Handling SSF loans and debts
A loan from a person or committee to a candidate or political committee is a contribution to the extent that it remains unpaid. Once repaid in full, a loan no longer counts against the contributor’s contribution limit.
Unlike other loans, bank loans are not considered contributions if they are made in the ordinary course of business and on a basis that assures repayment.
A corporate vendor may extend credit to a political committee in the ordinary course of business and under substantially similar terms offered to a nonpolitical committee. However, it may not extend credit for a longer period of time than is normally practiced in the creditor’s trade. Any settlement of a debt between a creditor and a political committee for less than the full amount owed must comply with the debt settlement procedures prescribed by FEC rules.
Loans
Loans are considered contributions to the extent of the outstanding balance of the loan.
Loans from banks, however, are not considered contributions if made in the ordinary course of business. Endorsements and guarantees of bank loans, however, do count as contributions.
Continuously itemize and report all loans received and made by the SSF until they are repaid. All repayments made or received on a loan must also be itemized.
Debts
Unpaid bills and written contracts or agreements to make expenditures are considered debts. Regularly recurring administrative expenses like rent and salaries, if paid by the SSF and not by the connected organization, do not have to be reported as debt until payment is overdue. Debts and obligations (other than loans) are reported as debts owed to or by the committee on Schedule D. A debt of $500 or less is reportable once it has been outstanding 60 days from the date incurred (the date of the transaction, not the date the bill is received). A debt exceeding $500 must be reported in the report covering the date on which the debt was incurred.