What is a Political Action Committee?

Political Action Committee (or PAC) is defined as “Any committee, club association, partnership, corporation, labor union, or other group of persons which receives donations during a calendar year from persons who are members or supporters of the committee and which contributes funds to one or more candidates for public office or campaign committees of candidates for public office.” Reference 21-5-3(20), 21-5-30.2(a)(4)

When does a PAC have to register in Georgia?

PACs need to register on an annual basis, but are not required to register until the PAC has made $25,000 of contributions and/or expenditures (in the aggregate) in a calendar year to Georgia candidates.”

Filings and Responsibilities for PACs

• PACs must keep campaign records and document all contributions and expenditures, even before the $25,000 filing threshold is reached
• Once $25k threshold is reached, PAC must
  • File Form RO (Registration Form for a Campaign Committee Other than Candidate) ^[1]
  • For first time registrants, PIN Application for e-filing CCDR (Non Candidate Committee) ^[1]
  • Begin filing Campaign Contribution Disclosure Reports (CCDR) according to the filing schedule below

Filing Schedule for Political Action Committee (also political party, individual donors)

Once $25,000 threshold is exceeded, PAC (also political party, individual donors) must file reports at the same times as the candidates it supports. Reference 21-5-34(e)

In a Non-election year:

• PAC must file reports on June 30 and December 31 (2 reports)

In an Election year: REGULAR ELECTION

• PAC must file reports on March 31, June 30, September 30, October 25, and December 31 (5 reports)
• If candidate is listed on the ballot for run-off primary election, file report Six days before run-off primary election (1 report)
• If a candidate is listed on the ballot for a general run-off election, file report Six days befor run-off election

In an Election year: SPECIAL ELECTION

• If PAC contributes to a candidate in a special primary, PAC must file report 15 days before the special primary
• If PAC contributes to a candidate in a special primary runoff, PAC must file report 6 days before the special primary runoff
• If PAC contributes to a candidate in a special election, PAC must file report 15 days before the special election
• If PAC contributes to a candidate in a special election runoff, PAC must file report 6 days before the special election runoff.