INCOME TAXES

The following table summarizes the provision for income taxes for continuing operations for the three and six months ended June 30, and the applicable effective tax rates (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Provision for income taxes	$	2,202		$	4,089		$	5,494		$	2,838
Effective tax rate	35.0		%	38.9		%	36.3		%	39.5		%

The Company’s provision for income taxes in interim periods is computed by applying forecasted annual effective tax rates to income or loss before income taxes for the interim period. In addition, non-recurring or discrete items, including interest on prior year tax liabilities, are recorded during the period in which they occur. To the extent that actual income or loss before taxes for the full year differs from the forecast estimates applied at the end of the most recent interim period, the actual tax rate recognized for the year ending December 31, 2015 could be materially different from the forecasted rate used for the six months ended June 30, 2015.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2015 equaled the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35%. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2015 exceeded the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% due to state taxes partially offset by favorable permanent differences and favorable discrete items. Due to a favorable discrete benefit booked in the second quarter of 2015, the effective tax rate was lower in the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2015. The effective tax rates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 exceeded the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% due to state taxes and non-deductible permanent differences.