How does one deduct tithes from taxes owed?(USA)

[Guest Eyes2See]

I know that tithing to a not for profit church is tax deductable in the United States. What I want to know is what documentation is required to show the IRS what has been tithed and also, what amount can be deducted from the total tax liability? Since Jesus said render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, I know I have to pay taxes. Do I have to keep a record or can I rely on the banks to get all the information I need in April? If there are any Christian accountants on hand here, I would really appreciate your help in this matter (I don't trust the IRS to tell me everything I need to know). Also how do I find out about deducting from any state liabilities as well?

In Him,

Chris

[ted]

Eyes2See,

Welcome to WB!

As to your question, your church should be keeping records as to how much you tithe each year. They should be giving you a statement at the end of the year ( or early January). The amount that you have given will appear on the statement, along with the church name, etc.

One thing that trips people up is giving anonymously. If your name is not on the envelope or whatever, (loose bills, change, etc) then you won't get credit for it.

You then include that statement with all of you other forms that you file with. Many of the tax preparation companies know exactly how to include these statements. They are no different than other tax exempt things such as charity statements.

If your church is not giving you your statements every year, there is a problem. It's one of the records they must keep in order to remain in a tax exempt status.

See you church Treasurer or secretary for more specific info.

Hope this helps.

In Him,

t.

[Snowdoove]

I may be confused but why would you want to deduct tithes from taxes owed?

Do other Christians do this?

It seems to me, you would be like an Indian giver. The Indian gives and then wants it back, thru any source he can find. (Please don't take offense to this, I am just replying.) :sweating:

Snowgoose

[Guest Eyes2See]

Thank you for your prompt response. That is what i needed to know and I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question.

-Chris

[ted]

I may be confused but why would you want to deduct tithes from taxes owed?

Do other Christians do this? 

It seems to me, you would be like an Indian giver. The Indian gives and then wants it back, thru any source he can find. (Please don't take offense to this, I am just replying.)

Because you can, if you want to. It makes no difference. If someone feels guilty, they can take their savings and put it in the plate.

Personally (and just my thing, y'see) I don't put my name on any of it. It's God's in the first place. My statement always reads $0.00 at the end of the year. It kind of makes me think for a second, but then it's ok.

Eyes just had a legitimate question and I figured I'd help.

t.

[Leonard]

In the United States churches are AUTOMATICALLY TAX EXEMPT, whether or not they are a 501©3 corporation. They DO NOT need to keep track of how much people gave in order to keep their tax exempt status. The people need to keep track of how much they give, but many churches do so as a courtesy, and in case the IRS decides to audit the person, however an unincorporated church is not required to keep track of such records. It's probably risky business to NOT keep track of it, though.

[ted]

In the United States churches are AUTOMATICALLY TAX EXEMPT, whether or not they are a 501

[Guest Eyes2See]

I suppose the best thing for me to do is talk to my church officials and see what steps they suggest. As to being an Indian giver, I am simply using my rights that have been awarded to me by my native lawmakers. Just so you know, it used to be the tithe (tenth of a percent) that took care of all governmental needs such as, providing food to the needy and helping the poor to spreading the gospel to maintaining military forces etc. God requires a tenth of the fruits to keep the Body of Christ in motion. Ask yourself why the US government needs so much to barely even tread water. I will in no way pay more than my fair share and knowledge is given to us so that we may take advantage of all things concerning Christianity. The bible (in it's original languages) is instructions on how to live freely in the valley of the shadow of death and it is the story of Christ. If you think that Uncle Sam needs more than what is fair then by all means, you are free to donate whatever amount you like to the government. I will use the rights that I have to pay only what is FAIR (or at least only that that is required). The tithe is for God's people to use to further spread the truth and to help those that are in need. It is not so your pastor can drive a Mercedes. While we're on the subject of finances, do you think it's not Christian to deduct interest from your taxes? Look up the word usury and find out what it is and how it applies to modern society. Is it the builder or the banker that makes a bundle from construction? Interest is what keeps people in bondage. Christians should take heed and stay away from loans that require interest when they can. It is one of the most evil things in the world and for the most part, it is avoidable. Stay away from credit cards for sure unless you are blessed enough to pay the balance off monthly. Otherwise, you'll be working for the bankers (den of vipers) the rest of your life. Never let any pastor talk you out of your savings either. You're tithe is between you and God not some organization. Tithe means tenth not tenth plus your life savings. If you have it to give and want to then by all means you are free to do so. Saving money is VERY Christian and investing it in the Body of Christ is how you receive dividends from our Father.

In Him,

-Chris

[Guest bobdamitch]

Hold on there, stranger.....you asked questions and added some nuances that may or may not be entirely correct.....

Let me just give you some TAX information......

First before every body gets all shook up....no...you don't deduct your tithes paid from any tax you owe......

However....provided your itemized deductions exceed your "standard deduction" then as a practical matter you may add your total itemized deductions together and deduct the entire amount from your "taxable income". Itemized deductions may include tithes and offerings to recognized churches as well as such things home mortgage interest, taxes paid to the state for income tax, county taxes on property such as homes and automobiles and medical expenses more than 7.5% of the total income as well as employee business expenses in excess of 2% of income. After deducting the deductions and exemptions from total income, tax is calculated on the remainder.

It may be noted that only about 13 percent of taxpayers now itemize because the standard deduction is relatively high and therefore a large deduction is needed to beat the standard that does not have to be proven. Most churches DO record gifts and give statements to members and givers at the end of each year. Also....the IRS generally requires a statement from the institution, however, it never hurts to have cancelled checks to substantiate deductions. Some who give to churches have a limitation on how much can be deducted and it carrys over to the next year if the gift is particularly large.

[irishcowboy]

if you ITEMIZE, you can deduct a certain amount with out having receipts or documents.... but if you go over a set amount ( charitible contributions ) then you need documentation......

if a church is not keeping track of its income, and expendatures, they can become subject to the laws of the IRS.... if they are careless, they can lose their tax exempt status....

most churches have lists of the monies received, and if they were done by check, they will be listed by the person that is listed on the check, or if it was given in a tithe/offering envolope, that person listed will receive the credit for it.....

in our church, the pastor has no clue as to who gives what, none of the pastors or ministers do... that is the accountants and the trustees job..... they do not want to have " who gives what " to determine who gets treated ( so to speak ) they want all persons in the church to be treated exactly alike... treated as thou they are the ones paying the bills....

anyways, if your church does not send out an offering form/letter as to how much each person gives thru the year, then you may wish to ask for one....

mike