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TAXES
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
TAXES
TAXES
In accordance with GAAP, we estimate the full-year effective tax rate from continuing operations and apply this rate to our year-to-date income from continuing operations. In addition, we separately calculate the tax impact of unusual or infrequent items, if any. The tax impacts of such unusual or infrequent items are treated discretely in the quarter in which they occur. During the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, our effective tax rate was 262.3% and 20.8%, respectively.
The relationship between our provision for or benefit from income taxes and our pre-tax book income can vary significantly from period to period considering, among other factors, (a) the overall level of pre-tax book income, (b) changes in the blend of income that is taxed based on gross revenues or at high effective tax rates versus pre-tax book income or at low effective tax rates and (c) our geographical blend of pre-tax book income. Consequently, our income tax expense does not change proportionally with our pre-tax book income. Significant decreases in our pre-tax book income typically result in higher effective tax rates, while significant increases in pre-tax book income can lead to lower effective tax rates, subject to the other factors impacting income tax expense noted above. The increase in our effective tax rate (excluding discrete items) for the three months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014 primarily related to an increase in the blend of income taxed in relatively high taxed jurisdictions versus low taxed jurisdictions. Additionally, during the three months ended June 30, 2015, we increased our valuation allowance by $2.0 million which also increased our effective tax rate.
As of June 30, 2015, there were $5.1 million of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which would have an impact on our effective tax rate if recognized except for items with indemnities. The uncertain tax benefits relate to pre-acquisition tax matters for the February 2014 acquisition of the 60% interest in Eastern Airways and are the subject of an indemnity, for which a corresponding indemnity asset has been established in the amount of $4.2 million.