INCOME TAXES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

 INCOME TAXES

For the first quarter 2019, income tax expense was $9.9 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of 17.8% compared with income tax expense of $7.7 million and an effective tax rate of 20.1% for the comparable period in 2018. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to favorable resolution of a state uncertain tax position, favorable tax reform guidance related to the treatment of acquired bank owned life insurance and stock compensation activity.

At both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, First Financial had $2.4 million and $2.9 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits, as determined in FASB ASC Topic 740-10, Income Taxes, that if recognized would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. The unrecognized tax benefits relate to state income tax exposures from taking tax positions where the Company believes it is likely that, upon examination, a state may take a position contrary to the position taken by First Financial. The Company believes that resolution regarding our uncertain tax positions is reasonably possible within the next twelve months and could result in full, partial or no recognition of the benefit. First Financial recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as income tax expense. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had no interest or penalties recorded.

First Financial and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as state and local income tax in several jurisdictions.  Tax years prior to 2014 have been closed and are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations. Tax years 2014 through 2018 remain open to examination by the federal taxing authority.

First Financial is no longer subject to state and local income tax examinations for years prior to 2011.  Tax years 2011 through 2018 remain open to state and local examination in various jurisdictions.