an asset account standing apart from the general account of a company

since COPE is an entity separate from the union, COPE funds are not treated like union funds especially if these funds come from voluntary contributions. The IRS considers unions nonprofit organization but the funds used for political contributions are not exempted from taxes therefore this money has to held in a separate non-interest bearing account. This is the account that the local also has to set-up when it decides to use a portion of its dues for state and local elections. Exchanges between general and voluntary accounts are never permitted.

A special account used to hold and separate customer's assets from those of the broker or firm.