Do I Owe Anything to the Government If I Unknowingly Evaded Some Taxes?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
Do I owe anything to the government for unknowingly using a privately licensed car operating as an illegal taxi now that I realize it may have evaded tax obligations?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question and for showing honesty as a country citizen.
You will need to estimate your income and give the taxes you owe to the government. Cheating or deceiving the government regarding taxes is not permitted. However, you can use all legal methods to reduce your tax burden.
Believers Have Many Temperaments, Except Lying and Dishonesty
Abdur Rahman Ibn Yazid (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Abdullah Ibn Mas‘ud (Allah be pleased with him) said, “The believer may have all kinds of natural dispositions flowing throughout himself, except for treachery and dishonesty.” [Ibn Abi Shayba, al-Iman]
Muslim citizens living in non-Muslim countries should adhere to the laws of those countries. The taxes citizens pay serve as a financial resource for the government, allowing it to provide essential services. Additionally, the government offers various facilities; we cannot expect to benefit from these services without contributing financially.
[Usmani, Fath al-Mulhim]
I would like you to read through the valuable answers and links below. In sha Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.
Related Answers
- Evading Taxes in Countries at War with the Muslims
- Deception, Cheating, & Concern – Birgivi’s The Path of Muhammad Explained. [Video]
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Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.
