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Income and Other Taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Income and Other Taxes [Abstract]  
Income and Other Taxes

5. Income and Other Taxes

 

(PPL)

 

"Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes" included the following.

   2013 2012 2011
           
Domestic income  $ 196 $ 994 $ 1,715
Foreign income    1,113   1,088   486
 Total $ 1,309 $ 2,082 $ 2,201

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes and their basis for income tax purposes and the tax effects of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The provision for PPL's deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities is based upon the ratemaking principles of the applicable jurisdiction. See Notes 1 and 6 for additional information.

 

Net deferred tax assets have been recognized based on management's estimates of future taxable income for the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions in which PPL's operations have historically been profitable.

 

Significant components of PPL's deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

    2013 2012
Deferred Tax Assets      
 Deferred investment tax credits $137 $130
 Regulatory obligations  144  124
 Accrued pension costs  140  276
 Federal loss carryforwards  331  524
 State loss carryforwards  304  305
 Federal and state tax credit carryforwards  332  287
 Foreign capital loss carryforwards  467  525
 Foreign loss carryforwards  6  6
 Foreign - pensions  202  254
 Foreign - regulatory obligations  26  27
 Foreign - other  12  16
 Contributions in aid of construction  137  134
 Domestic - other  211  239
 Valuation allowances  (663)  (706)
  Total deferred tax assets  1,786  2,141
         
Deferred Tax Liabilities      
 Domestic plant - net   4,073   3,967
 Taxes recoverable through future rates   151   141
 Unrealized gain on qualifying derivatives   37   122
 Other regulatory assets   244   319
 Reacquired debt costs   34   40
 Foreign plant - net   859   937
 Domestic - other   78   66
  Total deferred tax liabilities   5,476   5,592
Net deferred tax liability $ 3,690 $ 3,451

At December 31, PPL had the following loss and tax credit carryforwards.

   2013  Expiration
        
Loss carryforwards      
 Federal net operating losses (a) $ 952  2028-2032
 State net operating losses (a) (b)   5,011  2014-2033
 State capital losses (c)   125  2014-2016
 Foreign net operating losses (d)   30  Indefinite
 Foreign capital losses (e)   2,333  Indefinite
        
Credit carryforwards      
 Federal investment tax credit    245  2025-2033
 Federal alternative minimum tax credit    32  Indefinite
 Federal foreign tax credit   17  2017-2023
 Federal - other    35  2016-2033
 State - other   5  2022

(a)       Includes an insignificant amount of federal and state net operating loss carryforwards from excess tax deductions related to stock compensation for which a tax benefit will be recorded in Equity when realized.

(b)       A valuation allowance of $185 million has been recorded against the deferred tax assets for these losses.

(c)       A valuation allowance of $5 million has been recorded against the deferred tax assets for these losses.

(d)       A valuation allowance of $6 million has been recorded against the deferred tax assets for these losses.

(e)       A valuation allowance of $467 million has been recorded against the deferred tax assets for these losses.

 

Valuation allowances have been established for the amount that, more likely than not, will not be realized. The changes in deferred tax valuation allowances were as follows:

     Additions       
  Balance at    Charged to     Balance
  Beginning  Charged  Other    at End
  of Period to Income Accounts Deductions of Period
                  
2013 $ 706 $ 29     $ 72(a) $ 663
2012   724   18 $ 10    46(a)   706
2011   464   190   112(b)   42(a)   724

(a)       The reductions of the U.K. statutory income tax rate in 2013, 2012 and 2011 resulted in $67 million, $46 million and $35 million in reductions in deferred tax assets and the corresponding valuation allowances. See "Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense" below for more information on the impact of the U.K. Finance Acts of 2013, 2012 and 2011.

(b)       Primarily related to a $101 million valuation allowance that was recorded against certain deferred tax assets as a result of the 2011 acquisition of WPD Midlands. See Note 10 for additional information on the acquisition.

PPL Global does not pay or record U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of WPD, with the exception of certain financing entities, as management has determined that the earnings are indefinitely reinvested. Historically, dividends paid by WPD have been distributions from current year's earnings. WPD's long-term working capital forecasts and capital expenditure projections for the foreseeable future require reinvestment of WPD's undistributed earnings, and WPD would have to issue debt or access credit facilities to fund any distributions in excess of current earnings. Additionally, U.S. long-term working capital forecasts and capital expenditure projections for the foreseeable future do not require or contemplate distributions from WPD in excess of some portion of future WPD earnings. The cumulative undistributed earnings are included in "Earnings Reinvested" on the Balance Sheets. The amounts considered indefinitely reinvested at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $2.9 billion and $2.0 billion. If the WPD undistributed earnings were remitted as dividends, PPL Global could be subject to additional U.S. taxes, net of allowable foreign tax credits. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of additional taxes that could be payable on these foreign earnings in the event of repatriation to the U.S.

