Government surveys some SC businesses, raising questions. Refusal can mean fines
The U.S. Census Bureau asks businesses across the country for information about their operations each spring, from earnings to inventory. Local South Carolina businesses may have received a letter, informing them they were selected to participate.
“Did any other businesses get this ridiculously stupid census from the government?” one person posted on a Lexington County Facebook page, with an accompanying picture of the letter received. “Please tell me where in the constitution it says that we have to continually fill out crap for our government so that they can figure out ways to harass us.”
Are businesses required to respond to the survey, and is it legitimate? Here is everything to know about the 2026 Annual Integrated Economic Survey.
What is the survey?
The Annual Integrated Economic Survey, an effort by the U.S. Census Bureau, is the “most comprehensive national and subnational data on business revenues, expenses, and assets,” according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The survey asks about business’ ownership and employment information, expenses, revenues, tax information and assets — like inventory and equipment. What were previously seven individual surveys have been combined into one for the sake of efficiency.
At least 350,000 businesses were selected across 50 states and the District of Columbia to participate, as long as they have paid employees and are a part of specified sectors, such as manufacturing, wholesale or retail. It is unclear how many South Carolina businesses received a letter from the Census Bureau.
What is the data used for?
Under federal law, responses are kept confidential. Any information that could identify a specific individual or organization is not released.
However, comprehensive, anonymized data collected in the survey is publicly available, and is often used by government agencies, industry analysts, researchers, educators and students to evaluate the economy, make economic forecasts and other market research.
Is the survey a scam?
The survey asks for sensitive financial information, but if a business receives a letter from the U.S. Census Bureau to participate, it is legitimate.
Residents who are skeptical of a letter’s credibility can go through a verification process provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. There, business owners have access to key details that make letters authentic, such as official return addresses and lists of ongoing surveys.
Surveys “will never ask for your full social security number, bank account number, or passwords,” according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Businesses concerned about phishing scams, a type of fraud where trusted organizations are impersonated, can speak directly to the Census Bureau Regional Office in order to ensure the survey’s validity.
Are there penalties for refusal?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, penalties for failing to respond are possible. Federal law allows for prosecution and fines up to $5,000, and will still require recipients to respond. However, the bureau “prefers to work cooperatively” with businesses, according to the bureau’s survey FAQ page.
