COLLECTION OF TAX BY AGENT.

(a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, the surplus lines agent shall collect from the insured the tax imposed by this chapter at the time of delivery of the cover note, certificate of insurance, policy, or other initial confirmation of insurance and the full amount of the gross premium charged by the eligible surplus lines insurer for the insurance.

(b) Subject to Subsection (c) and notwithstanding any other law, if a surplus lines agent places an insurance policy with a managing underwriter, as defined by Section 981.002, the managing underwriter shall collect, report, and pay the tax imposed by this chapter.

(c) A surplus lines agent and a managing underwriter may enter into an agreement to provide that the surplus lines agent is responsible for filing, reporting, collection, payment, and all other requirements imposed by this chapter and Chapter 981, including the requirement to pay the tax and file the tax report imposed by this chapter. An agreement under this subsection must be in writing and must be entered into at or before the time coverage is bound under the policy. The agreement may apply to multiple policies or all policies between a surplus lines agent and a managing underwriter.