XML 52 R14.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.3.1.900
Income and Other Taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
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.

201520142013
Domestic income $968$922$669
Foreign income 1,1001,2071,059
Total$2,068$2,129$1,728

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 the U.K.

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

20152014
Deferred Tax Assets
Deferred investment tax credits$50$52
Regulatory obligations123131
Accrued pension costs217200
Federal loss carryforwards (a)587129
State loss carryforwards (b)319225
Federal and state tax credit carryforwards201196
Foreign capital loss carryforwards387446
Foreign loss carryforwards46
Foreign - pensions171182
Foreign - regulatory obligations1223
Foreign - other811
Contributions in aid of construction139138
Domestic - other209194
Unrealized losses on qualifying derivatives1546
Valuation allowances (b)(662)(622)
Total deferred tax assets1,7801,357
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Domestic plant - net3,8753,079
Taxes recoverable through future rates162156
Other regulatory assets332322
Reacquired debt costs2831
Foreign plant - net777854
Domestic - other2417
Total deferred tax liabilities5,1984,459
Net deferred tax liability$3,418$3,102

(a) Increase in Federal loss carryforwards primarily relates to the extension of bonus depreciation and the impact of bonus depreciation related to the provision to return adjustments.

(b) Includes $77 million of deferred tax assets related to state loss carryforwards and related valuation allowances previously reflected on the PPL Energy Supply Segment. The deferred tax assets and related valuation allowance remain with PPL after the spinoff.

State deferred taxes are determined on a by entity, by jurisdiction basis. As a result, $22 million of net deferred tax assets are shown as “Other noncurrent assets” on the Balance Sheet.

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

2015Expiration
Loss carryforwards
Federal net operating losses (a)$1,6602029-2035
Federal charitable contributions152020
State net operating losses (a) (b)5,2692017-2035
State charitable contributions342016-2020
Foreign net operating losses (c)21Indefinite
Foreign capital losses (d)2,152Indefinite
Credit carryforwards
Federal investment tax credit 1252025-2028
Federal alternative minimum tax credit 40Indefinite
Federal - other (e)292016-2035
State - other52022

(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 $254 million has been recorded against the deferred tax assets for these losses.

(c) A valuation allowance of $4 million has been recorded against the deferred tax assets for these losses.

(d) A valuation allowance of $387 million has been recorded against the deferred tax assets for these losses.

(e) A valuation allowance of $12 million has been recorded against the deferred tax assets for these credits.

State capital loss and foreign tax credit carryforwards were insignificant at December 31, 2015.

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 atCharged toBalance
Beginning Charged Otherat End
of Periodto IncomeAccountsDeductionsof Period
2015$622$24$77(b)$61(a)$662
201458557626622
20136322572(a)585

(a) The reductions of the U.K. statutory income tax rates in 2015 and 2013 resulted in $44 million and $67 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 2015 and 2013.

(b) Valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets previously reflected on the PPL Energy Supply Segment. The deferred tax assets and related valuation allowance remain with PPL after the spinoff.

PPL Global does not 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, 2015 and 2014 were $4.6 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively. 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.

201520142013
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current - Federal$(26)$18$(102)
Current - State2526
Current - Foreign89152181
Total Current Expense8819679
Deferred - Federal699299259
Deferred - State6812084
Deferred - Foreign4196(53)
Total Deferred Expense, excluding operating loss carryforwards808515290
Investment tax credit, net - Federal(4)(5)(5)
Tax expense (benefit) of operating loss carryforwards
Deferred - Federal (a)(396)814
Deferred - State(31)(22)(18)
Total Tax Expense (Benefit) of Operating Loss Carryforwards(427)(14)(4)
Total income taxes from continuing operations$465$692$360
Total income tax expense - Federal$273$320$166
Total income tax expense - State6212466
Total income tax expense - Foreign130248128
Total income taxes from continuing operations$465$692$360

(a) Increase in Federal loss carryforwards primarily relates to the extension of bonus depreciation and the impact of bonus depreciation related to provision to return adjustments.

