Factsheets
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Tax information on candidate donations

A tax credit of up to $50.00 per individual or $100.00 for joint filers, may be claimed under Ohio law. Personal contributions made to candidates for the Ohio Legislature and statewide office (such as the Governor) may be claimed on your 2002 personal state income tax return that will be filed in 2003. Eligible contributions must be made to a specific candidate’s campaign committee.

Q. Can I make a political contribution under the Hatch Act?
A. YES!! The Hatch Act does not restrict giving monetary political contributions to the candidate(s) of your choice, within the legal limits. It is your RIGHT and you should exercise it!

Q. Since Statewide candidate contributions are permissible, as an employee of one of the state agencies, can I make a contribution to Taft or Hagan?
A. NO. Contributions cannot be made by public employees to candidates, who if elected, would be their employer. Therefore, an employee that works in an agency under the Governor, could not make a contribution to the Governor or Lt. Governor candidate. Likewise, if an employee who works for the State Treasurer, Auditor, or Attorney General could not make a contribution to those candidates.

Q. Can I make a contribution to more than one candidate?
A. Yes, but you will only be allowed the maximum credit ($50.00 single; $100.00 joint).

Q. Does the income tax credit apply to local government candidates like a mayor or city council?
A. No, only statewide candidates and candidates for the state legislature.

Q. Is this a tax deduction?
A. This is a tax credit as opposed to a deduction. A tax credit is subtracted dollar for dollar against the actual tax you owe, so your state income tax is reduced by the actual amount of your contribution.

SO WRITE YOUR CHECK TODAY! For a list of candidate committees in your area, call your local county party or the OCSEA Governmental Affairs Department at 614-865-2646 or tollfree 1-800-969-4702, ext. 2646.

Note: **Pursusant to Senate Bill 8, passed in April 1995, OCSEA/AFSCME is not allowed to utilize dues money for partisan political campaigns. The information contained in this document is intended for the education of OCSEA/AFSCME Local 11 members.

See Related

GRASSROOTS FACTS - Campaign & Contributions to OCSEA

GRASSROOTS FACTS - Hatch Act defines DOs and DON'Ts for public employees

GRASSROOTS FACTS - ALL

Updated: March 8, 2007 (Source: Oct. 2002)