- What it means
- Your return arrived without something the IRS needs, most often Form 8962 for the premium tax credit, a signature, or a missing form.
- Respond within
- 20 days from the date on the notice
- What to send
- The specific item requested, with the letter and a short note. Do not refile the return.
- Write it
- Document cover letter
- When to get help
- Rarely. If Form 8962 is requested and you did not have marketplace coverage, respond explaining that.
What the letter says
The return is on hold until the missing item arrives. The letter lists exactly what is missing and where to send it, usually by fax or mail.
The common case
Form 8962 was not attached but a Form 1095-A exists for someone on the return. Complete Form 8962 from the 1095-A and send only that. The IRS recomputes the return with it.
Other cases
A missing signature: sign the page and return it. A missing schedule: send the schedule.
What not to do
Do not file the return again. A second return creates a duplicate filing problem that takes months to untangle.
What to gather
- The letter with the list of missing items
- Form 1095-A if Form 8962 is requested
- The missing form or schedule, completed
- A copy of the return as filed
Write back
The Document cover letter tool builds the response in the order the IRS reads it. Fill it in, review it, print it, and send it with copies of the documents above and the notice stub on top.
Before you send anything
This is general information, not tax advice. Situations differ. Check with your tax advisor before you send anything. Nothing on this page creates a client relationship.