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Film Production Incentive/Credit Program
Alabama
A qualified production company is entitled to a 25 percent rebate of all state certified expenditures and 35
percent of all payroll paid to residents of Alabama for the state certified production. Expenditures for a project
must equal or exceed at least $500,000 but must not exceed $10 million.
Alaska
Applicants can qualify for up to 44 percent in a transferable tax credit on qualified production expenditures.
Eligible projects are broadly defined as film, documentary, commercials and video projects. The state requires a
minimum of $100,000 in qualified expenditures. The state has no personal income or sales taxes.
Arizona
A qualified applicant can obtain the following exemptions or credits:
The transaction privilege tax exemption on: purchased machinery, equipment and other tangible personal
property, job printing, embossing, engraving and copying, leased or rented lodging space, sales of catered food,
drink and condiments, and construction contracts for buildings and other structures. The use tax exemption on
machinery, equipment and other tangible personal property. A qualified company can receive a non-refundable
tax credit for a motion picture production. Expenditures must be directly attributable to the production and are
equal to 20% if the qualifying production costs are $250,000 to $1 million. In cases where the qualifying
production costs are more than $1 million the tax credit is equal to 30%.
Arkansas
A qualified production is eligible for a rebate of 15 percent of all qualified costs. An approved production
company may also receive an additional rebate of 10 percent for the payroll of below-the‐line employees
involved in the production who are full‐time residents of the state.
California
Qualified taxpayers are allowed a credit against income and/or sales and use taxes, based on qualified
expenditures. Credits applied to income tax liability are not refundable. Only tax credits issued to an
"independent film" may be transferred or sold to an unrelated party. Other qualified taxpayers may carryover tax
credits for five years and transfer tax credits to an affiliate. Applicants may be eligible for a 20 percent or 25
percent tax credit depending on certain criteria.
Colorado
A qualified production is eligible for a 10 percent rebate for the below-the-line cost of producing a film,
documentary or television program. In order to qualify for the rebate, the project must be produced and filmed in
the state, and the production company must spend 75 percent of its below-the-line budget with Colorado
businesses and hire 75 percent of its crew locally.
Connecticut
A qualified applicant is eligible for tax credits for the production of digital media and motion pictures. Production
companies incurring expenses between $100,000 and $500,000 are eligible for a 10 percent credit, between
$500,000 and $1 million are eligible for a 15 percent credit, and over $1 million are eligible for a 30 percent credit.
For income years starting Jan. 1, 2010, the minimum expenditure increases to $100,000 and makes the credit
amount dependent on the production's total expenses or costs.
The state also offers a tax credit for infrastructure costs, and exemptions for property, sales and hotel taxes.
Delaware
No film incentive program. The state does not levy a sales tax.
Florida
Qualified productions are eligible for 20% transferable tax credit. An additional 5% credit can be obtained for
certified off-season productions and another 5% credit for certified family friendly productions.
Georgia
Qualified applicants are eligible for an across-the-board tax credit of 20 percent based on a minimum investment
of $500,000. An additional 10 percent Georgia Entertainment Promotion enhancement can be earned by including
an imbedded animated Georgia logo on approved projects. The state also offers a sales and use tax exemption.
Qualified companies can get an immediate point-of-purchase sales tax exemption that will save productions up
to 8 percent on most below-the-line materials and service purchases or rentals.
Hawaii
Qualified applicants are eligible for three different tax incentives that may be applied to film and television
productions:
The refundable motion picture and digital media tax credit equals 15 percent of qualified production costs
incurred on Oahu, and 20 percent on other islands (Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai). A non-refundable
income tax credit applies to Hawaii residents who invest in qualified companies producing "performing arts
products," including film, television, video, audio and animation products. The credit is equal to 80 percent of the
investment amount, payable over five years. Royalties derived from performing arts products are excluded from
a Hawaii taxpayer's income and not subject to state income tax.
Idaho
Qualified productions are eligible for the motion picture rebate program, although it is currently unfunded. The
program provides a 20 percent rebate for qualifying productions on all goods and services purchased in Idaho, if
at least $200,000 is spent in the state and at least 20 percent of crew are Idaho residents (increasing to 30
percent over time). The state also has a rebate of the sales tax on tangible personal property (which excludes
consumables such as food) when $200,000 is spent on a wide variety of qualifying expenses.
