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Incentives
Entertainment Job Creation Program
The Entertainment Job Creation Program provides a tax credit on annual W2 wages to approved entertainment companies (known as a Qualified Entertainment Company or “QEC”) that create well-paid jobs for Louisiana residents.
15% credit
for each new job whose QEC payroll is equal to or greater than $45,000 per year, up to $66,000 per year
20% credit
for each new job whose QEC payroll is equal to or greater than $66,000 per year, but no greater than $200,000 per year
Application Process
Submit application and fees (fees will be calculated upon submission of the application.) An application isn't considered received until the applicant submits a deposit.
Application review.
If approved, OEID/LED enters into a contract with applicant.
When W2s are issued, applicant requests final certification of credits from OEID.
CPA performs a review and provides an expenditure verification report to OEID.
OEID reviews and if approved, issues a final certification letter.
Claim credits on Louisiana tax return or elect transfer back to State for 90 percent of face value (requires a 2% transfer fee which results in an 88% net).
Eligibility Requirements
The Secretary of the Department of Economic Development may consider program applicants meeting the following criteria:
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Eligibility Criteria
- Business must be engaged in the development or distribution of audio, visual, or both audio-visual entertainment products for public consumption, directly or indirectly.
- Entity must be authorized to do business in the state of Louisiana
- Only the wages noted in Box 1 of the W2 are eligible.
The following business types are ineligible:
- Telecommunications
Job Requirements
- Create a minimum of five new direct jobs that meet or exceed a salary of $45,000 per year per person
- These jobs must be full time, (full-time employees — working an average of 30 hours or greater per week)
- Filled by residents of the state at the approved QEC’s physical location in Louisiana
- Can NOT have existed previously on the QEC’s payroll in Louisiana, nor previously on the payroll of the QEC’s parent entity, subsidiary, or affiliate in Louisiana, or previously on the payroll of any business whose physical location and employees are substantially the same as those of the QEC in Louisiana
Have other questions? We’re here to help.
Chris Stelly
Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment
