INCOME TAX EXPENSE	6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
INCOME TAX EXPENSE	10. INCOME TAX EXPENSE The second quarter 2020 effective income tax rate from continuing operations was 11.0% compared to 11.4% in the second quarter of 2019. The effective income tax rate in the first six months of 2020 was 16.9% compared to 19.4% for the first six months of 2019. The income tax expense in the second quarter of 2020 was favorably impacted by the release of a valuation allowance of $2.8 million for foreign net operating losses decreasing the second quarter and year-to-date effective tax rate by 14.3% and 8.2%, respectively. The income tax expense in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 was favorably impacted by tax planning strategies to increase the foreign tax credits claimed retrospectively. The Company reduced the valuation allowance for excess foreign tax credits by $2.3 million and recorded an amended return receivable of $0.2 million, which favorably impacted the 2019 second quarter and year-to-date effective tax rate by 12.9% and 5.9%, respectively.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

10. INCOME TAX EXPENSE

The second quarter 2020 effective income tax rate from continuing operations was 11.0% compared to 11.4% in the second quarter of 2019. The effective income tax rate in the first six months of 2020 was 16.9% compared to 19.4% for the first six months of 2019. The income tax expense in the second quarter of 2020 was favorably impacted by the release of a valuation allowance of $2.8 million for foreign net operating losses decreasing the second quarter and year-to-date effective tax rate by 14.3% and 8.2%, respectively. The income tax expense in the second quarter and first six months of 2019 was favorably impacted by tax planning strategies to increase the foreign tax credits claimed retrospectively. The Company reduced the valuation allowance for excess foreign tax credits by $2.3 million and recorded an amended return receivable of $0.2 million, which favorably impacted the 2019 second quarter and year-to-date effective tax rate by 12.9% and 5.9%, respectively.