Tax Rate
3.00%
Filing Frequency
Monthly
Monthly filings due by 10th of following month. Annual statements due January 31. Zero annual statements required even with no business. All approved insurers must provide premium list by May 1. Eligible insurer list renewal by March 15.
Filing Method
Contact state for details
Format: Electronic filing via NAIC OPTins portal (mandatory)
Requirements
New Hampshire requires monthly surplus lines filings via NAIC OPTins due by the 10th of the following month. Annual statements are due January 31. Zero annual statements are required for all individuals and entities holding surplus lines authority in New Hampshire. The state maintains an eligible surplus lines insurer list with $20 million surplus requirement for foreign insurers. All policies must display a commissioner-approved stamped disclosure regarding non-licensed status and guaranty fund exclusion. Policy fees are considered premium and subject to surplus lines tax.
Filing Steps
- 13% tax rate on standard surplus lines premiums
- 24% tax rate on multi-state policies where NH is home state
- 3Monthly filings due by 10th of following month via NAIC OPTins
- 4Annual reconciliation due January 31
- 5Zero annual statements required for all surplus lines authority holders
- 6Must use National Producer Number (NPN) in all filings
- 7Policy fees are considered premium and subject to tax
- 8Required stamped disclosure on all policies/binders
- 9File under account of producer/entity listed on declarations page
- 10Use correct company NAIC number for each policy
- 11Enter binder/policy number exactly as appears on policy
- 12When amending, only include changes (original data not replaced)
- 13If no business in a month, monthly filing NOT required (but annual zero filing IS required)
- 14Ocean marine and industrial insurance exempted from regulation but subject to tax
- 15Late penalties: 3% (1-30 days), 6% (31-60 days), 12% (60+ days)
- 16Only property and casualty business permitted
Required Forms
- Excess/Surplus Lines Tax Filing Addendum
- Monthly Affidavit (no longer requires notarization)
- Annual Statement
Common Issues to Avoid
- Missing monthly filing by 10th deadline
- Failure to file annual zero statement when required
- Incorrect NPN usage or missing NPN
- Missing required stamped disclosure on policy
- Including entire policy on amendment instead of just changes
- Policy number format doesn't match declaration page
- Using wrong company NAIC number
- Misunderstanding exemptions (still subject to premium tax)
- Calculating tax on premium but excluding policy fees
- Late payment without penalty remittance
Helpful Tips
- Set monthly reminders for 10th of month filing deadline
- Always file zero annual statement by January 31 even with no business
- Use NPN consistently across OPTins account, monthly affidavit, and annual statement
- Annual affidavit no longer needs notarization - can be signed electronically
- When amending a filing, only include changes to avoid data duplication
- Keep OPTins account contact information current
- Verify insurer is on NH eligible list before binding
- Include all policy fees in premium calculation for tax
- Ocean marine and industrial insurance still subject to premium tax despite exemption
- Budget for late penalties if payment will be delayed
- Insurers must provide premium summary by May 1
- Foreign insurers must maintain $20M surplus and renew by March 15
Important Notes
New Hampshire charges 3% tax on standard surplus lines business and 4% on multi-state policies where NH is the home state. Policy fees are considered premium and subject to tax. Ocean marine and industrial insurance are exempted from surplus lines regulation but remain subject to premium tax per DOI correspondence. Late payment penalties apply based on days past due (3%, 6%, or 12%). Zero annual statements are mandatory for all holders of surplus lines authority. Only property and casualty business permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the surplus lines tax rate in New Hampshire?
The surplus lines tax rate in New Hampshire is 3.00%.
When is surplus lines tax due in New Hampshire?
Monthly filings due by 10th of following month. Annual statements due January 31. Zero annual statements required even with no business. All approved insurers must provide premium list by May 1. Eligible insurer list renewal by March 15.
How do I submit surplus lines filings in New Hampshire?
Contact the state insurance department for filing instructions.