North Carolina campaigns file with the State Board of Elections (NCSBE) and follow a reporting schedule that mixes semi-annual reports with pre-election and post-election filings. If you’re on the ballot in 2026, here’s what you need to have on your radar as a candidate, committee, or treasurer.
Candidate Filing Periods
Before you worry about campaign finance reports, you need to actually file to run:
- Statewide/legislative races: Filing opened noon December 1, 2025 and closed noon December 19, 2025
- Municipal races (even-year): Filing opens noon July 6, 2026 and closes noon July 17, 2026
Contribution Limits
- Individuals: $6,400 per election
- PACs: $6,400 per election
- Corporations and unions: Cannot contribute directly to candidates
- Primary and general are separate elections, so one individual could give up to $12,800 across the full cycle.
2026 Reporting Schedule
- Annual Report: Due January 30, 2026 (covering all of 2025)
- Semi-annual reports: Mid-year and year-end
- Pre-primary report: Due before the primary election
- Pre-general report: Due before the general election
- Post-election reports: Due after primary and general
The schedule varies by race type (state, county, municipal). The NCSBE publishes specific schedules at ncsbe.gov.
Corporate Contributions
Like several other states, North Carolina prohibits direct corporate and union contributions to candidates. Corporations may fund PACs, but cannot donate directly to your campaign committee.
Get Help
You can contact the NCSBE as they have the final say for all campaign finance regulations. If you have a specific question, we do recommned to contact the NC first for guidance.
Email: campaign.reporting@ncsbe.gov
Phone: (919) 814-0700
Manual: Campaign Finance Manual (PDF)
File with Confidence
Campaign Deputy can create your NCSBE electronic file to comply with your reporting requirements. Integrations with common progressive tools reduce the time you need to manage your transaction.
Schedule a demo to see NC campaign finance in Campaign Deputy.
