Nevada Film Office: How to Access State Incentives & Permits

If you're producing a film, commercial, or series in Nevada, understanding the Nevada Film Office and its incentive programs can significantly reduce your production costs. Nevada offers some of the most competitive film tax incentives in the country, and knowing how to access them — alongside required permits — is essential for any production operating in the state.
What Is the Nevada Film Office?
The Nevada Film Office (NFO) is a division of the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED). Its primary mission is to attract and support film and television productions in Nevada by providing resources, location scouting assistance, and access to financial incentive programs. For productions filming in Las Vegas, Clark County, or anywhere in Nevada, the NFO is your first point of contact for state-level support.
Contact InformationNevada Film Office555 E. Washington Avenue, Suite 5400Las Vegas, NV 89101Phone: (702) 486-2711Email: nevadafilm@business.nv.gov
Nevada's Film Tax Incentive Program
Nevada offers a transferable film tax credit program that can offset a significant portion of your production budget spent in-state.
Key Details:- Credit Amount: Up to 30% of qualified Nevada production expenditures- Additional 5% bonus credit available for productions that film in rural Nevada counties- Minimum spend: $500,000 in qualified in-state expenditures- Credits are transferable, meaning they can be sold if your production doesn't have sufficient Nevada tax liability- The program is administered through GOED and requires pre-approval before production begins
Qualified Expenditures Include:- Nevada crew wages- Nevada vendor and supplier costs- Equipment rentals from Nevada companies- Location fees paid to Nevada property owners- Hotel and accommodations in Nevada- Post-production work performed in Nevada
How to Apply for the Nevada Film Tax Credit
Step 1: Pre-ApplicationContact the Nevada Film Office before your production begins. The NFO can guide you through the application process and help you understand if your project qualifies. Waiting until after production to apply will disqualify you from receiving the credit.
Step 2: Submit Your ApplicationComplete the GOED film tax credit application, which requires:- A detailed production budget- Script or treatment- Production schedule- Proof of financing- List of key Nevada hires and vendors- Certificate of insurance
Step 3: Receive Conditional ApprovalOnce approved, you'll receive a conditional letter from GOED confirming your eligibility and reserving a credit allocation for your project.
Step 4: Complete Production and AuditAfter production wraps, you must submit a CPA-certified audit of all qualifying expenditures. GOED reviews the audit and issues the final tax credit certificate.
Step 5: Use or Transfer the CreditOnce issued, you can apply the credit against Nevada taxes or transfer/sell it to another Nevada taxpayer.
State-Level Permits for Nevada Productions
In addition to city and county permits, certain Nevada productions may require state-level permits:
State Parks and Public Lands:For filming on Nevada State Parks, contact the Nevada Division of State Parks. Each park has its own permit requirements and fees.
BLM (Bureau of Land Management):For Nevada's vast public desert lands, which include many popular film locations, contact the BLM Nevada State Office. Permit fees and requirements vary by location and production scope.
Nevada Department of Transportation:For filming on Nevada state highways or involving road closures on state roads, contact NDOT. This is separate from any Clark County or City of Las Vegas road permits.
Nevada Film Office Location Library
One of the most valuable free resources the NFO provides is its location library — a database of Nevada filming locations maintained to help productions find the right setting. From classic desert landscapes and ghost towns to modern urban environments, the library covers:
- Las Vegas Strip and urban locations- Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park- Rural Nevada towns and historic sites- Industrial and warehouse spaces- Private ranches and rural properties
The NFO location team can connect productions with location scouts and owners, often at no charge.
Production Assistance Services
Beyond incentives and permits, the Nevada Film Office provides:
- Crew and vendor referrals: The NFO maintains lists of Nevada-based crew, equipment rental houses, and production service companies- Location scouting support: Staff can assist with location research and introductions- Film permit coordination: The NFO can help productions navigate the multi-jurisdictional permit process across Clark County, the City of Las Vegas, and other Nevada jurisdictions- Set visits and promotional support: The NFO can arrange set visits for press and help with production publicity
Timeline and Planning Tips
- Apply for the tax incentive program at least 60-90 days before production begins- Film permits in Las Vegas and Clark County typically require 5-10 business days for processing- State park and BLM permits may require 30+ days for complex productions- Budget for audit costs (typically $2,000-$5,000 for an independent CPA audit)- Keep detailed records of all Nevada expenditures from day one — retroactive documentation is difficult
Why Nevada Is Competitive for Productions
Nevada combines the financial incentives with the practical advantages of filming in Las Vegas:- No state income tax, reducing crew costs- World-class hotel infrastructure for cast and crew housing- An established local film industry with experienced crew- Diverse locations from urban neon cityscapes to dramatic desert terrain- Proximity to Los Angeles, making it easy to supplement with LA-based talent
For productions weighing Nevada against other incentive states, the combination of the 30% base credit, no state income tax environment, and the production infrastructure in Las Vegas makes it a compelling choice — particularly for commercials, music videos, and independent features.
Next Steps
If you're planning a production in Nevada, start by contacting the Nevada Film Office directly. They offer free consultations and can help you assess whether your project qualifies for incentives, identify the right filming locations, and navigate the permit process from start to finish.