Illinois
Applicants can qualify for a 30 percent tax credit on all qualified expenditures, including post-production. The
credit and can be carried forward five years from when it originally was issued by the film office. Applicants will
receive an additional 15 percent tax credit on salaries of individuals who live in an economically disadvantaged
area. The credit has no sunset date.
Indiana
Applicants are eligible for a refundable tax credit of up to 15 percent of investment in a qualified media
production project.
Iowa
This program was suspended in 2009, but reinstated only for projects approved before the suspension.
Kansas
The 2009 Legislature suspended the film production income tax credit for two years.
Kentucky
Qualified motion picture and television production companies are eligible for a refund of the sales and use tax
on expenditures made in connection with the production.
Louisiana
Qualified applicants are eligible for a 30 percent transferable credit for total in-state expenditures related to the
production of a motion picture. An additional 5 percent labor tax credit can be earned on the payroll of Louisiana
residents who are employed by a state-certified motion picture production. The tax credits are fully transferable
and the state has no limit to the amount of tax credits that can be earned by a single production.
Maine
Applicants can qualify for the following assistance:
A wage-tax rebate plan. The program offers producers of a certified media production a partial reimbursement of
eligible employee wages. Generally, companies are reimbursed 10 percent of the amount paid as wages for non-
Maine residents and 12 percent of the amount paid as wages for Maine residents. An income tax rebate for
investors in media projects. A certified media production company may qualify for a non-refundable credit equal
to the Maine income tax otherwise due on taxable income related to the certified media production. No state
sales taxes on most production items, reimbursement on lodging taxes for long-term stays, and no state sales
tax on purchases of most fuel and electricity for productions.
Maryland
A qualified film or television production may be entitled to claim a rebate in an amount up to 25 percent of the
total direct costs incurred in the state while filming on-location. Employee salaries of $1 million or more are
excluded. The rebate is distributed in the form of a grant. To qualify, the production must incur at least $500,000
in total direct costs in the state and at least 50 percent of the production’s filming must occur in Maryland. In
addition, the production must have nationwide distribution.
Massachusetts
Qualified studios, producers and filmmakers who shoot at least half of their movie or spend at least half of their
production budget in the Commonwealth are eligible for a tax credit equal to 25 cents for every new dollar of
spending they bring to Massachusetts.
Michigan
Film productions that qualify can obtain a refundable tax credit of up to 42 percent of the amount of a production
company’s expenditures (depending upon type) that are incurred while producing a film or other media
entertainment project in the state. Qualifying expenditures made in a designated “core community” are eligible
for a 42 percent credit; those made in a “non-core” community are eligible for a 40 percent credit (The Michigan
Film Office has the list of qualifying “core communities” on their website).
Minnesota
Film productions that qualify can receive a reimbursement of 15 percent to 20 percent of in-state production
expenditures. The incentive is available for feature films, national television or Internet, programs, commercials,
music videos and documentaries. Also, qualified TV commercial productions (including post-production) are
exempt from the state sales tax. The state has a hotel/lodging tax exemption in which all production personnel
who stay in a hotel or other lodging under a lease agreement for 30 days of longer are exempt from the state
lodging tax.
Mississippi
Qualified production companies are eligible for a rebate on expenditures and exemptions or reductions on sales
and use taxes on eligible purchases. A production company that has an approved project is eligible for a 20
percent rebate of its base investment (local spending) in Mississippi. Also, an approved project is eligible for a
25 percent rebate on payroll paid to resident cast and crew whose wages are subject to Mississippi income tax
withholding and for that portion of their salary for the project up to and including $1 million. To qualify, the
employee must live in Mississippi, or maintain a home there, and spend more than six months in the state.
Additionally, a production company that has an approved project is eligible for a 20 percent rebate on payroll
paid to non-resident cast and crew whose wages are subject to Mississippi income tax withholding and for that
portion of their salary for the project up to and including $1 million. Finally, items used directly in the production
of a film are exempt from the state’s 7 percent sales and use tax. Production equipment and machinery used
directly in the filming and editing of a project may be taxed at the reduced rate of 1.5 percent.
