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

Using adequate purposes for disbursements

June 3, 2024

When reporting disbursements, political committees must describe the purpose of each payment. As a general rule, filers should consider whether a person who is not associated with the committee could easily discern why the disbursement was made by reading the name of the recipient and the purpose listed on the report.

The Commission publishes a list of adequate and inadequate purposes on its website, along with more information about reporting disbursements.

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In-home event exemptions for candidates and parties

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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.