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Income Taxes
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate was 29.5% and 25.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, respectively. The increase was due to the favorable resolution of tax audits in 2015, partially offset by a lower effective tax rate on the disposition of J.D. Power in 2016. The effective tax rate was 30.6% and 30.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, respectively.

At the end of each interim period, we estimate the annual effective tax rate and apply that rate to our ordinary quarterly earnings. The tax expense or benefit related to significant, unusual or extraordinary items that will be separately reported or reported net of their related tax effect, and are individually computed, is recognized in the interim period in which those items occur. In addition, the effect of changes in enacted tax laws or rates or tax status is recognized in the interim period in which the change occurs.

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the total amount of federal, state and local, and foreign unrecognized tax benefits was $121 million and $120 million, respectively, exclusive of interest and penalties. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and operating-related expense, respectively. In addition, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had $40 million and $31 million, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits.

Based on the current status of income tax audits, we believe that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits may significantly decrease in the next twelve months. Although the ultimate resolution of our tax audits is unpredictable, the resulting change in our unrecognized tax benefits could have a material impact on our results of operations and/or cash flows.