Berkeley officials outline 24‑hour and pre‑election reporting windows and NetFile requirements

Workshop presenters stressed multiple reporting timelines that committees must follow as an election approaches.

"If you have received any contributions, since August 5, that are 1000 dollars or more, those should have been reported within 24 hours," Newmanville said while describing Berkeley's 24‑hour reporting requirement for large late contributions. He also listed the first and second pre‑election reports due Sept. 24 and Oct. 22, and reminded attendees that late contributions reported on Form 497 must still be reported again on the next Form 460 filing.

Packard outlined the distinctions between the late-contribution thresholds that trigger Form 497 and the major-donor thresholds (Form 497/461/Form 497 family): a $1,000+ contribution in the 90‑day window triggers 24‑hour reporting, and contributions over $5,000 trigger major-donor notices. The presenters emphasized filing promptly to avoid per‑day late fees and potential additional penalties from the local commission.