Do Amish Pay Taxes ? The Amish community does have to pay income tax, sales tax and other kinds of taxes too. The idea that the Amish do not owe taxes is not correct. They also have to pay the same state and federal taxes as other individuals in the country. If someone is self-employed and religious, they generally do not pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. This is the case because they feel they should care for their elderly and sick themselves, rather than depend on the support of the government.