Petition for Electronic Online Filing of Premium Tax Returns

This petition is to encourage state agencies responsible for implementing the filing systems for premium tax returns to not only adopt electronic filing, but to also adopt electronic filing that works in a streamlined manner with the tax software that is commonly used to prepare premium tax return.

Leading premium tax software not only allows companies to calculate the appropriate taxes and assessments using Annual Statement data, but such software also serves as an important tool and filing cabinet for retention of records. In an ideal electronic filing system, filing could be accomplished directly from the software without the need for manual transfer of data to a state’s electronic filing system.

In a system that does not allow for direct filing from tax software, premium data must be manually typed in and transferred from the software to the state’s system. Typically, the return must be reviewed again before it is able to be submitted for filing. This cumbersome burden placed on companies during an already busy time of year increases data entry requirements to the point of some needing to consider temporary employees. In addition, the process creates an enhanced risk of human error. If the manual transfer step is not present, the efficiencies of both the software and an electronic filing system can be better realized. Without the risk of transcription error, a state would be less likely to receive inaccurate filings.

By signing this petition, a party is encouraging states to:

1. Adopt an electronic filing system for premium tax returns; and,
   
   
2. Adopt (or update) such a system in such a way that works in coordination with the commonly used premium tax preparation software so that manual transfer of data from software to filing system is unnecessary.
   

All Information will be kept confidential