0703 Publ 4216 (PDF) — verbatim text

Official source: IRS Forms, Instructions & Publications (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4216.pdf), retrieved 2026-10-03. U.S. Government work (17 U.S.C. § 105).

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure¶

Filing Process User Guide¶

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Exceptions & meaning →

Table of Contents¶

1.0 INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................5 1.1 Purpose..............................................................................................................5 1.2 How to Use this Guide........................................................................................5

2.0 POLITICAL ORGANIZATION FILING AND DISCLOSURE LANDING PAGE...........................................................................................................6 2.1 Purpose of the Political Organization Filing and Disclosure Landing Page .........6 2.2 Filing and Disclosure Landing Page Display.......................................................6 2.3 Procedure...........................................................................................................7

3.0 USER AUTHENTICATION PAGE ...............................................................8 3.1 Purpose of the User Authentication Page...........................................................8 3.2 POFD User Authentication Page Display............................................................8 3.3 Procedure...........................................................................................................9

4.0 INITIAL FORM 8871 PAGE.......................................................................10 4.1 Purpose of the Initial Form 8871 Page .............................................................10 4.2 Initial 8871 Form Page Display.........................................................................10 4.3 Procedure.........................................................................................................11 4.3.1 Step I General Information....................................................................................... 12 4.3.2 Step I Procedure...................................................................................................... 13 4.3.3 Step II: Notification of Claim of Exemption from Filing Certain Forms .................... 17 4.3.4 Step II Procedure..................................................................................................... 17 4.3.5 Step III: Purpose ...................................................................................................... 19 4.3.6 Step III Procedure.................................................................................................... 19 4.3.7 Step IV: List of All Related Entities .......................................................................... 20 4.3.8 Step IV Procedure.................................................................................................... 21 4.3.9 Step V: List of All Officers, Directors, and Highly Compensated Employees.......... 23 4.3.10 Step V Procedure..................................................................................................... 24 4.3.11 Step VI: Submit........................................................................................................ 26 4.3.12 Step VI Procedure.................................................................................................... 26

5.0 INITIAL FORM 8871 CONFIRMATION PAGE..........................................28 5.1 Purpose of the Initial Form 8871 Confirmation Page ........................................28 5.2 Initial Form 8871 Confirmation Page Display....................................................28 5.3 Procedure.........................................................................................................29

6.0 POFD FILING CENTER PAGE .................................................................30 6.1 Purpose of the POFD Filing Center Page.........................................................30 6.2 POFD Filing Center Page.................................................................................30 6.3 Procedure.........................................................................................................31

7.0 FORM 8871 ...............................................................................................32 7.1 Purpose of Form 8871......................................................................................32

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

7.2 Filing Amended or Final Form 8871..................................................................32 7.3 Form 8871 Display and Procedure ...................................................................33 7.3.1 Step I: General Information...................................................................................... 33 7.3.2 Step I Procedure...................................................................................................... 34 7.3.3 Step II: Notification of Claim of Exemption From Filing Certain Forms ................... 38 7.3.4 Step II Procedure..................................................................................................... 38 7.3.5 Step III Purpose ....................................................................................................... 40 7.3.6 Step III Procedure.................................................................................................... 40 7.3.7 Step IV: List of All Related Entities .......................................................................... 42 7.3.8 Step IV Procedure.................................................................................................... 43 7.3.9 Step V: List of All Officers, Directors, and Highly Compensated Employees.......... 45 7.3.10 Step V Procedure..................................................................................................... 47 7.3.11 Step VI: Submit........................................................................................................ 49 7.3.12 Step VI Procedure.................................................................................................... 49

8.0 FORM 8872 ...............................................................................................51 8.1 Purpose of Form 8872......................................................................................51 8.2 Filing Form 8872 ..............................................................................................51 8.3 Form 8872 Page Display and Procedure..........................................................52 8.3.1 Step I: General Information...................................................................................... 52 8.3.2 Step I Procedure...................................................................................................... 53 8.3.3 Step II: Filing Information......................................................................................... 57 8.3.4 Step II Procedure..................................................................................................... 58 8.3.5 Step III: Schedule A Itemized Contributions ............................................................ 61 8.3.6 Step III Procedure.................................................................................................... 62 8.3.7 Step IV: Itemized Expenditures ............................................................................... 65 8.3.8 Step IV Procedure.................................................................................................... 66 8.3.9 Step V: Submit......................................................................................................... 68 8.3.10 Step V Procedure..................................................................................................... 69

9.0 CONFIRMATION PAGE............................................................................70 9.1 Purpose of the Confirmation Page....................................................................70 9.2 Confirmation Page Display ...............................................................................70 9.3 Procedure.........................................................................................................70

10.0 UPLOAD PAGE......................................................................................72 10.1 Purpose of the Upload Page .........................................................................72 10.2 Upload Page Display.....................................................................................72 10.3 Procedure .....................................................................................................73

11.0 SAVED FORMS PAGE...........................................................................75 11.1 Purpose of the Saved Forms Page................................................................75 11.2 Saved Forms Page Display...........................................................................75 11.3 Procedure .....................................................................................................75

12.0 SUBMITTED FORMS PAGE..................................................................77 12.1 Purpose of the Submitted Forms Page..........................................................77 12.2 Submitted Forms Page Display.....................................................................77

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

12.3 Procedure .....................................................................................................78

13.0 LOGOUT PAGE .....................................................................................79 13.1 Purpose of the Logout Page..........................................................................79 13.2 Logout Page Display .....................................................................................79 13.3 Procedure .....................................................................................................79

14.0 EXEMPT ORGANIZATION CUSTOMER ACCOUNT SERVICES PAGE.......................................................................................................80 14.1 Purpose of the Exempt Organization Customer Account Services Page .......80 14.2 Exempt Organization Customer Account Services Page Display ..................80 14.3 Procedure .....................................................................................................81

15.0 APPENDIX A..........................................................................................82

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

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1.0 Introduction¶

1.1 Purpose The purpose of this guide is to help users navigate the Political Organization Filing and Disclosure website. The step-by-step instructions walk users through the electronic filing process.

1.2 How to Use this Guide This user guide is divided into multiple sections and documents the procedures for the form filing, form upload, and other Filing Center pages. A table of contents is provided at the beginning of the guide as a tool to locate specific page information.

The guide contains screen shots to help users through the process of filling out and filing forms and using other features of the site.

For each page, applicable button and page references will be presented in bold type and “Notes” will further explain the instructions.

Additionally, this guide contains a glossary (Appendix A) of some of the most commonly used field terms as a reference.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

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2.0 Political Organization Filing and Disclosure Landing Page¶

2.1 Purpose of the Political Organization Filing and Disclosure Landing Page The Political Organization Filing and Disclosure Landing Page is the starting point for the user. From the Political Organization Filing and Disclosure Landing Page, a user can login to the filing center, access the search system, or access the database download page.

2.2 Filing and Disclosure Landing Page Display

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

2.3 Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Filing and Disclosure Landing Page	Filing and Disclosure Landing Page	Filing and Disclosure Landing Page
1	Click on one of the seven links presented: Click onLogin to Political Organization Filing Centerto be routed to theUser Authentication page (See Section3)	Use this link if you want to file a Form 8871 or Form 8872 or view your organization’s previously saved or submitted forms.
1	Click onSearch Political Organization Disclosuresto be routed to theSearch pages.Basic (See Search Guide) or Advanced (See Search Guide)	Use this link if you want to search all Forms 8871, Forms 8872 and Forms 990 filed by political organizations with the Service.
1	Click onDownload Political Organization Disclosuresto be routed to theData Download page. (See Search Guide)	Use this link if you want to download the entire database of electronically filed Forms 8871 and Forms 8872.
1	Click onUsers Guidesto be routed to a page containing user’s guides on filing and searching.	Use this link if you need help with the filing or searching process.
1	Click onVisit the Federal Election Commissionto be routed to the FEC website.	Use this link if you want information about political organizations required to file with the FEC.
1	Click onDownload Form 8871 & Form 8872 XML Schemasto be routed to the Form 8871 & Form 8872 XML Schemas page.	Use this link if you want to learn more about uploading files to complete your Form 8871 or Form 8872.
1	Click onEO Customer Account Services to be routed to theEO Customer Account Services page. (See Section 14)	Use this link if you need technical help, information on how to obtain a new password for the POFD website, or information on how to inform us about discrepancies in your posted information.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

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3.0 User Authentication Page¶

3.1 Purpose of the User Authentication Page

The purpose of the Political Organization Filing and Disclosure (POFD) User Authentication Page is to enable a registered user to gain access to the secure area of the website. By entering their username and password in the fields provided, registered users will be routed to the Political Organization Filing Center.

