Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Oct. 29, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

9.           Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate is based on expected annual income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which we operate.  For interim financial reporting, we estimate the annual effective tax rate based on expected taxable income for the full year and record a quarterly income tax provision in accordance with the anticipated annual effective rate.  We refine the estimates of the taxable income throughout the year as new information becomes available, including year-to-date financial results.  This process often results in a change to our expected effective tax rate for the year.  When this occurs, we adjust the income tax provision during the quarter in which the change in estimate occurs so that the year-to-date provision reflects the expected annual effective tax rate.  Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions.

At October 29, 2011, we do not anticipate any tax position generating a significant increase or decrease in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months of this reporting date.  We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions.  Generally, we are not subject to changes in income taxes by the U.S. federal taxing jurisdiction for years prior to Fiscal 2009 or by most state taxing jurisdictions for years prior to Fiscal 2008.