Film Incentives

Spend at least $250,000: Receive a refundable tax credit of up to 25% on in-state spending for goods, services and labor. North Carolina's film production tax credit is refundable. Companies earning the credit receive a check for the full value of their refund.

Eligible film productions include theatrical, television, and direct-to-DVD features, television series, mini-series, commercials (excluding news, sporting events, and political advertising), and animation productions. The maximum tax credit for a feature film production is $7.5 million.

Spending for goods purchased or leased from a North Carolina business is eligible for the tax credit. This includes fuel, food, airline tickets, and other goods purchased in the State.

Tax incentives are paid to residents and non-residents as long as services are performed in North Carolina.

The State's 1% Sales and Use Tax for film-related purchases and rentals remains in effect for productions. Compensation and wages paid to employees for services performed in North Carolina on which withholding payments are remitted to the North Carolina Dept. of Revenue are eligible for the tax credit regardless of whether paid to residents or non-residents. The can be used in conjunction with a 15% film incentive BUT cannot be used in conjunction with the 25% film incentive.
Amounts paid to individuals who receive compensation in excess of $1 million are excluded and ineligible. Payments for per-diem, living allowances, and fringe benefits are eligible to the extent they are included in the recipient's taxable wages subject to withholding.

For more information view the North Carolina Film Incentive Brochure