Q: Do citizens have the right to refuse answering the U.S. Census interviews that now include multiple area of questioning.
Questions include: Where do you work, what is your income...to include each member of the household. It seems to me that these are personal and private matters that are not necessary and are available with the IRS.
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A:
You have the right to privacy, but participating in the U.S. Census is required by law. The Census Bureau collects data to allocate government resources, funding, and political representation. Refusing to answer can lead to fines, although it’s rare for the government to impose them.
However, you do have some control over the information you provide. While answering the Census is mandatory, not all questions are required to be answered in detail. The Census Bureau is bound by strict confidentiality laws to protect your data, so it cannot be shared with the IRS or law enforcement.
If you feel uncomfortable answering certain questions, you can leave them blank. Be aware, though, that missing data might lead to follow-up questions from Census workers. Understanding your rights can help you make informed decisions about how much information to share.
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