HMRC: Creative Industries Tax Reliefs Claims Surge in September 2026

• HMRC released official statistics on creative industries tax reliefs for September 2026.
• A significant increase in claims was observed across all sectors, with film and television production seeing the most substantial growth.
• The numbers suggest that more producers are taking advantage of tax reliefs to support their projects.
• AVEC and VGEC schemes saw a notable increase in claims, providing relief for animation and video games productions.

According to the statistics, a significant increase in claims was observed across all sectors, with film and television production seeing the most substantial growth.

The UK's HMRC has released official statistics on creative industries tax reliefs for the month of September 2026. The data provides insights into the number of productions claiming relief under various schemes, including AVEC and VGEC. According to the statistics, a significant increase in claims was observed across all sectors, with film and television production seeing the most substantial growth. The numbers suggest that more producers are taking advantage of tax reliefs to support their projects.

The creative industries tax reliefs were introduced to encourage investment in UK-based productions. These schemes allow eligible productions to claim a percentage of their production costs back as a tax credit or relief. The AVEC and VGEC schemes, in particular, provide relief for animation and video games productions. Lawyers advising clients in the creative industries should note that these statistics may inform their advice on tax relief eligibility, particularly with regards to AVEC and VGEC. Understanding the trends and patterns in claims can help lawyers advise their clients on how to maximize their tax benefits.

The statistics highlight the growing importance of creative industries tax reliefs for productions in the UK. The increase in claims suggests that more producers are recognizing the value of these schemes in supporting their projects. However, the data also raises questions about the potential impact on the industry's sustainability and competitiveness. As the government continues to review and refine its tax relief policies, it is essential to consider the broader implications for the creative industries as a whole.

Lawyers should note that these statistics may inform their advice on tax relief eligibility for clients in the creative industries, particularly with regards to AVEC and VGEC.

Source: Original reporting via HMRC official statistics