2010, 2011 & 2012 Forms

Frequently Asked
Questions

www.census.gov/acs/www
1-800-354-7271

Si necesita ayuda para completar su cuestionario,
llame sin cargo alguno al: 1-877-833-5625

U.S. Department of Commerce
Economics and Statistics Administration
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

ACS-10SM
(6-09)

USCENSUSBUREAU
Helping You Make Informed Decisions

Frequently Asked Questions
The American Community Survey collects information

Do I have to answer the questions on the
American Community Survey?

Will the Census Bureau keep my
information confidential?

about population and housing characteristics for the

Yes. Your response to this survey is required by law

Yes. All of the information the Census Bureau collects

nation, states, cities, counties, metropolitan areas, and

(Title 13, U.S. Code, Sections 141 and 193). Title 13, as

for this survey about you and your household is

communities on a continuous basis. Based on the

changed by Title 18, imposes a penalty for

confidential by law (Title 13, U.S. Code, Section 9). By

American Community Survey, the Census Bureau can

not responding. We estimate this survey will take about

law, every Census Bureau employee—including the

provide up-to-date data about our rapidly changing

38 minutes to complete.

Director as well as every field representative—has taken

What is the American Community Survey?

an oath and is subject to a jail term, a fine, or both if he

country more often than once every 10 years when the
census is conducted.

How will the Census Bureau use the
information that I provide?

or she discloses ANY information that could identify you
or your household.

How do I benefit by answering the
American Community Survey?

The Census Bureau can use the information you provide

Communities need data about the well-being of children,

information that would identify you and your household.

families, and the older population to provide services to

Your information will be used in combination with

Where can I find more information about
the American Community Survey or get
assistance?

them. By responding to the American Community

information from other households to produce data for

You may visit our Web site ,

Survey questionnaire, you are helping your community

your community. Similar data will be produced for

or call 1-800-354-7271 if you need assistance or more

to establish goals, identify problems and solutions, and

communities across the United States.

information.

for statistical purposes only and cannot publish or release

measure the performance of programs.
We may combine your answers with information that
The data also are used to decide where to locate new

you gave to other agencies to enhance the statistical

highways, schools, hospitals, and community centers; to

uses of these data. This information will be given the

show a large corporation that a town has the workforce

same protections as your survey information. Based on

the company needs; and in many other ways.

the information that you provide, you may be asked to
participate in other Census Bureau surveys that are
voluntary.