Questionable contributions

Treasurers are responsible for examining all contributions to make sure they are not illegal (i.e., from a prohibited source or in an excessive amount). When receiving a contribution of questionable legality, a committee must, within 10 days of the treasurer’s receipt, take one of two steps: return the contribution to the donor without depositing it; or deposit the contribution. If the committee decides to deposit the questionable contribution, it must make sure that the funds are not spent because they may have to be refunded. Within 30 days of the treasurer’s receipt of a possibly prohibited contribution, the committee must make at least one written or oral request for evidence that the contribution is legal. Within these 30 days, the committee must either confirm the legality of the contribution or refund the contribution. For more information, visit our page on questionable contributions.