An expectation of even the church’s youngest and poorest members, tithing requires members to pay 10% of all their income to the church. There is some dispute as to whether the 10% should be paid on net or gross income, but the more “righteous” members pay on gross.

I remember getting a $10.00 check from my Grandma Thomas for my birthday each year as a child and paying $1 in tithing before using the rest to buy a happy meal or princess heels. I continued to be a full tithe payer into adulthood and testified to such with the bishop (congregation leader) at the end of each year.

Additionally, the first Sunday of each month is “Fast Sunday.” Members are expected to fast at least two meals—others say 24 hours—and donate the money they would have spent on food to the church. And, of course, you can always donate more than the recommended amount.

If you are thinking, “Why pay tithing?”

You must be a full tithe payer to be worthy of a temple recommend, the piece of paper that gets you into the temple where all the necessary ceremonies take place to ensure you can be with your spouse and children for eternity.

Not to mention Doctrine and Covenants 64:23:

“Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.” (See video)