Business Help Site

Follow the U.S. Census Bureau

Form Completion

9.  Besides mailing the form back, are there any other ways to report?

Yes, there are several ways to report.

Perhaps the easiest method is to report over the internet. For this method you will need your User ID and Password, which is located below the address label on your report form. You can also call 1-800-327-4389 (select option 3) to get this information.

You may also fax your completed form to our National Processing Center at 1-800-447-4613

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10.  About how long will it take to complete this form?

Estimated time for completing the forms is indicated on the report form.
Annual Retail Trade Survey--before the Certification item on the report form
Annual Wholesale Trade Survey--after the Certification item on the report form
Service Annual Survey--before the Certification item on the report form

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11.  I need more time. Can I obtain an extension?

Yes. Please call 1-800-327-4389 (option 3) weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Eastern time, to request a time extension.

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12.  Are estimates acceptable?

Yes, carefully prepared estimates are acceptable if book figures are not readily available.

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13.  Why do you need to know if I own other companies or if another company owns my firm?

We do not want to duplicate data if you are affiliated with other companies that may already be in one of our surveys.

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14.  Can I report cost of goods sold instead of purchases?

We prefer that you provide purchases, but if you can't, cost of goods sold is acceptable.
If you use cost of goods sold, indicate this in the Remarks section.

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15.  I have returned my form. Why have I received another just like it?

We send follow-up letters and forms when the deadline passes. Your returned form and our follow-up letter and form may have crossed in the mail. If you have returned your form and receive another one just like it with the identical identification code in the address section, ignore it.
Some companies receive more than one form so they can report for different lines of business or for operations in other trade areas. If that's the case, you must complete and return the form for that different line of business or other trade area as well.

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16.  If I need another copy of the questionnaire(s), how can I obtain one?

Call our National Processing Center on 1-800-327-4389 (option 3) weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Eastern time, to request a replacement copy.
Annual Wholesale Trade Survey--http://bhs.econ.census.gov/bhs/awts/form.html

When downloading an ATS form, you need to know whether you are reporting as a merchant wholesaler and/or a manufacturers' sales branch and office and whether you are reporting on an EIN basis or a "company" basis. (Company basis means reporting for all your wholesale establishments regardless of EIN).

Click on the form number that applies for the desired reporting period. The forms SA-42A or SA-42A(MSBO) are used for firms reporting on a company basis. MSBO is used for firms reporting Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices data.

When you print out the form, be sure to enter your company name and address in the address section.

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17.  Can I be paid for completing the survey?

No. The law authorizing this survey (Title 13, U.S. Code) does not authorize funds for payment.

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