The U.S. Census Bureau will proceed with three mandatory business surveys in 2026, as formally announced in the Federal Register on September 4, 2026. This directive underscores the federal government's consistent effort to collect comprehensive economic data that is deemed essential for efficient governmental operations and holds significant value for the public and various industries. The surveys, which have been conducted for many years in various forms, address a critical need for timely national statistical information that is not accessible from non-governmental or other governmental sources. George Cook, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Affairs performing the functions and duties of the Director of the Census Bureau, formally directed the execution of these surveys.
Mandated Data Collection for Economic Insight
These surveys are authorized under 13 U.S.C. 131 and 182, statutory provisions that empower the Census Bureau to collect data on subjects covered by major economic censuses. Their mandatory nature is further established by 13 U.S.C. 224-225. This legal framework ensures that the Census Bureau can gather the necessary information to furnish current and timely national statistical data for the periods between the comprehensive Economic Censuses. The most recent Economic Census covered the reference year 2022 and was conducted in 2023, with the next scheduled for 2028 for the 2027 reference year. The data collected through these mandatory surveys falls within the general scope and nature of inquiries typically covered by the Economic Census.
Annual Integrated Economic Survey (AIES)
The AIES is a cornerstone of the Census Bureau's economic data collection efforts, designed to gather broad economic measures. It collects detailed information on employment, various forms of revenue such as sales, shipments, receipts, taxes, contributions, gifts, grants, products, and e-commerce activity. Additionally, the survey captures operating expenses including payroll, benefits, purchased services, rental payments, utilities, interest, materials, supplies, and equipment. AIES also delves into capital expenditures, inventories, and the adoption of robotic equipment within businesses. The survey's sample is derived from a master business list known as the Business Register, encompassing approximately 5.9 million employer companies. The AIES aims to provide continuous and timely national and subnational economic statistics, serving as an invaluable resource for government program officials, industry leaders, economists, business owners, and researchers across academic, business, and governmental sectors. The AIES is typically mailed starting in March each year, following its approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on March 20, 2026.
Annual Business Survey (ABS)
The ABS is a collaborative statistical project between the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Census Bureau. It focuses on collecting data related to business owner demographics, research and development (R&D) activities, innovation, and other topics of interest pertinent to businesses in the United States. A significant development for the ABS in 2026 is its consolidation with the Business Enterprise Research and Development (BERD) Survey. This integration is intended to enhance data quality, alleviate respondent burden, and optimize the Census Bureau's operational efficiency. Content previously gathered by the BERD survey will now be incorporated into the ABS, with the BERD survey no longer being conducted independently. The ABS is typically mailed starting in July each year, having received OMB approval on May 15, 2026.
Business and Professional Classification Report
This report serves a distinct, yet equally vital, function within the Census Bureau's data ecosystem. It collects one-time data on a firm's specific type of business activity. The sample for this report includes businesses that have recently been assigned Federal Employer Identification Numbers or have recently been added to the scope of the Census Bureau's ongoing business surveys. The primary purpose of this data collection is to update and refine the sampling frames used for current business surveys. Moreover, accurate business classification data helps ensure that businesses are directed to complete the correct reports during the broader Economic Census. This report is typically mailed out at the beginning of each calendar quarter, and its Information Collection Request was approved by OMB on August 15, 2024.
Adherence to Paperwork Reduction Act
In line with federal regulations, the Census Bureau ensures that these mandatory surveys comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995. The PRA dictates that no person is required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information unless that collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. This provision safeguards respondents from undue burden. Each of the three surveys described in this notice has received OMB approval under specific control numbers: AIES, 0607-1024; ABS, 0607-1004; and the Business and Professional Classification Report, 0607-0189. This compliance ensures transparency and accountability in the federal government's information collection activities.
