We Americans love our country and hate paying taxes. It’s a bit ironic. Yet the hatred of taxes runs deep for many. I’ve seen it cause people to make decisions that set back their discipleship journey, reduce their wealth, and miss out on opportunities to help their neighbors.

Jesus had a more balanced perspective on paying taxes. In perhaps the greatest mic drop in the Bible, Jesus confounds the Pharisees by commanding people to “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21).

So, if you hate paying taxes, here are some questions to help you get through April and provide a better perspective for the rest of the year.

Am I being honest?

Hate can lead us to justify actions we know are wrong. Surveys and analyses suggest that between 10% and 16% of Americans cheat on their taxes, resulting in lost revenue of 13% of the true tax liability.[i][ii] That’s actually pretty solid. Italy estimates that over 25% its total revenue is lost through tax evasion.[iii] When the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus, they opened with, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity…” (Matthew 22:16). I’ll take every deduction I am legally and ethically entitled to, but not more. Don’t sacrifice your integrity.

Am I being irrational?

I’ve seen numerous taxable investment accounts in which people with lower tax rates invest in state-specific municipal bonds, which produce income that neither the federal nor the state governments tax. The tax benefit comes with a cost: municipal bonds generally pay less interest. Unless your federal tax rate is over 30%, you generally earn more from owning taxable bonds and paying taxes rather than investing in tax-free bonds.

Do I understand how government expenditures provide care for my neighbors?

When Jesus endorsed paying the imperial tax, he validated paying taxes to a regime whose number one expense was military spending to occupy other countries, including Palestine.[iv] Many of its leaders led lavish and corrupt lifestyles. Even as someone who favors smaller government expenditures, I have to admit that the U.S. budget focuses far more on healthcare, income assistance for people experiencing poverty, support for retirees, and defense and infrastructure.[v] It’s far from perfect, but a whole lot better than first-century Rome.

Am I making money too important?

When Jesus avoids the Pharisee’s verbal trap, he also affirms that money—and even more so, taxes—are not of ultimate importance. I think about Christians living under dictatorships and totalitarian regimes, like Rome. Even when the state can take everything I have, they can’t touch my heart.

Am I being generous?

The U.S. tax code favors the slightly and significantly generous. In 2026, couples can deduct $1,000 for charitable deductions even if they take the standard deduction. There are no additional deductions until you reach the level of itemizing. If you really hate paying taxes, join the ranks of the significantly generous. When giving reaches a certain level, you can add a little extra to your smile by knowing the U.S. government kicked in a little to your donation.

Ultimately, paying taxes is not just a financial obligation but a spiritual and ethical opportunity to act with integrity, wisdom, and generosity. By reframing our perspective, we can avoid harmful decisions and align our financial lives more closely with our values. Even in something as frustrating as taxes, there is an opportunity to grow in faith and care for others.

[i] Publication 5869 (Rev. 10-2024)

[ii] How Many Americans Are OK Cheating on Their Taxes?

[iii] New study: This is why Italians are so unwilling to pay taxes | Institutet för Framtidsstudier | Institutet för Framtidsstudier är en självständig forskningsstiftelse som främjar framtidsperspektiv i forskning och samhällsdebatt

[iv] Rendering to Caesar and to God: Paying Taxes in the Roman World - Journal of Lutheran Ethics

[v] U.S. Government Budget Pie-Chart - Search