Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 26, 2022

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

INCOME TAXES

TE 13 - INCOME TAXES

The benefit rate for the three months ending March 26, 2022 was 0.6% compared with a benefit rate of 9.8% for the three months ending March 27, 2021. Because the Company maintains a full valuation allowance against its deferred income tax balances, the Company is only able to recognize refundable credits, a small amount of state taxes, and a benefit for the recognition of stranded tax effects within other comprehensive income (loss) related to the termination of certain derivative contracts in the tax benefit for the first three months of 2022. The Company is in a net deferred tax liability position of $91 at March 26, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectively, which is included in other long-term liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

The Company accounts for uncertainty in income tax positions according to FASB guidance relating to uncertain tax positions. Unrecognized tax benefits were $497 and $494 at March 26, 2022 and December 25, 2021, respectively. Such benefits, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective tax rate. There were no significant interest or penalties accrued as of March 26, 2022 and December 25, 2021.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to United States federal income taxes, as well as income taxes in a number of state jurisdictions. The tax years subsequent to 2017 remain open to examination for U.S. federal income taxes. The majority of state jurisdictions remain open for tax years subsequent to 2017. A few state jurisdictions remain open to examination for tax years subsequent to 2016.