Iowa Film Rebate Program

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Topics:

Arts & Culture Programs

Enhancing Film Production Across Iowa

The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Film Rebate Program offers rebates to qualified production facilities creating qualified productions in Iowa that result in overall long-term positive impact to the state and provide education, training and recruitment opportunities to residents. Four ($4) million dollars is available through this fund through June 30, 2027.   

Eligibility

In-state film studios may apply to determine if they are a Qualified Production Facility. 

Qualified Production Facilities may request funding for eligible one-time project expenses on a Qualified Production. Qualified Production Facilities may apply for funding for more than one Qualified Production. 

  • Minimum Project Budget: $1,000,000 

  • Project budgets must include at least $500,000 in qualifying expenditures. 

  • Expenses for the rebate must be incurred and expended between date of contract execution and June 30, 2027.

Application Process

Applications for the Film Rebate program will be accepted from February 2, 2026, through March 16, 2026. The application window may be shortened or extended depending on availability of funding for the program. 

To submit an application for review, an eligible applicant must complete the following: 

  1. Register with ID.me for user verification. 

  1. Create an individual and organization profile within IEDA’s Opportunity Iowa Portal [link]. 

  1. Begin and submit the two-part application for the Film Rebate funding opportunity.

    1. Part A: Complete and submit a studio certification via the Opportunity Iowa Portal  

      1. Once part A is submitted, a studio may apply for one or more film rebates and is not required to wait for official certification in order to proceed. 

    2. Part B: 

      1. Complete the rebate application for the qualified production via the Opportunity Iowa Portal.  

Required Documentation 

Applicants will be required to provide the following documentation to complete the application: 

  • Studio W9

  • Studio Articles of Incorporation

  • Studio Certificate of Registration

  • Studio evidence of previously producing a qualified production.

  • Documentation of all secured project funding sources (If any sources of funding are listed as pending at time of application, documentation of secured funding will need to be provided with Economic Impact report.). 

Award Details

  • Maximum Rebate: 30% of qualified expenditures

  • Approval of the award is conditional. The final rebate will be paid after all grant conditions and reporting requirements have been met.

  • Applicants must execute an agreement with IEDA before funded activities can begin. 

  • Approved projects must have a third-party CPA examine their budget before requesting the final rebate amount.