 

Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to "Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes" to income taxes for reporting purposes, and details of "Taxes, other than income" were as follows:

     2013 2012 2011
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)         
 Current - Federal $ (75)    $ 54
 Current - State   1 $ (2)   (20)
 Current - Foreign   181   121   73
   Total Current Expense (Benefit)   107   119   107
 Deferred - Federal   73   553   558
 Deferred - State   45   103   127
 Deferred - Foreign   (53)   35   (23)
   Total Deferred Expense (Benefit), excluding operating loss carryforwards   65   691   662
             
 Investment tax credit, net - Federal   (10)   (10)   (10)
 Tax expense (benefit) of operating loss carryforwards         
  Deferred - Federal (a)   36   (195)   (30)
  Deferred - State   (18)   (60)   (38)
   Total Tax Expense (Benefit) of Operating Loss Carryforwards   18   (255)   (68)
 Total income taxes from continuing operations $ 180 $ 545 $ 691
             
 Total income tax expense - Federal $ 24 $ 348 $ 572
 Total income tax expense (benefit) - State  28   41   69
 Total income tax expense - Foreign   128   156   50
   Total income taxes from continuing operations $ 180 $ 545 $ 691

(a)       A 2012 Federal income tax return adjustment was recorded in 2013 related to a reduction in the 2012 NOL recorded in the filed return. The reduction was primarily due to PPL's decision, at the time of filing, to utilize regular modified accelerated cost recovery system (MACRS) depreciation rates for certain non-regulated assets otherwise eligible for bonus tax depreciation.

 

In the table above, the following income tax expense (benefits) are excluded from income taxes from continuing operations.

    2013 2012 2011
            
Discontinued operations $1 $(4) $2
Stock-based compensation recorded to Additional Paid-in Capital  (2)  (1)  3
Issuance costs of Purchase Contracts recorded to Additional Paid-in Capital        (9)
Valuation allowance on state deferred taxes related to issuance costs of Purchase Contracts         
 recorded to Additional Paid-in Capital  (2)     4
Other comprehensive income  159  (526)  (144)
Valuation allowance on state deferred taxes recorded to other comprehensive income  (7)     7
  Total $149 $(531) $(137)

     2013 2012 2011
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense         
 Federal income tax on Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes at         
  statutory tax rate - 35% $ 458 $ 729 $ 770
Increase (decrease) due to:         
 State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit   (7)   27   63
 State valuation allowance adjustments (a)   24   13   36
 Impact of lower U.K. income tax rates (b)   (129)   (110)   (33)
 U.S. income tax on foreign earnings - net of foreign tax credit (c)    9   26   (26)
 Federal and state tax reserves adjustments (d)   (43)   (1)   39
 Foreign tax reserves adjustments (e)   (2)   (5)   (141)
 Federal and state income tax return adjustments (a) (f)   (5)   16   (17)
 Foreign income tax return adjustments    (4)   (6)   
 Impact of the U.K. Finance Acts on deferred tax balances (b)   (97)   (75)   (69)
 Federal income tax credits (g)   (9)   (12)   (13)
 Depreciation not normalized (a)   (8)   (11)   (20)
 Foreign valuation allowance adjustments (e)         147
 State deferred tax rate change (h)   15   (19)   (26)
 Net operating loss carryforward adjustments (i)      (9)   
 Intercompany interest on U.K. financing entities (j)   (10)   (9)   (8)
 Other    (12)   (9)   (11)
   Total increase (decrease)   (278)   (184)   (79)
Total income taxes from continuing operations $ 180 $ 545 $ 691
Effective income tax rate  13.8%  26.2%  31.4%

(a)       During 2013, PPL recorded $23 million of state deferred income tax expense related to a deferred tax valuation allowance primarily due to a decrease in projected future taxable income at PPL Energy Supply over the remaining carryforward period of Pennsylvania net operating losses.

 

During 2011, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue issued interpretive guidance on the treatment of bonus depreciation for Pennsylvania income tax purposes. The guidance allows 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying assets in the same year bonus depreciation is allowed for Federal income tax purposes. Due to the decrease in projected taxable income related to bonus depreciation and a decrease in projected future taxable income, PPL recorded $43 million in state deferred income tax expense related to deferred tax valuation allowances during 2011.

 

Additionally, the 100% Pennsylvania bonus depreciation deduction created a current state income tax benefit for the flow-through impact of Pennsylvania regulated state tax depreciation. The federal provision for 100% bonus depreciation generally applies to property placed into service before January 1, 2012. The placed in-service deadline was extended to January 1, 2013 for property that had a cost in excess of $1 million, had a production period longer than one year and had a tax life of at least ten years. PPL's tax deduction for 100% bonus regulated tax depreciation was zero in 2013 and was significantly lower in 2012 than in 2011.

(b)       The U.K. Finance Act 2013, enacted in July 2013, reduced the U.K. statutory income tax rate from 23% to 21% effective April 1, 2014 and from 21% to 20% effective April 1, 2015. As a result, PPL reduced its net deferred tax liabilities and recognized a deferred tax benefit during 2013 related to both rate decreases.

