Do I qualify for the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit?

Productions spending at least $100,000 in Illinois generally qualify, or $50,000 for projects under 30 minutes. Use the Qualification Assessment to check your project against the spend, labor, and eligible-expense rules.

How much is the Illinois film tax credit worth?

Since SB 1911 took effect, the credit returns 35% on Illinois resident salaries and on spending with Illinois vendors, and 30% on non-resident salaries — both capped at $500,000 per worker. Stackable bonuses add 15% for wages paid to individuals living in economically disadvantaged areas, 5% for filming outside the Chicago-area counties, 5% for certified green productions, and 5% for a television series relocating to Illinois.

What does IL Film Tax Credits do for productions?

We assess eligibility, prepare and package applications for the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit, build audit-ready documentation, and advise on financing or selling the credit.

Filming in Illinois? Get paid back.

Illinois has one of the strongest film incentives in the country. I help producers figure out what they qualify for, put the application together, and get the money back.

Take the Qualification Assessment How the credit works

Free first call Audit-ready packages Usually reply same day

The credit

35% on labor and vendors

35% on Illinois resident salaries and on what you spend with Illinois vendors. Non-resident salaries earn 30%, for up to 13 technical positions plus 4–6 actors. Both capped at $500,000 per worker.

The bonuses

Bonuses that stack

+15% on wages paid in economically disadvantaged areas, taking those dollars to 50%. Another +5% each for filming outside the Chicago-area counties, certified green production, and relocating a TV series.

The payout

Sell it, or carry it five years

Transferable within a year of issuance, to as many as 10 buyers — so a production with no Illinois tax liability can turn it into cash. Unused credit carries forward five years. There is no annual program cap, and the program runs through 2039.

Eligibility

Does your project qualify?

If you're spending money in Illinois on something people will watch, it probably does. Minimum is $100,000 in qualified spend for projects 30 minutes or longer, $50,000 for shorter works.

Feature films Commercials Short films Documentaries Pilot episodes Webisodes Animation Music videos Proof-of-concepts

Not sure where yours lands? The Qualification Assessment walks the rules in about two minutes.

How it works

Three steps to your credit.

We build a game plan

We look at your budget, your crew, your timeline. I'll map out exactly how to structure payroll and vendors to maximize what you capture.

I run the paperwork

Application, documentation, and Illinois Film Office requirements — all handled while you stay focused on making something great.

The credit lands

After wrap, an audit-ready package goes to the Film Office. They issue your certificate, and you apply it against Illinois tax or sell it.

Producer stories

What producers say.

Provided operations guidance

ilfilmtaxcredits.com was integral as a source of truthful information regarding production operations and financing options for my debut feature film, Creature Fear. Without their advice, I would've been lost navigating payroll options, contract management, and tax documentation.

Manny Gumina Executive Producer, Director

Kept production union compliant

ilfilmtaxcredits.com helped me understand the payment process for my actors so I was compliant with SAG's rules on my feature film.

Jon Silver Producer, Showpup Production

Tell me about your project.

What are you making, when are you filming, and roughly what are you spending in Illinois? Happy to take a look and let you know what's possible.

(312) 857-6795 [email protected]