14.

INCOME TAXES: The effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2016 was 30.3% compared to 26.3% for the second quarter of 2015. The increase in the effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2016 as compared to the second quarter of 2015 is primarily due to a $9.3 million benefit related to state tax credits during the second quarter of 2015. The increase in the effective tax rate is also due to the change in relative proportions of net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests to total pre-tax earnings between the periods.

Nucor has substantially concluded U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2012. The 2013 and 2014 tax years remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Canada Revenue Agency has substantially concluded its examination of the 2012 Canadian returns for Harris Steel Group Inc. and certain related affiliates and is now examining the 2013 Canadian returns. The 2009 through 2015 tax years remain open to examination by other major taxing jurisdictions to which Nucor is subject (primarily Canada and other state and local jurisdictions).

Non-current deferred tax liabilities included in deferred credits and other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were $451.4 million at July 2, 2016 ($449.2 million at December 31, 2015).