Originally Posted by MaxVO

Keep in mind that a mismatch between IRS records and your return in either favor may invite an audit or request for an explanation. Many years ago I did exactly that -- reported income (a few hundred $) for which I had received no 1099 form. First I got a letter from the IRS and a bill for more tax, to be explained by a phone interview. Over the phone, the agent explained that my mystery income was matched to another 1099 (with a much larger amount) and I got billed for the difference. When I explained that the larger 1099 was properly reported and taxed on my return, the IRS agent got furious and yelled at me. He accused me of wasting hours of his time, and warned to never pull that non-existent income shtik ever again.