I've been reading several thread about the recent changes to MAs (fka MSAs) and understand the changes to them, but I don't have a clear understanding about the Census tract numbers.

We use the FFIEC website as our primary sourse for GeoCoding. I understand we will have to manually look up the MAs which we can do from the update HGIR guide.

Did the tract numbers also change? If yes, where do I find a reliable (free) resourse for use until the FFIEC website is updated?

Thanks.

Please let me add that I understand that beginning with 1-1-2003 loans we began to use the 2000 census. I just need to clarify whether or not there have been additional changes.

The FFIEC web site geocodes 2000 census tract numbers you should use. Within some counties census tracts were split and new numbers assigned. These changes are already incorporated in the FFIEC geocoding.

What is not current is the tract income classifications. This information is expected in the 3rd quarter

You should look at your assessment area to see if any boundaries or tract numbers changed. An updated Public File should include current assessment area tract information.