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Income Taxes
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Income Taxes
INCOME TAXES

The disclosures in this note apply to all Registrants unless indicated otherwise.

AEP System Tax Allocation Agreement

AEP and subsidiaries join in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return.  The allocation of the AEP System’s current consolidated federal income tax to the AEP System companies allocates the benefit of current tax losses to the AEP System companies giving rise to such losses in determining their current tax expense.  The tax benefit of the Parent is allocated to its subsidiaries with taxable income.  With the exception of the loss of the Parent, the method of allocation reflects a separate return result for each company in the consolidated group.

Valuation Allowance (Applies to AEP)

AEP assesses available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income of the appropriate tax character will be generated to realize the benefits of existing deferred tax assets. When the evaluation of the evidence indicates that AEP will not be able to realize the benefits of existing deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce existing deferred tax assets to the net realizable amount. Objective negative evidence evaluated includes whether AEP has a history of recognizing income of the character which can be offset by capital loss carryforwards. Other objective negative evidence evaluated is the impact recently enacted federal tax legislation will have on future taxable income and on AEP’s ability to benefit from the carryforward of charitable contribution deductions.

On the basis of this evaluation, AEP recorded a change in the valuation allowance in the third quarter of 2016. AEP reduced the capital loss valuation allowance by $66 million to reflect the impact of the reclassification of certain assets as held for sale and the filing of the 2015 federal income tax return. The sale of these assets is expected to result in a gain, the character of which allows AEP to use the capital loss and reverse substantially all of the remaining capital loss valuation allowance previously recorded.

A valuation allowance of $9 million has been recorded against AEP’s deferred tax asset balance as of September 30, 2016. The valuation allowance reflects management’s assessment of the amount of deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized. The amount of the deferred tax assets realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income are materially impacted during the carryforward period.

Federal and State Income Tax Audit Status

AEP and subsidiaries are no longer subject to U.S. federal examination for years before 2011. The IRS examination of years 2011, 2012 and 2013 started in April 2014. AEP and subsidiaries received a Revenue Agents Report in April 2016, completing the 2011 through 2013 audit cycle indicating an agreed upon audit. The 2011 through 2013 audit was submitted to the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation for approval. AEP was informed that the IRS expects the Joint Committee to refer the audit back to the IRS exam team for further consideration. Although the outcome of tax audits are uncertain, in management’s opinion, adequate provisions for federal income taxes have been made for potential liabilities resulting from such matters.  In addition, the Registrants accrue interest on these uncertain tax positions.  Management is not aware of any issues for open tax years that upon final resolution are expected to materially impact net income.

AEP and subsidiaries file income tax returns in various state, local or foreign jurisdictions.  These taxing authorities routinely examine the tax returns. AEP and subsidiaries are currently under examination in several state and local jurisdictions.  However, it is possible that previously filed tax returns have positions that may be challenged by these tax authorities.  Management believes that adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for potential liabilities resulting from such challenges and that the ultimate resolution of these audits will not materially impact net income.  The Registrants are no longer subject to state, local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009.
State Tax Legislation (Applies to AEP, PSO and SWEPCo)

In March 2016, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts issued clarifying guidance regarding the treatment of transmission and distribution expenses included in the computation of taxable income for purposes of calculating the Texas gross margin tax. The guidance clarified which specific transmission and distribution expenses are included in the computation of the cost of goods sold deduction. This guidance resulted in a net favorable adjustment to net income of $21 million, $2 million and $9 million during the first nine months of 2016 for AEP, PSO and SWEPCo, respectively.

In March 2016, Louisiana enacted several tax bills impacting income taxes, franchise taxes and sales taxes. The income tax provisions limit the use of Louisiana net operating losses and the sales tax provisions increase the sales tax rate and suspend or eliminate certain exemptions. The legislation is not expected to materially impact net income or cash flows.
Appalachian Power Co [Member]  
Income Taxes
INCOME TAXES

The disclosures in this note apply to all Registrants unless indicated otherwise.

AEP System Tax Allocation Agreement

AEP and subsidiaries join in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return.  The allocation of the AEP System’s current consolidated federal income tax to the AEP System companies allocates the benefit of current tax losses to the AEP System companies giving rise to such losses in determining their current tax expense.  The tax benefit of the Parent is allocated to its subsidiaries with taxable income.  With the exception of the loss of the Parent, the method of allocation reflects a separate return result for each company in the consolidated group.