Missouri
A qualified film production company is eligible for tax credits for up to 35 percent of the amount expended in
Missouri for production or production-related activities. The credit equals up to 30 percent for qualifying out-of-
state cast and crew when Missouri income taxes are withheld.
Montana
Applicants can qualify for the state’s incentive package of 14 percent back on Montana crew and talent salaries
and 9 percent return on production-related expenditures made in Montana. Also there is no state sales tax and
production companies staying longer than 30 days at the same hotel/motel are exempt from the 7 percent bed
tax. The state does not levy a sales tax.
Nebraska
No film credit/incentive program.
Nevada
No film credit/incentive program. The state does not levy a personal income tax.
New Hampshire
No film credit/incentive program. The state does not levy a sales tax and has a limited income tax on only interest
and dividends.
New Jersey
The film production incentive was suspended for fiscal year 2011.
New Mexico
Qualified applicants are eligible for a 25 percent tax rebate on all direct production expenditures, including costs
for a New Mexico crew. The rebate applies to feature and independent films, television, regional and national
commercials, documentaries, video games and post-production. Non-resident actors and stunt performers
qualify under a separate tax structure. Also, the state issues a certificate that is presented at the point of sale so
that no gross receipts tax is charged. This incentive cannot be used in conjunction with the 25 percent tax
rebate.
New York
Film companies may apply for a 30 percent to 35 percent fully refundable tax credit on qualified expenses while
filming in the state. Refundable tax credits are available for qualified commercials. Also, certain production
activities and expenses are exempt from state/local sales and use taxes.
North Carolina
Qualifying productions that spend more than $250,000 in the state are eligible for a 25 percent tax credit on in-
state purchases of goods and services, not to exceed $20M (an approximate $80M in-state spend).
North Dakota
Film companies may qualify for an income tax exemption available to primary sector businesses that add value to
a product, process or service that creates new wealth. This exemption requires approval by the State Board of
Equalization.
Ohio
Qualified applicants may receive a tax credit that is equal to 25 percent of non-wage and non-resident wage
production expenditures and 35 percent of resident wage production expenditures.
Oklahoma
Film companies may qualify for a rebate up to 37 percent on Oklahoma expenditures, capped at $5 million a year.
Additionally, the following film production programs are available:
A tax credit for Oklahoma film and music projects gives state taxpayers who invest in projects produced in the
state a 25 percent income tax credit on profits made when those profits are reinvested in another film or music
project produced in Oklahoma. Credit cannot exceed the taxpayer's liability. Credit is non-assignable and non-
transferable. The state offers state income tax credits to investors building film or music production facilities in
the state. Qualified productions can receive a point of purchase tax exemption on sales taxes paid for property
or services to be used in productions. There is no minimum budget or expenditure requirement. This exemption
cannot be used in conjunction with the 37 percent rebate.
Oregon
Qualifying film or television productions are eligible for a 20 percent cash rebate on production-related goods
and services paid to Oregon vendors and a 10 percent cash rebate of wages paid for work done in the state by
residents and non-residents. The labor portion of this rebate can be combined with the Greenlight Oregon
program for an effective labor rebate of 16.2 percent. A production must directly spend at least $750,000 in the
state to qualify. There is no per production cap. Additionally, the Indigenous Oregon Production Investment Fund
program provides rebates of 20 percent for goods and services and 10 percent of Oregon labor for films
produced by Oregon filmmakers who spend a minimum of $75,000 but not more than $750,000 on their projects.
The state has no general sales and use tax and lodging taxes are waived for rooms held longer than 30 days.
Pennsylvania
Film production companies that spend at least 60 percent of their total production budget in the Commonwealth
are eligible for a 25 percent tax credit. Feature and TV films, TV talk or game show series, TV commercials, and TV
pilots or episodes intended as programming for a national audience qualify.
Puerto Rico
Qualifying productions can apply for a tax credit equivalent to 40 percent of budget items paid to a Puerto Rico
entity or resident or up to 50 percent of the cash invested as equity in the project.
Rhode Island
Film companies may apply for a 25 percent transferable tax credit for all in-state spending. It includes salaries for
people working on the ground, in the state. The film/TV commercial/video game production must be filmed
primarily in the state and have a minimum budget of $300,000.
