What is the Economic Census?
The economic census gathers detailed information about the nation’s economy once every five years. The Census Bureau will mail the 1997 Economic Census questionnaires to over 4 million companies in December, 1997. We will combine the information each business supplies with that supplied by other firms, and publish summary reports on industries and geographic areas from the national to the local level. There are nearly 500 versions of the census form, each tailored to particular industries or types of activity. The content of the forms was developed in consultation with representative trade associations and other data users; data suppliers; accounting organizations; the Business Council on the Reduction of Paperwork; and the Office of Management and Budget. Will my firm be included? Virtually all but the smallest firms will receive census forms. Those receiving forms are required by law to complete and return them. By what authority is my firm required to respond? Title 13, United State
