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 and 25% of post-production wages on qualified productions in Montana. The tax credit for post-production wages is non-transferrable.

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 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.

The production company must file a Montana tax return at the end of the tax year following post-production completion in order to claim the credit. Filing fees and additional documentation will be due to the Department of Revenue when you begin the tax return process. 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