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Federal Election Commission | United States of America

How to handle disputed debts

A disputed debt is a bona fide disagreement between the creditor and the committee as to the existence of a debt or the amount owed by the committee. If the creditor provided something of value, notwithstanding the dispute, then 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.

The committee may also note on the report that disclosure of a disputed debt is not an admission of liability or a waiver of any claims against the creditor. Once a dispute is resolved, the committee should report the correct amount on the next report, along with a statement explaining that the dispute was resolved.

From the FEC Record

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Legal citations

Regulations

11 CFR 116.1(d)
Definitions - disputed debt

11 CFR 116.10
Disputed debt

This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public.

The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions and applicable court decisions.