[Winona] Political Contribution Refunds

[Craig Brooks]

[Winona Online Democracy]

Many of you probably know this already but for me this is new information.  In Minnesota you can get paid back by the State (not waiting for filing an annual tax return) for up to $50 per person for contributions to political parties or candidates who have met certain conditions.  This isn't using a tax deduction, but rather an immediate claim to get a check back from the State.

 

The form and the information are available on-line and the info. is copied below--

 

http://www.taxes.state.mn.us/taxes/individ/forms/pcr_05.pdf

 

http://www.taxes.state.mn.us/taxes/individ/other_supporting_content/political_contrib_refund.shtml

 

Political contribution refund

Individuals who contributed in 2004 to a Minnesota political party, a candidate for state office, or candidates for the Minnesota Legislature are eligible to apply for a refund of their contributions.

Only those contributions made to candidates who signed an agreement with the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board (formerly Minnesota Ethical Practices Board) to observe state campaign spending limits qualify for the refund.

Minnesota Statutes defines "contribution" for purposes of the political contribution refund, as "a gift of money." Eligible candidates and parties should therefore not issue an official Form EP-3 (receipt) to contributors who donate goods or services.

The maximum refund contributors can receive is $50 for single persons and $100 for married couples. A single person or married couple can file one refund application per year.

Anyone who is registered to vote or eligible to vote in Minnesota is eligible to apply for a refund.

To apply, a contributor must:

1. Get a receipt (Form EP-3) from the political party or candidate to whom the contribution was made.

2. Fill out Form PCR, obtained from the party, candidate, or Minnesota Department of Revenue.

3. Attach the EP-3 to the 2004 Form PCR (2004 contributions only).

4. Mail it to the Minnesota Department of Revenue at:

Minnesota Political Contribution Refund
Minnesota Department of Revenue
St. Paul, MN 55146-1800

This refund program is not tied in any way to the state income tax form. Form PCR must be filed separately. Taxpayers can only file a claim once there is no amending to the PCR.

A taxpayer may file a claim for the PCR immediately after making the contribution.

Claims for contributions made during 2004 must have been filed by April 15, 2005. Claims for contributions made during 2005 can be filed any time between January 1, 2005 and April 15, 2006.

 

 Craig Brooks

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