Question: Should I claim what I give to God as a deduction on my income tax since God said that I’m to give in secret? Response: It’s highly doubtful that anyone claims a tax deduction because he wants the government to “see” how righteous and generous he is. Besides, the tax return is a private document, and most churches and charitable organizations take great care in keeping donations confidential. The tax deduction is a legitimate benefit that the government has made available to all Americans, and there’s a sense in which it would be poor stewardship not to take advantage of it. The point here is not “secret giving” but rather the wisest possible use of the resources God has entrusted to our care. We are to avoid paying taxes whenever legally possible. We are never to evade paying taxes that are legally required. Claiming your tithe in order to reduce your taxes is good stewardship.