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Khums Calculator (Shia)
The Khums calculator (Shia) works out the 20% Khums due on your annual surplus after legitimate living expenses, split between the share of the Imam and the share of the sadat.
Last updated: June 2026 · Free · No sign-up required
Results
Enter values above and click Calculate to see your result instantly.
Quick reference
| Income − expenses | Khums (20%) | Each sahm |
|---|---|---|
| $4,000 | $800 | $400 |
| $8,000 | $1,600 | $800 |
| $20,000 | $4,000 | $2,000 |
volunteer_activism Year-end surplus
Charges Khums only on what is left after genuine living costs, as the fiqh requires.
pie_chart Two shares
Splits the 20% into Sahm al-Imam and Sahm al-Sadat.
verified Clear method
Follows the standard Twelver approach so the figure is easy to check.
Interpretation guide
| Share | Goes to |
|---|---|
| Sahm al-Imam (half) | Via your marja’s office — religious/community works |
| Sahm al-Sadat (half) | Needy sayyids (descendants of the Prophet ﷺ) |
Formula & methodology
Formula: Khums = 20% × max(0, annual income − annual living expenses); split 50/50 Imam/Sadat
- Set your khums year-end date, then enter the year’s income/gains and genuine living expenses.
- The surplus is taxed at one-fifth.
- The result splits evenly into Sahm al-Imam and Sahm al-Sadat.
Worked example: $40,000 income − $32,000 expenses = $8,000 surplus → $1,600 khums, paid as $800 Sahm al-Imam + $800 Sahm al-Sadat.
Frequently asked questions
What is Khums?
In Twelver Shia fiqh, an annual 20% levy on surplus income — what remains after a year’s legitimate living expenses — plus certain other categories (minerals, treasure, lawful-mixed wealth). This tool computes the common surplus-income case.
What expenses are deductible?
Genuine living costs of you and your dependants at your customary standard: housing, food, transport, education, debts paid, even reasonable gifts. What you did not spend by the khums date is the taxable surplus.
When do I pay Khums?
On your personal khums anniversary — commonly the date of first income or a fixed date you adopt (many use 1 Muharram or the fiscal year). Same date every year keeps the accounting clean.
Where does the money go?
Half (Sahm al-Imam) is delivered to your marja’ al-taqlid’s office for religious and welfare projects; half (Sahm al-Sadat) supports needy descendants of the Prophet. Most offices accept both online.
Do Sunnis pay Khums on income?
No — Sunni fiqh applies khums mainly to war gains and some treasure/mineral cases; income purification works through zakat instead. This calculator follows the Twelver Shia surplus-income methodology.