Federal tax credit for films and TV shows over one million dollars.

What it does

The bill creates a new federal tax credit for American films and TV shows. Companies get back 20% of wages paid to actors and crew in the U.S. The credit rises to 30% for films in rural areas or disaster zones. It also rises to 30% for small makers or films shot across multiple states. The credit covers movies, TV pilots, and TV seasons costing over one million dollars. At least 75% of main filming must happen in the U.S.

Who it affects

Film and TV makers, small makers, visual effects shops, editing shops, and workers like actors and crew. Communities where filming happens may see new jobs.

One thing to notice

The bill does not limit total money the government gives out. Makers can sell unused credits to other taxpayers.

From the analysis of the bill text, linked under Primary records below.

Where it stands

9 cosponsors: 5 Democrats, 4 Republicans.

• Sep 24, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in Senate”
• Sep 24, 2026 — Referred to Senate Committee on Finance · Congress.gov: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.

Words to know

• federal tax credit — Money the federal government gives back to reduce what a company owes in taxes.
• wages — Money paid to workers for their jobs.
• rural areas — Places far from cities with fewer people.
• disaster zones — Areas hit by storms, floods, or other major damage.