Stewardship Question and Answer—Tithing from Social Security (2024)

FAQs

Stewardship Question and Answer—Tithing from Social Security? ›

QUESTION: If your only income is from social security, are you supposed to pay tithe and offering? ANSWER: It is believed that one should tithe from the gross of any increase one receives.

When a person pays in to social security, the money they contribute should be tithed on. (This is when a person returns tithe on their gross income.)

That the divine principle of tithes and offerings for the support of the gospel is an acknowledgement of God's ownership in our lives, and that we are stewards who must render account to Him of all that He has committed to our possession.

Scripture does not obligate tithing by those who are unable to labor. This might be you if you are retired, disabled, legitimately unemployed, living off your savings, etc.

In either case, this is an easy calculation by applying 10% to an income amount. Many retirees choose to tithe similarly to how they did in their working years. They simply tithe on whatever income they receive.

While tithing 10% of your income is biblical, you're not required to tithe to be a Christian.

By the New Testament, Christians were not commanded to tithe anymore but rather encouraged to voluntarily give to the church (and to God) in proportion to their wealth.

If you can't afford to tithe due to a tight budget, you can always volunteer your time and talents, says Deborah L. Meyer, CPA/PFS, CFP®, and the author of Redefining Family Wealth: A Parent's Guide to Purposeful Living. “Giving both your money and your time are forms of tithing,” Meyer explained.

Tithes and offerings in the Old Testament and New Testament were to create an opportunity for God's people to worship Him. As Christians, making a decision on where to give should align with the same goal. Therefore, if you have a passion to help the poor, go for it! So did Jesus!

But that's not possible for a lot of people when they're digging their way out of debt or going through a tough financial season. In this case (and really, in any case), giving your time is an excellent way to give a little extra. But at the end of the day, serving isn't meant to replace the act of tithing.

What is the correct way to pay tithes? ›

The correct way to tithe is to give 10% of your income back to God. This is known as the “tithe” and comes from a commandment in the Bible. Tithing can be done by giving cash, check, or other forms of payment like stocks and bonds.

QUESTION: Does God require me to pay tithe from gift money such as pocket money, birthday money, or Christmas money? ANSWER: Gift money (pocket money, birthday money, Christmas money, etc.) are all God's blessings to you, and all are regarded as your income. For all of those gifts, you return tithe.

Honestly, whether you tithe from your gross pay or your take-home pay is totally up to you. The point here is that you're giving 10% of your income. Dave Ramsey gives off the top of his taxable income, but he'll be the first to tell you: “Just give and be a giver.

Churches are the only category of employment considered to have a dual tax status. Pastors can file their federal income taxes as an employee of their church (FICA) but must file their Social Security tax as self-employed (SECA).

When it comes to tithing, it's important to remember that the money should go where you grow spiritually. This means giving back to your local church. By supporting your church with your tithe, you are helping to further God's kingdom and blessing others in the process!

Share: Charitable donations are tax deductible and the IRS considers church tithing tax deductible as well. To deduct the amount you tithe to your church or place of worship report the amount you donate to qualified charitable organizations, such as churches, on Schedule A.