and later fnds it cannot 

be negotiated because of insuffcient 

funds in the donor’s account, the 

committee deducts the amount from 

its next report as follows: 

• If the receipt was not itemized

in a previous report, deduct

the amount of the check from

the total for unitemized contributions (Line 11a(ii)) on the

Detailed Summary Page).

• If the receipt was itemized

previously, itemize the return

of the check as a negative

entry on a Schedule A for the

appropriate line number.

Checks received and returned 

y the bank in the same reporting 

eriod do not need to be reported. 

b

p
84 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

3. REPORTING RECEIPTS: THE DETAILED SUMMARY PAGE 

THE DETAILED 

SUMMARY PAGE 

Listed below are the categories of 

receipts found on the Detailed Summary 

Page. For each category, enter a total for 

the current period and for the year to 

date. 

Line 11. Contributions 

Report total monetary and in-kind 

contributions received, both itemized and 

unitemized. 

Line 11a: Contributions from 

Individuals and Other Groups 

Use Line 11a to report contributions 

from individuals and groups other than political committees (such as partnerships). 

Itemize contributions that exceed the 

$200 aggregate threshold on Schedule A; 

enter the total on Line 11a(i). Enter total 

unitemized contribution on Line 11a(ii). 

Enter total itemized and unitemized contributions from individuals/others on Line 

11a(iii). 

Line 11b: Political Party 

Committees 

Leave this line blank: party committees report 

funds received from other party committees and 

party organizations as transfers-in on Line 12; see 

below. 

Line 11c: Other Political Committees 

Itemize contributions from nonparty political 

committees on Schedule A, regardless of amount, 

and enter the total on Line 11c. 

Line 11d: Total Contributions 

Enter the total of Lines 11a–c on Line 11d. 

r 7 

DJ DJ c::J DJ DJ c::J 

: : : : : : : : : 

: : : : : : : : : : 

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 

I : : : : : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I 

I : : : : : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I 

L _J 

I. Receipts Total This Period Calendar Year-to-Date 

, , . 

, , . 

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

20,672.92 

12,437.81

 33,110.73

 5,000.00

 38,110.73

 5,722.01 

15,000.00

 0.00

 250.00

 1,000.00

 480.84

 9,383.32

 69,946.90

 60,563.58

 6,400.00

 2,983.32 

97,967.46 

0.00 

5,000.00 

102,967.46 

15,605.69 

15,000.00

 0.00

 250.00

 1,000.00

 851.88

 14,224.30

 7,824.30

 6,400.00

 149,899.33

 135,675.03

 0.00 

(a) Individuals/Persons Other 

Than Political Committees 

(i) Itemized (use Schedule A) .......... 

(ii) Unitemized .................................... 

(iii) TOTAL (add 

Lines 11(a)(i) and (ii) ............... 

(b) Political Party Committees ................. 

(c) Other Political Committees 

(such as PACs) .................................. 

(d) Total Contributions (add Lines 

11(a)(iii), (b), and (c)) (Carry 

Totals to Line 33, page 5) ............. 

12. Transfers From Affiliated/Other 

Party Committees ...................................... 

13. All Loans Received .................................... 

14. Loan Repayments Received ..................... 

15. Offsets To Operating Expenditures 

(Refunds, Rebates, etc.) 

(Carry Totals to Line 37, page 5) ............. 

16. Refunds of Contributions Made 

to Federal Candidates and Other 

Political Committees .................................. 

17. Other Federal Receipts 

(Dividends, Interest, etc.)........................... 

18. Transfers from Non-Federal and Levin Funds 

(a) Non-Federal Account 

(from Schedule H3) ............................ 

(b) Levin Funds (from Schedule H5) ........ 

(c) Total Transfers (add 18(a) and 18(b)). 

19. Total Receipts (add Lines 11(d), 

12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18(c)) ........ 

20. Total Federal Receipts 

(subtract Line 18(c) from Line 19) ........ 

FE3AN037.PDF 

FEC Form 3X (Rev. 02/2003 ) 

DETAILED SUMMARY PAGE 

of Receipts Page 3 

Write or Type Committee Name 

Freedom Party State Committee 

Report Covering the Period: From: 

/ / 

To: 

M M D D Y / /

04 Y Y01 2014 Y M M D D Y Y04 30 Y Y2014

COLUMN A COLUMN B

11. Contributions (other than loans) From: 
85 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

Line 12. Transfers-In 

Itemize any transfers of funds received 

from other party committees or party organizations on a Schedule A (see example). 

Enter the total on Line 12. 

Line 13. Loans Received 

Itemize any loans received on a Schedule A. Enter the total amount on Line 13. 

Committees receiving loans must also fle 

Schedules C and C-1. See page 95 for more 

information. 

Line 14. Loan Repayments 

Received 

Itemize any repayments received on loans 

made by the committee on a Schedule A. 

Enter the total on Line 14. Committees 

receiving loan repayments must also fle 

Schedule C. See page 96. 

Line 15. Ofsets to Operating 

Expenditures 

Refunds, rebates and returns of deposits 

are considered offsets to operating expenditures. Itemize offsets on a Schedule 

A once the committee receives more than 

$200 from the same source during a calendar year (see example). Enter the total on 

Line 15. 

Line 16. Refunds of 

Contributions Made 

Itemize refunds of contributions made by 

the committee on a Schedule A regardless 

of their amount. Enter the total on Line 16. 

See also page 89. 

Line 17. Other Federal Receipts 

This category includes interest and dividends 

earned on investments. Itemize these receipts on 

a Schedule A once the committee receives more 

than $200 from the same source during a calendar 

year. Enter the total under this category on Line 17. 

See page 17 for more information on interest and 

dividends. 

_______ ____, L.J D c::J 

: : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I 

El □ 

_______ ____, L.J D c::::J 

: : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I 

, , . 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

, , . 

C 

C , , .

M M / D D / 

M M / D D / 

, , . 

SCHEDULE A (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED RECEIPTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

A. 

federal political committee. 

Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

B. 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

PAGE 1 OF

Local Freedom Party 

federal political committee. 

FOR LINE NUMBER: Use separate schedule(s) (check only one) for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 11a 11b 11c 12

 13 14 15 16 17 

X

1 

National Freedom Party 

111 Key Ave. 

Washington DC 00000 

09 08 

00300000 

00300001 

1,987.30 

5,436.14 

169.55 

169.55 

111 Grassroots St. 09 14

Dover ST 00000 

Freedom Party State Committee 

Y Y Y Y

2014 

Y Y Y Y

2014 

-------______, L...J D c:J 

I I:::::: : I I : : : : : : : : : : I 

Itemize ofsets to operating expenditures when they aggregate over $200 per 

calendar year from the same source. 

, , . 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

, , . 

C 

M M / D D / 

SCHEDULE A (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED RECEIPTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

A. 

federal political committee. 

Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE 1 OF Use separate schedule(s) (check only one) for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 11a 11b 11c 12

 13 14 X 15 16 17 

1 

10 30 

Campaign Mailing Services 

1016 La Posada 

250.00 

250.00 

Refund of overcharge 

Original Disbursement 8/30/14 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

Y Y Y Y

2014 

TRANSFERS–IN 

Itemize all transfers from other party committees and organizations, regardless of 

amount. Transfers from a committee’s nonfederal account, however, are itemized 

on line 18. 

OFFSETS TO OPERATING EXPENDITURES 
86 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

Line 18. Transfers from Nonfederal 

Account and Levin Funds 

If the committee maintains a nonfederal account 

for state and local election activities, or a Levin account for federal election activity (FEA), the federal 

account (or the allocation account, if applicable) may 

accept funds transferred by the nonfederal or Levin 

account in order to pay its share of certain allocable 

expenses. 106.7(f)(1) and 300.33(d)(1). Report the 

total amount transferred from the nonfederal or 

Levin account during the period (i.e., the total from 

Schedule H3 or H5) on Line 18. 

Other rules concerning these transfers are explained in Chapters 13 and 14. 

4. ITEMIZED DISBURSEMENTS 

When to Itemize Disbursements 

Regardless of Amount 

The disbursements listed below must be itemized, 

regardless of amount, on Schedule B (or indicated 

schedule): 

•	 Shared federal/nonfederal operating expenditures (itemized on Schedule H4—see Chapter 

13); 

•	 Expenditures for allocated FEA;1 

•	 Contributions to candidates and political committees; 

•	 Coordinated party expenditures (itemized on 

Schedule F); 

•	 Loan repayments; 

•	 Loans made by the committee; and 

•	 Transfers to other party committees and party 

organizations. 

Note that refunds of contributions (Line 26 of 

the Detailed Summary Page) must be itemized on 

Schedule B only if the incoming contribution had to 

be itemized on Schedule A, as explained on page 88. 

Other Disbursements: $200 Threshold 

A disbursement that does not fall under one of the 

categories listed above (such as a federal operating 

expenditure or an independent expenditure) must 

be itemized if it exceeds $200 when aggregated with 

other disbursements made to the same payee during the calendar year. (Please note that independent 

expenditures are itemized on Schedule E; see page 

93.) Disbursements that do not meet this threshold 

do not have to be itemized, but must be reported on 

the Detailed Summary Page. 

How to Itemize Disbursements 

Separate Categories of Disbursements 

Before beginning to itemize the committee’s 

disbursements, separate them into the different 

categories listed on the Detailed Summary Page 

(“Operating Expenditures,” “Contributions to Federal Candidates,” etc.; an illustration of a completed 

Detailed Summary Page appears on page 88).The 

disbursements in each category must be itemized on 

a separate Schedule B designated for that category. 

Indicate the type of disbursement itemized on a 

particular Schedule B by entering the corresponding 

line number from the Detailed Summary Page in the 

upper right corner of the schedule.The appropriate 

category of disbursement may also be written at the 

top of each page. 

Some categories may require several pages.The 

total for each category should be entered on the 

bottom line of the last page for that category. 

Itemized Information 

Itemized disbursement information includes: 

•	 Name of payee; 

•	 Address of payee; 

•	 Purpose of disbursement (a brief but specifc description of why the disbursement 

was made—see Schedule B instructions and 

104.3(b)(3)(i)(B)); 

•	 Date of payment; and 

•	 Amount. 104.3(b)(3); 104.9. 

Contributions to Candidates: Additional 

Information 

Further information is required when itemizing a 

contribution to a candidate committee on Schedule 

B. Include the candidate’s name and the offce sought 

(including the state and, if applicable, Congressional 

district).When itemizing a contribution or loan to a 

candidate committee, specify the election for which 

the payment was made by checking the appropriate 

category in the election designation box. 104.3(b)(3) 

(v). See example on page 87. 1 Expenditures in excess of $200 for FEA which are made entirely with federal funds must be itemized on a Schedule B.The 

total is reported on Line 30(b) of the Detailed Summary Page. 
87 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

J D c=..J 

: : : : : : : : : I 

El □ 

ITEMIZED DISBURSEMENTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Amount of Each Disbursement this Period 

, , . 

A. Date of Disbursement 

Use separate schedule(s) 

for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 

(check only one) 

Purpose of Disbursement 

Candidate Name 

Office Sought: House 

Senate 

President 

State: District: 

Category/

Type 

Disbursement For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

M M / D D / 

21b 22 23 24 25 26 

27 28a 28b 28c 29 30b 

X 

Friends of Kate Dawson 

111 Speedway Street 

Contribution 

Kate Dawson 

X 

ST 6 

X 

01 20 

5,000.00 

011 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

2014 

Y Y Y Y

2014 

SCHEDULE B (FEC Form 3X) FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE 1 OF 1 

J D c=..J 

ITEMIZED DISBURSEMENTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

A. Date of Disbursement 

Use separate schedule(s) 

for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 

(check only one) 

Purpose of Disbursement 

M M / D D / 

21b 22 23 24 25 26 

27 28a 28b 28c 29 30b 

X 

Freedom Party State Committee 

Jim Roth for Congress Committee 

111 Freedom Hill Ave. 

City ST 00000 

01 25 Y Y Y Y

2014 

: : : : : : : : : I 

El □ 

SCHEDULE B (FEC Form 3X) 

Amount of Each Disbursement this Period 

, , . 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF

Candidate Name 

Office Sought: House 

Senate 

President 

State: District: 

Category/

Type 

Disbursement For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

1 1 

Contribution 

Jim Roth 

011 

X 

ST 4 

X 

10,000.00 

2014 

J D c::_i 

.J I:: : : : : : : : : I 

El □ 

J D c::::J 

.J I:: : : : : : : : : I 

El □ 

SCHEDULE B (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED DISBURSEMENTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Amount of Each Disbursement this Period 

, , . 

A. Date of Disbursement 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Amount of Each Disbursement this Period 

, , . 

B. Date of Disbursement 

Use separate schedule(s)

for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF

(check only one) 

Purpose of Disbursement 

Candidate Name 

Office Sought: House 

Senate 

President 

State: District: 

Category/

Type 

Disbursement For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Purpose of Disbursement 

Candidate Name 

Office Sought: House 

Senate 

President 

State: District: 

Category/

Type 

Disbursement For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

M M / D D / 

M M / D D / 

21b 22 23 24 25 26 

27 28a 28b 28c 29 30b 

1 1 

X 

Freedom Party State Committee 

Jim Roth for Congress Committee 

111 Freedom Hill Ave. 

City ST 00000 

01 25 

Contribution 

Jim Roth 

011 

X 

ST 4 

X 

10,000.00 

MEMO- As originally reported in 

February Monthly Report 

MEMO - Redesignation 

Jim Roth for Congress Committee 

111 Freedom Hill Ave. 

City ST 00000 

02 25 

X X 

5,000.00 

Contribution 

Jim Roth 

011 

ST 4 

2014 

2014 

Y Y Y Y

2014 

Y Y Y Y 

2014 

Redesignations of Contributions 

Made 

Use memo entries to show any redesignations of contributions made by the committee (explained on page 40). 

If a contribution to a candidate is redesignated for a different election after the 

close of books, show the redesignation on 

the next report and indicate the report on 

which the original contribution was itemized. 

In this illustration, the committee originally made a $10,000 contribution to a 

candidate’s campaign, intending half of it 

to count toward the general election.The 

committee itemized the contribution in 

its February monthly report.The following month, the campaign requested that 

the committee redesignate the excessive 

$5,000 for the general election campaign. 

The committee itemized the redesignation 

in its March monthly report. 

5. REPORTING

DISBURSEMENTS:

THE DETAILED 

SUMMARY PAGE 

Line-by-line instructions for flling out 

the Disbursements portion of the Detailed 

Summary Page are given below. See previous page for information on how to itemize 

disbursements on Schedule B. 

More information on reporting loans, 

debts and independent expenditures appears later in this chapter. 

Line 21. Operating Expenditures 

Line 21a: Allocated Federal/ 

Nonfederal Activity 

Report the total federal and nonfederal 

portions of shared operating expenditures separately on Lines 21a(i) and (ii). 

The numbers are taken from the bottom 

of Schedule H4. Line 21a is not used if the 

committee maintains only one account for 

CONTRIBUTIONS TO CANDIDATES 

ORIGINAL DESIGNATION 

REDESIGNATION, MARCH MONTHLY REPORT 
88 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

federal and nonfederal activities or 

if the committee is not involved in 

nonfederal election activities. 

Line 21b: Other Federal 

Operating Expenditures 

Report all operating expenditures 

other than shared operating expenditures on Line 21b. 

Itemize them on a Schedule B for 

Line 21b once payments to any payee 

exceed $200 in a calendar year. 

Line 21c: Total Operating 

Expenditures 

Report the total of Lines 21a and 

21b on Line 21c. 

Line 22. Transfers-Out 

Itemize transfers to party committees and party organizations, regardless of amount, on a Schedule B for 

Line 22. Enter the total from that 

schedule on the Detailed Summary 

Page. 

Line 23. Contributions to 

Federal Candidates and 

Other Political Committees 

Itemize all monetary and in-kind 

contributions made to candidate 

committees and other federal 

political committees, regardless of 

amount, on a Schedule B for Line 23. Report the 

total from that schedule on the Detailed Summary 

Page. Examples of itemized contributions to candidates are provided on previous page. 

Line 24. Independent Expenditures 

Disclose independent expenditures on Schedule E 

(see page 93). Enter the Schedule E total of itemized and unitemized independent expenditures on 

Line 24. 

Line 25. Coordinated Party 

Expenditures 

Disclose coordinated party expenditures on 

Schedule F (see page 92). Enter the Schedule F total 

on Line 25. 

Line 26. Loan Repayments 

See page 96 for information on how to itemize 

the payments on Schedules B and C. Enter the total 

paid on loans on Line 26. 

Line 27. Loans Made 

See page 96 for information on how to report 

loans made by the committee on Schedules B and 

C. Enter the total amount loaned during the period 

on Line 27. 

Line 28. Refunds of Contributions 

Itemize a refund made by the committee only 

if the original contribution was itemized. Other 

rules for reporting contribution refunds made by 

the committee are described on page 89. Enter the 

DETAILED SUMMARY PAGE 

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I : : : : : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I 

_J 

DETAILED SUMMARY PAGE 

of Disbursements FEC Form 3X (Rev. 02/2003 ) Page 4 

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

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21. Operating Expenditures:

(a) Allocated Federal/Non-Federal

Activity (from Schedule H4) 

(i) Federal Share ............................. 

(ii) Non-Federal Share ..................... 

(b) Other Federal Operating 

Expenditures ....................................... 

(c) Total Operating Expenditures 

(add 21(a)(i), (a)(ii), and (b)) ............. 

22. Transfers to Affiliated/Other Party 

Committees ................................................ 

23. Contributions to Federal Candidates/Committees

and Other Political Committees ................ 

24. Independent Expenditures 

(use Schedule E) ....................................... 

25. Coordinated Party Expenditures (52 U.S.C. §30116(d)) (use Schedule F) ....................................... 

26. Loan Repayments Made ........................... 

27. Loans Made ............................................... 

28. Refunds of Contributions To: (a) Individuals/Persons Other Than Political Committees ................. 

(b) Political Party Committees ................. 

(c) Other Political Committees 

(such as PACs) .................................. 

(d) Total Contribution Refunds 

(add Lines 28(a), (b), and (c)) .......... 

29. Other Disbursements ................................. 

COLUMN B 

Calendar Year-to-Date 

COLUMN A 

Total This Period II. Disbursements 

6,509.72

1,195.00

17,088.04

0.00

24,200.00

2,500.00

18,751.88

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

120.00 120.00

18,751.88

120.00 120.00

500.00 990.00

15,227.33

2,542.91

31,994.54

40,975.00

2,500.00

9,383.32 14,224.30

(a) Allocated Federal Election Activity 

(from Schedule H6) 

(i) Federal Share ................................ 

(ii) "Levin" Share ................................ 

(b) Federal Election Activity Paid Entirely 

With Federal Funds ....................... 

(c) Total Federal Election Activity (add 

Lines 30(a)(i), 30(a)(ii) and 30(b)) ... 

31. Total Disbursements (add Lines 21(c), 22, 

23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28(d), 29 and 30(c)) .. 

32. Total Federal Disbursements 

(subtract Line 21(a)(ii) and Line 30(a)(ii) 

from Line 31) ............................................. 

, , . , , .

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3.600.00

6,400.00

5,000.00

15,000.00

3.600.00

6,400.00

5,000.00

15,000.00

78,159.92 110,331.42

62,376.60 89,707.12

FE3AN037.PDF 

30. Federal Election Activity (52 U.S.C. §30101(20)) 
89 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

total amount refunded during the period 

on Line 28. 

Line 29. Other Disbursements 

“Other disbursements” include donations made by the committee to nonfederal 

candidates and committees. Itemize “other 

disbursements” on a Schedule B for Line 29 

when they exceed $200 to the same payee 

during a calendar year. Enter the total of 

itemized and unitemized other disbursements on the Detailed Summary Page. 

Line 30. Federal Election Activity 

State, district and local party committees 

making disbursements for FEA must enter 

fgures on Line 30. 

Line 30(a): Allocated Federal Election Activity 

Report the total federal and Levin portions of 

allocated federal election activity separately on 

Lines 30(a)(i) and (ii).The numbers are taken from 

Schedule H6. 

Line 30(b): FEA Paid Entirely with Federal Funds 

Expenditures of $200 or more for FEA which are 

made entirely with federal funds must be itemized 

on Line 30(b). 

Line 30(c): Total Federal Election Activity 

Report the total of Lines 30(a) and 30(b) on Line 

30(c). 

For further information on FEA, see below and 

in chapter 8. For information on allocating these 

disbursements, see Chapter 14. 

6. CONTRIBUTION REFUNDS

MADE AND RECEIVED 

Refunds Made by the Committee 

When a committee refunds a contribution to a 

donor, the committee must include the disbursement in the total for the appropriate category of 

refund on the Detailed Summary Page (Line 28(a), 

(b) or (c)). If the committee previously itemized the

incoming contribution on Schedule A, then it must

itemize the refund on a Schedule B for the appropriate line number. 104.8(d)(4).

A committee may return a contribution to the 

donor without depositing it, although the return 

must be made within 10 days of the treasurer’s 

receipt of the contribution. 103.3(a). In this case, 

the committee does not have to report either the 

receipt or the return of the contribution. 

Refunds Received by the Committee 

If a committee receives a refund of a contribution 

it has made, it must report the refund in one of two 

ways, depending on the circumstances described 

below. 104.8(d)(4). 

Original Check Not Deposited 

If a previously reported check to a candidate 

committee or other political committee is not 

deposited (e.g., if it is returned uncashed or is 

: : : : : : : : : I 

□ 

A. 

Itemize “other disbursements” such as nonfederal donations, once they exceed 

$200 per payee per calendar year. 

SCHEDULE B (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED DISBURSEMENTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Amount of Each Disbursement this Period 

, , . 

Date of Disbursement 

Use separate schedule(s) 

for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF

(check only one) 

Purpose of Disbursement 

Candidate Name 

Office Sought: House 

Senate 

President 

State: District: 

Category/

Type 

Disbursement For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

21b 22 23 24 25 26 

27 28a 28b 28c 29 30b X 

1 1 

Michelle Johnson for Governor 

111 Mulberry Street 

Nonfederal Contribution 011 

09 29 2014 

1,000.00 Michelle Johnson 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

CONTRIBUTIONS TO NONFEDERAL CANDIDATES 

(OTHER DISBURSEMENTS) 
90 

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Chapter 12

 

 

 

 

 

 

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lost), report the amount as a negative entry on a 

Schedule B for Line 23,“Contributions to Federal 

Candidates and Other Political Committees.” (The 

amount is subtracted from the total for Line 23.) 

Refunded by Recipient’s Check 

If the recipient committee deposits the contribution and then refunds it with its own check, itemize 

the refund, regardless of amount, on a Schedule A 

for Line 16,“Refunds of Contributions.” 

7. REPORTING REIMBURSED 

ADVANCES OF PERSONAL 

FUNDS 

When a volunteer or a committee staff member 

uses his or her personal funds or personal credit to 

pay a vendor for an expense and is later reimbursed 

by the committee, special reporting rules apply. 

Travel Expenses Reimbursed 

within 30 or 60 Days 

When an individual is traveling on behalf of a party committee, no contribution 

results when the committee reimburses 

the individual for travel expenses within the 

following time periods: 

• If the individual paid with cash or a 

personal check, within 30 days from the 

date the expense was incurred. 

• If the individual paid with a credit card, 

within 60 days of the closing date on the 

credit card billing statement. 116.5(b)(2). 

Reimbursed within Time Limit and in 

Same Reporting Period 

When the committee makes a reimbursement within these time limits, the 

committee reports the advance and reimbursement as follows: 

• The original advance is not reported; 

and 

• The reimbursement is reported as an 

operating expenditure on Line 21(b). 

AO 1992–01. 

Reimbursed within Time Limit but 

in Later Reporting Period 

Note that, if the reimbursement is made 

within the appropriate time limit but not 

within the reporting period in which the advance 

was made, the committee must report the advance on Schedule D as a debt if it exceeds $500. 

116.5(c) and 104.11(b). 

Once the reimbursement is actually made, the 

committee reports it as an operating expenditure 

and itemizes it on Schedule B if reimbursements to 

any one person exceed $200 for the calendar year. 

Travel Advances Not Reimbursed 

within 30 or 60 Days 

Not Reimbursed within Time Limit but 

within Same Reporting Period 

Travel advances that are not reimbursed within 

the appropriate 30-or 60- day time limit (116.5(b)) 

but that are reimbursed within the reporting period 

in which the advance is made are considered contributions and must be reported as follows: 

REFUNDED CONTRIBUTION 

, , . 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

, , . 

C 

M M / D D / 

SCHEDULE A (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED RECEIPTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

A. Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

federal political committee. 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF Use separate schedule(s) (check only one) for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 11a 11b 11c 12

 13 14 15 X 16 17

1 1 

Walter Eckland for Senate 

111 Matalava Blvd. 04 04 

X 1,000.00 

1,000.00 

Refund of contribution itemized 

in February Monthly Report. 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

2014 

Y Y Y Y

2014 

Unlike returned contributions, contributions refunded by a check from the 

recipient are reported as receipts. 

RETURNED CONTRIBUTION 

SCHEDULE B (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED DISBURSEMENTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Amount of Each Disbursement this Period 

, , . 

A. Date of Disbursement 

Use separate schedule(s) 

for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF

(check only one) 

Purpose of Disbursement 

Candidate Name 

Office Sought: House 

Senate 

President 

State: District: 

Category/

Type 

Disbursement For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

M M / D D / 

21b 22 23 24 25 26 

27 28a 28b 28c 29 30b 

1 1 

Howard Beale for Senate 

111 Ritchie Street 

Voided Check - Original Contribution 6/1/14 011 

09 29 

-5,000.00 Howard Beale 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

X X 

ST 

X 

Voided Check 2014 

Y Y Y Y

2014 
91 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

contributions and must be reported as 

follows: 

• Report the original advance as

a memo entry contribution on

Schedule A if the total of the advance plus any other contributions

made by the same person within the

calendar year, minus any reimbursements made in the reporting period,

exceeds $200; and

• Report the reimbursement as an

operating expenditure and, if reimbursements to that person exceed

$200 in the calendar year, itemize

it on Schedule B (with a crossreference to the memo entry on

Schedule A for the advance—if the

advance was itemized).

Not Reimbursed within Time Limit 

and Not within Same Reporting 

Period 

Travel advances that are not reimbursed 

within the appropriate 30 -or 60- day time 

limit and that are not reimbursed within 

the reporting period in which the advance 

was made must be reported as follows: 

• Report the original advance as a

memo entry contribution on Schedule A if the total of the advance plus 

any other contributions made by the 

same person within the calendar year, minus 

any reimbursements made in the reporting 

period, exceeds $200; 

• Report the amount of the advance outstanding at the end of the reporting period as a

debt on Schedule D if it exceeds $500 or has

been outstanding for more than 60 days; and

• Report the reimbursement as an operating

expenditure and, if reimbursements to that

person exceed $200 in the calendar year,

itemize it on Schedule B (with a cross-reference to the memo entry on Schedule A for

the advance—if the advance was itemized).

116.5(b) and (c), and 104.11.

The reimbursement is reported as an operating expenditure on Schedule B, with a 

cross reference to the corresponding Schedule A. 

Nontravel Advances Made and 

Reimbursed within Same Reporting 

Period 

Nontravel advances that are made and reimbursed within the same reporting period are 

considered contributions and must be reported as 

follows: 

• Do not report the original advance unless, at

the end of the reporting period, the amount

of previous contributions in the calendar year

from the person making the advance plus the

amount of the advance minus the amount of

the reimbursement is greater than $200 (i.e.,

previous contributions + the advance - the

reimbursement > $200). In that case, report

the advance as a memo entry contribution on

Schedule A; and 

• Report the reimbursement as an operating

expenditure and, if reimbursements to that

ADVANCES FROM PERSONAL FUNDS 

_______ ____, L.J D c::J 

, , . 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

, , . 

C 

M M / D D / 

SCHEDULE A (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED RECEIPTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

A. Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

federal political committee. 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF Use separate schedule(s) (check only one) for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 11a 11b 11c 12

 13 14 15 16 17 

1 1 

X 

Suranez, Alex 

111 Vicksburg Ave. 12 16 

402.80 

MEMO - Airfare to be 

Reimbursed 

402.80 

Freedom Party Regional Director 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

Y Y Y

2013 Y 

Unreimbursed advances that aggregate to over $200 appear as memo entries on 

Schedule A for Line 11 (a)(i). 

: : : : : : : : : I 

□ 

SCHEDULE B (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED DISBURSEMENTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Amount of Each Disbursement this Period 

, , . 

A. Date of Disbursement 

Use separate schedule(s) 

for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF

(check only one) 

Purpose of Disbursement 

Candidate Name 

Office Sought: House 

Senate 

President 

Category/

Type 

Disbursement For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

M M / D D / 

21b 22 23 24 25 26 

27 28a 28b 28c 29 30b 

1 1 

X 

Suranez, Alex 

111 Vicksburg Ave. 

01 30 

402.80 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

Reimbursement for airfare 002

See Schedule A, December 2013 

Monthly Report 

Y Y Y Y

2014 

State: District: 
92 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

person exceed $200 in the calendar year, 

itemize it on Schedule B (with a cross-reference to the memo entry on Schedule A for 

the advance—if the advance was itemized). 

104.3(d). See AO 1992-01. 

Nontravel Advances Made and 

Reimbursed in Diferent Reporting 

Periods 

Nontravel advances that are to be reimbursed in 

a later reporting period must be reported as follows: 

•	 Do not report the original advance unless, at 

the end of the reporting period, the amount 

of previous contributions in the calendar year 

from the person making the advance plus the 

amount of the advance minus the amount of 

the reimbursement is greater than $200 (i.e. 

previous contributions + the advance - the 

reimbursement > $200). In that case, report 

the advance as a memo entry contribution on 

Schedule A; 

•	 Report the amount of the advance outstanding at the end of the reporting period as a 

debt on Schedule D if it exceeds $500 or has 

been outstanding for more than 60 days (see 

example at left); and 

•	 Report the reimbursement, once made, as an 

operating expenditure and, if reimbursements 

to that person exceed $200 in the calendar 

year, itemize it on Schedule B (with a crossreference to the memo entry on Schedule A 

for the advance—if the advance was itemized). 104.3(d). See AO 1992-01. 

Special Rule for Reporting 

Reimbursements to Staf (for Travel 

and Subsistence Advances) 

If the total amount reimbursed to the staff member is $500 or less, the committee should report 

the staff member as the payee. If the total amount 

exceeds $500 and payments to any one vendor 

used for the expenses total over $200 for the 

calendar year, additional information is required to 

achieve full disclosure. In this instance the committee must: 

•	 Report the staff member as payee; and 

•	 Report the payments aggregating over $200 

to any one vendor as memo entries on 

Schedule B. See AO 1996-20, footnote 3. 

8. INVESTMENTS 

Principal 

When the committee invests funds in a savings 

account, money market fund, certifcate of deposit 

or similar type of account, the principal deposited 

must be included in the committee’s cash-on-hand 

total.The committee does not report this type of 

investment as a disbursement because the money 

is still a committee asset. Any other committee 

investments valued at cost are also included in 

cash-on-hand because they would be a conversion 

of one form of cash-on-hand to another. 104.3(a) 

(1);AOs 1990-02, 1997-06 and 1999-08. 

Investment Income 

Report investment income received or lost during the reporting period in the “Other Receipts” 

category (Line 17) of the Detailed Summary Page. 