 

The U.K. Finance Act 2012, enacted in July 2012, reduced the U.K. statutory income tax rate from 25% to 24% retroactive to April 1, 2012 and from 24% to 23% effective April 1, 2013. As a result, PPL reduced its net deferred tax liabilities and recognized a deferred tax benefit during 2012 related to both rate decreases.

 

The U.K. Finance Act 2011, enacted in July 2011, reduced the U.K. statutory income tax rate from 27% to 26% retroactive to April 1, 2011 and from 26% to 25% effective April 1, 2012. As a result, PPL reduced its net deferred tax liabilities and recognized a deferred tax benefit during 2011 related to both rate decreases.

(c)       During 2013, PPL recorded $25 million of income tax expense resulting from increased taxable dividends offset by a $19 million income tax benefit associated with a ruling obtained from the IRS impacting the recalculation of 2010 U.K. earnings and profits that was reflected on an amended 2010 U.S. tax return.

 

During 2012, PPL recorded a $23 million adjustment to federal income tax expense related to the recalculation of 2010 U.K. earnings and profits.

 

During 2011, PPL recorded a $28 million federal income tax benefit related to U.K. pension contributions.

(d)       In 1997, the U.K. imposed a Windfall Profits Tax (WPT) on privatized utilities, including WPD. PPL filed its federal income tax returns for years subsequent to its 1997 and 1998 claims for refund on the basis that the U.K. WPT was creditable. In September 2010, the U.S. Tax Court (Tax Court) ruled in PPL's favor in a dispute with the IRS, concluding that the U.K. WPT is a creditable tax for U.S. tax purposes. As a result, and with the finalization of other issues, PPL recorded a $42 million tax benefit in 2010. In January 2011, the IRS appealed the Tax Court's decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (Third Circuit). In December 2011, the Third Circuit issued its opinion reversing the Tax Court's decision, holding that the U.K. WPT is not a creditable tax. As a result of the Third Circuit's adverse determination, PPL recorded a $39 million expense in 2011. In June 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a contrary opinion in an identical case involving another company. In July 2012, PPL filed a petition for a writ of certiorari seeking U.S. Supreme Court review of the Third Circuit's opinion. The Supreme Court granted PPL's petition and oral argument was held in February 2013. On May 20, 2013, the Supreme Court reversed the Third Circuit's opinion and ruled that the WPT is a creditable tax. As a result of the Supreme Court ruling, PPL recorded a tax benefit of $44 million during 2013, of which $19 million relates to interest.

 

PPL recorded a tax benefit of $7 million during 2013 and $6 million during 2012 and 2011 to federal and state income tax reserves related to stranded cost securitization. The reserve balance at December 31, 2013 related to stranded costs securitization is zero.

(e)       During 2012, PPL recorded a foreign tax benefit following resolution of a U.K. tax issue related to interest expense.

 

During 2011, WPD reached an agreement with HMRC related to the amount of the capital losses that resulted from prior years' restructuring in the U.K. and recorded a $147 million foreign tax benefit for the reversal of tax reserves related to the capital losses. Additionally, WPD recorded a $147 million valuation allowance for the amount of capital losses that, more likely than not, will not be utilized.

(f)       During 2012, PPL recorded $16 million in federal and state income tax expense related to the filing of the 2011 federal and state income tax returns. Of this amount, $5 million relates to the reversal of prior years' state income tax benefits related to regulated depreciation. PPL changed its method of accounting for repair expenditures for tax purposes effective for its 2008 tax year. In August 2011, the IRS issued guidance regarding the use and evaluation of statistical samples and sampling estimates for network assets. The IRS guidance provided a safe harbor method of determining whether the repair expenditures for electric transmission and distribution property can be currently deducted for tax purposes. PPL adopted the safe harbor method with the filing of its 2011 federal income tax return.

 

During 2011, PPL recorded $17 million in federal and state tax benefits related to the filing of the 2010 federal and state income tax returns. Of this amount, $7 million in tax benefits related to an additional domestic manufacturing deduction resulting from revised bonus depreciation amounts and $3 million in tax benefits related to the flow-through impact of Pennsylvania regulated state tax depreciation.

(g)       During 2013, 2012 and 2011, PPL recorded a deferred tax benefit related to investment tax credits on progress expenditures related to hydroelectric plant expansions. See Note 8 for additional information.

(h)       During 2013, 2012 and 2011, PPL recorded adjustments related to its December 31 state deferred tax liabilities as a result of annual changes in state apportionment and the impact on the future estimated state income tax rate.

(i)       During 2012, PPL recorded adjustments to deferred taxes related to net operating loss carryforwards of LKE based on income tax return adjustments.

(j)       During 2013, 2012 and 2011, PPL recorded income tax benefits related to interest expense on intercompany loans.

    2013 2012 2011
Taxes, other than income         
 State gross receipts $ 135 $ 135 $ 140
 State utility realty   2   2   (9)
 State capital stock   2   7   18
 Foreign property    147   147   113
 Domestic property and other    78   75   64
 Total $ 364 $ 366 $ 326

(PPL Energy Supply)

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes and their basis for income tax purposes and the tax effects of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.

