30%
Base Tax Credit
Fully refundable tax credit on qualified production and post-production costs.
Film Incentives 2025 Guide
New York Film Tax Credit: A Complete Guide to NY's Film Incentives
Up to 30% Fully Refundable Tax Credit — Plus Additional NYC Incentives
New York's Competitive Film Incentive Program
40%
With Bonuses
Up to 40% with Upstate bonus (+10%) or Production Plus bonus for qualifying productions.
$800M
Annual Cap
Highest annual allocation in NY history, plus $100M for independent films.
New York offers one of North America's most competitive film incentive programs, with a fully refundable tax credit that has attracted major studio productions, independent films, and television series to the Empire State.
New York State Film Production Tax Credit
Program Overview
New York's Film Production Tax Credit, administered by Empire State Development, provides a fully refundable 30% tax credit on qualified production costs incurred in New York State. The 2025-2026 budget expanded the program with $800M annual allocation—the highest in state history—plus new bonus credits.
- 30% fully refundable tax credit on qualified production costs.
- Production Plus bonus: +10% for studios with $100M+ spend, +5% for independents.
- Upstate bonus: +10% for counties outside the NYC Metro Zone.
- Faster payouts: 100% credit in same tax year for 2025+ applications.
Eligible Productions
- Feature films with budgets of $1 million or more.
- Television series, pilots, and movies of the week.
- Relocated television series from other states.
- Commercials with budgets over $500,000 (separate program).
- Music videos and other qualified productions.
- Animation and post-production projects at qualified facilities.
Productions must complete principal photography or post-production in New York State to qualify for the Film Production Tax Credit.
Non-Eligible Productions
- News programs and current affairs
- Talk shows and interview programs
- Game shows
- Sports broadcasts
- Corporate or industrial videos
- Productions with budgets under $1 million
Minimum Budget Requirements (2025)
To qualify for the NY Film Tax Credit, productions must meet minimum budget thresholds and incur qualified production costs in New York State.
Feature Films
Minimum production budget of $1 million. At least 75% of total production costs must be incurred in NY, or principal photography must occur at a qualified production facility.
Television Series
Minimum per-episode budget requirements apply. Relocated series receive credit on all qualified costs in the first year.
Post-Production
30% credit available for post-production work completed at qualified NY facilities. Additional 10% music scoring bonus for 5+ musicians.
Independent Film Program
Dedicated $100M annual allocation for independent films. $20M for films under $10M budget, $80M for larger independents.
Applications must be submitted to Empire State Development before the start of principal photography. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis with annual allocation pools.
Eligible Expenses
What the NY Tax Credit Covers
Qualified production costs include below-the-line labor and production expenses incurred in New York State. Above-the-line costs are generally not eligible.
Credit issued after completion • Applied against NY tax liability or refunded
Generally Not Eligible
Above-the-Line Costs
Writers, directors, producers, and principal cast salaries are typically not eligible for the credit.
Producer fees
Director fees
Principal cast
Screenwriter fees
Eligible Costs
Below-the-Line & Production
Qualified production costs paid to NY residents or for services rendered in NY. Keep detailed records for audit purposes.
Crew wages (NY residents)
Equipment rental
Location fees
Set construction
Wardrobe and props
Transportation
Catering and craft services
Post-production at qualified facilities
Labor requirements
Below-the-line labor costs must be paid to individuals who are NY residents to qualify.
Facility requirements
Certain credits require work at qualified production facilities certified by Empire State Development.
Documentation
Maintain detailed cost reports, payroll records, and vendor invoices for audit and verification.
Additional NYC Incentives: Made in NY
Productions filming primarily in New York City may qualify for additional Made in NY incentives, including marketing support, below-the-line hiring incentives, and access to city locations.
How They Complement the State Credit
- Made in NY Marketing Credit: Free on-screen credit and marketing support for qualifying productions.
- NYC Commercial Incentive: Separate program for commercials filming in NYC.
- Location assistance: Support from the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment.
- Stage space: Access to qualified production facilities in Brooklyn and Queens.
Application Process
Pre-Production Application
Submit an Initial Application to Empire State Development before the start of principal photography. Include budget, script, and production schedule.
Allocation Letter
Receive an Allocation Letter confirming your production's eligibility and the amount of tax credits reserved for your project.
Production Phase
Film in New York while maintaining detailed records of all qualified production costs and ensuring compliance with program requirements.
Final Application
Submit Final Application within 90 days of completion of principal photography, including audited cost report and required documentation.
Credit Certificate
Receive tax credit certificate after Empire State Development review and approval. Credit is fully refundable if it exceeds tax liability.
Expert Incentive Navigation with Fixers in New York
Application Support
- Complete application preparation and submission
- Budget optimization for maximum credit
- Liaison with Empire State Development
- Documentation compliance
Financial Management
- Cost report preparation
- Audit coordination
- Expense tracking systems
- Credit claim optimization
Our experienced team has processed numerous NY film tax credit applications, ensuring clients receive maximum benefits under New York State law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NY Film Tax Credit refundable?
Yes. The NY Film Production Tax Credit is fully refundable. If the credit exceeds your NY State tax liability, the excess will be refunded to you.
When will I receive the tax credit?
After Empire State Development approves your Final Application, you'll receive a tax credit certificate. The timing depends on the complexity of your production and the review process.
Is there a cap on the credit amount?
There is no per-project cap on the NY Film Tax Credit. However, the program has annual allocation pools, and credits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
Do I need a NY production company?
While not strictly required, working with a NY-based production services company like Fixers in New York ensures you meet all requirements and maximize your credit.
Maximize Your Production Budget in New York
New York's film tax credit program makes it one of the most cost-effective places to produce film and television content in North America. Combined with world-class crews, facilities, and locations, NY offers everything productions need.
Let our experts guide you through New York's film incentive programs and help you save up to 30% on qualified production costs. We also offer professional post-production services to elevate your project.
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