(a) A tax is imposed on gross premiums for surplus lines insurance. The rate of the tax is 4.85 percent of the gross premiums.
(a-1) Consistent with 15 U.S.C. § 8201 et seq., this state may not impose a premium tax on nonadmitted insurance premiums other than premiums paid for insurance in which this state is the home state of the insured.

(b) Taxable gross premiums under this section are based on gross premiums written or received for surplus lines insurance placed through an eligible surplus lines insurer during a calendar year. Notwithstanding the tax basis described by this subsection, the comptroller by rule may establish an alternate basis for taxation for multistate and single-state policies for the purpose of achieving uniformity.
(c) If a surplus lines insurance policy covers risks or exposures only partially located in this state, and this state has not entered into a cooperative agreement, reciprocal agreement, or compact with another state for the collection of surplus lines tax as authorized by Chapter 229, the tax is computed on the entire policy premium for any policy in which this state is the home state of the insured.
(d) Repealed by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 4, Sec. 18.11(1), eff. September 28, 2011.
(d-1) Repealed by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 4, Sec. 18.11(1), eff. September 28, 2011.
(e) Premiums on risks or exposures that are properly allocated to federal or international waters or are under the jurisdiction of a foreign government are not taxable in this state.
(f) If this state enters a cooperative agreement, reciprocal agreement, or compact with another state for the allocation of surplus lines tax as authorized by Chapter 229, taxes due on multistate policies shall be allocated and reported in accordance with the agreement or compact.
(g) Premiums on risks or exposures under ocean marine insurance coverage of stored or in-transit baled cotton for export are not subject to the tax imposed by this chapter.