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Federal officials and private tax preparers started offering consumers tax filing help Thursday as the first tax deadline that involves health insurance looms in April. About 75% of taxpayers will only have to check a box saying they had health insurance in 2014, the Department of Health and Human Services says. Those who received subsidized coverage through the Affordable Care Act exchanges or decided not to enroll, will have to go through a more complicated process. (O'Donnell, 1/8)

The Obama administration is trying to head off confusion related to ObamaCare's first tax season by providing online resources to consumers preparing to file their returns. The joint effort, announced Thursday by the Treasury and the Health and Human Services departments, promises consumer outreach online and in communities as well as partnerships with tax preparers. (Viebeck, 1/8)

Many Americans might scratch their heads more than usual during this tougher tax season. It's the first year the uninsured could face penalties under the Affordable Care Act. All will need to take some action related to the health care law. It could be as easy as declaring whether or not a filer had health insurance in 2014. However, many taxpayers may find the process much more complicated. (Clark, 1/8)