 

Net deferred tax assets have been recognized based on management's estimates of future taxable income for the U.S. jurisdictions in which PPL Energy Supply's operations have historically been profitable.

 

Significant components of PPL Energy Supply's deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

    2013 2012
Deferred Tax Assets      
 Deferred investment tax credits $ 84 $ 75
 Accrued pension costs   39   94
 Federal loss carryforwards   28   51
 Federal tax credit carryforwards   131   113
 State loss carryforwards   80   79
 Other   69   68
 Valuation allowances   (78)   (74)
  Total deferred tax assets   353   406
         
Deferred Tax Liabilities      
 Plant - net   1,392   1,579
 Unrealized gain on qualifying derivatives   38   173
 Other    46   44
  Total deferred tax liabilities   1,476   1,796
Net deferred tax liability $ 1,123 $ 1,390

At December 31, PPL Energy Supply had the following loss and tax credit carryforwards.   
        
   2013  Expiration
Loss carryforwards      
 Federal net operating losses $ 80  2031-2032
 State net operating losses (a)   1,204  2014-2033
        
Credit carryforwards      
 Federal investment tax credit   120  2031-2033
 Federal - other   9  2031-2033
        

(a) A valuation allowance of $78 million has been recorded against the deferred tax assets for these losses.

 

Federal alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards were insignificant at December 31, 2013.

 

Valuation allowances have been established for the amount that, more likely than not, will not be realized. The changes in deferred tax valuation allowances were:

     Additions       
  Balance at    Charged to      Balance
  Beginning Charged Other      at End
  of Period to Income Accounts Deductions of Period
                  
2013 $ 74 $ 4         $ 78
2012   72   2           74
2011   408   22     $ 358(a)   72

(a)       During 2011, PPL Energy Supply distributed its membership interest in PPL Global to PPL Energy Funding. See Note 9 for additional information.

Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to "Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes" to income taxes for reporting purposes, and details of "Taxes, other than income" were as follows:

     2013 2012 2011
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)         
 Current - Federal $ 134 $ 89 $ 139
 Current - State   21   22   (12)
   Total Current Expense (Benefit)   155   111   127
 Deferred - Federal   (287)   193   251
 Deferred - State   (27)   10   70
   Total Deferred Expense (Benefit), excluding operating loss carryforwards   (314)   203   321
             
 Investment tax credit, net - federal   (5)   (2)   (3)
 Tax expense (benefit) of operating loss carryforwards         
  Deferred - Federal (a)   22   (48)   
  Deferred - State      (1)   
   Total Tax Expense (Benefit) of Operating Loss Carryforwards    22   (49)   
 Total income taxes from continuing operations (b) $ (142) $ 263 $ 445
             
 Total income tax expense - Federal $ (136) $ 232 $ 387
 Total income tax expense (benefit) - State   (6)   31   58
   Total income taxes from continuing operations (b) $ (142) $ 263 $ 445

(a)        A 2012 federal income tax return adjustment was recorded in 2013 related to a reduction in the 2012 NOL recorded in the filed return. The reduction was primarily due to PPL's decision, at the time of filing, to utilize regular MACRS depreciation rates for certain non-regulated assets otherwise eligible for bonus tax depreciation.

(b)       Excludes current and deferred federal, state and foreign tax expense (benefit) recorded to Discontinued Operations of $3 million in 2011. Also, excludes federal, state and foreign tax expense (benefit) recorded to OCI of $47 million in 2013, $(267) million in 2012 and $(83) million in 2011. The deferred tax benefit of operating loss carryforwards was insignificant for 2011.

     2013 2012 2011
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense         
 Federal income tax on Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes at         
  statutory tax rate - 35% $ (130) $ 258 $ 424
Increase (decrease) due to:         
 State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit   (22)   33   60
 State valuation allowance adjustments (a)   4   2   22
 State deferred tax rate change (b)   15   (19)   (26)
 Federal and state tax reserves adjustments (c)   6   (2)   2
 Federal and state income tax return adjustments (d)   (1)   4   (22)
 Federal income tax credits (e)   (8)   (12)   (12)
 Other   (6)   (1)   (3)
   Total increase (decrease)   (12)   5   21
Total income taxes from continuing operations $ (142) $ 263 $ 445
Effective income tax rate  38.3%  35.6%  36.7%

(a)       During 2011, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue issued interpretive guidance on the treatment of bonus depreciation for Pennsylvania income tax purposes. The guidance allows 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying assets in the same year bonus depreciation is allowed for Federal income tax purposes. Due to the decrease in projected taxable income related to bonus depreciation and a decrease in projected future taxable income, PPL Energy Supply recorded state deferred income tax expense related to deferred tax valuation allowances during 2011.

(b)       During 2013, 2012 and 2011, PPL Energy Supply recorded adjustments related to its December 31 state deferred tax liabilities as a result of annual changes in state apportionment and the impact on the future estimated state income tax rate. .

