Paying LDS Tithing Online: A Complete Guide

Paying tithing is an important part of being an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Traditionally, members would fill out tithing slips and hand deliver cash or checks to their local bishop or branch president. However, in recent years, the Church has embraced technology and now offers convenient online options for paying tithing from home. This guide will walk you through the various ways to pay LDS tithing online, including directly through the Church’s website or through bill pay services offered by your bank.

Understanding Tithing in the LDS Church

For Latter-day Saints, tithing means giving 10% of one’s annual income to the Church. According to LDS teaching, this practice allows members to help build up the kingdom of God on earth. Tithing is considered a commandment and is required for temple worship. Faithful payment of tithing also comes with promised blessings, such as prosperity and protection.

Tithing funds go to support the construction and maintenance of temples and meetinghouses missionary efforts education, humanitarian aid, and the general operations of the Church. Members are also encouraged to pay fast offerings, which go specifically to help the poor and needy.

Paying Tithing Online Through the LDS Church Website

In 2015, the Church rolled out an online tithing system to make it easy for members to pay from home. This is by far the most direct and preferred way to pay LDS tithing online. Here are simple step-by-step instructions

1. Go to donations.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

2. Log in using your LDS Account username and password. If you don’t have one yet, you can easily create an account.

3. On the tithing slip page, enter the amount you wish to pay next to “Tithing.” You can pay other offerings here too.

4. Enter your bank account information. You only have to do this once.

5. Review and submit the donation.

6. Print or save your receipt for records.

It’s that easy! The funds will be automatically transferred from your bank account within a few business days. You can log back in anytime to view your donation history and pay again.

Tips for Paying LDS Tithing Online

• Make sure to enter routing and account numbers accurately. Mistakes can delay your payment.

• The Church’s system can only accept bank account transfers, not credit cards.

• You can pay tithing on behalf of deceased ancestors too. Just enter their membership record number.

• If needed, you can pay tithing to any ward or missionary fund with the unit number.

• Let your bishop know you are using the online system so they can record it.

Paying LDS Tithing Through Bill Pay

If you prefer not to use the Church’s website, many banks offer bill pay services that let you send funds to Church headquarters. Just make sure to include your membership record number so the payment gets credited properly.

Here’s how to pay LDS tithing through bill pay:

1. Log in to your bank’s website or mobile app. Look for a Bill Pay or Pay Bills feature.

2. Select the Church as a payee. Common payee names are “LDS Church,” “Corporation of the President,” or “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

3. Enter the tithing amount and your membership number. For “account number,” enter your record number again.

4. Schedule when you want the payment sent.

5. Confirm the payment details.

The bank will mail a check or make an electronic transfer to Church headquarters on your behalf. One downside is that the categories are more general, so your bishop may need to adjust the amounts later.

Tips for Paying Tithing Through Bill Pay

• Make sure to enter your membership record number correctly to get credit.

• Expect bank fees depending on your account type.

• Payments can take 7-10 days to reach the Church. Plan ahead.

• Notify your bishop you paid tithing through bill pay.

• Keep the payment confirmation number for your records.

Answering Common Questions about Paying LDS Tithing Online

Many members have questions about the ins and outs of paying tithing online. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns:

Is paying LDS tithing online secure?

Yes, the Church uses bank-level encryption and security measures to protect all online donations. Your account information is not stored on the Church’s servers.

When will my tithing payment be processed?

Most online payments will be withdrawn from your bank account within 1-3 business days. Allow extra time around holidays.

Can I use a debit or credit card?

No, the Church’s system can only accept bank account transfers. Credit cards often charge high fees.

How do I get receipts for tax purposes?

You can print receipts directly from the Church’s website. Your bank may also provide documentation for bill pay.

What if I make a mistake with my donation?

Contact your bishop as soon as possible and they can help correct any errors on your membership record.

Can minors pay tithing online?

Yes, youth ages 13 and older can create LDS Accounts and pay tithing with parental permission.

How often should I pay tithing online?

You can pay tithing as often as you like, but most members pay once a month as they receive their income.

The Blessings of Paying Tithing Online

For many Latter-day Saints today, paying tithing online offers convenience and simplicity compared to traditional methods. However, the spiritual blessings remain the same. As you faithfully give your tithes and offerings, the Lord will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings too great to receive. Paying tithing online allows members to put God first in their lives no matter where they are.