The U.S. Census Bureau is mailing nearly four million forms to American businesses, as the official twice-a-decade measure of the economy continues rolling out. Most U.S. businesses with paid employees will receive a form in the coming weeks. The Census Bureau will collect responses until the Feb. 12 deadline, unless an extension is filed.

“The economic census provides accurate benchmark statistics that are fundamental building blocks of economic indicators, such as the gross domestic product, monthly retail sales and the producer price index,” said Thomas Mesenbourg, acting director of the Census Bureau. “Information about the economy available only from the economic census helps businesses plan and grow, and helps guide government policies.”

The 2012 Economic Census covers more than 1,000 industries in all sectors of the private, nonfarm economy. To create a snapshot of the American economy, the census asks businesses to provide basic information on revenue, employment and payroll, and industry-specific topics such as the products and services they provide.