Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Dec. 28, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

In the first three months of 2020, our effective tax rate was (86)% on pre-tax income of $19.0 million, compared to (3)% on pre-tax income of $20.4 million first three months of 2019, respectively. In the first three months of 2020 and 2019, our effective tax rate differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% due to U.S. tax reform, our corporate structure in which our foreign taxes are at a net effective tax rate lower than the U.S. rate, the excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation and the indirect effects of the adoption of ASC 606. Additionally, in the first three months of 2020 and 2019, we reduced the valuation allowance by $21.0 million and $1.8 million as the result of the Onshape and Frustum acquisitions, respectively. A significant amount of our foreign earnings is generated by our subsidiaries organized in Ireland. In 2020 and 2019, the foreign rate differential predominantly relates to these Irish earnings.

We have concluded, based on the weight of available evidence, that a full valuation allowance continues to be required against our U.S. net deferred tax assets as they are not more likely than not to be realized in the future. We will continue to reassess our valuation allowance requirements each financial reporting period. However, we believe that there is a reasonable possibility that within the next 12 months, sufficient positive evidence may become available to allow us to reach a conclusion that a significant portion of the valuation allowance will no longer be needed. Release of the valuation allowance would result in the recognition of certain deferred tax assets and a decrease to income tax expense for the period the release is recorded. However, the exact timing and amount of any valuation allowance release are subject to change on the basis of the level of profitability that we are able to actually achieve.

In the normal course of business, PTC and its subsidiaries are examined by various taxing authorities, including the Internal Revenue Service in the U.S. We regularly assess the likelihood of additional assessments by tax authorities and provide for these matters as appropriate. We are currently under audit by tax authorities in several jurisdictions. Audits by tax authorities typically involve examination of the deductibility of certain permanent items, limitations on net operating losses and tax credits. Although we believe our tax estimates are appropriate, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could result in material changes in our estimates.

As of December 28, 2019 and September 30, 2019, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $12.5 million and $11.5 million, respectively. If all our unrecognized tax benefits as of December 28, 2019 were to become recognizable in the future, we would record a benefit to the income tax provision of $12.5 million, which would be partially offset by an increase in the U.S. valuation allowance of $6.1 million. 

Although we believe our tax estimates are appropriate, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could result in favorable or unfavorable changes in our estimates. We believe it is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months the amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to the resolution of multi-jurisdictional tax positions could be reduced by up to $0.5 million as audits close and statutes of limitations expire.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, we received an assessment of approximately $12 million from the tax authorities in South Korea.  The assessment relates to various tax issues, primarily foreign withholding taxes. We have appealed and intend to vigorously defend our positions. We believe that upon completion of a multi-level appeal process it is more likely than not that our positions will be sustained.  Accordingly, we have not recorded a tax reserve for this matter. We paid this assessment in the first quarter of 2017 and have recorded the amount in other assets, pending resolution of the appeal process. If the South Korean tax authorities were to prevail the potential additional exposure through 2019 would be approximately $13 million. We are continuing to work with our advisors during the court process and still believe our position is sustainable.