Americans who didn't have health insurance are subject of fines of up to $95 per person and $285 for families. (Photo by Eric Stock/WJBC)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – Those who didn't follow the Affordable Care Act mandate in 2014 will find their taxes less affordable in 2015.

Bloomington tax preparer Rick Johnson of Tax and Accounting Plus said clients who weren't already aware are finding out about the fines that come with not having health insurance. Fines start at $95 per year.

"It's still fairly new and I still have (customers) who do not understand what the marketplace is," Johnson said.

Families could face fines of up to $285. Penalties are prorated.

It's too late to get the fine reduced on this year's taxes, but you can still to go HealthCare.gov to choose a plan for the current year before April 30 to avoid what would be much larger fines next year – up to $325 per person.

"There are many people who decide they can't afford health insurance and they aren't going to mess with it and they just pay the $95," Johnson said. "My assumption is there are going to change their opinion of that, maybe, in 2015."

Johnson said the good news is tax credits are available for those who don't qualify for Medicaid, but he says you must report if you income changes.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].