Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

12. Income Taxes

The effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were 18.3% and 19.0%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2023 relative to the prior year comparable period was primarily due to favorable audit resolutions.

The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were 19.2% and 16.8%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 relative to the prior year comparable period was primarily driven by favorable audit resolutions in 2022, including $22,579 related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Dover and its subsidiaries file tax returns in the U.S., including various state and local returns, and in other foreign jurisdictions. We believe adequate provision has been made for all income tax uncertainties. The Company is routinely audited by taxing authorities in its filing jurisdictions, and a number of these audits are currently underway. The Company believes that within the next twelve months uncertain tax positions may be resolved and statutes of limitations will expire, which could result in a decrease in the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $0 to $4,007.

The Company believes there is a reasonable possibility that sufficient positive evidence may become available to reach a conclusion that the valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets will no longer be needed. Releasing the valuation allowance, or a portion thereof, would result in the recognition of previously unrecognized deferred tax assets and a decrease to income tax expense in the period the release is recorded. The exact timing and amount of the valuation allowance release are subject to change.