NZ Certification

Section EO 4 of the Income Tax Act provides for a one-year, 100 percent write-off for investment in the production of films which have 'significant New Zealand content'. The write-off is available in the year in which the film reaches 'double-head fine-cut'.

The one-year write-off is only available for a film certified by the Film Commission as a 'New Zealand film'. In order to obtain this certification, it must be demonstrated that the film has 'significant New Zealand content' according to the criteria set out in Section 18, New Zealand Film Commission Act 1978.

Certification will generally be given in two stages. A 'provisional certificate' may be issued by the Film Commission upon review of a proposed film project. This provisional certification is intended to give assurance that the film will qualify for a one-year write-off if produced according to the proposal certified by the Film Commission. The provisional certificate is valid for 12 months, then it will lapse. If requested in writing, the certificate may be extended for a further period.

A 'final certificate' will be issued once the film is completed and the producer has demonstrated that the criteria have been fulfilled.
Film production expenditure incurred in relation to any film 'other than a New Zealand film' shall be 50 percent deductible in the year the film is completed, and 50 percent in the following income year.

Application forms for provisional and final certification can be downloaded below. Where the Film Commission issues either a provisional or final certificate, it is required to send a copy to the Commissioner of Inland Revenue.

If you have any further questions regarding NZ film certification please contact Mladen Ivancic on mladen@nzfilm.co.nz