16.	INCOME TAXES

The income tax provision reflected an effective income tax rate of negative 20.0% and negative 15.6% for the three and nine months ended September, 30, 2017, respectively, which was less than the statutory federal rate of 35.0%, primarily due to an increase in our valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, partially offset by state taxes, and the benefit from a research credit. The income tax benefit reflected an effective income tax rate of 37.7% and 39.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, which was higher than the statutory federal rate of 35.0%, primarily due to state taxes, the lower foreign tax rate applicable to our foreign source income, and the benefit from a research credit, partially offset by non-statutory stock options that expired in the year.

During the third quarter of 2017, we increased our valuation allowance by approximately $2.4 million for our deferred tax assets.

We have analyzed filing positions in all of the federal, state and foreign jurisdictions where we are required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. As of September 30, 2017, the Company recorded $0.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which would impact our effective tax rate, if recognized. We do not anticipate that our unrecognized tax benefits will materially change within the next 12 months. The Company has not accrued any penalties and interest for its unrecognized tax benefits. Other than the unrecognized tax benefit recorded, we believe that our income tax filing positions and deductions will be sustained upon audit, and we do not anticipate any other adjustments that will result in a material change to our financial position. We may, from time to time, be assessed interest or penalties by tax jurisdictions, although any such assessments historically have been minimal and immaterial to our financial results. Our policy for recording interest and penalties associated with audits and unrecognized tax benefits is to record such items as a component of income tax in our Statements of Loss.