what does the bible say?
The Bible discusses paying taxes in both the Old and New Testaments. God calls us to pay the taxes the government imposes. Jesus affirmed the obligation to pay taxes, stating, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God’s" (Matthew 22:17–21). Paul reinforced this teaching by instructing believers to pay taxes to governing authorities, recognizing them as ministers of God, even when those authorities are imperfect (Romans 13:6–7). Though we are ultimately citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), we are called to live as honorable citizens in our earthly locales as ambassadors of Christ (1 Peter 3:13–17; John 17:15–18). While frustrations about tax usage may arise, the Bible calls us to fulfill our earthly responsibilities. Doing so reflects God's character through our integrity and faithfulness in all areas of life.