My shayla is does one have to ma’aser their income if at the end of the month their income is just enough to cover their expenses. Sometimes we don’t have enough to cover certain expenses and we have late fees. Do we still ma’aser our income?
Answer:
One who is unable to finish the month would be exempt from Maaser. In such a situation if one still wishes to fulfill some level of Maaser, one may deduct their household expenses from their income and take Maaser from the remaining amount. While we generally do not deduct this amount, in this situation it would be permitted. Keep in mind that although you are exempt from Maaser, there is still an obligation of tzedakka to give what you can within your means.
