Jesus was once asked about paying taxes.  In Matthew 22:16-22, Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees regarding to necessity of paying taxes. Of course, they weren’t really interested in knowing whether or not they needed to pay taxes.  They were more interested in trapping Jesus.  But, as usual Jesus not only puts the Pharisees in their place, but gives us some wisdom to live by.

You are impartial and don't play favorites. Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to the Roman government or not?"  ... Here, show me the Roman coin used for the tax." When they handed him the coin, he asked, "Whose picture and title are stamped on it?" "Caesar's," they replied.

"Well, then," he said, "give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God." His reply amazed them, and they went away.

Jesus acknowledged that the government makes lawful requests of us. We are responsible to God in all things, but we must be obedient to the powers that be in things civil and national.

In Romans13:1-7, Paul confirms what Jesus was talking about:

Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God. So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow. For the authorities do not frighten people who are doing right, but they frighten those who do wrong. So do what they say, and you will get along well. The authorities are sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for you will be punished. The authorities are established by God for that very purpose, to punish those who do wrong. So you must obey the government for two reasons: to keep from being punished and to keep a clear conscience.

Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid so they can keep on doing the work God intended them to do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and import duties, and give respect and honor to all to whom it is due.

Jesus and Paul make it clear that we are to pay taxes because we are to respect the governing authorities.  As a Christian, we also have a higher calling than the law to be ethical and completely honest about everything.  I have spoken to many people who tell me that it’s ok to cheat “a little” because the government gets enough already.  But Jesus told us in Luke, chapter 16, verse 10:  "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much."