(c)       During 2013, PPL Energy Supply reversed $3 million in tax benefits related to a 2008 change in method of accounting for certain expenditures for tax purposes and recorded $4 million in federal tax expense related to differences in over (under) payment interest rates applied to audit claims as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision related to Windfall Profits Tax.

(d)       During 2011, PPL Energy Supply recorded federal and state tax benefits related to the filing of the 2010 federal and state income tax returns. Of this amount, $7 million in tax benefits related to an additional domestic manufacturing deduction resulting from revised bonus depreciation amounts.

(e)       During 2013, 2012 and 2011, PPL Energy Supply recorded a deferred tax benefit related to investment tax credits on progress expenditures related to hydroelectric plant expansions. See Note 8 for additional information.

    2013 2012 2011
Taxes, other than income         
 State gross receipts $ 37 $ 35 $ 31
 State capital stock   1   5   12
 Property and other   28   29   28
  Total $ 66 $ 69 $ 71

(PPL Electric)

 

The provision for PPL Electric's deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities is based upon the ratemaking principles reflected in rates established by the PUC and the FERC. The difference in the provision for deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities and the amount that otherwise would be recorded under GAAP is deferred and included in "Regulatory assets" or "Regulated liabilities" on the Balance Sheets.

 

Significant components of PPL Electric's deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows.

    2013 2012
Deferred Tax Assets      
 Accrued pension costs $42 $81
 Contributions in aid of construction  109  106
 Regulatory obligations  38  24
 State loss carryforwards  35  39
 Federal loss carryforwards  72  81
 Other  45  46
  Total deferred tax assets  341  377
         
Deferred Tax Liabilities      
 Electric utility plant - net  1,366  1,229
 Taxes recoverable through future rates  129  122
 Reacquired debt costs  23  27
 Other regulatory assets  129  174
 Other  8  12
  Total deferred tax liabilities  1,655  1,564
Net deferred tax liability $1,314 $1,187

At December 31, PPL Electric had the following loss carryforwards.   
        
   2013  Expiration
        
Loss carryforwards      
 Federal net operating losses $ 206  2031-2032
 State net operating losses   534  2030-2032
        

Credit carryforwards were insignificant at December 31, 2013.

 

Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to "Income Before Income Taxes" to income taxes for reporting purposes, and details of "Taxes, other than income" were as follows:

     2013 2012 2011
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)         
 Current - Federal $ (15) $ (28) $ (25)
 Current - State   (4)   (18)   (13)
   Total Current Expense (Benefit)   (19)   (46)   (38)
 Deferred - Federal   109   162   123
 Deferred - State   16   42   25
   Total Deferred Expense (Benefit), excluding operating loss carryforwards   125   204   148
             
 Investment tax credit, net - Federal   (1)   (1)   (2)
 Tax expense (benefit) of operating loss carryforwards         
  Deferred - Federal   4   (72)   (12)
  Deferred - State   (1)   (17)   (28)
   Total Tax Expense (Benefit) of Operating Loss Carryforwards   3   (89)   (40)
 Total income tax expense $ 108 $ 68 $ 68
             
 Total income tax expense - Federal $ 97 $ 61 $ 84
 Total income tax expense (benefit) - State   11   7   (16)
   Total income tax expense $ 108 $ 68 $ 68

     2013 2012 2011
Reconciliation of Income Taxes         
 Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at statutory tax rate - 35% $ 111 $ 71 $ 90
Increase (decrease) due to:         
 State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit   16   9   12
 Amortization of investment tax credit   (1)   (1)   (2)
 Federal and state tax reserves adjustments (a)   (9)   (8)   (9)
 Federal and state income tax return adjustments (b)    (1)   7   (4)
 Depreciation not normalized (c)   (6)   (8)   (17)
 Other   (2)   (2)   (2)
   Total increase (decrease)   (3)   (3)   (22)
Total income tax expense $ 108 $ 68 $ 68
Effective income tax rate  34.1%  33.3%  26.5%

(a)       PPL Electric recorded a tax benefit of $7 million during 2013 and $6 million during 2012 and 2011 to federal and state income tax reserves related to stranded cost securitization. The reserve balance at December 31, 2013 related to stranded costs securitization is zero.

(b)       PPL Electric changed its method of accounting for repair expenditures for tax purposes effective for its 2008 tax year. In August 2011, the IRS issued guidance regarding the use and evaluation of statistical samples and sampling estimates for network assets. The IRS guidance provided a safe harbor method of determining whether the repair expenditures for electric transmission and distribution property can be currently deducted for tax purposes. PPL Electric adopted the safe harbor method with the filing of its 2011 federal income tax return and recorded a $5 million adjustment to federal and state income tax expense resulting from the reversal of prior years' state income tax benefits related to regulated depreciation.

 

During 2011, PPL Electric recorded a $5 million federal and state income tax benefit as a result of filing its 2010 federal and state income tax returns. Of this amount, $3 million in tax benefits related to the flow-through impact of Pennsylvania regulated 100% bonus tax depreciation.

