FILM INCENTIVES IN ARKANSAS
Overview
Arkansas offers two primary types of film incentives:
1. Cash Rebate Program:
Offers 25% base incentive as a cash rebate on qualified production expenditures incurred in Arkansas.
An additional 10% cash rebate applies to wages paid to Arkansas residents working on the production.
An additional 5% cash rebate applies to the payroll or production expenses in Tier 3 or 4 rural counties.
2. Tax Rebate Program:
Provides an equal tax credit on qualified expenditures that can reduce the production company's Arkansas tax liability.
Tax credits may be sold or transferred, turning them into cash value for productions without Arkansas tax obligations (usually at a 10% cost).
Arkansas VS Oklahoma
| Arkansas | Oklahoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Incentive | Cash Rebate (NOT Funded) & Tax Credit | Cash Rebate (Funded) |
| Funding Stability | Funding Inconsistent | Legislatively supported through 2031 |
| Rebate Cap | $4 Million | $30 Million |
| Minimum Spend | $200,000 - Production, $50,000 - PostProduction | $50,000 on Most Projects |
| Local Workforce Bonus | +10% for Arkansas Residents | +10% for Oklahoma Residents |
| Rural Area Incentives | +5% for Crew and Expenditures in Rural Counties | +2% for Crew and Expenditures in Rural Counties |
| Additional Uplifts | None |
+2% – Small Municipality +5% – Soundstage +5% – Multi-Film Deal +5% – TV Season +3% – Post Production +2% – Oklahoma Music |