If investment income from one source aggregates 

over $200 during a calendar year, itemize the interest on a Schedule A for Line 17. 104.3(a)(4)(vi). 

Losses are indicated by negative entries. (See “Interest and Dividends,” page 17.) 

Income Tax 

Include income taxes paid by the committee as 

other disbursements on Line 21. Itemize income tax 

payments on Schedule B only if they aggregate over 

$200 per year to the same payee—i.e., the local, 

state or federal government. 

9. COORDINATED PARTY 

EXPENDITURES 

Schedule F 

Itemize all coordinated party expenditures on 

Schedule F. (See opposite.) Enter the Schedule F 

total on Line 25 of the Detailed Summary Page. 
93 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

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CJ § 

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I : : ; : : ; : : ; □ □ □ 

SCHEDULE E

ITEMIZED INDEP

NAME OF COMMITT

Freedom

Check if □ 24

Full Name (Last, 

Morning Mailing Address 

111 First City 

City Purpose of Expe

Newspap Name of Federal 

Joe Voter

Calendar Y

 (FEC Form 3X) 

ear-To-Date Per Election 

for Office Sought 

EE (In Full) 

-hour notice 48-hour notice 

ENDENT EXPENDITURES 

FOR LINE 24 OF FORM 3X 

PAGE OF 

C 

FEC IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 

, , . 

Date 

Amount 

First, Middle Initial) of Payee 

State Zip Code 

nditure 

Candidate Supported or Opposed by Expenditure: 

M M / D D / 

, , . Disbursement For: Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Category/

Type 

Office Sought: House 

Senate 

President 

Check One: Support Oppose 

State: 

District: 

1 1 

00300002 

 News 

 Ave. 

er Ad 004 

10 10 

5,500.00 

friend 

X ST 

4 

X 

X 8,700.00 

 Party State Committee 

ST 00000 

Y Y Y Y

2014 

COORDINATED PARTY EXPENDITURE 

□ □ 

DC: 

>------~-~-~-___, I : : : : : : : : : 

C 

SCHEDULE F (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED COORDINATED PARTY EXPENDITURES MADE BY 

POLITICAL PARTY COMMITTEES OR DESIGNATED AGENT(S) 

ON BEHALF OF CANDIDATES FOR FEDERAL OFFICE 

(52 U.S.C. §30116(d)) FOR LINE 25 OF FORM 3X 

PAGE OF 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) of Each Payee 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Amount 

, , . Aggregate General Election 

Expenditure for this Candidate 

Date 

, , . 

Name of Federal Candidate Supported Office Sought: House 

Senate 

Presidential 

(To be used only by Political Committees in the General Election) 

Has your committee been designated to make 

coordinated expenditures by a political party committee? 

YES NO 

If YES, name the designating committee: 

Full Name of Subordinate Committee 

Mailing Address 

City State ZIP Code 

Purpose of Expenditure 

State: 

District: 

1 1 

X 

City Press 

111 Industrial Ave. 

Jay Meyer X 

35,050.00 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

Spending (2 U.S.C. §441a(i)/441a–1)

Limit Raised toDue Opponent’s

24-hour notice

ifCheck 

Category/

Type 

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

Newspaper Ad 

10 15 2014 

ST 

6 20,000.00 

004 

Expenditures by Designated Agents 

A state party committee that has designated 

other party committees to make coordinated party 

expenditures must ensure that the designated 

party groups do not exceed the 

expenditure limits for the candi- INDEPENDENT E dates supported (see page 47).To 

this end, the FEC recommends the 

reporting method outlined below, 

although a committee may use its 

own method of controlling and reporting coordinated party expenditures made by designated agents 

if the method receives advance 

approval from the FEC. 109.33(b). 

Under the recommended 

method, each designated party 

committee itemizes its coordinated 

party expenditures on Schedule F. 

The committee fles Schedule F 

with its own report but also forwards a copy to the 

designating party committee. 

The designating committee, in addition to fling its 

own Schedule F, attaches those forwarded by designated agents as memo entries. (The memo entry 

expenditures are not included in the Line 25 total 

on the Detailed Summary Page.) 

10. INDEPENDENT

EXPENDITURES 

Schedule E 

Itemize any independent expenditure 

which, by itself or when added to other 

independent expenditures made to the 

same payee during the same calendar year, 

exceeds $200.The date that a communication is publicly distributed or otherwise 

publicly disseminated serves as the date the 

expenditure is “made” and that a committee must use to determine whether the 

total amount of independent expenditures 

has, in the aggregate exceeded the 

threshold reporting amount of $200.2 

Independent expenditures are itemized on Schedule E. A subtotal for itemized independent expendiXPENDITURES 

tures is entered on Line (a). Independent expenditures made prior to payment should be disclosed as 

memo entries on Schedule E and on Schedule D as 

a reportable debt under 104.11. 

2 Independent expenditures such as yard signs, mini-billboards, 

handbills, t-shirts, hats and buttons are “publicly disseminated on any reasonable date starting with the date the fler 

receives or exercises control over the items in the usual and 

normal course of dissemination, up to and including the date 

that the communications are actually disseminated to the 

public. For more information, see the FEC’s Interpretive Rule 

on when Certain Independent Expenditures are “Publicly 

Disseminated” for Reporting Purposes at http://www.fec. 

gov/law/cfr/ej_compilation/2011/notice_2011-13.pdf. 
94 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

Independent expenditures of $200 or less do not 

need to be itemized, though the committee must 

report the subtotal of those expenditures on Line 

(b). 104.3(b)(3)(vii)(C) and 104.4(a). 

Enter the total of itemized and unitemized independent expenditures on Line (c) of Schedule E and 

on Line 24 of the Detailed Summary Page. 

48-Hour Independent Expenditure 

Reports 

Political committees and other persons who 

make independent expenditures at any time during a calendar year—up to and including the 20th 

day before an election—must disclose this activity 

within 48 hours each time that the expenditures 

aggregate $10,000 or more.This reporting requirement is in addition to the requirement to fle 

24-hour reports of independent expenditures each 

time that disbursements for independent expenditures aggregate at or above $1,000 during the last 

20 days—up to 24-hours—before an election. 52 

U.S.C. §30104(b), (d) and (g);104.4(b), (c). For information on such last-minute independent expenditure reports, see below. 

Note: expenditures that have already been 

disclosed in a previous report do not have to be 

included on the 48-hour notice. 

Independent Expenditures Aggregating 

Less than $10,000 

Committees must report on Schedule E independent expenditures that aggregate less than $10,000 

with respect to a given election during the calendar 

year that are made up to and including the 20th 

day before an election.The report must be fled no 

later than the fling date of the committee’s next 

regularly-scheduled report. 104.4(a) and (b)(1). 

Independent Expenditures Aggregating 

$10,000 and Above 

Once an individual’s or committee’s independent 

expenditures reach or exceed $10,000 in the aggregate with respect to a given election during the 

calendar year at any time up to and including the 

20th day before an election, they must be reported 

within 48 hours of the date that the expenditure is 

publicly distributed or otherwise publicly disseminated. All 48-hour reports must be fled with and 

received by the Commission by 11:59 p.m. Eastern 

Time on the second day after the independent 

expenditure is publicly distributed. Electronic flers 

must fle these reports electronically. Paper flers 

may fle by fax or e-mail. Additionally, electronic 

flers and paper flers may fle 48-hour reports using the FEC website’s online program. 104.4(b)(2), 

109.10(c) and 100.19(d)(3). 

Aggregating Independent Expenditures for 

Reporting Purposes 

Independent expenditures are aggregated toward 

the various reporting thresholds on a per-election 

and per-offce sought basis within the calendar year. 

Consider, as examples, the following scenarios, all of 

which occur outside of the 20-day window before 

an election when 24-hour notices are required: 

•	 If a committee makes $5,000 in independent 

expenditures with respect to a Senate candidate, and $5,000 in independent expenditures 

with respect to a House candidate, then the 

committee is not required to fle 48-hour 

reports, but must disclose this activity on its 

next regularly scheduled report. 

•	 If the committee makes $5,000 in independent expenditures with respect to a clearly 

identifed federal candidate in the primary, 

and an additional $5,000 in independent 

expenditures with respect to the same candidate in the general, then again no 48-hour 

report is required and the expenditures are 

disclosed on the committee’s next report. 

•	 If the committee makes $6,000 in independent expenditures supporting a Senate 

candidate in the primary election and $4,000 

opposing that Senate candidate’s opponent in 

the same election, then the committee must 

fle a 48-hour report. 

The date that a communication is publicly distributed or otherwise publicly disseminated serves 

as the date that the independent expenditure is 

“made” and thus the date that a committee must 

use to determine whether the total amount of 

independent expenditures with respect to a given 

election has, in the aggregate, reached or exceeded 

the threshold reporting amounts of $10,000. Please 

note that a committee must aggregate its independent expenditures each time the communication 

is publicly distributed or otherwise publicly disseminated to see if the threshold has been reached. 

104.4(f). Independent expenditures publicly distributed or otherwise publicly disseminated prior to 

payment should be disclosed as memo entries on 
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JD c::::J 

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El □ 

SCHEDULE B (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED DISBURSEMENTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Amount of Each Disbursement this Period 

, , . 

A. Date of Disbursement 

Use separate schedule(s) 

for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF

(check only one) 

Purpose of Disbursement 

Candidate Name 

Office Sought: House 

Senate 

President 

State: District: 

Category/

Type 

Disbursement For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

M M / D D / 

21b 22 23 24 25 26 

27 28a 28b 28c 29 30b 

X 

1 1 

Second National Bank 

111 Fiduciary St. 

02 01 

Loan Repayment 009 

2,000.00 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

Y Y Y Y

2014 

Schedule E and on Schedule D as a reportable debt 

under 104.11. 

The calculation of the aggregate amount of the 

independent expenditures must include both disbursements for independent expenditures and all 

contracts obliging funds for disbursements of independent expenditures. A 48-hour notice is required 

for each additional $10,000 in aggregate expenditures in connection with a given election. 104.4(f). 

Expenditures that have already been disclosed in 

a previous report do not have to be included on 

the 48-hour notice. 

Last-Minute Independent Expenditure 

Reports (24-Hour Reports) 

Any independent expenditures aggregating $1,000 

or more and made after the 20th day but more 

than 24 hours before the day of an election must be 

reported and the report must be received by 11:59 

p.m. Eastern Time on the day following the day the

expenditure is made. A 24-hour notice is required

for each independent expenditure that aggregates

$1,000 or more. The 24-hour report must

be fled on a Schedule E.Twenty-four hour 

reports must be fled with the appropriate 

federal and state fling offces. (Please note 

that state fling is only required in Puerto 

Rico and Guam since all other states, territories and possessions have qualifed for a 

waiver from the Commission. 104.4(c) and 

104.5(g)).The date that a communication 

is publicly distributed or otherwise publicly 

disseminated serves as the date that the 

independent expenditure is “made” and 

thus the date that a committee must use 

to determine whether the total amount 

of independent expenditures with respect 

to a given election has, in the aggregate, 

reached or exceeded the threshold reporting amount of $1,000. 

The committee must report a last-minute 

expenditure a second time on a Schedule E 

fled with its next regular report. 104.4(a). 

Electronic flers must fle these reports 

electronically, and paper flers may fle by 

fax or e-mail. Additionally, electronic flers 

and paper flers may fle 24-hour reports 

using the FEC website’s online program. 

104.4(c). 

Verifcation 

All 24- and 48-hour reports must contain, among 

other things, a verifcation under penalty of perjury 

as to whether the expenditure was made in cooperation, consultation or concert with a candidate, a 

candidate’s committee, a political party committee 

or an agent of any of these. 104.4(d) and 109.10(e) 

(1)(v). 

For reports fled on paper, the treasurer must 

sign the Schedule E. For reports fled by e-mail, the 

treasurer must type his or her name on the Schedule E following the certifcation. 104.4(d). 

11. REPORTING LOANS

Continuously itemize all loans received and made 

by the committee until they are repaid. All repayments made or received on a loan must also be 

itemized. 104.3(a)(4)(iv); 104.3(b)(3)(iii) and (vi); 

104.3(d); 104.11. Procedures for reporting loans 

and loan repayments are explained below. 

INITIAL RECEIPT OF LOAN 

---------------J L.J D c:J 

: : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I , , . 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

, , . 

C 

M M / D D / 

SCHEDULE A (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED RECEIPTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

A. 

federal political committee. 

Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE 1 OF Use separate schedule(s) (check only one) for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 11a 11b 11c 12 

X 13 14 15 16 17

1 

Second National Bank 

111 Fiduciary St. 11 01 

5,000.00 

5,000.00 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

Receipt of Loan 

Y Y Y Y

2013 

LOAN PAYMENT 
96 

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Reminder: Loans are considered contributions to 

the extent of the outstanding balance of the loan. 

100.52(b)(2). Loans from banks, however, are not 

considered contributions if made in the ordinary 

course of business. Endorsements and guarantees of 

bank loans do count as contributions. 100.52(b)(3) 

and 100.82(c). 

Loans Received by the Committee 

Schedule A: Initial Receipt of Loan 

Itemize the receipt of a loan, regardless of 

amount, on a separate Schedule A for Line 13 

(“Loans Received”). 

Schedule B: Interest and Principal 

Payments 

Report the interest paid on a loan as an operating 

expenditure, itemizing the payment on a Schedule 

B for Line 21(b) (“Operating Expenditures”) once 

interest payments to the payee aggregate over $200 

in a calendar year. 100.111(b) and 104.3(b)(3)(i). 

Payments to reduce the principal must be itemized, regardless of amount, on a separate Schedule 

B for Line 26 (“Loan Repayments Made”). 104.3(b) 

(3)(iii). 

CONTINUOUS REPORTING OF LOAN 

f----------------i § 

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SCHEDULE C (FEC Form 3X) 

LOANS Use separate schedule(s) PAGE OF

for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Name of Employer 

Occupation 

List All Endorsers or Guarantors (if any) to Loan Source 

, , . , , . , , .

Original Amount of Loan Cumulative Payment To Date Balance Outstanding at Close of This Period 

Date Incurred Date Due Interest Rate Secured: 

. % (apr) Yes No

Election: 

Primary 

General 

Other (specify) 

LOAN SOURCE Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State ZIP Code 

1. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State ZIP Code , , . Amount 

Guaranteed 

Outstanding: 

TERMS 

FOR LINE 13 OF FORM 3X 

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

1 1 

Second National Bank 

111 Fiduciary St. 

5,000.00 2,000.00 3,000.00 

11 01 2013 11 01 2014 12.00 X 

Steinbeck, Charley Authors and Publishers, Inc. 

1961 Rocinante Street 

Executive Vice-President 

3,000.00 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

City ST 00000 

Each reporting period, a committee uses Schedule C to report both the original 

loan and payments made to repay the principal on the loan. Loans must be 

continually reported on Schedule C until repaid. 

Schedule C: Continuous Reporting 

In addition, report both the original loan and payments made to repay the loan on Schedule C each 

reporting period until the loan is repaid. 104.3(d) 

and 104.11. Instructions on the back of Schedule 

C explain what information must be disclosed. Use 

separate Schedule C forms to itemize loans received and loans made. 

The Schedule C balance of the total amount 

owed on loans is entered on Line 10 of the Summary Page (“Debts and Obligations Owed by the 

Committee”) or, if the committee has other debts, 

the balance is carried over to Schedule D. 

Schedule C-1: Additional Information for 

Bank Loans 

A committee that obtains a loan from a bank 

must also fle Schedule C-1 with the frst report 

due after a new loan or line of credit has been 

established. 104.3(d)(1). A new Schedule C-1 must 

also be fled with the frst report due after any 

terms of the loan or line of credit are restructured. 

Additionally, in the case of a committee that has 

obtained a line of credit, a new Schedule C-1 must be 

fled with the next report whenever the committee 

draws on the line of credit. 104.3(d)(1) and (3). 

Line-by-line instructions for flling out the schedule appear on the back of Schedule C-1.The committee treasurer or designated assistant treasurer 

must sign the schedule on Line G and attach a copy 

of the loan agreement. 104.3(d)(2). Electronic flers must submit a signed Schedule 

C-1 and a copy of the loan agreement in 

addition to fling the schedules electronically. The loan agreement may be fled on 

paper, or as a digitized document on disk, 

CD or e-mail, by the close of business on 

the fling date 

Finally, an authorized representative of 

the lending institution must sign the statement on Line I. 

Schedule D: Debt and Obligations 

Excluding Loans 

A committee that fails to make interest payments on a loan must report the 

accumulated unpaid interest as a debt on 

Schedule D (see page 97). See MUR 3418. 

Loans Made by the Committee 

Schedule B: Outgoing Loan 

When making a loan to another organization, 

itemize the disbursement, regardless of amount, on 

a Schedule B for Line 27 (“Loans Made”). 104.3(b) 

(3)(vi). 
97 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON BANK LOANS AND LINES OF CREDIT 

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M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

E. Are any future contributions or future receipts of interest income, pledged as 

collateral for the loan? No Yes If yes, specify: 

D. Are any of the following pledged as collateral for the loan: real estate, personal 

property, goods, negotiable instruments, certificates of deposit, chattel papers, 

stocks, accounts receivable, cash on deposit, or other similar traditional collateral? 

No Yes If yes, specify: 

SCHEDULE C–1 (FEC Form 3X) 

LOANS AND LINES OF CREDIT FROM LENDING INSTITUTIONS 

Federal Election Commission, Washington, D.C. 20463 

Supplementary for 

Information found on 

Page of Schedule C 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) FEC IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

LENDING INSTITUTION (LENDER) 

Full Name 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Amount of Loan Interest Rate (APR) 

A. Has loan been restructured? No Yes If yes, date originally incurred 

B. If line of credit, Total 

Outstanding

Amount of this Draw: Balance: 

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE 

Typed Name 

Signature Title 

DATE 

H. Attach a signed copy of the loan agreement. 

I. TO BE SIGNED BY THE LENDING INSTITUTION: 

I. To the best of this institution’s knowledge, the terms of the loan and other information regarding the extension of the loan 

are accurate as stated above. 

II. The loan was made on terms and conditions (including interest rate) no more favorable at the time than those imposed for 

similar extensions of credit to other borrowers of comparable credit worthiness. 

III. This institution is aware of the requirement that a loan must be made on a basis which assures repayment, and has 

complied with the requirements set forth at 11 CFR 100.82 and 100.142 in making this loan. 

G. COMMITTEE TREASURER 

Typed Name 

Signature 

F. If neither of the types of collateral described above was pledged for this loan, or if the amount pledged does not equal or exceed 

the loan amount, state the basis upon which this loan was made and the basis on which it assures repayment. 

C. Are other parties secondarily liable for the debt incurred? 

No Yes (Endorsers and guarantors must be reported on Schedule C.) 

Date Incurred or Established 

Date Due 

DATE 

Date account established: 

Location of account: 

Address: 

City, State, Zip: 

A depository account must be established pursuant 

to 11 CFR 100.82(e)(2) and 100.142(e)(2). 

What is the value of this collateral? 

Does the lender have a perfected security 

interest in it? No Yes 

What is the estimated value? 

1 

00300002 

Second National Bank 5,000.00 12.00 

111 Fiduciary St. 11 01 2013 

11 01 2014 

X 

X Cash on deposit 

5000.00 

X 

X 

John Responsible 11 01 2013 

Mortimer Pennypacker 

Asst. Vice-President 11 01 2013 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

X 

FE3AN037.PDF FEC Schedule C-1 (Form 3X) Rev. 02/2003 

Schedule C-1 must be fled with the frst report after the committee obtains a 

bank loan or line of credit. Schedule C-1 must again be fled if the terms of loan or 

line of credit are restructured. 

Schedule A: Interest and Principal 

Payments Received 

Report interest received on a loan on a Schedule 

A for Line 17 (“Other Receipts”) if the payments 

aggregate over $200 from the same source during 

the calendar year. 

Itemize payments received that reduce the 

principal owed on a separate Schedule A for Line 

14 (“Loan Repayments Received”), regardless of 

amount. 

Schedule C: Continuous Reporting 

The original amount loaned and repayments 

received on it must be itemized on Schedule C 

each reporting period until the loan is repaid in 

full. Schedule C instructions (see back of schedule) 

explain what information must be disclosed. (Note 

that separate Schedule C forms are used 

to itemize loans received and loans made. 

Filers should label the forms accordingly.) 

The Schedule C balance of the total 

outstanding loans owed to a committee is 

entered on Line 9 of the Summary Page 

(“Debts and Obligations Owed to the 

Committee”) unless other types of debts 

are owed to the committee. In that case, 

the Schedule C total is carried over to 

Schedule D. 

12. REPORTING DEBTS 

OTHER THAN LOANS 

Unpaid bills and written contracts or 

agreements to make expenditures are 

considered debts. 100.112. Report debts 

and obligations (other than loans) on 

Schedule D according to the following 

rules: 

•	 A debt of $500 or less is reportable 

as of the time the payment is made 

or not later than 60 days after the 

date the debt is incurred (the date 

of the transaction, not the date the 

bill is received, whichever comes frst. 

The debt is disclosed on the next 

regularly scheduled report. 

•	 A debt exceeding $500 must be reported on the next report fled after 

the debt is incurred. 104.3(d); 104.11. 

Use separate Schedule D forms for debts owed 

by the committee and debts owed to the committee. Label each schedule accordingly. 

Regularly recurring administrative expenses, like 

rent and salaries, do not have to be treated as debts 

until payment is due. 104.11(b); see also 116.6(c). 

Debts Owed by the Committee 

Use Schedule D to report: 

•	 The outstanding amount owed on a debt or 

obligation including any unpaid interest accrued on a debt; and 

•	 Payments made to reduce the debt. 
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I: : : : : : : : : : I 

I:: : : : : : : : : 11 : : : : : : : : : : 11: : : : : : : : : : I 

DEBTS OWED BY THE COMMITTEE 

SCHEDULE D (FEC Form 3X) 

DEBTS AND OBLIGATIONS 

Excluding Loans 

(Use separate 

schedule(s) 

for each 

numbered line) 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

A. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) of Debtor or Creditor 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Payment This Period 

, , . 

Outstanding Balance at Close of This Period 

, , . 

Outstanding Balance Beginning This Period 

, , . Amount Incurred This Period 

, , . 

Nature of Debt (Purpose): 

PAGE OF 

FOR LINE NUMBER: 

(check only one) 9 

X 10 

1 1 

1,125.00 

0.00 875.00 250.00 

Democracy Action Consulting 

111 High Street 

Radio advertisement for 

Jay Meyer for Congress 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

Schedule D instructions explain what additional 

information is required. 

Enter the Schedule D total of outstanding debts, 

plus the balance of loans owed by the committee (carried over from Schedule C, as explained 

above) on Line 10 of the Summary Page. Note that 

payments to reduce debts must also be reported 

under the appropriate category of disbursement 

on the Detailed Summary Page (for example, Line 

21(b) for a payment on a bill for an operating expenditure). 

Settlement of Debts 

Special rules apply to debts that are forgiven or 

settled for less than their full amount. See page 121 

for more information. 

Special Debt Reporting Problems 

Debts of Unknown Amount 

If the exact amount of a debt is not known, 

report the estimated amount of the debt.The 

committee must amend the report once a correct 

fgure is known or include the correct fgure in a 

later report. 104.11(b). 

Unpayable Debts 

If a debt cannot be paid because the creditor 

has gone out of business or cannot be located, 

the committee may write to the FEC to request 

permission to discontinue reporting the debt.The 

letter must demonstrate that the debt is at least 

two years old and that the committee has exercised 

reasonable diligence to reach the creditor.The committee must continue to report the debt until the 

Commission determines that the debt is unpayable. 

116.9. 

Disputed Debts 

A disputed debt is a bona fde disagreement between the creditor and the committee as to the existence of a debt or the 

amount owed by the committee. 116.10. 

Until the creditor and committee resolve 

the dispute (assuming the creditor did 

provide something of value), the committee 

must disclose: 

•	 The amount the committee admits it 

owes; 

•	 The amount the creditor claims is 

owed; and 

•	 Any amounts the committee has paid 

the creditor. 

Debts Owed to the Committee 

Report a debt owed to a committee on Schedule 

D if the debt exceeds $500 or has been outstanding 

60 days. Such debts must be continuously reported 

by a committee until they are extinguished. 104.3(d) 

and 104.11. Payments on the debt are also reported 

on Schedule D for the reporting period in which 

they are received until the debt is retired.The payments must also be reported on the appropriate line 

number of the Detailed Summary Page and itemized 

on Schedule A if necessary. 

Enter the Schedule D total of outstanding debts 

owed to a committee, plus the balance of outstanding loans carried over from Schedule C, on Line 9 of 

the Summary Page. 

13. LEVIN FUNDS / FEDERAL 

ELECTION ACTIVITY 

What Must Be Reported 

If a committee has less than $5,000 of aggregate 

receipts and disbursements for FEA in a calendar 

year, it is required only to report receipts and disbursements of federal funds for FEA. 300.36(b)(1). 

If the committee has $5,000 or more of aggregate 

receipts and disbursements for FEA in a calendar 

year, it must disclose all receipts and disbursements 

for FEA, including Levin funds, on Schedules L, H5 

and H6. (Schedules H5 and H6 are discussed in 

Chapter 14.) Note: Once a committee crosses this 

threshold, it must fle on a monthly basis. 300.36(b) 

(2). See “Monthly Reporting” in the previous chapter. 
99 Chapter 12

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Schedule L 

State, district and local party 

committees use Schedule L to 

aggregate receipts and disbursements of Levin funds for 

the reporting period and for 

the calendar year-to-date. 

Schedules L-A and L-B 

Committees itemize receipts 

and disbursements of Levin 

funds of $200 or more on 

Schedules L-A and L-B. 

Committees without a 

Separate Levin Account 

If a committee has Levineligible funds in its nonfederal 

account, the committee is not 

required to report them as 

Levin funds until it characterizes them as such.When 

reporting these funds, the date 

of receipt is the date that the 

committee received them under state law, even though they 

are itemized on Schedule L-A 

in a later reporting period. 

14. THE SUMMARY 

PAGE 

Line 1. Name and 

Address 

Fill in the committee’s full 

name (including any abbreviations used) and mailing 

address. If the address has changed, check the appropriate box. (See page 7,“Name and Address of the 

Committee.”) 

Line 2. ID Number 

Enter the committee’s FEC identifcation number on 

Line 2. If the committee is fling its frst report, it may 

not have yet received an ID number; in that case, the 

committee should leave this space blank. 

Once a committee has received its FEC identifcation number, it must include that identifcation number 

in all reports, statements, notices and other written 

communication with the FEC. 

THE SUMMARY PAGE 

r 

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I : : : : : : : : : : I 

I : : : : : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I 

I : : : : : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I 

I : : : : : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I 

I : : : : : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I 

I : : : : : : : : : : I 

I : : : : : : : : : : I 

_J 

SUMMARY PAGE OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS FEC Form 3X (Rev. 02/2003 ) 

Write or Type Committee Name 

Freedom Party State Committee 

Report Covering the Period: From: To: 

Page 2 

M M / D D / Y Y Y

04 01 2014 Y M M / D D / Y Y Y04 30 2014 Y 

COLUMN A 

This Period 

6. (a) Cash on Hand 

January 1, 

Y Y

20 Y14 Y 

(b) Cash on Hand at 

Beginning of Reporting Period .......... 

(c) Total Receipts (from Line 19) ............ , , . , , .

, , . 118,894.35 

69,946.90 120,826.58 

(d) Subtotal (add Lines 6(b) and 

6(c) for Column A and Lines 

6(a) and 6(c) for Column B) .............. 

7. Total Disbursements (from Line 31) ......... 

, , . , , .

, , 

188,841.25

, , . 78,159.92 .

185,509.80 

92,258.67

8. Cash on Hand at Close of 

Reporting Period 

(subtract Line 7 from Line 6(d)) ................ 

9. Debts and Obligations Owed TO 

the Committee (Itemize all on 

Schedule C and/or Schedule D) ............... 

10. Debts and Obligations Owed BY 

the Committee (Itemize all on 

Schedule C and/or Schedule D) ............... 

, , . , , .

, , . 

, , . 

110,681.33 

0.00 

5,830.82 

93,251.13 

X This committee has qualified as a multicandidate committee. (see FEC FORM 1M) 

COLUMN B 

Calendar Year-to-Date 

For further information contact: 

Federal Election Commission 

1050 First Street, N.E. 

Washington, DC 20463 

Toll Free 800-424-9530 

Local 202-694-1100 

FE3AN037.PDF

, , . 64,683.22 

Line 3. New or Amended Report 

Check the appropriate box to indicate whether 

the report is new (N) or amended (A). 

Line 4. Type of Report 

Check the appropriate box under (a) indicating 

the type of disclosure report being fled (e.g., quarterly; see Chapter 11). 
100 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 12

Line 5. Coverage Dates 

The period covered by the report begins the day 

after the close of books of the last report fled by 

the committee. If the report is the frst one fled by 

a committee, then the reporting period begins with 

the date of the committee’s frst activity. 

Line 6. Cash on Hand 

What is Cash on Hand 

Cash on hand includes funds held in checking and 

savings accounts, certifcates of deposit, petty cash 

funds, traveler’s checks, treasury bills and other 

investments valued at cost. 104.3(a)(1). 

Line 6(a) Cash on Hand January 1 

On this line, enter cash on hand as of January 1st 

of the reporting year. 

Line 6(b) Cash on Hand at Beginning of Reporting Period 

The amount entered on this line should be the 

same as your cash on hand at the close of books of 

your last report. 

First Report 

Beginning cash on hand—i.e., money that the 

committee had in its possession at the time of registration—is subject to the contribution limits, prohibitions and disclosure requirements of federal law. 

(The committee must exclude any contributions 

that are not permissible under federal law and remove such contributions from its federal account.) 

The committee may have to itemize contributions 

and other receipts included in the beginning cashon-hand balance. See “When to Itemize Receipts” 

on page 80. 104.12. 

Treasurer’s Name and Signature 

The treasurer must sign and date Form 3X at 

the bottom of the page 1. Only a treasurer or assistant treasurer designated on Form 1 (Statement 

of Organization) may sign the report (see page 6. 

104.14(a). See Chapter 1 for more information on 

a treasurer’s responsibilities. See also “Electronic 

Filing” on page 75. 

15. FILING AMENDMENTS 

The committee must fle an amended report if it: 

•	 Discovers that an earlier report contained erroneous information; or 

•	 Does not obtain required reporting information concerning a particular transaction until 

after the transaction has been reported.3 

104.7(b)(4). 

Paper Filers 

When fling an amendment to an original report, complete the Summary Page (including the 

treasurer’s signature), indicating on Line 3 that the 

document is an amended report. In addition to the 

Summary Page, submit a corrected version of the 

schedule that contained the incomplete or incorrect itemized information in the earlier report, 

along with a revised Detailed Summary Page, if appropriate.Transactions originally reported correctly 

do not have to be itemized again.The Commission 

recommends that the treasurer attach a cover letter explaining the changes. 

Electronic Filers 

Electronic flers must resubmit the entire report 

as amended. 

