From Solar Shakeups to Studio Showdowns: A New Era for Tax Credits

This week on the Tax Credit Talk, hosts Hallie James and Parker An dig into the latest tax credit headlines that could shape the future of housing, clean energy, and film across the U.S. From a $500 million housing boost in New Jersey to the rollback of key solar and EV incentives, this episode covers the legislative decisions—and missed opportunities—that are creating a ripple effect across industries.

Whether you’re navigating LIHTC-financed developments, racing to claim clean energy credits before they disappear, or lobbying for stronger film incentives, there’s something in this episode for everyone.

What We Covered:

🏘️ New Jersey Launches $500M in Housing Tax Credits
A new state bill (A3128) authorizes the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) to issue up to $500 million in tax credits. These will help close financing gaps for LIHTC-supported developments and jumpstart workforce housing. The move aligns with federal momentum to modernize processes and boost housing supply.

🏛️ Three Federal Bills Target NEPA and Housing Delays
Congress introduced three bipartisan bills that aim to streamline HUD’s environmental review process and reduce red tape:

• Unlocking Housing Supply Act: Modernizes NEPA reviews
• BUILD Housing Act: Delegates HUD review authority to states
• Identifying Regulatory Barriers Act: Encourages pro-housing land use policies like high-density zoning

Together, these bills signal a shift from throwing more money at housing to unlocking existing funding stuck in regulatory limbo.

⚡ Solar, EV, and Home Energy Credits Face the Chopping Block
President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed July 4, eliminates multiple clean energy tax credits established under the Inflation Reduction Act:

• 30% rooftop solar credit ends December 2025
• Energy-efficient home improvement credits (up to $2,000 for heat pumps, $1,200 for insulation/windows) end this year
• Federal EV credits ($7,500 new / $4,000 used) end September 30

The result? A rush of consumer demand—and concerns about contractor quality and policy whiplash.

🎥 North Carolina’s Film Industry Looks to Rebound
Once a production hotspot, North Carolina’s film economy shrank after its robust tax credit expired in 2014. The current capped grant system offers just $15M for TV and $7M for features—compared to Georgia’s uncapped 30% credit, leading to a 2024 projected spend of $302M in NC vs. $2.6B in Georgia.

Now, lawmakers like Susie Hamilton and Kirk Englebright are pushing to revive the state’s competitive edge by lifting caps or reinstating a robust credit program. Advocates argue it’s the only way to bring big-budget productions back to the state.

Key Takeaways:

• States are stepping up with targeted solutions to address housing shortages and financing gaps.
• Federal energy credits are disappearing fast, creating urgency—but also market instability.
• North Carolina’s film future hinges on bold legislative action to match competing states.
• The common thread: Policy, not just money, is shaping where and how investment happens.

🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-solar-shakeups-to-studio-showdowns-tax-credits/id1816285847?i=1000719823323
📩 Want to buy, sell, or strategize credits?
Email us at team@fallbrookfinance.com with subject line: “The Tax Credit Talk sent me.”

About Fallbrook Financial Services

Fallbrook Financial Services has placed over $6 billion in state tax credits across housing, renewable energy, film, brownfields, and more. We’re one of the largest brokerages in the country—here to help you make your credits count.