If this is the first time a user has used the application, they must click on New User? Fill out initial Form 8871 or the Initial 8871 tab, and they will be routed to the Initial Form 8871 Filing page. See Section 4, Initial Form 8871 page.

3.2 POFD User Authentication Page Display

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

3.3 Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
User Authentication Page	User Authentication Page	User Authentication Page
1	EnterUSERNAME	The organization’s username was sent to it after filing the initial Form 8871 and Form 8453-X. See Sections4 and5.
2	EnterPASSWORD	The organization’s password was sent with the username after filing the initial Form 8871 and Form 8453-X. See Sections4 and5.
3	Click theLOGIN button to be routed to the Political Organization Filing Center. (See Section6)
4	If New User, click on theInitial 8871 tab, or click onNew User? Fill out initial Form 8871to be routed to theInitial Form 8871 page. (See Section4)	First time users need to fill out an initial Form 8871 and mail a signed Form 8453-X to Ogden before a username and password will be issued.
5	If you forgot your password, click onContact Exempt Organization Customer Account Services to be routed to theEO Customer Account Services page. (See Section14)	Click on the link if you need information on how to obtain a new username and password

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

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4.0 Initial Form 8871 Page¶

4.1 Purpose of the Initial Form 8871 Page A first time filer completes the Initial Form 8871 to notify the IRS that it is a tax-exempt political organization under § 527. After electronically filing an initial Form 8871 and mailing a signed Form 8453-X to Ogden, the organization is mailed a Username and Password to logon to the Political Organization Filing Center, where they can access the other POFD filing capabilities. See Section 3, User Authentication Page and Section 6, Political Organization Filing Center Page.

Please note that an Initial Form 8871 may not be saved for later submission.

4.2 Initial 8871 Form Page Display

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

4.3 Procedure The following procedure is used to complete the Initial Form 8871. The procedures for completing Step I through Step VI are described in this section after the corresponding page display.

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Initial Form 8871 EIN Verification Page
1	Complete the 9-digitEMPLOYERIDENTIFICATION NUMBER field.	Every organization must have an EIN. (See Appendix A for more information).
2	Click theCONTINUE button to proceed to the Step I: General Information page.	The system will check the EIN to confirm that the organization has not previously filed Form 8871

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

4.3.1 Step I General Information

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

4.3.2 Step I Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Initial Form 8871 Page Step I: General Information
1	Enter the organization’s name in theNAME OF ORGANIZATION field.
2	Complete the following address fields: MAILINGADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE	The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.
3	Complete theDATEESTABLISHED field.	Enter the date the organization was established. The date must be entered in the following format: MM/DD/YYYY.
4	Complete theDATE OFMATERIALCHANGE field.	This field may be left blank unless the organization is filing its initial Form 8871 because it no longer qualifies for an exception to the Form 8871 filing requirements. In that case, enter the date the organization no longer qualified for the exception. (See Appendix A for further information). The date must be entered in the following format: MM/DD/YYYY.
5	Complete theEMAIL ADDRESS field, or if the organization has no email address, clickTHE ORGANIZATION HAS NO EMAIL ADDRESS box and proceed to_Step 6_.	Either enter the organization’s email address or check the box to indicate the organization has no email address.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
6	Enter the name of the custodian of records in theNAME OFCUSTODIAN OFRECORDS field.	The custodian of records is the person in possession of the organization’s books and records.
7	Complete the following address fields for the custodian of records: CUSTODIAN’S ADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE Or, if applicable, click theADDRESSSAME AS ORGANIZATION’S MAILINGADDRESS box.	Enter the address for the custodian of records. If the address is the same as the organization’s mailing address, check the box and proceed to the next step. The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.
8	Enter the name of the contact person in the NAME OFCONTACTPERSON field.	Enter the name of the person whom the public may contact for more information about the organization.
9	Complete the following address fields for the contact person: CONTACTPERSON’S ADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE Or, if applicable, click theADDRESSSAME AS ORGANIZATION’S MAILINGADDRESS box.	Enter the address for the contact person. If the address is the same as the organization’s mailing address, check the box and proceed to the next step. The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
10	Complete the following address fields for the organization: BUSINESSADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE Or, if applicable, click theADDRESSSAME AS ORGANIZATIONSMAILINGADDRESS box.	Enter the organization’s business address, which is the physical location of the organization. If the address is the same as the organization’s mailing address, check the box and proceed to the next step. The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
11	If applicable, click theORGANIZATION HAS NO EAIN box. Otherwise, complete the following fields for the organization’s election authority identification number: Click on the drop-down arrow and choose a state to complete theSTATE field Enter the Election Authority Identification Number for that state in theELECTIONAUTHORITY IDENTIFICATIONNUMBER field Click on theADD EAIN button Repeat these actions for each state in which the organization has an EAIN	If the organization has not been assigned any identification number by any election authority, check the ORGANIZATION HAS NOEAIN box and proceed to the next step. Provide each identification number assigned to the organization and identify the state in which the election authority is located. For a federal identification number, enter “Federal” for the state. You must click theADD EAIN button after entering each EAIN and state. As each EAIN is entered, it will appear in a listing at the bottom of the page. If more than 10 EAINs are entered, the listing will be broken up into groups of 10. The user may review the entries and either modify or delete any EAIN entry. If the user clicks onModifyfor any EAIN, they must click theADD EAIN button; otherwise the entry will be deleted.
12	Click thePROCEED TO NEXT STEP button to continue toStep II: Notification of Claim of Exemption From Filing Certain Forms.	The user may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
13	If desired, click theRESET button to clear the page.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

4.3.3 Step II: Notification of Claim of Exemption from Filing Certain Forms

4.3.4 Step II Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Initial Form 8871 Page Step II: Notification of Claim of Exemption From Filing Certain Forms
1	ClickYES orNO to answer whether the organization is claiming exemption from filing Form 8872,Political Organization Report of Contributions and Expenditures, as a qualified state or local political organization. If Yes, proceed to_Step 2_. If No, proceed to_Step 3_.	A qualified state or local political organization is exempt from filing Form 8872. See Appendix A for the definition of a Qualified State or Local Political Organization.
2	Click the drop-down arrow next to theLIST THE STATEWHERE THEORGANIZATIONFILES REPORTS box to select the appropriate state.	Enter the state where the organization files its reports.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
3	ClickYES orNO to answer whether the organization is claiming exemption from filing Form 990,Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax, as a caucus or association of state or local officials.	A political organization that is a caucus or association of state or local officials is exempt from filing Form 990.
4	If desired, click thePREVIOUS STEP button to return toStep I: General Information. Otherwise proceed to_Step 5_.	The user may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
5	Click thePROCEED TO NEXT STEP button to continue toStep III: Purpose.	The user may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

4.3.5 Step III: Purpose

4.3.6 Step III Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Initial Form 8871 Page Step III: Purpose
1	Complete theDESCRIBE THEPURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION field (maximum length of 512 characters).	Explain the organization’s purpose.
2	If desired, click thePREVIOUS STEP button to return toStep II: Notification of Claim of Exemption From Filing Certain Forms. Otherwise, proceed to_Step 3_.	The user may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
3	Click thePROCEED TO NEXT STEP button to continue toStep IV: List of All Related Entities.	The user may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
4	If desired, click theRESET button to clear the page.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

