Finally! Forms for 15-20% Film Tax Credit!

At last, here are the official instructions and application forms for claiming Hawaii's new 15-20% Motion Picture, Film, and Digital Media Production Income Tax Credit (for film, TV, commercial, and digital media productions):

• Overview & Instructions for Claiming the 15-20% Credit
  Everything you've always wanted to know about the credit, and then some.
• Production Registration Form (fillable .pdf)
  Submit online and by mail to Hawaii Film Office at least one week prior to first Hawaii shoot date. Note: Because the credit took effect July 1, and this form hasn't been available till now, there will be a grace period for all projects whose first Hawaii shoot dates fall on or after July 1, 2006 but before August 26, 2006. These projects will have until September 1, 2006 to submit their registration forms to the Hawaii Film Office.
• Hawaii Production Report (fillable .pdf)
  Submit online and by mail no later than 90 days following the end of each taxable year in which qualified production costs were expended.

Here are some additional references for you technical types:

• Tax Information Release No. 2006-02
  Guidelines on what is eligible as a "qualified production cost," with helpful examples.
• Statute: Hawaii Revised Statutes §235-17
  Do you speak legalese? Then you'll like this!

Finally, here's a cheat sheet on the differences between the 15-20% refundable credit and the 100% investment tax credit:

• Which one should I claim? 15-20% Refundable Credit vs. 100% Investment Credit

These forms are permanently linked from the official Hawaii Film Office website's tax incentive page--so bookmark this page!

So hurry up! What are you waiting for? Come on down and shoot already!

RELATED POSTS:
>> It's Official: Hawaii Boasts 15-20% Film Tax Credit!
>> Meet the Hawaii Film Office!
>> Meet the County Film Offices
>> Come on Down! (You Know You Want To)
>> Come & Get This: 2006 Production Guide
>> Hawaii as San Fran, NYC, UK, Oz, etc.
>> Films Set in Hawaii Make Big Bucks
>> Permits, Hawaiian Style
>> Local Labor Union Chapters
>> Respecting Host Cultures While Filming
>> Hawaii Newbies, Read This
>> Culture Clash