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Forming a campaign committee

Your campaign needs its own name, its own money trail and someone responsible for the books. Here is how small local campaigns usually set that up, in the right order.

Updated · 7 min read

A campaign committee sounds like a room full of people. For most local races, it is much simpler: a registered name, a person responsible for the money, a tax ID number and a bank account that holds nothing but campaign funds. Sometimes the candidate and the committee are nearly the same thing on paper.

What matters is keeping campaign money completely separate from your personal money, with a clean record of every dollar in and out. Get that right from the first day and the rest of your reporting gets much easier.

What a campaign committee is

A candidate committee is the legal home for your campaign's money. Depending on your state, you may have to register it with the state ethics commission, the secretary of state, a county election office or a city clerk. Some states call it a committee; others simply register the candidate and the campaign account.

The rules about when you must register vary. Some states tie it to the moment you file for office. Others tie it to when you first raise or spend a set amount of money. A few require paperwork before you collect a single contribution or petition signature.

The usual order of steps

  1. Check your state's rules first. Find out whether you must register a committee, name a treasurer or designate a bank before you raise or spend money.
  2. Choose a committee name. Many campaigns use a simple form like "Friends of Jane Doe" or "Jane Doe for County Council." Your state may have naming rules.
  3. Name a treasurer. Decide who will keep the books and sign reports.
  4. Get an EIN from the IRS. This is the committee's federal tax ID number.
  5. Open a separate bank account. Use the committee name and EIN.
  6. Register or file required forms with your state or local agency.
  7. Set up your recordkeeping before the first contribution comes in.

Your state may require a different order. Florida is a good example: Citrus County's 2026 candidate guide says the form appointing a campaign treasurer and designating a campaign depository must be filed before opening a campaign account or collecting petition signatures.

Choosing a treasurer

The treasurer tracks contributions and spending, keeps receipts and helps prepare finance reports. In some states, candidates may serve as their own treasurer. In others, it must be someone else. Check before you decide.

Look for someone who is organized, honest and calm about deadlines. Bookkeeping experience helps, but reliability matters more. Make sure they understand that reports are public and that mistakes can carry fines. Our guide to building a small campaign team covers how to ask.

Getting an EIN from the IRS

An Employer Identification Number, or EIN, is a nine-digit federal tax ID. The IRS says a political organization may be required to get one even if it has no employees. A bank may also ask for one when you open the campaign account.

Applying is free. According to the IRS, you can get an EIN directly from the agency in minutes by applying online. Mailed applications take about four weeks and faxed ones about four business days. The IRS's own advice is simple: don't pay for an EIN. If a website asks for a fee, you are not on the IRS site. Start at irs.gov's EIN page.

Other IRS forms you may hear about

The IRS lists committees of state or local candidates among the groups that are not required to file Form 8871, the notice of political organization status. Separately, a political organization with taxable income after a $100 specific deduction must file Form 1120-POL. The IRS treats contributions of money and property set aside for campaign purposes as exempt function income, which is not part of that taxable income. Ask a tax professional how this applies to you.

Opening a separate bank account

A dedicated campaign account is the single most useful habit in campaign finance. Every contribution goes in. Every expense comes out. Your bank statements become a second record that backs up your reports.

In some states it is the law. South Carolina's State Ethics Commission tells candidates to open a campaign checking account if they spend any money on their race, even their own, and says failing to do so is a violation of state law. The commission also advises candidates not to withdraw more than $100 in cash from the account and to pay expenses by check or card. And it reminds candidates that campaign money can't pay for personal expenses like meals, clothes or gas.

When you call the bank, ask:

  • What documents they need for a political campaign account.
  • Whether there are monthly fees or minimum balances.
  • Whether the treasurer can be a signer.
  • How to get statements and check images for your records.
  • How to close the account when the campaign ends.

Your committee name and online presence

The name you register often shows up on bank records, "paid for by" lines and finance reports. Pick one you'll be happy to see everywhere. A website address that matches makes you easier to find. If you want help brainstorming, CandidateLaunch has a free campaign domain idea tool. For disclaimer wording, see paid-for-by disclaimers basics.

Your next steps

Once the account is open, set up a simple system for receipts and contributor information. Read campaign recordkeeping basics and campaign finance reports explained so you know what your reports will ask for before the first deadline arrives.

Common questions

Does my campaign need an EIN?

Often, yes. The IRS says a political organization may be required to get an employer identification number even if it has no employees, and a bank may ask for one when you open a campaign account. You can get an EIN free from the IRS.

Do I have to pay to get an EIN?

No. The IRS issues EINs for free, and online applicants can get one in minutes. Be wary of websites that charge a fee to apply for you.

Can I use my personal bank account for campaign money?

Some states say no. South Carolina's State Ethics Commission, for example, says failing to open a campaign checking account is a violation of state law, and that all contributions go in and all expenditures come out of that account.

Does a local campaign file IRS Form 8871?

The IRS lists committees of state or local candidates among the organizations that are not required to file Form 8871. A political organization may still owe Form 1120-POL in some years, so ask a tax professional.

Sources

Rules change. Always confirm with your own state and local election offices.

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