# U.S. film and television production tax incentive proposals

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-film-and-television-production-tax-incentive-proposals
> Updated: 2026-09-22T01:34:36.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

U.S. lawmakers are proposing new federal tax incentives to support the domestic film and television industry. Representatives Nathaniel Moran and Linda Sanchez are collaborating on a bill that would establish a 20% federal tax credit on eligible labor costs for productions such as scripted TV, animation, and reality shows. This credit could increase to 30% through bonuses for productions that film in rural opportunity zones or return production to the U.S. from abroad.

These proposed federal incentives could be combined with existing state-level programs. In Texas, for example, the federal credit could be stacked with a state program that commits $300 million every two years to cover up to 31% of eligible in-state spending. Such measures aim to increase domestic competitiveness against international production hubs like Canada and the United Kingdom. The legislation has reportedly received support from President Trump and is currently in the drafting stage.

## Claims

- U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran and Rep. Linda Sanchez are collaborating on legislation to create a federal film incentive. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The proposed legislation would create a 20% federal incentive for film and television production labor, potentially reaching 30% with bonuses. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Texas previously approved $300 million every two years for a ten-year period for its film incentive program. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Existing Texas state incentives can reach up to 31% of eligible in-state spending. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Texas film industry could benefit from proposed federal incentives

U.S. Representatives are drafting federal legislation to provide up to 30% in film and television production labor incentives, which could be stacked with existing Texas state incentives.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-film-industry-could-benefit-from-proposed-federal-incentives

### 2026-09-09: U.S. lawmakers propose new tax credits for film and TV production

U.S. lawmakers are proposing a 20% federal film tax credit to boost domestic production, while California officials urge Governor Newsom to sign a new state post-production incentive bill.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-lawmakers-propose-new-tax-credits-for-film-and-tv-production

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Cite as: U.S. film and television production tax incentive proposals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-film-and-television-production-tax-incentive-proposals