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Incentives
Live Performance Production Incentive Program
*The program sunsets on 6/30/25.
No new applications will be accepted after 6/30/25.*
Whether you are launching a national or international concert tour, staging a new theatrical production, or a local non-profit hosting a series of performances over a twelve-month period, the Live Production Incentive Program, statutorily known as the Musical and Theatrical Production Income Tax Credit, will help you hit your mark.
7% Tax Credit
for certified Louisiana expenditures between $100,000 and $300,000
14% Tax Credit
for certified Louisiana expenditures between $300,000 and $1,000,000
18% Tax Credit
for certified Louisiana expenditures over $1,000,000
Additional 7% Tax Credit
for payroll expenditures to Louisiana residents
Program is subject to a $10 million cap per year (with 50% or $5 million being reserved for not-for-profit organizations). Projects are subject to a $1 million cap, per year.
The tax credit is refundable or transferable on a one-time basis.
For applications to our Live Performance Production program received on or after May 1, 2024, the guidelines and procedures below will now be effective. Please contact amanda.hafford@la.gov with any questions.
Live Performance Production Tax Credit Guidelines
Live Performance Production Agreed Upon Procedures
Application Process
Complete application form. In order for the application to be considered received, ALL information and fees (application and expenditure verification report deposit) must be submitted.
If approved, Louisiana Economic Development issues Initial Certification letter.
Track production expenses.
Submit cost report for CPA review.
CPA finishes review and submits expenditure verification report to LED.
If approved, LED issues Final Certification for the amount of the tax credit.
Claim refund on Louisiana tax return or make a one-time transfer on the open market.
Program Statutes & Rules
All incentive program rules are in the Louisiana Administrative Code maintained by the Office of the State Register. For rules, go to Part 1, Chapter 69.
Eligibility Requirements
Louisiana's musical and theatrical production income tax credit program is open to concert, theatrical and other live productions that originate or debut in the State of Louisiana. There is a $100,000 minimum in-state expenditure requirement.
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Qualifying productions include:
- Pre-Broadway engagement or remounts
- Tour or resident production remounts
- Pre-Broadway tryouts
- Resident or regional productions
- National touring companies producing their first public performance in Louisiana
- Concert tours producing their first public performance in Louisiana
Eligible production expenditures:
- Salaries directly related to the development of in-state certified productions (up to the first $1 million per person)
- Physical production costs directly related to an in-state certified production
- Artist compensation directly related to performance days in Louisiana (up to the first $1 million per person)
- Creative team compensation directly related to work performed in Louisiana
- Local and touring crew compensation directly related to work performed in Louisiana (up to the first $1 million per person)
- Hotel and airfare expenditures directly related to an in-state certified production
- Venue rental and associated fixed costs
Required Supporting Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does the program define a qualified musical or theatrical production?
Louisiana's Musical and Theatrical Production Incentive Program is open to concert, theatrical and other live productions that originate or debut in the State of Louisiana.
Do not-for-profit organizations qualify for the program?
Yes. Although it is necessary to establish taxable liability with the State of Louisiana, it is not necessary to owe taxes. Not-for-profit organizations are issued credits in the form of a "refund of overpayment" by the Louisiana Department of Revenue. 50% or $5 million of the issuance cap is reserved for not-for-profit organizations.
What can I do with these tax credits?
Musical and theatrical production income tax credits are refundable or transferrable.
Will I need to hire a CPA?
No. LED will assign you a CPA
Can I get tax credits for payroll of out-of-state residents?
Any qualified expenditures can receive the tax credit award up to 18%, regardless of whether the labor is performed by Louisiana residents, as long as the work is performed in the State of Louisiana. All labor must be verified to have been performed in Louisiana, and any work performed outside of the state would not qualify.
Is there a minimum amount I have to spend in order to receive credits?
The minimum that must be expended in Louisiana is $100,000 in Louisiana on the project(s) for which the application is made.
What is the maximum amount in tax credits my project can receive?
$1,000,000 per project, per year.
Can this incentive be used in combination with other LED incentives?
LED has many business incentives, some of which may be combined with the musical and theatrical production income tax credit. Claiming identical expenditures for more than one LED incentive program is prohibited.
Is there an application fee?
Yes. The fee is assessed as 0.5% (0.005) of proposed tax benefit in Louisiana with a $500 minimum fee and $15,000 maximum fee. Make check or money order payable to Louisiana Economic Development. No cash is accepted. The fee is non-refundable.
What's the difference between LED, Office, OEID, and Louisiana Entertainment?
The Office of Entertainment Industry Development is a division of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development. For ease of reading, this website may commonly refer to these entities as the Office, OEID, Louisiana Entertainment or LED.
When will I know if my project qualifies?
As soon as we have had a chance to review and clear up any outstanding issues in the application (which we strive to complete as quickly as possible), we issue an Initial Certification that acknowledges a project's applicable expenditures based on those proposed in the application. The Initial Certification is not a tax credit; rather, it is a certification that the project is qualified to potentially earn tax credits.
When do I receive my tax credits?
Tax credits are issued in a Final Certification letter.
Have other questions? We’re here to help.
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Amanda Hafford
Division Director, Film & Television
