FreeAgent has completed a world-first by facilitating a tax submission to HMRC from space, using satellite technology to highlight the anytime, anywhere potential of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax—just a year ahead of its UK rollout.
The accounting software company coordinated the high-altitude submission in collaboration with Sent into Space and a Tunbridge Wells-based small business client, Jennifer Maslin, whose quarterly tax update was filed 26km above Earth using FreeAgent’s cloud platform.
The milestone comes as new research reveals widespread gaps in awareness and readiness among UK SMEs ahead of the 2026 deadline.
From April next year, MTD for Income Tax will require self-employed individuals and landlords earning over £50,000 to keep digital records and file quarterly updates via HMRC-compatible software.
Despite this, FreeAgent’s survey found 1 in 10 small business owners were unaware of the incoming rules, while 21% said they don’t fully understand what’s required. More than half of respondents said the government hasn’t provided enough information, and nearly a third expressed concern about the financial pressure the transition may bring.
“Making Tax Digital is the biggest change for UK tax in more than a generation, but we know many small businesses are still apprehensive,” said Roan Lavery, CEO of FreeAgent. “By making a submission from space, we wanted to demonstrate just how straightforward the process can be when supported by the right tools and partnerships.”
The project saw Maslin’s accountants, Maslins Accountancy, submit the update using a satellite-connected tablet attached to a high-altitude balloon. The filing set a record for the highest altitude digital tax submission ever recorded.
HMRC’s Craig Ogilvie, Director of Making Tax Digital, welcomed the initiative and encouraged businesses to join the pilot programme early.
“Signing up now means they can get familiar with the new system and benefit from additional support. We are committed to supporting businesses every step of the way,” he said.
Julie Falchevska, director at Maslins, said the event offered both symbolic and practical reassurance: “We’re helping clients prepare for MTD by showing how accessible and collaborative tax submissions can be with the right technology.”
Maslin, who runs her business as a musician and teacher, added: “It’s surreal to think my taxes were filed from the edge of space. But if I can do it from up there, it’ll be a breeze on the ground.”
FreeAgent was the first accounting software to enable direct Self Assessment submissions to HMRC. This latest stunt, while headline-grabbing, is intended to drive awareness and underscore the urgent need for small businesses to familiarise themselves with MTD’s digital requirements in the months ahead.