Got a Marketplace letter asking for documents? What to do
"Data matching issue" letters are common and have a deadline. What they mean, which documents work, and how to avoid losing your tax credit.
After you enroll, it's common to get a Marketplace notice saying there's a "data matching issue" and you need to send documents. It's alarming, but it's almost always easy to fix if you act in time.
Why did I get this letter?
The Marketplace checks your application against government databases (IRS, Social Security, Homeland Security). If something doesn't match or isn't found, it asks for a document. The most common reasons:
- Income: your estimate differs from your tax records, or you're self-employed with no wage records.
- Immigration status or citizenship: the system couldn't confirm your document.
- Social Security number or date of birth entered differently.
- Other coverage: records show you may have access to Medicaid or job-based insurance.
How long do I have?
The deadline is on your letter. Usually you have 90 days. Don't wait until the end: reviews can take time.
What if I don't respond?
It depends on the issue. For income, your tax credit can be changed or removed and your premium goes up. For status or citizenship, you can lose Marketplace coverage. So it's worth responding even if you think everything is fine.
Which documents work?
We have a full document checklist you can tick off as you go. In short:
- Income: pay stubs, a letter from your employer, your tax return or, if self-employed, a profit and loss statement.
- Status: green card, work permit or another current immigration document.
- Citizenship: passport, birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
Never send documents through an email or text you don't recognize. The Marketplace doesn't charge to review documents. If you're unsure about a letter, send us a photo and we'll go over it with you.
How we help
Your agent can see what's missing, upload documents with you and confirm the Marketplace received them. Get help with your letter.
Sources
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules and dates can change; confirm details for your state with your agent or the official source.