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

201520142013
Discontinued operations - PPL Energy Supply Segment$(30)$198$(180)
Stock-based compensation recorded to Additional Paid-in Capital(4)(2)
Valuation allowance on state deferred taxes related to issuance costs of Purchase Contracts
recorded to Additional Paid-in Capital(2)
Other comprehensive income(2)(190)159
Valuation allowance on state deferred taxes recorded to other comprehensive income(4)(7)
Total$(36)$4$(32)

201520142013
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense
Federal income tax on Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes at
statutory tax rate - 35%$724$745$605
Increase (decrease) due to:
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit312817
Valuation allowance adjustments (a)245524
Impact of lower U.K. income tax rates (b)(176)(180)(144)
U.S. income tax on foreign earnings - net of foreign tax credit (c) 86321
Federal and state tax reserves adjustments (d)(22)(1)(49)
Impact of the U.K. Finance Acts on deferred tax balances (b)(91)(1)(97)
Depreciation not normalized(5)(7)(8)
State deferred tax rate change (e)(1)15
Interest benefit on U.K. financing entities(20)(5)(7)
Other (8)(4)(17)
Total increase (decrease)(259)(53)(245)
Total income taxes from continuing operations$465$692$360
Effective income tax rate22.5%32.5%20.8%

(a) During 2015, PPL recorded $24 million of deferred income tax expense related to deferred tax valuation allowances. PPL recorded state deferred income tax expense of $12 million primarily related to increased Pennsylvania net operating loss carryforwards expected to be unutilized and $12 million of federal deferred income tax expense primarily related to federal tax credit carryforwards that are expected to expire as a result of lower future taxable earnings due to the extension of bonus depreciation.

As a result of the PPL Energy Supply spinoff announcement, PPL recorded $50 million of deferred income tax expense during 2014 to adjust the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets primarily for state net operating loss carryforwards that were previously supported by the future earnings of PPL Energy Supply. See Note 8 for additional information on the spinoff.

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.

(b) The U.K. Finance Act 2015, enacted in November 2015, reduced the U.K. statutory income tax rate from 20% to 19% effective April 1, 2017 and from 19% to 18% effective April 1, 2020. As a result, PPL reduced its net deferred tax liabilities and recognized a deferred tax benefit during 2015 related to both rate decreases.

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.

(c) During 2015, PPL recorded lower income taxes primarily attributable to a decrease in taxable dividends.

During 2014, PPL recorded $47 million of income tax expense primarily attributable to taxable dividends.

During 2013, PPL recorded $28 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.

(d) In 2015, PPL recorded a $12 million tax benefit related to the settlement of the IRS audit for the tax years 1998-2011.

In May 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that the U.K. Windfall Profits Tax (WPT) imposed on privatized utilities, including WPD, is a creditable tax for U.S. federal income tax purposes. 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.

In 2013, PPL recorded a federal and state income tax reserve benefit of $7 million related to stranded cost securitization. The reserve balance at December 31, 2013 related to stranded costs securitization was zero.

(e) During each period, 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.

201520142013
Taxes, other than income
State gross receipts (a)$89$102$98
Foreign property 148157147
Domestic Other 625853
Total$299$317$298

(a) The decrease in 2015 was primarily due to the settlement of a 2011 gross receipts tax audit resulting in the reversal of $17 million of previously recognized reserves.

(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.

20152014
Deferred Tax Assets
Accrued pension costs$92$85
Contributions in aid of construction111110
Regulatory obligations5639
State loss carryforwards2730
Federal loss carryforwards (a)14651
Other8754
Total deferred tax assets519369
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Electric utility plant - net1,8031,453
Taxes recoverable through future rates135132
Reacquired debt costs1820
Other regulatory assets213173
Other1316
Total deferred tax liabilities2,1821,794
Net deferred tax liability$1,663$1,425

(a) Increase in Federal loss carryforwards primarily relates to the extension of bonus depreciation and the impact of bonus depreciation related to the provision to return adjustments.

At December 31, PPL Electric had the following loss carryforwards.
2015Expiration
Loss carryforwards
Federal net operating losses$4112031-2035
Federal charitable contributions32020
State net operating losses4102030-2032
State charitable contributions132016-2020

Credit carryforwards were insignificant at December 31, 2015.

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.

