INCOME AND MINING TAXES

The following table summarizes the components of Income and mining tax (expense) benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 by significant jurisdiction:



	Three months ended March 31,
	2018						2017
In thousands	Income (loss) before tax			Tax (expense) benefit			Income (loss) before tax			Tax (expense) benefit
United States	$	1,187		$	517		$	20,653		$	(1,827	)
Argentina	254			10			(328		)	1,124
Mexico	13,126			(13,222		)	8,650			(9,923		)
Other jurisdictions	(1,927		)	746			202			(252		)
	$	12,640		$	(11,949	)	$	29,177		$	(10,878	)

The Company’s effective income and mining tax rate is a function of the combined effective tax rates and foreign exchange rates in the jurisdictions in which it operates. Variations in the jurisdictional mix of income and loss and foreign exchange rates result in significant fluctuations in the consolidated effective tax rate, along with mining taxes, uncertain tax positions, and a full valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to losses in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on deferred tax balances increased income and mining tax expense by $3.6 million and $5.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, predominately due to the strengthening of the Mexican Peso. Additionally, favorable operating results at Palmarejo contributed to higher income and mining tax expense in Mexico.

A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that the related tax benefits will not be realized. The Company analyzes its deferred tax assets and, if it is determined that the Company will not realize all or a portion of its deferred tax assets, it will record or increase a valuation allowance. Conversely, if it is determined that the Company will ultimately be more likely than not able to realize all or a portion of the related benefits for which a valuation allowance has been provided, all or a portion of the related valuation allowance will be reduced. There are a number of factors that impact the Company’s ability to realize its deferred tax assets. For additional information, please see the sections titled “Risk Factors” set forth in the 2017 10-K.

The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The statute of limitations remains open from 2014 forward for the U.S. federal jurisdiction and from 2008 forward for certain other foreign jurisdictions. As a result of statutes of limitation that will begin to expire within the next twelve months in various jurisdictions and possible settlements of audit-related issues with taxing authorities in various jurisdictions with respect to which none of the issues are individually significant, the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of its net unrecognized income tax benefits will decrease between $1.5 million and $2.5 million in the next twelve months.

At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had $3.9 million and $4.3 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits, respectively that, if recognized, would positively impact the Company’s effective income tax rate. The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize potential interest and/or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of its income tax expense. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the amount of accrued income-tax-related interest and penalties was $4.2 million and $4.8 million, respectively.