Tax day (April 15 in the United States) is approaching. What does the Bible have to say about this taxing subject?

In an age where tax collectors were despised and lumped with sinners (Matthew 9:11), and in a empire ruled by the evil Nero, Paul still strongly insisted on the necessity to pay taxes. Since all authority comes from God, "Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor" (Romans 13:7).

"A few years after Paul wrote these words, Nero launched a persecution against the church at Rome; multitudes lost their lives, and not because of doing evil" (NIV Bible Commentary, Volume 2, page 588).

It may not make it easier, but we can be glad we don't have to pay our taxes to Nero!