XML 43 R14.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Income Taxes
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, our effective tax rate was approximately 38%, an increase from the 37% effective tax rate for the comparable 2014 period. Such differences between the effective tax rates and the applicable U.S. federal statutory rate arise primarily from the effect of state and local income taxes and tax credits available to the Company. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the impact of tax credits realized in 2014 as compared to the current period. As such, the 2015 estimated annual effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 38% compared to 31% for 2014. This amount could vary depending on the availability of tax credits.

We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method, which results in recognizing income tax expense based on the amount of income taxes payable or refundable for the current year. Additionally, we evaluate regularly the tax positions taken or expected to be taken resulting from financial statement recognition of certain items. Based on our evaluation, we have concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in our financial statements. Our evaluation was performed for the tax years ended December 31, 2011 through 2014 (with regard to U.S. federal income tax returns) and December 31, 2010 through 2014 (with regard to various state and local income tax returns), the tax years which remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions as of March 31, 2015.

We may from time to time be assessed interest or penalties by taxing jurisdictions, although any such assessments historically have been minimal and immaterial to our financial results. When we have received an assessment for interest and/or penalties, it has been classified in the financial statements as selling, general and administrative expense.