Tax Rate
4.00%
Filing Frequency
quarterly
Quarterly electronic filings due February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15 of each year
Filing Method
portal
Format: Quarterly Signed Statements
Requirements
Connecticut requires quarterly electronic signed statements due 2/15, 5/15, 8/15, and 11/15. Tax rate is 4% paid by broker. Connecticut maintains eligible insurer list (coded "K") and export list. Foreign insurers need $15M capital/surplus. Tax exemptions apply to State of CT, its agencies and municipalities. Industrial insurance exemption and NRRA exempt commercial purchaser recognized.
Filing Methods
- OPTins Electronic System (https://optins.org)
- Email to [email protected] (for non-NAIC filings)
Filing Steps
- 1File quarterly SL-9 tax returns via OPTins by 2/15, 5/15, 8/15, and 11/15
- 2OPTins Helpdesk: (816) 783-8990 or [email protected]
- 3Tax rate is 4% - paid by BROKER (not policyholder)
- 4CRITICAL: Must obtain THREE declinations from authorized insurers
- 5Declinations must include: specific reason, date declined, underwriter name and title
- 6NEW declinations required at renewal - cannot reuse prior declinations
- 7State of Connecticut, its agencies and municipalities are tax exempt
- 8No filing required for zero-activity quarters
- 9Credits must be carried forward to subsequent quarters
- 10Refunds available only after three consecutive quarters with remaining balance
- 11For real property policies, must include property location
- 12Policy must have specific 12-point boldface notice on cover
- 13Check eligible insurer list - companies coded "K" are authorized
- 14Consult export list before placing coverage
- 15Industrial insurance exemption: $50k+ annual premiums with full-time insurance manager
- 16NRRA exempt commercial purchaser exemption: waives diligent search if disclosure made
- 17Alternative filing: Email to [email protected] for non-NAIC filings
- 18INSURERS: Foreign insurers must file quarterly reports (May 15, Aug 15, Nov 15) with CT premium/loss breakdown in page 19 format
- 19INSURERS: Annual NAIC financial statements due March 1
- 20INSURERS: When filed timely with NAIC, automatically considered filed with Commissioner
Required Forms
- SL-9 Tax Return (via OPTins)
- Form SL-2
- Power of Attorney
- Policy with Required Notice Language
Common Issues to Avoid
- Not using OPTins system (primary filing method)
- Missing quarterly filing deadlines (2/15, 5/15, 8/15, 11/15)
- Failing to obtain THREE declinations (not just one or two)
- Reusing old declinations at renewal (must get new ones)
- Missing specific declination details (reason, date, underwriter info)
- Missing property location for real property policies
- Incorrect or missing 12-point boldface policy notice
- Not checking eligible insurer list before placement
- Not consulting export list
- Incorrectly applying tax exemptions
- Filing when there is zero activity (not required)
- Not carrying credits forward properly
Helpful Tips
- Set up OPTins account early - contact helpdesk at (816) 783-8990
- Set quarterly reminders for 2/15, 5/15, 8/15, and 11/15 deadlines
- Maintain detailed records of all THREE declinations with complete information
- Get NEW declinations at each renewal - prior ones do not carry forward
- Skip filing for zero-activity quarters (not required)
- Track credits carefully - they carry forward automatically
- Verify insurer eligibility - check for "K" code on DOI website
- Review export list at https://portal.ct.gov/cid/searchable-archive/financial-division/exportable-list
- Use standard 12-point boldface notice template for policies
- Track property locations for all real property policies
- Identify tax-exempt insureds (state, agencies, municipalities) upfront
- For ECP exemptions, ensure written request from purchaser on file
- Contact [email protected] for regulatory questions
Important Notes
Connecticut maintains BOTH an eligible insurer list (companies coded "K") and an export list. Foreign insurers require $15M capital/surplus, $1,000 filing fee, and $126 annual renewal. Alien insurers must be on NAIC Quarterly Listing with no fee. Connecticut replaced affidavits with signed statements. Electronic filing permitted. Standard fire policy form required (commercial lines can define depreciation differently, personal lines must use "like kind and quality"). Industrial insurance exemption for insureds with full-time insurance manager/buyer and $50k+ annual premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the surplus lines tax rate in Connecticut?
The surplus lines tax rate in Connecticut is 4.00%.
When is surplus lines tax due in Connecticut?
Quarterly electronic filings due February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15 of each year
How do I submit surplus lines filings in Connecticut?
portal