South Carolina
Productions that film in South Carolina can receive up to a 20 percent cash rebate on in-state employee wages
and a 10 percent cash rebate up to $3,500 on out-of-state employee wages. Salaries for out-of-state performing
artists (including stunt performers) are eligible for the full 20 percent cash rebate. Additionally, the state offers
up to a 30 percent cash rebate on in-state supplier expenditures if at least $1 million is spent in the state.
Productions spending more than $250,000 in the state are exempt from sales and accommodations taxes and all
film productions are eligible to use state properties for free.
South Dakota
No film credit/incentive program. The state does not levy a personal income tax.
Tennessee
Production companies can qualify for two state incentive programs:
Under the film and production incentive, applicants can receive 13 percent of total qualified production
expenditures for a feature film, television program or commercial produced in the state; plus 2 percent more if at
least 25 percent of the cast and/or crew are Tennessee residents (“day players” and extras are not included in
determining the 25 percent); plus 2 percent more (maximum cash rebate of $100,000) if the production company
spends at least $20,000 per production/per episode for music created by Tennessee residents or for recording
music in the state. The Headquarters Location incentive includes a 15 percent refund calculated upon qualified
expenses that are necessary for the production of a theatrical film or television show produced in the state. In
order to qualify, the production company must be headquartered in Tennessee and it or its subsidiary must incur
at least $1 million in qualified expenses in the state. The state has a limited income tax on only interest and
dividends.
Texas
Qualifying feature films, television programs, commercials, video games, and stand-alone post
production/finishing projects can receive a payment of 5 percent to 15 percent of eligible in-state spending upon
completion of a review of their expenditures. Both live-action and animated projects are eligible. The state also
offers up-front sales tax exemptions on most items rented or purchased for direct use in production, refunds of
the 6 percent state occupancy tax on hotel rooms occupied for more than 30 consecutive days, and refunds on
taxes paid on fuel used off-road. The state does not levy a personal income tax.
Utah
Qualifying productions will be rebated 20 percent on every dollar spent in the state, but must spend a minimum
of $1 million to qualify. Additionally, the state offers a tax exemption that allows film, television and video
productions to take a sales tax exemption at the point of sale on machinery and equipment. Also, there is an
exemption from the transient room tax. Accommodation charges for stays of 30 consecutive days or longer are
exempt from sales and use taxes and all sales-related taxes.
Vermont
A qualified production company can obtain exemptions from hotel taxes, sales and use taxes. Performers can
receive an income tax exemption limited to the amount they would pay in their home states.
Virginia
Film production companies may receive rebates subject to the Governor's Motion Picture Opportunity Fund.
This rebate, at the governor’s discretion, takes into consideration the length of filming, job creation, number of
trainees hired and goods and services purchased. Additionally, there are exemptions on state sales and use
taxes and state and local lodging taxes.
Washington
Film makers may receive assistance of up to 30 percent of total in-state qualified expenditures (including labor
and talent personnel who are state residents) for selected commercial, television and feature film productions.
The state also provides exemptions for sales and use taxes, and hotel/lodging taxes. Additionally, the state does
not levy a personal income tax..
West Virginia
A qualified production company is eligible for transferable tax credits of up to 31 percent of qualified in-state
spending (27 percent base plus 4 percent if 10 or more West Virginia residents are hired full time). Additionally,
purchases and rentals of tangible personal property and purchases of services directly used in a production are
exempt from the consumers’ sales and service tax. Also, there is an exemption from state and local lodging taxes
on stays in excess of 30 consecutive days at the same facility.
Wisconsin
Productions that film in the state are eligible for a fully refundable tax credit capped at $500,000 per year in total
expenditures. Included expenditures are a 25 percent credit on the salaries and wages paid to in-state residents
making $250,000 on the project or less (salaries and wages to nonresidents are not included); a 25 percent credit
on production expenditures made in the state; and a 15 percent credit on film production company investments.
Thirty-five percent of the project's total budget must be spent in the state to qualify.
Wyoming
Qualified production companies are eligible for a cash rebate of up to 15 percent on money spent in the state
during a film shoot. The production company would have to spend a minimum of $200,000 to qualify and meet
additional criteria to determine the rebate percentage between 12 percent and 15 percent. Additionally, the state
does not levy a personal income tax.
