Section 481 film tax credit: 32%, or 40% for lower-budget films and visual effects

Producer companies get a corporation tax credit of 32% of qualifying Irish spend, up to €125 million. Lower-budget films and visual effects work can get 40%.

The section 481 film tax credit supports film and television production in Ireland. Since 2015 it has been a corporation tax credit for the producer company. If the credit is more than the company's tax, Revenue pays the difference, so it works as a cash payment for production spending here.

How much

The credit is 32% of the lowest of:

• eligible expenditure (broadly, spending on people and goods and services in Ireland)
• 80% of the total cost of production
• €125,000,000, for projects certified from 28 March 2024 (€70 million before)

Two 40% uplifts

• Lower-budget films (the 'Scéal uplift'): 40% for feature films, live action or animated, with qualifying expenditure under €20 million. At least one key creative role, such as director or screenwriter, must be held by a national or resident of the European Economic Area. For films certified from 20 May 2025.
• Visual effects: 40% on up to €10 million of eligible expenditure, for projects with at least €1 million of visual effects work in Ireland. Spending above that gets 32%. For films certified from 16 July 2026.

For a feature film with a total budget of €12,000,000 and €9,000,000 of eligible Irish expenditure:

Getting the credit

1. Before production starts, apply to the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for a cultural certificate confirming the film qualifies. Ask for any uplift to be specified.
2. Claim through ROS. You can claim up to 90% on budgeted expenditure during production, at the 32% rate. Claim the balance once the film is complete, applying any uplift then. Uplift claims need a declaration filed through MyEnquiries.

Revenue is no longer involved in approving projects. The credit, including its uplifts, is due to run until 31 December 2028.

Work it out

• Corporation tax for your company →

Sources

• Department of Finance: Budget 2027: Tax Policy Changes (checked 25/10/2026)

General information, not tax advice. HeyPenny is not a tax agent.