Why do we have to pay taxes according to Romans 13?
According to Romans 13, taxes are paid because government is given by God for our protection and to help us pursue a life of happiness. Since rulers are God's ministers to restrain evil and protect good, tax money is required for government to operate and fulfill that role.
Les explains that Romans 13 presents government as God’s provision for order and protection. Rulers are not supposed to be a terror to good works, but they are to be a terror to the evil and criminal element. Because government is given by God to protect us and help us pursue a life of happiness, it needs tax money to operate. In verse 6 Paul calls this tribute, and Les says tribute means taxes. Government officials are described as God’s ministers, even the ungodly, attending continually upon this very thing. So believers are to render to all their dues, tribute to whom tribute is due. Les notes that taxes already existed in Christ’s time, that they have continued ever since, and that governments can tax people heavily and act as though they are doing them a favor. He adds that he does not believe we have to pay as much as we are, but he affirms that a certain amount is required if we are going to have a workable government.
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.