Please note significant improvements to the Irish tax incentives will be announced April 2006.

Ireland has experienced a huge growth in the audiovisual industry in recent years. The continuous progress is due at least in part to the introduction and implementation of attractive incentives available for film-making as well as the reestablishment of Bord Scannán na hÉireann / The Irish Film Board.

Other factors such as a wealth of crews and facilities, the versatility and availability of diverse locations and also the co-operation of government departments including the Department of Defence have resulted in blockbuster films such as Mel Gibson’s Braveheart, Stephen Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan, Kevin Reynolds' The Count of Monte Cristo, Gordon Chan’s Highbinders starring Jackie Chan and most recently Rob Bowman’s Reign of Fire all choosing Ireland as a key location for their productions.

Section 481 (formerly Section 35) tax incentives have been central to the growth of film production throughout the 1990’s to the present. Section 481 has been extended to 2008 and from 2005, the cap on the level of investment which can be raised is being increased from €10.48million to €15million. In addition other incentives are available to the filmmaking community. Click on the links to find out more.

Tax Exemptions for Individuals
Individuals may locate in Ireland and enjoy tax-free income from their works under this scheme, known as ‘artists’ exemption’.

It can apply to writers, including scriptwriters, visual artists and composers.
Where individuals become resident in Ireland they are entitled, on making a claim, to have the earnings arising to them from the publication, production or sale of books, screenplays, plays and musical compositions, disregarded for tax purposes where the work or works involved are original and creative and have cultural or artistic merit.

The scheme guidelines are available on request from:
Michael Howard, Ext: 24106
Revenue Commissioners, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2
Tel +353 1 679 2777 Fax +353 1 679 9287
http://www.revenue.ie


Taxation Agreements
Irelands EU approved 10% tax rate has proved an attractive stimulus to foreign investment in Ireland for many years. It applies to manufacturing companies (including film production companies), international finance services companies in the Custom House Docks Area of Dublin (including film finance companies) and companies, which trade from Shannon Free Zone (including film distribution and licensing companies).

10% rate applies to income after deduction of trading expenses.

No withholding tax on dividends paid by Irish companies.
Certain double taxation agreements permit foreign owners to receive the after tax profits without any further tax payable by them in their home country or allows them to defer further taxation.

Where a double taxation agreement applies, it provides that any dividends, interest or royalties paid to an Irish company suffers minimal, if any, withholding tax (See below under Double Taxation Agreements).

The tax rate payable by companies on Irish profits is at present 20%. It reduces to 16% in 2002 and to 12.5% for 2003 onwards

Ireland has entered into comprehensive double taxation agreements with:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep. of), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Zambia.


Co-production Treaties
The Government of Ireland has signed Co-Production treaties with both the Government of Canada and the Government of Australia.

Most recently Ireland ratified the European Convention on Cinematography which came into force in August 2000.

For a Co-production Application Form from The Irish Film Board - Click here