3 With respect to contributor information received after a report has been fled, paper flers may, as an alternative, submit 

the information on a memo Schedule A attached to the next 

paper report fled after the necessary information has been 

received. See “File Amendments if Necessary” on page 70. 
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Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13 

ALLOCATING CERTAIN FEDERAL 

AND NONFEDERAL EXPENSES 

1. WHO MUST ALLOCATE 

State, district or local party committees--or party 

organizations that do not meet the defnition of 

“political committees”1

 --that have established a 

nonfederal account may allocate certain expenses 

between their federal and nonfederal accounts. An 

allocation formula determines the federal and nonfederal portions of an expense.The federal portion 

must be paid from funds subject to the limits and 

prohibitions of the Act. 106.7(b). National party 

committees may not allocate any expenses because 

all disbursements by national party committees 

must be paid entirely with federal funds. 106.7(a), 

300.10(a). 

See “Committee Bank Accounts,” pages 4–5, for 

further information on federal, nonfederal and Levin 

accounts. For information on allocation of expenses 

for federal election activity (FEA), see the following 

chapter. 

Note that Type I and Type II FEA expenses are 

not allocable between federal and nonfederal accounts; they must be paid for either entirely with 

federal funds or with a mixture of federal and Levin 

funds. If the FEA refers to a clearly identifed federal 

candidate, or if the funds used pay for any part of 

the costs of a broadcast, cable or satellite communication (and the communication does not refer 

solely to a clearly identifed state or local candidate), only federal funds may be used to pay for the 

FEA. ,106.7(e)(3), 300.32(c)(1) and (2). See “Funding 

Federal Election Activity” on page 57 and “Spending 

Levin Funds” on page 58. 

Also note that the following expenses are not 

allocable between the federal and nonfederal accounts and must be paid with all federal funds: 

•	 Public communications that promote, attack, 

support or oppose a clearly identifed federal candidate, regardless of whether or not 

they mention a state candidate (Type III FEA). 

300.33(c). 

•	 Disbursements for activities that refer only 

to one or more candidates for federal offce. 

106.7(e)(1). 

•	 Salaries and wages (including fringe benefts) 

of employees who spend more than 25 

percent of their compensated time in a given 

month in connection with a federal election 

(Type IV FEA). 106.7(2). 

2. WHAT EXPENSES TO 

ALLOCATE 

The categories of expenses listed below are subject to allocation. A committee may fnance any of 

the following activities either through the allocation 

methods specifed in Section 3 or with 100 percent 

federal funds. 

Administrative Expenses 

Administrative expenses may be allocated, including rent, utilities and offce supplies, except when 

such expenses are directly attributable to a clearly 

identifed candidate. 106.7(c)(2). If administrative 

expenses are not allocated, they must be paid for 

with all federal funds. Note that salaries are only 

allocable as administrative expenses for employees 

who spend 25 percent or less of their compensated 

time on activities in connection with a federal election or FEA. 106.7(c)(1). (See Section 3 below for 

this allocation.)2 

1 See 11 CFR 100.5(a) and (c) for the defnition of political 

committee. See also page 1. 

2 If an employee spends 25 percent or less of his or her 

compensated time on activities in connection with a federal 

election or FEA, the costs may be paid with federal funds or 

allocated as administrative expenses between federal funds 

and nonfederal funds per the rules described in this chapter. 

Employees who spend no time on activities in connection 

with a federal election or FEA may be paid with all nonfederal funds. 300.33(d)(1) and (3). 
102 

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Chapter 13

Voter Drive Activities 

Unless they otherwise qualify as federal election activity, expenses for voter registration, voter 

identifcation, get-out-the-vote drives or any other 

activity that urges the general public to register or 

to vote or that promotes or opposes a political 

party without promoting or opposing any federal 

or nonfederal candidate may be allocated between 

federal and nonfederal accounts. 106.7(c)(5). Please 

note that salaries and wages do not qualify as voter 

drive activity. 

Exempt Party Activity 

State, district and local party committees may 

allocate from their federal and nonfederal accounts 

expenses for exempt party activities that are conducted in conjunction with nonfederal activity and 

are not federal election activity from their federal 

and nonfederal accounts. 106.7(c)(3). 

Fundraising Expenses 

When one program or event is held for the purpose of collecting both federal funds (i.e., funds to 

be used in federal elections) and nonfederal funds 

(i.e., funds to be used in nonfederal elections), the 

sponsoring committee may allocate the direct costs 

of the activity, including planning, administrative and 

solicitation costs. The direct costs may be paid by a 

combination of federal and nonfederal funds. 

Such expenses must be allocated pursuant to the 

“funds received” method. This method is described 

in detail below. 106.7(d)(4). 

Candidate Support Expenses 

Expenses for activities that are conducted on 

behalf of (or in opposition to) specifc federal and 

nonfederal candidates would be allocated or paid 

for with 100 percent federal funds. 106.1(a)(2). 

Depending on the circumstances of the candidate support expenses, the amount attributed to a 

federal candidate is considered: 

•	 An in-kind contribution; 

•	 A coordinated party expenditure; 

•	 An independent expenditure; or 

•	 A disbursement for an exempt party activity. 

If a state, district or local party committee’s 

payment on behalf of both a federal candidate and 

a nonfederal candidate is for FEA, the committee 

must pay the cost with all federal funds. See Chapter 14. 106.1(a)(2). 

3. ALLOCATION METHODS 

Fixed Percentage Ratio 

Used For: 

Administrative expenses, voter drive activities, 

exempt party activities and certain staff salaries (see 

Section 2). 

Note: any of the above activities that qualify as 

federal election activity must be paid for under 

unique rules. See Chapter 14 for more information. 

Calculation: 

Under this allocation ratio, the minimum percentage of federal funds depends upon which federal 

offces appear on the ballot during the relevant 

even-numbered election year (and in the preceding 

year): 

•	 If both a Presidential candidate and a Senate 

candidate appear on the ballot, then at least 

36 percent of the expenses must be allocated 

to the federal account; 

•	 If a Presidential candidate, but not a Senate 

candidate, appears on the ballot, then at least 

28 percent of the expenses must be allocated 

to the federal account; 

•	 If a Senate candidate, but not a Presidential 

candidate, appears on the ballot, then at least 

21 percent of the expenses must be allocated 

to the federal account; and 

•	 If neither a Presidential candidate nor a Senate candidate appears on the ballot, then at 

least 15 percent of the expenses must be allocated to the federal account. 106.7(d)(2)-(3) 

Funds Received Ratio – 

Fundraising Expenses 

Used For: 

The direct costs of each fundraising program or 

event in which the committee collects both federal 

and nonfederal funds. See 106.7(d)(4).This method 

is also used to allocate the direct expenses of a 

fundraiser for multiple federal and nonfederal candidates. See 106.1(a). 

Calculation: 

Costs are allocated according to the ratio of 

federal funds received to total receipts for the 

program or event. 
103 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 13

To determine the portion of the costs attributable as an in-kind contribution—or coordinated 

party expenditure, if applicable—on behalf of a 

particular federal candidate, divide the amount 

received for the federal candidate by total receipts 

for all candidates. 106.1(a) and (2) and 106.7(d)(4). 

The allocation ratio is estimated before making 

payments for the program or event, based on a reasonable prediction of receipts.The committee has 

up to 60 days after the ending date of the program 

or event to: 

•	 Adjust the ratio based on the actual funds 

received; and 

•	 Transfer funds from the nonfederal account 

to the federal (or allocation) account based 

on the adjusted allocation percentage. 

Should additional federal receipts come in after 

the 60-day period, further ratio adjustments and 

reimbursements from the federal account to the 

nonfederal account will be necessary.The committee must note the initial ratio and adjustments in its 

reports. (Federal law permits the federal account 

to pay more than its share of an allocable expense. 

However, overpayments by the nonfederal account 

are illegal. See “Payment of Allocated Expenses: 

Transfers from Federal Account” below.) 

For purposes of the 60-day time period, the last 

day of an event is either the fnal day of a telemarketing campaign or the day on which fnal direct 

mail solicitations are mailed. 106.7(d)(4)(ii). 

Unique Identifer: 

Because the allocation ratios will vary with each 

fundraising activity, committees are required to 

assign a unique title or code to each program or 

event and to use that identifer consistently when 

reporting the activity. 104.17(b)(1)(iii). 

Time or Space Ratio 

Used For: 

Communications that are direct candidate support activities for federal and nonfederal candidates, 

and that do not otherwise qualify as FEA or exempt 

party activity. 

Note: Many communications will be considered 

FEA or exempt party activity or both. In those 

cases, the committee may not use the time/space 

allocation ratio to pay for the communication. 

Calculation: 

Costs are allocated according to the ratio of 

space or time devoted to federal candidates compared with the total space or time devoted to all 

candidates, federal and nonfederal. In the case of a 

phone bank, the ratio is determined by the number 

of questions or statements devoted to federal candidates compared with the total number of questions or statements for all candidates (or elections). 

106.1(a)(1). 

To determine the portion of the costs attributable as an in-kind contribution, coordinated party 

expenditure or independent expenditure on behalf 

of (or in opposition to) a particular federal candidate, divide the space/time devoted to that candidate by the total space/time devoted to all candidates. 106.1(a)(1). 

Unique Identifer: 

Because the allocation ratios will vary with each 

candidate support activity, committees are required 

to assign a unique title or code to each activity and 

to use that identifer consistently when reporting 

the activity. 104.17(a)(1). 

4. PAYMENT OF ALLOCATED 

EXPENSES 

Payment from Federal or 

Allocation Account 

There are two ways to make payments for allocated expenses: 

•	 A party committee may pay the entire 

amount of the expense from the federal account. It may then transfer funds from the 

nonfederal account to the federal account 

solely to cover the nonfederal share of each 

allocable expense. 106.7(f)(1)(i); or 

•	 A party committee may establish a separate federal account—called an allocation 

account—solely for the purpose of paying 

allocable expenses.The committee transfers 

funds from its federal and nonfederal accounts to the allocation account in amounts 

equal to the federal and nonfederal shares of 

each allocable expense. 106.7(f)(1)(ii). 
104 

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Chapter 13

Transfers from Nonfederal Account 

Transfers from the nonfederal account to pay the 

nonfederal portion of an allocable expense must 

be made within a 70-day window: no more than 

10 days before or 60 days after the day the federal 

account (or allocation account) makes the payment. 

106.7(f)(2). Transfers of nonfederal funds to the 

federal account must be reported on Schedule H3 

of Form 3X. Transfers of Levin funds to the federal 

account must be reported on Schedule H5. 

Exception: If the nonfederal account transfers 

additional funds to the federal or allocation account 

due to an adjusted allocation ratio for a fundraising event, the transfer must be made within 60 days 

after the date of a fundraising program or event. 

106.7(d)(4)(ii). 

pay its allocated share of expenses are an exception to the overall ban on nonfederal transfers to a 

federal or allocation account. See 102.5(a)(1)(i). 

Transfers from Federal Account 

If an adjusted ratio for a fundraising event 

results in an increased federal portion, the 

federal account must transfer to the nonfederal account, as necessary, the increased 

share of federal fundraising payments.This is 

required because a nonfederal overpayment 

of an allocated expense, if left uncorrected, is 

a violation of the Act. 106.7(d)(4)(ii). 

5. REPORTING ALLOCATED

ADMINISTRATIVE,

VOTER DRIVE ACTIVITY

AND EXEMPT PARTY

ACTIVITY EXPENSES

Required Forms 

• Schedule H1—Allocation Ratio for

Administrative,Voter Drive Expenses,

Exempt Activity Costs and Federal

Election Activity 

• Schedule H3—Transfers from Nonfederal Account 

• Schedule H4—Payments for Allocable

Expenses

Allocation Ratio (H1) 

A state or local party committee uses Schedule 

H1 to state its fxed percentage allocation ratio at 

the beginning of each calendar year. 

Nonfederal Transfers (H3) 

Each reporting period, the committee discloses 

transfers from the nonfederal account to the 

federal (or allocation) account to pay the allocated 

nonfederal portion of administrative, voter drive 

and exempt activity costs. As previously noted, 

transfers must be made within a 70-day window 

(no more than 10 days before or 60 days after an 

allocated payment is made). 

The total amount of transfers itemized on Schedule H3 is entered on Line 18(a) of the Detailed Note that transfers from a nonfederal account to Summary Page. 

ALLOCATION RATIO FOR ADMINISTRATIVE/GENERIC VOTER DRIVE AND 

EXEMPT PARTY ACTIVITY EXPENSES (H1) 

SCHEDULE H1 (FEC Form 3X) 

METHOD OF ALLOCATION FOR: 

 ̃ ALLOCATED FEDERAL AND NONFEDERAL ADMINISTRATIVE, GENERIC VOTER

DRIVE AND EXEMPT ACTIVITY COSTS 

 ̃ ALLOCATED FEDERAL AND LEVIN FUNDS FEDERAL ELECTION ACTIVITY 

EXPENSES (State, District and Local Party Committees Only)

 ̃ ALLOCATED PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS THAT REFER TO ANY POLITICAL PARTY 

(BUT NOT A CANDIDATE) (Separate Segregated Funds And Nonconnected Committees Only) 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Freedom Party State Committee 

USE ONLY ONE SECTION, A or B 

A. State and Local Party Committees

Fixed Percentage (select one) 

Presidential-Only Election Year (28% Federal) 

Presidential and Senate Election Year (36% Federal) 

X Senate-Only Election Year (21% Federal) 

Non-Presidential and Non-Senate Election Year (15% Federal) 

_J D c:__ -------

I : : : : : : : : : : I 

I:: : : : : : : : : I 

I: : : : : : : : : : I 

TRANSFER FROM NONFEDERAL ACCOUNT (H3) 

SCHEDULE H3 (FEC Form 3X) 

TRANSFERS FROM NON-FEDERAL ACCOUNTS FOR 

SHARED FEDERAL / NON-FEDERAL ACTIVITY FOR LINE 18a OF FORM 3X

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Freedom Party State Committee 

NAME OF ACCOUNT DATE OF RECEIPT 

M

05M / D10D / Y 2014YY Y Nonfederal Account 3950.00 , , . 

BREAKDOWN OF TRANSFER RECEIVED 

i) Total Administrative ............................................................................................................. 

ii) Generic Voter Drive .............................................................................................................. 

iii) Exempt Activities ................................................................................................................. 

, , . 

3950.00 

, , . 

, , . 

PAGE 1 OF 1

TOTAL AMOUNT TRANSFERRED 
105 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 13

>------------------< □ 

□ 

□ 

□ 

□ 

f----------~- ..,------< I : : : : : : : : : 

DOC: 

ALLOCATED PAYMENT (H4) 

SCHEDULE H4 (FEC Form 3X) 

, , . , , . , , .

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

, , . 

FOR LINE 21a OF FORM 3X 

PAGE OF 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

DISBURSEMENT FOR SHARED FEDERAL/NON-FEDERAL

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE 

Allocated Activity or Event: 

Administrative Fundraising Exempt 

Voter Drive Direct Candidate Support 

Allocated Activity or Event Year-To-Date 

Date 

A. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Purpose of Disbursement: 

Activity or Event Identifier: 

FEDERAL SHARE NON-FEDERAL SHARE TOTAL AMOUNT 

Category/

Type 

+ = 

1 1 

Clifford Sanders Realty 

111 Brooks Road 

X 

Rent 001 

5,000.00 

04 15 2014

 1,050.00 3,950.00 5,000.00 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

Payments (H4) 

Each reporting period, the committee uses Schedule H4 to itemize all payments for administrative, 

voter drive and exempt activity costs, showing the 

allocated federal and nonfederal shares. 

The federal and nonfederal payment totals that 

appear on Schedule H4 are entered on Lines 21a(i) 

and (ii) of the Form 3X Detailed Summary 

Page. ESTIMAT

Phone Banks 

In some cases, phone banks have their 

own allocation rules. See page 50. 

6. REPORTING ALLOCATED

COMMITTEE

FUNDRAISING EXPENSES

Example 

The Freedom Party State Committee 

raises money for its federal and nonfederal 

accounts at a banquet called “Memorial 

Day Gala” (the unique identifer). People 

buying tickets must designate their checks 

as either federal contributions (subject to 

the limits and prohibitions of the Act) or 

nonfederal contributions (subject to applicable state law). People wishing to contribute to both accounts must write separate 

checks to each account.The Freedom Party 

State Committee spends $50,000 on “Memorial Day Gala.” 

Required Forms 

• Schedule H2—Allocation Ratios

• Schedule H3—Transfers from Nonfederal Account 

• Schedule H4—Payments for Allocable

Expenses 

Estimated Fundraising Ratio (H2) 

A committee raising money for both its 

federal and nonfederal accounts through 

the same fundraising activity allocates the 

costs directly associated with the program 

or event according to the “funds received” method 

(ratio of federal funds received to total funds 

received). In the frst reporting period in which 

money is spent on “Memorial Day Gala,” the Freedom Party State Committee estimates the ratio on 

Schedule H2, as shown in the illustration. 

The committee must continue to fle Schedule 

 

 

 

 

 

□ 

□ 

□ 

□ □ 

DULE H2 (FEC Form 3X)

CATION RATIOS

PAGE 1 OF 1 

OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Freedom Party State Committee 

RATIOS FOR ALLOCABLE FUNDRAISING EVENTS AND DIRECT CANDIDATE SUPPORT

ACTIVITIES APPEARING ON THIS REPORT.

Methods of allocation: 

I. FUNDRAISING activities are allocated using the ìfunds received methodî where the federal proportion of expenses must 

equal the federal proportion of monies raised. 

II. Shared DIRECT CANDIDATE SUPPORT activities are allocated according to benefit expected to be derived, where the 

federal proportion of disbursements is based on the benefit derived by federal candidates from the activity. 

ACTIVITY OR EVENT IDENTIFIER 

Memorial Day Gala (event date 4/28/14) ACTIVITY IS: 

X Fundraising Direct Candidate Support 

CHECK IF THE RATIO IS: 

X New Revised Same as Previously Reported 

FEDERAL % 

.30.00 %

NON-FEDERAL % 

.70.00 %

SCHE

ALLO

NAME 

ED FUNDRAISING RATIO (H2) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IDC 

I: : : : : : : : : : I 

I:: : : : : : : : : I 

----- 1:::::::::: I ----- 1:::::::::: I 

I: : : : : : : : : : I 

TRANSFER FROM NONFEDERAL ACCOUNT (H3) 

, , . 

, , . 

, , . 

, , . 

, , . 

, , . 

SCHEDULE H3 (FEC Form 3X)

TRANSFERS FROM NON-FEDERAL ACCOUNTS FOR

SHARED FEDERAL / NON-FEDERAL ACTIVITY

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

PAGE OF 

FOR LINE 18a OF FORM 3X 

NAME OF ACCOUNT 

, , . 

DATE OF RECEIPT TOTAL AMOUNT TRANSFERRED

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y

BREAKDOWN OF TRANSFER RECEIVED 

i) Total Administrative .............................................................................................................

ii) Generic Voter Drive .............................................................................................................. 

iii) Exempt Activities .................................................................................................................

iv) Direct Fundraising (List Activity or Event Identifier) 

a) 

b) 

c) Total Amount Transferred For Direct Fundraising ............................................................ 

1 1 

Nonfederal Account 05 31 2014 35,000.00 

Memorial Day Gala (4/28/14) 35,000.00 

35,000.00 

Freedom Party State Committee 
106 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 13

H2 with each report disclosing a disbursement for 

“Memorial Day Gala.” 

Nonfederal Transfer (H3) 

Using Schedule H3, the Freedom Party State 

Committee reports the transfer received from the 

nonfederal account to pay the nonfederal portion of 

“Memorial Day Gala” ($35,000).The unique identifer is again noted. See page 105. 

(The total amount of transfers itemized on Schedule H3 is entered on Line 18(a) of the Detailed 

Summary Page.) 

Payments (H4) 

The committee discloses the federal and 

nonfederal shares of “Memorial Day Gala” 

payments on Schedule H4, again using the 

unique identifer. See example above. 

(The federal and nonfederal payments totals that appear on Schedule H4 are entered 

on Lines 21a(i) and (ii) of the Detailed Summary Page.) 

Adjusted Ratio (H2) 

Within 60 days after the last day of the 

program or event, the committee needs 

to adjust the allocation ratio to refect the 

actual ratio of federal receipts to total receipts.The committee reports the adjusted 

ratio on Schedule H2. Note that the committee must disclose the date of a fundraising program or event when reporting an 

adjustment to the ratio. 

(Further ratio adjustments will be necessary if additional receipts come in.) 

Federal Transfer (H4) 

If the adjusted ratio increases the federal 

portion, the federal (or allocation) account 

must make a transfer to the nonfederal account for the nonfederal overpayment. See 

“Payment of Allocated Expenses:Transfers 

from Federal Account” above.The date of 

the program or event must be noted when 

reporting a transfer based on an adjusted 

ratio. 

ALLOCATED PAYMENT (H4) 

>-------------------< □ 

□ 

□ 

□ □ 

DC: 

: : : : : : : : : 11::::: : : : : : 11:: : : : : : : : 

SCHEDULE H4 (FEC Form 3X) 

, , . , , . , , .

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

, , . 

FOR LINE 21a OF FORM 3X 

PAGE OF 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

DISBURSEMENT FOR SHARED FEDERAL/NON-FEDERAL

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE 

Allocated Activity or Event: 

Administrative Fundraising Exempt 

Voter Drive Direct Candidate Support 

Allocated Activity or Event Year-To-Date 

Date 

A. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Purpose of Disbursement: 

Activity or Event Identifier: 

FEDERAL SHARE NON-FEDERAL SHARE TOTAL AMOUNT 

Category/

Type 

+ = 

1 1 

Champagne Jam Party Planners 

112 Meadow Drive 

X 

Fundraising Consulting 003 

50,000.00 

05 20 2014

 15,000.00 35,000.00 50,000.00 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

Memorial Day Gala (event date 4/28/14) 

Adjusted Ratio (H2) 

Nonfederal Transfer (H3) 

If the adjusted ratio increases the nonfederal 

portion, the nonfederal account may transfer 

the additional amount to the federal account if it 

does so within 60 days after the date of the event. 

Nonfederal transfers are itemized on Schedule H3.

The date of the program or event must be noted 

when reporting a ratio adjustment or a corrective 

transfer. 

ADJUSTED RATIO: FEDERAL PERCENTAGE INCREASED (H2) 

SCHEDULE H2 (FEC Form 3X) 

ALLOCATION RATIOS 

PAGE 1 OF 1 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Freedom Party State Committee 

RATIOS FOR ALLOCABLE FUNDRAISING EVENTS AND DIRECT CANDIDATE SUPPORT 

ACTIVITIES APPEARING ON THIS REPORT. 

Methods of allocation: 

I. FUNDRAISING activities are allocated using the “funds received method” where the federal proportion of expenses must 

equal the federal proportion of monies raised. 

II. Shared DIRECT CANDIDATE SUPPORT activities are allocated according to benefit expected to be derived, where the 

federal proportion of disbursements is based on the benefit derived by federal candidates from the activity. 

ACTIVITY OR EVENT IDENTIFIER 

Memorial Day Gala (event date 4/28/14) ACTIVITY IS: 

X Fundraising Direct Candidate Support 

CHECK IF THE RATIO IS: 

New X Revised Same as Previously Reported 

FEDERAL % 

.60.00 % 

NON-FEDERAL % 

. 40.00 % 

FEDERAL TRANSFER (H4) 

t-------------------j □ 

□ □ □ □ 

DC: 

: : : : : : : : : 11: : : : : : : : : : 11 : : : : : : : : : 

SCHEDULE H4 (FEC Form 3X) 

, , . , , . , , .

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

, , . 

FOR LINE 21a OF FORM 3X 

PAGE OF 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

DISBURSEMENT FOR SHARED FEDERAL/NON-FEDERAL

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE 

Allocated Activity or Event: 

Administrative Fundraising Exempt 

Voter Drive Direct Candidate Support 

Allocated Activity or Event Year-To-Date 

Date 

A. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Purpose of Disbursement: 

Activity or Event Identifier: 

FEDERAL SHARE NON-FEDERAL SHARE TOTAL AMOUNT 

Category/

Type 

+ = 

1 1 

Nonfederal Account 

123 Washington Street 

X 

Ratio Adjustment Transfer 003 

50,000.00 

06 15 2014

 15,000.00 ------- 15,000.00 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

Memorial Day Gala (4/28/14) 
107 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 13

ADJUSTED RATIO: NONFEDERAL PERCENTAGE INCREASED (H2) 

□ 

□ 

□ 

□ □ 

SCHEDULE H2 (FEC Form 3X) 

ALLOCATION RATIOS 

PAGE 1 OF 1 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Freedom Party State Committee 

RATIOS FOR ALLOCABLE FUNDRAISING EVENTS AND DIRECT CANDIDATE SUPPORT 

ACTIVITIES APPEARING ON THIS REPORT. 

Methods of allocation: 

I. FUNDRAISING activities are allocated using the “funds received method” where the federal proportion of expenses must 

equal the federal proportion of monies raised. 

II. Shared DIRECT CANDIDATE SUPPORT activities are allocated according to benefit expected to be derived, where the 

federal proportion of disbursements is based on the benefit derived by federal candidates from the activity. 

ACTIVITY OR EVENT IDENTIFIER 

Memorial Day Gala (event date 4/28/14) ACTIVITY IS: 

X Fundraising Direct Candidate Support 

CHECK IF THE RATIO IS: 

New X Revised Same as Previously Reported 

FEDERAL % 

.20.00 % 

NON-FEDERAL % 

. 80.00 % 

NONFEDERAL TRANSFER (H3) 

DC: 

I::::: : : : : : I 

I:: : : : : : : : : I 

------ 1:::::::::: I ------ 1:::::::::: I 

I: : : : : : : : : : I 

, , . 

, , . 

, , . 

, , . 

, , . 

, , .

OF 

FOR LINE 18a OF FORM 3X 

, . 

TOTAL AMOUNT TRANSFERRED 

, 

1 1 

20,000.00 

20,000.00 

SHARED FEDERAL / NON-FEDERAL ACTIVITY 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

PAGE 

NAME OF ACCOUNT DATE OF RECEIPT 

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

BREAKDOWN OF TRANSFER RECEIVED 

i) Total Administrative ............................................................................................................. 

ii) Generic Voter Drive .............................................................................................................. 

iii) Exempt Activities ................................................................................................................. 

iv) Direct Fundraising (List Activity or Event Identifier) 

a) 

b) 

c) Total Amount Transferred For Direct Fundraising ............................................................ 

Nonfederal Account 06 15 2014 

Memorial Day Gala (4/28/14) 20,000.00 

Freedom Party State Committee 

SCHEDULE H3 (FEC Form 3X) 

TRANSFERS FROM NON-FEDERAL ACCOUNTS FOR 

7. CANDIDATE SUPPORT 

ACTIVITIES AS IN-KIND 

CONTRIBUTIONS 

This section discusses how to report direct 

candidate support that is an in-kind contribution. 

However, direct candidate support may instead be a 

coordinated party expenditure, independent expenditure or exempt party activity. Each type should be 

reported accordingly. 

Example 

Over the course of several weeks, the Freedom 

Party State Committee, two federal candidates (a 

U.S. House candidate and a U.S. Senate candidate) 

and three nonfederal candidates, meet to discuss 

plans for a mailer urging support for the candidates. 

The Freedom Party State Committee pays $1,000 

to design and mail the 300 letters. 

Note: Because the mailing is less than 

500 letters in 30 days, it does not qualify 

as a public communication. Had the communication qualifed as a mass mailing 

and supported a federal candidate, then 

it would have been considered FEA and 

its cost would be paid for entirely with 

federal funds. 

Required Forms 

•	 Schedule H2—Allocation Ratios 

•	 Schedule H3—Transfers from Nonfederal Account 

•	 Schedule H4—Payments for Allocable Expenses 

•	 Schedule B for Line 23—Contributions to Federal Candidates 

Allocation Ratio (H2) 

The committee uses Schedule H2 to 

disclose the allocation ratio for “June Mailing” (the unique identifer).The federal 

allocation percentage is calculated using 

the time/space method (ratio of time/ 

space devoted to federal candidates to 

total time/space devoted to all candidates). 

In this case, 40 percent of the total space 

is devoted to federal candidates, so the 

ratio is 40 percent federal and 60 percent 

nonfederal. 

Nonfederal Transfer (H3) 

The committee discloses the transfer from the 

nonfederal account to pay the allocated nonfederal 

portion of “June Mailing” costs. As previously noted, 

a transfer must be made no more than 10 days 

before or 60 days after payment is made. 

The total amount of transfers itemized on Schedule H3 is entered on Line 18(a) of the Detailed 

Summary Page. 

Payments (H4 and B) 

The committee uses Schedule H4 to itemize the 

two payments (the federal payment and the nonfederal payment) for “June Mailing.” Because the 

allocated federal shares result in contributions inkind, they are itemized as memo entries with cross 

references to Schedule B for Line 23, where the 

in-kind contributions are itemized. 
108 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 13

□ 

□ 

□ 

□ □ 

DC

------ 1::::: ----- 1:::::

------ 1::::: ------ 1:::::

PAGE 1 OF 1 FOR LINE 18a OF FORM 3X 

TOTAL AMOUNT TRANSFERRED 

: 

Y Y 

, , 

............................. , , . 

............................. I : : , : : : , : : : . : : I ............................. I:: , : : : , : : : . : : I 

, ::::: 

::::: . I , . I ............................. I: : , : : : , : : : : : I . 

,

::::: 

::::: 

I , . I ............................. I: : , : : : , : : : . : : I 

SCHEDULE H3 (FEC Form 3X) 

TRANSFERS FROM NON-FEDERAL ACCOUNTS FOR 

, 

, 

, 

, 

SHARED FEDERAL / NON-FEDERAL ACTIVITY 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

NAME OF ACCOUNT DATE OF RECEIPT 

M M / D D /

BREAKDOWN OF TRANSFER RECEIVED 

i) Total Administrative ................................................................................

ii) Generic Voter Drive .................................................................................

iii) Exempt Activities ....................................................................................

iv) Direct Fundraising (List Activity or Event Identifier) 

a) 

b) 

c) Total Amount Transferred For Direct Fundraising ...............................

v) Candidate Support (List Activity or Event Identifier) 

a) 

b) 

c) Total Amount Transferred For Direct Candidate Support ...................

Freedom Party State Committee 

Nonfederal Account 07 25 

June Mailing

Y Y 

2014 00 600.. 

 600.00 . 

I-----------

: : : : : : : : : 11:: : : : 

ERAL PAGE 1 OF 1 FOR LINE 21a OF FORM 3X 

Allocated Activity or Event: 

----, □ Administrative □ Fundraising □ Exempt 

□ Voter Drive □ X Direct Candidate Support 

Allocated Activity or Event Year-To-Date 

:I I: : : : : : : : : Category/ Y 

Type Date DC: 

: 

SHARE : : : 11: : : TOT

, : 

AL 

: : : : : 

SCHEDULE H4 (FEC Form 3X) 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

DISBURSEMENT FOR SHARED FEDERAL/NON-FED

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE 

A. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Purpose of Disbursement: 

Activity or Event Identifier: 

Freedom Party State Committee 

David Jacoby 

111 Harborside Ave. 

City ST 00000 

Graphics Design 

June Mailing (See Schedule B, Line 23) 

, , 1000.00 . 

M M / D D / Y Y Y 

06 01 2014 

AMOUNT 

, . 1000.00 

011 

FEDERAL SHARE MEMO + 

, , . 400.00 , 

NON-FEDERAL 

, 

= 

.

0.00 60

The entries in Schedule B on page 109 

include the amounts allocable to each 

federal candidate, also based on the time/ 

space method. In this case, the committee 

allocates 50 percent of the federal payment 

to each candidate. 

