Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit
AB, Canada
The Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) offers a refundable tax credit on eligible Alberta production and labour costs for corporations producing films, television series, and other eligible screen-based productions in Alberta.
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- grant_single|minCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|closingDateMay 31, 2024
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Tax Credits
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- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
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- Government of Alberta
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The Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) offers a refundable Alberta tax credit certificate on eligible Alberta production and labour costs to corporations producing new films, television series, and other screen-based productions in the province. Applicants can apply for either a 22% or 30% tax credit rate, with the higher rate requiring additional Alberta-based ownership and spending criteria. Eligible activities include new productions intended for broadcast, distribution, or streaming that meet specific production cost and timing requirements.
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The grant supports film, television series, and other eligible screen-based productions in Alberta. Eligible activities must align with the production of new content intended for broadcast, distribution, or streaming.
- Producing film projects
- Television series production
- Screen-based media projects
- Documentary production
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$930,000
Calgary
Producing a children's animated series based on folk tales from Alberta
$360,000
Edmonton
Creating a historical documentary about Edmonton's development over the past century
$450,000
Jasper
Producing an environmental documentary highlighting the conservation efforts National Park
$1,500,000
Fort McMurray
Production of a feature-length film portraying the oil sands industry
$540,000
Banff
Developing a virtual reality game based on the history of Banff National Park
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To be eligible for the Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC), corporations and productions must meet specific criteria regarding incorporation, production costs, and other requirements.
- Corporation must be primarily engaged in film, television, or digital media production.
- Incorporated in Alberta under the Business Corporations Act or registered as an extra-provincial company in Alberta.
- Not exempt from paying taxes under the Alberta Corporate Tax Act.
- Must be making an eligible production with total production costs of $499,999 CAD or greater.
- Not have received funding from the Alberta Production Grant or the Alberta Screen-Based Production Grant.
- Eligible productions should be new and not a repackaging of previously completed productions.
- Principal photography must commence no later than 6 months after an Authorization Letter is issued.
- Must meet criteria for eligible Alberta production costs, including being purchased directly from Alberta businesses and incurred within Alberta during the eligibility period.
- Recognition requirements must be fulfilled to receive the tax credit certificate.
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Yes, there are eligible types of companies for the Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) grant in Alberta. To be eligible, a corporation must meet specific criteria related to business operations, incorporation, and production costs.
- Primarily engaged in film, television, or digital media production
- Incorporated in Alberta under the Business Corporations Act, or registered as an extra-provincial company in Alberta, or continued as an Alberta company through a Certificate of Continuance
- Not exempt from paying taxes under the Alberta Corporate Tax Act (or controlled by a corporation that is)
- Involved in making an eligible production with total production costs of $499,999 CAD (before GST) or greater
- Not have received funding from the Alberta Production Grant or the Alberta Screen-Based Production Grant
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Yes, there are certain types of companies that are not eligible for the Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) Act in Alberta. The ineligible types of companies include those exempt from paying taxes under the Alberta Corporate Tax Act or controlled by such corporations, and those that have received funding from the Alberta Production Grant or the Alberta Screen-Based Production Grant.
- Companies exempt from paying taxes under the Alberta Corporate Tax Act or controlled by such corporations.
- Companies that have received funding from the Alberta Production Grant or the Alberta Screen-Based Production Grant.
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Eligible production costs generally include all expenditures where goods or services are purchased, consumed or used in Alberta and are considered an essential cost incurred as a normal part of business. Costs incurred or paid outside of Alberta are not eligible for a tax credit.
- Listed on the Estimated Total Production Costs worksheet
- Purchased directly from businesses located in Alberta
- Incurred and fully paid in Alberta during the eligibility period
- Directly related to the portion of the production in Alberta
- Essential cost incurred as a normal part of business
- Costs incurred by a parent corporation on behalf of a wholly-owned subsidiary in Alberta
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Eligible geographic zones for this grant are limited to Alberta. All production costs must be incurred and paid within Alberta to qualify.
- Alberta
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Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for the Film and Television Tax Credit. Eligible applications are evaluated based on the production's economic impact in Alberta and its benefit to Alberta’s film and television industry.
- Application completeness
- Eligibility screening
- Evaluation of economic impact in Alberta
- Benefit to Alberta’s film and television industry
- Approval by the Minister
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- Step 1: Read the guidelines
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Film and Television Tax Credit program guidelines and associated supplementary forms to familiarize themselves with the criteria and requirements.
