Should I Tithe on My Tax Return? Biblical and Practical Guide
Should I Tithe on My Tax Return? Biblical and Practical Guide
Key Spiritual Insights
Whether to tithe on tax refunds depends on your regular tithing method - gross income tithers may not need to, while net income tithers should consider it
Tax credits like EITC and Child Tax Credit represent new income and should be considered for tithing regardless of your regular tithing method
Consistency with your established tithing pattern is more important than following rigid rules about tax refund giving
Tax refunds provide excellent opportunities to catch up on missed tithes or establish consistent giving habits for inconsistent givers
The decision should be made through prayer, biblical study, and consideration of your overall financial stewardship and family situation
Introduction
Over years of helping church families navigate giving decisions each tax season, I’ve seen one question more than any other: “Do I tithe on my tax refund?” This concise guide blends biblical principles with clear scenarios so you can decide with confidence—without legalism or guilt. Where useful, I’ll point to quick tools like the Net vs Gross Tithe Calculator and LDS Tithe Calculator, and to foundational posts such as What Is Tithe and Tithing in the Bible: Complete Scripture Guide.
Quick Answer: Should You Tithe on Your Tax Return?
Short answer: It depends on how you usually tithe and what your refund includes.
- If you tithe on gross income: you’ve typically already tithed on the refunded earnings. Consider tithing only on new income portions (e.g., credits).
- If you tithe on net income: your refund often includes earnings you didn’t tithe on due to withholding—many net-tithers do tithe on the refund.
- Credits (EITC, Child Tax Credit, stimulus): usually new income → often tithed.
- Run your numbers fast: Tithe Calculator
Biblical Foundation: Irregular Income in Scripture
- Honor God with the first of your increase (Prov 3:9–10).
- Give proportionally and cheerfully (1 Cor 16:2; 2 Cor 9:7).
- Steward all God entrusts to you (Luke 16:10).
For a deeper primer, see 10 Essential Bible Verses About Tithing and Bible Concepts.
Biblical Principles for Irregular Income
| Biblical Principle | Scripture Reference | Application to Tax Refunds | Modern Guidance |
| Firstfruits Giving | Proverbs 3:9-10 | Honor God with first of refund | Give before other spending |
| Proportional Giving | 1 Corinthians 16:2 | Percentage of refund amount | Consistent with income tithing |
| Cheerful Giving | 2 Corinthians 9:7 | Joyful attitude toward refund tithe | Give willingly, not grudgingly |
| Faithful Stewardship | Luke 16:10 | Faithfulness with unexpected income | Manage all money biblically |
| Trust in Provision | Matthew 6:26 | Trust God with refund decisions | Faith over financial fear |
The Case for Tithing on Your Tax Refund (brief)
- Recognizes God’s provision in seasonal/irregular income.
- Builds trust and consistency in giving habits.
- Credits = new income you likely haven’t tithed on.
See How to Tithe Correctly.
The Case Against Tithing on Your Tax Refund (brief)
- Gross-tithers already tithed on full earnings; refunds are typically overpayments returned.
- Avoid double-tithing the same income.
- Be consistent with your established method.
See Tithe vs Offering.
Gross vs Net Tithing Tax Scenarios
| Tithing Method | Tax Situation | Refund Tithing Recommendation | Reasoning |
| Gross Income Tither | Standard refund | Generally no additional tithe | Already tithed on full earnings |
| Net Income Tither | Standard refund | Consider tithing on refund | Refund represents previously untithed money |
| Gross Income Tither | Large credit refund | Tithe on credit portions | Credits are new income |
| Net Income Tither | Overpayment refund only | No additional tithe needed | Return of your own money |
| Inconsistent Tither | Any refund | Fresh start opportunity | Use refund to establish tithing habit |
Practical Scenarios (use the calculator to confirm)
- Gross tither + small refund: likely no additional tithe.
- Net tither + typical refund: often 10% of refund.
- Refund heavy on credits: consider tithing that portion.
Try: How to Calculate Tithe from Salary and the Net vs Gross Calculator.
Tax Return Tithing Calculation Examples
| Annual Income | Regular Tithe Given | Tax Refund | Refund Tithe (10%) | Total Annual Giving |
| $50,000 (gross tither) | $5,000 | $2,000 | $0-200* | $5,000-5,200 |
| $50,000 (net tither) | $3,800 | $2,000 | $200 | $4,000 |
| $35,000 (gross tither) | $3,500 | $3,500 (EITC) | $350 | $3,850 |
| $75,000 (net tither) | $5,700 | $1,500 | $150 | $5,850 |
| $60,000 (inconsistent) | $2,400 | $2,200 | $220 | $2,620 |
Tax Basics That Affect the Decision (concise)
- Overpayment refund: your own money returned → often no extra tithe for gross-tithers.
- Credits (EITC/CTC/stimulus): new income → often tithed regardless of method.
For broader giving guidance: How Much Are You Supposed to Tithe.
Special Situations (quick guidance)
- Apply your regular method consistently; identify refund sources; consider family unity in decisions.
Special Tax Situations Tithing Guide
| Tax Situation | Refund Source | Tithing Consideration | Recommended Action |
| Business Owner | Quarterly overpayment | Business vs. personal income | Tithe if personal benefit |
| Investment Trader | Capital gains withholding | Investment income principles | Follow investment tithing method |
| Married Filing Jointly | Combined refund | Joint stewardship decision | Discuss and agree together |
| College Student | First-time large refund | Learning stewardship opportunity | Start with small percentage |
| Retiree | Social Security overpayment | Fixed income considerations | Based on regular giving capacity |
| Military Family | Overseas tax benefits | Special military considerations | Follow regular income method |
Practical Decision Framework
- Identify your normal method: gross or net?
- Split refund sources: overpayment vs credits.
- Apply consistency: match your normal method; tithe credits as new income.
- Pray & (if married) agree together.
- Give promptly (firstfruits principle) and record it properly.
Conclusion
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all mandate for tax refund tithing. Let consistency (gross vs net), refund source (overpayment vs credits), and prayerful conviction guide you. If you tithe on gross income, you’ve generally covered the earnings behind a standard refund; consider tithing credit portions. If you tithe on net income, many choose to tithe the refund because it often contains previously untithed earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sacred wisdom and spiritual guidance
Should I tithe on my tax refund if I already tithe on my gross income?
Do I need to tithe on my refund if I tithe on net income?
Refund vs credits—what’s the tithing difference?
Whole refund or part of it?
Is it wrong not to tithe on a refund?
How much should I give if I choose to tithe the refund?
Large refund—tithe all of it?
Joint refund—how do couples handle this?
May I give it as a special offering instead?
Behind on tithing—use refund to catch up?
Do I need to give immediately?
State refunds too?
Stimulus payments—tithe them?
Business owners—what about business refunds?
Churches teach differently—what now?
College students—how to start?
Is a refund tithe tax-deductible?
I’m struggling financially—should I still tithe the refund?
Retirees—any difference?
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