Audio commentary on this verse

Note 9 at Ro 13:6: Paul had commanded being subject to the laws of the government we live under as long as they don't cause us to sin against God (see note 1 at Ro 13:1). In Ro 13:5, Paul said we need to do this not just because of the power of government to punish us, but even if we never got caught, we need to submit because of our submission to God (see note 8 at Ro 13:5). Then he mentioned taxes.

Many Christians feel that taxes and serving God are two different things. But the Lord commanded us to pay our taxes. We cannot be true servants of God and refuse to obey Him in this area. Jesus, as the Creator, was not obligated to pay taxes to His creation, but He did (see note 1 at Mt 17:25). He paid taxes to a corrupt system where much of the tax money went straight into the pockets of the tax collectors.

In the United States of America, we are given certain tax deductions for charitable gifts and other exemptions. There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of these or even using the political process to try to change taxation laws that we feel are wrong. Our government guarantees us those rights. But no Christian has any scriptural ground for refusing to pay taxes. Whether or not we can get away with it is immaterial. God commands us to submit, even in the area of taxes. Failure to do so is rebellion against God.