As a synopsis, Movie Production Tax Incentives (hereinafter “MPIs”) are tax benefits offered on a state-by-state basis throughout the United States to entice, as applicable, in-state qualified phases of filmmaking production such as the “Qualified Pre-Production Phase”; the “Qualified Production Phase” and the “Qualified Post-Production Phase”. The state-by-state legislative histories and policies driving MPIs are clearly aimed at increasing economic growth at the state and local levels through filmmaking and television production throughout the United States while curtailing the departure of movie production to other countries.

While the applicable Qualifying Production Activities (hereinafter “QPAs”) vary significantly from state-to-state many common QPAs include, but are not limited to, feature films; episodic television series; relocated television series; television pilots; television movies; and miniseries. In contrast, as a caveat, many states generally consider the subsequent productions to be non-qualified production activities and consequently not eligible for MPIs such as documentaries; news programs; interview / talk programs; instructional videos; sports events; daytime soap operas; reality programs; commercials; and music videos. Additionally, while the applicable Qualifying Production Expenditures (hereinafter “QPEs”) also vary significantly from state-to-state many common QPEs include, but are not limited to, salaries; facilities; props; travel; wardrobe; and set construction. It is always critical to establish clear nexus between QPAs and corresponding QPEs.

It should be further duly noted that the structure, type, and size of the incentives vary significantly from state to state. Many MPIs may include tax credits, tax rebates and / or exemptions (e.g., sales and use tax exemptions on movie production equipment, sales and use tax exemptions on lodging, etc.) while other state incentive packages may include cash grants, fee-free locations amongst many other diverse and advantageous incentives.

As of 2015, there are now approximately 40 states that offer MPIs with most being either transferable (e.g., transferable credits allow production companies that generate tax credits greater than their tax liability to sell those credits to other taxpayers, who then use them to reduce or eliminate their own tax liability) or refundable (e.g., refundable credits are such that the state will pay the production company the balance in excess of the qualified expenses).

It is critical to design and implement a sustainable methodology that will incorporate all applicable multi-state MPIs to properly tax effect the cost of filmmaking within the United States. As a direct result of these advantageous MPIs, the new expression in the entertainment industry will be – “Lights, Camera, Action and Tax Cut!”