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HOME / QUICK ANSWERS / FILING QUESTIONS

Quick Answers to Filing Questions

This page provides answers to frequently asked filing questions.  If you don't find an answer to your question here, please contact the FEC's Information Division, toll free at 800-424-9530 or by e-mail at info@fec.gov. Committee staff may also speak with the Campaign Finance Analyst who reviews the committee's reports by calling the Reports Analysis Division, toll free at 800-424-9530 (press 5). Additionally, electronic filers may contact the Commission's Electronic Filing Office for technical assistance, toll free at 800-424-9530 (press 4).

The PDF files linked on this web page may be viewed or printed using the free Acrobat Reader available from Adobe.

 

When is my next report due?

Committees filing with the FEC generally submit reports on a quarterly or monthly schedule. Quarterly reports cover the calendar quarters and are due on April 15, July 15, October 15 and January 31. Monthly reports cover the calendar months and are typically due on the 20th day of the following month. For additional information, please visit our Reporting Dates web page or the FEC Calendar.

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Where do I get forms?

Registration and reporting forms are available on the FEC web site (click here), via our automated Faxline (call 202-501-3413) and by mail (call 800-424-9530). Electronic filers may download free FECFile software from our Electronic Filing web page.

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Where do I send my FEC forms?

All committees, except those that support only Senate candidates, file with the FEC:

Federal Election Commission
999 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20463

Senate campaigns and other committees that support only Senate candidates file with the Secretary of the Senate:

Hand Delivery:
Secretary of the Senate
Office of Public Records
232 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-7116
Mailing Address:
Office of Public Records
P.O. Box 5109
Alexandria, VA 22301-0109

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What happens if I file my report late?

Under the FEC's Administrative Fine Program, failure to file reports on time could result in penalties ranging from $30 to $16,000 (or more for repeat late- and non-filers).

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Can I get a filing extension?

No. The Commission does not have statutory authority to extend any filing deadlines.  All reports and other filings are due on or before the established filing deadline.

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Do I need to file electronically?

If your committee raises or spends more than $50,000 in a calendar year or has reason to expect to do so, you must file electronically.  If not, you may choose to file electronically, but are not required to do so. (Note: The mandatory electronic filing rules do not apply to Senate candidates or other committees that file with the Secretary of the Senate. Senate campaigns must file their official reports on paper.)  Click here for more information on electronic filing.

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