4.3.7 Step IV: List of All Related Entities

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

4.3.8 Step IV Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Initial Form 8871 Page Step IV: List of All Related Entities
1	If applicable, clickTHEORGANIZATIONHASNO RELATEDENTITIES checkbox and proceed to Step 9, otherwise proceed to_Step 2_.	The organization must report any related entities. If it has none, user must click this checkbox or user will not be able to submit the form.
2	Enter the name of the related entity in the RELATEDENTITY field.
3	Click on the drop-down arrow to select from the choices presented for theRELATIONSHIP field.	The relationship is “Connected” if the organization and that entity have (a) significant common purposes and substantial common membership or (b) substantial common direction or control. The relationship is “Affiliated” if either the organization or the entity owns at least a 50% interest in the capital or profits of the other. See Appendix A for further explanation.
4	Complete the following address fields for the related entity: MAILINGADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE Or, if applicable, click theADDRESSSAME AS ORGANIZATION’S MAILINGADDRESS box.	The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.
5	Click theADD ENTITY button.	Information entered in these fields will not be submitted to the form unless added by clicking this button.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
6	Repeat_Steps 2-5_ to add additional entities.	As each entity is entered, it will appear in a listing at the bottom of the page. If more than 10 entities are entered, the listing will be broken up into groups of 10. The user may review the entries and either modify or delete any related entity entry. If the user clicks on Modifyfor any entity, they must click theADD ENTITY button; otherwise the entry will be deleted.
7	If desired, click theRESET button to clear the page.
8	If desired, click thePREVIOUS STEP button to return toStep III: Purpose. Otherwise, proceed to_Step 9_.	The user may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
9	Click thePROCEED TO NEXT STEP button to continue toStep V: List of All Officers, Directors, and Highly Compensated Employees.	The user may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

4.3.9 Step V: List of All Officers, Directors, and Highly Compensated Employees

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

4.3.10 Step V Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Initial Form 8871 Page Step V: List of All Officers, Directors, and Highly Compensated Employees
1	Enter the name of the officer, director or highly compensated employee in theNAME field.	At least one officer, director or highly compensated employee must be entered. Highly compensated employees are the five employees, other than officers and directors, who are expected to have the highest annual compensation over $50,000. See Appendix A for further information.
2	Enter the title of the person named in_Step 1_ in theTITLE field.
3	Complete the following address fields for the officer, director, or highly compensated employee: MAILINGADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE Or, if applicable, click theADDRESS SAME AS ORGANIZATION’S MAILINGADDRESS box.	The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.
4	Click theADD OFFICER button to add the officer, director, or highly compensated employee’s name.	Information entered in these fields will not be submitted to the form unless added by clicking this button.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
6	Repeat_Steps 1-4_ until all officers, directors, and the five highly compensated employees are added to the list.	As each officer is entered, it will appear in a listing at the bottom of the page. If more than 10 officers are entered, the listing will be broken up into groups of 10. The user may review the entries and either modify or delete any officer entry. If the user clicks onModifyfor any officer, they must click theADD OFFICER button; otherwise the entry will be deleted.
7	If desired, click theRESET button to clear the page.
8	If desired, click thePREVIOUS STEP button to return toStep IV: List of All Related Entities. Otherwise, proceed to_Step 9_.	The user may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
9	Click thePROCEED TO NEXT STEP button to continue toStep VI: Submit.	The user may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

4.3.11 Step VI: Submit

4.3.12 Step VI Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Initial Form 8871 Page Step VI: Submit
1	Enter your complete name in theSIGNATURE field.	After reading the second paragraph, enter your name in the signature field as if you were signing the form. The user can review the information they have entered into the form by clicking on theStep I-V links across the top of the page.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
2	Click theSUBMIT FORM 8871 button to submit the form to the IRS.	Upon submission, the user will be routed to theInitial Form 8871 Confirmation Page. See Section5.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Exceptions & meaning →

5.0 Initial Form 8871 Confirmation Page¶

5.1 Purpose of the Initial Form 8871 Confirmation Page The purpose of the Initial Form 8871 confirmation page is to inform the user that their form was successfully submitted and to provide the user with a confirmation number. The user is also instructed to print, sign, and mail Form 8453-X, Political Organization Declaration for Electronic Filing of Notice of Section 527 Status, to the IRS. Additionally, the page provides instructions for the user on printing and maintaining a copy of the form for public disclosure.

5.2 Initial Form 8871 Confirmation Page Display

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

5.3 Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Initial Form 8871 Confirmation Page	Initial Form 8871 Confirmation Page	Initial Form 8871 Confirmation Page
1	Click on theVIEW FORM 8453X button to view and print Form 8453-X.	Print Form 8453-X, sign it, and mail it to the address indicated. Upon receipt of this form, the IRS will send the organization a username and password.
2	Click on theVIEW FORM 8871 button to view and print the submitted form.	The organization is required to maintain a copy of this form at its principal place of business so the public may view it during regular business hours. If any changes need to be made to the form, an amended form must be submitted. The organization must wait until it receives its username and password to file an amended form.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Exceptions & meaning →

6.0 POFD Filing Center Page¶

6.1 Purpose of the POFD Filing Center Page The purpose of the Filing Center page is to welcome users to their Political Organization Filing Center and to inform them of the capabilities available to them. From the Filing Center, a user can file new forms, amend previously filed forms, save forms not ready for submission, view and complete or delete previously saved forms, view and print submitted forms, and file forms by uploading a data file.

6.2 POFD Filing Center Page

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

6.3 Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
POFD Filing Center Page	POFD Filing Center Page	POFD Filing Center Page
1	Select from the choices presented on the Home tab or proceed to_Step 2_. Click onFile New 8871and proceed to Section7, Form 8871 Click onFile New 8872and proceed to Section8, Form 8872 Click onSaved Formsand proceed to Section11, Saved Forms. Click onSubmitted Formsand proceed to Section 12, Submitted Forms.	This link brings up the data entry pages for Form 8871 with the common data fields pre-populated. This link brings up the data entry pages for Form 8872 with the common data fields pre-populated. This link allows the user to modify, delete or submit previously saved forms. This link allows the user to view its submitted forms or to use those forms as the basis for an amended form.
2	Click on one of the four tabs presented: Click on8871 tab and proceed to Section7, Form 8871 Click on8872 tab and proceed to Section8, Form 8872 Click onUpload tab and proceed to Section 10, Upload Page Click onLogout tab and proceed to Section 13, Logout	This link is the same as the first link in Step 1. This link is the same as the second link in Step 1. This link allows the user to file by uploading an XML file. This link ends the session and sends the user back to the POFD Landing Page.
3	Click onPolitical Organization Filing Requirementsto be routed to the Filing Requirements page.	Use this link to learn more information about the filing requirements for § 527 political organizations.
4	Click onExempt Organization Customer Account Servicesto be routed to the EO Customer Account Services page. (See Section14)	Use this link for information on how to contact Customer Account Services.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Exceptions & meaning →

7.0 Form 8871¶

7.1 Purpose of Form 8871 Form 8871 is used to notify the IRS that an organization is a tax-exempt political organization under § 527. An amended Form 8871 must be filed after any material change to the information reported. A final Form 8871 must be filed upon termination of the organization. The form is presented to users over six pages.

7.2 Filing Amended or Final Form 8871 To file an amended or final Form 8871, the user must enter their username and password to access their Political Organization Filing Center (see Section 6). From the Filing Center Home Page, the user has two options to begin filing an amended or final Form 8871.

With the first option, the user may click on either the 8871 tab or the File 8871 link under the Home tab at the top of the Political Organization Filing Center page. The user will then be at Step I of the Form 8871 input screens with information in certain fields automatically entered. These fields are the common fields shared by Form 8871 and Form 8872 (such as Employer Identification Number (EIN), Name of Organization, Date Established, etc.). The information automatically entered is the information from the organization’s most recent electronically filed Form 8871 or Form 8872. The user may change the information in any of these fields, other than the EIN.

