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11. Why do I have a new Census File Number?

The Census File Number (CFN) preprinted on your 2002 Economic Census form is different from the CFN used on previous Census Bureau forms. We made this one-time change in all CFNs in order to save census costs, and publish earlier and better census statistics. Your new CFN is a 10-digit number we randomly assigned to each business establishment (location). On the mailing label you will also see an 11th digit which we add at the end for data entry quality control. Your previous CFN was a 10-digit number we developed to identify each establishment and any affiliated establishments. The new CFN allows us to better account for the growing number of U.S. businesses and for changes in business organizations, locations, and operating activities. Please contact us if you require access to your previous CFN.

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12. Why is my form so long?

We designed your 2002 Economic Census form to request only needed information and to be easier to use. To obtain only needed information, we considered many content items, subjected them to careful professional scrutiny and strictly limited them to items needed to produce useful census statistics. To ease use, your form was "tailored" to reflect industry-specific practices, revised to provide more checkbox choices and better instructions, and reformatted to be letter-size.

• Needed information. Census form content items were developed in consultation with affected industry representatives, data users and other statistical agencies, and the final census forms were reviewed and approved for use by the Office of Management and Budget.
  
  
• Improved form. Some changes we made to ease the use of census forms also added to form length. Examples of such changes include adopting the letter-size format to ease copying and filing, and providing more checkbox choices to simplify responses.
  
  
• Other actions. Other actions we took to ease census reporting were to avoid mailings to nonemployers, limit repeat mailings where possible, initiate the option of electronic reporting, and provide free online and telephone assistance.
  
  
• Burden estimates. The response time shown in your census mailing is the average time we estimate for a business to complete your industry-related census form. Our estimate was based on field tests, business interviews, and data collection experience.

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13. What information is requested?

We request census information for each operating location and for any operations during part or all of calendar year 2002. For each separate operation, we request information to identify it, classify it by industry, summarize its operations, and highlight its key activities. We also request that a person responsible for the census information be identified and sign the completed form.

• Separate locations. We provide separate census forms and request separate information for each operating location. We need information by location to produce high quality statistics for each recognized industry and local geographic area.
  
  
• 2002 operations. We request information for any operations that each location had at any time during 2002, including new, acquired, seasonal and discontinued operations. We need this information to profile where, how and how much our economy is changing.
  
  
• Identifying information. We request information to identify each of your operating locations, including its name, address, physical location, and Employer Identification Number (EIN). We need this information to assure accurate census statistics and document economic growth and change by geographic area.
  
  
• Industry classification. We request information to identify the primary products or services of each location, or to classify its activities using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). We need this information to document economic growth and change for each recognized industry and group of industries.
  
  
• Operating summary. We request information to summarize the operating status of each location, including its months of operation, type of operation, class of customer, method of selling, end-of-year status, and ownership. We need this information to profile how and how well our diverse industries are working and changing.
  
  
• Key activities. We request information to detail key business activities, including costs and expenses, receipts or revenues, selected operations (such as assets, inventories or floor space), and special topics (such as e-commerce and leased employment). We need this information to document traditional and emerging economic performance.

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14. What if I don't have the information?

Please provide your best estimate for any applicable item on your census form that is not available in your business records. We find that estimates from businesses are more accurate than other estimates, and greatly increase the reliability of published statistics. Please do not leave any applicable item blank. If you do make estimates, please identify and explain them in the "Remarks" section available in most forms (after item 29).

• Available records. Two census items were previously reported on IRS Form 941 and should be available in your business records. These items are the number of employees for the March 12 pay period, and first quarter (January-March) payroll before deductions.
  
  
• Unavailable information. Examples of information that is not available include information that simply does not exist, is available only on a company-wide basis, cannot be retrieved with reasonable effort, or is not comparable to the census request. Please provide your best estimates for any information that is not readily available from your records.
  
  
• Fiscal year estimates. If your fiscal year is not the calendar year, you can use your fiscal information to make calendar year estimates, or to substitute for most calendar year items, if it would be substantially the same as calendar year information.
  
  
• Best estimates. Any information that you estimate for the census must be "substantially accurate." This means it must reflect your best available business information, operating experience, and management judgment.
  
  
• Estimating assistance. If you have questions about using available business records or developing estimates needed for your business, please consult the information available on this Business Help Site or contact us.

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15. How do I report my business period?

Please use the space provided on your form (Item 30) to describe the business period covered by your 2002 Economic Census report. If your fiscal year or other business period is the same as the calendar year, mark "Yes". If your fiscal year differs from the calendar year, mark "No" and report the starting and ending dates of your period in the space provided.

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16. My business activity is non-stationary (i.e. truck driver, cleaning service) and I do not operate at a single physical location. How do I report for Item 3- physical location?

Please provide the mailing address used by this business, excluding P.O. box and rural route addresses.

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17. What if I am a nonprofit organization?

You must complete your census form and return it to the Census Bureau. Nonprofit organizations, including nonprofit educational organizations, are covered in the 2002 Economic Census. Coverage is based on what primary activity an establishment performs. Coverage is not affected by an organization's profit objectives, ownership, tax status, or other organizational characteristics.

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18. What if I am no longer in business?

If your business operated at any time during calendar year 2002, please complete all applicable items on the 2002 Economic Census form and return to the Census Bureau. Include information to identify the business and describe its months of operation, primary activity, end of year operational status, and any successor owners. However, if your business did not operate at any time during 2002, please note that in the Remarks section (after Item 29) and return the form.

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19. What if I am a private household?

If you conducted only household activities at your home during 2002, please note that in the Remarks section (after Item 29) and return the 2002 Economic Census form to the Census Bureau. Household activities are activities needed to operate your private residence, such as housecleaning, babysitting, gardening, and home maintenance (and including the employment of persons to help you with those activities). However, if you conducted any business activities at your home in 2002, please complete all applicable items on your Economic Census form and return it to the Census Bureau. The census covers virtually all business activities, including those by individuals and from private homes.

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