TAX CREDIT
Section 481 Lower Budget Film Enhanced Credit
Revenue Commissioners / Screen Ireland
Last verified 5 Apr 2026 · 14 days ago
40%
Cap per project
€20M
Sessions/year
1
Payment timing
12 months
Reliability
Good
Bankability
Bankable
Rate conditions
↓ 32%Initial claim based on budgeted expenditure for up to 90% of credit
↑ 40%Final claim when qualifying film meets enhanced credit criteria
Funding tracks
Feature Film
Feature film intended for theatrical release with key creative roles (director, screenwriter, editor, cinematographer, production designer, or composer)
Under €20M qualifying expenditure
Animated Film
Animated film of feature length with key creative roles (art director, production designer, or composer)
Under €20M qualifying expenditure
Territorial spend requirement
One or more key creative roles must be performed by Irish/EEA nationals or residents
Overview
This page refers to the enhanced credit for lower budget film
Eligible formats
feature film
Eligibility
Qualifying expenditure must be less than €20 million, film must be feature or animated feature length, and one or more key creative roles (director, screenwriter, or other senior creative position) must be performed by EEA national or resident. Cultural certificate required before production commences.
● Co-production eligible● Cultural test required
Upcoming deadlines
20 May 2026Application deadline
Source: Revenue Commissioners / Screen Ireland · verified 5 Apr 2026