What does the Bible say about Paying Taxes?

As most of us are celebrating Good Friday and preparing our minds for this weekend of Easter Celebration, it's hard, as a Tax Preparer, to not think of the upcoming April 15th "tax day".  I believe in preparing taxes to take every possible Legal and Honest deduction.  So I starting wondering what exactly does the Bible say about paying taxes.

As much as we hate taxes, as much as we might feel the tax system is corrupt and unfair, as much as there are far better things our money could go towards - the Bible commands, yes, commands us to Pay our Taxes.  Romans 13:1-7 makes it clear that we are to submit ourselves to the government.  The Bible encourages us to pay taxes.  Therefore, we must submit to God and His Word - and Pay our Taxes.

Now, that being said....  I firmly believe that if we aren't paying some sort of taxes every year we aren't earning any money.  Due to the amount of exemptions you might claim on your W-2 you may not have to pay any extra at the end of the year but how great is it to be able to say you had an income.  We are free to take every tax deduction that is both Legal and Honest.  If the government allows you a tax break, take it.  If there is a legal way you can shelter money, shelter it.  Take that deduction for your children, mortgage, mileage, home business, etc...  Every LEGAL and HONEST deduction should be taken but Illegal and/or Dishonest methods must be rejected. 

In Matthew 22:17-21, the Pharisees asked Jesus a question: "Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought Him a denarius, and He asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. Then He said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." In full agreement, the Apostle Paul taught, "This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor" (Romans 13:6-7).

If you are looking for someone to take care of your returns Legally and Honestly but find every possible tax break then please give me a call.  925-452-8230