- Step 2: Create a user account and log into the online application portal
- All applications must be submitted through the online application portal. When logging into the online application portal for the first time, applicants will be prompted to create an Alberta.ca Account with a secure login name and password.
- Once the account has been created, applicants will gain access to the online application portal, which hosts the forms and templates required for application submission and tax credit certificate requests.
- Step 3: Complete and submit an online application
- A detailed overview of the information and supporting documentation that applicants are required to provide as part of their application submission is outlined in the How to Apply section of the Film and Television Tax Credit program guidelines.
- Applicants are encouraged to review the Film and Television Tax Credit Application Companion Guide before filling out and submitting an application.
- It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all relevant documentation is completed as stated in the guidelines and submitted with the application.
- Program staff may request additional documentation and information to assist in the assessment and evaluation of an application. However, the program staff reserve the right to rely solely on materials initially submitted with the application.
- Step 4: Assessment of applications
- Once an application is received, the application is reviewed by program staff for completeness.
- If an application is deemed complete, it is then screened for eligibility and evaluated.
- All eligible applications will be evaluated for the production’s economic impact in Alberta and its benefit to Alberta’s film and television industry.
- Applications are then reviewed and approved by the Minister.
- Step 5: Notification and Authorization Letters
- Successful applicants will receive an Authorization Letter advising them of the maximum tax credit certificate they may be eligible to receive.
- Applicants must respond within 14 days of receiving the Authorization Letter to indicate their acceptance of the letter and to provide any documentation requested in the letter.
- If the tax credit certificate amount requested exceeds the available budget, a reduced tax credit certificate amount may be offered. In the event applicants are offered a reduced tax credit certificate amount, program staff will contact them to confirm whether or not they wish to proceed with their application.
- Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing of the result. Applicants are permitted to reapply once within 12 months of receiving notification that their initial application was declined, even if they have already begun principal photography on the production.
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The grant has additional guidelines and forms required for submission.
- Additional program details can be found in the Film and Television Tax Credit Act, Regulation, guidelines, and companion guides.
- Supplementary forms must be completed and submitted, including the Capitalization Table, Summary of Production Financing, Related Party Transactions, Estimated Total Production Costs, Producer Residency Declaration, and Individual Residency Declaration.
- Eligible Alberta production costs must be incurred and paid in Alberta during the eligibility period, must relate directly to the Alberta portion of the production, and be essential costs of the production business.
- Special mention of the email and physical address for contact and further inquiries.
- Productions with a 30% tax credit certificate must keep an Alberta-based individual, partnership, or corporation in the copyright ownership for 10 years following production completion.
Apply to this program
Overview of Alberta’s Film and Television Tax Credit Grant
The Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) offers refundable tax credits to corporations producing eligible screen-based projects in Alberta. The program provides either a 22% or 30% tax credit on eligible Alberta production and labour costs, designed to boost the province's film and television industry.
Comprehensive Guide to Alberta’s Film and Television Tax Credit Grant
Alberta, known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, is committed to fostering a thriving film and television industry. One of the standout initiatives aimed at achieving this goal is the Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC). This grant provides substantial financial incentives to corporations producing eligible screen-based projects within the province. Below, we delve into the intricate details of the FTTC to furnish a comprehensive understanding of the program.
Understanding the Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit
The Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit that supports the production of films, television series, and other eligible screen-based projects in Alberta. By offering tax credits on eligible production and labour costs, this program aims to make the province an appealing destination for both local and international production companies. Applicants can opt for either a 22% or a 30% tax credit rate, depending on specific criteria met by their productions.
Eligibility Criteria for Corporations
To qualify for the FTTC, corporations must meet various basic eligibility requirements. Below is a summary of these criteria:
- The corporation must be primarily engaged in film, television, or digital media production.
- It must be incorporated in Alberta under the Business Corporations Act, registered as an extra-provincial company in Alberta, or continued as an Alberta company through a Certificate of Continuance.
- The corporation must not be exempt from paying taxes under the Alberta Corporate Tax Act or be controlled by a corporation that is exempt.
- The corporation must be undertaking an eligible production with total production costs of at least $499,999 CAD (excluding GST).
- The corporation must not have received funding from the Alberta Production Grant or the Alberta Screen-Based Production Grant.
