Incentive Calculator

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Cash rebateSource: South Carolina Film Commission· Last verified 2026-06-07
Your budget
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Production details
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Estimated incentive
Verified
$270,000
22.5% of total budget · 24.5% of qualified spend
Total budget
$1,200,000
Qualified spend
$1,100,000
Base credit
$270,000
Uplift
$0
Line-by-line — why each number is what it is
Director · $150,000$30,000
20% on non-resident wages · 20% on $150,000
Lead cast · $250,000$50,000
20% on non-resident wages · 20% on $250,000
Local crew · $400,000$100,000
25% on South Carolina resident wages · 25% on $400,000
Camera & grip rental · $180,000$54,000
30% on qualified South Carolina supplier spend · 30% on $180,000
Locations & stage · $120,000$36,000
30% on qualified South Carolina supplier spend · 30% on $120,000
Post (out of state) · $100,000—
Does not match this program's qualifying-spend definition.
From credit to cash

A direct payment from the state after a CPA audit and compliance sign-off. There's no buyer or broker — the headline figure is the cash, paid on the state's timeline.

Gross rebate/grant$270,000
Paid after audit$270,000

Typical timing: ~3 months after audit/filing.

  • • Wages must be subject to South Carolina income-tax withholding; supplier spend must be with a registered SC supplier.
  • • Loan-outs qualify if registered with the SC Secretary of State and Department of Revenue.
Every figure is traceable to a named rule above.
This incentive is your first money in.

Drop it into a capital stack and see how the rest of the raise — equity, pre-sales, gap — fits, and how investors get paid back.

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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.