Tagged: HR 4213

Section 181…ALMOST THERE! (Maybe)

POST UPDATE

Bad news. Section 181 seemsto be cursed.  A better explanation is that the extension is linked to a huge political battle over extending unemployment insurance.  Washington at its best.  Read more here.   http://www.opencongress.org/articles/view/1921-Dems-Lose-Big-on-Unemployment-Insurance-Tax-Extenders-Vote.

Originally Published on May 29, 2010

The House voted to pass HR 4213 with some minor revisions and amendments.  After passing the House and the Senate earlier this year, Congress could not present the bill to the President until proposed changes (which likely means more pork was added) were debated.   Thankfully for film makers, an extension of Section 181 through December 31, 2010 remained as part of the bill without any modification.  The extension will permit films that were or are being produced in 2010 to utilize the tax deduction.

Even though it still looks like we are on the right track (which we have been for about 6 months), Congress adjourned for a week long holiday.  So the Senate and President will not see this Bill until at least June 7.    

Obviously, this extension will be great news for everyone associated with making movies in the United States.  To find out more about Section 181 or to figure out how it can help with your film’s money raise, please feel free to contact us at josh@lawyer4musicians or info@tkhlaw.com.  Remember, HR 4213 is not a law yet (not until the President signs it) and this blog does not contain legal advice upon which you may rely.  Thanks to all readers who help us stay on top of this and correct any misinformation that is out there. 

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HALLELUJAH!!! SECTION 181 PASSES THE SENATE!!!

We can all be like Kool and the Gang and C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-E- good times, come on.

 

More than three months after the House passes a version of the Tax Extender Bill of 2009 (HR 4213), the Senate got off its collective rear end and passed a modified and heavily pork filled version of the Bill today.  By a vote of 62 to 36 this persistent piece of legislation made it one step closer to becoming law (remember it still needs the President’s signature).  Of importance to all of us, the Extender Bill contains a one year extension of Section 181.  All film makers and investors may now breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Now that the extension is a whisker away from becoming law, all you film makers can start approaching investors and their confused accountants to tout the extradorinary tax incentive that is Seciton 181.  Remember the tax dedcution that 181 offers is against passive income (although there are subtle nuances that allow active investors to take the deduction against active income).  Also, musicians, videographers, web casters, 181 can be used for all qualifying films; which is to say it is not just for feature length films. 

We at L4M routinely work with film makers in planning and drafting their film investment documents.  Now with the help from our intrepid Senators, we can once again add language to these documents regarding Section 181 (and State tax credits) that make film investment a bit more attractive.

Now that 181 has passed, stay tuned for other development in film and music law.  Thanks for reading and for all of your input.