As if our spectacular locations, welcoming climate, and relative proximity to the U.S. mainland weren't enticing enough, the state of Hawaii offers three different tax incentives that may be applied to film and television productions:

15-20% MOTION PICTURE, DIGITAL MEDIA, & FILM PRODUCTION INCOME TAX CREDIT

This is a refundable tax credit based on a production company's Hawaii expenditures while producing a qualified film, television, commercial, or digital media project. The credit equals 15% of qualified production costs incurred on Oahu, and 20% on the neighbor islands (Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai).

Overview & Instructions:

• Overview & Instructions for the 15-20% Tax Credit (.pdf)
• FAQs About the 15-20% Tax Credit (.pdf)- Frequently asked questions about the credit, including what is eligible as a "qualified production cost"
• Tax Information Release No. 2006-02 (.pdf) - Additional guidelines and examples  on what is eligible as a "qualified production cost"
  
• Statute: Act 88/Hawaii Revised Statutes §235-17

Required Forms:

• PRODUCTION REGISTRATION FORM (fillable .pdf) - Due at least one week prior to first Hawaii shoot date.
• HAWAII PRODUCTION REPORT (fillable .pdf) - Due no later than 90 days following the end of each taxable year in which qualified production costs were expended.

Budget/Expenditure Report Templates:

These templates provide an example of the level of detail required on the Hawaii expenditure reports you need to submit with your Hawaii Production Report. You may fill them out directly, or you may use your own budget formats as long as the detail provided is equivalent to the detail found in these templates. 

Please note the multiple worksheets on different tabs in each document. 

• FILM & TV EXPENDITURE REPORT TEMPLATE (.xls)
  

• COMMERCIAL & MUSIC VIDEO EXPENDITURE REPORT TEMPLATE (.xls)

100% HIGH TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT

This credit was established by Act 221 in 2001 and amended by Act 215 in 2004, hence it is commonly referred to as "Act 221" or "Act 215." It is a non-refundable income tax credit applicable to Hawaii taxpayers that invest in qualified companies producing "performing arts products," including film, television, video, audio, and animation products. The credit is equal to 100% of the investment amount, payable over five years.

Overview & Instructions:

• Overview of 100% Investment Tax Credit (.pdf)
  
• This credit is administered by the Hawaii Department of Taxation. See the Department's High-Tech Tax Incentive Section for detailed instructions.

• Statute: Hawaii Revised Statutes §235-110.9     
  

>> WHICH ONE SHOULD I CLAIM? <<
15-20% Refundable Credit vs. 100% Investment Credit

ROYALTIES TAX EXEMPTION

Royalties derived from performing arts products are excluded from a Hawaii taxpayer's income and not subject to state income tax.

Overview & Instructions:

• Overview of Royalties Tax Exemption (.pdf)
  
• Statute: Hawaii Revised Statutes §235-7.3

For further information, contact:

• Hawaii Film Office: 808-586-2570 or info@hawaiifilmoffice.com
• Hawaii Department of Taxation's Rules Office: 808-587-1569