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Income taxes
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income taxes Income taxes
BNY Mellon recorded an income tax provision of $213 million (18.4% effective tax rate) in the third quarter of 2020, $246 million (19.1% effective tax rate) in the third quarter of 2019 and $216 million (18.3% effective tax rate) in the second quarter of 2020.

Our total tax reserves as of Sept. 30, 2020 were $85 million compared with $173 million at Dec. 31, 2019. If these tax reserves were unnecessary, $85 million would affect the effective tax rate in future periods. We recognize accrued interest and penalties, if applicable, related to income taxes in income tax expense. Included in the balance sheet at Sept. 30, 2020 is accrued interest, where applicable, of
$23 million. The additional tax expense related to interest for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020 was $5 million, compared with $9 million for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2019.

It is reasonably possible the total reserve for uncertain tax positions could decrease within the next 12 months by approximately $15 million as a result of adjustments related to tax years that are still subject to examination.
Our federal income tax returns are closed to examination through 2016. Our New York State and New York City income tax returns are closed to examination through 2012. Our UK income tax returns are closed to examination through 2015.