NC Campaign Reporting: Knowing the Deadlines Cold....

ElectaFile Short Summary: Take a moment in the 2024 to know the reporting deadlines cold…For most of us, next deadline is January 26, 2024 (23 Days Away…)

Happy new year from the engine room over at ElectaFile. We’ve written before about how understanding the legislative calendar requires near 4th degree blackbelt expertise on something called the Adjournment Resolution. Study up on this post if you’re a PAC or PAC-adjacent amigo.

For all of the rest of our friends and neighbors, don’t worry! You have some deadlines to get and stay healthy on…The 2023-24 Campaign Finance Reporting Deadlines…

We want all of you to stay locked in on these deadlines because the law is clear if you miss the deadline by even a day, your committee will owe actual campaign funds to the Board of Elections. The Board of Elections has some ability to offer a little grace in the form of a waiver, but by their own admission their hands are somewhat tied.

The righteous path is simple but not easy. Don’t miss these deadlines: Load them into your calendar. Get your smart phone to yell at you if you’re getting close. Here they are:

1. 2023 End of Year Semi Annual Report. This is due January 26, 2024. This is the report that closes the book on the 2nd half of 2023. January 26, 2024 is 23 days away. You can file it today and any time between now and then.

2. 2024 1Q Plus Report. This is due February 27, 2024. This report covers essentially the first six weeks of 2024. We haven’t verified this but our hunch is that this year’s 1Q Plus report is due “early” to get it in before the March primary. Recall that the 2024 primary—because it is a presidential year—is earlier than the typical May primary.

3. 2024 2Q Report. This is due July 10, 2024. That may feel a long way away today but it’ll be here before you know it.

4. 2024 3Q Plus Report. This is due October 29, 2024. This occurs right before the General Election so folks can see what money is coming and going.

5. 2024 4Q Report. This is due January 10, 2025. We’ll all be older then and that’s a year a way, but plug it into your calendar and you’re future self will thank you later!

A few watch words as you drive forward:

1. Our recommendation is start the paperwork before the last day. You can start drafting your report on ElectaFile today. Get after it. The field goal metaphor works…in end game situations, you’ll see teams kick the field goal on 3d down in case there’s a bad snap. They can always come back on 4th down. Do it that way here, too.

2. File a timely report no matter what. We’ve talked before about treasurers having their work cut off for them to document certain expenses and receipts along with donor and payee information. We’re fan of the “Game of Clue” metaphor that long time listeners of the program will remember fondly. Even if you don’t have complete data, file a report containing all of the accurate data you have…you can always come back and file an amendment. This is key. Do not miss the deadlines!

Go get ‘em this year. 2024 is a big year!

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What is ElectaFile.com? ElectaFile offers easy and affordable electronic "click to file" services with the NC State Board and County Boards. ElectaFile is web-based and accessible from Macs and PCs with an internet connection. You only pay a small fee if you file using ElectaFile. If you need a free consultation on your situation, please let us know. If ElectaFile can help, it will. We are not your treasurer or your lawyer. If you need a professional treasurer or an attorney, ElectaFile regularly refers folks to professionals on all sides of the aisle