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Abiding by Civilian Law: Difference between revisions
From Halachipedia
→Paying Taxes
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# There is an obligation to pay a standardized tax.<ref>Mordechai, Gittin, Perek Hameivi Get 325; Rambam Hilchot Gezela 5:12, Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat 369:7. Meiri Baba Kama 113b applies to a progressive tax system, even if that tax is not in keeping with halachic methods. See Mishneh Halachot 12:445 who is of the opinion that avoiding paying taxes is only considered hafkat halvato, not paying up a loan, and not stealing.</ref> | # There is an obligation to pay a standardized tax.<ref>Mordechai, Gittin, Perek Hameivi Get 325; Rambam Hilchot Gezela 5:12, Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat 369:7. Meiri Baba Kama 113b applies to a progressive tax system, even if that tax is not in keeping with halachic methods. See Mishneh Halachot 12:445 who is of the opinion that avoiding paying taxes is only considered hafkat halvato, not paying up a loan, and not stealing.</ref> | ||
# There is no obligation to pay unfair taxes. An unfair tax is defined as a tax that is inconsistent, as it varied subjectively from person to person.<ref> Shulchan Aruch C.M. 369:6. Rama adds that a tax that is unique for Jews is considered a legitimate tax. </ref> | # There is no obligation to pay unfair taxes. An unfair tax is defined as a tax that is inconsistent, as it varied subjectively from person to person.<ref> Shulchan Aruch C.M. 369:6. Rama adds that a tax that is unique for Jews is considered a legitimate tax. </ref> | ||
# One who does not pay taxes violates a Torah commandment of “lo tigzol” (Vayikra 19:13), as one is stealing from the government.<ref> Shulchan Aruch C.M. 369:6. | # One who does not pay taxes violates a Torah commandment of “lo tigzol” (Vayikra 19:13), as one is stealing from the government.<ref> Shulchan Aruch C.M. 369:6. Rabbi Menashe Klein writes that tax evasion is equivalent to hafkaat halvaa, withholding payment for debt, which is only prohibited in case of chillul hashem (Mishneh Halachot, Chelek 12, Siman 445). </ref> | ||
# One who violates tax laws of a country with a legitimate system of taxes is obligated to pay the resulting fines. <ref> Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat 369:7; Rambam, Hilchos Melachim 4:1, Hilchos Gezeilah 5:12 </ref> | # One who violates tax laws of a country with a legitimate system of taxes is obligated to pay the resulting fines. <ref> Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat 369:7; Rambam, Hilchos Melachim 4:1, Hilchos Gezeilah 5:12 </ref> | ||
# A Jew is permitted to work a tax agency and turn in Jews found guilty.<ref> Shevet Halevi, Chelek 2, Siman 18 </ref> | # A Jew is permitted to work a tax agency and turn in Jews found guilty.<ref> Shevet Halevi, Chelek 2, Siman 18 </ref> | ||
