Minnesota law allows citizens to contribute up to $50 per
individual, $100 per married couple, to a state candidate or political
party of their choice and have the entire amount refunded to them
by the state. It is like giving a free contribution to your favorite
candidate or political party. This is an excellent way to help
legislators that support state employee issues. The following
outlines the process for obtaining a refund.
Political Contribution Refund
Individuals who contribute to a registered political
party or to a state level partisan candidate who has agreed to
limit expenditures are eligible to apply for a refund of their
contribution. For purposes of the political contribution refund
(PCR) program, only monetary contributions qualify for the refund.
Receipts forms may not be issued to contributors who donate goods
or services.
The maximum refund contributors may receive
is $50 per person or $100 for married couples. The program is
available to individuals who are eligible to vote in Minnesota.
Those individuals may file only one refund application per year
and there is no opportunity to amend the PCR.
To receive a refund,
a contributor must:
- Get a receipt (EP-3) from the political party
or candidate to whom the contribution was made.
- Fill out Form PCR, obtained from the party,
the candidate, or the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
- Attach the EP-3 to the 2004 Form PCR (for
contributions made in 2004).
- Mail the application form and receipt to
the Minnesota Department of Revenue at:
Minnesota Political Contribution Refund
Minnesota Department of Revenue
St. Paul, MN 55146-1800
The refund program is in no way tied to the
state income tax form. PCR forms must be filed separately. A taxpayer
may file a claim for the PCR immediately after making the contribution.
Claims for contributions made during one calendar year may be
filed during that calendar year and must be filed not later than
April 15th of the next calendar year.
Call Jeanne Olson at 651-296-1721 or 800-657-3889
if you have questions about the PCR programs. You may also contact
the Department of Revenue by sending an email to: indinctax@state.mn.us.
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