Texas music program $$ to help live-music venues

AUSTIN - Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Music Office (TMO) last week announced the opening of applications for the Texas Music Incubator Rebate (TMIR) Program signed into law by the Governor in 2021.

With $20.2 million in funding approved for the biennium in the 88th Legislative Session, the TMIR Program will provide qualifying Texas music venues and festival promoters a full or partial rebate of certain taxes to help support the live music industry in communities across the state.

The first round of applications is open through Nov. 30.

“This program has been years in development, and we thank our partners in the Texas Legislature, including Sen. Carol Alvarado, Sen. Donna Campbell, and Rep. Geanie Morrison,” TMO Director Brendon Anthony said. “Through the TMIR Program, we look forward to continuing to provide assistance to Texas music businesses and communities across the state.”

The TMIR Program provides a full or partial rebate of mixed beverage gross receipts taxes and sales taxes remitted in the prior fiscal year, up to $100,000, to eligible music venues or music festival promoters in Texas.

The rebates are to assist eligible venues and promoters in their efforts to create and support live music performance across Texas.

Entities are eligible for only one rebate per tax ID per fiscal year. Future rounds of applications will be announced pending available funds.

“Music is key to the Texas brand,” Abbott said. “A vibrant music industry in communities across Texas not only adds to the quality of life, it is a competitive advantage, helping Texas attract major capital investments, culturally diverse talent, and new jobs across many industries.

“In fact, with support from the Texas Music Office, the Texas music industry accounted for more than 192,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs statewide last year,” he said.

As live music venues and events in Texas continue to rebuild and come back even stronger, the Texas Music Incubator Rebate Program will help spur further growth and expansion in every region of the state, the governor added.