Nonfederal payments disclosed on 

Schedule H4 are entered on Line 21a(ii) of 

the Form 3X Detailed Summary Page.The 

Schedule B total is entered on Line 23. FEDERAL % NON-FEDERAL % 

40.00 

. % 60.00 . % 

8. TRANSFERS AND

PAYMENTS COVERING

DIFFERENT CATEGORIES 3) 

The sample forms in this section show: 

• How to report a nonfederal transfer

that covers nonfederal payments for

several allocable activities; and

• How to report a payment to one

vendor for several categories of

expenses.

Schedule H3 

The Schedule H3 on page 109 shows 

how to report transfers received from a 

nonfederal account to pay for different 

categories of allocable expenses. 

The $4,000 transfer covers the following 

allocable expenses: 

• A direct fundraising event (“Big

Event”); and

• An exempt party activity (“Johnson/

Smith Posters”). 

Schedule H4 

The Schedule H4 on page 110 shows 

how to report a payment covering expenses for: 

• The voter registration drive (as a

voter drive activity);

• The “Big Event” fundraiser; and

• The “Johnson/Smith Posters” exempt

party activity.

CANDIDATE SUPPORT RATIO (H2) 

SCHEDULE H2 (FEC Form 3X) 

ALLOCATION RATIOS 

PAGE 1 OF 1 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Freedom Party State Committee 

RATIOS FOR ALLOCABLE FUNDRAISING EVENTS AND DIRECT CANDIDATE SUPPORT 

ACTIVITIES APPEARING ON THIS REPORT. 

Methods of allocation: 

I. FUNDRAISING activities are allocated using the “funds received method” where the federal proportion of expenses must 

equal the federal proportion of monies raised. 

II. Shared DIRECT CANDIDATE SUPPORT activities are allocated according to benefit expected to be derived, where the 

federal proportion of disbursements is based on the benefit derived by federal candidates from the activity. 

ACTIVITY OR EVENT IDENTIFIER 

June Mailing ACTIVITY IS: 

Fundraising X Direct Candidate Support 

CHECK IF THE RATIO IS: 

X New Revised Same as Previously Reported

TRANSFER FROM NONFEDERAL ACCOUNT (H

ALLOCATED PAYMENT (H4) 
109 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 13

9. REFUNDS AND REBATES

OF ALLOCABLE

EXPENSES

If a committee receives a refund or a 

rebate of an allocable expense, the refund 

or rebate must be deposited in the federal 

or allocation account.The refund or rebate must then be allocated between the 

federal and nonfederal accounts according 

to the same allocation ratio used to allocate the original disbursement.The federal 

account must transfer the nonfederal portion to the nonfederal account. 

Example 

A committee receives a $400 rebate on 

offce equipment from the Acme Offce 

Store.The original purchase was an administrative expense allocated according to 

the following ratio: 36 percent federal; 64 

percent nonfederal. 

Reporting Method 1 on page 111 illustrates how this rebate would be reported 

according to the method approved in AO 

ALLOCATION OF IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION (B) 

I I R R R R R R 

I) 

J D c:..J 

I 

I : : : : : : : : : I 

~ I El □ 

J D c::::J 

I 

I : : : : : : : : : I 

~ I El □ 

J D c::::J 

I 

I : : : : : : : : : I 

~ I El □ 

: : : : : : : : : I 

I I 

SCHEDULE B (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED DISBURSEMENTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

, , . 

SUBTOTAL of Disbursements This Page (optional) .................................................................. , , .

TOTAL This Period (last page this line number only) ............................................................... 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Amount of Each Disbursement this Period 

, , . 

A. Date of Disbursement 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Amount of Each Disbursement this Period 

, , . 

B. Date of Disbursement 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Amount of Each Disbursement this Period 

, , . 

C. Date of Disbursement 

Use separate schedule(s) 

for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF

(check only one) 

Purpose of Disbursement 

Candidate Name 

Office Sought: House 

Senate 

President 

State: District: 

Category/

Type 

Disbursement For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Purpose of Disbursement 

Candidate Name 

Office Sought: House 

Senate 

President 

State: District: 

Category/

Type 

Disbursement For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Purpose of Disbursement 

Candidate Name 

Office Sought: House 

Senate 

President 

State: District: 

Category/

Type 

Disbursement For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

M M / D D / 

M M / D D / 

M M / D D / 

21b 22 23 24 25 26 

27 28a 28b 28c 29 30b 

X 

Freedom Party State Committee 

Jay Meyer for Congress 

David Jacoby 

111 Harborside Ave. 

City ST 00000 

Graphics Design 011

 400.00 

06 01 

June Mailing 

See allocation below. 

111 East Egg Street 

Contribution 

Jay Meyer

X 

ST 6 

X 

011 

City ST 00000 

200.00 

200.00 

011 

City ST 00000 

Contribution 

MEMO 

MEMO X 

ST 5 

X 

111 Bond Street 

Bob Voterfriend for Congress 

Bob Voterfriend 

06 01 

06 01 

FE3AN037.PDF FEC Schedule B (Form 3X) Rev. 02/2003 

Y Y Y 

2014 Y 

Y Y Y

2014 Y 

Y Y Y

2014 Y 

NONFEDERAL TRANSFER (H3) 

----- 1 I 

----- 1:::::::::: I 

I: : : : : : : : : : I 

----- 1:::::::::: I 

----- 1:::::::::: I 

I: : : : : : : : : : I 

[ ... ~ ... ] 

I : : : : : : : : : : I 

I: : 

L 

SCHEDULE H3 (FEC Form 3X) 

TRANSFERS FROM NON-FEDERAL ACCOUNTS FOR 

SHARED FEDERAL / NON-FEDERAL ACTIVITY PAGE 1 OF 1 FOR LINE 18a OF FORM 3X 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Freedom Party State Committee 

NAME OF ACCOUNT 

Nonfederal Account 

DATE OF RECEIPT 

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

08 31 2014 

TOTAL AMOUNT TRANSFERRED 

, , . 4,000.00 

iv) Direct Fundraising (List Activity or Event Identifier) 

a) Big Event , , . 2,000.00 

b) , , . 

c) Total Amount Transferred For Direct Fundraising ............................................................ 

v) Candidate Support (List Activity or Event Identifier) 

a) Johnson / Smith Posters , , . 2,000.00 

b) , , . 

c) Total Amount Transferred For Direct Candidate Support ................................................ 

, , . 2,000.00 

, , . 2,000.00 

TOTALS FOR BREAKDOWN OF TRANSFER RECEIVED 

TOTAL This Period (Administrative) .................................... , , . 

TOTAL This Period (Generic Voter Drive) ....................................... , , . 

TOTAL This Period (Direct Fundraising Amount) .......................................... , , 

TOTAL This Period (Direct Candidate Support) ....................................................... , 

TOTAL This Period (Exempt Activities) .................................................................................... , 

TOTAL This Period (Total Amount Transferred) ................................................................................... 

2,000.00 .

, . 2,000.00 

, . 

, , . 4,000.00 
110 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 13

1995-22.3 Reporting Method 2 shows how the rebate 

would be reported under 

an alternative method. 

Reporting Method 1 

Using the method of 

reporting described in AO 

1995-22, the committee 

discloses the receipt of the 

rebate and the federal and 

nonfederal shares on Schedule H4.The amounts are 

negative entries subtracted 

from total shared federal 

and nonfederal disbursements for the reporting 

period (disclosed on Lines 

21a(i) and (ii) of the Detailed Summary Page). 

Reporting Method 2 

Under the alternative 

method, the committee 

reports the receipt of the 

$400 rebate under the category “Offsets to Operating 

Expenditures” on Line 15 

of the Form 3X Detailed 

Summary Page.The committee uses Schedule H4 to 

disclose the federal account’s $256 transfer to the 

nonfederal account for the 

nonfederal share. 

ALLOCATED PAYMENT (H4) 

 

 

 

 

 I 

I 

□ □ □ □ □ 

. 

I - - -

I D D c:: 

I I : : : : : : : : : ~ 

□ □ □ □ □ 

-

Ir - . -

I D D c:: 

: : : : : : : : : : I I : : : : □ □ □ □ □ 

I I --- I 7 I I I I I I I 

I D D C: 

: : : : : : : : : : I I I I I 

I : : : : : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I 

I : : : : : : : : : : I I : : : : : : : : : : I 

I I 

SCHEDULE H4 (FEC Form 3X)

, , . , , . , , .

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y

, , . 

, , . , , . , , .

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y

, , . 

, , . , , . , , .

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y

, , . 

FOR LINE 21a OF FORM 3X 

PAGE OF 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

, , . TOTAL This Period for the Non-Federal Share 

SUBTOTAL of Allocated Federal and Non-Federal Activity This Page 

, , . , , . , , .

FEDERAL SHARE NON-FEDERAL SHARE TOTAL AMOUNT 

TOTAL This Period (last page for each line only)(Federal share to 21(a)(i) and Non-Federal share to 21(a)(ii)) 

, , . , , .

FEDERAL SHARE TOTAL AMOUNT 

NON-FEDERAL SHARE 

DISBURSEMENT FOR SHARED FEDERAL/NON-FEDERAL

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE

Allocated Activity or Event Year-To-Date 

Date 

C. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Purpose of Disbursement: 

Activity or Event Identifier: 

FEDERAL SHARE NON-FEDERAL SHARE TOTAL AMOUNT 

Category/

Type 

Allocated Activity or Event: 

Administrative Fundraising Exempt 

Voter Drive Direct Candidate Support 

Allocated Activity or Event: 

Administrative Fundraising Exempt 

Voter Drive Direct Candidate Support 

Allocated Activity or Event: 

Administrative Fundraising Exempt 

Voter Drive Direct Candidate Support 

Allocated Activity or Event Year-To-Date 

Date 

A. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Purpose of Disbursement: 

Activity or Event Identifier: 

FEDERAL SHARE NON-FEDERAL SHARE TOTAL AMOUNT 

Category/

Type 

Allocated Activity or Event Year-To-Date 

Date 

B. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Purpose of Disbursement: 

Activity or Event Identifier: 

FEDERAL SHARE NON-FEDERAL SHARE TOTAL AMOUNT 

Category/

Type 

+ = 

+ = 

+ = 

+ = 

Freedom Party State Committee 

1 1 

Acme Printing 

111 Gutenburg St. 

City ST 00000 

11,000.00 

09 01 2014

Printing (see below) 

MEMO 

X 

X 

Printing Invitations 

Big Event 

003

 5,000.00 

09 01 2014 

09 01 2014 

3,000.00 2,000.00 5,000.00 

Johnson / Smith Posters 

Printing 

6,000.00 

4,000.00 2,000.00 6,000.00

7,000.00 4,000.00 11,000.00 

7,000.00 11,000.00 

4,000.00 

Acme Printing 

111 Gutenburg St. 

City ST 00000 

Acme Printing 

111 Gutenburg St. 

City ST 00000 

004 

3 Although AO 1995-22 is no longer applicable to national 

party committees as of 2002, it may still apply to state, district and local party committees. 
111 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 13

10. PROHIBITED INKIND DONATIONS

FOR ALLOCABLE

ADMINISTRATIVE 

AND FUNDRAISING 

ACTIVITIES 

While contributions from corporations, 

labor organizations and federal government contractors to a party committee’s 

federal account are prohibited under 

federal law, some states permit such 

onations for nonfederal activity. If that 

the case, donations from corporations, 

bor organizations and federal governent contractors may be accepted into a 

onfederal account for strictly nonfederal 

tivity. However, the situation is more 

omplicated when donations of goods or 

rvices from such sources are made in 

onnection with allocable activity, such 

 a fundraiser at which both federal and 

nonfederal funds are collected.The acceptance of nonfederal goods or services has 

been limited to allocable administrative or 

fundraising activity. See AO 1992-33.4 

Advance Payment of Federal 

Share 

To avoid the receipt of a prohibited contribution, the federal account must pay the 

nonfederal account for the federal share 

of the in-kind donation.This payment—a 

transfer to the nonfederal account—must 

be made in advance or on the date the 

goods or services are received. 

ALLOCATION OF REBATE (H4) (METHOD 1) 

SCHEDULE H4 (FEC Form 3X) 

>----------------< □ □ □ 

>------------ ----< □ □ 

>------------ ..,----< I : : : : : : : : : 

DOC: 

, , . , , . , , .

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

, , . 

FOR LINE 21a OF FORM 3X 

PAGE OF 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE 

Allocated Activity or Event: 

Administrative Fundraising Exempt 

Voter Drive Direct Candidate Support 

Allocated Activity or Event Year-To-Date 

Date 

A. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Purpose of Disbursement: 

Activity or Event Identifier: 

FEDERAL SHARE NON-FEDERAL SHARE TOTAL AMOUNT 

Category/

Type 

+ = 

Freedom Party State Committee 

Acme Office Supplies X

111 Paddenpencil St. 

City ST 00000 6,600.00 

Rebate 

03 15 2014

-144.00 -256.00 -400.00 

001 

RECEIPT OF REBATE (A/LINE 15) (METHOD 2) 

I I: : : : : : : I : : : : : : : : : I , , . 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

M M / D D / 

SCHEDULE A (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED RECEIPTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

A. Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

federal political committee. 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF Use separate schedule(s) (check only one) for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 11a 11b 11c 12

 13 14 X 15 16 17 

Freedom Party State Committee 

Acme Office Supplies 

111 Paddenpencil St. 

City ST 00000 

03 15 

400.00 

400.00 

Rebate. 

Y Y

C 

Y Y 

2014 

1 1 

, , . 

d

is 

la

m

n

ac

c

se

c

as

<----------------< □ 

□ 

:::::::::1r::-:-: 

□ 

□ □ 

DOC: 

DISBURSEMENT FOR SHARED FEDERAL/NON-FEDERAL 1 1 

NONFEDERAL TRANSFER (H4) (METHOD 2) 

SCHEDULE H4 (FEC Form 3X) 

, , . , , . , , .

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

, , . 

FOR LINE 21a OF FORM 3X 

PAGE OF 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

DISBURSEMENT FOR SHARED FEDERAL/NON-FEDERAL

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE 

Allocated Activity or Event: 

Administrative Fundraising Exempt 

Voter Drive Direct Candidate Support 

Allocated Activity or Event Year-To-Date 

Date 

A. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Purpose of Disbursement: 

Activity or Event Identifier: 

FEDERAL SHARE NON-FEDERAL SHARE TOTAL AMOUNT 

Category/

Type 

+ = 

Freedom Party State Committee 

1 1 

Freedom Party State Committee Nonfederal Account X

111 Politics St. 

City ST 00000 

Transfer of Nonfederal Share of Rebate 

(See Schedule A) 03 15 2014 

001 

256.00 0.00 256.00 

6,600.00 

4 In AO 1992-33, the Commission explained how a party 

committee can legally accept an in-kind donation from a 

prohibited source in connection with an allocable administrative or fundraising activity. Note that the AO explicitly did 

not apply this allowance to the acceptance by nonfederal accounts of in-kind corporate donations for voter drive activity, direct candidate support, or exempt activities. Although 

AO 1992-33 no longer applies to national party committees, 

it may still apply to state, district and local party committees 

in certain circumstances. 
112 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 13

Per-Transaction Transfers 

The federal transfer may be made on a per-transaction basis—that is, shortly before or on the same 

day the in-kind donation is received. 

Escrow Transfers 

Alternatively, the federal account may make bulk 

transfers to cover the federal share of anticipated 

in-kind donations. Under this “escrow” arrangement, a committee makes a good faith estimate of 

the amount of in-kind donations that it expects 

to receive and transfers suffcient funds from the 

federal account to cover the federal share. 

Adjustments 

Should the federal account pay more than its 

share of an in-kind donation, adjustment transfers 

from the nonfederal account are permissible. 

Basic Reporting of In-Kind 

Donations: Example 

On October 1, a state party committee 

receives a $5,000 in-kind donation of fowers from a corporation for a federal/nonfederal fundraiser (“Chairman’s Gala”).The 

estimated allocation ratio for the fundraiser 

is 50 percent federal and 50 percent nonfederal.That same day, the federal account 

transfers its share of the in-kind donation 

($2,500) to the nonfederal account. 

Required Forms 

•	 Schedule H2—Allocation Ratios 

•	 Schedule H3—Transfers from Nonfederal Account 

•	 Schedule H4—Payments for Allocable 

Expenses 

Schedule H3—Receipt of In-Kind 

Donation 

The committee reports the receipt of 

the in-kind donation as a transfer from the 

nonfederal account for the “Chairman’s 

Gala” fundraiser.The date used here is the 

date the committee received the fowers. 

“Disbursement” of In-Kind Donation 

(H4) 

Like in-kind contributions, in-kind donations must be reported as both receipts 

and disbursements so as not to infate the 

cash-on-hand balance. (The disbursement 

side refects the use or “expenditure” of the resources.) Schedule H4 is used for the disbursement 

entry, which shows the $5,000 in-kind donation as a 

100 percent nonfederal disbursement.The donor’s 

name and address is disclosed in the box generally 

used for payees. 

Transfer from Federal Account (H4) 

The second entry on Schedule H4 shows the 

contemporaneous transfer of $2,500 (the federal 

share of the donation) from the federal account 

to the nonfederal account.The explanation of the 

transfer is described in the “Purpose” box, with a 

reference to the previous entry. 

RECEIPT OF IN-KIND DONATION (H3) 

IDC : : : : : : : : : I 

: : : : : : : : : I 

I:: : : : : : : : : I 

I: : : : : : : : : : I 

SCHEDULE H3 (FEC Form 3X) 

TRANSFERS FROM NON-FEDERAL ACCOUNTS FOR 

, , . 

, , . 

, , . 

, , . 

SHARED FEDERAL / NON-FEDERAL ACTIVITY 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

PAGE OF 

FOR LINE 18a OF FORM 3X 

NAME OF ACCOUNT 

, , . 

DATE OF RECEIPT TOTAL AMOUNT TRANSFERRED 

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

BREAKDOWN OF TRANSFER RECEIVED 

i) Total Administrative ............................................................................................................. 

ii) Generic Voter Drive .............................................................................................................. 

iii) Exempt Activities ................................................................................................................. 

iv) Direct Fundraising (List Activity or Event Identifier) 

a) 

1 1 

Freedom Party State Committee 

Nonfederal Account 10 01 2014 5,000.00 

Chairman's Gala - In Kind 5,000.00 

□ 

□ 

I C:::: 

□ 

□ 

□ □ 

□ 

DC 

□ □ 

□ 

DC 

SCHEDULE H4 (FEC Form 3X) 

, , . , , . , , .

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

, , . 

, , . , , . , , .

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

, , . 

FOR LINE 21a OF FORM 3X 

PAGE OF 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

DISBURSEMENT FOR SHARED FEDERAL/NON-FEDERAL

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE 

Allocated Activity or Event: 

Administrative Fundraising Exempt 

Voter Drive Direct Candidate Support 

Allocated Activity or Event: 

Administrative Fundraising Exempt 

Voter Drive Direct Candidate Support 

Allocated Activity or Event Year-To-Date 

Date 

A. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Purpose of Disbursement: 

Activity or Event Identifier: 

FEDERAL SHARE NON-FEDERAL SHARE TOTAL AMOUNT 

Category/

Type 

Allocated Activity or Event Year-To-Date 

Date 

B. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Purpose of Disbursement: 

Activity or Event Identifier: 

FEDERAL SHARE NON-FEDERAL SHARE TOTAL AMOUNT 

Category/

Type 

+ = 

+ = 

1 1 

Freedom Party State Committee 

Pretty Flowers, Inc. X

111 West Meadow Lane 

City ST 00000 5,000.00 

Flowers - In Kind 

Chairman's Gala 

003 

10 01 2014 

0.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 

Freedom Party State Committee 

111 Washington St. 

City ST 00000 

X 

003 

10 01 2014 Chairman's Gala 

Transfer of Federal Share of Flowers--In Kind 

2,500.00 0.00 2,500.00 

DISBURSEMENT OF IN-KIND DONATION; FEDERAL TRANSFER (H4) 
113 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 13

IDC: 

I:: : : : : : : : : I 

I: : : : : : : : : : I 

----- 1:::::::::: I 

----- 1:::::::::: I

I: : : : : : : : : : I 

f-----------------, □ 

□ 

: : : : : : : : : I I:::::: : : t----------------, □ 

□ 

r 

t-----------------, □ 

□ 

:::::::::1r:= 

□ 

□ □ 

DC: 

□ 

□ □ 

DC: 

□ 

□ □ 

Alternative Reporting Method 

To minimize entries and avoid duplication, 

a committee may use alternative methods 

to report transactions relating to in-kind 

donations. 

The committee may use one entry on 

Schedule H3 to show the receipt of all 

in-kind donations made within the same 

reporting period for a particular fundraising program or event (or administrative 

activity). 

The committee may also use one entry 

on Schedule H4 to show total federal payments (transfers) made on the same day for 

the federal share of in-kind donations. 

Example 

A committee receives two in-kind donations from prohibited sources for a mixed 

federal/nonfederal fundraising event,“July 

Fundraiser”: 

•	 Invitations donated by XYZ Printing 

(value: $3,000) received on 

July 1; and 

•	 Balloons donated by Balloons!, Inc. 

(value: $1,000) received on July 15. 

The fundraising ratio for “July Fundraiser” is 50 percent federal, 50 percent 

nonfederal.The federal account transfers 

its $2,000 share of the two donations on 

July 1. 

Schedule H3—Receipt of In-Kind 

Donations 

The committee uses one entry on 

Schedule H3 to show the total in-kind 

donations for “July Fundraiser” received 

during the reporting period.The “date of 

receipt” shows the period during which 

the committee received the contributions. 

The “July Fundraiser” entry cross references the Schedule H4 entries showing 

the “disbursement” of the donations and the identity of the contributors. 

Schedule H4—“Disbursement” of 

Donations; Federal Transfer 

Schedule H4 shows the “disbursement” of the 

two in-kind donations by the nonfederal account, 

each entry identifying the donor and the dates the 

donations were received. 

RECEIPT OF IN-KIND DONATION (H3) 

SCHEDULE H3 (FEC Form 3X) 

TRANSFERS FROM NON-FEDERAL ACCOUNTS FOR 

, , . 

, , . 

, , . 

, , . 

, , . 

, , . 

SHARED FEDERAL / NON-FEDERAL ACTIVITY 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

PAGE OF 

FOR LINE 18a OF FORM 3X 

NAME OF ACCOUNT 

, , . 

DATE OF RECEIPT TOTAL AMOUNT TRANSFERRED 

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

BREAKDOWN OF TRANSFER RECEIVED 

i) Total Administrative ............................................................................................................. 

ii) Generic Voter Drive .............................................................................................................. 

iii) Exempt Activities ................................................................................................................. 

iv) Direct Fundraising (List Activity or Event Identifier) 

a) 

b) 

c) Total Amount Transferred For Direct Fundraising ............................................................ 

1 1 

Freedom Party State Committee 

Nonfederal Account 4,000.00 

July Fundraiser - In-kind 

see H4, p. 1, entries A&B 

4,000.00 

4,000.00 

07 01 2014 

DISBURSEMENT OF IN-KIND DONATION; FEDERAL TRANSFER (H4) 

SCHEDULE H4 (FEC Form 3X) 

, , . , , . , , .

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

, , . 

, , . , , . , , .

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

, , . 

, , . , , . , , .

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

, , . 

FOR LINE 21a OF FORM 3X 

PAGE OF 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

DISBURSEMENT FOR SHARED FEDERAL/NON-FEDERAL

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE 

Allocated Activity or Event Year-To-Date 

Date 

C. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Purpose of Disbursement: 

Activity or Event Identifier: 

FEDERAL SHARE + NON-FEDERAL SHARE = TOTAL AMOUNT

Category/

Type 

Allocated Activity or Event: 

Administrative Fundraising Exempt 

Voter Drive Direct Candidate Support 

Allocated Activity or Event: 

Administrative Fundraising Exempt 

Voter Drive Direct Candidate Support 

Allocated Activity or Event: 

Administrative Fundraising Exempt 

Voter Drive Direct Candidate Support 

Allocated Activity or Event Year-To-Date 

Date 

A. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Purpose of Disbursement: 

Activity or Event Identifier: 

FEDERAL SHARE + NON-FEDERAL SHARE = TOTAL AMOUNT

Category/

Type 

Allocated Activity or Event Year-To-Date 

Date 

B. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Purpose of Disbursement: 

Activity or Event Identifier: 

FEDERAL SHARE + NON-FEDERAL SHARE = TOTAL AMOUNT

Category/

Type 

1 1 

Freedom Party State Committee 

XYZ Printing 

111 Pulp Street 

City ST 00000 

X 

X 

City ST 00000 

City ST 00000 

003 

003 

003 

07 01 2014 

07 01 2014 

07 01 2014 

Invitations - In-kind 

Balloons - In-kind 

July Fundraiser 

July Fundraiser 

3,000.00 

0.00 3,000.00 3,000.00

1,000.00 

0.00 1,000.00 1,000.00

2,000.00 0.00 2,000.00 

Transfer of Federal Share of In-kind 

Balloons! Inc. 

99 Luft St. 

July Fundraiser 

Freedom Party State Committee Nonfederal Account X

123 Washington St. 
114 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 13

The third entry shows the federal account’s payment for its 50 percent share of the two donations 

and the date of the transfer to the nonfederal account.The entry refers to the previous two entries 

to show the transfer relates to those transactions. 

“Escrow” Transfer 

Advance transfers from the federal account to 

the nonfederal account to pay the federal share of 

anticipated in-kind donations for allocable activities are reported on Schedule H4 as federal share 

payments. If known, the particular activity (fundraising program/event or administrative) to which the 

transfer applies should be noted. Any adjustment 

payments made from the nonfederal account to the 

federal account would appear on Schedule H3, noting the previous H4 entries to which they relate. 
115 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14 

REPORTING FEDERAL ELECTION ACTIVITY 

1. WHAT TO REPORT

If a state, district or local party committee’s combined annual receipts and 

disbursements for federal election activity 

(FEA) are $5,000 or more, then it must 

disclose all receipts and disbursements 

for FEA, including those of Levin funds. 

300.36(b)(2). 

State, district and local party committees 

that have less than $5,000 in receipts and 

disbursements for FEA are required to disclose only their federal receipts and disbursements 

for FEA. 300.36(b)(1). 

2. WHEN TO FILE

A state, district or local party committee that has 

had any federal receipts or disbursements for FEA 

— or any reportable Levin receipts and disbursements — must fle monthly. 300.36(c)(1). Once a 

committee triggers the monthly fling requirement, 

it must fle the next regularly scheduled monthly 

report and must continue to fle monthly for the 

remainder of the calendar year. During the next year, 

if a committee would like to return to a quarterly 

fling schedule and is eligible to do so, it must fle 

a request with the Commission. Committees fling 

electronically must fle the request in an electronic 

format. 104.5(c). 

LEVIN FUND AGGREGATION PAGE (L) 

I I I : 

I I I : 

I I I : 

I I I : 

I I I : 

: I I I I 

: I I I I : I I 

: I I I I : I I 

: I I I I : I I 

: I I I I : I I 

 2. OTHER RECEIPTS .............................. 

COLUMN A 

TOTAL THIS PERIOD

 1. RECEIPTS FROM PERSONS 

(a) Itemized ..................................... , , . (Use Schedule L–A) 

, 

, 

, . 

, (c) Total ............................................ 11,000.00 

 3. TOTAL RECEIPTS ................................ 11,000.00 , , . (Add Lines 1c and 2) 

5,000.00

SCHEDULE L (FEC Form 3X) 

AGGREGATION PAGE: LEVIN FUNDS 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Freedom Party State Committee 

NAME OF ACCOUNT 

Freedom Party State Committee Levin Account 

5,000.00

6,000.00

. 

COLUMN B 

YEAR-TO-DATE 

(b) Unitemized ................................. 

, , . 

, 

, 

, 

, 

. 

. 6,000.00 

, , . 11,000.00 

, , . 

, , . 11,000.00 

3. REPORTING RECEIPTS

AND DISBURSEMENTS

OF LEVIN FUNDS

Schedule L – Aggregation Page 

Aggregate receipts and disbursements of 

Levin Funds are reported on Schedule L. 

The L Schedules are memo schedules and 

do not affect totals on the Summary and 

Detailed Summary Pages. 

Line 1: Receipts from Persons 

Report total Levin fund donations received from individuals, committees and 

other entities that aggregate to $200 or 

more on Line 1(a). Unitemized receipts are 

reported on Line 1(b). The committee must 

itemize any receipts of Levin funds aggregating $200 or more in a calendar year on 

Schedule L-A. 300.36(b)(2)(iv). 

Line 2: Other Receipts 

Report any receipts which are not donations, such as refunds, interest dividends, etc. 

□ □ 

_______ ______, _J D C::..... 

: : : : : : : : : I 

---------------1 _J D c::::J 

----------------J I:::::::::: I 

: : : : : : : : : I 

RECEIPT OF LEVIN FUNDS (L-A) 

SCHEDULE L–A (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED RECEIPTS OF LEVIN FUNDS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

PAGE OF 

FOR LINE NUMBER: 

(check only one) 

Use separate schedule(s) 

for each category of the 

Aggregation Page 1a 2 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) / Full Organization Name 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

A. 

Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer or Principal Place of Business 

Occupation 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

, , . 

, , . 

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) / Full Organization Name 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

B. 

Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer or Principal Place of Business 

Occupation 

, , . 

, , . 

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

1 1 

X 

Globo-Chem Industries 

111 Conglomerate Ave. 

02 14 2014 

2,000.00 

2,000.00 

Lira, Max 

111 Tribute Street 

02 23 2014 

Globo-Chem Industries 

Director of Acquisitions 

3,000.00 

3,000.00 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

City ST 00000 
116 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 14

Line 3: Total Receipts 

Enter the total of Lines 1 and 2 on Line 3. 

Line 4: Transfers to Federal or Allocation 

Account 

Itemize any Levin fund transfers into the federal 

or allocation account on Schedule L-B. Report the 

amount for each disbursement category, on Lines 

4a-d. Enter the total on Line 4e. 

Line 5: Other Disbursements 

Enter the total amount of all other Levin fund disbursements. Any disbursements of $200 or more 

are also itemized on Schedule L-B. 

Line 6: Total Disbursements 

Enter the total of Lines 4e and 5 on Line 6. 

Line 7: Beginning Cash on Hand 

Enter the total amount of Levin funds on hand at 

the beginning of the reporting period. For Column 

B, enter the total amount of cash on hand as of 

January 1 of the calendar year. 

Line 8: Total Receipts 

Repeat the total from Line 3. 

Line 9: Subtotal 

Add lines 7 and 8. 

Line 10: Disbursements 

Repeat the total from Line 6 

Line 11: Ending Cash on Hand 

Subtract Line 10 from Line 9 to determine the 

Levin funds on hand at the end of the reporting 

period. 

Schedule L-A - Levin Fund Receipts 

Itemize any receipt of $200 or more on Schedule 

L-A. 300.36(b)(2)(iv). 

Committees must categorize their receipts between donations, which are reported on Line 1a of 

the Levin fund aggregation page, and other receipts 

such as refunds or uncashed checks which are 

reported on Line 2. Use separate Schedules for the 

different categories of receipts and note the Line 

number in the upper-right corner. 

Schedule L-B – Levin Fund 

Disbursements 

Itemize any disbursement of $200 or more on 

Schedule L-B. 