Valuation Allowance (Applies to AEP)

AEP assesses available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income of the appropriate tax character will be generated to realize the benefits of existing deferred tax assets. When the evaluation of the evidence indicates that AEP will not be able to realize the benefits of existing deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce existing deferred tax assets to the net realizable amount. Objective negative evidence evaluated includes whether AEP has a history of recognizing income of the character which can be offset by capital loss carryforwards. Other objective negative evidence evaluated is the impact recently enacted federal tax legislation will have on future taxable income and on AEP’s ability to benefit from the carryforward of charitable contribution deductions.

On the basis of this evaluation, AEP recorded a change in the valuation allowance in the third quarter of 2016. AEP reduced the capital loss valuation allowance by $66 million to reflect the impact of the reclassification of certain assets as held for sale and the filing of the 2015 federal income tax return. The sale of these assets is expected to result in a gain, the character of which allows AEP to use the capital loss and reverse substantially all of the remaining capital loss valuation allowance previously recorded.

A valuation allowance of $9 million has been recorded against AEP’s deferred tax asset balance as of September 30, 2016. The valuation allowance reflects management’s assessment of the amount of deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized. The amount of the deferred tax assets realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income are materially impacted during the carryforward period.

Federal and State Income Tax Audit Status

AEP and subsidiaries are no longer subject to U.S. federal examination for years before 2011. The IRS examination of years 2011, 2012 and 2013 started in April 2014. AEP and subsidiaries received a Revenue Agents Report in April 2016, completing the 2011 through 2013 audit cycle indicating an agreed upon audit. The 2011 through 2013 audit was submitted to the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation for approval. AEP was informed that the IRS expects the Joint Committee to refer the audit back to the IRS exam team for further consideration. Although the outcome of tax audits are uncertain, in management’s opinion, adequate provisions for federal income taxes have been made for potential liabilities resulting from such matters.  In addition, the Registrants accrue interest on these uncertain tax positions.  Management is not aware of any issues for open tax years that upon final resolution are expected to materially impact net income.

AEP and subsidiaries file income tax returns in various state, local or foreign jurisdictions.  These taxing authorities routinely examine the tax returns. AEP and subsidiaries are currently under examination in several state and local jurisdictions.  However, it is possible that previously filed tax returns have positions that may be challenged by these tax authorities.  Management believes that adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for potential liabilities resulting from such challenges and that the ultimate resolution of these audits will not materially impact net income.  The Registrants are no longer subject to state, local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009.
State Tax Legislation (Applies to AEP, PSO and SWEPCo)

In March 2016, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts issued clarifying guidance regarding the treatment of transmission and distribution expenses included in the computation of taxable income for purposes of calculating the Texas gross margin tax. The guidance clarified which specific transmission and distribution expenses are included in the computation of the cost of goods sold deduction. This guidance resulted in a net favorable adjustment to net income of $21 million, $2 million and $9 million during the first nine months of 2016 for AEP, PSO and SWEPCo, respectively.

In March 2016, Louisiana enacted several tax bills impacting income taxes, franchise taxes and sales taxes. The income tax provisions limit the use of Louisiana net operating losses and the sales tax provisions increase the sales tax rate and suspend or eliminate certain exemptions. The legislation is not expected to materially impact net income or cash flows.
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member]  
Income Taxes
INCOME TAXES

The disclosures in this note apply to all Registrants unless indicated otherwise.

AEP System Tax Allocation Agreement

AEP and subsidiaries join in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return.  The allocation of the AEP System’s current consolidated federal income tax to the AEP System companies allocates the benefit of current tax losses to the AEP System companies giving rise to such losses in determining their current tax expense.  The tax benefit of the Parent is allocated to its subsidiaries with taxable income.  With the exception of the loss of the Parent, the method of allocation reflects a separate return result for each company in the consolidated group.

Valuation Allowance (Applies to AEP)

AEP assesses available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income of the appropriate tax character will be generated to realize the benefits of existing deferred tax assets. When the evaluation of the evidence indicates that AEP will not be able to realize the benefits of existing deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce existing deferred tax assets to the net realizable amount. Objective negative evidence evaluated includes whether AEP has a history of recognizing income of the character which can be offset by capital loss carryforwards. Other objective negative evidence evaluated is the impact recently enacted federal tax legislation will have on future taxable income and on AEP’s ability to benefit from the carryforward of charitable contribution deductions.

On the basis of this evaluation, AEP recorded a change in the valuation allowance in the third quarter of 2016. AEP reduced the capital loss valuation allowance by $66 million to reflect the impact of the reclassification of certain assets as held for sale and the filing of the 2015 federal income tax return. The sale of these assets is expected to result in a gain, the character of which allows AEP to use the capital loss and reverse substantially all of the remaining capital loss valuation allowance previously recorded.

