Tax Court – Should I Represent Myself “Pro Se”?
What is PRO SE?
Pro Se is the Latin for on one’s own behalf. It is the legal terminology for self-representation inside of a court room. While you do have every legal right to choose that option it has long been said that those who represent themselves have a fool for a lawyer.
That doesn’t mean that you aren’t an intelligent person or capable. It is just that law and especially tax law in this case, is constantly evolving and changing. Unless you have dedicated your profession to studying the laws and keeping abreast of updated case law, you likely do not have the necessary experience to win. And you want to win.
A consultation with a reputable experienced tax court lawyer can help you determine if you should take your tax dispute from the IRS to tax court. The United States Tax Court only hears taxpayer disputes with the IRS.
Based on your tax situation, your attorney may advise you that the tax court is the best option for your case. Since tax court is a trial with a judge, it is in your best interest to be represented by a Naples tax attorney who knows the tax law and understands all the legal proceedings. Naples IRS tax attorney Todd D. Babbitt is licensed to practice before the United States Tax Court.
If your tax issue at hand is less than $50,000 in a tax year, a simplified small tax case method is used. This type of trial is more expedient and less formal. It is important to note that the final decision of the court cannot be appealed.
If you do not choose the simplified small tax case method, your case will be more formal, and the decision can be appealed within a certain time frame by going through the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Mr. Babbitt will put together and file a petition that will present your case in the best possible way, hopefully settling the case without having to go to trial. An Offer in Compromise or an installment agreement can often be used to settle your case.
Each taxpayer’s case is unique. It is not generally in your best interest to try and take on the IRS alone. Contact Naples and Fort Myers IRS tax attorney Todd D. Babbitt right away for a free consultation to find out if the U.S. Tax court is a good option for you to win your dispute with the IRS. www.Babbitttaxlaw.com.