The Texas Music Office (TMO), in partnership with Governor Greg Abbott, has announced the launch of the second year of the Texas Music Incubator Rebate (TMIR) Program, a historic initiative designed to support Texas’s live music industry. Established by Senate Bill 609 during the 87th Legislative Session and signed into law by Governor Abbott, this program aims to provide much-needed financial relief to local music venues and festival promoters across the state through significant tax rebates.
With a budget allocation of $20.2 million approved for the biennium in the 88th Legislative Session, the TMIR Program allows qualifying Texas music venues and festival organizers to apply for a full or partial rebate on mixed beverage gross receipts taxes or sales taxes generated from the sale of beer and wine. Eligible applicants can receive up to $100,000 in rebates based on their previous fiscal year’s tax contributions.
"The TMIR Program demonstrates our commitment to Texas’s vibrant music scene, ensuring that our state’s venues and festivals remain robust, accessible, and an essential part of our community," said Governor Abbott.
The TMO, the administrative body for the TMIR Program, opened applications for Fiscal Year 2024 on September 4, with submissions accepted through November 30, 2024. This funding cycle marks the second year of support offered through the program, first announced by Governor Abbott and the TMO in 2023.
By offsetting operating costs with these rebates, the TMIR Program is expected to make a substantial impact on Texas’s live music landscape, ensuring that music venues and festivals can continue contributing to the state’s cultural and economic vitality.