
8.	INCOME TAXES

We are required to adjust our effective tax rate each quarter to estimate our annual effective tax rate. We must also record the tax impact of certain discrete, unusual or infrequently occurring items, including changes in judgment about valuation allowances and effects of changes in tax laws or rates, in the interim period in which they occur. In addition, jurisdictions with a projected loss for the year or a year-to-date loss where no tax benefit can be recognized are excluded from the estimated annual effective tax rate. The impact of such an exclusion could result in a higher or lower effective tax rate during a particular quarter, based upon the mix and timing of actual earnings versus annual projections.

Income tax expense was $20.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 2016 as compared to $12.9 million in the three months ended June 30, 2015. Our effective income tax rate was 22.6% in the second quarter of 2016 as compared to 18.0% in the second quarter of 2015. Income tax expense was $36.0 million in the six months ended June 30, 2016 as compared to $22.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2015. Our effective income tax rate was 21.4% in the six months ended June 30, 2016 as compared to 16.5% in the six months ended June 30, 2015. Our effective tax rates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 are higher than our effective tax rates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 primarily as a result of an increase in the proportionate share of income attributable to higher tax rate jurisdictions. Our income tax expense and effective tax rates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015 reflect the impact of favorable foreign tax rates, partially offset by our inability to realize a tax benefit for current foreign losses.

Based on the status of audits outside the U.S., and the protocol of finalizing audits by the relevant tax authorities, it is not possible to estimate the timing or impact of changes, if any, to previously recorded uncertain tax positions. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we have recorded a liability for unrecognized income tax benefits and related interest and penalties of $29.6 million and $48.5 million, respectively. In January 2016, we completed negotiations with the Mexican tax authorities to settle transfer pricing audits. Including these settlements, we made payments of $26.1 million in the first six months of 2016 to the Mexican tax authorities related to transfer pricing matters and we expect our total transfer pricing related payments in 2016 to be in the range of $30 to $40 million.

Although it is difficult to estimate with certainty the amount of our tax liabilities for the years that remain subject to audit, we do not expect the settlements will be materially different from what we have recorded in unrecognized tax benefits. We will continue to monitor the progress and conclusions of current and future audits and will adjust our estimated liability as necessary.