Game Industry News
Tax reliefs planned for computer gaming
Monday, 05, March 2010
A number of options are being assessed by the government, including extending the Section 481 tax relief scheme for films and animations to the gaming industry.The Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport has asked a group established to look at the audiovisual sector to examine ways of developing the gaming sector in Ireland.Its report is expected to be handed over to the government in the coming weeks, and will recommend using tax reliefs to boost the area.
The government is particularly keen on the use of Section 481, which gives tax relief to investors, as a means of boosting the sector, according to sources. A number of enhancements have been made to the scheme in recent years and it has been extended until 2012.The British government introduced tax breaks for the gaming industry in its budget last month, claiming it would lead to the creation of more than 3,500 jobs over the next five years.Ireland already has a strong gaming industry made up of Irish and international firms.