[candeee]

If you are self-employed, you can choose who to pay first. Otherwise, the gov't takes the money - in effect you never had it in the first place and thus it could not be considered your "first fruits." How can the amounts that go to social security taxes be considered an increase to you? You can not choose to keep it and you never touch it. If you eventually start collecting social security payments, then you would have an increase or first fruits.

[Oberon]

[extended argument]

There's no need to convince me, candee. I'm well at ease with my decision on this matter. If I tithe out of my net, I'm letting the government get its share first, and paying God out of what's left. I've decided not to do that.

On the other hand, I haven't advised anyone else, either. Y'all do what your consciences dictate.