News & Insights

Campaign Filings and Financial Disclosures Due Soon

By: Steve Roberts, Darby W. Thorne, and Amber Hulse

Throughout April and May candidates for public office face a series of campaign finance filings and public financial disclosures.

Congressional candidates are required under federal law to file a personal financial disclosure once they raise or spend more than $5,000 for a House or Senate election. In odd-numbered years, the form is due by May 15, or within 30 days of the candidate raising that amount, whichever comes second. In election years, the filing is due by May 15 or 30 days before a primary. (Late filings are subject to a $200 fine, with further penalties possible.) Similarly, incumbent Members of the U.S. Senate and House must also file personal financial disclosures by May 15 of each year they continue in that office, with extensions available up to 90 days so long as they are requested by the due date of the underlying filing.

Under federal law, candidates or Members can face a civil penalty or criminal charges over personal financial disclosures if they “knowingly and willfully” fail to file on time or file a false report. More likely, failure to file will result in scrutiny by the press and attacks from their political opponents.

FEC Reports

The FEC requires periodic disclosure of the campaign’s financial information. Campaigns must itemize and disclose certain information for each donor who contributes in excess of $200 per election cycle. 

If you expect to receive or expend an excess of $50,000, you are required to file reports electronically with the FEC, and filing dates are not extended if they fall on a holiday or weekend.  A schedule of current reporting deadlines is below.

2023-2024 FEC Reporting Calendar:

If you have any questions about what disclosures are due for you or your organization, reach out to your Holtzman Vogel contact.