(c)       During 2011, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue issued interpretive guidance on the treatment of bonus depreciation for Pennsylvania income tax purposes. The guidance allows 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying assets in the same year bonus depreciation is allowed for Federal income tax purposes. The 100% Pennsylvania bonus depreciation deduction created a current state income tax benefit for the flow-through impact of Pennsylvania regulated state tax depreciation. The federal provision for 100% bonus depreciation generally applies to property placed into service before January 1, 2012. The placed in service deadline was extended to January 1, 2013 for property that had a cost in excess of $1 million, had a production period longer that one year and had a tax life of at least ten years. PPL Electric's tax deduction for 100% bonus depreciation was zero in 2013 and was significantly lower in 2012 than in 2011.

    2013 2012 2011
Taxes, other than income         
 State gross receipts $ 98 $ 101 $ 109
 State utility realty (a)   2   2   (10)
 State capital stock   1   1   4
 Property and other   2   1   1
  Total $ 103 $ 105 $ 104

(a)       2011 includes PURTA tax that was refunded to PPL Electric customers in 2011.

(LKE)

 

The provision for LKE's deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities is based upon the ratemaking principles reflected in rates established by the KPSC, VSCC, TRA and the FERC. The difference in the provision for deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities and the amount that otherwise would be recorded under GAAP is deferred and included in "Regulatory assets" or "Regulatory liabilities" on the Balance Sheets.

 

Significant components of LKE's deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

    2013 2012
Deferred Tax Assets      
 Net operating loss carryforward $222 $376
 Tax credit carryforwards  179  170
 Regulatory liabilities  107  99
 Accrued pension costs  26  42
 Capital loss carryforward  4  5
 Income taxes due to customers   23  26
 Deferred investment tax credits  52  54
 Other  57  41
 Valuation allowances  (4)  (5)
  Total deferred tax assets  666  808
         
Deferred Tax Liabilities      
 Plant - net  1,327  1,171
 Regulatory assets  133  152
 Other  12  13
  Total deferred tax liabilities  1,472  1,336
Net deferred tax liability $806 $528

LKE expects to have adequate levels of taxable income to realize its recorded deferred income tax assets.

 

At December 31, LKE had the following loss and tax credit carryforwards.

   2013 Expiration
       
Loss carryforwards     
 Federal net operating losses  $ 523 2028-2032
 State net operating losses   1,024 2028-2032
 State capital losses   106 2014-2016
       
Credit carryforwards     
 Federal investment tax credit   125 2025-2028
 Federal alternative minimum tax credit   28 Indefinite
 Federal - other    26 2016-2033
 State - other   9 2022

Changes in deferred tax valuation allowances were:

  Balance at        Balance
  Beginning       at End
  of Period Additions Deductions of Period
              
2013 $ 5    $ 1(a) $ 4
2012   5          5
2011   6      1(a)   5

(a)       Primarily related to the expiration of state capital loss carryforwards.

 

Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to "Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes" to income taxes for reporting purposes, and details of "Taxes, other than income" were:

    2013 2012 2011
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)        
 Current - Federal$ (59) $ (32) $ (71)
 Current - State  10   2  6
   Total Current Expense (Benefit)  (49)   (30)   (65)
 Deferred - Federal  244   185   208
 Deferred - State  20   15   16
   Total Deferred Expense, excluding benefits of operating loss carryforwards  264   200   224
 Investment tax credit, net - Federal  (4)   (6)   (6)
 Tax benefit of operating loss carryforwards        
  Deferred - Federal  (4)   (46)   
  Deferred - State  (1)   (12)   
   Total Tax Benefit of Operating Loss Carryforwards  (5)   (58)   
 Total income tax expense from continuing operations (a)$ 206 $ 106 $ 153
            
 Total income tax expense - Federal$ 177 $ 101 $ 131
 Total income tax expense - State  29   5   22
   Total income tax expense from continuing operations (a)$ 206 $ 106 $ 153

(a)       Excludes current and deferred federal and state tax expense (benefit) recorded to Discontinued Operations of $1 million in 2013, $(4) million in 2012, and $(1) million in 2011. Also, excludes deferred federal and state tax expense (benefit) recorded to OCI of $18 million in 2013, $(12) million in 2012 and $(1) million in 2011.

     2013 2012 2011
Reconciliation of Income Taxes         
 Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at          
  statutory tax rate - 35% $ 193 $ 116 $ 147
Increase (decrease) due to:         
 State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit   20   6   15
 Amortization of investment tax credit   (4)   (6)   (5)
 Net operating loss carryforward (a)      (9)   
 Other   (3)   (1)   (4)
   Total increase (decrease)   13   (10)   6
Total income tax expense from continuing operations $ 206 $ 106 $ 153
Effective income tax rate  37.4%  32.0%  36.5%

(a)       During 2012, LKE recorded adjustments to deferred taxes related to net operating loss carryforwards based on income tax return adjustments.

