2010 Census Deadline Hits, And NYC Lags

Did you mail in your census form? April 1 was the deadline to complete and mail back the 10-question, 2010 census forms. And the folks at the U.S. Census Bureau aren't fooling: Unanswered questionnaires will prompt Census workers to come knocking on your door between May 1 and July 10 to obtain the necessary information -- costing taxpayers more money, we hasten to add. City courts can also fine individuals up to $5,000 for not responding.

Although more than 50 percent of U.S. households have filed and returned the forms, New York City residents are trailing behind with only 37 percent submitting their forms as of the March 31 count. City officials are urging residents to complete and mail the forms on time to maximize federal funding.

But what if residents are not always at fault?