Bill

Bill > SB204


WI SB204

Creating a video game production tax credit and making an appropriation. (FE)


summary

Introduced
04/16/2025
In Committee
04/16/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill creates a refundable video game production income and franchise tax credit. The credit is equal to the sum of the following: 1) 30 percent of the eligible wages paid by the claimant directly relating to developing, producing, or creating a video game product; and 2) 30 percent of the claimant[s eligible expenditures directly relating to developing, producing, or creating a video game product. Under the bill, Xvideo game productY means, subject to certain exceptions, an electronic game developed for commercial distribution and entertainment that involves interaction with a used interface to generate visual feedback on a video device. XVideo game productY does not include social media, gambling products, or products with obscene content. The bill also defines Xeligible expendituresY as expenditures directly relating to developing, producing, or creating a video game product but excludes various specified expenditures, such as payments for royalties, capital expenditures, management and administrative expenses, marketing expenses, and LRB-2552/1 KP:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 204 interest. To claim the credit for a tax year, a person must file an application with the Department of Revenue and receive a certificate of eligibility for the credit. To receive a certificate, an applicant must submit an audit of its eligible expenditures to DOR. The credit under the bill is refundable, which means that if the credit exceeds the claimant[s tax liability, the claimant will receive the difference as a refund check. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

AI Summary

This bill creates a refundable video game production tax credit designed to support the development of video game products in Wisconsin. The credit is available for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and allows eligible businesses to claim a 30 percent credit on both eligible wages and eligible expenditures directly related to developing, producing, or creating a video game product. To qualify, a video game must be an electronic game developed for commercial distribution and entertainment that involves user interaction, with specific exclusions for products like social media platforms, gambling products, and educational or political games. Businesses must apply to the Department of Revenue and receive a certificate of eligibility, and they are required to retain a certified public accountant to review and audit their expenditures. The credit is fully refundable, meaning if the credit amount exceeds the business's tax liability, the company will receive the difference as a cash payment. Importantly, the bill sets strict parameters on what can be considered an eligible expenditure, excluding items such as royalties, capital expenses, marketing costs, and administrative expenses. The goal of this legislation appears to be attracting and supporting video game development businesses in Wisconsin by providing a significant financial incentive.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Public hearing held (on 05/21/2025)

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