Expert: Bruce Gourley - 11/7/2007

Question
Dear Bruce I currently have a client that I am counseling on financing and tax issues.  This client (who is also a Baptist Pastor) is about to make a decision on whether or not to go through with the S.S. tax exemption for ministries/preachers.  However the tax code requirements specifies that paying S.S. has to be against their religious beliefs.  My question to you is, are there any scriptures that support or even relate to not paying into a social tax plan?  Any assistance would be gratefully appreciated!

Answer
Hello Jason,

To answer your question, there are no biblical injunctions against paying taxes of any kind. Historically, Christians (of the post biblical era) who have dissented against paying taxes have done so in protest of government funding of wars and violence.

Unfortunately, too many ministers opt out of Social Security taxes not really because of religious convictions, but simply because they don't want to pay the tax. No denomination of which I am aware actually recommends that ministers avoid paying SS tax.

Bruce Gourley
www.baptistlife.com
www.centerforbaptiststudies.org
www.brucegourley.com