The Montana Department of Commerce is pausing the acceptance of certification applications while the Montana Department of Revenue reviews the recent legislation, SB 326, to determine how they will process validations in calendar years 2026-2029. Once we hear from Revenue, we plan on sending out communication to our stakeholders on the future process. Please contact Department of Commerce Film Office at montanafilm@mt.gov or 406-841-2876 if interested in being added to a stakeholder list for future communication on process.
On July 1, 2019, the Montana Economic Development Industry Advancement (MEDIA) Act came into effect.
The Media Act was updated with the passage of SB 326.
The MEDIA Act transferrable tax credit is administered by two Montana state agencies: the Department of Commerce and the Department of Revenue. Each department has its own set of rules, applications and fees.
Productions must first apply for certification with the Department of Commerce's Film Office before any principal photography takes place. If certified eligible, productions will then apply with the Montana Department of Revenue. Information on the application process with that agency is at the bottom of this page.
An online application and required documents are required, along with a $500 non-refundable application fee.
Online applications are available on the Montana Grants and Loans portal. Applicants must first register to obtain their account credentials.
Select the appropriate button for Production or Post Production.
Click the appropriate button to pay the application fee online or mail in.
The $500 application fee may be paid online by clicking the button below. All major credit cards and ACH (e-checks) are accepted. Variable processing fees may apply.
Payment may be mailed/delivered to:
To claim the MEDIA tax credit, certified productions must submit a media tax credit application to 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 within 60 days of principal photography (which includes wrap) to claim the tax credit in the same year as production.
For in-depth information on applying with the Department of Revenue, FAQs, and tax credit caps by calendar year, visit the agency’s site below.
The Montana Economic Development Industry Advancement Tax Credit.
Film production generates significant economic activity for host communities, drawing out-of-town spending, generating jobs and bolstering local businesses. Because of this potential boost to local economies, the Montana Legislature passed the Montana Economic Development Industry Advancement Act (MEDIA Act) in 2019 to provide an income tax incentive to attract film, television and other media production to the state.
The “Economic Impact of the Film Production Industry in Montana Report” provides an analysis of the economic, fiscal and potential societal impacts of film and television production in Montana, and specifically evaluates the impacts associated with the MEDIA Act Tax Credit Program.
Montana Department of Commerce
301 S Park Ave, Helena, MT 59620
Contact Us | 406-841-2700
Montana Relay 711