Liberty Tax Says Extended Health Insurance Deadline Is Welcome News for Taxpayers Unaware of Affordable Care Act Requirements

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA--(Marketwired - Feb 20, 2015) - Liberty Tax, Inc. (NASDAQ: TAX)

The extension of the deadline to enroll in health insurance in the Marketplace is welcome news for taxpayers who will pay a penalty this year when they file their taxes, according to Liberty Tax. The decision means that Liberty Tax can continue to assist uninsured taxpayers who may not be aware of the requirements of the health care law until they file their 2014 taxes.

"We were greatly concerned about taxpayers who came to us after February 15, and learned that they had to pay a penalty because they didn't have health insurance," said Chuck Lovelace, Vice President of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at Liberty Tax. "Now, we can continue to assist these taxpayers with health insurance and tax preparation."

The extension allows taxpayers who pay a penalty on their 2014 tax return to apply for health insurance coverage through April in the health insurance Marketplace. The new deadline more closely matches the April 15 deadline to file the 2014 income tax return.

Liberty Tax has more than 1,000 licensed health insurance agents available at participating locations across the United States who can help consumers enroll in health insurance at the same location where they have their taxes prepared.

At its website, www.LibertyTax.com, consumers can find an easy-to-read Obamacare e-book "The Ultimate Guide to Health Insurance and Taxes," and tools such as an exemptions guide and a subsidy calculator, both of which can help consumers calculate their costs and weigh their health insurance coverage options.

Liberty Tax has made resources available since open enrollment began in November to ensure that consumers have quick and easy access to information and health insurance agents. These resources will continue to be available to consumers through the end of April, the new deadline for enrollment in the health insurance Marketplace for 2015 coverage.

Liberty Tax makes the merger of health insurance information and income tax preparation a seamless process for consumers.

About Liberty Tax, Inc.
Founded in 1997 by CEO John T. Hewitt, Liberty Tax, Inc. (NASDAQ: TAX) is the parent company of Liberty Tax Service. Liberty Tax is one of the fastest-growing tax preparation franchises and has prepared almost 18 million individual income tax returns in more than 4,400 offices and online. Liberty Tax's online services are available through eSmart Tax, Liberty Online and DIY Tax, and are all backed by the tax professionals at Liberty Tax locations and its nationwide network of approximately 35,000 seasonal tax preparers. Liberty Tax also supports local communities with fundraising endeavors and contributes as a national sponsor for many charitable causes. For a more in-depth look, visit Liberty Tax Service and interact with Liberty Tax on Twitter and Facebook.