A valuation allowance of $9 million has been recorded against AEP’s deferred tax asset balance as of September 30, 2016. The valuation allowance reflects management’s assessment of the amount of deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized. The amount of the deferred tax assets realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income are materially impacted during the carryforward period.

Federal and State Income Tax Audit Status

AEP and subsidiaries are no longer subject to U.S. federal examination for years before 2011. The IRS examination of years 2011, 2012 and 2013 started in April 2014. AEP and subsidiaries received a Revenue Agents Report in April 2016, completing the 2011 through 2013 audit cycle indicating an agreed upon audit. The 2011 through 2013 audit was submitted to the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation for approval. AEP was informed that the IRS expects the Joint Committee to refer the audit back to the IRS exam team for further consideration. Although the outcome of tax audits are uncertain, in management’s opinion, adequate provisions for federal income taxes have been made for potential liabilities resulting from such matters.  In addition, the Registrants accrue interest on these uncertain tax positions.  Management is not aware of any issues for open tax years that upon final resolution are expected to materially impact net income.

AEP and subsidiaries file income tax returns in various state, local or foreign jurisdictions.  These taxing authorities routinely examine the tax returns. AEP and subsidiaries are currently under examination in several state and local jurisdictions.  However, it is possible that previously filed tax returns have positions that may be challenged by these tax authorities.  Management believes that adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for potential liabilities resulting from such challenges and that the ultimate resolution of these audits will not materially impact net income.  The Registrants are no longer subject to state, local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009.
State Tax Legislation (Applies to AEP, PSO and SWEPCo)

In March 2016, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts issued clarifying guidance regarding the treatment of transmission and distribution expenses included in the computation of taxable income for purposes of calculating the Texas gross margin tax. The guidance clarified which specific transmission and distribution expenses are included in the computation of the cost of goods sold deduction. This guidance resulted in a net favorable adjustment to net income of $21 million, $2 million and $9 million during the first nine months of 2016 for AEP, PSO and SWEPCo, respectively.

In March 2016, Louisiana enacted several tax bills impacting income taxes, franchise taxes and sales taxes. The income tax provisions limit the use of Louisiana net operating losses and the sales tax provisions increase the sales tax rate and suspend or eliminate certain exemptions. The legislation is not expected to materially impact net income or cash flows.
Ohio Power Co [Member]  
Income Taxes
INCOME TAXES

The disclosures in this note apply to all Registrants unless indicated otherwise.

AEP System Tax Allocation Agreement

AEP and subsidiaries join in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return.  The allocation of the AEP System’s current consolidated federal income tax to the AEP System companies allocates the benefit of current tax losses to the AEP System companies giving rise to such losses in determining their current tax expense.  The tax benefit of the Parent is allocated to its subsidiaries with taxable income.  With the exception of the loss of the Parent, the method of allocation reflects a separate return result for each company in the consolidated group.

Valuation Allowance (Applies to AEP)

AEP assesses available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income of the appropriate tax character will be generated to realize the benefits of existing deferred tax assets. When the evaluation of the evidence indicates that AEP will not be able to realize the benefits of existing deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce existing deferred tax assets to the net realizable amount. Objective negative evidence evaluated includes whether AEP has a history of recognizing income of the character which can be offset by capital loss carryforwards. Other objective negative evidence evaluated is the impact recently enacted federal tax legislation will have on future taxable income and on AEP’s ability to benefit from the carryforward of charitable contribution deductions.

On the basis of this evaluation, AEP recorded a change in the valuation allowance in the third quarter of 2016. AEP reduced the capital loss valuation allowance by $66 million to reflect the impact of the reclassification of certain assets as held for sale and the filing of the 2015 federal income tax return. The sale of these assets is expected to result in a gain, the character of which allows AEP to use the capital loss and reverse substantially all of the remaining capital loss valuation allowance previously recorded.

A valuation allowance of $9 million has been recorded against AEP’s deferred tax asset balance as of September 30, 2016. The valuation allowance reflects management’s assessment of the amount of deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized. The amount of the deferred tax assets realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income are materially impacted during the carryforward period.

Federal and State Income Tax Audit Status

AEP and subsidiaries are no longer subject to U.S. federal examination for years before 2011. The IRS examination of years 2011, 2012 and 2013 started in April 2014. AEP and subsidiaries received a Revenue Agents Report in April 2016, completing the 2011 through 2013 audit cycle indicating an agreed upon audit. The 2011 through 2013 audit was submitted to the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation for approval. AEP was informed that the IRS expects the Joint Committee to refer the audit back to the IRS exam team for further consideration. Although the outcome of tax audits are uncertain, in management’s opinion, adequate provisions for federal income taxes have been made for potential liabilities resulting from such matters.  In addition, the Registrants accrue interest on these uncertain tax positions.  Management is not aware of any issues for open tax years that upon final resolution are expected to materially impact net income.

