Income Taxes

Income Tax Benefit

The table below shows our consolidated income tax benefit from continuing operations (excluding noncontrolling interest) and our effective tax rates for the periods indicated (in millions):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Income tax benefit	$	(19	)	$	(50	)
Effective tax rate	53		%	29		%

Income Tax Audits — We remain subject to periodic audits and reviews by taxing authorities; however, we do not expect these audits will have a material effect on our tax provision. Any NOLs we claim in future years to reduce taxable income could be subject to IRS examination regardless of when the NOLs occurred. Due to significant NOLs, any adjustment of state returns or federal returns would likely result in a reduction of deferred tax assets rather than a cash payment of income taxes.

Canadian Tax Audits — In January 2013, we received an adjusted reassessment on one of two transfer pricing issues that we are disputing with the Canadian Revenue Authority (“CRA”). We proposed a settlement of the adjusted reassessment with the CRA and it has accepted our proposal. The adjustment to our transfer pricing increased taxable income and was offset by existing NOLs to which a valuation allowance had been applied and did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

On January 28, 2014, we received a letter from the CRA which informed us that they do not agree with our transfer price on the second issue and will be proposing an increase to taxable income for tax years 2006 and 2007. We continue to believe that our transfer pricing positions and policies are appropriate, and we intend to vigorously defend our position and challenge the CRA’s adjustments, including but not limited to appeal and litigation. If we are unsuccessful in our challenge, any adjustment to Canadian taxable income would first be offset against the existing NOLs that are available. If our existing Canadian NOL’s are not sufficient to offset the resulting adjustment to taxable income, additional assessments, including penalties and interest, if any, would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Valuation Allowance — U.S. GAAP requires that we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, and tax planning strategies to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed to reduce the value of deferred tax assets. Future realization of the tax benefit of an existing deductible temporary difference or carryforward ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character within the carryback or carryforward periods available under the tax law. Due to our history of losses, we are unable to assume future profits; however, we are able to consider available tax planning strategies.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits — At March 31, 2014, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $66 million. If recognized, $16 million of our unrecognized tax benefits could impact the annual effective tax rate and $50 million, related to deferred tax assets, could be offset against the recorded valuation allowance resulting in no impact on our effective tax rate. We also had accrued interest and penalties of $13 million for income tax matters at March 31, 2014. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense (benefit) on our Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations. We believe it is reasonably possible that a decrease within the range of nil and $9 million in unrecognized tax benefits could occur within the next 12 months primarily related to foreign tax issues.