Taxes on Earnings	3 Months Ended
Taxes on Earnings	Mar. 31, 2015
Taxes on Earnings
Taxes on Earnings	Note 12 — Taxes on Earnings Taxes on earnings from continuing operations reflect the estimated annual effective rates and include charges for interest and penalties. In the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, taxes on earnings from continuing operations were not affected by any adjustments as the result of the resolution of various tax positions pertaining to prior years. Tax expense related to discontinued operations includes $665 million of tax expense on certain current-year funds earned outside the U. S. that were not designated as permanently reinvested overseas. Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the first quarter of 2015 also reflects the recognition of $13 million of net tax benefits primarily as a result of the resolution of various tax positions related to AbbVie’s operations for years prior to the separation. The conclusion of these tax matters decreased the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $16 million. Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the first quarter of 2014 reflects the recognition of $107 million of net tax benefits primarily as a result of the resolution of various tax positions related to the developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business, as well as AbbVie’s operations, for years prior to the separation. The conclusion of these tax matters decreased the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $102 million. Tax authorities in various jurisdictions regularly review Abbott’s income tax filings. Abbott believes that it is reasonably possible that the recorded amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by $525 million to $635 million, including cash adjustments, within the next twelve months as a result of concluding various domestic and international tax matters. In the U.S., Abbott’s federal income tax returns through 2011 are settled except for two issues.

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

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