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Incentives
Music Job Creation Program
The Music Job Creation Program provides a tax credit on annual W2 wages to music industry related companies (known as a Qualified Music Company or “QMC”) that create well-paid jobs for Louisiana residents.
10% Credit
for each new job whose QMC payroll is equal to or greater than $35,000 per year, up to $66,000 per year
15% Credit
for each new job whose QMC payroll is equal to or greater than $66,000 per year, but no greater than $200,000 per year
*La. R.S. 47:6023, better known as the Louisiana Sound Recording Production Program, also provides a QMC payroll tax credit on annual W2 wages for approved music industry companies, and this incentive is commonly referred to here as the Music Job Creation Program.
All incentive program rules are in the Louisiana Administrative Code maintained by the Office of the State Register.
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.
OEID / LED reviews application.
If approved, OEID/LED enters into a contract with applicant.
When W2s are issued, applicant requests final certification of credits from OEID.
CPA performs an audit and provides an expenditure verification report to OEID.
OEID reviews and if approved, issues a final certification letter.
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 65.
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 directly or indirectly in the production, distribution and promotion of music. (For example, the business may be a music publisher, sound recording studio, artist management or other music industry related business)
- Entity must be authorized to do business in the state of Louisiana and permanently locate or expand existing operations in Louisiana
Job Requirements
- Create a minimum of three new direct jobs that meet or exceed a salary of $35,000 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 QMC’s location in Louisiana
- Can NOT have existed previously on the QMC’s payroll in Louisiana, nor previously on the payroll of the QMC’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 QMC in Louisiana
Required Supporting Documents
Have other questions? We’re here to help.
Chris Stelly
Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment
