Well it’s that time of year again, time to file your taxes! According to the IRS website the deadline to file is April 17th. Years ago, I worked alongside of a fellow who took a different approach to taxes than I did. My coworker had the philosophy that he would cheat as much as possible to pay as little as possible; he once stated, “If I get away with it for seven years then I win”. I just smiled and nodded at him because getting caught cheating by the IRS is not something that I wanted to experience. As a Christian, one should look to the Bible for advice about taxes. No, the Bible will not help you itemize or claim credits, but you can get some direction on honesty. Furthermore, God does not forget after seven years!
Jesus was once asked 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.'” (Matthew 22:17-21). In fact, the Bible teaches, “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).
Just remember, it all belongs to God anyway.
Blessings,
Jeff