HotTip-- FEC Efiling Tips

With FEC deadlines approaching, we’d like to remind you to give yourself time to file your report!

Often on the day a FEC report is due, clients will call about not being able to file their FEC report.  This happens because the FEC server, which is processing all those FEC reports, becomes overloaded.  The FEC has sent out a email clarifying that. ”r;An electronic filing is not time/date stamped until it is completely received and validated  by the electronic filing system,” which means if they have trouble accepting it due to server overload it may take several hours to upload completely and it will be considered late!
 

Since this is a FEC issue, CompleteCampaigns.com can’t do anything to fix the problem but, we have some recommendations to prevent this from happening.

1.       Start the report at least 2 weeks in advance to check for errors, etc.:  If you run and check the report at least 2 weeks in advance, you can resolve errors, add missing items, etc, faster. This leaves you more time to work on efiling the report on the day that it is due.

2.       Make sure you have your FEC passwords! CompleteCampaigns.com does not have the passwords that are issued by the FEC.  If you do not have the password, contact your treasurer of record since they would have received one. If you’re the treasurer and a new committee, you will need to contact the FEC to receive an efiling password.

3.       FEC reports are sometimes due on weekends:  Sometimes the FEC report is due over the weekend.  If this is the case, keep in mind that the FEC closes at 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time.  If you need help from your FEC Analyst, will need to contact them before that Friday at 5:00pm EST.

4.       FEC report is always due by 12:00pm Eastern Standard Time:  Anything past 12:01pm EST is considered late and you are subject to fines by the FEC.  Try submitting your e-filing a few hours before the filing deadline time. If FEC server becomes overloaded and prevents you from e-filing your report, this will give you a cushion of time to still submit the report.

5.       Amendments can wait. Always file the report that is currently due first. This is especially important to remember if the FEC server is having problems.  Make your first concern the report due at the moment, and file the amendments the following day when the FEC is not so overwhelmed.

Keep these recommendations in mind when filing your report. We hope that your filing day goes smoothly and let us know if there is something we can help you with.