Alabama
A qualified production company is entitled to a 25 percent rebate of all state certified expenditures and 35
percent of all payroll paid to residents of Alabama for the state certified production. Expenditures for a project
must equal or exceed at least $500,000 but must not exceed $10 million.
Alaska
Applicants can qualify for up to 44 percent in a transferable tax credit on qualified production expenditures.
Eligible projects are broadly defined as film, documentary, commercials and video projects. The state requires a
minimum of $100,000 in qualified expenditures. The state has no personal income or sales taxes.
Arizona
A qualified applicant can obtain the following exemptions or credits:
The transaction privilege tax exemption on: purchased machinery, equipment and other tangible personal
property, job printing, embossing, engraving and copying, leased or rented lodging space, sales of catered food,
drink and condiments, and construction contracts for buildings and other structures. The use tax exemption on
machinery, equipment and other tangible personal property. A qualified company can receive a non-refundable
tax credit for a motion picture production. Expenditures must be directly attributable to the production and are
equal to 20% if the qualifying production costs are $250,000 to $1 million. In cases where the qualifying
production costs are more than $1 million the tax credit is equal to 30%.
Arkansas
A qualified production is eligible for a rebate of 15 percent of all qualified costs. An approved production
company may also receive an additional rebate of 10 percent for the payroll of below-the‐line employees
involved in the production who are full‐time residents of the state.
California
Qualified taxpayers are allowed a credit against income and/or sales and use taxes, based on qualified
expenditures. Credits applied to income tax liability are not refundable. Only tax credits issued to an
"independent film" may be transferred or sold to an unrelated party. Other qualified taxpayers may carryover tax
credits for five years and transfer tax credits to an affiliate. Applicants may be eligible for a 20 percent or 25
percent tax credit depending on certain criteria.
Colorado
A qualified production is eligible for a 10 percent rebate for the below-the-line cost of producing a film,
documentary or television program. In order to qualify for the rebate, the project must be produced and filmed in
the state, and the production company must spend 75 percent of its below-the-line budget with Colorado
businesses and hire 75 percent of its crew locally.
Connecticut
A qualified applicant is eligible for tax credits for the production of digital media and motion pictures. Production
companies incurring expenses between $100,000 and $500,000 are eligible for a 10 percent credit, between
$500,000 and $1 million are eligible for a 15 percent credit, and over $1 million are eligible for a 30 percent credit.
For income years starting Jan. 1, 2010, the minimum expenditure increases to $100,000 and makes the credit
amount dependent on the production's total expenses or costs.
The state also offers a tax credit for infrastructure costs, and exemptions for property, sales and hotel taxes.
Delaware
No film incentive program. The state does not levy a sales tax.
Florida
Qualified productions are eligible for 20% transferable tax credit. An additional 5% credit can be obtained for
certified off-season productions and another 5% credit for certified family friendly productions.
Georgia
Qualified applicants are eligible for an across-the-board tax credit of 20 percent based on a minimum investment
of $500,000. An additional 10 percent Georgia Entertainment Promotion enhancement can be earned by including
an imbedded animated Georgia logo on approved projects. The state also offers a sales and use tax exemption.
Qualified companies can get an immediate point-of-purchase sales tax exemption that will save productions up
to 8 percent on most below-the-line materials and service purchases or rentals.
Hawaii
Qualified applicants are eligible for three different tax incentives that may be applied to film and television
productions:
The refundable motion picture and digital media tax credit equals 15 percent of qualified production costs
incurred on Oahu, and 20 percent on other islands (Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai). A non-refundable
income tax credit applies to Hawaii residents who invest in qualified companies producing "performing arts
products," including film, television, video, audio and animation products. The credit is equal to 80 percent of the
investment amount, payable over five years. Royalties derived from performing arts products are excluded from
a Hawaii taxpayer's income and not subject to state income tax.
Idaho
Qualified productions are eligible for the motion picture rebate program, although it is currently unfunded. The
program provides a 20 percent rebate for qualifying productions on all goods and services purchased in Idaho, if
at least $200,000 is spent in the state and at least 20 percent of crew are Idaho residents (increasing to 30
percent over time). The state also has a rebate of the sales tax on tangible personal property (which excludes
consumables such as food) when $200,000 is spent on a wide variety of qualifying expenses.
