Scots face a fine and criminal record if they fail to complete their census forms by the deadline today.
The important document is sent out by the Scottish Government every 10 years and is mandatory for all Scots to fill in.
Information provided on the form is the official count of every person and household in the country - including where you stay and the people who stay with you.
Public bodies use the data when implementing the likes of new doctors' surgeries and schools.
The Scottish Government said that more than 77 per cent of the country has completed the form as of April 28.
National Records of Scotland offered an extension of completion until May 31 to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to complete and return their census.
Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson, urged people to 'act now' to avoid prosecution.
He said: “In addition to being a civic responsibility completion of the census is also a legal responsibility. Failure to meet this responsibility can result in prosecution. However, the shared focus is, and must be, on ensuring that people are supported and encouraged to complete the census.
“It is vital that we secure as high a response rate as possible so that the census can be effective in delivering its many benefits for future public services. For those who have already completed their census, thank you. For those still to do so, I would urge you to act now.”
Penalty for failing to complete census
Every household is legally required to complete and return their census form by today.
Failing to do this could result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
You may be prosecuted if you:
- Refuse to complete the questionnaire
- Neglect to answer a question (other than those shown to be voluntary)
- Provide a false answer to a question
- Sign a false document
How to complete the census
Letters inviting Scots to complete the census have been in circulation since February 28 this year.
The letter provides people with an Internet Access Code, which should be entered into the census website - this will then bring up an online version of the document.
The census asks a number of questions about your household and the people that reside there.
Topics include the number of people who live in your property, household relationships, age, sex, health and employment status.
Questions about your household will ask about the type of accommodation you live, if you rent or own your home and details about the number of cars owned in the household.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
