Here is how the Feds determine who's a candidate:

Under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (the Act), an individual becomes a candidate for federal office when:

• The individual has received contributions aggregating in excess of $5,000 or made expenditures aggregating in excess of $5,000; or
  
• The individual has given consent to another person to receive contributions or make expenditures on behalf of him or herself and that person has received contributions aggregating in excess of $5,000 or made expenditures aggregating in excess of $5,000 (11 CFR 100.3(a)).
  

Funds received and payments made for the purpose of determining whether an individual should become a candidate are not considered "contributions" or "expenditures" that may trigger candidacy. However, only funds permissible under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (the Act) may be used for these exploratory activities. See 11 CFR 100.72 and 100.131 for further information.

I intend to become President without asking for any contributions, which means that I won't owe anyone favors.  The current crap (not a mistake in spelling) of politicians all get contributions so they all have to satisfy people once they're elected.  I don't need to be in a position where I'll have to repay favors.  The only ones I want to answer to are the voters, not the rich special interest groups.