<P> The presidential election campaign fund checkoff appears on US income tax return forms as the question Do you want $3 of your federal tax to go to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund? </P> <P> Originally $1 and implemented in 1966 as an attempt at the public funding of elections, this money provides for the financing of presidential primary and general election campaigns and national party conventions . Beginning with the 1967 tax year, individual taxpayers were able to designate $1 to be applied to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund . Both the Republican and Democratic nominees in the general election receive a fixed amount of checkoff dollars . Nominees from other political parties may qualify for a smaller, proportionate amount of checkoff funds if they receive over five percent of the vote . The national parties used to receive funds to cover the costs of their national conventions . Matching funds are also given for primary candidates for small contributions . The campaign fund reduces a candidate's dependence on large contributions from individuals and special - interest groups . This program is administered by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). </P>

Where does the money go in a presidential campaign