Is it a bad idea to represent yourself in tax court? My case is coming up soon.

Thanks for your perspective! Do you think it makes a difference that my case will likely be in the "small tax case" (S case) division since it's under $50k? I've read those proceedings are less formal. Also, would it be worth consulting with a tax attorney just for preparation, even if I end up representing myself?

The S case division is indeed less formal and designed to be more accessible to non-attorneys. The rules of evidence are relaxed, and the proceedings are generally more conversational. This does make self-representation more feasible, but you'll still face an experienced IRS attorney who knows the substantive tax law inside and out. I highly recommend at least consulting with a tax attorney for preparation. Many offer reasonable rates for consultation services where they can review your documentation, help you organize your case, and provide guidance on presenting your arguments effectively. This middle-ground approach gives you some professional insight without the full cost of representation.

How does it work exactly? Do you just upload your tax documents and it gives you legal advice? I'm skeptical about AI tools for something as serious as Tax Court.

I'm curious - did you end up representing yourself or did you eventually hire an attorney? And how complex was your case compared to what OP is describing?

The system works by scanning your documents and comparing your situation to thousands of previous tax cases. You upload your notices, tax returns, and supporting documents, and it identifies the key issues and applicable laws. It doesn't just give generic advice - it gives you specific references and explanations tailored to your situation. I did represent myself in the end, but with much more confidence after using the tool. My case was somewhat similar to yours - disputed business deductions for my consulting work and some investment loss calculations the IRS rejected. The analysis helped me organize my documentation according to what the court would be looking for and prepare responses to likely IRS arguments.

How does this actually work? I've tried calling the IRS dozens of times and always get disconnected or told to call back later. Seems impossible to get through.

This sounds like a scam. You're telling me some random service can magically get through the IRS phone system when millions of people can't? I'll believe it when I see it.

The service basically waits on hold for you. You register your number, and they use an automated system to wait in the IRS's phone queue. When they reach an agent, you get a call connecting you directly to that person. It's not magic - they're just doing the waiting for you. It's absolutely legitimate. Before your court case, you should try to resolve issues directly with the IRS if possible, and sometimes a phone call can clear up misunderstandings or even lead to a settlement. They often have authority to negotiate rather than going to court. Many Tax Court cases get resolved this way before the actual hearing.

I didn't even know tax court mediation was an option! How do you request it? Is there a specific form or process? And does it delay your actual court date if you try mediation first?

You can request mediation by contacting the IRS attorney assigned to your case. There's a form (can't remember the number offhand) that you submit to formally request it. Usually, they're pretty open to mediation because it saves them time and resources too. It typically doesn't delay your court date significantly because they'll schedule mediation well before your hearing. If mediation fails, your court case proceeds as planned. In my experience, the IRS attorney will reach out to you before your court date anyway to discuss possible settlement, so you might as well be proactive and suggest mediation yourself.

This is such good advice. My friend lost her case not because she was wrong, but because she couldn't find the right documents during the hearing and came across as unprepared. The judge even commented on it in his ruling.

Yeah, presentation makes a huge difference. Another tip: practice explaining your case out loud beforehand. My brother said he froze up initially because it's intimidating, but he'd practiced his explanations so much that he was able to get back on track. Also, be respectful and never interrupt the judge or IRS attorney. My brother said the judge was actually quite helpful in guiding him through the process, but he saw another self-represented person get on the judge's bad side by being argumentative and disorganized. That case did not end well for them.