Quarterly Survey of Selected Local Taxes-Testing Plan

The Census Bureau plans to conduct additional research under the generic clearance for questionnaire pretesting research (OMB number 0607-0725). We will be conducting cognitive interviews for the Quarterly Survey of Selected Local Taxes (F-73). This survey is conducted quarterly, and provides estimates of state and local government tax revenues. The survey is changing the nature of the data collection by moving to a new sample design with new respondents, and changing the data request so that it is more specific. Testing is being conducted to determine a) whether or not requested information is available, especially in cases where state and local governments collect taxes on behalf of other local governments, b) if there are issues with comprehending the terminology used on the questionnaire, and c) when requested quarterly data is available for reporting.

We plan to conduct unstructured interviews with approximately 40 state and local governments or their tax collection agents. The cognitive interviews will focus on the respondents’ ability to provide the requested data as well as their understanding of the wording and terminology used on the form. A copy of the survey questions is enclosed; a first draft of the questionnaire design is currently in progress. The results of the interviews will be used to revise the questionnaire.

Interviews will be conducted from August to October, 2008. State and local governments, or their collection agents, will be recruited in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area as well as other areas nationwide that are yet to be determined. Sample cases will include a mix of large and small local governments with different organizational structures, and who collect taxes using a variety of methods. Interviews will take place at the respondents’ sites and will be conducted by members of the Establishment Survey Methods Staff within the Census Bureau’s Office of Statistical Methods and Research for Economic Programs. Subject area specialists from the Census Bureau will accompany the researcher on most, if not all, of the interviews.

After participants are recruited, they will receive follow-up reminders about their appointments. Participants will be informed that their response is voluntary and that the information they provide is confidential and will be seen only by employees involved in the research project. Interviews will be audio-recorded, with the participants’ permission, to aid researchers in accurately reporting findings and recommendations. We will not be providing monetary incentives to participants in the study.

We estimate that it will be necessary to interview only one respondent at each government agency. We estimate the length of the interview will average 1 hour. Thus, the maximum estimated burden for this research is 40 hours.

The contact person for questions regarding data collection and statistical aspects of the design of the research is:

Rebecca L. Morrison

Establishment Survey Methods Staff

7K130B

U.S. Census Bureau

Washington, D.C. 20233

(301) 763-7595

[email protected]