Windmill Lane

Section 481

Section 481 is a tax incentive for film and television made in Ireland.

The incentive applies to Feature Films, Creative Documentaries, Television Drama and Animation. The incentive does not apply to Commercials, Reality TV, Game Shows and Soaps.

Projects can derive a benefit, net of all fees, of up to 28% of their qualifying expenditure.

The benefit is based on the cost of EU cast and crew working in Ireland, and goods and services purchased in Ireland, up to a maximum value of 80% of the global budget.

There is a ceiling of €50m on qualifying expenditure per project.

The Section 481 net benefit is made available to the production on the first day of principal photography or on the financial closing of the film. The incentive is guaranteed until 2015.

To access this incentive as an overseas project you must in the first instance engage with an Irish Co-Production partner who will organize your project’s application to the Irish Revenue Authorities and, if approved, will raise the necessary funds in the Irish market.  If you are considering bringing post production and or visual effects only to Ireland then Windmill Lane Entertainment can act as your Irish co-production partner and ensure that the benefit of the tax incentive is maximized for your project.