A
tithe (; from
Old English:
teogoþa "tenth") is a one-tenth part of something, paid as a contribution to a religious organization or compulsory
tax to government. Today, tithes are normally voluntary and paid in
cash,
cheques, or
stocks, whereas historically tithes were required and paid in kind, such as agricultural products. Several European countries operate a formal process linked to the tax system allowing some churches to assess tithes.