201520142013
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current - Federal$(80)$60$(15)
Current - State2315(4)
Total Current Expense (Benefit)(57)75(19)
Deferred - Federal28770109
Deferred - State121616
Total Deferred Expense, excluding operating loss carryforwards29986125
Investment tax credit, net - Federal(1)(1)
Tax expense (benefit) of operating loss carryforwards
Deferred - Federal(75)4
Deferred - State(3)(1)
Total Tax Expense (Benefit) of Operating Loss Carryforwards(78)3
Total income tax expense$164$160$108
Total income tax expense - Federal$132$129$97
Total income tax expense - State323111
Total income tax expense$164$160$108

201520142013
Reconciliation of Income Taxes
Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at statutory tax rate - 35%$146$148$111
Increase (decrease) due to:
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit252216
Federal and state tax reserves adjustments (a)2(1)(9)
Federal and state income tax return adjustments (2)1(1)
Depreciation not normalized(4)(6)(6)
Other(3)(4)(3)
Total increase (decrease)1812(3)
Total income tax expense$164$160$108
Effective income tax rate39.4%37.8%34.1%

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

201520142013
Taxes, other than income
State gross receipts (a)$89$102$98
Property and other555
Total$94$107$103

(a) The decrease in 2015 was primarily due to the settlement of a 2011 gross receipts tax audit resulting in the reversal of $17 million of previously recognized reserves.

(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.

20152014
Deferred Tax Assets
Federal loss carryforwards (a)$280$46
State loss carryforwards3536
Tax credit carryforwards181182
Regulatory liabilities6692
Accrued pension costs5353
Income taxes due to customers 1720
Deferred investment tax credits5051
Derivative liability1845
Other5544
Valuation allowances(12)
Total deferred tax assets743569
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Plant - net2,0761,639
Regulatory assets119143
Other1112
Total deferred tax liabilities2,2061,794
Net deferred tax liability$1,463$1,225

(a) Increase in Federal loss carryforwards primarily relates to the extension of bonus depreciation and the impact of bonus depreciation related to the provision to return adjustments.

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.

2015Expiration
Loss carryforwards
Federal net operating losses $8012029-2035
State net operating losses9342028-2035
State capital losses12016
Credit carryforwards
Federal investment tax credit1252025-2028
Federal alternative minimum tax credit28Indefinite
Federal - other 272016-2035
State - other52022

Changes in deferred tax valuation allowances were:

Balance atBalance
Beginning at End
of PeriodAdditionsDeductionsof Period
2015$12(a)$12
2014$4$4(b)
201351(b)4

(a) Represents tax credits expiring in 2016 through 2020 that are more likely than not to expire before being utilized.

(b) 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 from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes" to income taxes for reporting purposes, and details of "Taxes, other than income" were:

201520142013
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current - Federal$2$(247)$(59)
Current - State1810
Total Current Expense (Benefit)3(239)(49)
Deferred - Federal405437244
Deferred - State322320
Total Deferred Expense, excluding benefits of operating loss carryforwards437460264
Investment tax credit, net - Federal(3)(4)(4)
Tax benefit of operating loss carryforwards
Deferred - Federal(198)(8)(4)
Deferred - State(1)
Total Tax Benefit of Operating Loss Carryforwards(198)(8)(5)
Total income tax expense from continuing operations (a)$239$209$206
Total income tax expense - Federal$206$178$177
Total income tax expense - State333129
Total income tax expense from continuing operations (a)$239$209$206

(a) Excludes current and deferred federal and state tax expense (benefit) recorded to Discontinued Operations of less than $1 million in 2015 and 2014, and $1 million in 2013. Also, excludes deferred federal and state tax expense (benefit) recorded to OCI of less than $(1) million in 2015, $(36) million in 2014 and $18 million in 2013.

201520142013
Reconciliation of Income Taxes
Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at
statutory tax rate - 35%$211$194$193
Increase (decrease) due to:
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit222020
Amortization of investment tax credit(3)(4)(4)
Valuation allowance adjustment (a)12
Other(3)(1)(3)
Total increase (decrease)281513
Total income tax expense from continuing operations$239$209$206
Effective income tax rate39.6%37.8%37.4%

(a) Represents a valuation allowance against tax credits expiring from 2016 through 2020 that are more likely than not to expire before being utilized.

201520142013
Taxes, other than income
Property and other$57$52$48
Total $57$52$48

(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.

