Best Film Tax Credit In The Country
The Massachusetts Film Tax Credit has been dramatically upgraded. Since 2006, The Walt Disney Company has shot four major features here. Columbia Picture has shot three. Paramount Pictures is shooting a major production here now, with another on deck. All in all, 17 major productions have shot in Massachusetts in less than three years.
Why so much action in Massachusetts all of a sudden ?
Because under our new law, studios, major producers and filmmakers-who either 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 percent of their total spending in Massachusetts, inclusive of any salaries over $1 million. No caps. No limits. No pre-authorization. No pre-certification. No lines. No waiting. No muss. No fuss.
That’s not all. Beginning with the start of pre-production and continuing for a period of 12 months, filmmakers will be eligible for 100% sales tax exemption on any production relates items purchased in the state.
Massachusetts is also the only state in the country that allows filmmakers to take their credits either as a direct rebate at 90% of the face value (guaranteed), or to sell them at market rate—whichever is more favorable.
And finally, this credit is not just for big Hollywood moguls. With the spending threshold lowered to $50,000 and with “digital media projects” now eligible, Massachusetts has now extended the benefits of the film tax credit to thousands of locally based, small independent and documentary filmmakers — key elements of our Creative Economy.
For more information, click on links to the right.
If you have a specific tax credit question that is not addressed in any of these links, you may send an email directly to the Department of Revenue (rulesandregs@dor.state.ma.us) or contact:
John Lordan, Supervisor
Phone: 617-887-6725
Fax: 617-887-6792
E-mail: lordan@dor.state.ma.us