Candidates for these offices are part of the Depository reporting system.  These candidates must designate a depository financial institution and conduct their campaign finance activity through a depository bank account.  Additionally, their financial institutions must file regular reports with OCPF.

• You will need to download and complete these forms -- Forms CPF D103 and D104 (Appointment of depository).  Your bank may ask you for copies of these completed forms.
  
  
• Candidates and committees should consult with their designated depository financial institutions for information about the bank's requirements to open a campaign account.  Many banks require committees to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to open a campaign account.  The IRS allows you to apply for an EIN online.
  
  
• The campaign finance law requires that special checks be used for a Depository campaign account.  Click here to view a sample depository check.  (For more information, see OCPF Memorandum M-90-04 below).
  
  
• Candidates and committees should also consult the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for information on any state tax requirements that may be applicable.
  
  
• Additional Help / Information:
  
  
  • OCPF Memorandum M-90-05: Instructions for candidates on the use of depository bank accounts.
    
    
  • OCPF Memorandum M-90-04: Information for banks designated as depositories for campaign funds under M.G.L. c. 55.
    
    
  • OCPF Memorandum M-89-02: Information on obtaining a Federal ID number and filing tax returns for political committees.

• Appoint a Chairman and a Treasurer for your committee.
  
  
• Download and complete Form CPF 101: Statement of organization for a candidate's committee.
  
  
• Prepare and file an Initial Report.  An Initial Report is used to disclose any fundraising or spending activity that occurred prior to the opening of the depository bank account.  The beginning date of the Initial Report is:
  
  
  • the day after the ending date of the last report filed with OCPF, if you have previously filed with OCPF;
    
    
  • the day after the date of the last election for the office sought, if you have never filed with OCPF; or
    
    
  • January 1st, if the beginning balance is zero.
    
    
  The ending date of the Initial Report is the date the depository bank account was opened.
  
  To file your Initial Report, you can:
  
  
  • Download and install Reporter 5, OCPF's campaign finance reporting software;
    
    
  • Use Web Reporter, OCPF's online reporting application; or
    
    
  • Download and complete Form CPF D102: Campaign Finance Reporting Form -- Initial Report (Instructions).
    
    
• Bring in or mail the completed 101, D103 and D104 forms to OCPF.  The Initial Report (D102) can be brought in, mailed or e-filed.

• Electronic Filing:  Statewide and Governor's Council candidates who exceed the electronic filing threshold and all county and city candidates must electronically file their reports. You will need to decide which method of electronic filing you wish to use:
  
  
  • You can download and install Reporter 5, OCPF's free reporting software, or
    
    
  • You can log on to Web Reporter, OCPF's online filing system to file your reports.  If you elect to use Web Reporter, you do not need to download or install any software on your computer.
    
    
  NOTE:  Reporter 5 is designed for PCs, if you use a Mac, you must use Web Reporter.
  
  
• If you are a new candidate, you will need to start reporting your receipts with a Deposit Report for the initial deposit to open your campaign account.  Thereafter, you and your depository bank will follow a monthly reporting schedule for your deposit and expenditure activities.  Depository candidates also file a year-end report by January 20th of the following year.  The year-end report summarizes all deposit and expenditure activity for the year, and provides information about any savings accounts (and balances), in-kind contributions received or liabilities incurred during the year.  A worksheet is available to assist you in completing your year-end report (D102).
  
  
• Recordkeeping:  Candidates and committees must maintain detailed accounts of all contributions received and all expenditures made.  These records must be kept separate and distinct from any other accounts or records and must be preserved for 6 years from the relevant election.
  
  
• The campaign finance law requires that all campaign finance activity be conducted through the depository campaign account.
  
  
• Additional Help / Information:
  
  
  • Campaign Finance Guide for Statewide, County and Other "Depository" Candidates.
    
    
  • Contribution Limits Chart.
    
    
  • Public Employees and Campaigns: A Fact Sheet.
    
    
  • OCPF Memorandum M-90-01: Treatment of Reimbursements and Loans.
    
    
  • OCPF Memorandum M-92-02: Statement of Specific Purpose for Depository Checks.