What to Do If One Has Not Paid Khums for Four Years

Question

A person has not paid khums for four years and wants to do so now. Their khums year ends on December 11. How can they pay it now, and is there any sin involved? If there is a sin, should they seek forgiveness or is there a required expiation?

Answer 1

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may God protect him):

If the person has not had any surplus income beyond their living expenses in the past four years, then there is nothing owed for that period.

However, if there is any amount of khums due on their wealth at the beginning of each khums year, even if it is small, it is not permissible to delay its payment.

Source: Answers to Inquiries, S969 + S984

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Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may God protect him):

The first day of the new year is considered the start of their khums year, and khums must be paid on any remaining wealth at the beginning of that year, whether it is cash, consumables, furniture, clothing, or anything acquired or purchased during the year that was not used for living expenses throughout the year.

For the previous years, one must calculate what remained at the beginning of each year. If the amount is unclear, one should pay khums on the certain amount, which is the lesser amount. For the uncertain amount, it is advisable to consult with a representative of the religious authority regarding the probability, and if there is a 50% chance of khums being applicable to a certain amount, then half of it should be paid as khums.

Source: Official Website.

May you be successful in all good.