Astronauts Pay Taxes in Space: How It’s Done Beyond Earth
Yes, astronauts pay taxes in space. Whether orbiting Earth aboard the International Space Station (ISS) or traveling to the Moon, tax deadlines still apply. Even off-planet, space travelers are not exempt from their fiscal duties. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) expects filings, and there’s even a historic incident of an astronaut forgetting to submit his return during a moon mission.
Do NASA Astronauts Pay Taxes?
Absolutely. NASA astronauts, whether civilians or military personnel, are required to file federal and state income taxes, like all U.S. citizens. Their pay falls under the General Schedule salary scale, with base pay in 2024 ranging from $62,107 to $135,987, depending on rank and experience. Military astronauts continue to earn per their branch’s pay grades.
They may also be subject to taxes on property, investments, or international earnings, depending on their personal financial portfolio.
How Do Astronauts File Taxes from Space?
Typically, astronauts are advised to file their taxes before launch. Filing from space is technically possible but not recommended. While the ISS has internet access, it is prioritized for scientific missions and isn’t designed for secure financial submissions.
In some cases, astronauts have delegated tax filing to family members. NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao, for instance, had his accountant sister file an extension on his behalf in 2005 while he was in orbit.
Can You Get a Tax Extension in Space?
Yes, but with limitations. Apollo 13 astronaut Jack Swigert famously forgot to file his taxes before launch in 1970. While joking with Mission Control, he asked how to apply for an extension. NASA’s Capcom responded humorously but eventually confirmed he could receive a 60-day extension, as he was technically “out of the country.”
This incident was dramatized in the 1995 Apollo 13 movie, where Swigert’s fictional version nervously addressed the IRS on a broadcast from space.
What About International and Private Astronauts?
International astronauts follow tax laws of their home countries. For example:
- Canadian astronauts report to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- ESA members are taxed based on their national government’s rules
- Japanese and Russian astronauts follow local tax statutes
For dual citizens, obligations may apply in multiple countries.
Private space tourists also aren’t off the hook. Canadian billionaire Guy Laliberté, who visited the ISS in 2009, faced back taxes when Canada’s courts ruled that his trip wasn’t purely for business promotion.
In the U.S., legislative efforts like the proposed SPACE Tax Act in 2021 aimed to tax space tourism flights, although the bill didn’t pass.
🚀 Final Frontier, Familiar Forms
So yes, astronauts pay taxes in space—whether circling Earth or venturing beyond. From Jack Swigert’s forgotten return to modern space tourists’ legal battles, taxes are one earthly responsibility that’s hard to escape, even when you’re hundreds of miles above the surface.
