Should Christians Tithe From Their Income Tax Refund?

Should Christians tithe from their tax return? That’s a fair question. I asked that question many years ago. The answers I received we quite interesting and were all over the place. It helps to understand what it means to tithe.

In modern language, tithing means to give ten percent of one’s income to their local church.

Christians can theoretically tithe from their income tax return. There is no Biblical obligation to do so, though. Giving 10% of one’s income is a big decision. Pray and answer some questions before doing it.

Christians must never give financially because they feel guilty, are shamed, coerced, or manipulated to do so. Giving should be done cheerfully and thoughtfully.

Question #1 — Do You Believe In Tithing?

Christians should not tithe off their tax return when they don’t believe in the doctrine.

The church is split on this doctrine. It’s estimated that about one-third of the clergy believe that tithing is NT doctrine. Nearly 75% of Christians believe that tithing is required. There is a major disconnect between belief and action though. Less than a fourth of Christians give at least 10% of their income to the local church.

If you are persuaded that tithing is required for Christians then by all means give ten percent of all your increase. Whatever that means.

Christians who are unsure should study the subject until they’re fully persuaded by the doctrine.

I support grace-giving. Tithing is an Old Testament mandate. Money was not the tithing medium of exchange under the law. Farmers, landowners, and herdsmen gave 10% of their crops and every tenth animal to the Levites. They also gave 10% of their crops to support the three major festivals. Every third year they gave 10% of their crops as a Charity Tithe to support the poor. On average, Jewish landowners annually tithed well over 23.33%.

Those who are adamant about tithing should start at around 25% and not 10%. Talk about robbing God!

Question #2 — Is Your Budget Underwater?

Christians should not tithe from their tax return when their budget is underwater.

Is your budget above water? Those who are underwater financially should avoid giving any money—hard stop. You will not give yourself out of financial storms.

Psalm 37:21 The wicked borrows and does not repay.

What bill in your budget is drawing the short straw? Will you give your car payment money to the church? Or are you going to skip getting groceries? Do you have a large credit card bill that is accruing interest at 22.99%?

The average income tax return last year was $3,167 (CBS News). Use that $316.70 more strategically. How about using it to double down on your debt snowball? Or do you feel as though that extra $316.70 payment will be the one that FINALLY gets God to open the windows of heaven for you?

Question #3 — Do You Tithe Gross or Net?

The question “Should a person tithe from their tax refund” amplifies legalism in the Church. Even when I bought into the tithing concept I despised this question.

Here’s a sample conversation between a Baby Christian and a Salty Christian.

“I have a question for you. Can you help me out?”

“Sure, what’s up?”

“It’s about tithing. Is that okay?”

“Sure, I can give it a shot. What’s the question?”

“Am I supposed to tithe from the money I receive from my State and Federal Tax refund?”

“Let me ask you a question. Did you tithe off of your gross or net income last year?”

“Off the gross. The whole tithe, my brother! I’m team FIRST FRUITS!”

“Then you aren’t expected to tithe off of your refunds. You already tithed off that money. Anything you give now is an offering because it’s above and beyond the tithe. Now you can plant some seeds!”

Do you see how this type of thinking amplifies legalism? When we begin thinking about what is mandated and commanded we slip into the realm of legalism. We begin keeping score. That’s a dangerous place.

Question #4 — Does God Expect Christians To Tithe From Their Income Tax Refund?

Tithing is an Old Testament command that applied to farmers and herdsmen in the Land of Israel. God demanded three tithes from Israeli farmers — not just one. The tithe was more than 23%, on average, per year. Plus, the tithe was food and never money.

There is no Biblical evidence that tithes were magically transformed from food to money. That change was made up by preachers and it progressed unchallenged.

Yes, Israel was an agrarian society but they had money. The temple tax and the redemption of the firstborn were paid with money.

The “Agrarian” argument is terrible. The Levitical tithe could be paid in cash (redeemed) but when that happened a 20% surcharge was added. God preferred food and not silver or gold for the tithe.

Tithing is not a New Testament doctrine. It’s not an eternal principle either.

New Covenant grace giving is superior. God does not expect Christians to give 10% of their income on Sundays or from their income tax refund.

He wants us to give cheerfully and thoughtfully and never under feelings of coercion, manipulation, or reluctance.

Can you give something from your income tax refund? Sure, if you want to do it then do it. If you don’t then don’t. It’s between you and God.