Film Relief (Section 481 Film Tax Credit)

Enhanced credit amount for visual effects

The enhanced credit amount for visual effects was introduced by Finance Act 2025.

An enhanced rate of 40% may apply to the Film Corporation Tax Credit for visual effects projects. The enhanced rate may apply:

• to projects with a minimum expenditure of €1 million in the State on relevant visual effects work
• and
• to a maximum of €10 million of eligible expenditure on the film.

The standard rate of 32% will apply to any expenditure above this amount.

Note

The enhanced credit amount can only apply to qualifying films certified on or after 16 July 2026.

A visual effects project may:

• wholly or mainly consist of relevant visual effects work
• or
• be a larger production that includes the minimum required level of relevant visual effects work.

A full breakdown of what constitutes relevant visual effects work for the purposes of the enhanced credit amount is set out in Film (Enhanced Credit Amount for Visual Effects) Regulations 2026.

Applying for the cultural certificate

The producer company must apply for a cultural certificate to the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport before commencing production.

During the application process, the company must also request that the certificate specify that the enhanced credit amount for visual effects may apply to the project.

Guidance on the Section 481 cultural certificate application process is available on the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport website.

Where the relevant criteria are expected to be met, the cultural certificate will state that the enhanced credit amount for visual effects may apply.

Rates for the Enhanced Credit Amount

Initial claims made based on budgeted expenditure for up to 90% of the credit must be calculated at the standard 32% rate.

On completion, if the film meets the criteria for the enhanced credit, the 40% rate may apply to up to €10 million of eligible expenditure. The standard 32% rate will apply to relevant expenditure in excess of €10 million.

The amount previously claimed in initial claims must be deducted from the final total credit which is calculated on completion of the film.

Declaration for Enhanced Credit Amount

At the time of making a final claim, the producer company must also file a Declaration through MyEnquiries on Revenue Online Services (ROS).

To file the Declaration form please follow these steps:

1. Sign into ROS.
2. Click on MyEnquiries.
3. Select the category ‘Corporation Tax (CT)’.
4. Select the subcategory ‘Film Tax Credit’.
5. Upload finalised declaration.

For further information, please see Film (Enhanced Credit Amount for Visual Effects) Regulations 2026.

Next: Beneficiaries of Film Relief