Presentation: Don’t Panic — a Guide to Handling IRS Notices

Thursday, 6/25/2026
1:00 - 2:00

Learn how to confidently handle IRS letters by understanding what they mean, what your options are and how to respond effectively before problems escalate.

Receiving a letter from the IRS can be stressful. This presentation breaks down the most common notices into plain language so you know exactly what’s happening and what to do next. You’ll learn practical, step‑by‑step strategies for responding to audits, correcting mistakes, protecting your rights and avoiding costly penalties or collection actions. Whether you owe money, disagree with the IRS, or simply want peace of mind, this session empowers you with the knowledge to take control of the situation and make informed decisions.

Presented by Timothy Carter, Qualified Tax Expert and Supervising Attorney at the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, a program of the Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco.

The Low Income Taxpayer Clinic specializes in assisting taxpayers with IRS controversies, including identity theft matters, innocent spouse, microbusiness, tax debt, tax liens, and levies, among other services. Their goal is to provide clear guidance and support for those navigating these complex federal tax challenges.


Get expert help in managing your finances and learn how to make well-informed financial decisions about spending, saving, taxes, investing, retirement, estate planning and more.

A series of expert-led workshops covering everything you need to know to file your tax return safely and accurately, no matter your situation.


This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.


Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.


Public Notice and Disclaimer

This program uses a third-party website link. By clicking on the third-party website link, you will leave SFPL's website and enter a website not operated by SFPL. This service may collect personally identifying information about you, such as name, username, email address, and password. This service will treat the information it collects about you pursuant to its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of each third-party website or service that you visit or use, including those third parties with whom you interact through our Library services. For more information about these third-party links, please see the section of SFPL’s Privacy Policy describing Links to Other Sites.

The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.