Census Long Form Definition

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Every ten years, the Bureau of the Census conducts a complete enumeration of all residents in the United States. This process involves gathering extensive information about people and where they live through the use of a detailed questionnaire -- referred to as the Long Form.

An entire section of the Long Form includes questions concerning household income. PJs may choose to use this definition of "annual income" when determining the eligibility of applicants to their HOME programs.

Types of Income to Count

The types of income included and excluded in the current Census Long Form definition of annual income is based upon the Long Form used in the 1990 census. The following table lists the income inclusions and exclusions set forth in the 1990 Census Long Form.

Inclusions:

1. In-kind pay such as food, free rent, etc.
2. Profit (or loss) of incorporated businesses owned by the applicant.
3. Profit (or loss) of incorporated farm businesses owned by the applicant and amounts from land rented for cash.
4. Any of the following:

   	Refunds or rebates of any kind.
   	Withdrawals from savings of any kind.
   	Capital gains (or losses) from the sale of homes, shares of stock, etc.
   	Inheritances or insurance settlements.
   	Any type of loan.

5. Assistance to pay for heating or cooling costs.
   

Treatment of Assets

Income from certain assets must be carefully considered when calculating income under the Census Long Form definition of annual income.
The current list of Census Long Form income inclusions and exclusions includes the following types of income from assets in the income calculation:

	Interest,
	Dividends,
	Profit from royalties or real estate, and
	Income from payments from an estate or trust fund.

The primary difference between the Part 5 and the Census Long Form definitions of annual income is in the treatment of assets. The calculation of Census Long Form annual income does not require the asset calculations necessary when using the Part 5 definition.

In addition, some types of assets are not included in the Census Long Form calculation. Examples include:

	Withdrawals of savings,
	Capital gains (or losses) from the sale of homes, stock, and other property,
	Insurance settlements, and
	Assets disposed of for less than fair market value within two years prior to the income determination.