Are you tired of the same old investments in stocks and real estate? The TV and movie industry is calling if you want to diversify your portfolio with something more exciting. Section 181 offers tempting tax benefits and a chance to support the entertainment world.

Production companies are quick to sell all the perks of investing in the “next big blockbuster”. While there may be some truth to these benefits, it’s not always as appealing once you remove the glitz and glamour. Discover whether Section 181 is a worthy opportunity or if it’s better to pass on this showbiz investment.

This article will include:

• How Section 181 works.
• The perks and drawbacks of Section 181.
• If investing in movies is right for you.

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What Is Section 181?

Section 181 is a tax incentive for those interested in investing in movies and TV shows. It was first introduced in 2004 to help keep film and TV production within the US and stop it from moving overseas.

Here’s the gist: with Section 181, investors can deduct any production costs they pay (up to $15 million) as a deductible expense in the same year those costs are incurred. So you can get a tax break right away, rather than waiting and spreading the deduction over several years.

A major selling point is that the deduction applies to passive and active income. So, whether you’re a passive investor or more actively involved in the production, you can still benefit from this incentive.

Section 181 has seen several extensions and tweaks, but that could soon be coming to an end. As of now, this tax break is available for productions that began after 2004 and will only continue to be available for projects starting before December 31, 2025. 

How Does Section 181 Work?

Section 181 lets you deduct 100% of the first $15 million of production costs for a film or TV show. And if the project is shot in an “economically depressed” area, this limit goes up to $20 million. The deduction applies the year the costs are incurred — great news if you don’t want to wait for the film to be released to start seeing the tax benefits.

But there are some rules. At least 75% of the compensation for actors, production crew, directors, and producers must be for services performed in the US — so sadly, films set in exotic locations are off the table.

Only the first 44 episodes are considered for TV series, and the limits apply on an episode-by-episode basis. Short films, music videos, and even live theatrical productions are also covered.

So, what do investors get from a 100% tax reduction? You can write off 37 cents from your tax return for every dollar you invest. That’s a tempting incentive because it makes a large chunk of your investment immediately deductible.

You also get the flexibility of choosing between active or passive investing. At a minimum, Section 181 lets you deduct your investment from your passive income for the same year. But if you’re active in the production, you can deduct the investment from all active income earned that year.

Now, let’s be honest, most films don’t turn into blockbusters — but if they do, you’re looking at high returns and even regular payouts like quarterly or monthly dividends. And here’s a comforting thought: even if the film isn’t distributed, you still get the deduction with no penalty.

Who Is Eligible for Section 181?

The main eligibility criteria is that you have to be a US taxpayer. But you don’t need to be a US citizen, opening the door for foreign investors who pay taxes in the US.

Another key thing to remember is that the election for Section 181 has to be made in the first year of the production — this timing is crucial to ensure that you can claim the deductions.

Both individuals and businesses can invest in film and TV productions. And if you’re lucky enough to have millions to spare, you can invest up to $20 million — as long as at least 75% of the production is completed within the United States.

And while this isn’t technically a requirement, it’s always handy to be passionate about what you’re investing in. Enthusiasm for the silver screen can make the whole process more enjoyable and might lead to better investment outcomes.

What Are the Perks of Section 181?

Starting with the obvious — financial incentives. Section 181 lets you deduct production costs, including expenses from pre-production, principal photography, and post-production. This can help reduce your taxable income in the same year you incur these costs rather than waiting until the project is released. Fun fact: Oscar-winning Boyhood took twelve years to release after filming started.

Getting deductions in the same year as production contrasts with the more recent (and slightly more popular) Section 168(k), where you’d typically have to wait until the project is placed in commerce to take the deductions.

And let’s not forget the purpose of Section 181 — to encourage more investments in US film and TV projects. 

More cash flowing into the entertainment industry means more opportunities for filmmakers to create content, which is supposed to lead to a more diverse range of productions (though Disney re-makes and the Marvel machine say otherwise).

What’s the Dark Side of Section 181?

While investing in the bright lights and glamour of the silver screen might seem alluring, especially for movie buffs — there’s more than meets the eye. Back in 2022, a Forbes article put the spotlight on Section 181 by exposing the “ugly truth”.

While Section 181 lets you get a deduction of up to $15 million for US film production costs, this deduction is only against specific types of income that most of us simply don’t have — the best you can hope for is a one-year deferral of tax.

Now, there’s no guarantee that a production will be successful; even iconic movies like The Shawshank Redemption failed to turn a profit at the box office. But if the film does succeed and you see a return on your investment, that return is fully taxable.

Section 181 is only really offering a short-term deferral of tax, typically just for the year from production to release. This isn’t necessarily a long-term tax break but more of a temporary relief.

Another pitfall is the risk associated with Section 181 tax shelter schemes. 

You can pinpoint these a mile off as pushy promoters often promise tax savings that exceed the investment. They tend to gloss over the investor’s tax liability in subsequent years and the risk of an IRS audit. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Additionally, the documentation involved in these investments can be more intricate than the Inception plot. It’s not uncommon for documents to be so complex that it’s unclear who holds the film rights or who is responsible for what. 

That said, ensure you have a clear document that transfers all film rights back to the film company, leaving any tax risks to the tax shelter promoter.

Should You Invest in Movies and TV Shows?

Investing in movies and TV shows can be potentially lucrative, especially with the tax benefits of Section 181.

However, the entertainment industry is unpredictable, and many projects don’t turn a profit, making it a high-risk investment. The documentation can also be complex, requiring careful management of contracts and film rights.

Ultimately, your decision to invest depends on your risk tolerance and passion for the industry. Sure, it can be a rewarding venture, but if you’re going down this red carpet, ensure you have the right guidance and a clear understanding of the risks.

FAQs

Is Section 181 still available?

Yes, Section 181 is still available — it’s been extended multiple times since its introduction in 2004. Currently, it applies to productions that began after 2004 and before December 31, 2025.

This means you can still take advantage of the tax benefits if you invest in a qualified film or TV project within this timeframe.

How to elect Section 181?

You need to make the Section 181 election in the first year of production. This involves attaching a statement to your tax return for that taxable year.

The statement should include details like the production’s title, the date production began, and the total cost of production. I recommend consulting with a tax professional to ensure everything is correctly filed.

What is Section 168 (k)?

Section 168(k) refers to bonus depreciation, which allows businesses to immediately deduct a significant percentage of the purchase price of eligible business assets, including film and TV production costs.

Unlike Section 181, which allows a deduction in the year expenses are incurred, Section 168(k) spreads the deduction over several years, typically providing a longer-term tax benefit.

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