13. Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2016

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

13.        Income Taxes

The effective tax rates for the fiscal 2017 and 2016 second quarters were 35.1% and 33.4%, respectively.  The effective tax rates for the first half of fiscal 2017 and 2016 were 35.3% and 34.3%, respectively. The effective tax rates in both the fiscal 2017 second quarter and fiscal 2017 first half were higher than the comparable 2016 fiscal periods primarily due to the settlement of an uncertain tax position during the fiscal 2016 second quarter.

The net unrecognized tax benefits as of July 31, 2016 and January 31, 2016, which, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate are $169,000 and $221,000, respectively.

Tax returns for fiscal years 2013 through 2016 remain subject to examination by federal and state taxing authorities. An examination of the fiscal 2013 return with federal taxing authorities was completed during fiscal 2016 with no changes. An examination of our North Carolina state tax returns for fiscal year 2012 and 2013 was completed during the fiscal 2017 first quarter with no material changes.