(4)INCOME TAXES

For all periods prior to March 31, 2015, we calculated the provision for income taxes during interim reporting periods by applying an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full fiscal year to “ordinary” income or loss (pretax income or loss excluding unusual or infrequently occurring discrete items) for the reporting period. Beginning in the quarter ended June 30, 2015, we use a discrete effective tax rate method to calculate taxes for interim periods. We determined that since small changes in estimated “ordinary” income would result in significant changes in the estimated annual effective tax rate, the historical method would not provide a reliable estimate for the fiscal three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2016.

Income tax expense for the three and nine month period ended December 31, 2016 is based on tax laws and rates applicable in the jurisdictions in which we operate and earn income. The relationship between our provision for or benefit from income taxes and our income or loss before income taxes can vary significantly from period to period considering among other factors, (a) the overall level of income before income taxes, (b) changes in the blend of income that is taxed based on gross revenues, deemed profits, or other bases utilized under local tax laws rather than income before taxes, (c) vessel movements between taxing jurisdictions and (d) our vessel operating structures.

Income tax expense for the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2016 primarily reflects tax liabilities in various jurisdictions that are based on revenue (deemed profit regimes) rather than pre-tax profits.

The company’s balance sheet at December 31, 2016 reflects the following in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, Income Taxes:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2016
Tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions	$	11,438
Income tax payable		12,903

The tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions are attributable to a foreign tax filing position and a permanent establishment issue related to a foreign joint venture. Penalties and interest related to income tax liabilities are included in income tax expense. Income tax payable is included in other current liabilities.

Unrecognized tax benefits, which would lower the effective tax rate if realized at December 31, 2016, are as follows:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2016
Unrecognized tax benefit related to state tax issues	$	12,367
Interest receivable on unrecognized tax benefit related to state tax issues		46

With limited exceptions, the company is no longer subject to tax audits by U.S. federal, state, local or foreign taxing authorities for years prior to 2009. The company has ongoing examinations by various U.S. federal, state and foreign tax authorities and does not believe that the results of these examinations will have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.