With the second option, the user may click on the Submitted Forms tab at the top of the Political Organization Filing Center page. The user may then select Amend for a previously submitted Form 8871. The user will then be at Step I of the Form 8871 input screens with all of the information from the previously submitted form automatically entered. The user may change the information in any of these fields, other than the EIN.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

7.3 Form 8871 Display and Procedure

7.3.1 Step I: General Information

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

7.3.2 Step I Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Form 8871 Page Step I: General Information
1	Most of the fields inStep I: General Information are entered automatically based upon your most recent electronically filed Form 8871 or Form 8872, so follow_Steps 2-12_ only if information has changed.	The organization’s general information will be entered automatically in the fields on this page. The user only needs to follow these steps if the automatically entered data has changed. If you are filing an amended report based upon a previously submitted form, all fields will be entered automatically. Any of those fields may be changed other than EIN.
2	Enter the organization’s name in theNAME OF ORGANIZATION field.
3	Complete the following address fields for the organization: MAILINGADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE	The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.
4	Click theAMENDED orFINAL box.	ClickAMENDED if the organization is filing this notice to report a material change in the information previously submitted. Click FINAL if the organization is terminating.
5	Complete theDATEESTABLISHED field.	Enter the date the organization was established. The date must be entered in the following format: MM/DD/YYYY.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
6	Complete theDATE OFMATERIALCHANGE field.	For an amended return, enter the date of the material change being reported. For a final return, enter the date the organization terminated. The date must be entered in the following format: MM/DD/YYYY.
7	Complete theEMAILADDRESS field, or if the organization has no email address, clickTHE ORGANIZATION HAS NO EMAIL ADDRESS box and proceed to_Step 8_.	Either enter the organization’s email address or check the box to indicate the organization has no email address.
8	Enter the name of the custodian of records in theNAME OFCUSTODIAN OFRECORDS field.	The custodian of records is the person in possession of the organization’s books and records.
9	Complete the following address fields for the custodian of records: CUSTODIAN’S ADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE Or, if applicable, click theADDRESSSAME AS ORGANIZATION’S MAILINGADDRESS box.	Enter the address for the custodian of records. If the address is the same as the organization’s mailing address, check the box and proceed to the next step. The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.
10	Enter the name of the contact person in the NAME OFCONTACTPERSON field.	Enter the name of the person whom the public may contact for more information about the organization.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
11	Complete the following address fields for the contact person: CONTACTPERSON’S ADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE Or, if applicable, click theADDRESSSAME AS ORGANIZATION’S MAILINGADDRESS box.	Enter the address for the contact person. If the address is the same as the organization’s mailing address, check the box and proceed to the next step. The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.
12	Complete the following address fields for the organization: BUSINESSADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE Or, if applicable, click theADDRESSSAME AS ORGANIZATION’S MAILINGADDRESS box.	Enter the organization’s business address, which is the physical location of the organization. If the address is the same as the organization’s mailing address, check the box and proceed to the next step. The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
13	If applicable, click theORGANIZATION HAS NO EAIN box. Otherwise, complete the following fields for the organization’s election authority identification number: Click on the drop-down arrow and choose a state to complete theSTATE field Enter the Election Authority Identification Number for that state in theELECTIONAUTHORITY IDENTIFICATIONNUMBER field Click on theADD EAIN button Repeat these actions for each state in which the organization has an EAIN	If the organization has not been assigned any identification number by any election authority, check the ORGANIZATION HAS NOEAIN box and proceed to the next step. Provide each identification number assigned to the organization and identify the state in which the election authority is located. For a federal identification number, enter “Federal” for the state. You must click theADD EAIN button after entering each EAIN and state. As each EAIN is entered, it will appear in a listing at the bottom of the page. If more than 10 EAINs are entered, the listing will be broken up into groups of 10. The user may review the entries and either modify or delete any EAIN entry. If the user clicks onModifyfor any EAIN, they must click theADD EAIN button; otherwise the entry will be deleted.
14	Click thePROCEED TO NEXT STEP button to proceed toStep II: Notification of Claim of Exemption From Filing Certain Forms.	The organization may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
15	If desired, click theSAVE button to save the document.	The user may choose to save their work at any time.
16	If desired, click theSAVE FOR LATER button to save and exit the form.	By pressing this button the user will be routed back to theSaved Forms page (See Section 11).

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
17	If desired, click theRESET button to reset the page to the pre-populated data.

7.3.3 Step II: Notification of Claim of Exemption From Filing Certain Forms

7.3.4 Step II Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Form 8871 Page Step II: Notification of Claim of Exemption From Filing Certain Forms
1	ClickYES orNO to answer whether the organization is claiming exemption from filing Form 8872,Political Organization Report of Contributions and Expenditures, as a qualified state or local political organization. If Yes, proceed to_Step 2_. If No, proceed to_Step 3_.	A qualified state or local political organization is exempt from filing Form 8872. See Appendix A for the definition of a Qualified State of Local Political Organization.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
2	Click on the drop-down arrow next toLIST THE STATE WHERE THE ORGANIZATION FILES REPORTS box to select the appropriate state.	Enter the state where the organization files its reports.
3	ClickYES orNO to answer whether the organization is claiming exemption form filing Form 990,Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax, as caucus or association of state or local officials.	A political organization that is a caucus or association of state or local officials is exempt from filing Form 990.
4	If desired, click thePREVIOUS STEP button to return toStep I: General Information. Otherwise, proceed to_Step 5_.	The organization may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
5	Click thePROCEED TO NEXT STEP button to proceed toStep III: Purpose.	The organization may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
6	If desired, click theSAVE button to save the document.	The user may choose to save their work at any time.
7	If desired, click theSAVE FOR LATER button to save and exit the form.	By pressing this button the user will be routed back to theSaved Forms page (See Section 11).

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

7.3.5 Step III Purpose

7.3.6 Step III Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Form 8871 Page Step III: Purpose
1	Complete theDESCRIBE THEPURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION field (maximum length of 512 characters).	Explain the organization’s purpose.
2	If desired, click thePREVIOUS STEP button to return toStep II: Notification of Claim of Exemption From Filing Certain Forms. Otherwise, proceed to_Step 3_.	The organization may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
3	Click thePROCEED TO NEXT STEP button to proceed toStep IV: List of All Related Entities.	The organization may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
4	If desired, click theSAVE button to save the document.	The user may choose to save their work at any time.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
5	If desired, click theSAVE FOR LATER button to save and exit.	By pressing this button the user will be routed back to theSaved Forms page (See Section 11).
6	If desired, click theRESET button to clear the page.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

7.3.7 Step IV: List of All Related Entities

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

7.3.8 Step IV Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Form 8871 Page Step IV: List of All Related Entities
1	If applicable, clickTHE ORGANIZATION HAS NO RELATED ENTITIES checkbox and proceed to Step 7, otherwise proceed to_Step 2_.	The organization must report any related entities. If the organization does not have any related entities, the user must click this checkbox or they will not be able to submit the form.
2	Enter the name of the related entity in the RELATED ENTITY field.
3	Click on the drop-down arrow to select from the choices presented for theRELATIONSHIP field.	The relationship is “Connected” if the organization and the entity have (a) significant common purposes and substantial common membership or (b) substantial common direction or control. The relationship is “Affiliated” if either the organization or the entity owns at least a 50% interest in the capital or profits of the other. See Appendix A for further explanation.
4	Complete the following Address fields for the related entity: MAILINGADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE Or, if applicable, click theADDRESS SAME AS ORGANIZATION’S MAILING ADDRESS box.	The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.
5	Click theADD ENTITY button.	Information entered in these fields will not be submitted to the form unless added by clicking theADD ENTITY button.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
6	Repeat_Steps 2-5_ to add additional entities.	As each entity is entered, it will appear in a listing at the bottom of the page. If more than 10 entities are entered, the listing will be broken up into groups of 10. The user may review the entries and either modify or delete any related entity entry. If the user clicks on Modifyfor any entity, they must click theADD ENTITY button; otherwise the entry will be deleted.
7	If desired, click theRESET button to clear the page.
8	If desired, click thePREVIOUS STEP button to return toStep III: Purpose. Otherwise, proceed to_Step 9_.	The organization may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
9	Click thePROCEED TO NEXT STEP button to proceed toStep V: List of All Officers, Directors, and Highly Compensated Employees.	The organization may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
10	If desired, click theSAVE button to save the document.	The user may choose to save their work at any time.
11	If desired, click theSAVE FOR LATER button to save and exit.	By pressing this button the user will be routed back to theSaved Forms page (See Section 11).

