FEC explains how non‑connected PACs must register after $1,000 in receipts or spending

An Information Division presenter for the Federal Election Commission (FEC) outlined how non‑connected political action committees (PACs) must register once they exceed a $1,000 threshold in contributions or expenditures.

The presenter said a committee that makes contributions or expenditures totaling more than $1,000 in a calendar year must register as a political committee and has 10 days to file a Statement of Organization (FEC Form 1). "At that point, the pack has 10 days to register with the FEC by filing a statement of organization FEC form one," the presenter said, adding that "it's easiest to file form one using our online web form."

The guidance walks filers through key entries on Form 1. Line 1 must list the committee name and mailing address and include an email address; the FEC corresponds primarily by email and a committee cannot file electronically without one. Committees should provide a website address if available. Line 2 should show the date the committee crossed the $1,000 threshold; new committees should leave Line 3 blank and mark the form as "new" on Line 4 so the FEC assigns an identification number. The treasurer must sign and date the bottom of page one.

For non‑connected PACs, filers generally complete Section F on page two, the presenter said. The presentation distinguishes other committee types: independent expenditure‑only committees (commonly called "super PACs") use box G, and hybrid committees with both contribution and non‑contribution accounts use box H. Filers with affiliated committees must list those on Line 6; affiliated committees "are treated as if they were one committee for purposes of the federal campaign finance laws" and therefore share contribution limits, the presenter said.

Form 1 also requires the name, mailing address, and title of the custodian of records and the treasurer's name and address. The FEC recommends naming a designated agent or assistant treasurer to serve if the treasurer is unavailable; that alternate is listed at the top of page 4. Committees must maintain at least one checking account through which all federal funds pass, and because Form 1 is public, filers should not include bank routing or account numbers on the form.

After the FEC receives and processes a Statement of Organization, the commission will email the address provided on the form with the committee's FEC identification number, the contact information for a reports analyst, and links to compliance materials, including the campaign guide for non‑connected committees, FEC Form 3X, "the act and commission regulations," and reporting schedules, the presenter said. For additional help, the presenter directed viewers to www.fec.gov, the FEC toll‑free information line at 1‑800‑424‑9530, and info@fec.gov.

The presentation is intended as compliance guidance for organizers considering or operating a non‑connected PAC and points viewers to the FEC's website and staff for further assistance.