Can I submit a copy of my filed tax return, or do I need the full return with all schedules for the Medicaid request? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, a Medicaid request for the “most recent tax return” usually means the complete filed return, including the signature page and any schedules and forms that were filed with it. A first two pages-only “summary” often does not show the details Medicaid uses to verify income sources, deductions, and certain financial activity. If a schedule does not apply because it was not filed, it is typically enough to provide the full return as filed (which will simply not include that schedule) and confirm nothing else was filed.

Understanding the Problem

In a North Carolina Medicaid undue-hardship submission, a representative must decide whether a “copy of the filed tax return” can be limited to the main form pages or whether the county Department of Social Services needs the entire return package as it was filed. The key decision point is what the Medicaid request is actually trying to verify from the return—income sources, household information, and supporting details that may appear only on schedules and attached forms. The practical question is whether providing only a partial return will delay review or trigger a follow-up request for missing pages.

Apply the Law

North Carolina Medicaid eligibility and related reviews are handled through the county Department of Social Services, and the agency can require verification documents that reasonably support what is being claimed. Tax records can be used as a verification document in Medicaid-related processes, including for proof tied to residency and other eligibility checks. In practice, when Medicaid asks for a tax return, the agency generally expects the return “as filed,” meaning the main form plus any schedules and attachments that were part of the filing, because those pages often contain the details needed to verify income and financial circumstances.

Key Requirements

Provide the return “as filed”: Include the main form pages and every schedule/form that was actually filed with the return (for example, schedules showing business income, retirement distributions, interest/dividends, or itemized deductions).
Make it readable and complete: The copy should show names, the tax year, and the filing status, and it should include the signature page (or e-file authorization/acceptance page if that is what exists).
Match the Medicaid request and time period: If the request is for the “most recent” return, provide the most recent tax year that was filed; if an extension was filed and the return is not yet filed, provide what exists and explain the status.

What the Statutes Say

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 108A-55.3 (Medicaid proof of NC residency; tax records may be used) – Lists tax records showing a North Carolina address as one acceptable document for residency verification in medical assistance matters.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 108A-55.5 (Eligibility monitoring; verification expectations) – Describes Medicaid eligibility monitoring and the county DSS process for addressing discrepancies, including written notice and the need for documentation rather than unsupported statements.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: In an undue-hardship submission, the law firm is trying to provide the “most recent tax return” in a way that lets the paperwork be reviewed without delays. If only the first pages are provided, the county DSS (or the reviewing team) may not be able to confirm income sources that commonly appear on schedules and attached forms, which can lead to a follow-up request and slow the submission. Providing the full return as filed usually reduces back-and-forth because it shows the same package that was submitted to the IRS and/or the State.

Process & Timing

Who gathers it: The applicant, guardian, attorney-in-fact, or other authorized representative. Where: For the Medicaid request, the county Department of Social Services handling the Medicaid case. What: A complete copy of the most recent filed return (main form, signature/e-file authorization, and all schedules/forms that were filed). When: By the deadline stated in the Medicaid request letter or checklist.
Quality check before sending: Confirm the tax year, confirm all pages are included, and confirm the copy is readable. If the return was e-filed, include the e-file signature authorization and acceptance confirmation if available.
Follow-up if something is missing: If DSS says pages are missing or unclear, respond promptly with the missing schedules/forms or request clarification on exactly what is needed for the undue-hardship review.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

“I didn’t file that schedule” confusion: If a schedule was not filed, it will not exist. The safest approach is to provide the full return as filed and, if asked, confirm no other schedules/forms were filed for that year.
Transcript vs. return copy: Sometimes DSS will accept an IRS tax transcript, but a transcript can omit attachments and may not match what the request is asking for. If the request says “tax return,” provide the return unless DSS confirms a transcript is acceptable.
Missing signature/authorization page: A return copy without the signature page (or e-file authorization) can look incomplete and trigger a re-request.
Redacting too much: Over-redaction can make the document unusable for verification. If privacy is a concern, ask the reviewing office or attorney what can be safely redacted before sending.

For more context on how document requests commonly work in this setting, see documents to provide for a Medicaid undue-hardship request and what happens if the tax return cannot be submitted right away.

Conclusion

For a North Carolina Medicaid undue-hardship submission, a request for the “most recent tax return” is usually best answered by providing the complete return as filed, including the signature page and any schedules and attached forms that were filed with it. A partial copy can leave out key details and trigger a follow-up request. The next step is to send the full filed return package to the county Department of Social Services (or through counsel) by the deadline stated in the Medicaid request.

Talk to a Guardianship Attorney

If a Medicaid undue-hardship submission is underway and the paperwork request is unclear about whether schedules are required, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help clarify what to provide and how to avoid delays. Call us today at (919) 341-7055.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.