There are many compelling reasons to engage in genealogical and family history research, whether for personal curiosity or for establishing one's legal status and rights.  One useful resource in such research is the United States Census.  The decennial enumerations of each household are embargoed for 72 years, and their release to the public is invariably greeted with avid popularity. Interesting census information from the past has included place of birth, occupation, naturalization status and date for immigrants, and native language.  But now, the census is about to get a little more interesting. In order to design more efficient procedures for the upcoming 2020 census, the Department of Commerce wants to mine some data from our Form 1040 Income Tax returns and related documents.  Specifically, the Census people over in the Commerce Department desire, among other things, names and Taxpayer Identification Numbers of mortgage interest payers and...(Read Full Post)