Bill

Bill > AB204


WI AB204

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


summary

Introduced
04/23/2025
In Committee
04/23/2025
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 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 for businesses developing video games in Wisconsin, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024. The credit allows companies to claim 30 percent of eligible wages and 30 percent of eligible expenditures related to video game production. To qualify, businesses must apply to the Department of Revenue and receive a certificate of eligibility, maintain a physical business location in Wisconsin, and own or be seeking a copyright for their video game. Eligible expenditures exclude various costs like wages, marketing expenses, capital expenditures, and administrative costs. The bill defines a "video game product or platform" narrowly, excluding educational, political, social media, and other non-entertainment electronic products. Companies must hire an independent certified public accountant to audit their expenses and verify eligibility. If the credit amount exceeds the company's tax liability, the state will issue a refund check. The bill applies to different types of business entities, including corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies, and integrates the new credit into existing state tax law provisions.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Assembly Science, Technology, and AI Executive Session (10:00:00 6/4/2025 415 Northwest) (on 06/04/2025)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...