D.C. Mandates OPTins for Surplus Lines Premium Tax Filings Beginning 2026

The District of Columbia is modernizing its surplus lines premium tax reporting process. Under Bulletin 25-IB-002-09/04, the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) has confirmed that all surplus lines producers with authority in D.C. must transition to electronic filing through OPTins beginning January 1, 2026. This update impacts monthly and semi-annual reporting requirements and officially ends paper submissions. Producers should begin preparing now to ensure uninterrupted compliance when the mandate takes effect.

What’s Changing for D.C. Surplus Lines Producers

Effective January 1, 2026, DISB will require all surplus lines premium tax filings to be submitted electronically through OPTins. Paper filings will no longer be accepted under any circumstances. This change applies to both monthly reports on unauthorized business and the required semi-annual report.

Monthly filings will continue to be required only when there is reportable activity. However, the semi-annual report remains mandatory even if no business activity occurred during the reporting period. Producers who are not yet using OPTins will need to register and familiarize themselves with the system prior to the effective date.

Why DISB Is Moving to OPTins

According to DISB, the transition to OPTins is intended to improve efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness in surplus lines premium tax reporting and payment processing. While OPTins use has previously been optional in the District, the Department notes that most licensed surplus lines producers have already adopted the platform for premium tax payments.

By standardizing electronic submissions, DISB aims to streamline record-keeping and reduce administrative burden for both regulators and producers.

Understanding OPTins

OPTins is an electronic reporting and payment system developed and administered by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The platform provides state-specific forms and enables producers to submit filings and payments electronically across participating jurisdictions once registered.

OPTins applies a filing fee equal to 5% of the submitted payment, subject to a minimum fee of $3.00 and a maximum fee of $17.50 per filing. Registration and filing instructions are available directly through the OPTins platform.

What Producers Should Do Now

Surplus lines producers doing business in the District of Columbia should confirm that their OPTins registration is active and that internal processes support electronic monthly and semi-annual reporting.

Early preparation will help ensure a smooth transition and continued compliance once the mandate becomes effective.

Key Takeaways

• Paper surplus lines premium tax filings will no longer be accepted in D.C. as of January 1, 2026
• All required filings must be submitted electronically through OPTins
• Semi-annual reports remain mandatory even with no activity
• OPTins is administered by the NAIC and supports multi-jurisdiction filing
• Producers should prepare now to avoid last-minute compliance risks

Questions or Assistance

Questions related to this bulletin may be directed to the DISB Surplus Lines Division at: disb.surpluslinestax@dc.gov