State Film Tax Credit Incentives
John C. Genz CPA, MST
Partner-in-Charge, State & Local Tax Group
State Incentives

Select states offering credits as incentives

Credit = % of qualified spend in state/locality

Qualified Spend:


For payroll incurred in the state/locality
For goods and services purchased and incurred/rented
in the state/locality
• Incurred as defined by the state/locality
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Procuring the Film Tax Credit

State or Local Film Commission
 Assist production companies with compliance and
obtaining local vendors

Economic Development office
 Initial applications are generally submitted and
approved by the Economic Development department
 Transfer applications are generally submitted to the
Economic Development department

Department of Revenue
 Monitors credit issuance and compliance
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Timing of Application

Initial Application
 Often due prior to filming

Ongoing Reporting
 Some states require monthly reporting

Final/Credit Transfer Application
 Be aware of filing deadlines
 In some states extensions can be granted
 Formal procedures may not exist for extension request
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Accountant Certification Requirements

Independent CPA Audit of a Specified Element

Independent CPA Agreed Upon Procedures

State run inspections
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Audits of a Specified Element

Performed by Certified Independent Public Accountants

Audit testing procedures are limited to the expense
accounts for the film

Require review of internal controls

CPA must perform a risk assessment based on review of
controls

Testing of both payroll and non-payroll expenditures
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Agreed Upon Procedures

Less in scope and typically less costly than an audit

CPA performs specific procedures requested by the
production company and/or state

Some states have published required procedures

CPA is not responsible for establishing procedures

CPA does not issue an opinion or provide any assurance

CPA takes no responsibility for adequacy of the procedures

CPA reports ALL findings
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Payroll Testing Procedures

Agree wages recorded in the bible to paycheck stubs or
payroll register

Review production reports to determine location of filming

Review time cards to determine location worked
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Non-Payroll Testing Procedures

Agree expenditure per bible to vendor invoice

Verify if expense is incurred in the state

Verify type of expenditure
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Qualifying Expenses

Compensation paid for services within the state

Paid to individual employees

Paid to loan-out companies

Employer payroll taxes/fringes

Payments for goods and services incurred in the state

Payments for rental of property and equipment incurred
in the state
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Common Pitfalls

Applying for too little credit

Not obtaining proof of loan-out


May be required prior to initial payment to loan-out
Poor recordkeeping for petty cash
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Best Practices

When recording payroll transactions include employee
name as the vendor name

Make sure employees indicate work state/locality on
timecard for everyday worked


Locality may be required in certain states
Get loan-out companies to register up front

Consult with legal council

Incorporate registration requirement in the contract
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Best Practices

Take care when recording petty cash receipts

Educate production staff on state guidelines before they
spend petty cash in order to maximize the credit

Hire qualified film tax credit advisors

Emphasize to the production staff the importance of
following procedures

Consult with the state’s film department regarding local
vendors that can be used
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Best Practices

Educate those involved in the process early

Keep an open dialogue with the state department issuing
the credit

When in doubt consult with a qualified CPA with industry
experience
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Film Credit Trivia

Q: I need to purchase an item not sold in the state issuing
the credit. Is there any way to get the expense to qualify?
 In New Jersey?
• Have the item shipped by the vendor via common carrier
or by the vendor’s own vehicle.

In Massachusetts?
• As long as the item is used in Massachusetts the expense
will qualify. Make sure there is adequate documentation
of the item’s use to hold up during audit.

In Pennsylvania?
• Consider using a qualified intermediary in the
state/locality.
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Questions?
Disclaimer:
Any tax advice in communication is not intended or written to be used,
and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties
that may be imposed on any taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing or
recommending to another party any matter addressed herein. The foregoing
legend has been affixed pursuant to U.S. Treasury Regulations
governing tax practice).
All information provided is of a general nature and is not intended to address the
circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide
accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is
accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future.
No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after
a thorough examination of the particular situation.
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