Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

In calculating the provision for income taxes, the Company uses an estimate of the annual effective tax rate based upon the facts and circumstances known at each interim period. On a quarterly basis, the actual effective tax rate is adjusted, as appropriate, based upon changed facts and circumstances, if any, as compared to those forecasted at the beginning of the fiscal year and each interim period thereafter.

The statutory tax rate in Ireland is being used as a comparison since the Company is domiciled in Ireland. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company's effective tax rate for continuing operations was 34% and was higher than the statutory tax rate of 12.5% primarily due to valuation allowance adjustments, the income tax effects of mark-to-market adjustments and tax rate differentials, partially offset by the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives. For the six months ended March 31, 2021, the Company's effective tax rate for continuing operations was 26% and was higher than the statutory tax rate of 12.5% primarily due to valuation allowance adjustments, the income tax effects of mark-to-market adjustments and tax rate differentials, partially offset by the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company's effective tax rate for continuing operations was 5% and was lower than the statutory tax rate of 12.5% primarily due to tax audit reserve adjustments and the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives, partially offset by tax rate differentials. For the six months ended March 31, 2020, the Company's effective tax rate for continuing operations was 15% and was higher than the statutory tax rate of 12.5% primarily due to a discrete tax charge related to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities as a result of Swiss tax reform and tax rate differentials, partially offset by tax audit reserve adjustments and the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives.

Valuation Allowance

The Company reviews the realizability of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset are considered, along with any other positive or negative evidence. Since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowances may be necessary.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2021, due to changes in forecasted taxable income, the Company recorded a discrete tax charge of $105 million related to valuation allowances on certain Mexico deferred tax assets now considered unrealizable.

Uncertain Tax Positions

At September 30, 2020, the Company had gross tax effected unrecognized tax benefits of $2,528 million, of which $2,132 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. Total net accrued interest at September 30, 2020 was approximately $205 million (net of tax benefit). Total net accrued interest during the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was approximately $24 million (net of tax benefit) and approximately $35 million (net of tax benefit), respectively. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2020, tax audit resolutions resulted in a $22 million net benefit to income tax expense.

In the U.S., fiscal years 2017 through 2018 are currently under exam by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for certain legal entities. Additionally, the Company is currently under exam in the following major non-U.S. jurisdictions for continuing operations:


Tax Jurisdiction						Tax Years Covered

Belgium						2015 - 2020
China						2017 - 2019
Germany						2007 - 2018
Luxembourg						2017 - 2018
Mexico						2015 - 2020
Taiwan						2019
United Kingdom						2014 - 2015, 2018

It is reasonably possible that certain tax examinations and/or tax litigation will conclude within the next twelve months, which could have a material impact on tax expense. Based upon the circumstances surrounding these examinations, the impact is not currently quantifiable.

Other Tax Matters

In the second quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company recorded pension mark-to-market gains of $207 million. The gain generated tax expense of $53 million, which reflects the Company’s current tax position in the impacted jurisdictions.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company recorded $96 million of restructuring and impairment costs. Refer to Note 10, “Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs,” of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. The restructuring costs generated a $15 million tax benefit, which reflects the Company’s current tax position in the impacted jurisdictions.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company recorded $62 million of restructuring and impairment costs. Refer to Note 10, “Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs,” of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. The restructuring costs generated a $4 million tax benefit, which reflects the Company’s current tax position in the impacted jurisdictions.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company recorded $111 million of restructuring and impairment costs. Refer to Note 10, “Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs,” of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. The restructuring costs generated a $16 million tax benefit, which reflects the Company’s current tax position in the impacted jurisdictions.

Impacts of Tax Legislation

On March 27, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act” (“CARES”) was signed into law by the President of the United States. The CARES Act includes, among other things, U.S. corporate income tax provisions related to net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credits, modifications to interest deduction limitations and technical corrections on tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. A majority of non-U.S. countries have also introduced various COVID-19 related corporate income tax relief provisions. The Company does not expect either the U.S. or non-U.S. corporate income tax provisions to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company recorded a noncash discrete tax charge of $30 million due to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Switzerland and the canton of Schaffhausen. On September 28, 2018, the Swiss Parliament approved the Federal Act on Tax Reform and AHV Financing (“TRAF”), which was subsequently approved by the Swiss electorate on May 19, 2019. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, the Swiss Federal Council enacted TRAF which became effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. The impacts of the federal

enactment did not have a material impact to the Company’s financial statements. TRAF also provides for parameters which enable the Swiss cantons to adjust tax rates and establish new regulations for companies. As of September 30, 2019, the canton of Schaffhausen had not concluded its public referendum; however, the enactment did occur during the first quarter of fiscal 2020.During the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, other tax legislation was adopted in various jurisdictions. These law changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References + Details