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INCOME TAXES
6 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] 
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate for both the three and six months ended September 30, 2011 was 25.3% and 25.2%, respectively, compared to 27.4% and 27.1%, respectively, in the same periods in the prior year.  The lower effective tax rate for both the three and six months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same periods in the prior year is due primarily to a larger proportion of income earned in foreign jurisdictions during these periods which is taxed at lower rates, as well as the reinstatement in December 2010 of the U.S. federal research tax credit which was not available in the three and six months ended September 2010. The effective tax rates differ from the statutory rate due to the impact of foreign operations taxed at different statutory rates, tax credits, state taxes and other factors.  The future tax rate could be impacted by a shift in the mix of domestic and foreign income, tax treaties with foreign jurisdictions, changes in tax laws in the U.S. or internationally, or a change in estimates of future taxable income which could result in a valuation allowance being required.

As of September 30, 2011, the Company had $11.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits compared to $10.5 million at March 31, 2011 recorded in Long-term income taxes payable in the Condensed consolidated balance sheets, all of which would favorably impact the effective tax rate in future periods if recognized.

The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in Income tax expense in the Condensed consolidated statements of operations.  The accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is $1.9 million as of September 30, 2011 as compared to $1.7 million as of March 31, 2011.  No penalties have been accrued.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to taxation in various foreign and state jurisdictions as well as in the U.S.  The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations by tax authorities for tax years prior to 2008.  The Company is under examination by the California Franchise Tax Board for its 2007 and 2008 tax years.  Foreign income tax matters for material tax jurisdictions have been concluded for tax years prior to fiscal 2006, except for the United Kingdom which has been concluded for tax years prior to fiscal 2009.

The Company believes that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations; however, the outcome of such examinations cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed in the tax examinations are resolved in a manner inconsistent with the Company's expectations, the Company could be required to adjust its provision for income tax in the period such resolution occurs. Although timing of any resolution and/or closure of tax examinations is not certain, the Company does not believe it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits would materially change in the next twelve months.