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Tzedakah / Maaser Kesafim Calculator

Calculate Jewish maaser kesafim — 10% of net income for tzedakah — with tax and business-expense deductions plus a chomesh (20%) option.

RELIGION · SOCIAL

Calculate maaser kesafim — the Jewish 10% tithe on net income for tzedakah (charity) — with deductions for federal tax, state tax, and necessary business expenses, plus an optional chomesh (20%) upper tier.

Computes net income (gross minus taxes and business expenses, plus realized investment gains), then applies your chosen rate (10% standard or up to 20% chomesh). Includes a suggested distribution across direct aid to the poor, Torah education, synagogue, and chesed organizations based on traditional priority.

Disclaimer: Halachic opinions differ on what counts toward maaser (gifts, inheritance, capital gains) and which recipients qualify. Consult your rabbi for personal psak. US contributions to a 501(c)(3) Jewish charity are tax-deductible on Schedule A if you itemize.

Tzedakah / Maaser Kesafim Calculator

Calculate maaser kesafim — the Jewish practice of giving 10% of net income to tzedakah (charity). Supports deductions for federal/state tax and necessary business expenses, plus a chomesh (1/5) option for those who give more.

Gross earnings before tax — wages, self-employment income, freelance, etc.
Self-employed only. Costs required to generate the income — equipment, software, business travel.
Capital gains, dividends, interest. Counted toward maaser per most poskim once realized.
Standard maaser is 10%. Chomesh (20%) is the rabbinic upper limit — going higher is generally discouraged.
Annual Tzedakah
$6,400
Monthly Tzedakah$533
Weekly Tzedakah$123
Net Income (Maaser Basis)$64,000

Calculation Breakdown

Gross Income$80,000
− Federal Tax$12,000
− State / Local Tax$4,000
Net (Maaser Basis)$64,000
Times 10%= $6,400

Suggested Distribution

Poor & needy individuals
Direct help to the poor — the highest level of tzedakah per Maimonides
$2,560
Torah education / Yeshivas
Supporting Torah study is given a special status
$1,600
Synagogue & community
Local synagogue dues, community programs, mikvah, eruv
$1,280
Chesed organizations
Bikur cholim, hachnasat kallah, hospital visits, refugees
$960

About Maaser Kesafim

Maaser kesafim (literally "a tithe of money") is the Jewish practice of giving 10% of one's income to tzedakah. Its biblical source is Genesis 28:22 ("of all that You give me, I will surely give a tenth") and reinforced by the Talmud in Ketubot 50a.

Most opinions calculate maaser on net income — after federal/state taxes and necessary business expenses. Gifts and inheritances are debated (Igrot Moshe: yes for inherited money; many poskim: optional for gifts under a certain size).

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 249:1) describes three tiers: 10% (typical), 20% / chomesh (generous), and below 10% (minimal — to be avoided where possible). Maimonides' eight levels of tzedakah famously rank anonymous giving and helping someone become self-sufficient as the highest forms.

Halachic opinions differ on what counts toward maaser and which recipients qualify. Consult your rabbi or posek for personal psak. Charitable contributions to a US 501(c)(3) Jewish charity are tax-deductible on Schedule A if you itemize.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tzedakah / Maaser Kesafim Calculator for?
Calculate maaser kesafim — the Jewish 10% tithe on net income for tzedakah (charity) — with deductions for federal tax, state tax, and necessary business expenses, plus an optional chomesh (20%) upper tier.
How do I use the Tzedakah / Maaser Kesafim Calculator?
Computes net income (gross minus taxes and business expenses, plus realized investment gains), then applies your chosen rate (10% standard or up to 20% chomesh). Includes a suggested distribution across direct aid to the poor, Torah education, synagogue, and chesed organizations based on traditional priority.
How accurate are my tzedakah / maaser kesafim results?
Halachic opinions differ on what counts toward maaser (gifts, inheritance, capital gains) and which recipients qualify. Consult your rabbi for personal psak. US contributions to a 501(c)(3) Jewish charity are tax-deductible on Schedule A if you itemize.
Is the Tzedakah / Maaser Kesafim Calculator free to use?
Yes - every calculator on WhichCalc is completely free with no signup, no usage limits, and no tracking on the calculation itself. Results display instantly in your browser and your inputs are never sent to a server. Bookmark the page if you use this calculator regularly.