Want to ensure your refund gets to you in the shortest amount of time? Want to avoid a letter from the IRS? Here are some of the most common Tax Filing Mistakes:

Forgetting a W-2 or 1099. The IRS does an effective job in comparing W-2s and 1099s they receive from organizations to the amounts you claim on your tax return.If they do not match, rest assured you will receive a notice in the mail asking for clarification.

Duplicate Dependent Reporting. If more than one tax return claims the same person as a dependent, the second return will be rejected.The IRS does not try to determine which tax return is correct. They leave that up to you.

Forgetting a Name Change.If you fail to change your name with Social Security after marriage and you file a tax return with your "new" last name, be prepared for either a rejected tax return or an adjusted tax return.

Other Missing Information.When preparing your tax return, often the return is held up because key information is missing.These missing items range from property tax and mortgage interest statements, to 1099s and W-2s.

Signing the e-file Authorization Form.Your tax return cannot be e-filed without proper authorization.After reviewing your return, a properly signed Form 8879 must be received.

Over the past four or five years a new tax item has popped up in most state income tax forms and instructions.This item is the "use tax".

Defining Use Tax. A use tax is a tax imposed by your state of residence on taxable purchases you make in other states.For example, say you live in Michigan and purchase a computer from an internet site that has its business in Texas.The Texas company does not charge you sales tax since you live in Michigan, but Michigan wants their sales tax revenue. The use tax is meant to ensure that your state collects taxes on all purchases, whether made locally or outside of your state of residence.

It's Complicated. Using the example above, what do you do if Texas DID charge you sales tax on your computer?Most states give you credit for this sales tax payment, but you could still owe money if the tax rates are different.But that's not the only complication:

Here's what you need to know

	Most states are adding sales and use tax audit staff.Why?Because tax collections from these auditors far exceed their added cost.
	Much of this added staff is currently focusing on business sales and use tax audits.Why?Because it pays, and most businesses are required to keep the necessary records to make an audit practical.
	It's probably only a matter of time before individuals are targeted for use tax audits.This is because many states' "pre-programmed" spending is causing significant budget deficits.
	Higher income taxpayers first?It only makes sense that higher income taxpayers will be audited first because they tend to spend more.
	Besides being politically unpopular, effectively auditing your purchases to see if you owe use tax is very difficult unless states target credit card transactions.

In the meantime, individual states are also going after large internet companies to get them to pay sales and use taxes to their state.But that is another story...

What you need to know.

While each of the individual cost elements can very greatly from one location to another, the primary cost driver in a gallon of gas is the cost of oil.In addition, very little profit is typically made at your local gas station.

Gifts. Gifts you receive are not taxable income to you.In fact, they are not taxable to the person giving the gift as long as the gifts received in one year from one person do not exceed $13,000.

Rental Income. If you rent your home or vacation cottage for up to 14 days, that rental income does not need to be reported.Homeowners often can earn some tax-free income by renting out a home while a large sporting event (Superbowl, Golf tournaments, etc.) is in town.

Child's Income. Up to the standard deduction amount ($5,800 - 2011) in earned income (wages) and $950 in unearned income (interest) for children is not taxed.Excess earnings above these amounts could be taxed at the parent's tax rate.

Inheritance. Beneficiaries typically do not pay tax on the value of what they inherit.When inherited property is sold by the beneficiary, however, there may be a capital gains tax obligation.

Roth IRA earnings. As long as you meet this retirement account type's rules, earnings in a Roth IRA are not taxed.

Life Insurance Received. The full value of life insurance received is not taxable income.However, the proceeds may be taxable within the estate of the deceased policy holder.

Child Support Revenue. Income you receive as child support is not deemed to be taxable income. On the other hand alimony received IS taxable income.

Home Sales Gains. Up to $250,000 ($500,000 for married filing jointly) in gains on the sale of a qualified principal residence is not taxable.

Scholarships/Fellowships. Money received to cover tuition, fees, and books for degree candidates is not generally taxable.

Refunds. Federal refunds (technically you've already accounted for this income) and most State refunds for non-itemizers are also tax-free.