Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Do You Tithe Your Tax Refund?

Photo credit: forwardcom
We are tithing people at our house. In other words, we give the first 10% of our paycheck to God via our church (Malachi 3:10).  And since we believe that we are to give the first 10% of our income ("firstfruits" and the "full tithe"), we tithe off of our gross income.  In other words, the first money we give is to God...and THEN we pay our taxes.

So that being said, we just got our tax refund back last week (I know, early, right?).  It was awesome.  And as I was writing out the amount of our tithe that week the question occurred to me...am I to tithe this?  I mean, it is a blessing to get the refund in the first place.  However, since this is money I overpaid the government, haven't I already tithed the portion associated with this money?


So I did not tithe the refund.

Don't get my wrong.  I know God will bless any gifts so when in doubt, give all you can.  = ) This was just a question that crossed my mind in thinking what I was supposed to do.

What do you think?  Is this selfish to do?  Is it completely selfish of me to even ASK this question?  Where do you weigh in on this? 
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6 comments:

  1. Christy Broxton2/16/2013 10:41 AM

    We've asked that question before and because we tithe from the gross, we did the same thing you did.

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    1. Kaye2/18/2013 11:21 AM

      Glad to know that someone else thinks the same thing. It makes me feel less selfish for even asking the question. :) Thanks!

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  2. Hifam2/19/2013 2:48 PM

    I think you are great. I pay tithing on the take home amount and then also pay a tithe on any refund or other income. We're probably not doing it right. :)

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    1. Kaye2/21/2013 9:34 AM

      Thank you for the encouragement. I'm not sure what is "right" or "wrong", but I was taught to do it on the gross, so that's what we do. I think if our hearts are in the right place of obedience, God will be pleased.

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  3. Anonymous4/19/2013 10:40 AM

    We tithe from gross and I think I have "mindlessly" tithed from our refund year after year because I was so focused on the letter of the law. As I am getting older, I am beginning to ask these questions. Thank you for being willing and kind enough to share. You are an encouragement to me.

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    1. Kaye5/02/2013 10:24 AM

      I certainly don't want to skirt God's law, but I honestly can say that I did not tithe my refund this year with a clear conscious because of the logic behind my argument. I am pleased that you were able to relate and hope you find encouragement any time you are around here! Thank you!

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