Per RCW 48.15.120, “On or before the first day of March of each year each surplus line broker must remit to the state treasurer through the commissioner a tax on the premiums…”
Who is Required to File a Premium Tax Return?
All surplus line broker business entities whose license was active during the tax year are required to file a premium tax return, even if no business was transacted.
Additionally, individuals whose surplus line broker license was active and did not have an active affiliation with a business entity are required to file a premium tax return, even if no business was transacted.
What if I’m a New Licensee?
You’ll need to establish a user ID and password with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Send them a message with your:
Email address
WAOIC number
Tax contact name
Mailing address
Phone number
How Do I Know in Which Tax Year to Report Premiums?
Each surplus line broker must file a verified statement (premium tax return) of all surplus line insurance transacted in the previous calendar year. Late filings must be reported in the correct tax year by filing a premium tax amendment.
| Premium type | Tax year determination |
|---|---|
| New business/renewals | Policy effective or bound date, whichever is later (WAC 284-15-110) |
| Endorsements, including cancellations | Endorsement receipt date |
| Audit premiums | Date audit premiums are collected |
When and How do I File My Premium Tax Return?
Your tax return and payment for the previous calendar year are due March 1. You will need to file online.
How Do I File Online?
First, you’ll need a user ID and password to access the OIC’s Filing & Payment Center.
Every year, in February, the Annual Tax Form for the preceding tax year will be sent to the tax contact on file for your License. Once logged into the Filing & Payment Center, you can view and confirm your premium for the tax year. If you’re not sure who your contact person is, use the Filing and Payment Center sign in page to find your tax contact. All you need is your WAOIC number.
Review Filing Instructions and File Online.
What Can I do to Prepare for the Annual Tax Statement Ahead of February?
1. Become a Member with the Surplus Line Association of Washington for access to SLIP. There, you can electronically submit policy information for inclusion on your Annual Tax Statement.
2. File Outstanding Policies
3. Clear Outstanding Tags
4. Run the Annual Tax Statement Detail Report in SLIP (Exclude Special Billings)
View our Annual Tax Statement Bulletin for more information on successfully preparing to file your Annual Tax Statements.
The Data on the Annual Tax Statement Reports in SLIP Do Not Match My Records. What Do I Do?
Email taxinfo@surpluslines.org with any discrepancies.
I Do Not Agree with the Premium Entered on my Annual Tax Form. What Do I Do?
If you need amendments to your Tax Statement, please print the Annual Tax Statement from SLIP, write-in the correct amounts, include a spreadsheet detailing the changes and email the revised form to taxinfo@surpluslines.org as soon as possible. These transactions will subsequently need to be entered into SLIP before changes can be made.
