Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

9. INCOME TAXES

We review our portfolio of uncertain tax positions and recorded liabilities based on the applicable recognition standards. In this regard, an uncertain tax position represents our expected treatment of a tax position taken in a filed tax return, or planned to be taken in a future tax return, that has not been reflected in measuring income tax expense for financial reporting purposes. We classify uncertain tax positions as non-current income tax liabilities unless expected to be settled within one year.

As of both December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011, our recorded liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $1,246, of which $386 would affect our effective tax rate if recognized. The remaining balance is related to deferred tax items which only impact the timing of tax payments. Due to the effects of filing tax carryback claims, we have no significant statutes of limitations that are anticipated to expire in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012. As such, it is reasonably possible that none of the gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits will reverse during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012.

We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011, we had accrued $626 and $613, respectively, for the payment of tax-related interest and penalties. For the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, income tax expense (benefit) includes an expense of $13 and $18, respectively, for interest and penalties.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various states, and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to federal or state income tax examinations for years before 2002.