Wisconsin re-starts film tax credit program with $5M in budget – Washington Examiner
Wisconsin has allocated $5 million in its new budget to revive its film tax credit program and establish a state film office within the Department of Tourism. This initiative, supported by governor Tony evers and advocates like Action! Wisconsin, aims to encourage more film and television productions to take place in the state, which proponents argue would boost local spending by production crews. Though, some economists criticize such tax credits, suggesting they merely divert taxpayer funds to a specific industry without delivering promised benefits. The Wisconsin film tax credit will cover 25% of income paid to state residents and 25% of film-related expenses, excluding certain live productions and events. Advocates assert that these incentives are crucial for enticing production companies to film in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin re-starts film tax credit program with $5M in budget
(The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s new budget includes $5 million that will re-start the state’s film tax credits and create a state film office as part of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
Advocates, including Gov. Tony Evers, have pushed the tax credits as a way to have more movies and television shows film in the state, saying that will increase the amount of money spent by film production crews in Wisconsin.
But economists who have studied the tax credits believe they are simply a way to divert taxpayer funds to a specific industry.
Economist J.C. Bradbury of Georgia’s Kennesaw State University extensively studied Georgia’s larger film credit program, writing in a peer-reviewed paper that the state spent $230 per household on foregone tax revenue because of the initiative, which has cost taxpayers the equivalent of $110,000 per full-time job in the industry without bringing the promised benefits from the program.
The Wisconsin film tax credit would be applied to 25% of income paid to Wisconsin residents up to $250,000 apiece and for 25% of film-related expenses in the state and credits for acquiring or improving property that wasn’t owned before Dec. 31, 2025.
The budget inclusion was applauded by the advocacy group Action! Wisconsin, which pushed for the incentives and said that they will be crucial when production companies are deciding where to film.
WISCONSIN BUDGET SIGNED INTO LAW BY EVERS EARLY THURSDAY MORNING
“This budget provides a great start to growing Wisconsin’s film and tv industry, strengthening our overall economy, and showcasing our state on screens large and small across the country and the world,” said Katie Heil, founding member of Action! Wisconsin.
The tax credit excludes live sports productions, news, awards ceremonies and more.
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