High-End TV (AVEC) Expenditure Credit Calculator 2026
Calculate the Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit (AVEC) for UK High-End TV productions. 34% credit on qualifying UK core expenditure, minimum £1M/hr threshold.
High-End TV (AVEC) Calculator 2026
Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit for HETV — 34% from 1 January 2024 (replacing HETV Tax Relief)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AVEC for High-End TV (HETV)?
AVEC for HETV provides a 34% credit on UK qualifying core expenditure for drama and documentary series that cost at least £1,000,000 per broadcast hour to produce. It replaced the old HETV Tax Relief from 1 January 2024.
What is the minimum cost threshold for HETV AVEC?
The programme must have a total core expenditure of at least £1,000,000 per broadcast hour to qualify as high-end TV.
What credit rate applies to HETV?
HETV qualifies for a 34% AVEC credit. Animation and children's TV programmes qualify for a higher 39% rate instead.
Is a minimum UK spend required for HETV AVEC?
Yes — at least 10% of total core expenditure must relate to UK goods, services or facilities. There is no cap on how much of the credit can be claimed as payable.
How does the 80% cap work for HETV?
The qualifying expenditure is capped at 80% of total core production expenditure. So maximum credit = 80% of total core × 34%.
What's the difference between AVEC at 34% and the old HETV relief?
The old HETV enhanced the company's deduction, worth effectively 25% of UK spend. AVEC at 34% is a direct credit, above-the-line, and more generous — particularly for profitable producers.
Does HETV AVEC apply to documentary series?
Yes. High-end documentary series qualify, provided each episode exceeds the £1M/hour threshold and passes the UK cultural test.
Can a broadcaster and independent producer both claim AVEC?
Only the production company that bears the production expenditure can claim AVEC. Typically the special-purpose production company established for each series makes the claim.