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

7.3.9 Step V: List of All Officers, Directors, and Highly Compensated Employees

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step V: List of All Officers, Directors, and Highly Compensated Employees Example with Officer Added

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

7.3.10 Step V Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Form 8871 Page Step V: List of All Officers, Directors, and Highly Compensated Employees
1	Enter the name of the officer, director or highly compensated employee in theNAME field.	At least one officer, director or highly compensated employee must be entered. Highly compensated employees are the five employees, other than officers and directors, who are expected to have the highest annual compensation over $50,000. See Appendix A for further information.
2	Enter the title of the person named in_Step 1_ in theTITLE field.
3	Complete the following Address fields for the related entity: MAILINGADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE Or, if applicable, click theADDRESS SAME AS ORGANIZATION’S MAILING ADDRESS box.	The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.
4	Click theADD OFFICER button to add the officer, director, or highly compensated employee’s name.	Information entered in these fields will not be submitted to the form unless added by clicking theADD OFFICER button.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
5	Repeat_Steps 1-4_ until all officers, directors, and highly compensated employees are added to the list.	As each officer is entered, it will appear in a listing at the bottom of the page. If more than 10 officers are entered, the listing will be broken up into groups of 10. The user may review the entries and either modify or delete any officer entry. If the user clicks onModifyfor any officer, they must click theADD OFFICER button; otherwise the entry will be deleted.
6	If desired, click theRESET button to clear the page.
7	If desired, click thePREVIOUS STEP button to return toStep IV: List of All Related Entities. Otherwise, proceed to_Step 8_.	The organization may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
8	Click thePROCEED TO NEXT STEP button to proceed toStep VI: Submit.	The organization may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
9	If desired, click theSAVE button to save the document.	The user may choose to save their work at any time.
10	If desired, click theSAVE FOR LATER button to save and exit.	By pressing this button the user will be routed back to theSaved Forms page (See Section 11).

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

7.3.11 Step VI: Submit

7.3.12 Step VI Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Form 8871 Page Step VI: Submit
1	Enter your complete name in theSIGNATURE field.	After reading the second paragraph, enter your name in the signature field as if you were signing this form. The user can review the information they have entered into the form by clicking on theStep I-VI links across the top of the page.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
2	Click theSUBMIT FORM 8871 button to submit the form to the IRS.	Upon submission the user will be routed to the Confirmation Page.See Section9.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Exceptions & meaning →

8.0 Form 8872¶

8.1 Purpose of Form 8872 Form 8872 is used to report information about a political organization’s contributions and expenditures. The Form 8872 must be filed either monthly or quarterly/semi-annually. In an election year, a political organization may also be required to file a pre-election and post-election Form 8872. (See Appendix A for more information). The form is presented to users over five pages.

8.2 Filing Form 8872 To file Form 8872 electronically, the user must enter their username and password to access their Political Organization Filing Center (see Section 6). From the Filing Center Home Page, the user has three options to file a Form 8872.

To file a new Form 8872, the user may click on either the 8872 tab or the File 8872 link under the Home tab at the top of the Political Organization Filing Center page. The user will then be at Step I of the Form 8872 input screens with information in certain fields automatically entered. These fields are the common fields shared by Form 8871 and Form 8872 (such as Employer Identification Number (EIN), Name of Organization, Date Established, etc.). The information automatically entered is the information from the organization’s most recent electronically filed Form 8871 or Form 8872. The user may change the information in any of these fields, other than the EIN and Name of Organization.

To continue filing a previously saved form, the user may click on the Saved Forms tab. The user may then select Modify for a previously saved Form 8872. The user will then be at Step I of the saved Form 8872 input screens with all of the previously entered information displayed. The user may change and complete the information in any of these fields, other than the EIN and Name of Organization.

To file a form amending a previous filing, the user may click on the Submitted Forms tab. The user may then select Amend for a previously submitted Form 8872. The user will then be at Step I of the Form 8872 input screens with all of the information from the previously submitted form automatically entered. The user may change the information in any of these fields, other than the EIN and Name of Organization.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

8.3 Form 8872 Page Display and Procedure

8.3.1 Step I: General Information

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

8.3.2 Step I Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Form 8872 Page Step I: General Information
1	The fields inStep I: General Information are entered automatically based upon your most recent electronically filed Form 8871 or Form 8872, so follow_Steps 2-10_ only if information has changed.	The organization’s general information will be entered automatically in the fields on this page. The user only needs to follow these steps if the automatically entered data has changed. If you are filing an amended report based upon a previously submitted form, all fields will be entered automatically. Any of those fields may be changed other than EIN and Name of Organization.
2	Complete the following address fields for the organization: MAILINGADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE	The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
3	Click one of the following boxes to indicate the type of report: INITIAL AMENDED FINAL If applicable, also click theCHANGE OFADDRESS box.	Check the “Initial” box if this is the First Form 8872 filed by the organization for this period. Check the “Amended” box if the organization is filing this report to amend a previously filed report for this period. Check the “Final” box if the organization will not be required to file Form 8872 in the future. Check the “Change of Address” box if the organization has changed its address since it last filed Form 8871, Form 8872, Form 990, Form 990-EZ, or Form 1120-POL.
4	Complete theDATEESTABLISHED field.	Enter the date the organization was established. The date must be entered in the following format: MM/DD/YYYY.
5	Complete theEMAILADDRESS field, or if the organization has no email address, clickTHE ORGANIZATION HAS NO EMAIL ADDRESS box and proceed to_Step 6_.	Either enter the organization’s email address or check the box to indicate the organization has no email address.
6	Enter the name of the custodian of records in theNAME OF CUSTODIAN OF RECORDS field.	The custodian of records is the person in possession of the organization’s books and records.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
7	Complete the following address fields for the custodian of records: CUSTODIAN’S ADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE Or, if applicable, click theADDRESSSAME AS ORGANIZATION’S MAILINGADDRESS box.	Enter the address for the custodian of records. If the address is the same as the organization’s mailing address, check the box and proceed to the next step. The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.
8	Enter the name of the contact person in the NAME OF CONTACT PERSON field.	Enter the name of the person whom the public may contact for more information about the organization.
9	Complete the following address fields for the contact person: CONTACTPERSON’S ADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE Or, if applicable, click theADDRESSSAME AS ORGANIZATION’S MAILINGADDRESS box.	Enter the address for the contact person. If the address is the same as the organization’s mailing address, check the box and proceed to the next step. The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.
10	Complete the following address fields for the organization: BUSINESSADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE Or, if applicable, click theADDRESSSAME AS ORGANIZATION’S MAILINGADDRESS box.	Enter the organization’s business address, which is the physical location of the organization. If the address is the same as the organization’s mailing address, check the box and proceed to the next step. The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
11	Click thePROCEED TO NEXT STEP button to proceed toStep II: Filing Information.	The organization may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
12	If desired, click theSAVE button to save the document.	The user may choose to save their work at any time.
13	If desired, click theSAVE FOR LATER button to save and exit the form.	By pressing this button the user will be routed back to theSaved Forms page. See Section 11.
14	If desired, click theRESET button to reset the page to the pre-populated data.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

