The Tax Man Commeth

Matthew 22: 15- 22

The tax man commeth

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. 16 And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. 17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the tax money.” So, they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” 21 They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.

Have you completed this year’s tax forms? If not, then you are probably in for a big shock. God to the bank now and put in for a loan application.

I find it most interesting that as I begin to put together a teaching lesson for this chapter which deals with taxes that it is presently tax season.

For most of American citizens we submit the 1040 form along with a schedule ‘A’ Itemized deduction form. Many tax advocates have been desiring a flat line deduction for all people. This is a good idea however in our sinful world, as you know there are different social levels who are favored. The playing field is not level.

Itemized deductions use to cover some key expenses that we experience. When you add up all your expenses under this form in most cases with the restrictions you are better off taking the ‘standard government deduction which is $24,000 for a married couple instead of the itemized deduction.

For one thing we all have medical costs. The only way for one to utilize this deduction today possibly is if you or a family love one experienced significant medical issues and had to pay enormous bills. With the government doing the same thing as the insurance companies you have what is called a ‘floor’. To arrive at this floor, you must calculate your adjusted gross income and then take a percentage. Then of that amount you calculate. anything over that new amount can then be put on the medical deduction line. Good luck with getting anything over the set percentage.

Now how about SALT taxes (state and local taxes). Right now, we pay Federal, State, City, and local taxes which are in addition to real estate taxes, personal, school, and sales taxes.

So, with all these taxes largely being slapped on us by the state and local governments, the Federal government has now put a limit on the amount you can claim on your tax section which maximizes out at $10, 000.

In the past to encourage home ownership you could deduct the interest you paid on the house. This year the home interest deduction didn’t disappear, but it got modified with a slick adjustment called acquisition indebtedness. If you improved your house with modifications after purchase and took out a loan say on the home improvement you cannot deduct the interest you added to your housing cost in the home equity interest.

Last year we have 4 nasty Nor’easters’ hit us causing home damage. I was looking forward to at least using this deduction to offset the repair expenses. But guess what? They still have casualty loss, but it can only be used if the President declares a national disaster.

Next is contributions and un-reimbursed business expense. You can list your contribution but if you used your personal vehicle for business or any other out of pocket expense you had while conducting activities related to your job you are out of luck. They did away with this deduction. It only applies to Reservists and government workers.

So, if you add then what you are now allowed to deduct I will venture to guess that you cannot add up your itemized expenses to exceed the standard deduction. Am I right?

The statement that there are two things you cannot avoid – death and taxes. Do I hear an ‘Amen’ on this?

So, let us jump back a couple a thousand years ago and hear other conversations regarding taxes.

In the light of His establishment of His new congregation on earth, and His new Kingly Rule, the question is now raised as to what men’s attitudes are to be towards human authorities and towards God. Matthew answers this question in terms which relate to further belligerence revealed by the Pharisees. Gathered in Jerusalem for Passover the Pharisees have come together to discuss how they can ensnare Jesus, and in the course of this, because Jesus as a Galilean was subject to Herod’s jurisdiction, they have entered into discussions with the Herodians who had connections with Herod’s court and supported Herod (unlike the majority of the people of Galilee and Peraea who simmered under his rule). They now think that they have at last discovered how they can trap Him.