Sacramento Public Library

Genealogy: The Taxman Cometh

How Not to be Frightened of Using Tax Records

Speaker Madeline Yanov will give a Zoom presentation on how to use tax records in genealogy research.

The Taxman Cometh: How not to be Frightened of Using Tax Records, with speaker Madeline Yanov

Tax records hold a surprising amount of information about our ancestors. Because taxes are collected yearly, they are considered an “annual census.” They can help you find missing ancestors and fill in gaps in your ancestors' lives when censuses or vital records don’t exist. However, tax records are totally under-utilized by genealogists. This class will cover why tax records are important and what help you can obtain from using them. You will also find out what facts are found in them and what types of tax records exist. This talk will mainly focus on poll or “tithe”, land, and personal property tax records, however early income tax records will be mentioned. You will also learn where these records are found and receive tips for researching tax records. Don’t be afraid to use tax records! It doesn’t need to be a horror story.

(The originally scheduled presentation Property Records Online with speaker James M. Baker has been rescheduled to December 13, 2025.)

This program will take place on Zoom. Register in advance for this meeting by clicking on the link below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrcu6hqTorEtxOYcHfDdhzO3RF7xKOf3Px

Questions? Email contact@saclibrary.org

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