How to Start a PAC

Starting a PAC takes commitment and a determination to fund raise.

A PAC, or Political Action Committees, is an organization that conducts fundraisers in order to contribute money to political candidates or political parties they support. PACs can be affiliated to businesses, political candidates, political parties, labor unions, trade associations or other organizations; however, they can also be set up as non-connected committes that stand alone rather than become affiliated. Either way, the steps involved in starting a PAC will be the same.

Instructions

1. Fund-raise through the Federal Election Commission to begin with. Visit fec.gov. If you want to start a state PAC, the Secretary of State will be the jurisdiction in question.

2. Set up the typical organization structure of an organization. You will need a board of directors and executives, which must include a treasurer to file all donation transactions and keep track of funds raised and budgets. File articles of incorporation by writing out bylaws that outline your PAC's objectives, structure and officers' duties. Your PAC will be a nonprofit business in legal regards.

3. Open up two different business checking accounts under your PAC's name. One should be used for funding the PAC's activities and the other should be used to collect donations. The treasurer should be the main authorized user of both accounts. Secondary users can consist of one or two of the other officers.

4. Collect the forms and supporting documentation you will need to file with the relevant regulator. If your PAC pertains to a presidential election, you will need the FEC Form 1 document. On this form, you will be required to fill out information pertaining to the officers of your PAC and the bank accounts attached to the PAC. You will also need a SSF form for federal election-related PACs, though you do not need to file it until 10 days after your PAC has made its first expenditure. If your PAC pertains to a state election, find the appropriate forms from the state election commission.

5. File an SS-4 IRS Form to receive a federal tax ID number for your PAC.

6. Begin fundraising by creating a website for your PAC and linking a method for donors to contribute. Promote your PAC using business cards, advertisements, newsletters and by using other promotional tools.

References

• Local Victory: "Pros and Cons of Starting Your Own PAC"
• "Inside the World of Political Action Committees"; Larry J. Sabato; 1984
• Federal Election Commission: PAC Q & A