Who can and can't contribute to a nonconnected PAC
Who can contribute to a traditional nonconnected PAC
Individuals
An individual may make contributions to political committees, subject to limitations.
Minors
- The decision to contribute is made knowingly and voluntarily by the minor;
- The funds, goods or services contributed are owned or controlled by the minor, proceeds from a trust for which he or she is a beneficiary or funds withdrawn by the minor from a financial account opened and maintained in his or her name; and
- The contribution is not made using funds given to the minor as a gift for the purpose of making the contribution, and is not in any way controlled by another individual.
Partnerships and limited liability companies (LLCs)
Partnerships are permitted to make contributions according to special rules. Likewise, if an LLC is taxed as a partnership, it is subject to the contribution limits for partnerships.
Who can’t contribute to a traditional nonconnected PAC
Corporations and labor organizations
The Act prohibits corporations and labor organizations from making contributions and expenditures in connection with federal elections.
This prohibition applies to all types of incorporated organizations, except political committees that incorporate only for liability purposes.
The transactions described result in prohibited corporate or labor contributions and therefore must be avoided.
Use of general treasury funds
Corporations and labor organizations may not use their general treasury funds to make contributions to political committees or candidates.
In addition, national banks and federally chartered corporations may not make contributions in connection with any U.S. election—federal, state or local.
Reimbursements of contributions
A corporation or labor organization may not reimburse individuals who make contributions to a political committee.
Extensions of credit
A corporate vendor may not extend credit to a political committee for a longer period of time than is normally practiced in the creditor’s trade. (Credit is permissible only if it is extended in the ordinary course of business.)
When a political committee fails to pay a debt owed to a corporate vendor within the time specified by the vendor, a prohibited contribution by the vendor may result if:
- The vendor fails to make a commercially reasonable attempt to collect a debt from the committee; or
- The terms of the credit were not substantially similar to similar extensions of credit by the vendor to nonpolitical clients.
Any settlement of a debt between a creditor and a political committee for less than the full amount owed must comply with the debt settlement procedures prescribed by FEC rules.
Discounts
If a corporation or labor organization sells goods or services to a political committee at a price below the usual and normal charge, a prohibited contribution results in the amount of the discount. A reduced price is not considered a contribution, however, if it is offered by the vendor in the ordinary course of business and at the same amount charged to nonpolitical clients.
Compensation for services
If a corporation or labor organization pays for services rendered to a nonconnected committee, a prohibited contribution results. There is an exception, however, for legal and accounting services.
Federal government contractors
Political committees and candidates may not accept contributions from federal government contractors.
Foreign nationals
Federal law prohibits contributions, donations, expenditures(including independent expenditures) and disbursements solicited, directed, received or made directly or indirectly by or from foreign nationals in connection with any federal, state or local election.
Contributions in the name of another
Contributions by one person in the name of another person are prohibited. This means that no one may make or help someone to make a contribution in the name of another. Knowingly accepting a contribution in the name of another is also prohibited.
Who can and can’t contribute to a Super PAC or Hybrid PAC
Political committees that make only independent expenditures may solicit and accept unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations, labor organizations and other political committees. They may not accept contributions from foreign nationals, federal contractors, national banks or federally chartered corporations.
