Incentive Calculator

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Refundable tax creditSource: BFI Certification Unit· Last verified 2026-06-07
Your budget
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Production details
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Estimated incentive
Researched
£244,800
20.4% of total budget · 25.5% of qualified spend
Total budget
£1,200,000
Qualified spend
£960,000
Base credit
£244,800
Uplift
£0
Line-by-line — why each number is what it is
Director · £150,000£33,382
AVEC ~25.5% net (34% gross) of qualifying UK spend · 25.5% on £130,909 — Relief limited to 80% of total core expenditure: qualified spend trimmed to the cap (87.27% of original).
Lead cast · £250,000£55,636
AVEC ~25.5% net (34% gross) of qualifying UK spend · 25.5% on £218,182 — Relief limited to 80% of total core expenditure: qualified spend trimmed to the cap (87.27% of original).
Local crew · £400,000£89,018
AVEC ~25.5% net (34% gross) of qualifying UK spend · 25.5% on £349,091 — Relief limited to 80% of total core expenditure: qualified spend trimmed to the cap (87.27% of original).
Camera & grip rental · £180,000£40,058
AVEC ~25.5% net (34% gross) of qualifying UK spend · 25.5% on £157,091 — Relief limited to 80% of total core expenditure: qualified spend trimmed to the cap (87.27% of original).
Locations & stage · £120,000£26,705
AVEC ~25.5% net (34% gross) of qualifying UK spend · 25.5% on £104,727 — Relief limited to 80% of total core expenditure: qualified spend trimmed to the cap (87.27% of original).
Post (out of state) · £100,000—
Does not match this program's qualifying-spend definition.
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£244,800
Refunded as cash (above liability)£244,800

Typical timing: ~2 months after audit/filing.

  • • Requires British certification via the BFI cultural test (or a qualifying co-production); minimum 10% UK core expenditure.
  • • Rates shown are NET of the 25% corporation tax (34% gross → ~25.5% net). Independent Film Tax Credit = 53% gross (~39.75% net) for films with core budget under £15M; VFX = 39% gross and is exempt from the 80% cap.
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.