Committees must categorize their transfers on 

Line 4 by what type of federal election activity was 

allocated – voter registration, voter identifcation, 

get out the vote activity or generic campaign activity. Other disbursements must be itemized when 

they aggregate $200 or more per entity in the 

calendar year. Use separate Schedules for each category of disbursement and note the Line number in 

the upper-right corner. 

4. ALLOCATION BETWEEN 

FEDERAL AND LEVIN FUNDS 

What Federal Election Activity May Be 

Allocated 

As discussed in Chapter 8, state, district and local party committees may allocate between their 

federal and their Levin funds expenses arising from 

two types of FEA: 

•	 Voter registration activity between 120 days 

before a regularly scheduled federal election 

and the date of the election 300.33(a)(1); and 

•	 Voter identifcation, get-out-the-vote activity or generic campaign activity conducted in 

connection with an election in which a federal 

candidate appears on the ballot. 300.33(a)(2). 

However, no Levin funds may be used to pay for: 

•	 Any FEA that refers to a clearly identifed 

candidate (300.32(c)(1); or 

•	 Any broadcast, cable or satellite communication unless it refers solely to a clearly 

identifed candidate for state or local offce. 

300.32(c)(2). See ”Funding Federal Election 

Activity” on page 57 and “Spending Levin 

Funds” on page 58. 

Other types of FEA must be paid for entirely with 

federal funds, including: 

•	 Public communications that refer to a clearly 

identifed federal candidate and that promote, 

attack, support or oppose any federal candidate 100.24(b)(3), 300.32(c)(1); and 

•	 Salaries, wages, and fringe benefts of state, 

district and local party committee employees 

who spend more than 25 percent of their 

compensated time in a given month on federal election activity or in connection with a 
117

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 14

federal election or for FEA.1 (Salaries 

and wages of employees who spend 

no time in connection with a federal 

election or on FEA may be paid for 

with 100 percent nonfederal funds). 

300.33(d)(2).

State, district and local party committees that raise federal and nonfederal funds 

through a single fundraising event must 

either pay the direct costs of fundraising 

entirely with federal funds or allocate the 

direct costs according to the “funds received” method if any of the federal funds 

raised will be used for FEA. 300.32(a)(3).

Disbursements for direct fundraising 

costs incurred by state, district and local party committees and organizations 

for Levin funds only may be paid for with 

either federal funds or Levin funds. Nonfederal funds may not be used to raise Levin 

funds. 300.32(a)(4).

Allocation Ratio

When allocating FEA, committees must 

use a fixed minimum percentage of federal 

funds.2 The minimum percentage of federal 

funds depends upon which federal offices 

appear on the ballot during the election 

year:

• If both a Presidential candidate and a Senate 

candidate appear on the ballot, then at least 

36 percent of the expenses must be allocated 

to the federal account;

• If a Presidential candidate, but not a Senate 

candidate, appears on the ballot, then at least 

28 percent of the expenses must be allocated 

to the federal account;

• If a Senate candidate, but not a Presidential 

candidate, appears on the ballot, then at least 

21 percent of the expenses must be allocated 

to the federal account; and

1 The salaries and wages of employees who spend 25 percent 

or less of their compensated time in a given month in connection with a federal election or on FEA may be allocated 

as administrative costs under 106.7(d)(2) using federal and 

nonfederal funds (thus using the same fixed percentages as 

described on page 102). 300.33(d)(1).

2 Please note that disbursements for fundraising costs require 

using the funds-received method described in the previous 

chapter.

• If neither a Presidential candidate nor a Senate candidate appears on the ballot, then at 

least 15 percent of the expenses must be 

allocated to the federal account. 300.33(b)

(1)-(4).

5. REPORTING UNALLOCATED 

FEDERAL ELECTION ACTIVITY

Report disbursements for unallocated FEA (FEA 

paid for entirely with federal funds) on Schedule B 

for Line 30(b) of the Detailed Summary Page. This 

includes payments for public communications that 

promote, attack, support or oppose any candidate 

for federal office. Any Type I or Type II FEA that 

refers to a clearly identified federal candidate must 

be paid with all federal funds. See Chapter 8 for 

specific definition of FEA and rules regarding spending Levin funds.

UNALLOCATED FEA COMMUNICATION (B/LINE 30B)

RAISING FEDERAL FUNDS FOR FEA (B)
Federal Election Activity. 

118 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 14

DC: 

r::::::: 7 

I::::::::: : I 

6. REPORTING

ALLOCATED EXPENSES 

Required Forms 

• Schedule H1 - Allocation Ratio for

Administrative, Generic Voter Drive

and Exempt Activity Costs, Federal

Election Activity and public communications that refer to any political

party (but not a candidate);

• Schedule H5 – Transfers of Levin

Funds Received for Allocated Federal

Election Activity; and 

• Schedule H6 – Disbursements of

Federal and Levin Funds for Allocated

Allocation Ratio (H1) 

A state, district or local party committee 

uses Schedule H1 to determine its allocation ratio at the beginning of each calendar 

year. 

Levin Transfers (H5) 

Each reporting period, the committee 

discloses transfers from the Levin account 

to the federal (or allocation) account to 

pay the allocated portion of allocable federal election activity costs.Transfers must 

be made within a 70-day window (no more 

than 10 days before or 60 days after an allocated payment is made). 300.33(e)(2). 

Levin fund transfers are itemized on 

Schedule L-B. 

The total amount of transfers itemized 

on Schedule H5 is entered on Line 18(b) of 

the Detailed Summary Page. 

ALLOCATION RATIO FOR LEVIN ACTIVITY (H1) 

SCHEDULE H1 (FEC Form 3X) 

METHOD OF ALLOCATION FOR: 

 ̃ ALLOCATED FEDERAL AND NONFEDERAL ADMINISTRATIVE, GENERIC VOTER 

DRIVE AND EXEMPT ACTIVITY COSTS 

 ̃ ALLOCATED FEDERAL AND LEVIN FUNDS FEDERAL ELECTION ACTIVITY 

EXPENSES (State, District and Local Party Committees Only) 

 ̃ ALLOCATED PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS THAT REFER TO ANY POLITICAL PARTY 

(BUT NOT A CANDIDATE) (Separate Segregated Funds And Nonconnected Committees Only) 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Freedom Party State Committee 

USE ONLY ONE SECTION, A or B 

A. State and Local Party Committees

Fixed Percentage (select one) 

Presidential-Only Election Year (28% Federal) 

Presidential and Senate Election Year (36% Federal) 

X Senate-Only Election Year (21% Federal) 

Non-Presidential and Non-Senate Election Year (15% Federal) 

LEVIN TRANSFER (H5) 

SCHEDULE H5 (FEC Form 3X) 

TRANSFERS OF LEVIN FUNDS RECEIVED FOR 

ALLOCATED FEDERAL ELECTION ACTIVITY 

, , . M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

, , . 

, , . 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

PAGE OF 

FOR LINE 18b OF FORM 3X (To be used by State, District and Local Party Committees Only) 

NAME OF ACCOUNT DATE OF RECEIPT TOTAL AMOUNT TRANSFERRED 

BREAKDOWN OF THIS TRANSFER 

i) Voter Registration 

Total Amount Transferred for Voter Registration ..... 

ii) Voter ID 

Total Amount Transferred for Voter ID .............................. 

VOTER REGISTRATION 

VOTER ID 

GOTV 

1 1 

Levin Account 05 15 2014 7,900.00 

7,900.00 

Freedom Party State Committee 

LEVIN TRANSFER (L-B/LINE 4b) 

El El 0 

JD c::J 

: : : : : : : : : I 

SCHEDULE L–B (FEC Form 3X) 

ITEMIZED DISBURSEMENTS 

OF LEVIN FUNDS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Use separate schedule(s) 

for each category of the 

Aggregation Page 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF

(check only one) 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) / Full Organization Name 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code Amount of Each Disbursement this Period 

, , . 

A. Date of Disbursement 

Purpose of Disbursement 

M M / D D / 

4a 4c 5 

X 4b 4d

1 1 

Freedom Party State Committee, Federal Account 

123 Washington Street 

05 15 

7,900.00 

Freedom Party State Committee 

City ST 00000 

Y Y Y Y

2014 

Transfer of Levin Funds 
119 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 14

Payments (H6) 

Each reporting period, the committee 

uses Schedule H6 to itemize all payments 

for allocable federal election activity costs, 

showing the allocated federal and Levin 

shares. 

The federal and Levin payment totals 

that appear on Schedule H6 are entered 

on Line 30(a) of the Form 3X Detailed 

Summary Page (federal share on Line 

30(a)(i) and Levin share on Line 30(a)(ii)). 

ACCOUNTING FOR LEVIN TRANSFER ON AGGREGATION PAGE (L) 

: : : : : : : : : 

I: : : : : : : : : : I I:: : : : : : : : : 

I: : : : : : : : : : I I:: : : : : : : : : 

I: : : : : : : : : : I I:: : : : : : : : : 

I: : : : : : : : : : I I:: : : : : : : : : 

SCHEDULE L (FEC Form 3X)

AGGREGATION PAGE: LEVIN FUNDS 

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

, , . , , .

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

NAME OF ACCOUNT 

COLUMN B 

YEAR-TO-DATE 

COLUMN A 

TOTAL THIS PERIOD

 1. RECEIPTS FROM PERSONS 

(a) Itemized ..................................... 

(Use Schedule L–A) 

(b) Unitemized ................................. 

(c) Total............................................

 2. OTHER RECEIPTS ..............................

 3. TOTAL RECEIPTS ................................ 

(Add Lines 1c and 2)

 4. TRANSFERS TO FEDERAL OR 

ALLOCATION ACCOUNT (Use Schedule L–B) 

(a) Voter Registration ...................... 

(b) Voter ID ..................................... 

Freedom Party State Committee 

Freedom Party State Committee Levin Account 

7,900.00 10,000.00 

B B 

DOC 

: : : : : : : : : IC::: 

LEVIN PAYMENT (H6) 

SCHEDULE H6 (FEC Form 3X) 

, , . , , . , , .

M M / D D / Y Y Y Y 

, , . 

DISBURSEMENTS OF FEDERAL AND LEVIN FUNDS 

FOR ALLOCATED FEDERAL ELECTION ACTIVITY 

(To be used by State, District and Local Party Committees Only) FOR LINE 30a OF FORM 3X 

PAGE OF 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Type of Allocated Activity or Event: 

Voter Registration GOTV 

Voter ID Generic Campaign 

A. Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) / Full Organization Name 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Purpose of Disbursement 

Allocated Activity or Event Year-To-Date 

Date 

FEDERAL SHARE + LEVIN SHARE = TOTAL AMOUNT

Category/

Type 

Freedom Party State Committee 

1 1 

Voter Strategies 

111 Data Rd. 

Voter ID Calls 

X 

10,000.00 

04 30 2014 

2,100.00 7,900.00 10,000.00 

City ST 00000 

121 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15 

TERMINATION AND DEBT SETTLEMENT 

1. COMMITTEES WITH NO 

OUTSTANDING DEBTS 

A party committee may terminate its registration 

and reporting obligations by fling a termination 

report, provided that: 

•	 The committee will no longer receive contributions, make expenditures or make any 

disbursements that would otherwise qualify it 

as a political committee. 102.3(a)(1); 

•	 The committee seeking to terminate has no 

outstanding debts or obligations (102.3(a)(1)); 

and 

•	 The committee is not involved in an enforcement action (e.g., Matter Under Review 

(MUR)), an audit or litigation with the FEC. 

Termination Report 

A party committee that meets the above criteria 

may fle a termination report at any time.The treasurer must check the “Termination Report” box on 

Line 4 of the Form 3X Summary Page. 

The termination report must disclose: 

•	 All receipts and disbursements not previously 

reported, including an accounting of debt 

retirement; and 

•	 The purposes for which any remaining committee funds will be used. 102.3(a). 

A party committee may use its remaining funds 

for any lawful purpose, including refunding them to 

their donors or giving them to certain charities. See 

300.51, 300.37 and AO 1991-21. 

When to Stop Reporting 

Before a committee can stop fling with the FEC, 

it must fle a termination report with the Commission. See 102.3. A committee must continue to fle 

reports until the Commission notifes it in writing 

that its termination report has been accepted. 

2. COMMITTEES WITH 

OUTSTANDING DEBTS: 

DEBT SETTLEMENT 

Eligibility for Debt Settlement 

A committee that has outstanding debts but 

wants to terminate may be permitted to settle its 

debts for less than the full amount owed to the 

creditors if the creditors agree and meet certain 

requirements.This option is available only to a 

terminating committee —i.e., a committee that, in 

preparing to fle a termination report, has stopped 

making or accepting contributions and making 

expenditures other than for the purpose of paying 

winding-down administrative expenses (if any) and 

retiring debts. 116.1(a) and 116.2(a). 

An ongoing committee—i.e., a committee that 

does not qualify as a terminating committee—may 

not settle any outstanding debts for less than the 

entire amount owned and must continuously report 

debts until they are extinguished. 104.3(d), 116.1(b) 

and 116.2(b). However, the committee may resolve 

their disputed debts, and may request a Commission determination that such debts are not payable. 

Creditors also may forgive debts owed by ongoing 

committees under certain limited circumstances. 

116.8, 116.9 and 116.10. 

Debts Subject to Settlement 

The types of debts that are subject to debt settlement requirements include: 

•	 Amounts owed to commercial vendors; 

•	 Debts arising from advances by individuals1 

(e.g., staff using personal funds or credit to 

purchase goods and services on behalf of the 

committee); 

1 Advances of personal funds for committee expenses are 

treated as contributions under most circumstances. See 

116.5 and page 12 for more information. 
122 Chapter 15

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

• Salary owed to committee 

employees; and

• Loans owed to political committees or individuals (including candidates). 116.7(b).

Debts Not Subject to 

Settlement

The debt settlement rules do not 

apply to:

• Public funds that a party 

committee may be entitled to 

receive, for example for the 

purpose of defraying Presidential nominating convention 

expenses.116.7(c)(1).

• Disputed debts, which are 

covered by other rules (see 

below). 116.7(c)(2) and 

116.10.

• Bank loans and lines of credit. 

AO 2003-30. 

Debt Settlement Rules

A commercial vendor (incorporated or unincorporated) may 

forgive or settle debts owed by a 

committee without making a contribution if:

• Credit was initially extended 

in the ordinary course of 

business, and the terms of the 

credit are substantially similar 

to those observed by the vendor when extending credit to 

a nonpolitical debtor of similar risk and size 

of obligation. 116.3 and 116.4(d)(1);

• The committee undertook all reasonable 

efforts to satisfy the outstanding debt, such 

as fundraising, reducing overhead costs and 

liquidating assets. 116.4(d)(2); and

• The vendor made the same efforts to collect 

the debt as those made to collect debts from 

a nonpolitical debtor in similar circumstances. 

Such efforts might include, for example, 

requests for payment, withholding delivery 

of additional goods until overdue debts are 

satisfied, late fee charges, referral to a debt 

collection agency or litigation. 116.4(d)(3).

If the committee or the creditor fails to take 

these steps, the difference between the amount 

owed and the amount actually paid may be considered a contribution. 100.52(a) and (d).

Creditor’s Rights

No commercial vendor or other creditor is 

required to forgive or settle debts owed by committees. 116.4(e). 

Debt Settlement Plans

Once a terminating committee has reached an 

agreement with a creditor, the treasurer should 

file a debt settlement plan on FEC Form 8. Debt 

settlement plans must include the signature of all 

DEBT SETTLEMENT, PART 1
123 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Chapter 15

creditors listed in Part I of Form 8. 

The treasurer may use a separate 

form for each debt or may combine 

several debt settlements in one 

plan. 116.7(e).The terms of the debt 

settlement, as well as a signed statement from each creditor indicating agreement to the terms of the 

settlement owed to that creditor, 

must be provided in the debt settlement plan. 116.7(e)(iv). 

Completing Form 8 

Step-by-step instructions for 

completing Form 8 are included 

with the form.The treasurer must 

sign and date the frst page, Part I. 

Commission Review 

The Commission reviews each 

debt settlement plan to ensure 

compliance with the rules discussed 

above and with the criteria listed in 

Commission regulations. 116.7(f). 

After reviewing the plan, the Commission sends a written notifcation 

to the committee. 

Payment to Creditors 

The committee must postpone 

paying the creditors included in a 

plan until the Commission has completed its review. 116.7(a). 

Reporting Debts 

Undergoing Settlement 

General Rule 

Debts undergoing settlement must be continuously reported until the Commission has completed its review of the committee’s debt settlement 

plan. 116.7(d).The committee may fle a termination report once all debts have been paid, settled, 

forgiven, determined to be unpayable, or otherwise 

extinguished. 116.7(a). 

Disputed Debts 

A disputed debt is an actual or potential debt 

owed by a committee where there is a bona fde 

disagreement between the creditor and the committee as to the existence of a debt or the amount 

owed by the committee. 116.1(d). See page 98 for 

information on how to report a disputed debt on 

Schedule D. 

When fling a debt settlement plan, a terminating 

committee must describe the nature of the dispute 

and the committee’s efforts to resolve it on Part 

II of Form 8. 116.10.The committee may also note 

that the disclosure of a disputed debt does not constitute an admission of liability or a waiver of any 

claims the committee may have against the creditor. 

116.10(a). 

DEBT SETTLEMENT, PART 2 

I I I 

D D D D D 

D D 

D D 

DEBT SETTLEMENT PLAN PART II 

NAME OF COMMITTEE FEC I.D. NUMBER PAGE OF 

Freedom Party State Committee C00300001 2 3 

CREDITOR SUMMARY INFORMATION 

(FILL OUT FOR EACH CREDITOR IN PLAN) 

FULL NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS OF CREDITOR 

Lessor Campaign Services 

111 Usury St. 

City, ST, 00000 

TYPE OF CREDITOR: 

DATE INCURRED AMOUNT OWED 

TO CREDITOR 

AMOUNT OFFERED IN SETTLEMENT 

10/02/10 748.08 558.00 

INCORPORATED COM- UNINCORPORATED COMX MERCIAL VENDOR MERCIAL VENDOR CANDIDATE COMMITTEE EMPLOYEE OTHER INDIVIDUAL 

A. TERMS OF THE INITIAL EXTENSION OF CREDIT AND NATURE OF THE DEBT 

Debt was incurred for production of radio advertisements. Half of total owed was to be paid up front 

with the balance due after the general election.

B. EFFORTS MADE BY THE COMMITTEE TO PAY THE DEBT 

The committee has attempted to raise additional funds, but its contributor base has eroded.

C. STEPS TAKEN BY THE CREDITOR TO COLLECT THE DEBT 

Creditor sent bills 10, 30 and 60 days after services were rendered, following its normal practice. They filed suit in superior court on February 15, 2012, seeking the total unpaid balance.

CREDITOR SECTION 

(TO BE FILLED OUT BY CREDITOR) 

D. WAS THE EFFORT MADE BY THE CREDITOR TO COLLECT THE DEBT SIMILAR TO OTHER DEBT COLLECTION EFFORTS AGAINST NONPOLITICAL DEBTORS? 

X YES NO IF NO, PLEASE EXPLAIN 

E. ARE THE TERMS OF THE DEBT SETTLEMENT COMPARABLE TO OTHER SETTLEMENTS MADE BY THE CREDITOR WITH OTHER NONPOLITICAL DEBTORS? 

X YES NO IF NO, PLEASE EXPLAIN

As a representative of the creditor, I hereby accept the settlement offer made to me by the committee and upon payment agree to 

SIGNATURE OF 

CREDITOR OR  ̨ REPRESENTATIVE 

FE1AN061 

consider the debt satisfi ed (or attach a copy of the signed settlement). 

DATE 

04/10/14 

Unpayable Debts 

Both terminating and ongoing committees may 

obtain a determination from the Commission that 

a debt is unpayable for purposes of the Act be-
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DEBT SETTLEMENT, PART 3 

□ □ □ 

□ □ 

n n 

□ □ □ 

□ □ n n 

□ □ □ 

□ □ n n 

□ □ □ 

□ □ n n 

□ □ □ 

□ □ n n 

□ □ 

DEBT SETTLEMENT PLAN PART III 

NAME OF COMMITTEE FEC I.D. NUMBER PAGE OF 

Freedom Party State Committee C00300001 2 3 

LIST REMAINING DEBTS 

A. FULL NAME, MAILING ADDRESS AND ZIP CODE OF CREDITOR 

Shylock National Bank

111 Lender St. 

City, ST, 00000 

TYPE OF CREDITOR: INCORPORATED X COMMERCIAL VENDOR 

COMMITTEE EMPLOYEE 

IS THIS A DISPUTED DEBT? YES X NO 

UNINCORPORATED 

COMMERCIAL VENDOR 

OTHER INDIVIDUAL 

CANDIDATE 

AMOUNT OWED 

TO CREDITOR 

AMOUNT EXPECTED 

TO PAY/OFFER 

391.21 

(Final paym

loan) 

391.21 

ent on Bank 

B. FULL NAME, MAILING ADDRESS AND ZIP CODE OF CREDITOR 

TYPE OF CREDITOR: INCORPORATED 

COMMERCIAL VENDOR 

COMMITTEE EMPLOYEE 

IS THIS A DISPUTED DEBT? YES NO 

UNINCORPORATED 

COMMERCIAL VENDOR 

OTHER INDIVIDUAL 

CANDIDATE 

AMOUNT OWED 

TO CREDITOR 

AMOUNT EXPECTED 

TO PAY/OFFER 

C. FULL NAME, MAILING ADDRESS AND ZIP CODE OF CREDITOR 

TYPE OF CREDITOR: INCORPORATED 

COMMERCIAL VENDOR 

COMMITTEE EMPLOYEE 

IS THIS A DISPUTED DEBT? YES NO 

UNINCORPORATED 

COMMERCIAL VENDOR 

OTHER INDIVIDUAL 

CANDIDATE 

AMOUNT OWED 

TO CREDITOR 

AMOUNT EXPECTED 

TO PAY/OFFER 

D. FULL NAME, MAILING ADDRESS AND ZIP CODE OF CREDITOR 

TYPE OF CREDITOR: INCORPORATED 

COMMERCIAL VENDOR 

COMMITTEE EMPLOYEE 

IS THIS A DISPUTED DEBT? YES NO 

UNINCORPORATED 

COMMERCIAL VENDOR 

OTHER INDIVIDUAL 

CANDIDATE 

AMOUNT OWED 

TO CREDITOR 

AMOUNT EXPECTED 

TO PAY/OFFER 

E. FULL NAME, MAILING ADDRESS AND ZIP CODE OF CREDITOR 

TYPE OF CREDITOR: INCORPORATED 

COMMERCIAL VENDOR 

COMMITTEE EMPLOYEE 

IS THIS A DISPUTED DEBT? YES NO 

UNINCORPORATED 

COMMERCIAL VENDOR 

OTHER INDIVIDUAL 

CANDIDATE 

AMOUNT OWED 

TO CREDITOR 

AMOUNT EXPECTED 

TO PAY/OFFER 

DOES THE COMMITTEE HAVE SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO PAY THE REMAINING AMOUNTS TO BE PAID OR OFFERED? 

YES NO IF NO, WHAT STEPS WILL BE TAKEN TO OBTAIN THE FUNDS? 

X 

FE1AN061 

cause the creditor has gone out of business and no 

other entity has the right to be paid or because the 

committee, despite exercising reasonable diligence, 

could not locate the creditor. A debt must be 

outstanding for at least 24 months for the Commission to consider whether a debt is unpayable. The 

committee must continue to report the debt until 

the Commission determines that the debt is unpayable. 116.9. 

3. COMMITTEES WITH 

OUTSTANDING 

DEBTS: 

ADMINISTRATIVE 

TERMINATION 

An inactive committee that wants 

to terminate but still has outstanding 

debts must make efforts to settle the 

debts under the procedures described 

above. If debt settlement efforts fail, 

however, such a committee may seek 

administrative termination by the FEC. 

(The Commission may also, at its own 

initiative, administratively terminate a 

committee’s reporting status.) 

Criteria for Administrative 

Termination 

When determining a committee’s 

eligibility for administrative termination, the Commission will consider 

the following factors: 

•	 The committee is not involved in 

any matter before the Commission 

(such as a MUR, an audit, litigation 

or an Administrative Fine case). 

•	 The committee’s aggregate reported fnancial activity in one year is 

less than $5,000. 

•	 The committee’s reports disclose 

no receipt of contributions for the 

previous year. 

•	 The committee’s last report disclosed minimal 

expenditures. 

•	 The committee’s primary purpose for fling its 

reports has been to disclose outstanding debts 

and obligations. 

•	 The committee has failed to fle reports for 

the previous year. 

•	 The committee’s last report disclosed that 

the debts owed to the committee were not 

substantial. 

•	 The committee’s last report disclosed that the 

committee’s outstanding debts and obligations 

do not appear to present a possible violation of the Act’s contribution prohibitions and 

limitations. 
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•	 The committee’s outstanding debts and obligations exceed the total of the committee’s 

reported cash-on-hand balance. 102.4(a). 

Procedures for Requesting 

Administrative Termination 

When requesting administrative termination, the 

committee’s treasurer should set forth the committee’s eligibility in writing, based on the factors listed 

above. 102.4(b). In addition, with respect to any 

outstanding debts, the committee’s request should 

describe its compliance with debt settlement procedures: 

•	 The terms and conditions of the initial extension of credit; 

•	 Steps taken by the committee to repay the 

debt; and 

•	 Efforts made by the creditors to obtain payment. 

Requests should be addressed to the Commission’s Reports Analysis Division. 

Once the Commission completes its review of 

the request, the committee will be sent a written 

notifcation of the Commission’s approval or disapproval. Committees must continue to fle regular 

reports until the request for administrative termination has been approved. 

2. QUALIFYING AS POLITICAL 

PARTY 

APPENDIX A 

Nonmajor Political 

Parties 

This appendix has been written for groups that 

have formed a minor political party or who wish 

to start one. Federal law confers benefts on party 

committees at the local, state and national levels, 

but only groups meeting specifc criteria may take 

advantage of those benefts. 

1. BENEFITS OF POLITICAL 

PARTY STATUS 

Party committees are entitled to spend more 

money in coordinated support of their candidates 

for federal offce than other political groups. 

•	 In addition to making contributions, local party committees may spend unlimited amounts 

for certain candidate-support activities called 

exempt party activities (see page 49). 

•	 State party committees may also pay for 

unlimited exempt party activities. Additionally, 

state party committees may spend limited— 

but substantial—amounts on coordinated 

party expenditures to support their U.S. 

House and Senate candidates in the general 

election (see page 47). Coordinated party 

expenditures do not count against the contribution limits. 

•	 While national committees are not entitled 

to the exempt party activities beneft, they 

have other advantages.They can make coordinated party expenditures on behalf of House, 

Senate and Presidential nominees. Moreover, 

they enjoy higher limits on the contributions 

they raise than other committees.1 

Any organization that wants to become a political 

party should keep in mind unique regulations. First, 

national party committees may not accept or direct 

any funds outside the limits and prohibitions of 

federal law. See Chapter 1, Sections 3 and 4. Second, 

certain activity by state, district and local committees, termed federal election activity, is uniquely 

regulated. See Chapters 8 and 14.Third, party 

committees are restricted in how they may support 

certain tax exempt organizations. See Chapter 3, 

Section 5. 

The benefts of political party status apply only to 

organizations that qualify as political parties. 

Federal Law 

The federal campaign fnance law defnes “political 

party” as a committee or organization whose nominated or selected candidates for federal offce appear on the ballot as the party’s candidates. 100.15. 

However, ballot access is governed by state law. 

State Law 

The laws in each state determine when a political 

organization qualifes as a “political party” entitled 

to have its candidates’ names appear as partydesignated candidates on the general election ballot. 

While the laws differ from state to state, they generally all require a nonmajor party to demonstrate 

suffcient voter support—such as by fling a petition 

for party recognition signed by a representative 

number of voters—in order to qualify for ballot 

access in the general election. Moreover, the party 

must receive a suffcient number of votes in the 

election in order to sustain its qualifed status. 

In nearly all states, a party can achieve limited 

recognition as a political party for a specifc general 

election by being named as the organization represented by the candidate in his or her nominating 

petition. 

Contact the Secretary of State’s offce (or equivalent offce) in each state for specifc information on 

achieving political party status under state law. 

1 With respect to public funding benefts, a national committee 

of a minor party may receive some federal funding for the 

party’s Presidential nominating convention if, in the preceding 

general election, the party’s Presidential candidate received 

at least fve percent of the popular vote. 11 CFR 9008.2(d), 

9008.4(b) and 9008.6. 

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3. QUALIFYING AS NATIONAL 

COMMITTEE 

Federal law defnes a national committee as an 

organization which, by virtue of the bylaws of a political party, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the party at the national level, as determined 

by the Commission. 100.13. 

A committee should seek an FEC advisory 

opinion (AO) to verify that it has attained national 

committee status before taking advantage of the 

expanded contribution and expenditure limits that 

apply to a qualifed national committee.The Commission will decide whether the committee or the 

party has demonstrated suffcient national-level 

activity to qualify, based on the criteria listed below. 

See AOs 2006-36, 2001-13, 1998-02 and 1995-16. 

Nominating Candidates for Federal 

Ofce in Numerous States 

The party’s ballot access efforts must extend 

beyond the Presidential races to races for the U.S. 

Congress.The party must have a suffcient number 

of party-designated federal candidates on the ballot 

in a suffcient number of states in different geographic areas to meet this requirement. See AOs 

2006-36, 2001-13,1988-45 and 1980-131 and those 

cited below. 

For example, in the 1992 elections, a party’s Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates achieved 

ballot access in several states, but the party’s ballot 

access activity with respect to candidates for U.S. 

Congress—nine candidates in three states—was 

considered too limited to meet this criterion. AO 

1992-44.The same party, in the 1994 election cycle, 

expanded its efforts, achieving ballot access for 14 

Congressional candidates in six states located in different sections of the country.This was considered 

suffcient activity to meet the ballot access requirement. AO 1995-16. See also AO 1992-30. 

Conducting Activities on Ongoing Basis 

The committee must engage in activities such as 

voter registration drives on an ongoing basis (rather 

than with respect to a particular election). See, for 

example, AO 1992-30. 

Publicizing Issues Nationwide 

A national committee must publicize, on a national 

basis, issues of importance to the party and its adherents such as through print or on a party website. 

This activity might involve publishing the party’s 

philosophy and positions, issuing press releases and 

distributing a national newsletter. See, for example, 

AOs 2006-36 and 1992-44. 

Other Criteria 

Other factors which indicate that a party committee has attained national status include holding a 

national convention; setting up national headquarters; 

and establishing state party committees. See, for 

example, AO 1992-30. 

4. QUALIFYING AS STATE 

PARTY COMMITTEE 

A state party committee is the organization that by 

virtue of the bylaws of a political party or by the operation of state law is part of the offcial party structure and is responsible for the day-to-day operation 

of a political party at the state level, including any 

entity established, maintained, fnanced or controlled 

by the organization. 100.14(a). 

Whether an organization qualifes as a state party 

committee is determined by the Commission. Committees desiring such a determination should submit 

an AO request to the Commission. 

