Protecting the integrity of the federal campaign finance process

Corporations and labor organizations can’t make contributions to federal candidates, but they can establish and administer a special kind of political committee, called a separate segregated fund (SSF).

Registering as an SSF

Filing SSF reports

Political action committees (PACs)

Groups that want to set up a PAC and aren't a candidate’s authorized committee, a political party committee or an SSF can set up a type of PAC called a nonconnected committee.

Registering as a PAC

Keeping PAC records

Taking in receipts as a PAC

Filing PAC reports

Making disbursements as a PAC

Handling PAC loans, debts and advances

Terminating a committee

Political party committees

Political party committees represent a political party at a local, state or national level.

Registering as a political party

Keeping party records

Taking in receipts as a party

Filing political party reports

Making disbursements as a party

Handling party loans, debts and advances

Terminating a committee

Introduction to campaign finance and elections

A Citizen's Guide to Supporting Candidates

The FEC maintains financial data for past and current elections and the candidates in those races

Find by ZIP code

Find by state and district

There are different limits to how much contributors can give to candidates , parties and political action committees (PACs)
Find 2017–2018 contribution limits »
Every state has its own procedures for voting day activities and voter registration
Find voting guidance by state »

Legal resources

Campaign finance laws and rules are found in the U.S. Code and the Code of Federal Regulations

Search or browse statutes and regulations

The FEC publishes information about ongoing and closed court cases

Browse campaign finance litigation »

The Commission issues guidance about specific situations through advisory opinions

Search advisory opinions »

The Commission has a variety of methods for responding to possible election law violations

Learn more about enforcement »

Read about the process for filing a complaint »

Commissioners

Established in 1975, the FEC is composed of six Commissioners who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. By law, no more than three can represent the same political party.

Learn more about the FEC's history and mission »