Taxes and Giving
“It’s always a challenge to find sources where we can turn to help us, as we do rely largely on organizations such as yours for donations, and the magazine Loaves and Fishes is a very welcome addition, and will be put to good use.” —Chaplain Niles Behrens, EDC, Eloy AZ
The year is coming to an end, which means tax time is approaching, a time to make sure income and expenses are properly recorded. Some may think back over the year with satisfaction and others with disappointment, hoping for a better year in 2014.
You may wonder if it is even right to send money to a government that doesn’t operate with your principles. The corruption you hear about and all the money spent on war and things that do not align with your values could make you question your responsibility to pay taxes.
Ever since the church was established, Christians have taught that civil governments have a God-ordained duty to rule as they see best. Paul says, “The authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Romans 13:1) and “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Jesus had a neat way of paying taxes. He sent Peter fishing, and told him to use the money he will find in the fish’s mouth to pay his taxes (Matthew 17:27).
One way to legally avoid paying taxes is to give money away. In certain tax brackets, you can either pay a chunk of income tax or give a lot and end up with about as much in the end. Ask your tax accountant and see what giving can do for your bottom line. After all, giving is God’s way to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and share the burdens of the poor.
