Every ten years, the United States government undertakes the task of surveying every American family.
In early March 2010, the United States Census Bureau mailed out letters to Americans announcing the upcoming census. The letter stated that citizens should expect to receive the official 2010 census form in the mail sometime in mid-March 2010.
Official 2010 Census Form – 2010.census.gov
As promised, around March 15, 2010, households around the country received the official 2010 Census form in the mail. The envelope was addressed to “Resident,” and a note that read, “U.S. Census Form Enclosed: Your Response is Required by Law” appeared on the front of it.
A PDF version of the official 2010 census form is available on 2010.census.gov. Note that this cannot actually be completed online; this version is for reference only.
2010 Census Due Date – United States National Census Day
The U.S. Census Bureau is giving Americans approximately two weeks to complete and return census questionnaires. The goal is to receive all completed 2010 Census forms on or before April 1, 2010, National Census Day.
After that initial due date, census workers will make house calls through July 2010, collecting data from those who did not return a completed census form. According to a timeline posted on 2010census.gov, a report must be provided to the president in December 2010, and states will receive their reports in March 2011.
Are Answers Required? United States Code Says So
Many people wonder if they are required to answer census questions. By law (Title 13 of the United States Code), every United States resident is required to respond to the census questionnaire. That is why the federal government sends out census takers on foot to gather data from everyone who doesn’t respond by mail. Anyone who refuses to respond to census questions or knowingly provides false information may be subject to a fine.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2010 census form should take no more than ten minutes to complete. However, upon examination, the form is a little confusing and could take twice as long for larger households with more occupants.
Information Requested by 2010 Census Questions
Here are the types of census question topics Americans should expect to see (list adapted from 2010.census.gov):
- Number of people living at a residence
- Additional people who will live there as of April 1, 2010
- Whether the residence is owned or rented
- Telephone number for the person who completed the form
- Name, sex, age, race, and date of birth of all individuals reported on the form
- Whether the individuals are of Hispanic origin
- Whether the individuals sometimes live somewhere else
2010 U.S. Census Mailing Address & Phone Number
The official 2010 Census form should come with a pre-paid, pre-addressed envelope. However, if that envelope is missing, individuals should send back completed forms using the following mailing address:
U.S. Census Bureau
National Processing Center
1201 East 10th Street
Jeffersonville, IN 47132
Note: The mailing address on the pre-addressed envelope will be different from the alternate address above.
Anyone with questions about the form can call 866-872-6868 for assistance.
How the U.S. Federal Government Uses Results of the 2010 Census
The Director of the U.S. Census Bureau urges individuals to complete the 2010 Census form because the government uses it to determine the number of representatives each state gets in Congress and to allocate government funding for highways, job training centers, senior centers, bridges, schools, infrastructure projects, and health facilities, among other programs.
Related article:
2010 Census Jobs – How to Apply for Census Work – Find out about part-time temporary employment opportunities with the federal government. Learn how to apply for 2010 census jobs, including where to find pay rates, a printable application, and a practice census employment test.
Resources:
Official 2010 United States Census website, 2010census.gov
United States Code. Accessed on March 17, 2010 through the Cornell University Law School Legal Information Institute website.
Note: The official 2010 census website can be located by typing in 2010census.gov or 2010.census.gov into a web browser. The government uses these web addresses interchangeably in official census correspondence.
Lena Gott - Lena Gott is a Certified Public Accountant who gives practical financial advice to her readers.
Comments