CurrentAlabama Department of InsurancePolicy 2009-03

Use of OPTins electronic tax and fee filing and payment system – temporary suspension of mandatory effect of Regulation 482-1-144

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Governs filing and payment method requirements for insurer premium tax and surplus lines broker tax returns in Alabama; affects all insurers and surplus lines brokers licensed to do business in Alabama.

Policy Summary

PayerAlabama Department of Insurance

PolicyUse of OPTins electronic tax and fee filing and payment system – temporary suspension of mandatory effect of Regulation 482-1-144

Policy CodePolicy 2009-03

Change TypeClarified (suspension to voluntary)

Effective DateMar 9, 2009

Last ReviewMar 9, 2009

Next Review Date

Key ActionUntil OPTins is operational in Alabama, transmit paper returns and payment by check via Compass Bank lock-box or elect OPTins when available.

SourceLink

POLICY UPDATE CHANGES

Electronic filing and EFT payments through the OPTins system are suspended and voluntary for the immediate future.

May 15, 2009due date for quarterly returns

March 1, 20102009 annual returns due

Aug 15, 2009OPTins expected operational

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CurrentAlabama Department of InsurancePolicy 2009-03

Use of OPTins electronic tax and fee filing and payment system – temporary suspension of mandatory effect of Regulation 482-1-144

Customize your policy alerts

Sign up for Alabama Department of Insurance Policy 2009-03 alerts

Get alerted when Policy 2009-03 changes without checking for updates manually.

Monitor payer policy activity

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Policy Summary

PayerAlabama Department of Insurance

PolicyUse of OPTins electronic tax and fee filing and payment system – temporary suspension of mandatory effect of Regulation 482-1-144

Policy CodePolicy 2009-03

Change TypeClarified (suspension to voluntary)

Effective DateMar 9, 2009

Last ReviewMar 9, 2009

Next Review Date

Key ActionUntil OPTins is operational in Alabama, transmit paper returns and payment by check via Compass Bank lock-box or elect OPTins when available.

SourceLink

POLICY UPDATE CHANGES

Electronic filing and EFT payments through the OPTins system are suspended and voluntary for the immediate future.

May 15, 2009due date for quarterly returns

March 1, 20102009 annual returns due

Aug 15, 2009OPTins expected operational

Temporary Filing and Payment Procedures

Temporary filing/payment procedures

Until further notice, the following options and requirements apply:

Use OPTins for electronic filing and EFT payments once operational in Alabama

Company must complete NAIC OPTins setup (may take approximately two weeks); NAIC OPTins Help Desk: optinshelp@naic.org or (816) 783-8990.

Transmit paper tax returns and payment by check via Compass Bank lock-box

Postal and courier addresses for Compass Bank lock-box provided; returns and checks must be received by Compass Bank not later than the applicable due date; postmarks or courier evidence are not accepted as proof of timely filing.

ALL of the following

Return and check must be received by Compass Bank on or before the applicable due date as shown by Compass Bank records
Filings/payments received after the due date per Compass Bank records will be deemed late
Postmarks or other mailing/courier evidence are not acceptable proof of timely filing

Prepare bank account ACH capabilities if planning to use OPTins

Since OPTins uses ACH debit methodology, companies should discuss adapting account restrictions with their banks to permit ACH debits for tax/fee payments while retaining debit-blocking security.

ALL of the following

Department strongly recommends companies begin using OPTins once it becomes operational in Alabama
Electronic filing via OPTins provides immediate, secure confirmation of transmission and reduces costs and delivery uncertainty associated with paper checks and printed forms

ALL of the following

OPTins expected to be operational for Alabama by the due date for second quarter returns (August 15, 2009)
Until OPTins is operational, paper/lock-box filing and check payments will be accepted

Filing Timing and Code Notes

N/Amixed

No codes listed

Timely receipt requirement

Timely receipt ruleReturns and payments must be received by Compass Bank not later than the applicable due date to be considered timely; filings/payments received after the due date as shown by Compass Bank records will be deemed late.

Postmark not acceptedPostmarks or other evidence of mailing or courier drop-off by the due date will not be accepted as proof of timely filing or payment.

Filer responsibilityIt is the company’s responsibility to ensure returns and payments are mailed or sent early enough to be received by Compass Bank by the due date; proof of group mailing will not be accepted.

Required Actions for Filers and Payers

Note

Temporary filing/payment method options — OPTins voluntary

Electronic filing and EFT payments through the OPTins system are voluntary until further notice; insurers and surplus lines brokers may continue to submit paper returns and check payments via the existing Compass Bank lock-box process until OPTins is operational in Alabama.

OPTins electronic filing/EFT suspended as mandatory — use is voluntary for the immediate future.
Until OPTins is operational in Alabama, transmit paper returns and payment by check to the Compass Bank lock-box addresses provided.
When OPTins becomes operational, companies may elect electronic filing/EFT or continue paper/lock-box methods.

Key Terms and Methods

OPTins system definition

System identityOPTins is the NAIC-operated electronic tax and fee filing and electronic funds transfer (EFT) system used for insurer premium tax and surplus line broker tax returns.

Voluntary status (temporary)The Commissioner suspended the mandatory effect of Regulation 482-1-144 so OPTins use is voluntary until further notice.

Operational timing noteThe Department expects OPTins to be operational and available for use in Alabama by the due date for filing second quarter returns (August 15, 2009).

Lock-box / Compass Bank processing

Lock-box processing addressesPaper returns and check payments may be sent to the Alabama Department of Insurance c/o Compass Bank at: Postal — PO Box 830707, Birmingham, AL 35283-0707; Courier — 701 South 32nd Street, Birmingham, AL 35233.

Receipt requirement for lock-box