Illinois
Applicants can qualify for a 30 percent tax credit on all qualified expenditures, including post-production. The
credit and can be carried forward five years from when it originally was issued by the film office. Applicants will
receive an additional 15 percent tax credit on salaries of individuals who live in an economically disadvantaged
area. The credit has no sunset date.
Indiana
Applicants are eligible for a refundable tax credit of up to 15 percent of investment in a qualified media
production project.
Iowa
This program was suspended in 2009, but reinstated only for projects approved before the suspension.
Kansas
The 2009 Legislature suspended the film production income tax credit for two years.
Kentucky
Qualified motion picture and television production companies are eligible for a refund of the sales and use tax
on expenditures made in connection with the production.
Louisiana
Qualified applicants are eligible for a 30 percent transferable credit for total in-state expenditures related to the
production of a motion picture. An additional 5 percent labor tax credit can be earned on the payroll of Louisiana
residents who are employed by a state-certified motion picture production. The tax credits are fully transferable
and the state has no limit to the amount of tax credits that can be earned by a single production.
Maine
Applicants can qualify for the following assistance:
A wage-tax rebate plan. The program offers producers of a certified media production a partial reimbursement of
eligible employee wages. Generally, companies are reimbursed 10 percent of the amount paid as wages for non-
Maine residents and 12 percent of the amount paid as wages for Maine residents. An income tax rebate for
investors in media projects. A certified media production company may qualify for a non-refundable credit equal
to the Maine income tax otherwise due on taxable income related to the certified media production. No state
sales taxes on most production items, reimbursement on lodging taxes for long-term stays, and no state sales
tax on purchases of most fuel and electricity for productions.
Maryland
A qualified film or television production may be entitled to claim a rebate in an amount up to 25 percent of the
total direct costs incurred in the state while filming on-location. Employee salaries of $1 million or more are
excluded. The rebate is distributed in the form of a grant. To qualify, the production must incur at least $500,000
in total direct costs in the state and at least 50 percent of the production’s filming must occur in Maryland. In
addition, the production must have nationwide distribution.
Massachusetts
Qualified studios, producers and filmmakers who shoot at least half of their movie or spend at least half of their
production budget in the Commonwealth are eligible for a tax credit equal to 25 cents for every new dollar of
spending they bring to Massachusetts.
Michigan
Film productions that qualify can obtain a refundable tax credit of up to 42 percent of the amount of a production
company’s expenditures (depending upon type) that are incurred while producing a film or other media
entertainment project in the state. Qualifying expenditures made in a designated “core community” are eligible
for a 42 percent credit; those made in a “non-core” community are eligible for a 40 percent credit (The Michigan
Film Office has the list of qualifying “core communities” on their website).
Minnesota
Film productions that qualify can receive a reimbursement of 15 percent to 20 percent of in-state production
expenditures. The incentive is available for feature films, national television or Internet, programs, commercials,
music videos and documentaries. Also, qualified TV commercial productions (including post-production) are
exempt from the state sales tax. The state has a hotel/lodging tax exemption in which all production personnel
who stay in a hotel or other lodging under a lease agreement for 30 days of longer are exempt from the state
lodging tax.
Mississippi
Qualified production companies are eligible for a rebate on expenditures and exemptions or reductions on sales
and use taxes on eligible purchases. A production company that has an approved project is eligible for a 20
percent rebate of its base investment (local spending) in Mississippi. Also, an approved project is eligible for a
25 percent rebate on payroll paid to resident cast and crew whose wages are subject to Mississippi income tax
withholding and for that portion of their salary for the project up to and including $1 million. To qualify, the
employee must live in Mississippi, or maintain a home there, and spend more than six months in the state.
Additionally, a production company that has an approved project is eligible for a 20 percent rebate on payroll
paid to non-resident cast and crew whose wages are subject to Mississippi income tax withholding and for that
portion of their salary for the project up to and including $1 million. Finally, items used directly in the production
of a film are exempt from the state’s 7 percent sales and use tax. Production equipment and machinery used
directly in the filming and editing of a project may be taxed at the reduced rate of 1.5 percent.
