Advances of personal funds for nonconnected PAC expenses

When an individual uses his or her personal funds (or personal credit) to pay for a committee expense, that payment is generally an in-kind contribution from that individual.

For example, an in-kind contribution results if a committee staff member or volunteer pays for postage, office supplies or campaign materials with his or her personal funds. Non-travel advances that are later reimbursed are considered contributions so long as they are outstanding.

However, an advance is not considered a contribution if the payment is for campaign travel expenses and is reimbursed within 30 days of the date the expense is incurred or, in the case of credit card purchases, within 60 days of the closing date of the billing statement on which the charges first appear.

Special reporting rules apply when individuals pay for committee expenses and later receive reimbursement from the committee.