INCOME TAXES

Accounting standards state that companies account for income taxes using the asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. This method also requires the recognition of future tax benefits, such as net operating loss carryforwards and other tax credits. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are recorded as necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount thereof that is more likely than not to be realized. The likelihood of realizing deferred tax assets is evaluated by, among other things, estimating future taxable income, considering the future reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities to which the deferred tax assets may be applied and assessing the impact of tax planning strategies.

For interim periods, accounting standards require that income tax expense be determined by applying the estimated annual effective income tax rate to year-to-date results unless this method does not result in a reliable estimate of year-to-date income tax expense. Each quarter the income tax accrual is adjusted to the latest estimate and the difference from the previously accrued year-to-date balance is adjusted to the current quarter.

The income tax components and associated effective income tax rates for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:



	Quarter Ended June 30,
	2013					2012
Dollars in millions	Tax Provision/(Benefit)			Tax Rate		Tax Benefit			Tax Rate
Continuing operations	$	24.4		21	%	$	(11.1	)	23	%
Discontinued operations	(0.1		)	35	%	—			35	%
	$	24.3		21	%	$	(11.1	)	23	%

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2013					2012
	Tax Provision/(Benefit)			Tax Rate		Tax Benefit			Tax Rate
Continuing operations	$	47.6		23	%	$	(12.3	)	20	%
Discontinued operations	(0.1		)	35	%	(0.1		)	33	%
	$	47.5		23	%	$	(12.4	)	20	%

For the first six months of 2013, the primary differences between the U.S. statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate applicable to LP’s continuing operations relate to the effect of foreign tax rates and decreases in valuation allowances attributed to net operating loss carryforwards in various jurisdictions which are either anticipated to be utilized in the current year based upon projected income or recognized due to the recording of additional deferred tax liabilities. For the first six months of 2012, the primary differences between the U.S. statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate applicable to LP’s continuing operations relate to the effect of foreign tax rates, increases in valuation allowances attributed to net operating loss carryforwards in various jurisdictions and increases in our reserves for uncertain tax positions.

LP periodically reviews the need for valuation allowances against deferred tax assets and recognizes these deferred tax assets to the extent that the realization is more likely than not. Based solely upon the future reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities, LP believes that the valuation allowances provided are appropriate. If LP were to determine that it would not be able to realize a portion of an existing net deferred tax asset in excess of an existing valuation allowance, an adjustment to the net deferred tax asset would be charged to earnings in the period in which such determination was made. Conversely, if it were to make a determination that it is more likely than not that an existing deferred tax asset for which there is currently a valuation allowance would be realized, the related valuation allowance would be reduced and a benefit to earnings would be recorded in the period in which such determination was made.

As of June 30, 2013, the LP has reclassified $9.3 million of long term deferred tax assets to current based upon the anticipated utilization of net operating loss carryforwards and other items during the next twelve months.

As a result of certain realization requirements of ASC 718 Compensation -- Stock Compensation, certain deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2013 are not recognized related to amounts of tax deductions for equity compensation that are greater than the compensation recognized for financial reporting. Equity will be increased by $13.5 million if and when such deferred tax assets are ultimately realized. LP uses the "with and without" method for determining when excess tax benefits have been realized.

LP and its domestic subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income taxes of multiple state jurisdictions. Its foreign subsidiaries are subject to income tax in Canada, Chile, Peru and Brazil. During 2011, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service initiated an audit of tax years 2007 - 2009 for which field work has been completed. LP has protested certain proposed adjustments and requested review by the IRS Appeals Office. All U.S. federal audits of prior years have been completed. LP remains subject to state and local tax examinations for the tax years 2005 through 2012. Canadian federal income tax returns have been audited and effectively settled through 2004, and no examinations are currently in progress. Quebec provincial audits have been effectively settled through 2011. As of June 30, 2013, the Chilean Tax Office was in process of auditing tax year 2011.