XML 50 R15.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.2.0.727
INCOME TAXES
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2015
INCOME TAXES  
INCOME TAXES
10.
INCOME TAXES
 
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that such tax rate changes are enacted.
 
The measurement of a deferred tax asset is reduced, if necessary, by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. As of both June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had provided a valuation allowance against certain state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $0.1 million. For interim periods, we recognize an income tax provision/(benefit) based on our estimated annual effective tax rate expected for the entire year. We calculate income tax benefits related to stock-based compensation arrangements using the with and without method.
 
We use a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, as well as guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties and financial statement reporting disclosures. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. We have not identified any uncertain income tax positions that could have a material impact on the financial statements. We are subject to taxation in various jurisdictions and all of our income tax returns remain subject to examination by tax authorities due to the availability of NOL carryforwards.
 
We recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax exposures as a component of income tax expense. We did not have any such amounts accrued as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
The effective tax rate for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 were 37.0% and 36.9% of pre-tax income reported in the period, respectively, calculated based on the estimated annual effective rate anticipated for the year ending December 31, 2015. The effective tax rate for the period was primarily affected by the impact of state taxes and permanent differences. We have elected to exclude the impacts from significant pre-tax non-recognized subsequent events from our estimated annual effective rate. Our estimated annual effective rate is primarily driven by our forecasted pre-tax income and estimated permanent differences. Changes in the estimated annual effective rate during the year are primarily driven by periodic changes to our forecasted pre-tax income. The utilization of our NOL carryforwards will be limited in future years as prescribed by Section 382 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. For the comparable three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014, the effective tax rates were (5.3)% and 2.9% of pre-tax (loss)/income reported in the period, respectively, calculated based on the estimated annual effective rate anticipated for the year ending December 31, 2014. The effective tax rate for the period was primarily impacted by the loss in the second quarter, the use of the NOL carryforwards and changes in our valuation allowance, most of which was released in the fourth quarter of 2014.