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Tax incentives for the film and creative industries in Puerto Rico: exploring the benefits for businesses in the creative sectors. Puerto Rico has been a favorite destination for filmmakers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs, because of its dynamic culture, beautiful scenery and advantageous position. The creative industries serve as an economic embodiment of culture, highlighting Puerto Rico’s exceptional quality of life both locally and internationally. The enactment of Act 60-2019, known as the Puerto Rico Incentives Code, has firmly established the island as a global hub for film production, digital media, and other creative industries. This comprehensive tax incentive law is a game-changer, offering producers, filmmakers, and other creatives significant economic advantages to bring their projects to life.

Did you know that the government of Puerto Rico has implemented various tax breaks and incentives to encourage businesses to go green? These offer a series of financial benefits to businesses that incorporate sustainable and eco-friendly practices into their operations. This article will provide you with knowledge about the incentives and what benefits they offer to businesses.

On June 30th, 2022, the Governor of Puerto Rico signed into law Act 52-2022, known as the Puerto Rico Public Finances Stabilization Act (hereinafter “Act 52”). This new law introduced multiple amendments to the 2011 Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code (hereinafter “PR Code”), Puerto Rico Incentives Code (hereinafter “Act 60”), Puerto Rico Municipal Code, Act 73-2008, Act 135-1997, and other laws. Act 52 pursues to simplify the tax system, strengthen the fiscalization of tax incentives and tax credits, and position the island as an attractive destination to invest and start a business. This article is focused on the most significant amendments contained within Act 52 related to Act 60 and its Regulations.

On September 27, 2022, the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (“PRDT”) released Administrative Determination No. 22-08 (“DA”) to establish tax relief measures for taxpayers affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona (“Hurricane)” in Puerto Rico. The PRDT anticipates the challenges taxpayers may face in complying with their tax responsibilities due to interruptions in essential services such as electric power and internet that were caused by the Hurricane. As a result, the PRDT Secretary is exercising its power as vested by the 2011 Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code, as amended (“the Code”) to extend deadlines for payments of tax as well as the fillings of any returns or statements. The PRDT emphasizes that at the moment, all the services provided by the platform SURI are operating normally. Those taxpayers that are able can make tax debt payments, request automatic payment plans, and request certifications, among others.

On September 17, 2022, the Governor of Puerto Rico issued Executive Order 2022-045 declaring a state of emergency due to the threat of the atmospheric event named Fiona. The afternoon of September 18, 2020, Hurricane Fiona made its landfall in the Southwest coast of Puerto Rico bringing with it 85 mph winds and a large amount of rain. This event caused many rivers to overflow their banks, causing emergencies around the Island. As a result of these events, the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (“PRTD”) issued two important publications in relation to the Puerto Rico Sales and Use Tax (“SUT”), which are summarized below:

On May 6, 2022, the Governor of Puerto Rico signed Act 20, 2022. Act 20, 2022 provides an exemption from the Sales and Use Tax (SUT) during the last weekend of May, for the articles and equipment used by the population for the preparation for the hurricane season.

Puerto Rico tax and business incentives to qualifying business operating or considering to operate in the country.

The Puerto Rico Department of the Treasury “PRTD” issued Administrative Determination 20-01 “AD 20-01” to provide a temporary exemption from the Puerto Rico Sales and Use Tax “SUT” to individuals in those taxable items acquired in Puerto Rico that are considered “prepared foods”, “carbonated drinks”, “confectionery products” and “candies” hereinafter and collectively, “prepared foods”, as defined in Section 4010.01 of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 2011, as amended “Code”.