So the past two tax periods (2012, 2013) I have not filed my taxes. Being a dependent and never owing money I simply assumed that not filing taxes siply meant not making the government give me my refund and was no big deal. However, it has been recently brought to my attention that it may in fact be a **very** big deal.

Simply put, I was informed that I could go to federal prison for this? And owe thousands of dollars to the government? Because of tax evasion? I am in a panic! I know *nothing* about taxes or the laws surrounding them, all I know is that I get like 20 dollars back if I file them.

I realize this may come off as moronic and a basic life skill that I should have but I was never taught and never thought it would  be the monumental and important thing it is. So, please, any advice as to were to go from here would help greatly.
user
Dumb college student hasn't filed 2012 or 2013 taxes because she assumed that the government wouldn't care if they sent her a refund or not. Never owed money before but now terrified of spending life in prison for tax evasion and needs guidance
assistant
So the past two tax periods (2012, 2013) I have not filed my taxes. Being a dependent and never owing money I simply assumed that not filing taxes siply meant not making the government give me my refund and was no big deal. However, it has been recently brought to my attention that it may in fact be a **very** big deal.

Simply put, I was informed that I could go to federal prison for this? And owe thousands of dollars to the government? Because of tax evasion? I am in a panic! I know *nothing* about taxes or the laws surrounding them, all I know is that I get like 20 dollars back if I file them.

I realize this may come off as moronic and a basic life skill that I should have but I was never taught and never thought it would  be the monumental and important thing it is. So, please, any advice as to were to go from here would help greatly.
user
I have no idea what I am doing and have no idea how to proceed. Please help
assistant