     2013 2012 2011
Taxes, other than income         
 Property and other $ 48 $ 46 $ 37
   Total  $ 48 $ 46 $ 37

(LG&E)

 

The provision for LG&E's deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities is based upon the ratemaking principles reflected in rates established by the KPSC and the FERC. The difference in the provision for deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities and the amount that otherwise would be recorded under GAAP is deferred and included in "Regulatory assets" or "Regulatory liabilities" on the Balance Sheets.

 

Significant components of LG&E's deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

    2013 2012
Deferred Tax Assets      
 Regulatory liabilities $59 $54
 Deferred investment tax credits   15  16
 Income taxes due to customers  19  21
 Other  28  9
  Total deferred tax assets  121  100
         
Deferred Tax Liabilities      
 Plant - net  585  526
 Regulatory assets  83  86
 Accrued pension costs  24  27
 Other  8  9
  Total deferred tax liabilities  700  648
Net deferred tax liability $579 $548

LG&E expects to have adequate levels of taxable income to realize its recorded deferred income tax assets.

 

At December 31, 2013, LG&E had $10 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards that expire in 2032 and $22 million of state net operating loss carryforwards that expire in 2030.

Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to "Income Before Income Taxes" to income taxes for reporting purposes, and details of "Taxes, other than income" were:

     2013 2012 2011
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)         
 Current - Federal $ 52 $ (2) $ 12
 Current - State   16   3   8
   Total Current Expense (Benefit)   68   1   20
 Deferred - Federal   33   65   52
 Deferred - State   (2)   6   2
   Total Deferred Expense, excluding benefits of operating loss carryforwards   31   71   54
 Investment tax credit, net - Federal   (2)   (3)   (3)
 Tax benefit of operating loss carryforwards         
  Deferred - Federal  (3)      
   Total Tax Benefit of Operating Loss Carryforwards   (3)      
 Total income tax expense $ 94 $ 69 $ 71
             
 Total income tax expense - Federal $ 80 $ 60 $ 61
 Total income tax expense - State   14   9   10
   Total income tax expense $ 94 $ 69 $ 71

     2013 2012 2011
Reconciliation of Income Taxes         
 Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at          
  statutory tax rate - 35% $ 90 $ 67 $ 68
Increase (decrease) due to:         
 State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit   10   5   7
 Amortization of investment tax credit   (2)   (3)   (3)
 Other   (4)      (1)
   Total increase (decrease)   4   2   3
Total income tax expense $ 94 $ 69 $ 71
Effective income tax rate  36.6%  35.9%  36.4%

     2013 2012 2011
Taxes, other than income         
 Property and other $ 24 $ 23 $ 18
   Total  $ 24 $ 23 $ 18

(KU)

 

The provision for KU's deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities is based upon the ratemaking principles reflected in rates established by the KPSC, VSCC, TRA and the FERC. The difference in the provision for deferred income taxes for regulated assets and liabilities and the amount that otherwise would be recorded under GAAP is deferred and included in "Regulatory assets" or "Regulatory liabilities" on the Balance Sheets.

 

Significant components of KU's deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

    2013 2012
Deferred Tax Assets      
 Regulatory liabilities $47 $45
 Deferred investment tax credits  38  38
 Net operating loss carryforward  23  20
 Income taxes due to customers  4  5
 Accrued pension costs     (5)
 Other  8  7
  Total deferred tax assets  120  110
         
Deferred Tax Liabilities      
 Plant - net  721  623
 Regulatory assets  50  65
 Other  4  5
  Total deferred tax liabilities  775  693
Net deferred tax liability $655 $583

KU expects to have adequate levels of taxable income to realize its recorded deferred income tax assets.

 

At December 31, 2013, KU had $65 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards that expire in 2032.

Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to "Income Before Income Taxes" to income taxes for reporting purposes, and details of "Taxes, other than income" were:

     2013 2012 2011
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)         
 Current - Federal $ 51 $ (20) $ (8)
 Current - State   12   (1)   4
   Total Current Expense (Benefit)   63   (21)   (4)
 Deferred - Federal   66   111   101
 Deferred - State   8   11   10
   Total Deferred Expense, excluding benefits of operating loss carryforwards   74   122   111
 Investment tax credit, net - Federal   (2)   (3)   (3)
 Tax benefit of operating loss carryforwards         
  Deferred - Federal    (3)   (20)   
   Total Tax Benefit of Operating Loss Carryforwards   (3)   (20)   
 Total income tax expense (a) $ 132 $ 78 $ 104
             
 Total income tax expense - Federal $ 112 $ 68 $ 90
 Total income tax expense - State   20   10   14
   Total income tax expense (a) $ 132 $ 78 $ 104
             

(a)       Excludes deferred federal and state tax (benefit) recorded to OCI of less than $1 million in 2013 and $1 million in 2012.

