In case you are looking for a quick answer, the short answer to the question: Is It A Sin Not To Pay Taxes? Is yes it is.
In the following lines, please, allow me some room to explain the reasons behind that statement.
The issue of paying taxes in the Bible is one of those cases where I, and perhaps all of us, would like God to have said something different.
Nevertheless, let’s have a look at some of what He says in His word.
What does the Bible say about paying your taxes?
This time we will review a Bible fragment to get an idea of what the Bible says about paying our taxes, and from there answer the question: Is It A Sin Not To Pay Taxes?
I invite you to read it:
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.
The authorities that exist have been established by God.
For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.
Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority?
Then do what is right and you will be commended.
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.
Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Romans 13:1; 3; 6-7
Is avoiding taxes a sin?
If you were waiting for the Bible or me to tell you that you don’t need to pay taxes, or invite you to civil disobedience, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but It can’t be done.
Paying taxes is not only a civic duty, but a moral responsibility before God. Avoiding paying taxes is opposing God and the system of government that He is using to fulfill His eternal purposes.
In the previous Bible verse, the apostle Paul is talking about how we are to interact with the the civil authorities.
Interesting as it may seem in that time context, he says that these are ministers of God, since they are concerned with maintaining civil order and punishing those people who do not act correctly in society.
The apostle states that to oppose the authorities is to oppose God, and that wemust respect them and pay the taxes that allow them to continue to function.
In the event that governments do not impose orders on us that conflict with obedience to God, or lead us to act or support evil, God tells us that we must obey them. Which includes paying our taxes.
So, again, Is It A Sin Not To Pay Taxes? yes, it is.
Do Christians have to pay taxes?
Genuine Christianity has never had ambitions for earthly power.
The Bible teaches us to support governments, to pray for rulers, and yes, to pay our taxes.
In the historical context of the time of our Bible text today, the Jews were agitated and making revolts against the Roman government because they considered they were being treated unfairly.
The Lord did not want the Christians of the time to act in the same manner, and justify with their own actions the persecution that would be upon them later.
That’s why he recommends they pay their taxes and be upright to their leaders.
What did Jesus say about paying taxes
The Bible teaches on multiple occasions that taxes must be paid, even Jesus taught us that by saying:
(…) give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.
At that time, He was questioned by the Jewish leaders on whether they were to pay taxes to the Roman Empire.
Jesus’ answer was clear, saying that we are to fulfill our civic obligations (which include paying taxes) as well as our spiritual or moral ones.
Conclusion
Personally, paying taxes is not my favorite part of the Christian life, since in many cases taxes seem to be excessive or unfair. Yet God wants us to do that which is good even when others don’t.
It is easy to be discouraged from paying taxes when we think of ourselves alone.
Yet, the Bible teaches us that we must look at things from a broader perspective and understand that taxes are the means by which many of the blessings we enjoy are funded.
These include public safety, infrastructure improvements, some essential services and the functioning of the state in general.
The next time you have to pay your taxes, think that you are not only contributing to something bigger than yourself, but that you are obeying God in doing so.
I hope these words have been a blessing to your life.
In case you might use some good ideas about how to better handle your taxes or finances, I recommend that you read the book: The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey.
Furthermore, I encourage you to read our blog post on How to have healthy finances.
What do you think? Is It A Sin Not To Pay Taxes? What is the circumstance you are going through? Let us know in the comments.
Blessings and a hug.
You forgot to add that our taxes we pay fund killing babies (abortion), homosexual lifestyle, open borders ,and welfare , meaning that if a person does not work they should not be paid by the government to sit on their ass …just saying
Hey thanks for sharing that with us. It is true that terrible things are being done with part of the money from taxes. Still, in the times of Jesus and the apostles, horrible things were done as well. I don’t think that makes a compelling case for reinterpreting the bible text. Thanks a lot.