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Government Incentives

PA signed into law Act 55 of 2007, Creativity in Focus: the new Film Production Tax Credit Initiative!

Film Production Tax Credit Program

In the summer of 2007, PA lawmakers passed legislation and the Governor signed into law Act 55 of 2007, the (new) $75 million Pennsylvania Film Production Tax Credit Program.

Effective July 1, 2007, Pennsylvania provides a 25% Film Production Tax Credit for film production expenses incurred in the Commonwealth. The transferable tax credit is available for feature films, TV shows and series, and commercials intended for a national audience. In order to qualify for the tax credit, 60 percent of the total production expenses must be incurred in Pennsylvania. No more than $75 million per year can be awarded.

A qualified PA expense is production expense that is subject to PA taxes. There is no per project cap. Applications will be considered in the order in which they are received.

Please review the NEW FY 08-09 Film Tax Credit Program Guidelines HERE

Appendix A: Enabling Legislation

Appendix B: Download the Creativity in Focus Application

Appendix C: Instructions on Completing the Single Application

Appendix D: Film Tax Credit Monthly Reporting Form

Appendix E: Film Tax Credit Economic Impact Report Form

Appendix F: Financial Compliance Instructions

Appendix G: Acknowledgment & PA Film Office Logo

Appendix H: Film Tax Credit Sale or Assignment Application and Instructions

To view the Creativity in Focus application, you will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader if it is not installed on your computer. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader

Filmmakers interested in taking advantage of the tax credit program should contact us and the PA Film Office with details as soon as possible so that we can put you in the queue.

For more information, please contact:
PA Film Office
Jane Saul, Director of the PA Film Office
Tel: (215) 965-4603
Email: jsaul@state.pa.us
http://www.FilminPA.com
http://www.newpa.com/programDetail.aspx?id=180

Fee-Free Locations

Filmmakers may be able to use Pennsylvania and Philadelphia owned property for location filming fee-free if the property can be made available during the period that the filmmaker requires. Costs incurred and liability insurance coverage, however, will be the responsibility of the production. Philadelphia also offers productions use of the Navy Yard Soundstage, the only municipally-owned sound stage in the country. Check with the Film Office for details.

Hotel Tax Exemption

Visitors staying 30 days or more in a hotel are not obliged to pay the 14% hotel tax.

Police Assistance

The city of Philadelphia may provide up to two free police officers for traffic control and security as needed for filming activity, subject, however, to the discretion of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office and the Philadelphia Police Department. For further details, contact the Film Office.

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