Incentives

STATE INCENTIVES:

Here are Highlights of the State of Michigan Film Incentives (Effective April 2008)


    WHAT DO I GET?
  • Eligible production companies must spend at least $50,000 in the state;
  • 40% tax credit on direct production expenses (42% in 18 Wayne County "core communities");
  • 30% tax credit for out-of-state, below the line personnel expenditures;
  • Must commence production work within 90 days of approval. An additional 90 days for good cause; and $2,000,000 cap on any one individual salary performing services in the state for which a credit will be applicable.

    WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS QUALIFY?
  • Motion picture
  • Documentary
  • Television series
  • Television miniseries
  • Television special
  • Music videos
  • Interactive games
  • Video games
  • Internet programming
  • Sound recordings
  • Digital animation
  • Interactive website

    • WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS DO NOT QUALIFY?
  • Obscene matter
  • News programs
  • Live sporting events
  • Political advertising
  • Radio programs
  • Weather shows
  • Financial market spots
  • Talk shows
  • Game shows
  • Marketing a product or service other than a qualified production
  • Awards shows
  • Fundraising shows
  • Industrial training films
I WANT TO BUILD A STUDIO? WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Must invest and expend at least $250,000 for a qualified film and digital media infrastructure project in this state;

Tax credit of 25% of the base investment; and CAP of $20,000,000 in TOTAL credits for a year.


I’M TRAINING SOME PEOPLE…CAN THE STATE HELP ME WITH THAT?
50% tax credit on qualified job training expenditures; "Qualified job training expenditure" = salary and other expenditures paid by an eligible production company to provide qualified personnel with on-the-job training as a member of the below the line crew

"Qualified personnel" = person who has resided in this state for less than 12 months.

Film Incentive FAQs: http://www.michigan.gov/filmoffice/0,1607,7-248--198439--,00.html

For more information on the Michigan Incentives, please call or write the Michigan Film Office. 1-800-477-3456 or email mfo@michigan.org.



WAYNE COUNTY INCENTIVES:
Wayne County also has additional development incentives to help make your dreams a reality:

Wayne County Land Bank

For new real estate development or substantial rehabilitation of existing structures within Wayne County, the Wayne County Land Bank can offer a cash equivalent of up to 100% of the taxes for the first year of a project, and 50% for the subsequent five years. The Wayne County Land Bank may also participate in the issuance of bonds for certain project activities.


Brownfield Redevelopment Tax Credit

The state of Michigan provides Michigan Business Tax (MBT) credits for projects that redevelop contaminated, blighted or functionally obsolete property. Credits are available for up to 20% of eligible investments in certain urban areas, or lesser amounts in other areas. This credit can be refunded for cash.


Brownfield Redevelopment

Tax Increment Financing
Contaminated properties may be eligible for tax increment financing (TIF) for certain eligible activities. Tax increment financing allows projects to capture state and local property taxes to pay for costs related to Brownfield redevelopment sites. The participation of the Land Bank in a Brownfield project can maximize the benefit of TIF.


EPA Site Assessment Funds

Wayne County holds three Environmental Protection Agency grants to perform preliminary Brownfield site assessments on potential development sites.


Bonds

Wayne County can issue non-taxable or taxable bonds to support new construction.


Michigan Economic Growth Authority Tax Credit

Credits awarded up to 20 years and up to 100 percent of amount equal to the personal income generated by new workers – application trigger: 50 job minimum for in-state & 100 job minimum for out-of-state companies.


Job Training

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation can offer up to $500 per new employee for job training purposes, subject to the availability of funding. Wayne County will also consider similar grants for every new resident employee.


Real and Personal Property Tax Abatements

Local Government may approve 50-to-100 percent tax abatements on expansion investments up to 12 years.


Wayne County Business Financing

Wayne County offers expedited permit review and development assistance as well as financial assistance for development growth and expansion.


For more information on Wayne County Development Incentives, please visit www.waynecounty.com