March 2025 Quarterly Filings Help: What You Need to Know

As a federal candidate, staying on top of your campaign’s financial compliance is essential, and one of the most critical deadlines you’ll face are Quarterly Filings. Ensuring that your reports are accurate and submitted on time not only keeps you compliant with the FEC but also reinforces transparency and credibility with your supporters.

To help you navigate this process, we’ve created a straightforward guide that breaks down what you need to know and how to prepare for a smooth filing experience. Federal candidates are required to submit periodic reports detailing their campaign’s financial activities. The March Quarterly Report covers financial transactions from January 1 - March 31, 2025 and must be filed no later than April 15, 2025. Missing this deadline or submitting inaccurate reports can result in penalties and increased scrutiny from the FEC—something no campaign wants to deal with.

Key Steps to a Successful Quarterly Filing:

1. Organize Your Financial Records. Before filing, ensure all donations, expenditures, and outstanding debts are accurately recorded. 

2. Verify Contribution Limits and Donor Information. Double-check that all received contributions comply with FEC regulations, including individual donor limits and permissible sources. 

3. Reconcile Your Bank Statements. Your campaign’s bank account should match your financial records exactly. Any discrepancies should be resolved before submitting your report.

4. Review Expenditures and Outstanding Debts. Ensure all campaign expenses are categorized correctly and reported transparently. If your campaign has outstanding debts or loans, these must also be disclosed in your filing.

5. Submit Your Report On Time. The deadline for the March/Q1 Quarterly Report is April 15, 2025. Late filings can result in fines, so it is best to submit ahead of time to avoid last-minute technical issues or errors.

Avoid these Common Filing Mistakes!

• Waiting until the last minute: The smartest way to handle compliance is to make a plan to handle it and execute that plan well in advance of the filing deadline. Plan to submit your reports early.

• Inaccurate Contribution Reporting: Ensure all donor details are correct, including name, address, and contribution amount.

• Failing to Report Debts or Loans: Even if you haven’t paid them off yet, outstanding obligations must be disclosed.

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Navigating FEC filings can be overwhelming, but Princeton Strategies is here to help. Our team of compliance experts provides:

• Comprehensive Review & Preparation. We ensure your filings are accurate and complete.

• Deadline Management. Never miss an important FEC deadline again. 

• Customized Compliance Solutions. Tailored support for your campaign’s unique needs.

FAQs: 

1. Who is required to file a March Quarterly Report?

• All federal candidate committees for U.S. House and U.S. Senate races must file a Quarterly Report if they have received contributions or made expenditures during the reporting period (January 1 – March 31, 2025)

2. What happens if I miss the April 15 filing deadline?

• Missing the deadline can result in FEC fines, public scrutiny and potential compliance issues that could hurt your campaign’s credibility. To avoid penalties, it’s crucial to file on time. If you anticipate delays, seek professional compliance assistance.

3. Can I amend my report if I make a mistake?

• Yes! If errors are found after submission, you must file an amended report as soon as possible. The FEC allows corrections but expects timely and accurate reporting.

4. What is the best way to ensure my federal campaign report is accurate?

• Working with a compliance expert can help ensure all contributions, expenditures,, and debts are properly recorded and reported in compliance with FEC regulations.

5. Do I need to disclose small-dollar donations?

• Yes, all contributions must be reported. However, for donors who contribute less than $200 in total during the election cycle, you are not required to include their name, address, and employer information—only the total amount collected from small donors.

6. What if my federal campaign had no financial activity this quarter?

• Even if your campaign had no donations or expenditures, you must still file a report showing zero activity to remain in compliance with FEC rules.

7. Do I need to report in-kind contributions?

• Yes! In-kind contributions (such as donated services, goods, or office space) must be reported just like monetary contributions. The fair market value of the donated item or service should be recorded as both a contribution and an expenditure in your report.

8. How do I report campaign loans and debts?

• If your campaign has taken out loans or has unpaid debts, these must be fully disclosed in your report, including details on the lender, repayment terms and any outstanding balances. Loans from the candidate must also be properly documented.

9. Can I use campaign funds to pay for personal expenses?

• This is a big NO. FEC regulations prohibit the use of campaign funds for personal expenses such as rent, clothing, or personal travel. Misuse of funds can lead to legal consequences and fines. Always ensure that campaign spending is directly related to campaign activities.

10. Where can I find official federal filing resources?

Visit the FEC website (www.fec.gov) for official filing guidelines, deadlines, and tools.

Princeton Strategies offers expert FEC compliance service to handle your federal filings accurately and on time. There’s no need to let compliance derail your campaign. Contact Princeton Strategies today to benefit from our expertise and ensure your quarterly filing is handled with precision and confidence!