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Federal Election Commission | United States of America

Taking in receipts

Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee. Authorized committees take in all receipts for a candidate’s campaign. Receipts include both contributions and other forms of support.

Once the treasurer (or authorized agent) receives a receipt, he or she must deposit it within 10 days. Contributions not deposited within 10 days must be returned to their donors.

Contributions

Contributions include things like money and gifts that are given to influence a federal election.

Other sources of income and support

In addition to contributions, candidates can receive several other types of support or income, including:

Outside spending

In addition to direct contributions, outside groups may support or oppose candidates by making additional expenditures or disbursements.

This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public.

The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions and applicable court decisions.