The term 'OLD CHURCH TAX' can be summarized as a five-letter word, 'TITHE'. TITHE is a tax or fee that is paid to a church or religious organization. It is usually a percentage of one's income and is used to support the church and its activities. Historically, tithes were used to fund the construction and maintenance of churches, as well as to pay for clergy salaries. In some cases, tithes were also used to provide assistance to the poor.