Three requirements must be met in order for a 

committee to qualify as a state party committee: 

•	 First, the committee must have at least one 

candidate for Federal offce whose name appears on the ballot as a candidate of the committee; 

•	 Second, the committee must possess an offcial 

party structure; 

•	 Third, the relationship between the political 

party and the committee must be based on 

an agreement that requires the committee to 

perform activities commensurate with the dayto-day operation of the party on a state level 

(such as raising contributions; assisting candidates’ fundraising efforts; conducting voter 

registration drives; holding state conventions; 

and nominating candidates for state and federal 

offce). See AOs 2008-13, 2008-12 and 2007-23. 
129 

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5. QUALIFYING AS DISTRICT OR 

LOCAL PARTY COMMITTEE OR 

SUBORDINATE COMMITTEE 

A district or local party committee is the organization that by virtue of the bylaws of a political 

party or by the operation of state law is part of 

the offcial party structure. It is responsible for the 

day-to-day operation of a political party at the level 

of city, county, neighborhood, ward, district, precinct 

or any other subdivision of a state. 100.14(b). 

A subordinate committee is a committee that 

operates in any subdivision of a state or is an organization under the control or direction of a state 

committee and is directly or indirectly established, 

fnanced, directed or controlled by a state, district 

or local committee. 100.14(c). 

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Appendices

APPENDIX B 

Joint Fundraising 

1. INTRODUCTION 

What is Joint Fundraising 

Joint fundraising is fundraising conducted jointly 

by a political committee and one or more other 

political committees or unregistered organizations. 

Who Must Observe Joint Fundraising 

Rules 

The rules described in this appendix apply to 

political committees and unregistered organizations 

engaged in joint fundraising.1 The participants in 

joint fundraising activity may include 

•	 Party committees; 

•	 Party organizations not registered as political 

committees; 

•	 Federal and nonfederal candidate committees; 

•	 Nonparty political committees (e.g., federal 

PACs); and 

•	 Unregistered nonparty organizations (e.g., 

nonfederal PACs). 102.17(a)(1)(i) and (a)(2). 

Overview of Rules 

All participants in a joint fundraising effort, including unregistered organizations, must: 

•	 Create or select a political committee to act 

as the fundraising representative; 

•	 Agree to a formula for allocating proceeds 

and expenses; 

•	 Enter into a written agreement naming the 

fundraising representative and stating the allocation formula; 

•	 Establish a separate account for joint fundraising receipts and disbursements; 

•	 Notify the public of the allocation formula 

and certain other information (detailed below) when soliciting contributions; 

•	 Screen contributions to make sure they 

comply with the limits and prohibitions of the 

Federal Election Campaign Act; and 

•	 Report allocated proceeds and expenses (applies to political committees only). 102.17. 

The committee named as the fundraising representative has additional responsibilities, as explained 

below. 

2. RESTRICTIONS 

Participation in a joint fundraiser does not exempt any participants from any restrictions on their 

ability to raise funds outside the limits and prohibitions of federal law. 102.17(a). 

Soft Money Ban 

National party committees may not participate 

in any joint fundraiser where nonfederal or Levin 

funds are raised. 300.10. 

Federal Candidate Fundraising 

Federal candidates may not raise funds outside 

the limits and prohibitions of the Act.This ban 

limits their ability to participate in joint fundraisers with organizations that can raise nonfederal 

funds. 300.61 and 300.62. For more information, 

see Chapter 3, Section 4 on Federal Candidates and 

Nonfederal Fundraising.” 

Levin Fundraising 

State and local party committees may not raise 

Levin funds through joint fundraising activity with 

any other state or local party committee.This 

prohibition applies to committees in different states 

as well. However, state and local party committees may jointly raise funds which are not used for 

federal election activity. 300.31(f). 

1 The joint fundraising rules do not, however, apply to fundraising by collecting agents and separate segregated funds. (A 

collecting agent is an organization that solicits and collects 

contributions for a separate segregated fund.) 102.17(a)(3). 

See 102.6(b). 
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3. FUNDRAISING 

REPRESENTATIVE 

Joint fundraising participants must either establish 

a new political committee (using a Statement of 

Organization, FEC Form 1) or select a participating 

political committee to act as the fundraising representative.This committee is responsible for: collecting and depositing joint fundraising contributions; 

paying expenses; allocating proceeds and expenses 

to each participant; keeping records; and reporting 

overall joint fundraising activity. Any federal candidate participating in the fundraiser must designate 

the fundraising representative as an authorized candidate committee (using a Statement of Candidacy, 

FEC Form 2). 102.17(a)(1)(i), (b)(1) and (b)(2). 

New Committee 

If a new committee is established, it collects all 

the contributions. 102.17(b)(1). Note that a new 

committee may not itself be a participant in any 

other joint fundraising effort, though it may conduct 

more than one event or activity on behalf of the 

participants. 102.17(a)(1)(i). 

Participating Committee 

If a participating committee acts as a fundraising representative, the other participants may also 

collect contributions, but they must forward them 

to the fundraising representative as required under 

102.8 of FEC regulations. 102.17(b)(2). 

Commercial Firm 

Although participants may hire a commercial 

fundraising frm or other type of agent to assist the 

joint fundraiser, they are still required to establish 

or select a fundraising representative. 

102.17(a)(1)(ii). 

4. WRITTEN AGREEMENT 

Before conducting a joint fundraiser, all participants must enter into a written agreement 

that identifes the fundraising representative and 

states the allocation formula—the percentages or 

amounts used to allocate joint fundraising proceeds 

and expenses among participants.The fundraising 

representative must retain a copy of the written 

agreement for three years and make it available to 

the FEC upon request. 102.17(c)(1). 

5. SEPARATE DEPOSITORY 

Establishing the Account 

Joint fundraising participants must establish a 

separate account for the receipt and disbursement 

of all joint fundraising proceeds. Each participating 

political committee must amend its Statement of 

Organization (FEC Form 1) to show the account as 

an additional depository. 102.17(c)(3)(i). 

Depositing Contributions 

The fundraising representative must deposit 

contributions into the account within 10 days after 

receiving them. Only contributions permissible under the Federal Election Campaign Act (the Act) may 

be deposited in the joint fundraising account. If any 

participant is an unregistered organization which 

may, under state law, accept prohibited contributions, the participants may either establish a second 

account for such contributions or forward them 

directly to the participants that may accept them. 

102.17(c)(3)(i) and (ii). 

6. STATEMENTS OF 

ORGANIZATION 

Joint Fundraising Representatives 

If the joint fundraising committee is a new committee, it must fle a Statement of Organization 

(FEC Form 1). If, on the other hand, the represenn existing committee, it must amend its 

t of Organization. In either instance, the 

t of Organization must: 

tify the committee as the joint fundraising 

resentative (check box 5(f)); 

 the names and addresses of all federal 

mittees participating in the joint fundraiseffort in box 6; and 

e the depository institution being used 

he joint fundraising committee. In the 

 of a representative which is an existing 

tative is a

Statemen

Statemen

•	 Iden

rep

•	 List

com

ing 

•	 Nam

by t

case
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Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Appendices

committee, the depository is named only if 

it is different from the depository named on 

the committee’s current Statement of Organization. 

Other Joint Fundraising Participants 

Committees (other than the joint fundraising 

representative) that are participating in the joint 

fundraising effort must amend their Statements of 

Organization (FEC Form 1). On the form the committees must: 

•	 Provide the name and address of the Joint 

Fundraising Representative and identify it as 

the “JFR”; and 

•	 State the name and address of the depository institution holding the joint fundraising 

account, if it is different from the depository 

named on their current Statements of Organization. 

7. START-UP COSTS 

Participants may advance funds to the fundraising 

representative for start-up costs of the fundraiser. 

The amount advanced by a participant should be in 

proportion to the agreed upon allocation formula. 

Any amount advanced in excess of a participant’s 

proportionate share is considered a contribution 

and must not exceed the amount the participant 

may contribute to the other participants. 102.17(b) 

(3)(i) and (ii). (However, an exception is made for 

funds transferred between party committees under 

110.3(c)(1) and 102.6(a)(1)(ii); see Section 15). 

Example 

Committees A, B and C determine they need 

$2,000 in start-up costs. According to their allocation formula (Committees A and B, 25 percent each; 

Committee C, 50 percent), Committees A and B 

each advance $500 to the fundraising representative, and Committee C, $1,000. If, however, Committee C advances the entire $2,000, it has made a 

$500 contribution to each of the other committees. 

Unregistered Organizations 

An unregistered organization must use funds 

that are permissible under the Act when advancing 

money for start-up costs. 102.17(c)(3)(i). If an unregistered participant advances more than its share 

of start-up costs and thus makes a contribution, the 

contributed amount may trigger registration and 

reporting requirements under the Act. 100.5. 

8. JOINT FUNDRAISING NOTICE 

General Rule 

In addition to any notice required under “Disclaimer Notices on Communications” (page 64) 

and “Solicitation Notices” (page 21), participants 

or the joint fundraising committee must include a 

joint fundraising notice with every solicitation for 

contributions.The notice must contain the following information: 

•	 The names of all participants, regardless of 

whether they are registered political committees or unregistered organizations; 

•	 The allocation formula (the amount or 

percentage of each contribution that will be 

allocated to each participant); 

•	 A statement informing contributors that they 

may designate contributions for a particular 

participant (notwithstanding the formula); and 

•	 A statement that the allocation formula may 

change if any contributor makes a contribution that exceeds the amount he or she may 

lawfully give to any participant. 102.17(c)(2)(i). 

Special Situations 

In two situations, participants must include additional information in the joint fundraising notice: 

•	 If a participant is engaging in the joint fundraiser to pay off outstanding debts, the notice 

must state that the allocation formula may 

change if the participant receives enough 

funds to pay its debts. 

•	 If, under state law, any unregistered participant is permitted to receive contributions 

prohibited under the Act, the notice must 

say that such contributions will be given only 

to participants that may legally accept them. 

102.17(c)(2)(ii). 
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9. SCREENING CONTRIBUTIONS 

The fundraising representative and participants 

must screen all contributions to make sure they are 

neither prohibited by the Act nor in excess of the 

Act’s contribution limits. (Any prohibited contributions must be allocated to any unregistered participants in compliance with applicable state law.) 

The maximum amount a contributor may give to a 

joint fundraiser is the total amount he or she may 

contribute to all participants without exceeding any 

limits (less any amounts that the contributor has 

otherwise contributed to any of the participants). 

To facilitate screening, participants must make 

their contributor records available to the fundraising representative so that the representative can 

determine whether a donor has exceeded the 

contribution limits. 102.17(c)(4)(i) and (c)(5). 

10. RECORDKEEPING 

Receipts 

With regard to gross proceeds, the fundraising 

representative must collect the following contributor information and later forward it to the participating political committees: 

•	 For contributions exceeding $50: the amount, 

date of receipt and the contributor’s name 

and address. 

•	 For contributions exceeding $200: the 

amount, date of receipt and the contributor’s name, address, occupation and employer. 

102.8(a) and (b); 102.17(c)(4)(ii). 

The date of receipt is the date the fundraising 

representative receives the contribution. 102.17(c) 

(3)(iii). 

Prohibited Contributions 

The fundraising representative must also keep a 

record of the total amount of prohibited contributions received, if any, and of any transfers containing prohibited funds made to participants that may 

accept them. 102.17(c)(4)(ii). 

Disbursements 

The fundraising representative must retain, for 

three years, records on all disbursements made for 

the joint fundraiser.The required recordkeeping 

information is described on page 67. If a commercial 

fundraising frm or agent is used, it must forward 

required records on disbursements to the fundraising representative. 102.17(c)(4)(iii). 

11. ALLOCATING GROSS 

PROCEEDS 

The fundraising representative may make payments for fundraising expenses from gross proceeds collected at the fundraiser (and from funds 

advanced by the participants). 102.17(c)(7)(iii). 

Nevertheless, it must allocate (but not transfer) 

gross proceeds among the participants.The transfer 

is not made until after the net proceeds are determined. (See Section 13 “Calculating Net Proceeds.” 

See also AO 2007-24.) 

Generally, the fundraising representative must 

allocate gross proceeds according to the allocation 

formula. However, the formula may change if the 

allocation results in: 

•	 An excessive contribution from a contributor 

to one of the participating committees; or 

•	 A surplus for a participant raising money 

solely to pay off campaign debts. 

Reallocation under these circumstances must 

be based on the other participants’ proportionate 

shares under the allocation formula. If reallocation 

results in a contributor’s exceeding contribution 

limits for the remaining participants, the fundraising 

representative must return the excess amount to 

the contributor. 102.17(c)(6)(i). 

Example 

Using the same example mentioned above (allocation formula: Committees A and B, 25 percent 

each; Committee C, 50 percent), the participants 

receive a $2,000 contribution from a donor who 

had previously contributed up to his limit to Committee C. If the fundraising representative were to 

divide the contribution according to the allocation 

formula, Committee C would receive an excessive 

contribution of $1,000. Instead, the excess $1,000 

is divided equally between Committees A and B, 

since their proportionate shares under the alloca-
135 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Appendices

tion formula are equal. Each receives an extra $500, 

bringing their total allocation to $1,000 apiece. 

If, however, Committee A can accept only $800 

from the contributor without exceeding the limit, 

the excess $200 is allocated to Committee B. If 

Committee B cannot accept the money for the 

same reason, the $200 must be returned to the 

contributor. 

Designated Contributions 

Designated or earmarked contributions which 

exceed the contributor’s limit for a participant may 

not be reallocated without the written consent of 

the contributor. 102.17(c)(6)(ii). 

Prohibited Contributions 

Prohibited contributions must be distributed only 

to the unregistered participants that may lawfully 

accept them; they do not have to be distributed according to the allocation formula. 102.17(c)(6)(iii). 

12. ALLOCATING EXPENSES 

After gross proceeds are allocated, the joint fundraising representative must calculate each participant’s share of expenses based on its actual share 

of gross proceeds. (Prohibited contributions may 

be excluded from the gross proceeds when making 

this calculation.) 102.17(c)(7)(i)(A). (An exception 

is made for party committees; see below.) The fnal 

allocation formula may differ from the original formula if receipts had to be reallocated—see example 

below. 

Expenses for a series of fundraising events must 

be allocated on a per-event basis. 102.17(c)(7)(i)(C). 

Example 

At the start of the fundraiser, Committees A, B 

and C agree to allocate 25 percent of proceeds and 

expenses to Committee A, 25 percent to Committee B and 50 percent to Committee C. However, 

because the fundraising representative must reallocate some contributions, Committee A is actually 

allocated 20 percent of gross proceeds; Committee 

B, 35 percent; and Committee C, 45 percent.The 

fundraising representative must allocate the joint 

fundraising expenses, $10,000, on the same basis: 

$2,000 to Committee A, $3,500 to Committee B 

and $4,500 to Committee C. 

Excess Payment 

If a participant pays for more than its allocated 

share of expenses, the excess payment is considered a contribution to the other participants, subject to the Act’s limits (see “Start-Up Costs” earlier 

in this appendix). 102.17(c)(7)(i)(B). (Party committees are excepted from this rule as explained 

earlier because they may make unlimited transfers 

to other party committees.) 

Remember, if an unregistered participant makes 

or receives such a contribution, the payment may 

trigger registration and reporting requirements for 

that organization. 100.5. 

13. CALCULATING NET PROCEEDS 

The fundraising representative may delay transferring net proceeds to participants until after it 

receives all contributions and pays all expenses 

for the fundraiser.To determine net proceeds, the 

fundraising representative subtracts the participant’s 

share of expenses from its share of gross proceeds. 

102.17(c)(3)(ii) and (c)(7)(i)(A). 

For example, Committees A, B and C raise 

$50,000 in gross proceeds and spend $10,000 in 

expenses, leaving $40,000 in net proceeds.The 

fundraising representative allocates $10,000 (20 

percent) in gross proceeds to Committee A and 

$2,000 (20 percent) in expenses; Committee A’s net 

proceeds equal $8,000. 

14. REPORTING 

Fundraising Representative 

The fundraising representative reports all joint 

fundraising proceeds in the reporting period in 

which they are received. If any prohibited contributions are received for an unregistered organization, 

the fundraising representative must report them 

as memo entries. Each Schedule A used to itemize 

contributions must clearly indicate that the receipts 

are joint fundraising proceeds. 102.17(c)(3)(iii) and 

(c)(8)(i)(A). 

The fundraising representative must also report 

all disbursements made for the joint fundraiser 
136 

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in the reporting period in which they are made. 

102.17(c)(8)(ii). 

Electronic Filing 

A joint fundraising representative must fle electronically if its total yearly contributions or total 

yearly expenditures exceed, or are expected to 

exceed, $50,000. 104.18. Political committees are 

encouraged to fle electronically even if they have 

not met the $50,000 threshold. For more information on electronic fling, see page 75. 

Participants 

After the fundraising representative distributes the net proceeds, each participating political 

committee reports its share as a transfer-in from 

the fundraising representative. Using the records 

received from the fundraising representative, a 

participating committee itemizes its share of gross 

receipts as contributions from the original donors 

(to the extent required by the rules on itemization—see page 80) on memo entry Schedules A. 

When itemizing gross contributions, the participant 

must report the date of receipt as the day the fundraising representative received the contribution. 

102.17(c)(3)(iii); (c)(8)(i)(B). 

Note that, if the fundraising representative is one 

of the participating committees (rather than a committee established solely for the joint fundraiser), it 

must report its own share of gross receipts in addition to reporting total fundraising proceeds. 

Termination / When to Stop Reporting 

If the joint fundraising participants registered a 

new political committee as the fundraising representative, then they must follow the procedure in 

Chapter 15 to terminate the committee. Before 

a committee can stop fling with the FEC, it must 

fle a termination report with the Commission. See 

102.3. A committee must continue to fle reports 

until the Commission notifes it in writing that its 

termination report has been accepted. 

15. EXCEPTION FOR PARTY 

COMMITTEES AND 

ORGANIZATIONS2 

Payments made by a party committee (that is, 

a political committee) on behalf of another party 

committee are considered transfers of funds rather 

than contributions. Because there is no limit on 

transfers between party committees of the same 

political party, a party committee may pay any 

amount of another party committee’s allocated 

start-up costs and fundraising expenses. Moreover, 

if all the participants in the fundraiser are party 

committees, start-up costs and fundraising expenses need not be allocated at all. 102.6(a)(1)(ii); 

102.17(b)(3)(iii) and (c)(7)(ii). 

The same exception also applies to party organizations (that is, unregistered party groups).They 

must use funds permissible under the Act when 

making payments for start-up costs and fundraising expenses. Furthermore, such payments by a 

party organization on behalf of a registered party 

committee count against the $1,000 contribution/ 

expenditure threshold for registration as a political committee. (See Chapter 1.) 100.5(a) and (c); 

102.6(a)(1)(iv) and (a)(2); 102.17(c)(7)(ii). 

2 This section also applies to nonparty committees and organizations that are affliated. (See Appendix H for the defnition 

of “affliated committee.”) 
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APPENDIX C 

Partnership 

Contributions 

Outlined below are special rules concerning contributions from partnerships to party committees. 

1. CONTRIBUTION LIMITS 

Contributions Made by Partnership 

A partnership may make contributions aggregating up to $10,000 per calendar year to the state, 

district and local party committees of a particular 

state party (combined limit) and up to $32,400 to 

a national party committee. A contribution from 

a partnership is attributed to the partnership and 

to each partner either proportionally according 

to each partner’s share of the frm’s profts, or by 

agreement of the partners (see below).1

 110.1(c) 

and (e). 

Contributions Made by Individual 

Partners 

Each partner may make contributions aggregating up to $10,000 per calendar year to the state, 

district and local party committees in a particular 

state (combined limit) and up to $32,400 to a 

national party committee. 110.1(c). Contributions 

made by individual partners from their own funds 

do not count against the partnership’s limit. 

Limited Liability Companies 

In some cases, limited liability companies (LLCs) 

are treated as partnerships. For the purposes of 

contribution limitations and prohibitions, an LLC is 

treated as a partnership if: 

•	 It does not have publicly traded shares; and 

•	 It has chosen to fle, under IRS rules, as a 

partnership; or 

•	 It has made no choice, under IRS rules, as to 

whether it is a corporation or a partnership. 

110.1(g)(2) and (3) 

1 See the Contribution Limits chart on page 37. 

Under these conditions, this appendix would apply to those LLCs. 

2. ATTRIBUTION AMONG 

PARTNERS 

Formula 

A portion of the partnership contribution must 

be attributed to each contributing partner. If all 

partners within the organization are contributing, 

the partnership may attribute the contribution according to each partner’s share of the frm’s profts. 

However, if the partnership attributes a contribution on another basis agreed to by the partners, the 

following rules must be observed: 

•	 Only the profts of the partners to whom the 

contribution is attributed are reduced (or 

losses increased); and 

•	 The profts (or losses) of only the contributing partners are reduced (or losses increased) 

in proportion to the contribution attributed 

to each of them. 

The portion attributed to each partner, when aggregated with other contributions from that person, 

must not exceed the individual partner’s contribution limit. 110.1(e). See also “Partnerships with 

Corporate Members,” below. 

Notice to Recipient Committee 

Because a contribution from a partnership is a 

joint contribution, the partnership must provide to 

the recipient committee, along with the contribution, a written notice listing the names of the contributing partners and the amount to be attributed 

to each. However, unlike other joint contributions, 

the signature of each contributing partner is not 

required. 110.1(k)(1). 

3. PROHIBITED PARTNERSHIP 

CONTRIBUTIONS 

Partnerships with Corporate Members 

Because contributions from corporations are 

prohibited, a partnership with corporate members 

may not attribute any portion of a contribution to 
138 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Appendices

the corporate partners. 110.1(e) 

and 114.2(b). A partnership composed solely of corporate partners 

may not make any contributions. 

Partnerships with Foreign 

National Members 

Because contributions from 

foreign nationals are prohibited, a 

partnership may not attribute any 

portion of a contribution to a partner who is a foreign national. 110.20. 

(See page 13 for further information 

on the foreign national prohibition.) 

Partnerships with Federal 

Government Contracts 

A partnership which is negotiating 

a contract with the federal government or which has not completed 

performance of such a contract is 

prohibited from making contributions. However, an individual partner 

in such a frm may make contributions from personal funds (rather 

than from funds drawn on the partnership’s account). 115.4. See also 

AOs 2005-20 and 1991-1. 

Also, an individual partner who is 

a federal contractor in his or her 

own right may not make contributions using any funds (business or personal) under 

his control. 115.5. 

4. CONTRIBUTIONS

FROM PROFESSIONAL

CORPORATIONS

Although law frms, doctors’ practices and similar 

groups are often organized as partnerships, some of 

these groups may instead be professional corporations. Unlike a partnership, a professional corporation is prohibited from making any contributions 

because contributions from corporations are 

unlawful. 114.2(b). 

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ITEMIZED RECEIPTS 

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

SUBTOTAL of Receipts This Page (optional) ............................................................................ 

TOTAL This Period (last page this line number only) ............................................................... 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

A. 

FEC Schedule A (Form 3X) Rev. 02/2003 

Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

federal political committee. 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

B. 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

federal political committee. 

Full Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

Mailing Address 

City State Zip Code 

Receipt For: 

Primary General 

Other (specify) 

Amount of Each Receipt this Period 

C. 

Aggregate Year-to-Date 

Date of Receipt 

Name of Employer Occupation 

FEC ID number of contributing 

federal political committee. 

FOR LINE NUMBER: PAGE OF Use separate schedule(s) (check only one) for each category of the 

Detailed Summary Page 11a 11b 11c 12

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5. REPORTING PARTNERSHIP

CONTRIBUTIONS 

Included in Total Figure 

Partnership contributions are included in the total fgure reported for “contributions from individuals/persons other than political committees” on the 

Detailed Summary Page of Form 3X. 

Itemization 

If a partnership contribution exceeds $200 or aggregates over $200 during a calendar year, the committee must itemize the contribution on a Schedule 

A used for “Contributions from Individuals/Persons 

Other Than Political Committees” (Line 11a(i)). 
139 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Appendices

Additionally, if an individual partner’s share of the 

contribution exceeds $200 when combined with 

other contributions received from that partner in 

the same calendar year, the committee must disclose, as a memo entry, itemized information on the 

partner (name, address, occupation, date contribution received, partner’s share of contribution and 

aggregate year-to-date total of contributions made 

by that partner). 104.8 and 110.1(e). 

In-Kind Contributions 

A committee reports the value of an in-kind 

contribution from a partnership in the same way 

it reports a monetary contribution. In addition, as 

with all in-kind contributions, the committee must 

report the value of the in-kind contribution as an 

operating expenditure. Moreover, an in-kind contribution itemized on Schedule A must also be itemized on a Schedule B for operating expenditures. 

104.13 and 110.1(e). (See page 81.) However, any 

information about a partner itemized as a memo 

entry on Schedule A does not have to be reported 

on Schedule B. 

6. PARTNERSHIP CONTRIBUTION 

PLANS 

In several advisory opinions (AOs), the Commission has said that a partnership may set up an internal plan to facilitate contributions from individual 

partners or the partnership as a whole to candidates or political committees (other than a nonconnected committee sponsored by the frm—see 

below). Incidental expenses incurred to administer 

such plans do not trigger a requirement, on the part 

of the frm, to register as a political committee. See 

AOs 1984-18, 1982-13, 1981-50 and 1980-72 for 

more information. 

7. PARTNERSHIP PACS 

A partnership may form its own political committee (a nonconnected committee) which, in turn, 

may make contributions to a party committee, subject to the applicable limits. In this case, any administrative and solicitation costs paid by the partnership on behalf of its committee count as in-kind 

contributions to the committee. See AO 2005-20. 

For more information on PACs sponsored by partnerships, see the Campaign Guide for Nonconnected 

Committees. 

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APPENDIX D 

National Convention 

Delegates 

This appendix explains FEC rules governing the 

fnancing of delegate selection activity with respect 

to a national nominating convention. Much of the 

information presented here does not apply to party 

committees, particularly the material on expenditures and affliation.The appendix is included 

because it may be of value to party committee staff 

and other individuals who plan to seek selection as 

delegates. 

The Commission also offers a reprint of this 

appendix as a separate handout.To order, call 

800/424-9530. 

1. DELEGATES AND DELEGATE 

COMMITTEES 

Defnitions 

Delegate 

The term “delegate” means an individual who is 

seeking selection as a delegate, or who has already 

been selected as a delegate, at any level of the 

delegate selection process (local, state or national). 

110.14(b)(1). 

Delegate Committee 

A “delegate committee”1 is a group that raises or 

spends funds to infuence the selection of one or 

more delegates. A delegate committee may be a 

group of delegates (defned above) or a group that 

supports delegates. 110.14(b)(2). 

FEC Reporting 

By Registered Delegate Committee 

A delegate committee becomes a “political committee” under federal law once it receives contributions or makes expenditures exceeding $1,000 in 

a calendar year. 100.5(a) and (e)(5). At that point, 

the committee must register with the FEC within 

10 days and begin fling periodic FEC reports on its 

receipts and disbursements. 102.1(d) and 104.1(a). 

All pre-registration activity must be disclosed in the 

frst report. 104.3(a) and (b). 

Note that a delegate committee that has triggered status as a federal political committee must 

include the word “delegate” or “delegates” in its 

name. It may also include the name of the Presidential candidate it supports. 102.14(b)(1). 

By Individual Delegates and Unregistered 

Delegate Committees 

Individual delegates and delegate committees 

that have not qualifed as political committees 

under federal law are not required to register or 

fle regular reports. But, if they make independent 

expenditures exceeding $250, they must disclose 

the expenditures on FEC Form 5. 109.10(b). (Independent expenditures are discussed later in this 

appendix.) 

2. FUNDS RAISED AND SPENT 

FOR DELEGATE ACTIVITY 

With certain exceptions, funds raised and spent 

for delegate selection are considered “contributions” and “expenditures” made for the purpose 

of infuencing a federal election2

 and are therefore 

subject to the federal law’s prohibitions and limits.3 

110.14(c). 

For example, a delegate must use funds permissible under federal law to pay for travel to attend 

the national convention and related food and lodging expenses. 110.14(e);AO 1980-64. See also AO 

2000-38.The next two sections discuss contributions and expenditures in detail. 

1 Unlike the rest of the guide, in this appendix the term 

“committee” refers to unregistered organizations as well as 

“political committees” registered with the FEC. 

2 A national nominating convention is considered a federal 

election. 100.2(e). 

3 Ballot access fees paid by an individual delegate to a state or 

subordinate political party are not considered contributions 

or expenditures; nor are administrative payments made by a 

state or subordinate party committee (including an unregistered organization) for sponsoring a convention or caucus to 

select delegates. Nevertheless, the funds used to pay these 

expenses are subject to the law’s prohibitions. 110.14(c). 
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3. CONTRIBUTION PROHIBITIONS 

AND LIMITS 

Please note that the prohibitions and limits apply 

to contributions of goods and services (in-kind 

contributions) as well as monetary contributions. 

100.52(c)-(d). 

Prohibitions 

Individual delegates and delegate committees 

may not accept any contributions from prohibited 

sources. 110.14(c)(2). 

The following entities are prohibited from making 

contributions: 

•	 Any corporations (including nonproft corporations); 

•	 Labor organizations; 

•	 National banks; 

•	 Foreign nationals, that is, those who are not 

U.S. citizens, or U.S. nationals, or lawfully 

admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence 

(“green card” holders); and 

•	 Federal government contractors (such as 

individuals, partnerships and sole proprietors 

with federal contracts). 110.20; 114.2(a) and 

(b); 115.2; 115.4; 115.5. 

Limits on Contributions to Delegates 

•	 Contributions to a delegate committee are 

subject to an aggregate limit of $5,000 per 

calendar year. 110.1(d) and (m)(2); 110.14(g)(1).

•	 Contributions to an individual delegate 

are not subject to any per delegate limit. 

110.1(m)(1); 110.14(d)(1). Note that contributions to a delegate from the committee of 

a Presidential candidate receiving public funds 

count against the candidate’s expenditure 

limits.4

 110.14(d)(2). 

•	 Contributions from an individual to a delegate or delegate committee count against the 

donor’s biennial limit on total contributions. 

110.5(e); 110.14(d)(1) and (g)(2). 

Limits on Contributions Made by 

Delegates to Candidates 

When a delegate or delegate committee makes 

an expenditure that benefts a Presidential or other 

federal candidate,5 the expenditure may result in an 

in-kind contribution to that candidate (as explained 

under “Dual-Purpose Expenditures for Communications,” below). Such contributions (including anything of value given to the candidate) count against 

the applicable contribution limits. 100.52(a). 

A delegate or delegate committee may contribute a maximum of $2,600 (indexed for infation in 

odd-numbered years) to a federal candidate, per 

election. 110.1(b)(1).The primary and general are 

considered separate elections but, in the case of 

Presidential candidates, the entire primary season is 

considered only one election. 110.1(j)(1).6 

Note that a contribution to a candidate must 

be reported by the candidate’s committee. For 

this reason, when making an in-kind contribution, 

a delegate or delegate committee should notify 

the candidate’s committee of the monetary value. 

Note also that in-kind contributions generally count 

against a publicly funded Presidential candidate’s 

expenditure limits. 

4. EXPENDITURES 

Expenditures for Delegate Selection 

Only 

Expenditures made by delegates and delegate 

committees solely to further their selection are 

not considered contributions to any candidate and 

are not chargeable to a publicly funded candidate’s 

spending limits.This type of expenditure might 

include, for example: 

•	 A communication which advocates the selection of delegates only; 

5 A federal candidate is a candidate seeking nomination for 

election, or election, to the Presidency, the Vice Presidency, 

the U.S. Senate or the U.S. House of Representatives. 100.3, 

100.4. 

