Should you represent yourself in you tax case?

No! There may be times when the issue is so minor that you can handle it but the potential for  problems you can create for yourself far outweighs the benefits of taking care of it yourself.  Your unlikely to know the law and the ramifications of some of the answers you provide the taxing authorities.  It is difficult for taxpayers to know what the IRS notices mean and what type of action is forthcoming from them.  For instance, I see the time to appeal a collection action (proposed wage or bank levy) expired because the taxpayer didn't understand what the notice meant.  I also see taxpayers enter into installment agreements they couldn't possibly pay based upon their income. Not to mention you wanting to be helpful and saying something that could really be harmful to you to an examiner. I see this after I enter cases the taxpayer has met with the agent and some explaining is required to get back on track. With a power of attorney I meet with the agents in nearly all cases and you don't.  After 28 years of representing taxpayers I'd confident this gets the best results.