skip navigation
Here's how you know US flag signifying that this is a United States Federal Government website

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

SSL

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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

Spending with (an acceptable) purpose

June 6, 2007

Whenever an expenditure is itemized on an FEC report, a complete and specific description of the purpose of the expenditure must be disclosed. Certain descriptions and phrases, such as "admin.," "consulting" and "professional services" are inadequate. The FEC has published an updated list of inadequate purpose descriptions for use by treasurers.

Read next:

Get Prepared Now to E-File this Summer

More Tips for Treasurers »

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.