4 Presidential primary candidates receiving public funding must 6 No contribution may be made to a publicly funded major 

comply with an overall spending limit and a spending limit in party candidate in the general election except to that candieach state. 9035.1. date’s GELAC fund. 9003.2(a); 9003.3. 
143 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Appendices

•	 Travel and subsistence expenses related 

to the delegate selection process and the 

national nominating convention. 110.14(e)(1) 

and (h)(1). 

Dual-Purpose Expenditures for 

Communications 

An individual delegate or a delegate committee 

may pay for communications that both: 

•	 Advocate the selection of an individual 

delegate or the delegates promoted by the 

delegate committee; and 

•	 Refer to, provide information on, or expressly 

advocate the election or defeat of a Presidential candidate (or candidate for any public 

offce). 110.14(f) and (i). 

As explained in more detail below, a portion of 

a dual-purpose expenditure may have to be allocated as an in-kind contribution or an independent 

expenditure on behalf of any federal candidate 

mentioned in the ad. 

Moreover, the communication may have to include a disclaimer notice (also explained below). 

Materials Distributed by Volunteers 

Dual-purpose expenditures for campaign materials such as pins, bumper stickers, handbills, 

brochures, posters and yard signs are not considered in-kind contributions on behalf of the federal 

candidate mentioned in the materials as long as the 

materials are used in connection with volunteer 

activities (i.e., are distributed by volunteers) and are 

not conveyed through public political advertising.7 

110.14(f)(1) and (i)(1). 

Public Ads: In-Kind Contributions 

A portion of a dual-purpose expenditure is considered an in-kind contribution to the referenced 

candidate if the communication: 

•	 Is conveyed through public political advertising (or is not distributed by volunteers); and 

•	 Is made in cooperation or consultation with, 

or at the request or suggestion of (i.e., is coordinated with), the Presidential candidate (or 

other federal candidate) or the candidate’s 

campaign. 109.21. 

The contribution counts against a publicly funded 

Presidential candidate’s expenditure limits. 110.14(i) 

(2)(i); see also 110.14(f)(2)(i). 

Public Ads: Independent Expenditures 

A portion of a dual-purpose expenditure for a 

communication that is conveyed through public 

political advertising is considered an independent 

expenditure (rather than an in-kind contribution) 

on behalf of the candidate if the communication: 

•	 Expressly advocates the election (or defeat) 

of a clearly identifed candidate; and 

•	 Is not coordinated with the candidate or the 

candidate’s campaign. 109.21. 

Independent expenditures are not subject to the 

contribution limits and are not chargeable to a publicly funded Presidential candidate’s expenditure limits. 110.14(f)(2)(ii) and (i)(2)(ii). Note that independent expenditures must carry a disclaimer notice 

(see below). Note also the reporting requirements 

for individual delegates and unregistered delegate 

committees at the beginning of this appendix. 

For more information on independent expenditures, consult 11 CFR Part 109. 

Allocation of Dual-Purpose Expenditures 

The amount of a dual-purpose expenditure allocated as an in-kind contribution or independent 

expenditure on behalf of a candidate must be in 

proportion to the beneft the candidate receives, 

based on factors such as the amount of space or 

time devoted to the candidate compared with total 

space or time. 106.1(a)(1). 

Expenditures to Reproduce Candidate 

Materials 

Expenditures by a delegate or delegate committee to reproduce (in whole or in part) or to 

disseminate materials prepared by a Presidential 

candidate’s committee (or other federal candidate’s 

committee) are considered in-kind contributions 

to the candidate. Although subject to contribution 

limits, this type of contribution is not chargeable to 

a publicly funded Presidential candidate’s spending 

limits as long as the expenditure was not coordinated with the candidate or the candidate’s campaign. 

110.14(f)(3) and (i)(3). If the materials are conveyed 

through public political advertising, they may have 

to include a disclaimer notice. 

7 For purposes of the delegate selection regulations, public 

political advertising means political advertising conveyed 

through broadcasting, newspapers, magazines, billboards, 

direct mail or similar types of general public communication. 

110.14(f)(2) and (i)(2). Direct mail means mailings by commercial vendors or mailings made from lists not developed 

by the individual delegate or delegate committee. 110.14(f) 

(4) and (i)(4). 
144 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Appendices

Disclaimer Notices 

Any public communication made by a political 

committee – including communications that do 

not expressly advocate the election or defeat of 

a clearly identifed federal candidate or solicit a 

contribution – must display a disclaimer. 110.11(a) 

(1). In addition, any public communication by any 

person that expressly advocates the election or 

defeat of a clearly identifed federal candidate must 

carry a disclaimer. 110.11(a)(2). 

Printed materials must contain a printed box 

that is set apart from the contents in the communication. The disclaimer print in this box must be 

of suffcient type size to be “clearly readable” by 

the recipient of the communication, and the print 

must have a reasonable degree of color contrast 

between the background and the printed statement. 

110.11(c)(2)(i) - (iii). 

A disclaimer is not required when it cannot be 

conveniently printed (e.g., pens, bumper stickers, 

campaign pins, campaign buttons and similar small 

items). 110.11(f). 

Authorized by Candidate 

If the communication, including any solicitation, 

is paid for by a delegate or delegate committee 

and authorized by the candidate’s campaign, it must 

display the following notice: 

“Paid for by [full name of delegate or delegate 

committee] and authorized by [name of candidate’s 

committee].” 110.11(b)(2). 

Not Authorized by Candidate 

If the communication, including any solicitation, 

is not authorized by the candidate’s campaign (as 

in the case of independent expenditures), it must 

display the following notice: 

“Paid for by [full name of delegate or delegate 

committee] and not authorized by any candidate or 

candidate’s committee.” 110.11(b)(3). 

Communications not authorized by a candidate 

or his/her campaign committee, including any solicitation, must disclose the permanent street address, 

telephone number or web site address of the person who paid for the communication. 110.11(b)(3). 

5. AFFILIATION 

Delegate committees—including unregistered 

committees—need to determine whether they are 

affliated with another delegate committee or a candidate’s committee because affliated committees 

are considered one political committee for purposes of the contribution limits—they share the same 

limits on contributions received and made. 110.3(a) 

(1). (There is, however, no limit on funds transferred 

between affliated committees. 102.6(a)(1)(i).) 

Between Delegate and Presidential 

Committees 

Factors Indicating Afliation 

In determining whether a delegate committee and 

a Presidential committee are affliated, the Commission may consider, among other factors, whether: 

•	 The Presidential campaign8 played a signifcant 

role in forming the delegate committee. 

•	 Any delegate associated with a delegate 

committee has been or is on the staff of the 

Presidential committee. 

•	 The committees have overlapping offcers or 

employees. 

•	 The Presidential committee provides funds 

or goods to the delegate committee in a 

signifcant amount or on an ongoing basis 

(not including a transfer of joint fundraising 

proceeds). 

•	 The Presidential campaign suggests or arranges for contributions to be made to the 

delegate committee. 

•	 The committees show similar patterns of 

contributions received. 

•	 One committee provides a mailing list to the 

other committee. 

•	 The Presidential campaign provides ongoing 

administrative support to the delegate committee. 

•	 The Presidential campaign directs or organizes the campaign activities of the delegate 

committee. 

8 “Campaign” refers to the candidate, his or her authorized 

committee and other persons associated with the committee. 
145 

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Appendices

•	 The Presidential campaign fles statements or 

reports on behalf of the delegate committee. 

110.14(j). See for example, AO 1988-1. 

Efect on Expenditure Limits 

If a delegate committee is affliated with the committee of a Presidential candidate receiving public 

funds, all of the delegate committee’s expenditures 

count against the Presidential candidate’s expenditure limits. 

Between Delegate Committees 

Delegate committees established, fnanced, 

maintained or controlled by the same person or 

group are affliated. Factors that indicate affliation 

between delegate committees are found at 100.5(g) 

(4) of FEC regulations. 110.14(k). 

147

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Appendices

APPENDIX E

Federal and Nonfederal 

Campaign Laws

Political parties generally support candidates 

for federal office and for state and local offices. 

The laws governing campaign financing in federal 

elections may differ from state and local laws. For 

example, the Federal Election Campaign Act (the Act) 

generally prohibits corporations and labor organizations from making contributions to influence federal elections, while many states permit corporate 

and labor donations to candidates.1

Occasionally the federal and nonfederal laws 

overlap. This appendix explains when federal law 

takes precedence in those situations, and when it 

does not. For more detailed information, order the 

FEC brochure Federal and State Campaign Finance 

Laws, available for free from the FEC. 

1. WHEN FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 

FINANCE LAW TAKES 

PRECEDENCE

Where federal and state campaign finance laws 

overlap, the Federal Election Campaign Act (the Act) 

and Commission regulations take precedence with 

respect to:

• Prohibitions on election-financing activities by 

foreign nationals. 110.20(b);

• Prohibitions on election-financing activities by 

national banks and federally chartered corporations. 114.2(a); and

• Laws that pertain to the financing of federal 

elections. 108.7(a).

Foreign Nationals

The Act prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions or expenditures in connection 

with any United States election (federal, state or 

local), either directly or through another person. 

110.20(b). For further information, see page 13.

National Banks and Federally 

Chartered Corporations

The Act also prohibits national banks and corporations organized by authority of any law of 

Congress (for example, federal savings banks) from 

making contributions or expenditures in connection 

with any election—federal, state or local. 114.2(a). 

They may, however, set up separate segregated 

funds (also called PACs) for this purpose. 114.1(a)

(2)(iii) and (b), 114.2(a)(1) and (2); AO 1987-14.

(Consult state laws as to the permissibility of 

election-related activity conducted by state-chartered banks.)

Federal Campaign Financing

With respect to the financing of federal elections, 

federal law specifically supersedes nonfederal law in 

the following areas:

• The organization and registration of political 

committees supporting federal candidates;

• The disclosure of receipts and expenditures 

by federal candidates and political committees; and

• The limits on contributions and expenditures 

regarding federal candidates and political 

committees. 108.7(a) and (b).

2. WHEN FEDERAL CAMPAIGN 

FINANCE LAW DOES NOT 

TAKE PRECEDENCE

The Act and FEC regulations do not supersede 

nonfederal laws governing the following areas:

• Methods of qualifying candidates and political 

party organizations for the ballot;

• Dates and places of elections;

1 Portions of this chapter may be affected by the Supreme 

Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC, 130 S. Ct. 876 

(2010). Essentially, the Court’s ruling permits corporations 

and labor organizations to use treasury funds to make independent expenditures in connection with federal elections 

and to fund electioneering communications. The ruling did 

not affect the ban on corporate or union contributions or 

the reporting requirements for independent expenditures 

and electioneering communications.
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Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

•	 Voter registration;2 

•	 Prohibitions on false registration, voting fraud, 

theft of ballots and similar offenses; 

•	 Candidates’ disclosure of their personal 

fnances;3 and 

•	 Funds for the purchase or construction of 

a state or local party offce building to the extent described in 300.35. 108.7(c). 

3. LEVIN FUNDS 

All donations of Levin funds must be lawful under 

the laws of the state in which the committee is 

organized. Levin funds may include donations from 

sources ordinarily prohibited by federal law but 

permitted by state law. 300.31(b) and (c). 

A state, district or local committee may not 

solicit or accept Levin funds which aggregate to 

more than $10,000 per source in a calendar year. If 

the state in which the committee is organized limits 

donations to that committee to less than $10,000, 

then the state limit has priority. However, if the 

state permits higher amounts, the $10,000 limit still 

applies. 300.31(d)(1)-(2). Similarly, federal law does 

not prohibit corporate or union donations of Levin 

funds, but if state law does, then that ban would 

apply. 

For further information of Levin funds and federal 

election activity, see Chapters 8 and 14. 

2 The National Voter Registration Act, a federal law adopted in 

1993 and known as the “Motor-Voter” Act, requires states to 

implement specifc voter registration procedures, including registration of individuals applying for driver’s licenses, 

registration by mail, and registration at certain government 

agencies. 

3 The Ethics Reform Act of 1989 requires personal fnancial 

disclosure reports from federal candidates. 

Appendices
149 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Appendices

APPENDIX F 

Lobbyist Bundled 

Contributions 

The Honest Leadership and Open Government 

Act (HLOGA) of 2007,1 requires political party 

committees to disclose information about lobbyists, registrants and lobbyist/registrant PACs that 

provide two or more bundled contributions that 

exceed the reporting threshold within a covered 

period. 104.22(b)(1).2 

1. WHAT IS A BUNDLED 

CONTRIBUTION? 

A “bundled contribution” is a term of art for 

a certain type of contribution triggering special 

reporting requirements. 104.22(a)(6).There are two 

types of bundled contributions: 

Type 1: Contributions Forwarded by 

the Lobbyist/Registrant or Lobbyist/ 

Registrant PAC 

The frst type of bundled contribution is a contribution forwarded from the contributor(s) to the 

party committee by a lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC. 104.22(a)(6)(i).The contribution 

may be delivered or transmitted by physical or 

electronic means to the party committee by the 

lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC, or by 

any person that the party committee knows to be 

forwarding such contribution on behalf of a lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC. 104.22(a) 

(6)(i). Contributions forwarded electronically include contributions received by a lobbyist/registrant 

or lobbyist/registrant PAC in the form of checks 

that are deposited into the lobbyist/registrant’s or 

lobbyist/registrant PAC’s account and then transmitted electronically to the party committee. A 

lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC may 

also receive contributions via credit card, debit card 

or electronic check, and then transmit the contributions in the form of a check or via credit card to 

the party committee.3 

Note that a contribution delivered by a lobbyist/ 

registrant’s or lobbyist/registrant PAC’s employee, 

colleague, friend or courier service falls under this 

provision if the party committee knows that the 

contribution is being forwarded on behalf of the 

lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC. 

Type 2: Contributions Credited to 

the Lobbyist/Registrant or Lobbyist/ 

Registrant PAC 

The second type of bundled contribution covers contributions received by the party committee 

from a contributor, but credited to the lobbyist/ 

registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC through records, designations or other means of recognizing 

that a certain amount of money has been raised by 

the lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC. 

104.22(a)(6)(ii). In this case, the contribution must 

be 1) received by the party committee and 2) credited to a lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/registrant 

PAC to satisfy the defnition of bundled contribution. 

Crediting Contributions 

Crediting recognizes that a certain amount of 

money has been raised by the lobbyist/registrant or 

lobbyist/registrant PAC. 104.22(a)(6)(ii). Examples of 

crediting include: 

•	 Maintaining records or using any method 

to retain written evidence pertaining to the 

committee’s crediting. Records include paper, 

electronic, digital, audio, and video records, 

and records in any other format, including 

1 Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007, Pub. 

L. No. 110-81, 121 Stat. 735. 

2 Although HLOGA requires all authorized candidate committees, Leadership PACs and party committees (reporting 

committees) to disclose information about certain lobbyist 

bundled contributions, this guide will only address party 

committees that receive lobbyist bundled contributions. For 

more information on authorized candidate committees and 

Leadership PACs that receive lobbyist bundled contributions, 

consult the FEC website at www.fec.gov/info/guidance/hlogabundling.shtml. 

3 See Reporting Contributions Bundled by Lobbyists, Registrants and the PACs of Lobbyists and Registrants, 74 Fed. 

Reg. 7285, 7292 (Feb. 17, 2009), 
150 

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Appendices

informal items such as hand-written notations 

on a business card. 104.22(a)(6)(ii)(A). See 

Reporting Contributions Bundled by Lobbyists, Registrants and the PACs of Lobbyists 

and Registrants, 74 Fed. Reg. 7285, 7293 (Feb. 

17, 2009). 

•	 Providing designations and other benefts to 

the lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/registrant 

PAC, including giving honorary titles, tracking identifers, access or invitations to events 

for people who raised a certain amount of 

money, mementos such as photographs with 

the candidate and autographed copies of 

books authored by the candidate. 104.22(a) 

(6)(ii)(A). 

Crediting a Prohibited Source 

Under the Lobbyist Disclosure Act (LDA) of 

1995,4 lobbyist/registrants may include lobbying 

organizations that would be prohibited sources of 

contributions under FECA (e.g. corporations, labor 

organizations, federal government contractors). 

Party committees may give credit to a lobbyist/registrant who is a prohibited source; however, party 

committees may not accept contributions from, or 

that have been forwarded by, a prohibited source. 

110.6(b)(2)(ii), 110.20, 114.2, 115.2. 

Contributions from a Lobbyist/ 

Registrant or Lobbyist/Registrant PAC 

Note that the defnition of “bundled contribution” does not include contributions made by a lobbyist/registrant PAC or from the personal funds of 

the lobbyist/registrant who forwards or is credited 

with raising the contributions or from the personal 

funds of that lobbyist/registrant’s spouse. 104.22(a) 

(6)(iii). 

2. WHO ARE LOBBYIST/ 

REGISTRANTS AND LOBBYIST/ 

REGISTRANT PACS? 

A lobbyist/registrant is a person who, at the time 

a contribution is forwarded to, or received by, a 

party committee, is a current registrant under Section 4(a) of the LDA; or an individual who is named 

on a current registration or report fled under Section 4(b)(6) or 5(b)(2)(C) of the LDA.5

 104.22(a)(2). 

A lobbyist/registrant PAC is any political committee that a lobbyist/registrant established or controls. 100.5(e)(7) and 104.22(a)(3). For the purposes 

of these rules, a lobbyist/registrant “established 

or controls” a political committee if he or she is 

required to make a disclosure to that effect to the 

Secretary of the Senate or Clerk of the House of 

Representatives under the LDA. 104.22(a)(4)(i). If 

a political committee is not able to obtain defnitive guidance from the Senate or House regarding 

whether it is established or controlled by a lobbyist 

or registrant under the LDA, then it must consult 

additional criteria in FEC regulations at 104.22(a)(4) 

(ii). Under these criteria, a political committee is a 

lobbyist/registrant PAC if: 

•	 It is a separate segregated fund whose connected organization is a current registrant 

under the LDA (104.22(a)(4)(ii)(A)); or 

•	 A lobbyist/registrant had a primary role in 

the establishment of the political committee 

or directs the governance or operations of 

the political committee. Note that the mere 

provision of legal compliance services or 

advice by a lobbyist/registrant would not by 

itself meet these criteria. 104.22(a)(4)(ii)(B) 

(1) and (2). 

Identifying Lobbyists/Registrants or 

Lobbyist/Registrant PACs 

In order to determine whether a person is reasonably known to be a lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC, a party committee must search 

the list of lobbyist/registrants and lobbyist/registrant 

PACs on each of the following websites: 

4 Lobbyist Disclosure Act (LDA) of 1995, Pub. L. No. 104-65, 

109 Stat. 691. 

5 For more information on the LDA or for registration and 

fling requirements under the LDA, contact the Secretary of 

the Senate or the Clerk of the House of Representatives. 
151 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Appendices

TYPE OF REPORT 

(Choose One) 

(a) Quarterly Reports : 

April 15 

Quarterly Report (01) 

July 15 

X Quarterly AepC>fl (02) 

and/or Semi-annual Report 

October 15 

Quarterly Report (03) 

January 31 

Year-End Report (YE) 

and/or Semi-annua l Report 

July 31 Mid-Year 

Report (Non-election 

Year - PAC/Party) (MY) 

and/or Semi-annua l Report 

6. Covered Period(s) 

(b) Mon thly Feb 20 (M2) May 20 (MS) Aug 20 (MB) 

(C) 

(d) 

Report 

Due On · 

Mar 20 (M3) Jun 20 (M6) Sep 20 (M9) 

Apr 20 (M4) Jul 20 (M7) and/or Oct 20 (MlO) Semi-annual Report 

12-Day 

PRE -Election 

Report for the · 

. . Election oo 

30-Day 

POST-Election 

Report for the : 

. . Electioo oo 

Primary (12P) 

Special (12S) 

,,.,,. 

General (JOG) 

, ,,. ... ,

.,.. 

General (12G) Runoff (12A) 

Convention (12C) 

"'T" in the 

State of 

Runoff (30A) Special (30S) 

....,.. in the 

Stale of 

Nov 20 (M 11) (NOn-EledionYea, Only) 

Dec 20 (M 12) (Non-EledionYeal Only) 

Jan 31 (YE) and/or 

Semi-annual Report 

This report also covers 

the semi-annual period 

See Line 6(b) 

This report also covers 

the semi -annua l period 

See Line 6(b) 

(a) Quarterly/Mont hty/Pre-/Posl -Election Covered Period (b) Semi-annual Covered Pefbd 

I TT1"T"" "'T" X January 1 - June 30 

This report covers 04 0 l 20 14 and/or 

July 1 - December 31 

• Clerk of the House of Representatives 

(lobbyingdisclosure.house.gov); 

• Secretary of the Senate 

(senate.gov/legislative/Public_Disclosure/ 

LDA_reports.htm); and 

• The Federal Election Commission 

(www.fec.gov/fnance/disclosure/lobbyist. 

shtml) — for lobbyist/registrant PACs. 

If the party committee does not fnd the name of 

the person for whom it is searching it may retain 

a computer printout or screen capture from each 

website indicating that the name of the person or 

PAC sought was not listed in the results of the 

search.This will constitute conclusive evidence that 

the party committee consulted the websites and 

did not fnd the name sought. 104.22(b)(2)(ii). Note 

that these are not the exclusive means by which the 

party committee may provide evidence that it has 

consulted the websites and not found the name of 

the person sought. 

Additionally, a party committee is subject to the 

reporting requirements if it has actual knowledge 

that, at the time a contribution was forwarded or 

received, the person whose name is sought was 

required to be listed on any registration or report 

under the LDA. 104.22(b)(2)(iii). 

3. FILING REPORTS 

Reporting Threshold 

Party committees must fle Form 

3L if they have received two or 

more bundled contributions (as 

defned in Section 1, above), forwarded by or credited to a particular lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/ 

registrant PAC, that aggregate in 

excess of the reporting threshold 

within a covered period.The threshold is indexed for infation annually. 

The reporting threshold for 2013 

is $17,100. 104.22(b)(1) and (g) and 

110.17(e)(2). 

Covered Periods 

The covered periods for disclosing lobbyist 

bundling activity include the semi-annual periods 

of January 1 through June 30, and July 1 through 

December 31, plus the periods that coincide with a 

party committee’s quarterly or monthly campaign 

fnance reporting schedule under 104.5. 104.22(a) 

(5). See chart on Page 155. 

Quarterly Filing Schedule 

Party committees that fle FEC reports on a 

quarterly basis must fle lobbyist bundling disclosure 

reports for the following covered periods: 

During an election year (i.e. evennumbered year): 

1. Semi-annual periods of January 1 through June 30, 

and July 1 through December 31; 

2. Quarters beginning on January 1,April 1, July 1, 

October 1; 

3. Any applicable pre/post-election reporting periods (see below); and 

4. Any applicable special election reporting periods 

(see below). 

During a non-election year (i.e. oddnumbered year): 

1. Semi-annual periods of January 1 through June 30, 

and July 1 through December 31; and 

2. Any applicable special election reporting periods. 

FORM 3L
152 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Appendices

Monthly Filing Schedule 

For party committees that fle FEC reports on a 

monthly basis, the covered periods are: 

During an election year (i.e. evennumbered year): 

1. Semi-annual periods of January 1 through June 30, 

and July 1 through December 31; 

2. Monthly reporting periods (report due on the 

20th of each month); 

3. Pre/post-election reporting periods (in lieu of 

November and December reporting periods); 

and 

4. Any applicable special election reporting periods. 

During a non-election year (i.e. oddnumbered year): 

1. Semi-annual periods of January 1 through June 30, 

and July 1 through December 31; 

2. Monthly reporting periods (report due on the 

20th of each month); and 

3. Any applicable special election reporting periods. 

Monthly flers may elect to fle form 3L on a 

quarterly basis by notifying the Commission in writing, but may only change their fling schedule once 

per year. 104.22(a)(5)(iv). See Chapter 11. 

Pre/Post-Election Reports 

A political party committee 

must fle Form 3L for the pre- and FORM 3L, SCHEDULE A 

post-election reports if it receives 

bundled contributions in excess 

of the reporting threshold during 

those periods. 

Special/Run-Of Election 

Reports 

Political party committees that 

receive two or more bundled 

contributions from a lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC in 

connection with a special or run-off 

election that aggregate more than the reporting 

threshold must fle FEC Form 3L at the same time 

that the party committee fles its campaign fnance 

report for the special or run-off election.The covered period for reporting bundled contributions in 

connection with a special or run-off election is the 

same as the reporting periods for special and runoff elections under 104.5(h). 104.22(a)(5)(v). For 

more information on fling special election reports, 

see Chapter 11, Section 5. 

Form 3L 

Each party committee must fle Form 3L if it 

has received two or more bundled contributions 

(as described in Section 1, above), forwarded by 

or credited to a particular lobbyist/registrant or 

lobbyist/registrant PAC, aggregating in excess of 

the reporting threshold during any covered period. 

104.22(b)(1) The report must include: 

•	 The name and address of the lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC 

•	 The employer of each lobbyist/registrant (if 

an individual); and 

•	 The aggregate amount of bundled contributions forwarded by or received and credited 

to each lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC during the covered period. (See 

below). 

Party committees must fle Form 3L with the frst 

campaign fnance report that they fle following the 

end of each covered period. 104.22(e). 

Example 

Lenny Kosnowski, a registered lobbyist for the 

Schotz Brewing Company, forwards two checks for 

) 

I: : : : : : : : : : I 

------------, 1,;;;;; 1,;; :;;;; :;;;; :;;; :;;;; :;; :;;; :;,- 1- ·1 ~-~~­

I 

SCHEDULE A (FEC Form 3L)

REPORTABLE BUNDLED CONTRIBUTIONS FORWARDED BY OR CREDITED TO 

LOBBYISTS/REGISTRANTS AND LOBBYIST/REGISTRANT PACs

Any information copied from such Reports and Statements may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions 

or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any political committee to solicit contributions from such committee. 

NAME OF COMMITTEE (In Full) 

Freedom Party Committee 

Lenny Kosnowski 

Mailing Address 

100 Knapp Street, Apartment #1A 

A. Full Name of Lobbyist/Registrant (Last, First, Middle Initial) or Lobbyist/Registrant PAC Reportable Bundled Contributions during: 

City State Zip Code 

Milwaukee WI 00000

FEC ID number of Lobbyist/Registrant 

PAC, if applicable. C 

Name of Employer

Schotz Brewing Company 

Quarterly / Monthly / Pre-Election 

or Post-Election Covered Period 

20,000.00 

Semi-annual Covered Period 

, , . 20,000.00 
153 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Appendices

$10,000 each (neither of which is from Kosnowski 

or his spouse) to the Freedom Party Committee 

on June 1, 2014.The committee, a monthly fler, 

must fle Form 3L because the party received two 

or more bundled contributions from a registered 

lobbyist during the covered period aggregating in 

excess of the $17,100 disclosure threshold. Note 

that the committee reports bundled contributions 

received during the June covered period (June 

1-June 30) as well as during the semi-annual covered period (January 1-June 30).The information for 

both covered periods is reported on the monthly 

report fled in July. 

Returned Contributions 

If a bundled contribution is not deposited by 

the party committee and is returned, then it does 

not aggregate toward the reporting threshold for 

disclosure of bundled contributions and it is not 

reported on Form 3L.6 

Refunded Contributions 

If the bundled contribution is received, deposited 

and later refunded, then the bundled contribution 

aggregates toward the reporting threshold for the 

covered period in which it was received, and must 

be reported on Form 3L if the reporting threshold 

is exceeded for that covered period. If the receipt 

of the bundled contribution is reported on Form 

3L, then the refund of the bundled contribution 

should also be reported on Form 3L for the covered period in which the refund occurred.7 

Where to File 

Party committees fle reports and statements with 

the Federal Election Commission, 1050 First Street, 

N.E.,Washington, DC 20463. 52 U.S.C. §30102(g); 

104.22(d). 

Recordkeeping 

Political party committees must maintain records 

of any bundled contributions forwarded by or 

received and credited to a lobbyist/registrant or 

lobbyist/registrant PAC that aggregate in excess of 

the reporting threshold for any covered period for 

three years after fling. 104.22(f). 

Fundraisers 

Fundraising events will be treated like any other 

fundraising activity: Political party committees must 

disclose the actual amounts of all bundled contributions credited to, or forwarded by, a lobbyist/ 

registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC, that aggregate 

in excess of the reporting threshold within the 

relevant covered period. Note that contributions 

forwarded by a lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/ 

registrant PAC at a co-hosted fundraiser count as 

contributions bundled by the lobbyist/registrant or 

lobbyist/registrant PAC that forwarded the contributions, regardless of whether the lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC is a co-host of the 

fundraiser or an attendee.8 

Examples 

Note: In each of these examples, the party committee must check the appropriate websites to 

determine whether the individuals who have forwarded or are credited with raising the funds are 

lobbyist/registrants.9 If the party committee knows 

that the person forwarding contributions is doing 

so on behalf of a lobbyist/registrant or a lobbyist/ 

registrant PAC, disclosure will be triggered where 

the contributions exceed the threshold in a covered period. Also, where disclosure is triggered in 

each example, the committee must disclose the lobbyist bundling on FEC Form 3L twice, once on the 

report covering the time frame and a second time 

on the committee’s semi-annual bundling report. 

• A fundraising event is co-hosted by registered 

Lobbyists A, B and C.The event generates 

$20,000 in contributions.The party commit8 See Reporting Contributions Bundled by Lobbyists, Registrants and the PACs of Lobbyists and Registrants, 74 Fed. 

Reg. 7285, 7295 (Feb. 17, 2009). 

9 Lobbyist/registrants are listed with the Clerk of the House 

and the Secretary of the Senate. If contributions are forwarded by a PAC, the party committee must check the FEC 

website to determine whether the committee is a lobbyist 

registrant PAC. See Section 2, above, for details. 

6 See Reporting Contributions Bundled by Lobbyists, Registrants and the PACs of Lobbyists and Registrants, 74 Fed. 

Reg. 7285, 7298 (Feb. 17, 2009), 

7 See Reporting Contributions Bundled by Lobbyists, Registrants and the PACs of Lobbyists and Registrants, 74 Fed. 

Reg. 7285, 7298 (Feb. 17, 2009). 
154 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Appendices

tee believes that Lobbyist A raised the entire 

$20,000 and thus credits Lobbyist A with 

the entire $20,000 raised at the event, and 

does not credit Lobbyists B or C.The party 

committee must disclose the $20,000 that 

has been credited to Lobbyist A.The party 

committee need not disclose any information 

regarding Lobbyist B and C, because neither 

Lobbyist B nor C has been credited with any 

bundled contributions. 

•	 A fundraising event is co-hosted by registered 

Lobbyists A and B, as well as three nonlobbyist hosts.The event generates $20,000 

in contributions.The party committee gives 

each host credit for raising $20,000.The party 

committee must disclose the $20,000 of 

bundled contributions that has been credited 

to Lobbyist A and also report the $20,000 of 

bundled contributions that has been credited 

to Lobbyist B because the party committee 

has credited the full amount to each lobbyist. 

The party committee may, if it chooses, include a memo entry in the space provided on 

FEC Form 3L to indicate that, although only a 

total of $20,000 was raised at the event, that 

full $20,000 was credited to each of the lobbyist co-hosts. 

•	 A fundraiser is co-hosted by registered 

Lobbyist A and several non-lobbyist hosts. 

