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Taxation
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Taxation
TAXATION
Interim Tax Calculation Method
We use the estimated annual effective tax rate method for computing our interim tax provision. This method applies our best estimate of the effective tax rate expected for the full year to our year-to-date earnings before income taxes. We provide for income tax expense or benefit based upon our pre-tax earnings and the provisions of currently enacted tax laws. Certain items deemed to be unusual, infrequent or not reliably estimated, are excluded from the estimated annual effective tax rate. In the event such items are identified, the actual tax expense or benefit is reported in the same period as the related item. Certain other items are not included in the estimated annual effective tax rate, such as changes in the assessment of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets and uncertain tax positions, if any.
Interim Tax Expense (Benefit)
For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the effective tax rates on income were 12.1% and 16.7%, respectively. The effective tax rate on income differs from the statutory rate of 0% due to tax on foreign operations (primarily the United States and United Kingdom) and an increase in the assessment of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. We have foreign operating subsidiaries and branch operations principally located in the United States, United Kingdom, Continental Europe and Australia that are subject to federal, foreign, state and local taxes in those jurisdictions. We have undistributed earnings in these foreign subsidiaries that, if distributed as dividends or otherwise, may be subject to income or withholding taxes. Because we operate in many jurisdictions, our net earnings are subject to risk due to changing tax laws and tax rates around the world. The current, rapidly changing economic environment may increase the likelihood of substantial changes to tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate.
Assessment of Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets
We have estimated the future taxable income of our foreign subsidiaries and have provided a valuation allowance in respect of loss carryforwards where we do not expect to realize a benefit. We have considered all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard in determining the amount of the valuation allowance. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recognized an increase of $0.9 million in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance.
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
We had no unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain tax positions as at either March 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015.
Tax Examinations
Our operating subsidiaries may be subject to audit by various tax authorities and may have different statutes of limitations expiration dates. With limited exceptions, our major subsidiaries that operate in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia are no longer subject to tax examinations for years before 2012, 2012 and 2009, respectively.