8.3.3 Step II: Filing Information

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

8.3.4 Step II Procedure

Step #	Step Description
Form 8872 Page Step II: Filing Information
1	Complete the following dates for the period to which this filing applies: FILING FOR THEPERIODBEGINNING, and ENDING	Enter the beginning and ending dates for the period to which this filing applies. If the organization filed a prior report for the calendar year, the beginning date must be the first day after the ending date shown on the prior report. The date must be entered in the following format: MM/DD/YYYY.
2	Select one of the followingTYPE OFREPORT and complete the steps listed: Quarterly/Semi-annual Report – complete_Step 3_ then proceed to Step 13. Monthly Report – complete_Steps 4- 5 then proceed to_Step 13. Pre-election Report – complete Steps 6-9 then proceed to_Step 13_. Post-general Election Report – complete_Steps 10-12_ then proceed to_Step 13_.	The user should select only one type of report to file for the period. Whether the user files quarterly/semi-annually or monthly, the user must file on the same basis for the entire calendar year.
3	Click one of the following fields for the quarterly/semi-annual report being filed: FIRST QUARTERLY REPORT SECOND QUARTERLY REPORT THIRD QUARTERLY REPORT YEAR–END REPORT MID-YEAR REPORT	For quarterly reports (in even-numbered years), file the first report for the first quarter of the calendar year in which the organization accepts a contribution or makes and expenditure. For semi-annual reports (in- odd numbered years), the organization must file a mid-year report and a year-end report. See Appendix A for further information.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description
4	Click theMONTHLY REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF field	This report must reflect all reportable contributions accepted and expenditures made during the month for which the report is being filed. During a year in which a regularly scheduled general election is held, do not check the box to report October, November or December activity. Instead, file a pre-election report, post-general election report, and a year-end report. See Appendix A for more information.
5	Click on the drop-down arrow to choose the MONTH for which the monthly report is being filed.
6	Click thePRE-ELECTIONREPORT field.	For quarterly filers, this report must be filed before any election for which the organization made a contribution or expenditure with respect to a candidate for federal office. For monthly filers, this report must be filed in lieu of the October monthly report in even-numbered years. This report must reflect all reportable contributions accepted and expenditures made through the 20th day before the election.
7	Click on the drop-down arrow to choose the TYPE OFELECTION.	Indicate whether the election was a primary, general, convention, special, or run-off election.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description
8	Complete theDATE OFELECTION field.	The date must be entered in the following format: MM/DD/YYYY.
9	Click on the drop-down arrow to choose the state in which the election will be held from the FOR THESTATE OF box.
10	Click thePOST-GENERAL ELECTION REPORT field.	This report must reflect all reportable contributions accepted and expenditures made through the 20th day after the general election.
11	Complete theDATE OF ELECTION field.	The date must be entered in the following format: MM/DD/YYYY.
12	Click on the drop-down arrow to choose the state in which the election was held from the FOR THESTATE OF box.
13	If desired, click thePREVIOUS STEP button to return toStep I: General Information. Otherwise, proceed to_Step 14_.	The organization may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
14	Click thePROCEED TO NEXT STEP button to proceed toStep III: Schedule A Itemized Contributions.	The organization may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
15	If desired, click theSAVE button to save the document.	The user may choose to save their work at any time.
16	If desired, click theSAVE FOR LATER button to save and exit the form.	By pressing this button the user will be routed back to theSaved Forms page. See Section 11.
17	If desired, click theRESET button to clear the page.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

8.3.5 Step III: Schedule A Itemized Contributions

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

8.3.6 Step III Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Form 8872 Page Step III: Schedule A Itemized Contributions
1	If applicable, click theNO REPORTABLE CONTRIBUTIONS WERE RECEIVED DURING THIS PERIOD box and proceed to_Step 12_, otherwise proceed to_Step 2_.	See Appendix A for more information.
2	Enter the name of the contributor in the CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME field.
3	Complete theNAME OF CONTRIBUTOR’S EMPLOYER field.	If the contributor is an individual, enter the name of the organization or person by whom the contributor is employed. If the contributor is self-employed, enter “Self-employed.” If the contributor is not an individual, enter “N/A.”
4	Complete theCONTRIBUTOR’S OCCUPATION field.	If the contributor is an individual, enter the principal job title or position of the contributor. If the contributor is not an individual, enter “N/A.”
5	Complete the following address fields for the contributor: CONTRIBUTOR’S ADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE Or, if applicable, click theADDRESSSAME AS ORGANIZATION’S MAILINGADDRESS box.	Enter the contributor’s address. If the address is the same as the organization’s mailing address, check the box and proceed to the next step. The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.
6	Complete theAMOUNT OFCONTRIBUTION field.	If a contributor made more than one contribution in a reporting period, report each contribution separately.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
7	Complete the DATE OFCONTRIBUTION field.	The date must be entered in the following format: MM/DD/YYYY.
8	Complete theCONTRIBUTOR’S YEAR-TO-DATE AGGREGATE AMOUNT field.	Enter the total amount of contributions accepted from the contributor during this calendar year as of the end of this reporting period.
9	Click theADD CONTRIBUTION button.	Information entered in these fields will not be submitted to the form unless added by clicking theADD CONTRIBUTION button.
10	Repeat_Steps 2-9_ until all contributions for the reporting period are entered.	Follow these steps to add each contribution separately. As each contribution is entered, it will appear in a listing at the bottom of the page. If more than 10 contributions are entered, the listing will be broken up into groups of 10. The user may review the entries and either modify or delete any contribution entry. If the user clicks onModify for any contribution, they must click theADD CONTRIBUTION button; otherwise the entry will be deleted.
11	If desired, click theRESET button to clear the page.
12	If desired, click thePREVIOUS STEP button to return toStep II: Filing Information. Otherwise, proceed to_Step 13_.	The organization may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
13	Click thePROCEED TO NEXT STEP button to proceed toStep IV: Itemized Expenditures.	The organization may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
14	If desired, click theSAVE button to save the document	The user may choose to save their work at any time.
15	If desired, click theSAVE FOR LATER button to save and exit the form.	By pressing this button the user will be routed back to theSaved Forms page. See Section 11.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

8.3.7 Step IV: Itemized Expenditures

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

8.3.8 Step IV Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Form 8872 Page Step IV: Itemized Expenditures
1	If applicable, click theNO REPORTABLE EXPENDITURES WERE MADE DURING THIS PERIOD box and proceed to_Step 16_, otherwise proceed to_Step 2_.	See Appendix A for more information.
2	Enter the name of the recipient in the RECIPIENT’S NAME field.
3	Complete theNAME OF RECIPIENT’S EMPLOYER field.	If the recipient is an individual, enter the name of the organization or person by whom the recipient is employed. If the individual is self-employed, enter ”Self-employed.” If the recipient is not an individual, enter “N/A.”
4	Complete theRECIPIENT’S OCCUPATION field.	If the recipient is an individual, enter the principal job title or position of that recipient. If the recipient is not an individual, enter “N/A.”
5	Complete the following address fields for the recipient: RECIPIENT’S ADDRESS CITY ORTOWN STATE ZIPCODE Or, if applicable, click theADDRESSSAME AS ORGANIZATION’S MAILINGADDRESS box.	Enter the recipient’s address. If the address is the same as the organization’s mailing address, check the box and proceed to the next step. The address field contains two lines. The second address field is optional. The 4-digit zip code extension field is optional.
6	Complete theAMOUNT OFEXPENDITURE field.	Report each separate expenditure made to any person during the calendar year that was not reported in a prior reporting period.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
7	Complete the DATE OFEXPENDITURE field.	The date must be entered in the following format: MM/DD/YYYY.
8	Complete thePURPOSE OF EXPENDITURE field.	Describe the reason for making the expenditure. Maximum of 512 characters.
9	Click theADD EXPENDITURE button.	Information entered in these fields will not be submitted to the form unless added by clicking this button.
10	Repeat_Steps 2-9_ until all expenditures made during the reporting period are added.	Follow these steps to add each expenditure separately. As each expenditure is entered, it will appear in a listing at the bottom of the page. If more than 10 contributions are entered, the listing will be broken up into groups of 10. The user may review the entries and either modify or delete any expenditure entry. If the user clicks onModify for any expenditure, they must click theADD EXPENDITURE button; otherwise the entry will be deleted.
11	If desired, click theRESET button to clear the page.
12	If desired, click thePREVIOUS STEP button to return toStep III: Schedule A Itemized Contributions. Otherwise, proceed to_Step_ 13.	The organization may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
13	Click thePROCEED to NEXT STEP button to proceed toStep V: Submit.	The organization may also click on the tabs at the top of the page to go to the various steps.
14	If desired, click theSAVE button to save the document.	The user may choose to save their work at any time.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
15	If desired, click theSAVE FOR LATER button to save and exit the form.	By pressing this button the user will be routed back to theSaved Forms page. See Section 11.

8.3.9 Step V: Submit

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

8.3.10 Step V Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Form 8872 Page Step V: Submit
1	Enter your complete name inSIGNATURE field.	After reading the second paragraph, enter your name in the signature field as if you were signing the form. The user can review the information they have entered into the form by clicking on theStep I-IVlinks across the top of the page.
2	Click theSUBMIT FORM 8872 button to submit the form to the IRS.	Upon submission the user will be routed to the Confirmation Page. See Section9.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Exceptions & meaning →

9.0 Confirmation Page¶

9.1 Purpose of the Confirmation Page The purpose of the Confirmation page is to inform the user that their Form 8871 or Form 8872 was successfully submitted and to provide them with a confirmation number. The Confirmation page also provides instructions for the user on printing and maintaining a copy of the form for public disclosure.