Missouri
A qualified film production company is eligible for tax credits for up to 35 percent of the amount expended in
Missouri for production or production-related activities. The credit equals up to 30 percent for qualifying out-of-
state cast and crew when Missouri income taxes are withheld.
Montana
Applicants can qualify for the state’s incentive package of 14 percent back on Montana crew and talent salaries
and 9 percent return on production-related expenditures made in Montana. Also there is no state sales tax and
production companies staying longer than 30 days at the same hotel/motel are exempt from the 7 percent bed
tax. The state does not levy a sales tax.
Nebraska
No film credit/incentive program.
Nevada
No film credit/incentive program. The state does not levy a personal income tax.
New Hampshire
No film credit/incentive program. The state does not levy a sales tax and has a limited income tax on only interest
and dividends.
New Jersey
The film production incentive was suspended for fiscal year 2011.
New Mexico
Qualified applicants are eligible for a 25 percent tax rebate on all direct production expenditures, including costs
for a New Mexico crew. The rebate applies to feature and independent films, television, regional and national
commercials, documentaries, video games and post-production. Non-resident actors and stunt performers
qualify under a separate tax structure. Also, the state issues a certificate that is presented at the point of sale so
that no gross receipts tax is charged. This incentive cannot be used in conjunction with the 25 percent tax
rebate.
New York
Film companies may apply for a 30 percent to 35 percent fully refundable tax credit on qualified expenses while
filming in the state. Refundable tax credits are available for qualified commercials. Also, certain production
activities and expenses are exempt from state/local sales and use taxes.
North Carolina
Qualifying productions that spend more than $250,000 in the state are eligible for a 25 percent tax credit on in-
state purchases of goods and services, not to exceed $20M (an approximate $80M in-state spend).
North Dakota
Film companies may qualify for an income tax exemption available to primary sector businesses that add value to
a product, process or service that creates new wealth. This exemption requires approval by the State Board of
Equalization.
Ohio
Qualified applicants may receive a tax credit that is equal to 25 percent of non-wage and non-resident wage
production expenditures and 35 percent of resident wage production expenditures.
Oklahoma
Film companies may qualify for a rebate up to 37 percent on Oklahoma expenditures, capped at $5 million a year.
Additionally, the following film production programs are available:
A tax credit for Oklahoma film and music projects gives state taxpayers who invest in projects produced in the
state a 25 percent income tax credit on profits made when those profits are reinvested in another film or music
project produced in Oklahoma. Credit cannot exceed the taxpayer's liability. Credit is non-assignable and non-
transferable. The state offers state income tax credits to investors building film or music production facilities in
the state. Qualified productions can receive a point of purchase tax exemption on sales taxes paid for property
or services to be used in productions. There is no minimum budget or expenditure requirement. This exemption
cannot be used in conjunction with the 37 percent rebate.
Oregon
Qualifying film or television productions are eligible for a 20 percent cash rebate on production-related goods
and services paid to Oregon vendors and a 10 percent cash rebate of wages paid for work done in the state by
residents and non-residents. The labor portion of this rebate can be combined with the Greenlight Oregon
program for an effective labor rebate of 16.2 percent. A production must directly spend at least $750,000 in the
state to qualify. There is no per production cap. Additionally, the Indigenous Oregon Production Investment Fund
program provides rebates of 20 percent for goods and services and 10 percent of Oregon labor for films
produced by Oregon filmmakers who spend a minimum of $75,000 but not more than $750,000 on their projects.
The state has no general sales and use tax and lodging taxes are waived for rooms held longer than 30 days.
Pennsylvania
Film production companies that spend at least 60 percent of their total production budget in the Commonwealth
are eligible for a 25 percent tax credit. Feature and TV films, TV talk or game show series, TV commercials, and TV
pilots or episodes intended as programming for a national audience qualify.
Puerto Rico
Qualifying productions can apply for a tax credit equivalent to 40 percent of budget items paid to a Puerto Rico
entity or resident or up to 50 percent of the cash invested as equity in the project.
Rhode Island
Film companies may apply for a 25 percent transferable tax credit for all in-state spending. It includes salaries for
people working on the ground, in the state. The film/TV commercial/video game production must be filmed
primarily in the state and have a minimum budget of $300,000.
