The penalty is 0.1666% per month you didn't have qualifying health insurance for any 3+ month period(s) you didn't have it, e.g., if you didn't have insurance in the months of February-April, you'd be assessed a fine of 0.5% of your income.
I mention that there are ways to avoid some of the taxes. I've BEEN an expat so I know how it works.
I also know that I still had to pay taxes even when I stayed out of country long enough just due to income levels. Additionally, with all of my family in the US it was pretty hard to stay out of country enough to avoid taxes.
Am I saying you shouldn't move out of the country? NO! I loved living in Europe. And if you live in a low cost of living country you will save lots of money if you get a US salary or contracts. What I am saying is that as an American you'll likely end up still paying US taxes and you'll still have to file with the IRS every year.
http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/International-Taxpayers/Forei...