The Trump administration has proposed changes to the 2030 Census that could leave millions of people uncounted and deny communities representation and essential resources for the next decade.

One provision of the proposed rule would require people’s Census addresses to be consistent with and evidenced by their tax records. But many people with low incomes are not required to file a tax return, and some do not have tax records that could be used to confirm where they live.

Census Bureau researchers found that one in four people don’t file a tax return, and 11.5% of people in their 2020 population estimate had no IRS record in the data they examined ― that’s more than 38 million people who could be left out of the Census count under the proposed rule.

Even when tax records exist, they may not reflect where someone lives when the Census is conducted. A person may have moved since filing their taxes, used a mailing address that is different from their home, or shared a home with family members who do not appear on their tax return.

These problems could lead to serious undercounts, especially in low-income communities. Census data shapes representation in Congress and state and local governments and helps determine how federal and state funding reaches communities.

The Census Bureau is accepting public comments through November 2. Submit a comment demanding that the Bureau withdraw the entire proposed rule, including the tax-record requirement, and protect a complete and accurate 2030 Census.

Click “Start Writing” to send your comment. We have provided a sample, but please personalize it to make your voice heard.