Co Producing | 481 Tax Incentive

 ‘Section 481′ is a tax credit, incentivising film and TV, animation and creative documentary production in Ireland, administered by Ireland’s Department of Culture and the Revenue Commissioners (Revenue).
What is the ‘Section 481′ credit worth?                                                                                                                                         

The rate of tax credit is worth up to  40% of eligible Irish expenditure.
Eligible expenditure criteria –  The payable tax credit is based on the cost of all cast and crew working in Ireland, and all goods and services sourced in Ireland. This includes post-production and/or VFX.
What types of projects qualify? The incentive applies to feature film, television drama (singles or series), animation (excluding computer games) and creative documentary. Projects must satisfy the Culture Test and the Industry Development Test. See further information below. 
Who is eligible to apply? – Applicatons to the Department of Culture (for a qualifying film certification) 
Is there a cap on the incentive? There is no annual cap or limit on the funding of the programme. The tax credit has a ‘per project’ cap of up to 40% of the lower of: 
All eligible expenditure
80% of the total cost of production
€125 million
Is there a minimum spend level? Projects are excluded from the incentive if their ‘eligible expenditure’ is less than €125,000, or the total cost of production is less than €250,000. 
How are applications made? The Irish producer company must apply to the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for a certificate stating that the project is to be treated as a ‘qualifying film’ for the purpose of Section 481.
This application must be made to the Minister at least 21 working days prior to the commencement of Irish production. Where the Minister issues a certificate in relation to a qualifying film and all other provisions of Section 481 are complied with, a producer company may then make a claim for the film corporation tax credit.
Ireland’s film and television tax credit is administered by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Revenue. Payment is made by Revenue.
For contact details and further information in the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht https://www.chg.gov.ie/arts/creative-arts/projects-and-programmes/film/
For contact details and further information in the Revenue Commissioners, visit https://www.revenue.ie/en/companies-and-charities/reliefs-and-exemptions/film-relief/index.aspx
Please read the following guidance notes prior to making an application:
Section 481 Application Form 
Guidance Note
Film Regulations 2019
Finance Act 2018 (Section 26) (Commencement) Order 2019
Film (Regional Film Development Uplift) (Amendment) Regulations 2019
Finance Act 2018 (Section 26) (Commencement) (No.2) Order 2019
Useful Links
Screen Producers Ireland
www.screenproducersireland.com
Media lawyers and accountants can provide advice about Ireland’s film & TV tax credit. Contact information can be found in a variety of production directories including:
Scannain
Irish Film and Television Network (IFTN)