INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES	NOTE D – INCOME TAXES The Company’s statutory federal tax rate is 35%. State tax rates vary among states and average approximately 6.0% to 6.5%, although some state rates are higher and a small number of states do not impose an income tax. The effective tax benefit rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was 37.4%. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was 18.3%. The tax rate for the first three months of 2015 reflects a benefit of 20.9% from reduced state deferred tax liabilities to reflect enactment of lower tax rates in some states. In addition to the adjustment to deferred tax liabilities for state tax rate changes in the first three months of 2015, the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2016, primarily results from state income taxes, nondeductible expenses, and changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance. The first three months of 2016 were also impacted by the alternative fuel tax credit. As of March 31, 2016, the Company’s deferred tax liabilities, which will reverse in future years, exceeded the deferred tax assets. The Company evaluated the total deferred tax assets at March 31, 2016 and concluded that, other than for certain deferred tax assets related to foreign net operating loss carryforwards, the assets did not exceed the amount for which realization is more likely than not. In making this determination, the Company considered the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years, future taxable income, and tax planning strategies. The Company paid federal, state, and foreign income taxes of $1.6 million and $1.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company received refunds of $0.7 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of federal and state income taxes that were paid in prior years.

INCOME TAXES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

NOTE D – INCOME TAXES

The Company’s statutory federal tax rate is 35%. State tax rates vary among states and average approximately 6.0% to 6.5%, although some state rates are higher and a small number of states do not impose an income tax. The effective tax benefit rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was 37.4%. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was 18.3%. The tax rate for the first three months of 2015 reflects a benefit of 20.9% from reduced state deferred tax liabilities to reflect enactment of lower tax rates in some states.

In addition to the adjustment to deferred tax liabilities for state tax rate changes in the first three months of 2015, the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2016, primarily results from state income taxes, nondeductible expenses, and changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance. The first three months of 2016 were also impacted by the alternative fuel tax credit.

As of March 31, 2016, the Company’s deferred tax liabilities, which will reverse in future years, exceeded the deferred tax assets. The Company evaluated the total deferred tax assets at March 31, 2016 and concluded that, other than for certain deferred tax assets related to foreign net operating loss carryforwards, the assets did not exceed the amount for which realization is more likely than not. In making this determination, the Company considered the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years, future taxable income, and tax planning strategies.

The Company paid federal, state, and foreign income taxes of $1.6 million and $1.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company received refunds of $0.7 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of federal and state income taxes that were paid in prior years.