Applications to the program can be submitted by an ineligible parent corporation on behalf of an eligible corporation to be established in the future. However, an Authorization Letter will only be granted to corporations meeting all specified criteria.
Eligible Productions and Conditions
For a production to be deemed eligible, it must be a newly created piece intended for broadcast, distribution, or streaming. Repackaging of previously completed productions is not permitted and will be considered ineligible. Significant conditions include:
- Principal photography on the production must commence no later than six months after receiving an Authorization Letter.
- Specific genres and formats are excluded, such as news, weather reports, talk shows, professional sports events, award shows, fundraising programs, adult entertainment, advertising, reality TV, and productions for corporate or institutional purposes, among others.
Detailed Criteria for Productions Opting for 30% Tax Credit
Productions aiming for the 30% tax credit rate must comply with additional requirements:
- At least 50% of the production must be owned by Alberta-based shareholders, including a proportionate share of financial control and profit participation.
- At least one Alberta-based producer must receive single-card credit recognition.
- The production's copyright must be held, at least in part, by an Alberta-based individual, partnership, or corporation at the time of application and for a minimum of 10 years following production completion.
- At least 60% of the total production costs or 70% of the total production salary must be spent on Alberta-based individuals or incurred in Alberta.
Application Process
Applying for the FTTC involves several steps, starting with thorough preparation and familiarization with the program guidelines. Here's a breakdown of the application steps:
Step 1: Read the Guidelines
Applicants must thoroughly review the Film and Television Tax Credit program guidelines, companion guides, and associated forms, which lay out detailed criteria and requirements for both the application and tax credit request processes.
Step 2: Create a User Account
Applications must be submitted through the online application portal. First-time users need to create an Alberta.ca Account with secure login credentials. Once the account is set up, users gain access to the portal, which hosts all necessary forms and templates for submission.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Applicants need to carefully fill out and submit their applications through the online portal. Detailed instructions on required information and supporting documents are found in the How to Apply section of the guidelines. The applicant must ensure all pertinent documentation is complete and appended to the online application. Program staff may request additional documentation during assessment and evaluation but reserve the right to rely solely on initial submissions.
After You Apply
Once the application is submitted, it moves through a multi-stage assessment and review process:
- Completeness Review: Initially, applications are reviewed for completeness.
- Eligibility Screening: Complete applications are then screened for eligibility.
- Economic Impact Evaluation: Eligible applications are evaluated based on the production's economic impact in Alberta and the potential benefits to Alberta’s film and television industry.
Applications approved by the Minister result in an Authorization Letter, detailing the maximum tax credit certificate amount the applicant may be eligible to receive. Applicants must confirm their acceptance within 14 days and submit any additional documentation as requested.
Principal Photography and Production Timeline
Upon receiving an Authorization Letter, principal photography must begin within 6 months, and production must be completed within 42 months. Any changes to the Production Plan must be reported to the program within 30 days of occurrence to avoid revocation of the Authorization Letter.
Requesting the Tax Credit
Only successful applicants who receive an Authorization Letter can request a tax credit certificate post-production. The tax credit certificate's maximum amount reflects what is stipulated in the Authorization Letter. Required documents, such as a final report and an audited production cost statement, must be submitted to request the tax credit certificate. Detailed steps are provided in the program guidelines and companion guides.
Recognition and Holding Requirements
Applicants must fulfill specified recognition requirements to receive the tax credit certificate. Productions benefiting from a 30% tax credit must ensure an Alberta-based entity holds the production's copyright for 10 years post-completion. Detailed recognition and holding requirements are outlined in the program guidelines.
Delivery and Utilization of Tax Credit Certificates
Once approved, tax credit certificates are accessible for download through the online application portal. The corporation is responsible for filing the tax credit certificate as part of its taxes. Options are also available for directing corporate income tax refund cheques to lenders for bridge financing through a formal request process.
Conclusion
The Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit program is a significant financial incentive tailored to support and expand Alberta's film and television production capabilities. By offering a well-structured tax incentive program, Alberta aims to attract robust and diverse production activities, thereby fostering economic growth and bolstering the cultural industries within the province. With thorough preparation and understanding of the FTTC program guidelines, eligible corporations can leverage this opportunity to advance their production projects while contributing to Alberta’s thriving film and television landscape.