Kentucky Entertainment Incentive
The purpose of the KEI Program is to encourage:
The film and entertainment industry to choose locations in the Commonwealth for the filming and production of motion picture or entertainment productions;
The development of a film and entertainment industry in Kentucky;
Increased employment opportunities for the citizens of the Commonwealth within the film and entertainment industry; and
The development of a production and postproduction infrastructure in the Commonwealth for film production and touring Broadway show production facilities containing state-of-the-art technologies.
Key Guidelines:
To qualify for tax incentives, the Approved Company shall incur a minimum combined total of Qualifying Expenditures and Qualifying Payroll Expenditures in Kentucky based on the type of Motion Picture or Entertainment Production.
Projects incurring eligible costs in enhanced incentive counties may be eligible for an increased tax credit. Incentive amounts are determined based on the Kentucky county where the Qualifying Expenditures and Qualifying Payroll Expenditures occur.
Projects may be eligible for up to $10 million in tax credits, with a maximum of $75 million available for all approved projects per calendar year.
Qualifying expenditures within the program include set construction and operations, lease or rental of property as a set location, as well as audio and visual equipment and services, in addition to other accommodations. Qualifying expenditures must be incurred with businesses located in the Commonwealth and used only for the Motion Picture or Entertainment Production filmed or produced in the Commonwealth.
Expenditures not eligible for consideration as Qualifying Expenditures include, but are not limited to, the following:
Expenditures made to vendors located outside of Kentucky
Fringes and Per Diem
Payroll Service fees
Airfare
KEI application and administrative fees
Legal and accounting expenses
Contingency expenses
Cast and Crew screening and wrap-up parties
Bank, financing and completion bond fees
Script publication and license fees
Miscellaneous expenses and fees
Insurance Premiums
Loss/Damage Fees
Gifts
Alcohol/Tobacco
Publicity Fees
Non-Resident Kit/Box Rentals
Online Purchases
Tax incentives awarded through the KEI program are refundable and nontransferable and may be claimed against the Approved Company's Kentucky corporate, limited liability or individual income tax. Unused credits may not be carried forward.
