Determining How Much Tzedakah to Give

The ideal amount a person should give is 10% of their income, a practice known as ma'aser kesafim (tithe of money). Halacha states that one who gives up to one-fifth (20%) is considered to be a righteous person, but one should not give more than that, unless they are wealthy, so as not to become dependent on others themselves. Halachic Source: Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 249:1.