Advances by individuals
General rule
When an individual uses personal funds (or personal credit) to pay for a campaign expense, that payment is generally an in-kind contribution from that individual. For example, an in-kind contribution results if a campaign staff member pays for postage, office supplies or campaign materials with personal funds. This rule also applies to payments made by volunteers and by the candidate.
Although such advances are considered in-kind contributions until reimbursed, special reporting rules apply when individuals pay for campaign expenses and later receive reimbursement from the committee. Travel expenses later reimbursed by the committee are treated differently.
Congressional and presidential staff
The Hatch Act prohibits official staff of members of Congress from making a contribution to their employing member’s campaign. As such, it is important for those individuals to avoid advancing any funds to the campaign (for example, buying stamps for a campaign mailing).
Additional provisions of the Hatch Act apply to congressional and presidential staff. For more information, contact the Senate Select Committee on Ethics or the House Committee on Ethics. For information about political activity by federal employees, contact the U.S. Office of Special Counsel.
