{"id":23418,"date":"2021-12-22T16:09:59","date_gmt":"2021-12-22T16:09:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/uganda\/?p=23418"},"modified":"2021-12-22T15:25:08","modified_gmt":"2021-12-22T15:25:08","slug":"did-you-know-that-christmas-is-also-about-tax","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/uganda\/all-news\/did-you-know-that-christmas-is-also-about-tax","title":{"rendered":"Did you know that Christmas is also about tax?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Uganda. <\/strong><\/span>\u201cAnd it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caeser Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. She brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn,\u201d (Luke 2:1-7, KJV).<\/p>\n

Tax decree<\/b><\/p>\n

Luke\u2019s account of the story of the birth of Jesus has an interesting detail. It tells us that the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem was as a result of a tax decree. Caeser Augustus, the Roman Emperor at the time, ordered all people to return to their villages to be counted for tax purposes. Like it is today, when people flock to their villages over Christmas, it can be quite a challenge to find a hotel, guest house or Airbnb. That was the challenge for Mary and Joseph! They didn\u2019t have a village home and needed a hotel to stay be counted and register for taxes! But alas! All places were full (like Fort Portal right now) and that\u2019s how Jesus ended up being born in a stable! If there had been no such decree, Jesus could have been born in Egypt where his parent were living at the time! We would not be singing \u201cO little town of Bethlehem…\u201d<\/p>\n

The tax aspect of the story may seem like a minor detail but nothing in the bible is minor. What we learn from Luke\u2019s account is that tax laws and decrees should be complied with just like Mary and Joseph did. It also tells us that good things happen when we comply with our tax obligations. In Mary and Joseph\u2019s case, they were rewarded with a healthy and bouncing baby boy!<\/p>\n

The story of taxes doesn\u2019t end here. Jesus, as a grown man, later affirms the importance of paying one\u2019s taxes and we see him befriend tax collectors. Matthew, one of his disciples and friend was a tax collector; Zacchaeus, the chief tax-collector (Commissioner General) at the time and known primarily for his faith in climbing a sycamore tree to see Jesus was also a friend. We should emulate Jesus and build healthy relationships with our tax collectors and make them our friends. For example, do you know who your relationship manager is at the URA? Why not find out and surprise them?<\/p>\n

Jesus also tells us in Luke 20:25 to give unto Caeser (the government) what belongs to Caeser and to God, what belongs to God. Have you given to the government what belongs to it? VAT, PAYE, corporate income tax, excise duty, stamp duty and all other dues?<\/p>\n

As we head to our villages and towns to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, let\u2019s do so with a clear conscience, having fully and honourably paid our taxes. Let\u2019s be as compliant as Mary and Joseph. Jesus would surely love that!<\/p>\n

Have a Merry Christmas.<\/p>\n

The author is a business advisor with PwC Uganda.<\/b><\/p>\n

For More News And Analysis About Uganda<\/a> Follow Africa-Press<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Uganda. \u201cAnd it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caeser Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. 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