Unscripted Production Corporation Tax Credit

Section 487A Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, provides for a new corporation tax relief, in the form of a corporation tax credit, for companies which invest in unscripted programmes such as reality shows, documentaries and talk shows.  This relief is the first of its kind to be introduced in Europe.  The relief is designed to promote Irish and European culture, support Ireland’s fast-growing unscripted sector and to boost Ireland’s audio-visual industry by attracting international and domestic investment.

The relief provides for a 20% tax credit for qualifying expenditure incurred on the development of unscripted programmes, up to a maximum of €15 million.  Only expenditure incurred after the date of commencement of 23 December 2025 will qualify for the credit.  The tax credit has been approved to run until 31 December 2028.

In order to qualify for this relief, the total cost of production must not be less than €250,000 and the eligible expenditure must not be less than €125,000.

The tax credit is calculated at a rate of 20% of the lower:

• eligible expenditure - this is the amount of the production costs incurred in Ireland on qualifying employment and other goods and services.

or

• 80% of total cost of production.

or

• €15 million.

How to apply for this relief:

In order to avail of this relief, the producer company must make an application to the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport in advance of undertaking any production on a qualifying unscripted programme.  As part of the application, a cultural test must be passed by the producer company.  Once this test is passed, the company will receive an interim cultural certificate which certifies that the production is genuinely seeking to promote Irish and European culture.  The certificate will be valid for two years.  This certificate also allows the company to claim this tax credit while the programme is being produced.  The company can claim this tax credit in its corporation tax return, Form CT1.  

On completion of the programme, the company must once again apply to the Minister for a final certification.  If all the conditions of the interim certification have been complied with and the Minister is satisfied that the company has indeed passed the cultural test, a final certificate will be issued to the company which will allow the company to make a final claim for the credit.

Claims are expected to be limited to one season of a programme in a 12-month period.  However, production companies can make two or more claims each year if the claims relate to different programmes.

For more information in relation to this relief, please do not hesitate to contact us.  We would be delighted to assist you with any queries you might have.