For 2015, the penalty for not having coverage is $325 per adult and $162.50 per child or a maximum of $975 OR 2% of household income, whichever is higher. The 2% is calculated on household income above your filing threshold. For 2016, the penalty increases to $695 per adult, 347.50 per child to a maximum of $2,085 or 2.5% of household income.

Their are penalties, but if you have a refund, the IRS can not collect it. The health care law has a provision does not allow the IRS to place a lien against your property or bank account to collect the penalty..