WI AB231

Creates a State Film Office within the Department of Tourism to accredit film productions and administer tax credits, with the director appointed by the Secretary of Tourism

Establishes a 30% income and franchise tax credit for film production companies on wages paid to Wisconsin resident employees (capped at $250,000 per employee, excluding the two highest-paid), production expenditures incurred in Wisconsin, and sales/use taxes paid on production-related purchases

Provides a separate 30% tax credit for new film production companies during their first three taxable years for capital investments including depreciable equipment purchases and real property acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation

Limits total tax credit allocations to $10 million per fiscal year statewide and $1 million per applicant per fiscal year, with credits applicable to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025

Requires the Legislative Audit Bureau to conduct biennial performance audits beginning in 2027, and increases Department of Tourism funding by $199,300 in FY 2025-26 and $254,000 in FY 2026-27 to add 3.0 FTE positions for program administration