Should Christians pay Taxes?

Let me be the first to say that I like paying taxes about as much as the next person. But let me be blunt: I am genuinely surprised that people within the Christian community even debate this issue. I would expect this sort of thing from people outside the church—in fact, they’re the ones who like to point out the argument. But for Christians to be conflicted about something that is plainly laid out for us in the scriptures is ridiculous.

We know what the Bible says about taxes. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

“Later the leaders sent some Pharisees and supporters of Herod to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us—is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them, or shouldn’t we?’

“Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, ‘Why are you trying to trap me? Show me a Roman coin, and I’ll tell you.’ When they handed it to him, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?’

“‘Caesar’s,’ they replied.

“‘Well, then,’ Jesus said, ‘give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.’

His reply completely amazed them.”

~ Mark 12:13-17 New Living Translation  (NLT)

“For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.

“It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.”

~ 1 Peter 2:13-17 New Living Translation (NLT)

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

“Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.”

~ Romans 13:1-7 (NLT)

People tend to think of Christians as being rebels and fanatics, hiding in their bunkers with their Bibles and shotguns. And when we go around proudly stating that we “don’t pay taxes because the money pays for immoral things,” we’re only perpetuating the stereotype. Not only that, but we are disobeying God and making Him look like a hypocrite through our own hypocrisy; regardless of our moral convictions.

Don’t you realize that money is circulated? That dollar you spend at the gas station today, might be used to pay for a prostitute tomorrow. No matter how you look at it, your money will inevitably be used to pay for something immoral. That’s how money works. It can be used for good or for evil. That’s how it was in the Roman Empire 2,000 years ago, and it’s the same way today.

Furthermore, the Bible tells us to submit ourselves to the authorities over us. That means obeying the laws of the land and paying our taxes. The only exception is if the government passes a law that outlaws the worship of God or otherwise forces people to sin. But even then, we are not commanded to revolt. We are instructed to persevere and keep obeying God, even if that means persecution and death. (Daniel chapters 3 and 6)

So, should Christians pay taxes? If you believe that the Bible is the Word of God, then yes you should pay your taxes. You should also obey and respect the authorities God has put over you. There is nothing in the Bible to indicate otherwise.