---
title: "HMDA Demographic Information: Don’t Touch It!"
description: HMDA-LAR should report whatever an applicant marks on their demographic information. Don’t tell applicants what to mark or not mark on their applications
---

[Banker's Compliance Consulting Blog ](https://blog.bankerscompliance.com/en)

# [HMDA Demographic Information: Don’t Touch It!](https://blog.bankerscompliance.com/en/hmda-demographic-information-dont-touch-it-1)

 Written by [David Dickinson](https://blog.bankerscompliance.com/en/author/david-dickinson) | Mar 27, 2023 7:03:43 PM

When an applicant completes their demographic information, we like to tell financial institutions to use the MC Hammer Rule aka “Can’t touch this!”  An applicant is free to mark whatever boxes they want, whether you feel what they marked is correct or not.  It is not for you to decide.  

David explains more in the video.

 

#### Video Highlights:

- Your [HMDA](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/compliance/compliance-resources/mortgage-resources/hmda-reporting-requirements/)-[LAR](https://ffiec.cfpb.gov/data-publication/modified-lar/2022) should report whatever an applicant marks for their demographic information.
- Don’t coach applicants on what to mark or not mark on their applications.
- Adopt a motto of "I don't care," applicants can be anything they want when completing their demographic information.

Published  
2023/03/27

[View full post](https://blog.bankerscompliance.com/en/hmda-demographic-information-dont-touch-it-1)

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