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Federal Election Commission | United States of America
  • Tips for Treasurers

Contributions to Retire Debts

November 17, 2008

Campaigns with net debts outstanding (i.e., more debt than cash on hand) after an election is over may accept contributions to retire the debt. Such contributions must be properly designated (e.g., 2008 general debt) and may not exceed the contributor's limit for the designated election. Click here for an example of a properly reported contribution that was designated to retire debt. Undesignated contributions received by a campaign count towards the limit for the candidate's next election (e.g., the 2010 primary for a House candidate). While those funds could be used to retire debt, a campaign with net debts outstanding may choose to ask the contributor to redesignate the contribution for 2008 general debt retirement, provided that redesignation does not cause the donor to exceed his/her limit for that election. Click here for an example of a properly reported redesignation of a contribution. For more information on the rules for raising money to retire debts, see Chapter 4, page 25, in the Campaign Guide for Congressional Candidates and Committees.

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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.