Download the printable slides for the above Tutorial for Candidates and Treasurers

Campaign Disclosure Statements

All candidates for public office are required to file campaign disclosure statements.  Additionally, any committee formed to support or oppose a candidate or ballot measure is required to file campaign disclosure statements if $2,000 or more is received or spent in support of or opposition to a candidate or measure.

The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), on an annual basis, issues a booklet entitled Campaign Disclosure Manual.  This booklet is an instructional guide and provides information on who must file, when campaign statements must be filed, where statements are to be filed, etc.

Candidates will find a copy of the current manual and various forms on the FPPC’s website at www.fppc.ca.gov. 

Note: Starting January 1, 2021, all Campaign Disclosure Statements filed with our office will be scanned and posted on our website for public accessibility. Documents will remain available for a period not less than 4 years. (GC§84616)

Disclosure of Contributor Information

No contribution of $100 or more shall be deposited into a campaign checking account unless the name, address, occupation, and employer of the contributor is on file in the records of the recipient of the contribution. 

Campaign Disclosure Forms

Click here to view campaign finance disclosure forms filed by local candidates, starting January 1, 2021. 

The following is a partial listing of the most commonly used FPPC campaign disclosure forms, and a brief explanation of the appropriate usage:

Form 501--Candidate Intention

For use by candidates who and officeholders who intend to raise or spend campaign funds.  The Form 501 must be filed before soliciting or receiving any contributions (including loans).  Such candidates and officeholders also must establish a campaign account at a financial institution in California and file Form 410 within 10 days of opening the account.

Form 410--Statement of Organization/Termination

For use by all "Recipient Committees" and "Candidates" which receive contributions of $2,000 or more during a calendar year.  The Form 410 is also used once a campaign bank account has been established and to terminate your committee status once all filing obligations have been met. 

Effective January 1, 2013, all committees required to file Form 410 must pay a $50 annual fee to the Secretary of State to fund improvements in the electronic filing system.

EXCEPTION:  Forms 410 and 501 and establishment of a campaign account are not required if a candidate does not receive contributions and the only expenditures made will be the candidate's personal funds for a filing fee or statement of qualifications that will appear in the voter ballot pamphlet.

Form 470--Candidate and Officeholder Campaign Statement--Short Form

For use by candidates and officeholders who do not have a controlled committee and who will not receive $2,000 or more during the entire calendar year.

Form 460--Recipient Committee Campaign Statement (For use by all recipient committees)--Long Form

For use by a candidate or officeholder not eligible to file a Form 470 who has a controlled committee, or who has raised or spent or will raise or spend $2,000 or more during a calendar year in connection with election to office or holding office.  The Form 460 is also required if $2,000 or more will be raised or spent during the calendar year at the behest of the officeholder or candidate.

*Please refer to the State of California Information Manual on Campaign Disclosure Provisions of the Political Reform Act for samples of the above forms and information on other forms, and instructions on how to complete the appropriate form(s).

Pre-election Statement

Candidates, officeholders, committees receiving/spending $2,000 in a calendar year, must file campaign disclosure statements for the pre-election period.

Candidate's statements and filing fees are exempt in computing the $1,000 threshold level IF THE MONIES WERE PAID FROM PERSONAL FUNDS, as opposed to campaign contribution funds.  If a candidate spends $2,000 (excluding candidate's statement and/or filing fee), then the candidate's statement charges and/or filing fee are to be included in expenses on FPPC Form 460.

Filing is the Responsibility of Candidate and/or Committee

It is the responsibility of candidates and/or committees to be aware of and to file the required campaign disclosure statements in a timely manner. 

Form 700 -- Statement of Economic Interests

Candidates for elective offices are required to file a Statement of Economic Interests disclosing his or her investments, interests in real property, and business positions held on the date of filing their declaration of candidacy.  In addition, candidates must also report income (including loans, gifts, and travel payments) received during the 12 months prior to the date of filing his/her declaration of candidacy. 

Every person who is elected to an office will be required to file within 30 days a Statement of Economic Interests disclosing his or her investments, interests in real property, and business positions held on the date he or she assumed office.  In addition, he or she must report income (including loans, gifts, and travel payments) received during the 12 months prior to the date he or she assumed office.

Code of Fair Campaign Practices

The elections official is required, at the time the individual files nomination documents or other papers evidencing intention to become a candidate for public office, to provide each candidate with a copy of the "Code of Fair Campaign Practices" provisions and a form on which to subscribe to the Code.

Subscription to the Code is voluntary.  Completed forms are to be filed with the elections official, and shall be retained for public inspection until 30 days after the election.