penalty

The Obama administration said Friday it will allow a special health law enrollment period from March 15 to April 30 for consumers who realize while filling out their taxes that they owe a fee for not signing up for coverage last year.

If you're rushing to get your taxes done before today's midnight deadline, take some comfort that you're not alone.

Time is almost up. March 31 is the last day this year for most people to sign up for health coverage made available by the Affordable Care Act. If you have started the process and encountered problems, you have until April 15 to request an extension.

If you filed for a federal tax extension last April, you'll still need to send in your return by Oct. 15, despite the government shutdown.