On July 1, 2019, the Montana Economic Development Industry Advancement (MEDIA) Act came into affect. It offers a 20% - 35% transferable income tax credit on production expenditures in the state.


The MEDIA Act transferrable income tax credit is administered by two Montana State Agencies: The Department of Commerce/Film Office and the Department of Revenue. Productions must first apply for certification with the Department of Commerce/Film Office (this application). Then, to claim the credit, productions will apply with the Department of Revenue. Each department has their own sets of rules and both have application fees. Visit our website for more information HERE.


Certification with the Montana Film Office is required before principle photography commences, with a non-refundable $500 filing fee.  To pay the filing fee you can:
 

1. Pay online here: https://opp.mt.gov/doa/opp/DOCMontanaFilmOffice/cart
2. Send check or money orders to: Montana Film Office, PO Box 200533, Helena, MT 59620
3. Make payment in person at  301 South Park Avenue, Room 129, Helena, MT 59620 

Registration with the Secretary of State is required. The registration process takes 7-10 days, and completed registration must be uploaded with this application. Ready to Register? Go to, visit and apply with Montana Secretary of State HERE.


To claim the MEDIA tax credit, productions must submit a media tax credit application with the Montana Department of Revenue after they have completed principal photography. Productions will need to submit their Submission of Costs to the Department of Revenue by the last day of the third year following the year in which principal photography ended (which includes wrap). Visit the MT Department of Revenue to learn more HERE.


This application may be saved for editing until ready to submit.


Questions about the application and review process? Contact:
 Montana Film Office | montanafilm@mt.gov | 406-841-2876