Income Taxes

by Macy Johnson

“And He asked them, ‘Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?’ ‘Caesar’s,’ they replied. Then He said to them, ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’”

(Matthew 22:20-21 NIV)

My husband confidently hands over the responsibility of preparing our annual income tax returns to a retired CPA - me.

Over twenty years ago I prepared an income tax return for a client for the last time. The magnitude of required rules and regulations was sometimes overwhelming, but a friend wisely suggested, “You don’t need to know everything, just where to find it.”

When I passed the Certified Public Accountant exam, I took an oath that I would be squeaky clean, always fulfilling my duties with the utmost integrity. My standard has always been, “How can I glorify God?”

I cringed to discover how people wanted to cut corners to reduce their tax liability. I don’t mind paying for roads, infrastructures, anything our government needs in order to keep our country, state, county, city safe and performing at the most efficient level possible. What if we had to depend on each other to pave the roads, police the neighborhoods, and provide other municipal services?

“Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes.”

(Romans 13:7 NIV)

A few years ago I started receiving my Social Security benefits. Accounting for taxable income is simpler now. But any additional income I receive throws a monkey wrench into deductions allowed and tax rates applied. Every time I gather receipts, records, and electronic worksheets to start the arduous process of preparing our tax return, I take a deep breath and lift up a prayer. He will walk me through this maze of calculations.

I will trust God to lead me through all personal financial responsibilities so He is glorified. I hope you will, too!