Difference Between Tithes & Giving
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the word "tithe" comes from the Old English "teogothian," meaning "tenth." The Christian church has used the term to define a commitment to giving, ascribing one-tenth of one's earnings to the church. Giving, a broad term used in philanthropy, can include a wide range of donation types. There is some overlap but with historical and philanthropic insight, you can discern the difference.
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Tithing in the Bible
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Teachers of the Old Testament believe that translations of original biblical texts include references to tithing, the first being in the Book of Genesis. Biblos.com, a website that provides multitudinous versions of Bible verses, shows this verse to be translated uniformly throughout the major books of our time. The quote states, "He gave him tithes of all" or "he gave him a tenth of all."
Tithing as a Tax
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There are those who understand the biblical documentation of tithing as the recording of taxation--the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) being among them. On the IRS website, tithing is referred to as "one of the world's oldest tax systems." This distinction is key in understanding the difference between tithes and giving; taxation must be, or is expected to be, paid; whereas, giving is voluntary.
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Tithing in the Modern World
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Parishioners receive brochures and envelopes to remind them of their duties of stewardship and support of God. In most cases, tithes are collected weekly and should reflect 10 percent of a parishioner's weekly wages. Due to changes in the economy, churches are providing alternative programs to keep the coffers full.
Giving
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Philanthropy, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is the "dispensing or receiving (of) aid from funds set aside for humanitarian purposes." Giving is a philanthropic gesture. Giving can be the offering of a quarter, or an apple, to a homeless person, or the donating of thousands of dollars to a research organization. Churches, schools and many other organizations actively "ask" community members and businesses to "give" in support of special programs and projects.
In-kind or Cash Donations
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As the IRS website states, there was a time when tithing could be paid in goods, services or cash. These days, taxes can only be paid in cash, but organizations are happy to take whatever people can give. Cash and in-kind donations; usable items, food and volunteer time are all acceptable donations. When filing a tax return, an agency must report all cash and in-kind donations of property but not services.
The Tax Write-off
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In either case, any money or property donated to a nonprofit organization, including churches, that has 501(c)(3) status, and adheres to the guidelines of that status, can be deducted. Deductions are taken on Schedule A, but always check current tax law for updates. It's advisable to keep canceled checks as proof of donation and any documents to support the value of donated property.
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