Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

NOTE G – INCOME TAXES

Our effective tax rate from continuing operations is presented below:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Effective tax rate from continuing operations	52.3	%	7.1	%

The change in our reported tax rates for the first quarter of 2020, as compared to the same period in 2019, relates primarily to a shift in geographical mix of earnings to higher-tax jurisdictions, partially offset by the impact of certain receipts and charges that are taxed at different rates than our effective tax rate. These receipts and charges include intangible asset impairment charges, acquisition/divestiture-related net charges, restructuring and restructuring-related net charges, litigation-related net charges as well as certain discrete tax items primarily related to share-based payments and impacts of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted on March 27, 2020.

As of March 31, 2020, we had $449 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which a net $350 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2019, we had $455 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which a net $355 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate.

It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months we will resolve multiple issues with foreign, federal and state taxing authorities, resulting in a reduction in our balance of unrecognized tax benefits of up to $98 million.

Economic stimulus legislation has been enacted in many countries in response to COVID-19. In the U.S., the CARES Act provides an estimated $2.2 trillion to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and includes tax relief and government loans, subsidies and other relief for entities in affected industries. While we do not expect to apply for government loans, we are evaluating other aid available. We expect to take advantage of the benefits offered in multiple U.S. and foreign jurisdictions allowing taxpayers to defer payment of the employer portion of certain payroll taxes through the end of 2020. This will allow us to preserve cash generated from operations to service our debt obligations and other near-term commitments.