Tax Rate
95.00%
Filing Frequency
Annual
March 1 by 11:59 PM CST
Filing Method
portal
Format: Electronic via OPTins
Requirements
Diligent search required. Policy disclosure within 30 days. Annual filing via OPTins by March 1. Quarterly jurat pages required. Detailed premium listing by March 31.
Filing Methods
- Electronic Portal (OPTins)
Filing Steps
- 1OPTins electronic filing is MANDATORY
- 2Annual filing deadline is March 1 at 11:59 PM CST - NO grace period
- 3Late penalty: 1% per month on total taxes due times number of months past due
- 4Zero reports have been eliminated
- 5Tax rate decreases annually: 0.975% (2024), 0.95% (2025), 0.925% (2026), 0.9% (2027+)
- 6Policy disclosure must be delivered within 30 days of policy issuance
- 7Industrial insured exemption available per § 515I.9
- 8Independently procured insurance also subject to premium tax
- 9Quarterly jurat pages (Q1, Q2, Q3) must be emailed to [email protected]
- 10Annual jurat attached to OPTins renewal application
- 11Detailed premium listing due March 31
Required Forms
- Application for Renewal (via OPTins)
- Signed Annual Jurat Page
- Quarterly Signed Jurat Pages (Q1, Q2, Q3)
- Detailed Premium Listing
Common Issues to Avoid
- Missing OPTins registration
- Late filing penalties (no grace period)
- Incomplete policy disclosure to insureds
- Missing quarterly jurat submissions
- Using wrong tax rate for filing year
- Attempting to file zero reports (eliminated)
- Missing detailed premium listing by March 31
Helpful Tips
- Register for OPTins well in advance of filing deadline
- OPTins allows data entry throughout the year but submission only in January-March
- Save data to your computer before submitting to OPTins
- Annual jurat must be signed by President or Vice President and Secretary
- Use correct year-specific tax rate (declining schedule)
- Industrial insured exemption available - verify eligibility
- Policy disclosure can be typed or stamped on policy in clear, conspicuous location
- Keep records of quarterly jurat submissions
- Late filings start accruing penalties immediately - no grace period
Important Notes
Iowa has NO surplus lines association and NO stamping fee. Direct electronic filing to Iowa DOI via OPTins portal. Tax rate declines annually from 0.975% (2024) to 0.9% (2027+). Industrial insured exemption available. No types of insurance are exempted from surplus lines regulation. Premium tax is paid by the soliciting agent (producer). Independently procured insurance also subject to tax. Policy disclosure required within 30 days. Late penalties with no grace period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the surplus lines tax rate in Iowa?
The surplus lines tax rate in Iowa is 95.00%.
When is surplus lines tax due in Iowa?
March 1 by 11:59 PM CST
How do I submit surplus lines filings in Iowa?
portal