 Welcome to All Hands Update. I'm Pet Officer James Stillapeck. Tax season has begun and the Department of Defense wants to notify all trade care beneficiaries of new tax laws. Due to the Affordable Care Act, all service members, military retirees and family members must report health care coverage on their 2014 taxes. Trade care coverage for active duty and retirees meets the minimum essential coverage required by the Affordable Care Act. Retired and selective reservists may need to purchase additional coverage to meet the minimum requirements. Visit the TRICARE website for more information. Tax season can be a stressful and confusing time, so take advantage of programs that are designed to help you. Active duty sailors, their dependents and retirees can use the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or VITA program to get free help filing their taxes. To find a local VITA site near you or to find out how to become a volunteer, visit the IRS website.