SURPLUS LINES FAQ - Delaware Insurance Commissioner

20. What premium tax filings are required?
There are three types of filings that are required from individual surplus lines brokers:
� SL-1905 – the Notice of Insurance Transaction. This is an electronic form that must be
submitted via email whenever business is written. It gives the Department information about the
procuring SL broker, the insured, the policy, the insurer, the coverage, and the tax and fees. This
form is due within 30 days of the effective date of the policy. No tax is paid when this form is
submitted.
� SL-1917 – Quarterly Premium Tax Report. This is a paper filing that must be signed and
notarized. It summarizes the SL premium written during the preceding quarter and calculates the
premium tax. Tax should be paid with this report.
� SL-1916 – Annual Premium Tax Report. This is a paper filing that must be signed and
notarized. It summarizes all premiums written during the calendar year and calculates any
premium tax due or any overpayment. Part 2 of the form reports a breakdown of
property/casualty premiums by location of risks in the City of Wilmington, New Castle County,
Kent County, and Sussex County. The premium amounts stated on these reports are used to
calculate the amount of State support for volunteer fire departments.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT submit the old SLB-M Monthly Report. If an old monthly report is
submitted it will be returned. Old forms SLB-M, SLB-A and SLB-C have been replaced and are no
longer accepted.
21. I see on the website that you have a quarterly and annual tax report summary. Which one does the
state prefer?
Both forms are required and must be filed as instructed.
22. Are premium tax returns required if a surplus lines broker does not write any business?
Quarterly SL-1917 forms are not required if the individual surplus lines broker did not write any
business during the calendar quarter. Annual SL-1916 forms are always required from all
individual surplus lines brokers regardless of business written.
23. I see that Delaware requires both the individual and the agency to be licensed for surplus lines, but
only the individual files tax returns. What does the agency have to file?
Agencies must hold a business entity license but do not make any filings with the tax section of
the Insurance Department. Business entities cannot transact business, only individuals can.
24. Where do I send my premium tax returns?
The Delaware Department of Insurance has closed the lockbox operation that has been in
operation for the past several years. All SL brokers are encouraged to use the OPTins program
to electronically file premium tax returns online