THOSE holding out on the Census have got until tomorrow to fill out the survey or they’d better be prepared to pay up.

Almost 95 per cent of Aussie households have filled out this year’s nationwide survey despite concerns over online security and data collection.

Those who haven’t filled out the form have until Friday to lodge it before they are at risk of being fined up to $180 per day for each day they fail to provide the information.

The deadline will put a line under what has been a difficult collection period for the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which has been plagued by problems with its online service.

It’s not yet clear whether these problems will have a big impact on success of this year’s Census but participation does seem to be down.

In 2011, the Census covered 96.5 per cent of Aussie households, but with two days to go, this year’s survey is hovering at just under 95 per cent.

In total, 98 per cent of the population filled out the previous Census. An ABS spokesman told news.com.au that it could be a while, possibly next year, before participation in this year’s survey is confirmed.

High participation in the 2011 survey positioned the ABS as a world leader in Census participation and bureau will be hoping it can maintain its position.

“There will still be forms coming in next week, we will see how we go,” the spokesman said.

The ABS will continue to accept paper forms as they are received at its Data Capture Centre over the next week.

For those that are still sitting on the fence on whether to complete the Census, they should expect to get a strongly worded letter.

“If a person chooses not to participate in the Census, the Australian Statistician has the power under the Census and Statistics Act 1905 to direct them in writing to do so by issuing a Notice of Direction,” an ABS spokesman said.

“The individual is then legally obliged to do so.”

In the rare case a person chooses not to follow this direction the matter can be referred to the Director of Public Prosecution, to pursue the matter.

For those who are prosecuted, they can be fined up to $180 per day.

Meanwhile, another 50,000 households will have to complete a Post Enumeration Survey (PES).

These households will be selected randomly and will ask them further questions about their Census answers in a 10 minute interview.

It will be compulsory to participate in the interviews so people will not be able to refuse.

“The PES is an important part of our Census count and we’ve followed up every Census since 1966 with this kind of survey,” the ABS spokesman said.

“The PES is crucial in insuring the ABS’ count is as good as possible — with minimal undercounting or double counting.”

The Census Inquiry Service will remain open until 5pm AEST on 30 September.

The service is open between 8.00am and 8.00pm daily on 1300 214 531 to assist anyone who still has inquiries about the Census, or who requires a paper form.