     2013 2012 2011
Reconciliation of Income Taxes         
 Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at          
  statutory tax rate - 35% $ 126 $ 75 $ 99
Increase (decrease) due to:         
 State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit   14   6   9
 Amortization of investment tax credit   (2)   (3)   (3)
 Other   (6)      (1)
   Total increase (decrease)   6   3   5
Total income tax expense $ 132 $ 78 $ 104
Effective income tax rate  36.7%  36.3%  36.9%

     2013 2012 2011
Taxes, other than income         
 Property and other $ 24 $ 23 $ 19
   Total  $ 24 $ 23 $ 19

Unrecognized Tax Benefits (All Registrants)

 

Changes to unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:

   2013 2012
PPL      
 Beginning of period $92 $145
 Additions based on tax positions of prior years  3  15
 Reductions based on tax positions of prior years  (32)  (61)
 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year     7
 Reductions based on tax positions related to the current year     (3)
 Settlements  (30)  (2)
 Lapse of applicable statute of limitation  (11)  (9)
 End of period $22 $92
        
PPL Energy Supply      
 Beginning of period $30 $28
 Additions based on tax positions of prior years     4
 Reductions based on tax positions of prior years  (15)  (2)
 End of period $15 $30
        
PPL Electric      
 Beginning of period $26 $73
 Reductions based on tax positions of prior years  (17)  (43)
 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year     5
 Lapse of applicable statute of limitation  (9)  (9)
 End of period $  $26

LKE's, LG&E's and KU's unrecognized tax benefits and changes in those unrecognized tax benefits are insignificant at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

 

At December 31, 2013, it was reasonably possible that during the next 12 months the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits could increase or decrease by the following amounts. For PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU, no significant changes in unrecognized tax benefits are projected over the next 12 months.

  Increase Decrease
       
PPL $  $22
PPL Energy Supply     15

These potential changes could result from subsequent recognition, derecognition and/or changes in the measurement of uncertain tax positions related to the creditability of foreign taxes, the timing and utilization of foreign tax credits and the related impact on alternative minimum tax and other credits, the timing and/or valuation of certain deductions, intercompany transactions and unitary filing groups. The events that could cause these changes are direct settlements with taxing authorities, litigation, legal or administrative guidance by relevant taxing authorities and the lapse of an applicable statute of limitation.

 

At December 31, the total unrecognized tax benefits and related indirect effects that, if recognized, would decrease the effective tax rate were as follows. The amounts for LKE, LG&E and KU were insignificant.

  2013 2012
       
PPL $21 $38
PPL Energy Supply  14  13
PPL Electric     3

At December 31, the following receivable (payable) balances were recorded for interest related to tax positions. The amounts for LKE, LG&E and KU were insignificant.

  2013 2012
       
PPL $15 $(16)
PPL Energy Supply  15  17
PPL Electric  3  1

The following interest expense (benefit) was recognized in income taxes. The amounts for LKE, LG&E and KU were insignificant.

  2013 2012 2011
          
PPL $ (30) $ (4) $ 27
PPL Energy Supply   5   (4)   6
PPL Electric   (7)   (4)   (5)

PPL or its subsidiaries file tax returns in five major tax jurisdictions. The income tax provisions for PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU are calculated in accordance with an intercompany tax sharing agreement which provides that taxable income be calculated as if each domestic subsidiary filed a separate consolidated return. Based on this tax sharing agreement, PPL Energy Supply or its subsidiaries indirectly or directly file tax returns in three major tax jurisdictions, PPL Electric or its subsidiaries indirectly or directly file tax returns in two major tax jurisdictions, and LKE, LG&E and KU or their subsidiaries indirectly or directly file tax returns in two major tax jurisdictions. With few exceptions, at December 31, 2013, these jurisdictions, as well as the tax years that are no longer subject to examination, were as follows:

    PPL        
  PPL Energy Supply PPL Electric LKE LG&E KU
U.S. (federal) (a) 1997 and prior 1997 and prior 1997 and prior 10/31/2010 and prior 10/31/2010 and prior 10/31/2010 and prior
Pennsylvania (state) 2009 and prior 2009 and prior 2008 and prior      
Kentucky (state) 2008 and prior     2010 and prior 2010 and prior 2010 and prior
Montana (state) 2009 and prior 2009 and prior        
U.K. (foreign)  2011 and prior          

(a)        For LKE, LG&E, and KU, the ten month period ending October 31, 2010 remains open under the standard three year statute of limitations; however, the IRS has completed its audit of these periods under the Compliance Assurance Process, effectively closing them to audit adjustments. No issues remain outstanding.

 

Other (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

 

PPL changed its method of accounting for repair expenditures for tax purposes effective for its 2008 tax year for Pennsylvania operations. PPL made the same change for its Montana operations for the 2009 tax year. In 2011, the IRS issued guidance on repair expenditures related to network assets providing a safe harbor method of determining whether the repair expenditures can be currently deducted for tax purposes. On April 30, 2013, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2013-24 providing guidance to taxpayers to determine whether expenditures to maintain, replace or improve steam or electric generation property must be capitalized for tax purposes. PPL believes that this guidance will not have a material impact on PPL's current treatment of such expenditures. The IRS may assert, and ultimately conclude, that PPL's deduction for generation-related expenditures should be less than the amount determined by PPL. PPL believes that it has established adequate reserves for this contingency.