20152014
Deferred Tax Assets
Federal loss carryforwards (a)$76
Regulatory liabilities38$51
Deferred investment tax credits 1314
Income taxes due to customers1718
Derivative liability1832
Other159
Total deferred tax assets177124
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Plant - net896698
Regulatory assets7590
Accrued pension costs2828
Other78
Total deferred tax liabilities1,006824
Net deferred tax liability$829$700

(a) Increase in Federal loss carryforwards primarily relates to the extension of bonus depreciation.

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

At December 31, 2015, LG&E had $218 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards that expire in 2035, $1 million of federal credit carryforwards that expire from 2031 to 2035 and $2 million of state credit carryforwards that expire in 2022.

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:

201520142013
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current - Federal$(15)$(25)$52
Current - State31016
Total Current Expense (Benefit)(12)(15)68
Deferred - Federal19011433
Deferred - State136(2)
Total Deferred Expense, excluding benefits of operating loss carryforwards20312031
Investment tax credit, net - Federal(1)(2)(2)
Tax benefit of operating loss carryforwards
Deferred - Federal(76)(3)
Total Tax Benefit of Operating Loss Carryforwards(76)(3)
Total income tax expense$114$103$94
Total income tax expense - Federal$98$87$80
Total income tax expense - State161614
Total income tax expense$114$103$94

201520142013
Reconciliation of Income Taxes
Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at
statutory tax rate - 35%$105$95$90
Increase (decrease) due to:
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit111010
Amortization of investment tax credit(1)(2)(2)
Other(1)(4)
Total increase (decrease)984
Total income tax expense$114$103$94
Effective income tax rate38.1%37.9%36.6%

201520142013
Taxes, other than income
Property and other$28$25$24
Total $28$25$24

(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.

20152014
Deferred Tax Assets
Federal loss carryforwards (a)$97
Regulatory liabilities28$41
Deferred investment tax credits3637
Income taxes due to customers2
Derivative liability13
Other77
Total deferred tax assets168100
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Plant - net1,164922
Regulatory assets4453
Other67
Total deferred tax liabilities1,214982
Net deferred tax liability$1,046$882

(a) Increase in Federal loss carryforwards primarily relates to the extension of bonus depreciation.

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

At December 31, 2015, KU had $279 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards that expire in 2035 and $2 million of state credit carryforwards that expire in 2022.

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:

201520142013
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current - Federal$(21)$(95)$51
Current - State1612
Total Current Expense (Benefit)(20)(89)63
Deferred - Federal24021266
Deferred - State19148
Total Deferred Expense, excluding benefits of operating loss carryforwards25922674
Investment tax credit, net - Federal(2)(2)(2)
Tax benefit of operating loss carryforwards
Deferred - Federal (97)(3)
Total Tax Benefit of Operating Loss Carryforwards(97)(3)
Total income tax expense (a)$140$135$132
Total income tax expense - Federal$120$115$112
Total income tax expense - State202020
Total income tax expense (a)$140$135$132

(a) Excludes deferred federal and state tax expense (benefit) recorded to OCI of less than $(1) million in 2015, 2014 and 2013.

201520142013
Reconciliation of Income Taxes
Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at
statutory tax rate - 35%$131$124$126
Increase (decrease) due to:
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit131314
Amortization of investment tax credit(2)(2)(2)
Other(2)(6)
Total increase (decrease)9116
Total income tax expense$140$135$132
Effective income tax rate37.4%38.0%36.7%

201520142013
Taxes, other than income
Property and other$29$27$24
Total $29$27$24

Unrecognized Tax Benefits (All Registrants)

PPL or its subsidiaries file tax returns in four major tax jurisdictions. The income tax provisions for 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 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, 2015, these jurisdictions, as well as the tax years that are no longer subject to examination, were as follows.

PPLPPL ElectricLKELG&EKU
U.S. (federal) 2011 and prior2011 and prior2011 and prior2011 and prior2011 and prior
Pennsylvania (state)2011 and prior2011 and prior
Kentucky (state)2010 and prior 2010 and prior2010 and prior2010 and prior
U.K. (foreign) 2012 and prior

Other (PPL)

In 2015, PPL recorded a tax benefit of $24 million, related to the settlement of the IRS audit for tax years 1998-2011. Of this amount, $12 million is reflected in Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes.