Political Constribution Refund Program
From the Minnesota Department of Revenue

If you make a contribution(s) in 2006 to a Minnesota political party, a candidate for state office, or candidates for the Minnesota Legislature you are eligible to apply for a refund of a portion of your contribution(s).

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 you can receive is $50 for single persons and $100 for married couples. You are only allowed to claim one refund with a single application per year, you cannot amend that filing.

If you are registered to vote or eligible to vote in Minnesota you are eligible to apply for a refund.

To apply, you must:

1. Get a receipt (Form EP-3) from the political party or candidate to whom the contribution was made. (If you did not receive the receipt request one here)
2. Fill out Form PCR, obtained from the party, candidate, or Minnesota Department of Revenue. (Download the 2005 form here. Download the 2006 form here)
3. Attach the EP-3 to the 2006 Form PCR (2006 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 one claim there is no amending to the PCR.

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

Claims for contributions made during 2005 must have been filed by April 15, 2006. Claims for contributions made during 2006 can be filed any time between January 1, 2006 and April 15, 2007.