The statistics of the population stock according to the Fiscal Equalisation Law determines the distribution of funds from the federal government to the states and municipalities. In years between the register-based censuses the population for the fiscal equalisation is the relevant population figure and thus determines the distribution of funds.
The residence analysis, in which persons are asked about their residence status, takes place only every 10 years. In the years between the register-based censuses, a mathematical model replaces the survey of citizens.