Incentive Calculator

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Refundable tax creditSource: New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Dept.· Last verified 2026-06-07
Your budget
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Production details
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Estimated incentive
Researched
$275,000
22.9% of total budget · 25% of qualified spend
Total budget
$1,200,000
Qualified spend
$1,100,000
Base credit
$275,000
Uplift
$0
Line-by-line — why each number is what it is
Director · $150,000$37,500
25% on direct New Mexico production & post spend · 25% on $150,000
Lead cast · $250,000$62,500
25% on direct New Mexico production & post spend · 25% on $250,000
Local crew · $400,000$100,000
25% on direct New Mexico production & post spend · 25% on $400,000
Camera & grip rental · $180,000$45,000
25% on direct New Mexico production & post spend · 25% on $180,000
Locations & stage · $120,000$30,000
25% on direct New Mexico production & post spend · 25% on $120,000
Post (out of state) · $100,000—
Does not match this program's qualifying-spend definition.
Uplifts & bonuses
Rural / standing-set upliftNot applied
Not applied — condition not met. +10% for work ≥60 miles outside Albuquerque and Santa Fe city halls.
Qualified production facility upliftNot applied
Not applied — condition not met. +5% for productions using a certified soundstage / standing set.
TV series upliftNot applied
Not applied — condition not met. +5% for a qualifying series (≥6 episodes/season, ≥$50K NM budget/episode) or pilot.
From credit to cash

A refundable credit pays out in cash even if you owe no state tax: you file, the state applies the credit to any liability, and refunds the rest. Timing depends on the audit and filing cycle.

Gross credit$275,000
Refunded as cash (above liability)$275,000

Typical timing: ~12 months after audit/filing.

  • • Spend must be direct NM production/post expenditure subject to NM tax.
  • • Non-resident performing artists and Film Partner (super loan-out) crew can qualify within statutory sublimits — verify amounts.
Every figure is traceable to a named rule above.
This incentive is your first money in.

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This is an estimate, not advice.

Every number here is an estimate generated from published program rules and your inputs. Programs change with each legislative session, and qualification depends on details a calculator can't see. This is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Before you make a financing decision, confirm everything with the state film office and a qualified CPA and entertainment attorney.