Gross vs Net Tithing & Contribution Ratios
A member asks: 'Do I tithe on my gross paycheck or net?' James answers with math, not opinion.
- Gross pay
- Pre-tax deductions
- Income tax
- Take-home
- 1
Define both bases
Gross = before any withholding. Net = what hits the bank account.
- 2
10% of gross
Example: $5,000 gross × 10% = $500 tithe.
- 3
10% of net
$5,000 − $1,200 taxes/insurance = $3,800 net × 10% = $380.
- 4
Variance & conviction
$120 gap. Teach the principle, let the giver follow conscience (2 Cor 9:7).
A member earns $5,200/month gross. After 22% federal effective tax, 7.65% FICA, and a $400 health-insurance deduction, take-home is much smaller. Tithing 10% on the gross vs. the net produces a measurable variance — and stewardship teaching requires honest math on both sides. Slide the tax rate and deductions to see the annual variance gap.
Tap Show next step to reveal the math one piece at a time.
Gross vs net tithe variance
Given: Gross $5,200/mo · tax 22% · FICA 7.65% · deduct $400
- 1
Total tax % on gross
22 + 7.65 = 29.65%