9.2 Confirmation Page Display

9.3 Procedure

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
2	Click on theLogout tab to logout of the application or click on one of the other tabs to continue in theFiling Center.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Exceptions & meaning →

10.0 Upload Page¶

10.1 Purpose of the Upload Page This page is used to upload data files of the information needed to complete Form 8871 and Form 8872. These data files were created by the user’s financial software conforming to the XML schemas published on the IRS website. The data in the uploaded files must meet validation requirements for the online versions of Form 8871 and Form 8872. Once the data files have been uploaded, the user will be able to review the information in the form prior to submission. Uploads are subject to the same validation requirements as the Form 8871 and Form 8872.

10.2 Upload Page Display

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

10.3 Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Upload Page	Upload Page	Upload Page
1	Select from the following options: Click onForm 8871 XML Schemato download the information required to create a file to upload Form 8871. Then proceed to_Step 2_. Click onForm 8872 XML Schemato download the information required to create a file to upload Form 8872. Then proceed to_Step 2_. Click onForms 8871/8872 Common XML Definitionsto download the required definitions for these forms, then proceed to_Step 3_. If you have already created the necessary file, proceed to_Step 5_.	The links provide information on the requirements for the data file. The user’s financial software may already create a file that conforms to these requirements.
2	Using the schema information presented, create a Form 8871 or Form 8872 file to be uploaded. Proceed to_Step 4_.
3	Using the definitions presented, create a Form 8871 or Form 8872 file to be uploaded. Proceed to_Step 4_.
4	Save the file created to your desktop.
5	Click on theBROWSE button to locate the XML file on your desktop.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
6	Click theUPLOAD button.	The system will check the uploaded file to confirm that it conforms to the XML schema requirements. If it does not, the user will not be able to upload information using that file and must either correct the file or manually enter the information. If the file conforms to the XML schema requirements, the information will be automatically entered into the web application (For Form 8871, see Section7 and for Form 8872, see Section8) and checked using the same checks as when information is manually entered. If there are any errors, the user will receive the appropriate error messages and be taken to the first page on which there are errors. The user will then have the opportunity to correct those errors prior to submitting the form. If there are no errors, the user will be automatically taken to the submit page (See Section7 for the Form 8871 and Section8 for the Form 8872). The user will have the opportunity to review the uploaded information before submitting the form.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

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11.0 Saved Forms Page¶

11.1 Purpose of the Saved Forms Page The Saved Forms Page displays all electronic forms that a user saved while entering information but did not complete and submit to the IRS. Forms displayed on this page can be modified and re-saved, modified and submitted, or deleted.

11.2 Saved Forms Page Display

11.3 Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Saved Forms Page	Saved Forms Page	Saved Forms Page
1	Click onModifyto continue to enter information to the form.	The user will be routed to the saved form. The user can modify the form and then re-save or submit it.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
2	Click onDeleteto delete the form.	The user will be routed to the Delete Confirmation page and then to theFiling Center page.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

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12.0 Submitted Forms Page¶

12.1 Purpose of the Submitted Forms Page The Submitted Forms Page displays all electronic forms that an organization has submitted to the IRS. Forms displayed on this page can be viewed and printed or used as the basis for filing an amended form.

12.2 Submitted Forms Page Display

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

12.3 Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Submitted Forms Page	Submitted Forms Page	Submitted Forms Page
1	Click onAmendto file an amended form.	The user will be routed to Step I of the requested form. The fields on the input screen will be automatically entered with the data from the submitted form. The user can then make any necessary changes and submit the amended form.
2	Click onViewto view or print the form.	The form will be displayed in PDF format. Once the form is displayed, the user may print the form for his records.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

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13.0 Logout Page¶

13.1 Purpose of the Logout Page The Logout page allows the user to confirm that they wish to logout of the Political Organization Filing Center. If the user confirms, the user will be routed to the Political Organization Filing and Disclosure Landing Page. Otherwise, the user will be returned to the organization’s Filing Center.

13.2 Logout Page Display

13.3 Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Logout Page	Logout Page	Logout Page
1	Click on one of the following buttons: YES, LOGOUT NO, CONTINUE	If the user chooses to logout, they will be routed to the Political Organization Filing and Disclosure Landing Page (See Section2). If the user chooses not to logout, they will be routed back to thePolitical Organization Filing Center page (See Section6), where they can continue to file.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

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14.0 Exempt Organization Customer Account Services Page¶

14.1 Purpose of the Exempt Organization Customer Account Services Page The EO Customer Account Services page provides phone and address information for individuals to direct technical and procedural questions concerning charities and other non-profit organizations. The page also provides users with information on how to request a new password.

14.2 Exempt Organization Customer Account Services Page Display

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

14.3 Procedure

Step #	Step Description	Notes
Contact Exempt Organization Customer Account Service Page
1	Read the information provided on the page and contact the IRS by phone or by mail.	The page provides contact information for both general exempt organization questions and for requesting a new password for the POFD website.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

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15.0 Appendix A¶

A¶

Aggregate Year-to-Date Contributions Enter the total amount of contributions accepted from the contributor during this calendar year as of the end of this reporting period.

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C¶

Contact Person Enter the name and address of the person whom the public may contact for more information about the organization.

Custodian of Records Enter the name and address of the person in possession of the organization’s books and records.

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D¶

Date of Material Change

�� For an initial notice, the date of material change is not required unless the organization is filing its initial notice because it no longer qualifies for an exception to the Form 8871 filing requirements (such as reasonably anticipating it will always have annual gross receipts of less than $25,000). In that case, enter the date the organization no longer qualified for the exception. �� For an amended return, enter the date of the material change being reported. �� For a final return, enter the date the organization terminated.

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E¶

Election Authority Identification Number If the organization has not been assigned any identification number by any election authority, check the "The organization has no EAIN" checkbox. Otherwise, provide each identification number assigned and identify the state in which the election authority is located. For a federal identification number, enter "Federal" for the state.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

Election Year An election year is any year in which a regularly scheduled general election for federal office is held (i.e., any even-numbered year).

Employer Identification Number (EIN) Enter the correct EIN in the space provided. If the organization does not have an EIN, it must apply for one on Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number . For more information about obtaining an EIN, including how to apply online, see Employer Id Numbers (EIN).

When electronically filing an amended or final Form 8871 or a Form 8872, the organization's EIN will be entered by the application and may not be changed.

Exemption from Form 990 A political organization that is a caucus or association of state or local officials is exempt from filing Form 990. If you are claiming this exemption for the organization, you must check the “Yes” box. If not, check the “No” box.

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H¶

Highly Compensated Employees Highly compensated employees are the five employees (other than officers and directors) who are expected to have the highest annual compensation over $50,000. Compensation includes both cash and non-cash amounts, whether paid currently or deferred.

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I¶

Initial, Amended, or Final for Form 8871

�� Check the ‘‘Initial” box if this is the first Form 8871 filed by the organization. �� Check the ‘‘Amended” box if the organization is reporting a material change to information provided on previously submitted Forms 8871 �� Check the ‘‘Final” box if the organization is terminating.

Initial, Amended, Address Change or Final for Form 8872

�� Check the ‘‘Initial” box if this is the first Form 8872 filed by the organization for this period. �� Check the ‘‘Change of Address’’ box if the organization changed its address since it last filed Form 8871, Form 8872, Form 990 (or 990-EZ), or Form 1120-POL. �� Check the ‘‘Amended” box if the organization is filing this report to amend a report it already filed. �� Check the ‘‘Final” box if the organization will not be required to file Form 8872 in the future.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

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N¶

Name of Contributor’s Employer If the contributor is an individual, enter the name of the organization or person by whom the contributor is employed (and not the name of his or her supervisor). If the individual is self-employed, enter ‘‘Self-employed.’’ If the contributor is not an individual, enter “N/A”.

Name of Recipient’s Employer If the recipient is an individual, enter the name of the organization or person by whom the recipient is employed (and not the name of his or her supervisor). If the individual is self-employed, enter ‘‘Self-employed.’’ If the contributor is not an individual, enter “N/A”.

