How Much Tithes Should You Pay?

The Historical Understanding of Tithing

The concept of tithing, generally understood as dedicating a tenth of one’s income or produce, holds deep historical roots, appearing in ancient religious and cultural practices. Its prevalence in discussions about financial contributions to religious organizations largely stems from these historical traditions. Historically, tithing served as a foundational practice for supporting religious institutions and their activities.

Ancient narratives, particularly within Abrahamic faiths, frequently reference tithing as a practice predating formal religious law. For instance, biblical accounts describe figures like Abraham giving a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek, a priest and king, long before the Mosaic Law was established. This early example suggests tithing emerged as a voluntary act of reverence and gratitude.

Later, the practice of tithing became formalized within the ancient Israelite legal framework. The Mosaic Law stipulated that a tenth of agricultural produce and livestock was to be set aside for the support of the Levites, who served as religious functionaries and did not inherit land. This system ensured the maintenance of the religious and social structure of the community.

The concept of a “tenth” was not exclusive to ancient Israel; similar practices of dedicating a portion of one’s increase to deities or rulers existed in various ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. These historical precedents highlight a widespread recognition of giving back a portion of one’s blessings or prosperity, solidifying the “tenth” as a religious or communal obligation across cultures and periods.

Calculating the Tithe: Defining Income

Determining the precise amount for tithing often involves a central consideration: what constitutes “income” for this purpose. A primary discussion point revolves around whether to calculate the tithe based on gross income or net income. Gross income refers to earnings before any deductions, such as taxes, retirement contributions, or health insurance premiums.

Conversely, net income is the amount remaining after these mandatory and voluntary deductions. Advocates for tithing on gross income suggest the tithe should be calculated before any other claims, viewing the full amount earned as the true measure of financial increase.

Those who prefer to calculate based on net income argue the tithe should apply to money an individual actually has available to spend. They contend that funds withheld for taxes or other mandatory deductions are not truly “received” in the same way as disposable income. This approach aligns with tithing from what is directly within one’s control after necessary obligations are met.

Beyond regular wages and salaries, various other forms of financial inflow are considered when calculating a tithe:
Bonuses and commissions
Investment earnings, such as dividends, interest, or capital gains
Net business profits for business owners, after operational expenses but before personal distributions or owner’s draws
Gifts and inheritances
Pension income
Social Security benefits

To practically determine the tithe, individuals often review their pay stubs, bank statements, and tax documents. For wage earners, identifying gross pay is straightforward, typically listed on a pay stub. If opting for net income, the “net pay” or “take-home pay” figure is used. Business owners may need to refer to their profit and loss statements to ascertain their net profit before personal withdrawals.

Consider a hypothetical example: an individual earns a gross income of $5,000. If tithing on gross income, the tithe would be $500 (10% of $5,000). If their net income after taxes and deductions is $3,500, tithing on net income would result in a tithe of $350 (10% of $3,500).

Diverse Approaches to Financial Giving

Beyond the traditional percentage-based tithe, many individuals and religious traditions embrace other forms of financial contributions, often called “offerings.” These contributions may supplement or replace a strict percentage calculation. Offerings are voluntary donations given above any tithing commitment, reflecting a desire to support specific initiatives or express generosity.

Some individuals choose to base their financial contributions on their perceived ability to give rather than a fixed percentage. This approach recognizes that financial circumstances can fluctuate. Giving based on ability allows for flexibility, encouraging individuals to contribute what they genuinely feel capable of providing.

Another philosophy centers on “sacrificial giving,” which involves contributing an amount that requires personal sacrifice. This approach emphasizes the spiritual aspect of generosity. Sacrificial giving is not necessarily tied to a percentage but rather to the internal disposition of the giver and the perceived impact of their contribution.

The broader principle of stewardship also guides many financial contributions. Stewardship involves managing resources responsibly and with accountability. Within this framework, financial giving is one component of a larger commitment to using resources wisely.

Some individuals or religious communities define their financial contribution differently than a standard 10% tithe. This might involve committing to a specific fixed amount, or adopting a fluctuating percentage based on income levels or needs. Others may emphasize contributing time and personal skills alongside monetary donations. The decision of “how much” to give is a personal and spiritual matter, guided by individual beliefs, financial situations, and purpose.