text: can i cheat on my taxes? okay not really. but i think i messed up. because the amount is less than 500, should i worry about it or not?  i am not trying to make it to jail. i wouldn't recommend it. the irs will send you letters, charge you fees, harass you, and basically make your life hell until you fix it. you won't go to jail if it is an honest mistake, but they also won't ignore it - even if it is a tiny mistake.  if you've already mailed in or e-filed your taxes, submit an ammended form. see the attached form to do so, or you can check with your accountant. if you used something like turbotax, i think you can also do it through their website.