AEP and subsidiaries file income tax returns in various state, local or foreign jurisdictions.  These taxing authorities routinely examine the tax returns. AEP and subsidiaries are currently under examination in several state and local jurisdictions.  However, it is possible that previously filed tax returns have positions that may be challenged by these tax authorities.  Management believes that adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for potential liabilities resulting from such challenges and that the ultimate resolution of these audits will not materially impact net income.  The Registrants are no longer subject to state, local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009.
State Tax Legislation (Applies to AEP, PSO and SWEPCo)

In March 2016, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts issued clarifying guidance regarding the treatment of transmission and distribution expenses included in the computation of taxable income for purposes of calculating the Texas gross margin tax. The guidance clarified which specific transmission and distribution expenses are included in the computation of the cost of goods sold deduction. This guidance resulted in a net favorable adjustment to net income of $21 million, $2 million and $9 million during the first nine months of 2016 for AEP, PSO and SWEPCo, respectively.

In March 2016, Louisiana enacted several tax bills impacting income taxes, franchise taxes and sales taxes. The income tax provisions limit the use of Louisiana net operating losses and the sales tax provisions increase the sales tax rate and suspend or eliminate certain exemptions. The legislation is not expected to materially impact net income or cash flows.
Public Service Co Of Oklahoma [Member]  
Income Taxes
INCOME TAXES

The disclosures in this note apply to all Registrants unless indicated otherwise.

AEP System Tax Allocation Agreement

AEP and subsidiaries join in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return.  The allocation of the AEP System’s current consolidated federal income tax to the AEP System companies allocates the benefit of current tax losses to the AEP System companies giving rise to such losses in determining their current tax expense.  The tax benefit of the Parent is allocated to its subsidiaries with taxable income.  With the exception of the loss of the Parent, the method of allocation reflects a separate return result for each company in the consolidated group.

Valuation Allowance (Applies to AEP)

AEP assesses available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income of the appropriate tax character will be generated to realize the benefits of existing deferred tax assets. When the evaluation of the evidence indicates that AEP will not be able to realize the benefits of existing deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce existing deferred tax assets to the net realizable amount. Objective negative evidence evaluated includes whether AEP has a history of recognizing income of the character which can be offset by capital loss carryforwards. Other objective negative evidence evaluated is the impact recently enacted federal tax legislation will have on future taxable income and on AEP’s ability to benefit from the carryforward of charitable contribution deductions.

On the basis of this evaluation, AEP recorded a change in the valuation allowance in the third quarter of 2016. AEP reduced the capital loss valuation allowance by $66 million to reflect the impact of the reclassification of certain assets as held for sale and the filing of the 2015 federal income tax return. The sale of these assets is expected to result in a gain, the character of which allows AEP to use the capital loss and reverse substantially all of the remaining capital loss valuation allowance previously recorded.

A valuation allowance of $9 million has been recorded against AEP’s deferred tax asset balance as of September 30, 2016. The valuation allowance reflects management’s assessment of the amount of deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized. The amount of the deferred tax assets realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income are materially impacted during the carryforward period.

Federal and State Income Tax Audit Status

AEP and subsidiaries are no longer subject to U.S. federal examination for years before 2011. The IRS examination of years 2011, 2012 and 2013 started in April 2014. AEP and subsidiaries received a Revenue Agents Report in April 2016, completing the 2011 through 2013 audit cycle indicating an agreed upon audit. The 2011 through 2013 audit was submitted to the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation for approval. AEP was informed that the IRS expects the Joint Committee to refer the audit back to the IRS exam team for further consideration. Although the outcome of tax audits are uncertain, in management’s opinion, adequate provisions for federal income taxes have been made for potential liabilities resulting from such matters.  In addition, the Registrants accrue interest on these uncertain tax positions.  Management is not aware of any issues for open tax years that upon final resolution are expected to materially impact net income.

