Important Information About the 2010 U.S. Census

The 2010 United States Census will begin in March. Here are some facts to help you to understand the process:

In March of 2010, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States (and Puerto Rico). When you receive yours, just answer the 10 short questions and then mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you don't mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form. A census taker must follow up in person with every address that doesn't mail back the form in order to obtain the responses.

Even if you're a renter, live with friends and plan on moving within a year, it's important for you or a roommate to fill out the form and mail it back. If a U.S. Census Bureau employee knocks on your door, here are some recognition tips to assure the validity of the employee:

How to Identify a Census Taker

• The census taker must present an ID badge that contains a Department of Commerce watermark and expiration date. The census taker may also be carrying a bag with a Census Bureau logo.
• The census taker will provide you with supervisor contact information and/or the Local Census Office phone number for verification, if asked.
• The census taker will only ask you the questions that appear on the census form.

If the person who approaches your door does not have these credentials, do not give out your personal information. Also, be wary of unauthorized Census inquiries, such as those by phone or email.

What the 2010 Census Will Not Ask:

• Official census takers will never ask you for your Social Security number, bank account number or credit card number.
• Official census takers also never solicit for donations and will never contact you by email.

For more information about the upcoming 2010 Census, visit 2010census.gov.

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