Registered Lobbyist B (who is not a co-host 

of the fundraiser) approaches the candidate 

for whom funds are being raised and hands 

the candidate $20,000 in contributions from 

other individuals. Because these are contributions that have been “forwarded” by Lobbyist B, the party committee must disclose the 

$20,000 of bundled contributions that were 

forwarded by Lobbyist B irrespective of any 

amount of credit given to Lobbyist B. If the 

party committee also credits Lobbyist A, a 

co-host of the fundraiser, $20,000 for having raised the contributions forwarded by 

Lobbyist B (because the contributions were 

received during the fundraising event), the 

party committee must then also disclose that 

$20,000 of bundled contributions has been 

credited to Lobbyist A. Even though the party 

committee must disclose the entire $20,000 

as having been forwarded by Lobbyist B, the 

party committee must also report that same 

$20,000 of bundled contributions has been 

credited to Lobbyist A. 

•	 For additional examples, please see Reporting Contributions Bundled by Lobbyists, 

Registrants and the PACs of Lobbyists and 

Registrants, 74 Fed. Reg. 7285, 7296-7 (Feb. 

17, 2009). 

Lobbyist Bundled Contributions v. 

Earmarked Contributions 

Note that the Lobbyist Bundling regulations do 

not change a party committee’s reporting obligations under the rules for earmarked contributions. 

Party committees that receive earmarked contributions through a conduit, or that receive and forward 

earmarked contributions to a candidate’s authorized committee, are still required to report such 

conduit activity on their regularly scheduled FEC 

report. 110.6(c)(1) and (c)(2). For more information 

on earmarked contributions, see Chapter 6. 

In addition to fling regularly scheduled FEC 

reports, a party committee must fle Form 3L if it 

received two or more bundled contributions from 

a lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC 

aggregating in excess of the reporting threshold 

during the covered periods as listed in the table on 

page 155. 
155

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Appendices

157 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Appendices

APPENDIX G 

Compliance with Other 

Laws 

In addition to complying with the Federal Election 

Campaign Act, party committees must observe laws 

and rules outside the Commission’s jurisdiction. 

1. BALLOT ACCESS LAWS 

The process by which candidates and political 

parties appear on the ballot is subject to state law. 

For more information, contact the state’s election 

authority. For a list of state disclosure and election 

offces, consult the Combined Federal/State Disclosure and Election Directory at: 

www.fec.gov/pubrec/cfsdd/cfsdd.shtml. 

2. TAX LAWS 

Party committees and organizations should be 

aware that they have to comply with federal and 

state laws on income tax. For information on 

federal tax laws, see the Internal Revenue Service 

website at www.irs.gov/polorgs. Questions may 

be directed to the IRS by telephone (toll-free) at 

877/829-5500. 

Committees also need to obtain a Federal Tax 

ID (EIN) number.The IRS website provides information on how to do this, including online fling 

information; go to www.irs.gov and type “EIN” in 

the search box on any page. Party committees 

should also consult the appropriate state agency for 

information on state income tax laws. 

Note that, under the Internal Revenue Code, a 

committee may have to include a special solicitation 

notice. See “IRS Notice,” page 21. 

3. COMMUNICATIONS ACT 

For information on rules concerning rates for 

purchasing broadcast time, equal access to broadcast media and procedures for fling complaints 

in this area, contact the Federal Communications 

Commission, Political Programming Staff, 445 

12th Street, SW,Washington, DC 20554 (phone: 

202/418-1440 or 888/225-5322; web: 

www.fcc.gov/mb/policy/political). 

4. HATCH ACT 

For information on the Hatch Act, which regulates political activity by federal employees, contact 

the Offce of Special Counsel, 1730 M Street, Suite 

218, NW,Washington, DC 20036 (800/854-2824 or 

202/254-3650 or at www.osc.gov/hatchact.htm). 

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APPENDIX H 

Definitions 

Act The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

(52 U.S.C. §§30101 et seq.), as amended. 100.18. 

Prior to September 1, 2014, the Act appeared in 

Title 2 of the U.S. Code. A conversion table is 

available on FEC.gov. 

Administrative Expenses Rent, utilities, 

office equipment, office supplies, routine building 

maintenance and other operating costs not attributable to a specific candidate. In addition, salaries and wages for state party employees who 

spend 25 percent or less of their compensated 

time in a given month on federal elections may 

be allocated as administrative expenses.106.7(c) 

(1), 106.7(c)(2), (d)(1)(i), and 300.33(d)(1). 

Advisory Opinion (AO) A formal Commission response regarding the legality of a specific 

activity proposed in an advisory opinion request 

(AOR). 11 CFR Part 112. For information on 

requesting an AO, see page iii. 

Affiliated Committees Committees and 

organizations that are considered one committee 

for purposes of the contribution limits. 100.5(g); 

110.3(a)(1). 

•	 A state party committee and local party committees and organizations within that state 

are presumed to be affliated unless the party 

committees can demonstrate otherwise. 

110.3(b)(3). See also AO 2005-02. 

•	 All committees authorized by the same 

candidate for the same election. 100.5(g)(1); 

110.3(a)(1)(i). 

•	 Committees or organizations established, 

fnanced, maintained or controlled by the 

same corporation, labor organization, person 

or group. 100.5(g)(2); 110.3(a)(1)(ii). 

Allocation Account A separate federal account into which funds from either a committee’s federal and nonfederal accounts, or from its 

federal and Levin accounts, are deposited solely 

to pay expenses that must be allocated. (A committee must have separate allocation accounts 

for its federal/nonfederal allocation and for its 

federal/Levin allocation.) 106.7(f) and 300.33(d). 

Agent (of a party) An agent is any person 

who has actual authority, either expressed or 

implied, to engage in certain activities on behalf 

of the committee. 

•	 In the case of state, district and local party 

committees, these activities are 1) expending 

or disbursing any funds for federal election 

activity; 2) transferring or accepting transfers of funds for federal election activity; 3) 

engaging in joint fundraising activity if any 

part of the funds are to be used for federal 

election activity; or 4) soliciting any funds for, 

or making or directing any donations to, any 

tax-exempt 501(c) organization or 527 organization that is not also a political committee, 

a party committee or an authorized campaign 

committee. 300.2(b)(2). 

•	 In the case of the national party committees, 

these activities are 1) soliciting, directing or 

receiving a contribution, donation or transfer 

of funds; or 2) soliciting any funds for, or making or directing donations to, any tax-exempt 

501(c) organization or 527 organization that 

is not also a political committee, a party committee or an authorized campaign committee. 

300.2(b)(1). 

•	 In the case of communications, for all party 

committees, the activities include requesting or suggesting that a communication be 

created, produced or distributed; creating, 

producing or distributing any communication 

at the request of a candidate; or being materially involved in the content or distribution of 

a communication.109.3(a). 

Agent (of a candidate) An agent is any 

person that on behalf of a campaign has actual 

authority, either expressed or implied, to: 

•	 Solicit, receive, direct, transfer or spend funds 

in connection with any election. 300.2(b)(3) 

(See defnitions of solicit and direct); or 

•	 Request or suggest that a communication be 

created, produced or distributed; to create, 

produce or distribute any communication at 
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the request of a candidate; or to be materially involved in the content or distribution of 

a communication.109.3(b). (Note: For additional activities agents may perform, consult 

109.3.) 

Authorized Committee Any political committee, including the principal campaign committee, authorized in writing by a federal candidate 

to receive contributions and make expenditures 

on his or her behalf. 100.5(f)(1). Authorized 

committees are often called “candidate committees” or “campaign committees.” 

Bank A state bank, a federally chartered depository institution (including a national bank) or 

a depository institution insured by the Federal 

Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National 

Credit Union Administration. 100.142(a)-(d); 

100.82(a)-(d) and 103.2. 

Bundled Contribution A contribution forwarded to a reporting committee by a lobbyist/ 

registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC, or received 

by a reporting committee and credited to a lobbyist/registrant or lobbyist/registrant PAC. See 

104.22. See also Appendix F. 

Candidate An individual seeking nomination 

for election, or election to federal office becomes a candidate when he or she (or agents 

acting on his or her behalf) raise contributions 

that exceed $5,000 or make expenditures that 

exceed $5,000. 100.3. 

Candidate Committee See Authorized 

Committee. 

Clear and Conspicuous A disclaimer is clear 

and conspicuous if the print is not difficult to 

read and the placement cannot be easily overlooked. 110.11(c)(1). 

Clearly Identified Candidate A candidate 

is clearly identified when his or her name, nickname, photograph or drawing appears, or when 

his or her identity is otherwise apparent through 

an unambiguous reference such as “the President,” “your Congressman,” or “the incumbent,” 

or through an unambiguous reference to his or 

her status as a candidate such as “the Democratic presidential nominee” or “the Republican 

candidate for Senate in the State of Georgia.” 

100.17. 

Commercial Vendor Any person providing goods or services to a candidate or political 

committee whose usual and normal business involves the sale, rental, lease or provision of those 

goods or services. 116.1(c). 

Contribution A gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything of value 

made by any person for the purpose of influencing a federal election. 100.52(a). This term also 

includes the payment by any person of compensation for the personal services of another 

person if those services are rendered without 

charge to a political committee for any purpose. 

100.54. 

Coordinated Made in cooperation, consultation or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, a candidate, a candidate’s authorized 

committee or their agents, or a political party 

committee or its agents. 109.20(a). 

Coordinated Communication A communication that satisfies a three-prong test: 

•	 The communication must be paid for by a 

person other than a federal candidate, authorized committee or a political party committee, or any agents of the aforementioned 

entities with whom the communication is 

coordinated; 

•	 One or more of the fve content standards 

set forth in 109.21(c) must be satisfed; and 

•	 One or more of the fve conduct standards 

set forth in 109.21(d) must be satisfed. 

A payment for a communication satisfying all 

three prongs is an in-kind contribution to the 

candidate or political party committee with which 

it was coordinated. 109.21. See Chapter 9. See 

also Party Coordinated Communication below. 

Coordinated Party Expenditures Formerly referred to as a “441a(d)” expenditure for 

its derivation from 2 U.S.C. §441a(d) (now 52 

U.S.C. §30116(d), this is a special type of expenditure that can only be made by a national or state 
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political party committee in connection with the 

general election of a candidate. These expenditures are subject to a separate set of limits and 

do not count against the party’s normal contribution limits with respect to each candidate. 

109.30 and 109.32–34. 

Corporation Any separately incorporated entity (other than a political committee that has incorporated for liability purposes only). 100.134(l) 

and 114.12(a). The term covers both for-profit 

and nonprofit incorporated organizations and 

includes nonstock corporations, incorporated 

membership organizations, incorporated cooperatives, incorporated trade associations, and 

professional corporations. 

Covered Period For the purposes of 11 CFR 

104.22, the covered period for disclosing lobbyist bundling activity generally includes the 

semiannual periods of January 1 through June 

30, and July 1 through December 31, plus the 

periods that coincide with a reporting committee’s regular quarterly or monthly reporting 

schedule. Note that the covered period may also 

include the reporting periods for any special or 

runoff elections. Reporting committees that file 

campaign finance reports on a monthly basis can 

choose to file reports pursuant to the quarterly 

covered period by notifying the Commission in 

writing. For more information, see Appendix F, 

AO 2009-22. 

Date Contribution is Made The date the 

contributor relinquishes control over a contribution. A contribution that is mailed is considered 

made on the date of the postmark. In the case of 

an in-kind contribution, a contribution is made 

on the date the goods or services are provided 

by the contributor. 110.1(b)(6). 

Date Contribution is Received The date 

the political committee (or its agent, intermediary or conduit) takes possession of the contribution. This date is used for FEC reporting. 102.8. 

Delegate An individual who is or seeks to 

become a delegate to a national nominating convention or to a state, district or local convention, 

caucus or primary held to select delegates to a 

national nominating convention. 110.14(b)(1). 

Delegate Committee A group organized for 

the purpose of influencing the selection of one 

or more delegates. The term includes a group 

of delegates, a group of individuals seeking to 

become delegates and a group of individuals supporting delegates. 110.14(b)(2). 

Direct For the purposes of 11CFR Part 300, 

to direct means to guide, directly or indirectly, a 

person who has expressed an intent to make a 

contribution, donation, transfer of funds, or otherwise provide anything of value, by identifying 

a candidate, political committee or organization 

for the receipt of such funds, or things of value. 

The contribution, donation, transfer or thing 

of value may be provided directly or through 

an intermediary. Direction does not include 

merely providing information or guidance as to 

the applicability of a particular law or regulation. 

300.2(n). 

Disbursement Any purchase or payment 

made by a political committee or any other person that is subject to the Act. 300.2(d). 

District Party Committee See Local Party 

Committee. 

Earmarked Contribution A contribution 

that the contributor directs (either orally or 

in writing) to a clearly identified candidate or 

authorized committee through an intermediary 

or conduit. Earmarking may take the form of a 

designation, instruction or encumbrance, and it 

may be direct or indirect, express or implied. 

110.6. See Chapter 6. 

Election Any one of several processes by 

which an individual seeks nomination for election, or election, to federal office. They include: 

a primary election, including a caucus or convention that has authority to select a nominee; a 

general election; a runoff election; and a special 

election held to fill a vacant seat. 100.2. 

Election Cycle The period beginning the day 

after the previous general election for a given 

federal office and ending on the date of the 

general election for that office. The number of 

years in an election cycle differs according to the 

federal office sought. The election cycle spans: 
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•	 Two years for House candidates; 

•	 Four years for Presidential candidates; and 

•	 Six years for Senate candidates. 

See 100.3(b). 

Election Year A year in which there are regularly scheduled elections for federal office (i.e., 

even-numbered years). 

Electioneering Communication Any 

broadcast, cable or satellite communication that 

1) refers to a clearly identified federal candidate; 

2) is publicly distributed within certain time periods before an election; and 3) is targeted to the 

relevant electorate. 100.29(a). See Chapter 9. 

Exempt Party Activities Certain candidatesupport activities that state and local party 

groups may undertake without making a contribution or expenditure, provided specific rules 

are followed. 100.80; 100.87; 100.89; 100.140; 

100.147; 100.149. 

Expenditure A purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit, or gift of money 

or anything of value made for the purpose of 

influencing a federal election. A written agreement to make an expenditure is considered an 

expenditure. 100.111(a); 100.112; 114.1(a). 

Express Advocacy Unambiguously advocating 

the election or defeat of a clearly identified federal candidate. There are two ways that a communication can be defined as express advocacy 

(candidate advocacy): by use of certain “explicit 

words of advocacy of election or defeat” and 

by the “only reasonable interpretation” test. 

100.22. See Chapter 9 for further detail. 

FECA The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, 

as amended (52 U.S.C. §§30101-30146). 100.18. 

Sometimes referred to as “the Act.” 

FEC Identification Number Number assigned to a political committee upon registration 

with the FEC. Used for identification purposes 

with the FEC only. This number is not a taxpayer 

identification number. 

Federal Election Activity (FEA) Activity by 

entities, including state, district and local party 

committees, which may be paid for with federal 

or – in the case of the first two types – a combination of federal and Levin funds. The four types 

of federal election activity are as follows: 1) 

Voter registration activity during the period 120 

days before a primary or general election and 

ending on election day itself; 2) Voter identification, get-out-the-vote and generic campaign 

activity conducted in connection with an election in which a federal candidate appears on the 

ballot; 3) A public communication that refers to a 

clearly identified candidate for federal office and 

that promotes, attacks, supports or opposes any 

candidate for federal office. The communication 

does not need to expressly advocate the election 

or defeat of the federal candidate to qualify as 

federal election activity; and 4) Services provided 

during a month by an employee of a state, district or local party committee who spends more 

than 25 percent of his or her compensated time 

during that month on activities in connection 

with a federal election including FEA. 100.24(b). 

Federal Funds Funds that comply with the 

limitations, prohibitions and reporting requirements of the Federal Election Campaign Act 

(FECA). 300.2(g). Corporations, unions, foreign 

nationals, national banks and federal government 

contractors are prohibited from making contributions in connection with a federal election. 

52 U.S.C. §§30118, 30119 and 30121. See also 52 

U.S.C. §30122 prohibiting contributions in the 

name of another. Permissible sources of funds 

for contributions to federal political committees include individuals and entities that are not 

otherwise prohibited. 

Federal Office Includes President, Vice 

President, Senator, and the following members 

of the House of Representatives: Representative, 

Delegate (the District of Columbia, American 

Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Virgin 

Islands) and Resident Commissioner (Puerto 

Rico). 100.4. 
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Foreign National (1) an individual who is not 

a citizen of the United States or a national of the 

United States and has not been lawfully admitted 

to the U.S. for permanent residence, as defined 

in 8 U.S.C. §1101(a)(20); or (2) a foreign principal, 

as defined in 22 U.S.C. §611(b). 110.20(a)(3). 

Generic Campaign Activity A type of federal election activity, as distinguished from voter 

drive activity (see below). Generic campaign activity is a public communication that promotes or 

opposes a political party and does not promote 

or oppose a clearly identified federal candidate 

or a nonfederal candidate. 100.25. 

Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) Activity In 

regard to federal election activity, GOTV activity 

encompasses all means of assisting, encouraging 

or urging potential voters to vote. This activity 

includes, but is not limited to: 

•	 Encouraging or urging potential voters to 

vote, whether by mail (including direct mail), 

e-mail, in person, by telephone (including prerecorded telephone calls, phone banks and 

messaging such as SMS and MMS), or by any 

other means; 

•	 Informing potential voters, whether by mail 

(including direct mail), e-mail, in person, by 

telephone (including pre-recorded telephone 

calls, phone banks and messaging such as SMS 

and MMS), or by any other means, about the 

hours or location of polling places, or about 

early voting or voting by absentee ballot; 

•	 Offering or arranging to transport, or actually 

transporting voters to the polls; 

•	 Any other activity that assists potential voters 

in voting. 100.24(a)(3). For more information, 

see Chapter 8. 

HLOGA The Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007, Pub. L. No. 110-81, 121 Stat. 

735, which amended parts of the FECA. 

Identification For purposes of recordkeeping and reporting, a person’s full name and 

address, and, in the case of an individual, his or 

her occupation (principal job title or position) 

and employer (organization or person by whom 

an individual is employed). 100.12, 100.20 and 

100.21. 

Independent Expenditure An expenditure 

for a communication which expressly advocates 

the election or defeat of a clearly identified 

candidate and which is not made in cooperation, 

consultation, or concert with, or at the request 

or suggestion of any candidate, or his or her 

authorized committees or agents, or a political party committee or its agents. 100.16. See 

Chapter 9. 

In-Kind Contribution A contribution of 

goods, services or property offered free or at 

less than the usual and normal charge. The term 

also includes payments made on behalf of, but 

not directly to, candidates and political committees. 100.52(d). 

Joint Contribution A contribution made by 

more than one person on a single check or other 

written instrument. 110.1(k)(1). 

Joint Fundraising Fundraising conducted 

jointly by a political committee and one or more 

other committees. See Appendix B. 

Labor Organization Any organization, or 

any agency or employee representative committee or plan, in which employees participate and 

which deals with employers on grievances, labor 

disputes, wages, hours of employment or working conditions. 114.1(d). 

Levin Funds A category of funds raised by 

state, district and local party committees that 

may be spent for certain federal election activities. Levin funds are donations from sources ordinarily prohibited by federal law but permitted 

by state law. 300.31 and 300.32. See Chapters 1 

and 8. 

Lobbyist/Registrant A person who is: 

•	 A current registrant under Lobbying Disclosure 

Act; or 

•	 An individual who is named on a current 

registration or report fled under the Lobbying 

Disclosure Act. See 104.22. See also Appendix F. 

Lobbyist/Registrant PAC Any political committee that a lobbyist/registrant “established or 

controls” as defined in 104.22. See Appendix F. 
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Local or District Party Committee A political committee that, by virtue of the bylaws of 

a political party, is responsible for the day-to-day 

operation of a political party at a level lower than 

the state level (e.g., city, county, ward). 100.14(b). 

Local Party Organization Same as Local 

Party Committee except that a local party organization is not a political committee. 

Major Party A political party whose candidate 

in the preceding Presidential election received, as 

the candidate of such party, 25 percent or more 

of the popular vote. 9002.6; 9008.2(c). 

Memo Entry Supplemental or explanatory 

information on a reporting schedule. The dollar amount of a memo entry is not included in 

the total figure for the schedule. A memo entry 

is often used to disclose additional information 

about an itemized transaction that is included in 

the total receipts or disbursements for the current report or a previous report. 

Minor Party A political party whose candidate in the preceding Presidential election received, as the candidate of such party, 5 percent 

or more, but less than 25 percent, of the popular 

vote. 9002.7; 9008.2(d). 

Multicandidate Committee A political 

committee that has been registered at least 6 

months; has more than 50 contributors; and, 

with the exception of state party committees, 

has made contributions to at least 5 candidates 

for federal office. 100.5(e)(3). 

MUR (Matter Under Review) An FEC enforcement action, initiated by a sworn complaint 

or by an internal administrative action. 

National Committee An organization that, 

by virtue of the bylaws of a political party, is 

responsible for the day-to-day operation of the 

political party at the national level, as determined 

by the Commission. 100.13. 

National Party Committee A political 

committee established and maintained by a 

national political party. A party’s national committee, House campaign committee and Senate 

campaign committee are considered national 

party committees, as determined by the Commission. 110.1(c)(2); 110.2(c)(2); 110.3(b)(2). 

Negative Entry A negative amount, shown 

in parentheses on a reporting schedule. The 

amount is subtracted from the total for that 

schedule. 

Net Debts Outstanding The total of a 

campaign’s unpaid debts incurred with respect to 

an election plus estimated costs to liquidate the 

debts plus costs of terminating political activity (if 

appropriate) minus cash on hand and receivables. 

110.1(b)(3)(ii); 110.2(b)(3)(ii). 

New Party A political party that is neither a 

major party nor a minor party. 9002.8; 9008.2(f). 

Nonconnected Committee Any committee that conducts activities in connection with 

an election, but that is not a party committee, 

an authorized committee of any candidate for 

federal election, or a separate segregated fund. 

106.6(a). 

Nonelection Year A year in which there is no 

regularly scheduled federal election (i.e., an oddnumbered year). 

Nonfederal Account An account established 

solely for activity in connection with nonfederal 

(state and local) elections. 102.5(a)(1)(i). 

Nonfederal Election An election for state or 

local office. 

Nonmajor Party A political party that is 

either a minor party or a new party. 

Ongoing Committee A political committee 

that has not terminated and does not qualify as a 

terminating committee. 116.1(b). 

Operating Expenditures A committee’s 

day-to-day expenditures for items such as rent, 

overhead, administration, personnel, equipment, 

travel, advertising and fundraising. 106.1(c). 

Organization Generally used in this guide to 

mean a group that is not a political committee. 
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PAC Acronym for political action committee. 

Party Committee A political committee that 

represents a political party and is part of the official party structure at the national, state or local 

level. 100.5(e)(4). 

Party Coordinated Communication A 

communication that satisfies a similar threeprong test as for a “coordinated communication” 

(see above), except that the first prong requires 

that the communication be paid for by a political 

party committee or its agents. A payment for a 

communication satisfying all three prongs is either an in-kind contribution to, or a “coordinated party expenditure” on behalf of, the candidate 

with whom it was coordinated. 109.37. 

Party Organization Same as Party Committee except that a party organization is not a 

political committee. 

Permissible Funds Funds that do not violate the Act’s limits or prohibitions. See Federal 

Funds. 

Person An individual, partnership or any group 

of persons (such as a political committee, corporation or labor organization), not including the 

federal government. 100.10. 

Political Action Committee (PAC) Popular 

term for a political committee that is neither a 

party committee nor an authorized committee 

of a candidate. PACs directly or indirectly established, administered, or financially supported by 

a corporation or labor organization are called 

separate segregated funds (SSFs). Other PACs 

are called non-connected committees. 

Political Committee An entity that meets 

one of the following conditions: 

•	 A state party committee or nonparty committee (e.g., a nonconnected committee), club, 

association or other group of persons that 

receives contributions or makes expenditures, either of which aggregate over $1,000 

during a calendar year. 

•	 A local unit of a political party that: (1) receives contributions aggregating over $5,000 

during a calendar year; (2) makes contributions or expenditures that aggregate over 

$1,000 during a calendar year; or (3) makes 

payments aggregating over $5,000 during a 

calendar year for exempt party activities. 

•	 An authorized committee of a candidate (see 

defnition of “candidate” and “candidate committee”). 

•	 Any separate segregated fund upon its establishment. 100.5(a)–(d). 

Political Party An association, committee, or 

organization that nominates or selects a candidate 

for election to federal office whose name appears 

on the election ballot as the candidate of the 

organization. 100.15. 

Principal Campaign Committee An authorized committee designated by a candidate as the 

principal committee to raise contributions and 

make expenditures for his or her campaign for 

federal office. 100.5(e)(1). See Authorized Committee 

Prohibited Sources Those entities that are 

prohibited from making contributions or expenditures in connection with, or for the purpose of 

influencing, a federal election. 110.4, 110.20, 114.2 

and 115.2. See Chapter 2. 

Public Communication A communication 

by means of any broadcast, cable, or satellite 

communication, newspaper, magazine, outdoor 

advertising facility, mass mailing (more than 500 

pieces of mail of substantially similar nature within 

any 30-day period) or telephone bank (more than 

500 calls of a substantially similar nature within 

any 30-day period) to the general public, or any 

other form of general public political advertising. The term general public political advertising 

does not include communications made over the 

Internet, except for communications placed for a 

fee on another person’s web site. 100.26, 100.27 

and 100.28. 

Reattributed Contribution The portion of 

an excessive contribution that has been attributed 

in writing to another contributor and signed by 

both contributors. 110.1(k)(3)(ii). See Chapter 3. 

Receipt Anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee. 
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Redesignated Contribution With regard 

to contributions made to candidates, the portion 

of a contribution that has been designated by the 

contributor, in writing, to an election other than 

the one for which the funds were originally given. 

110.1(b)(5). See Chapter 5. 

Refunded Contribution A contribution is 

refunded when the recipient committee deposits the contribution and sends the contributor 

a check for the amount (or a portion) of the 

contribution. 103.3(b). Compare with Returned 

Contribution. 

Reporting Committee For the purposes 

of 11 CFR 104.22, a reporting committee is an 

authorized committee of a federal candidate, a 

Leadership PAC, or a party committee. 104.22. 

See Appendix F. 

Restricted Class The executive and administrative personnel, members and stockholders 

(and the families of each) of a corporation or 

labor organization. 114.1(j). 

Returned Contribution A contribution is 

returned when the recipient committee sends 

the original check (or other negotiable instrument) back to the contributor, without depositing it. 103.3(a). Compare with Refunded Contribution. 

Runoff Election An election held after a 

primary or a general election when no candidate 

wins the previous election. 100.2(d). 

Separate Segregated Fund (SSF) A political committee established, administered or 

financially supported by a corporation or labor 

organization, popularly called a corporate or 

labor political action committee or PAC. 114.1(a) 

(2)(iii). 

Solicit With regard to 11 CFR, part 300, to 

solicit means to ask, request or recommend, 

explicitly or implicitly, that another person make 

a contribution, donation, transfer of funds or 

otherwise provide anything of value. A solicitation is an oral or written communication that, 

construed as reasonably understood in the context in which it is made, contains a clear message 

asking, requesting or recommending that a person 

make a contribution, donation, transfer of funds 

or otherwise provide anything of value. A solicitation may be made directly or indirectly. The 

context includes the conduct of persons involved 

in the communication. A solicitation does not 

include mere statements of political support or 

mere guidance as to the applicability of a particular law or regulation. 300.2(m). 

Special Election A primary, general or runoff election which is not a regularly scheduled 

election and which is held to fill a vacancy in the 

U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate. 

100.2(f). 

State Party Committee An organization that 

by virtue of the bylaws of a political party or the 

operation of state law is part of the official party 

structure and is responsible for the day-to-day 

operation of the political party at the state level, 

including an entity that is directly or indirectly 

established, financed, maintained or controlled by 

that organization, as determined by the Commission. 100.14(a). See Appendix A for information 

on qualifying as a state party committee. 

Subordinate Party Committee Any organization that is at the level of city, county, neighborhood, ward, district, precinct or any subdivision 

of a state, or any organization under the direction 

or control of the state committee, and is directly 

or indirectly established, financed, maintained or 

controlled by the state, district or local committee. 100.14(c). 

Telephone Bank More than 500 telephone 

calls of an identical or substantially similar nature 

within any 30-day period. This does not include 

e-mail or other Internet communications transmitted over telephone lines. 100.28. See Public 

Communication. 

Terminating Committee A political committee that is winding down its activities in preparation for filing a termination report. A terminating 

committee has ceased to make or receive contributions (other than to receive contributions for 

debt retirement purposes) or make expenditures 

other than for payment of debts and windingdown costs. 116.1(a). 
167 

Campaign Guide for Political Party Committees

Appendices

Transfer A payment by one party committee 

to an affiliated committee or to another party 

committee or party organization. 102.6(a)(i) – (ii) 

and 110.3(c)(1). 

Unauthorized Committee A political committee which has not been authorized in writing 

by any candidate to solicit or receive contributions or to make expenditures on behalf of a candidate, or which has not been disavowed under 

100.3(a)(3). 100.5(f)(2). 

Unauthorized Single-Candidate Committee A political committee not authorized by any 

candidate, which makes contributions or expenditures on behalf of only one candidate. 100.5(e) 

(2) and (f)(2). 

Usual and Normal Charge With regard to 

goods, the price of the goods in the market from 

which they ordinarily would have been purchased 

at the time they were provided. With regard to 

services, other than those provided by an unpaid 

volunteer, the hourly or piecework charge for 

the services at the commercially reasonable rate 

prevailing at the time the services were rendered. 100.52(d)(2). 

Voter Drive Activity Voter identification, 

voter registration and get-out-the-vote-drives, or 

any other activities that urge the general public 

to register or vote, or that promote or oppose a 

political party, without promoting any federal or 

nonfederal candidate, that do not qualify as FEA. 

This is a category of allocable activity for mixed 

federal/nonfederal party activity sometimes also 

referred to as a “generic voter drive.” 106.7(c)(5). 

Voter Identification With regard to federal 

election activity, this means acquiring information 

about potential voters, including, but not limited 

to, obtaining voter lists and creating or enhancing voter lists by verifying or adding information 

about the voters’ likelihood of voting in an upcoming election or voting for specific candidates. 

100.24(a)(4). 

Voter Registration Activity In regard to 

federal election activity, voter registration activity encompasses all means of contacting potential voters to assist, encourage or urge them to 

register to vote. This activity includes, but is not 

limited to: 

•	 Encouraging or urging potential voters to 

register to vote, whether by mail (including 

direct mail), e-mail, in person, by telephone 

(including pre-recorded telephone calls, 

phone banks and messaging such as SMS and 

MMS), or by any other means; 

•	 Preparing and distributing information about 

registration and voting; 

•	 Distributing voter registration forms or instructions to potential voters; 

•	 Answering questions about how to complete 

or fle a voter registration form, or assisting 

potential voters in completing or fling such 

forms; 

•	 Submitting or delivering a completed voter 

registration form on behalf of a potential 

voter; 

•	 Offering or arranging to transport, or actually 

transporting potential voters to a board of 

elections or county clerk’s offce for them to 

fll out voter registration forms; or 

•	 Any other activity that assists potential voters 

to register to vote. 100.24(a)(2). For more 

information, see Chapter 8.