Non-Disclosed Contributions As the last entry on Schedule A, list the aggregate amount of contributions that are required to be reported on this schedule for which the organization does not disclose all of the information required under § 527(j). Enter “Withheld” as the contributor’s name. Enter the organization’s address, the date of the report, and “N/A” for occupation and employer. This amount is subject to the penalty for the failure to provide all the information required.

Non-Disclosed Expenditures As the last entry on Schedule B, list the aggregate amount of expenditures that are required to be reported on this schedule for which the organization does not disclose all of the information required under § 527(j). Enter “Withheld” as the recipient’s name. Enter the organization’s address, the date of the report, and “N/A” for occupation and employer. This amount is subject to the penalty for the failure to provide all the information required.

Non-Election Year A non-election year is any odd numbered year (i.e., 2003).

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O¶

Officers, Directors and Highly Compensated Employees Enter the name, title, and address of all of the organization’s officers, members of the board of directors, and highly compensated employees.

Highly compensated employees are the five employees (other than officers and directors) who are expected to have the highest annual compensation over $50,000. Compensation includes both cash and non-cash amounts, whether paid currently or deferred.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

If there is more than one individual required to be listed, use the form to enter each officer’s information, following each entry by clicking the “Add Officer” button until all names are entered, then click the “Proceed to Next Step” button.

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Q¶

Qualified State or Local Political Organizations Qualified state or local political organizations (defined below) are exempt from filing Form 8872. If you are claiming this exemption for the organization, you must check the “Yes” box and enter the state where the organization files its reports. If not, check the “No” box.

A qualified state or local political organization is a political organization that meets the following requirements:

�� The organization’s exempt functions are solely for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence the selection, nomination, election, or appointment of any individual to any state or local public office or office in a state or local political organization. �� The organization is subject to state law that requires it to report information similar to that required on Form 8872. �� The organization files the required reports with the state. �� The state makes such reports public and the organization makes them open to public inspection in the same manner that organizations must make Form 8872 available for public inspection. �� No federal candidate or office holder controls or materially participates in the direction of the organization, solicits contributions to the organization, or directs any of the organization’s disbursements.

For additional information, see § 527(e)(5) and Revenue Ruling 2003-49, 200320 I.R.B. 903 (May 19, 2003).

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R¶

Related Entities List the name, relationship, and address of all related entities. An entity is a related entity if either 1 or 2 below applies:

The organization and that entity have (a) significant common purposes and substantial common membership or (b) substantial common direction or control (either directly or indirectly).
Either the organization or the entity owns (directly or through one or more entities) at least a 50% interest in the capital or profits of the other. For this purpose, all entities defined as related entities under 1 above must be treated as a single entity.

If 1 applies, choose ‘‘connected’’ under relationship. If 2 applies, choose ‘‘affiliated’’ under relationship.

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

If there is more than one related entity, use the form to enter each entity’s information, following each entry by clicking the “Add Entity” button until all related entities are entered, then click the “Proceed to Next Step” button.

If there are no related entities, check the No Related Entities box and use the “Proceed to Next Step” button.

Report Period For a Form 8872, enter the beginning and ending date for the period to which this report relates. If the organization filed a prior report for this calendar year, the beginning date must be the first day following the ending date shown on the prior report.

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S¶

Schedule A — Itemized Contributions The organization must list on Schedule A each contributor from whom it accepted contributions during the calendar year if:

�� The aggregate amount of the contributions accepted from that person during the calendar year as of the end of this reporting period was at least $200 and �� Any of those contributions were accepted during this reporting period.

Treat contributions as accepted if the contributor has contracted or is otherwise obligated to make the contribution.

�� Name of Contributor’s Employer : If the contributor is an individual, enter the name of the organization or person by whom the contributor is employed (and not the name of his or her supervisor). If the individual is self-employed, enter ‘‘Self-employed.’’ If the contributor is not an individual, enter “N/A”. �� Contributor’s Occupation : If the contributor is an individual, enter the principal job title or position of that contributor. If the contributor is not an individual, enter “N/A”. �� Aggregate Year-to-Date Contributions : Enter the total amount of contributions accepted from the contributor during this calendar year as of the end of this reporting period. �� Amount of Contribution : If a contributor made more than one contribution in a reporting period, report each contribution separately by entering the amount of the contribution and then clicking on the “Add Contribution” button.

Non-Disclosed Amounts : As the last entry on Schedule A, list the aggregate amount of contributions that are required to be reported on this schedule for which the organization does not disclose all of the information

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

required under § 527(j). Enter “Withheld” as the contributor’s name. Enter the organization’s address, the date of the report, and “N/A” for occupation and employer. This amount is subject to the penalty for the failure to provide all the information required.

Enter the above information for each contributor from whom the organization accepted contributions and click on the “Add Contribution” button. Once all contributions have been added, click the “Proceed to next Step” button.

Schedule B — Itemized Expenditures The organization must list on Schedule B each recipient to whom it made expenditures during the calendar year if:

�� The aggregate amount of expenditures made to that person during the calendar year as of the end of this reporting period was at least $500 and �� Any of those expenditures were made during this reporting period.

Treat expenditures as made if the organization has contracted or is otherwise obligated to make the expenditure.

Do not include any independent expenditures required to be reported to the Federal Election Commission. An independent expenditure means an expenditure by a person for a communication expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate for federal office that is not made with the cooperation or prior consent of, in consultation with, or at the request or suggestion of, a candidate for federal office or agent or authorized committee of a candidate for federal office.

�� Name of Recipient’s Employer : If the recipient is an individual, enter the name of the organization or person by whom the recipient is employed (and not the name of his or her supervisor). If the individual is selfemployed, enter ‘‘Self-employed.’’ If the recipient is not an individual, enter “N/A”. �� Recipient’s Occupation : If the recipient is an individual, enter the principal job title or position of that recipient. If the recipient is not an individual, enter “N/A”. �� Amount of Expenditure : Report each separate expenditure made to any person during the calendar year that was not reported in a prior reporting period. �� Purpose of Expenditure : Describe the purpose of each separate expenditure.

Non-Disclosed Amounts : As the last entry on Schedule B, list the aggregate amount of expenditures that are required to be reported on this schedule for which the organization does not disclose all of the information required under § 527(j). Enter “Withheld” as the recipient’s name and as the purpose. Enter the organization’s address, the date of the report, and “N/A”

Political Organization Filing and Disclosure

for occupation and employer. This amount is subject to the penalty for the failure to provide all the information required.

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T¶

Type of Report Check only one box. An organization may choose to file Form 8872 on a monthly basis or on a quarterly/semi-annual basis, but it must file on the same basis for the entire calendar year.

�� Quarterly/Semi-annual Report : For Quarterly reports (in even-numbered years), file the first report for the first quarter of the calendar year in which the organization accepts a contribution or makes an expenditure. In addition, the organization may have to file a preelection report, a post-general election report, or both. For Semi-annual reports (in odd-numbered years), the organization must file a mid-year report and a year-end report. Monthly Report : If the organization is filing on a monthly basis, enter the month for which this report is being filed. File the first report for the first month of the calendar year in which the organization accepts a contribution or makes expenditure. This report must reflect all reportable contributions accepted and expenditures made during the month for which the report is being filed. During a year in which a regularly scheduled general election is held, do not check this box to report October, November, or December activity. Instead, file a preelection report, post-general election report, and a year-end report. �� Pre-election Report : For organizations that choose to file quarterly, this report must be filed before any election for which the organization made a contribution or expenditure with respect to a candidate for federal office. For organizations that choose to file monthly, this report must be filed in lieu of the October monthly report in even-numbered years. This report must reflect all reportable contributions accepted and expenditures made through the 20 ^th day before the election. If the organization is filing a preelection report also indicate the type of election (primary, general, convention, special, or run-off), the date of the election, and the state in which the election was held. �� Post-general Election Report : This report must reflect all reportable contributions accepted and expenditure made through the 20 ^th day after the general election. If the organization is filing a post-general election report, indicate the date of the election and the state in which the election was held.

An election year is any year in which a regularly scheduled general election for federal office is held (i.e., any even-numbered year). A non-election year is therefore any odd-numbered year.

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