43
$\begingroup$

As portrayed in the film Apollo 13, astronaut Jack Swigert forgot to file his taxes:

JACK SWIGERT: Well uh, if anyone from the IRS is watching, I forgot to file my 1040 return and I meant to do it today but...

SY LIEBERGOT (EECOM - WHITE): That's no joke! They'll jump on him!

In real life, when did Jack Swigert realize that he forgot to file his taxes? A complete answer will include the calendar date, mission time, and the relevant dialogue (especially the funny parts).

It's worth noting that in 1970, the deadline to file taxes was April 15.

This question is part of a series honoring the 50th anniversary of Apollo 13, "NASA's finest hour".

| improve this question | |
$\endgroup$
  • 12
    $\begingroup$ I thought "space-taxes" was an appropriate tag. $\endgroup$ – Star Man Apr 12 at 17:21
  • 17
    $\begingroup$ I don't have a source to check for 1970, but at least as early as 1985 there was an automatic 2-month filing extension "if you are living or traveling outside the US and Puerto Rico on (tax day)". $\endgroup$ – dave_thompson_085 Apr 13 at 3:32
  • 5
    $\begingroup$ This question is also part of a series honoring IRS deadlines .. $\endgroup$ – Hagen von Eitzen Apr 13 at 10:07
  • 5
    $\begingroup$ @dave_thompson_085 Thank you, I never understood the line in the movie when this is brought up, someone reassures him by saying something like "you're decidedly out of the country". I never knew why that would make any difference for the filing requirement. $\endgroup$ – Nuclear Hoagie Apr 13 at 18:14
  • $\begingroup$ @StarMan apparently a popular idea, considering "space-taxes" was also an issue in ''Deep Impact''. :) $\endgroup$ – tedder42 Apr 15 at 22:59
59
$\begingroup$

Jack Swigert realized that he forgot to pay his taxes around the first hour of the second day. Here's the dialogue from the Apollo 13 transcript: Note, Jack Swigert is the CMP (Command Module Pilot), Jim Lovell is the CDR (Commander), and Joseph Peter Kerwin is the CC (CAPCOM, crew members just call him Joe).

enter image description here

So I guess the answer to your question: He realized he forgot to pay his taxes at 1:00:18 which was on April 12, 1970 around 2:31 PM EST. It's not surprising given the fact that everyone pays their taxes last minute, and Jack Swigert unexpectedly came onboard Apollo 13 (he was a backup).

| improve this answer | |
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.