| Organizing a Candidate's Committee for: |
| Step One: Setting Up Your Candidate's Committee with OCPF |
- Appoint a Chairman and a Treasurer for your committee.
- Download and complete the Form CPF 101: Statement
of organization for a candidate's committee. Bring in or mail the completed form to OCPF to
receive your CPF ID number and password to the Electronic Filing System
(EFS).
- Download and install Reporter 4, OCPF's free reporting
software.
|
| Step Two: Setting Up Your Bank Account |
- Your bank may ask you for a copy of your completed Statement of Organization (CPF 101).
- Candidates should contact their banks in advance for further information about the bank's
requirements to open a campaign account. Unlike the Depository system, the campaign finance law
does not have any special requirements about the type of account you open and your bank will not have
any campaign finance reporting requirements.
- 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.
- 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-89-02: Information on
obtaining a Federal ID number and filing tax returns for political committees.
|
| Step Three: Commence Recordkeeping and Reporting |
- Once your committee is established, you will need to start reporting your campaign finance activity.
If you expect to exceed, or do exceed, the electronic filing threshold, all
of your reports will be submitted electronically to OCPF according to this
reporting schedule. If you do not exceed the e-filing
threshold, you may use either the Reporter software to prepare and print your reports or may download
and complete the Form CPF 102 ND: Campaign finance
reporting form for non-depository candidates and committees.
(Instructions).
- 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.
- Additional Help / Information:
- Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates for the General
Court.
- Contribution Limits Chart.
- Public Employees and Campaigns: A Fact Sheet.
- OCPF Memorandum M-90-01: Treatment of
Reimbursements and Loans.
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