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Is the American Community Survey legitimate? The American Community Survey is a legitimate survey conducted by the Census Bureau. Unlike the every-10-year census, this survey continues all year, every year. We randomly sample addresses in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

If you receive a survey or a letter in the mail from the Census Bureau, the envelope contains information that will help you verify its legitimacy. For example: “U.S. Census Bureau” in the return address or “U.S. Department of Commerce” which is the Census Bureau's parent agency.

Am I required to fill out the American Community Survey? Yes, your response to the American Community Survey is required by law (Title 13, U.S. Code, Sections 141, 193, and 221). Title 13, as changed by Title 18, imposes a penalty for not responding.

If your address was selected to participate in one of these surveys, we may call you to participate. Some surveys are done exclusively by phone. We might also call you if we do not find you at home or when a personal visit is not convenient.

Current Employees: If you are a current Census Bureau FLD Employees Only: Call HRD Call Center (301) 763-4748 (HR4U) for support.

Call the Census Bureau Customer Service Center at 1-800-923-8282 or 301-763-INFO (4636.) Write a message to the Customer Service Center.

By census law, refusal to answer all or part of the census carries a $100 fine. The penalty goes up to $500 for giving false answers. In 1976, Congress eliminated both the possibility of a 60-day prison sentence for noncompliance and a one-year prison term for false answers.

Am I required to fill out my 2020 Census form? Participation is mandatory, as described in Title 13 of the U.S. Code. Refusal to respond can result in a fine. However, no one has been prosecuted for failing to respond to the census since the 1970 Census.