South Carolina
Productions that film in South Carolina can receive up to a 20 percent cash rebate on in-state employee wages
and a 10 percent cash rebate up to $3,500 on out-of-state employee wages. Salaries for out-of-state performing
artists (including stunt performers) are eligible for the full 20 percent cash rebate. Additionally, the state offers
up to a 30 percent cash rebate on in-state supplier expenditures if at least $1 million is spent in the state.
Productions spending more than $250,000 in the state are exempt from sales and accommodations taxes and all
film productions are eligible to use state properties for free.
South Dakota
No film credit/incentive program. The state does not levy a personal income tax.
Tennessee
Production companies can qualify for two state incentive programs:
Under the film and production incentive, applicants can receive 13 percent of total qualified production
expenditures for a feature film, television program or commercial produced in the state; plus 2 percent more if at
least 25 percent of the cast and/or crew are Tennessee residents (“day players” and extras are not included in
determining the 25 percent); plus 2 percent more (maximum cash rebate of $100,000) if the production company
spends at least $20,000 per production/per episode for music created by Tennessee residents or for recording
music in the state. The Headquarters Location incentive includes a 15 percent refund calculated upon qualified
expenses that are necessary for the production of a theatrical film or television show produced in the state. In
order to qualify, the production company must be headquartered in Tennessee and it or its subsidiary must incur
at least $1 million in qualified expenses in the state. The state has a limited income tax on only interest and
dividends.
Texas
Qualifying feature films, television programs, commercials, video games, and stand-alone post
production/finishing projects can receive a payment of 5 percent to 15 percent of eligible in-state spending upon
completion of a review of their expenditures. Both live-action and animated projects are eligible. The state also
offers up-front sales tax exemptions on most items rented or purchased for direct use in production, refunds of
the 6 percent state occupancy tax on hotel rooms occupied for more than 30 consecutive days, and refunds on
taxes paid on fuel used off-road. The state does not levy a personal income tax.
Utah
Qualifying productions will be rebated 20 percent on every dollar spent in the state, but must spend a minimum
of $1 million to qualify. Additionally, the state offers a tax exemption that allows film, television and video
productions to take a sales tax exemption at the point of sale on machinery and equipment. Also, there is an
exemption from the transient room tax. Accommodation charges for stays of 30 consecutive days or longer are
exempt from sales and use taxes and all sales-related taxes.
Vermont
A qualified production company can obtain exemptions from hotel taxes, sales and use taxes. Performers can
receive an income tax exemption limited to the amount they would pay in their home states.
Virginia
Film production companies may receive rebates subject to the Governor's Motion Picture Opportunity Fund.
This rebate, at the governor’s discretion, takes into consideration the length of filming, job creation, number of
trainees hired and goods and services purchased. Additionally, there are exemptions on state sales and use
taxes and state and local lodging taxes.
Washington
Film makers may receive assistance of up to 30 percent of total in-state qualified expenditures (including labor
and talent personnel who are state residents) for selected commercial, television and feature film productions.
The state also provides exemptions for sales and use taxes, and hotel/lodging taxes. Additionally, the state does
not levy a personal income tax..
West Virginia
A qualified production company is eligible for transferable tax credits of up to 31 percent of qualified in-state
spending (27 percent base plus 4 percent if 10 or more West Virginia residents are hired full time). Additionally,
purchases and rentals of tangible personal property and purchases of services directly used in a production are
exempt from the consumers’ sales and service tax. Also, there is an exemption from state and local lodging taxes
on stays in excess of 30 consecutive days at the same facility.
Wisconsin
Productions that film in the state are eligible for a fully refundable tax credit capped at $500,000 per year in total
expenditures. Included expenditures are a 25 percent credit on the salaries and wages paid to in-state residents
making $250,000 on the project or less (salaries and wages to nonresidents are not included); a 25 percent credit
on production expenditures made in the state; and a 15 percent credit on film production company investments.
Thirty-five percent of the project's total budget must be spent in the state to qualify.
Wyoming
Qualified production companies are eligible for a cash rebate of up to 15 percent on money spent in the state
during a film shoot. The production company would have to spend a minimum of $200,000 to qualify and meet
additional criteria to determine the rebate percentage between 12 percent and 15 percent. Additionally, the state
does not levy a personal income tax.