AEP and subsidiaries file income tax returns in various state, local or foreign jurisdictions.  These taxing authorities routinely examine the tax returns. AEP and subsidiaries are currently under examination in several state and local jurisdictions.  However, it is possible that previously filed tax returns have positions that may be challenged by these tax authorities.  Management believes that adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for potential liabilities resulting from such challenges and that the ultimate resolution of these audits will not materially impact net income.  The Registrants are no longer subject to state, local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009.
State Tax Legislation (Applies to AEP, PSO and SWEPCo)

In March 2016, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts issued clarifying guidance regarding the treatment of transmission and distribution expenses included in the computation of taxable income for purposes of calculating the Texas gross margin tax. The guidance clarified which specific transmission and distribution expenses are included in the computation of the cost of goods sold deduction. This guidance resulted in a net favorable adjustment to net income of $21 million, $2 million and $9 million during the first nine months of 2016 for AEP, PSO and SWEPCo, respectively.

In March 2016, Louisiana enacted several tax bills impacting income taxes, franchise taxes and sales taxes. The income tax provisions limit the use of Louisiana net operating losses and the sales tax provisions increase the sales tax rate and suspend or eliminate certain exemptions. The legislation is not expected to materially impact net income or cash flows.
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member]  
Income Taxes
INCOME TAXES

The disclosures in this note apply to all Registrants unless indicated otherwise.

AEP System Tax Allocation Agreement

AEP and subsidiaries join in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return.  The allocation of the AEP System’s current consolidated federal income tax to the AEP System companies allocates the benefit of current tax losses to the AEP System companies giving rise to such losses in determining their current tax expense.  The tax benefit of the Parent is allocated to its subsidiaries with taxable income.  With the exception of the loss of the Parent, the method of allocation reflects a separate return result for each company in the consolidated group.

Valuation Allowance (Applies to AEP)

AEP assesses available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income of the appropriate tax character will be generated to realize the benefits of existing deferred tax assets. When the evaluation of the evidence indicates that AEP will not be able to realize the benefits of existing deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce existing deferred tax assets to the net realizable amount. Objective negative evidence evaluated includes whether AEP has a history of recognizing income of the character which can be offset by capital loss carryforwards. Other objective negative evidence evaluated is the impact recently enacted federal tax legislation will have on future taxable income and on AEP’s ability to benefit from the carryforward of charitable contribution deductions.

On the basis of this evaluation, AEP recorded a change in the valuation allowance in the third quarter of 2016. AEP reduced the capital loss valuation allowance by $66 million to reflect the impact of the reclassification of certain assets as held for sale and the filing of the 2015 federal income tax return. The sale of these assets is expected to result in a gain, the character of which allows AEP to use the capital loss and reverse substantially all of the remaining capital loss valuation allowance previously recorded.

A valuation allowance of $9 million has been recorded against AEP’s deferred tax asset balance as of September 30, 2016. The valuation allowance reflects management’s assessment of the amount of deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized. The amount of the deferred tax assets realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income are materially impacted during the carryforward period.

Federal and State Income Tax Audit Status

AEP and subsidiaries are no longer subject to U.S. federal examination for years before 2011. The IRS examination of years 2011, 2012 and 2013 started in April 2014. AEP and subsidiaries received a Revenue Agents Report in April 2016, completing the 2011 through 2013 audit cycle indicating an agreed upon audit. The 2011 through 2013 audit was submitted to the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation for approval. AEP was informed that the IRS expects the Joint Committee to refer the audit back to the IRS exam team for further consideration. Although the outcome of tax audits are uncertain, in management’s opinion, adequate provisions for federal income taxes have been made for potential liabilities resulting from such matters.  In addition, the Registrants accrue interest on these uncertain tax positions.  Management is not aware of any issues for open tax years that upon final resolution are expected to materially impact net income.

AEP and subsidiaries file income tax returns in various state, local or foreign jurisdictions.  These taxing authorities routinely examine the tax returns. AEP and subsidiaries are currently under examination in several state and local jurisdictions.  However, it is possible that previously filed tax returns have positions that may be challenged by these tax authorities.  Management believes that adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for potential liabilities resulting from such challenges and that the ultimate resolution of these audits will not materially impact net income.  The Registrants are no longer subject to state, local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009.
State Tax Legislation (Applies to AEP, PSO and SWEPCo)

In March 2016, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts issued clarifying guidance regarding the treatment of transmission and distribution expenses included in the computation of taxable income for purposes of calculating the Texas gross margin tax. The guidance clarified which specific transmission and distribution expenses are included in the computation of the cost of goods sold deduction. This guidance resulted in a net favorable adjustment to net income of $21 million, $2 million and $9 million during the first nine months of 2016 for AEP, PSO and SWEPCo, respectively.

In March 2016, Louisiana enacted several tax bills impacting income taxes, franchise taxes and sales taxes. The income tax provisions limit the use of Louisiana net operating losses and the sales tax provisions increase the sales tax rate and suspend or eliminate certain exemptions. The legislation is not expected to materially impact net income or cash flows.