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Taxes on Earnings
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2016
Taxes on Earnings  
Taxes on Earnings

 

Note 12 — Taxes on Earnings

 

Taxes on earnings from continuing operations reflect the estimated annual effective rates and include charges for interest and penalties.  In the first six months of 2016, taxes on earnings from continuing operations includes the impact of a net tax benefit of approximately $145 million as a result of the resolution of various tax positions from prior years, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of non-deductible foreign exchange losses related to Venezuela.  Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the first six months of 2016 reflects the recognition of $266 million of net tax benefits primarily as a result of the resolution of various tax positions related to prior years. The conclusion of these tax matters decreased the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $444 million. In the first six months of 2015, taxes on earnings from continuing operations include a tax cost of $69 million related to the disposal of shares of Mylan stock.  Taxes on earnings from continuing operations in the first six months of 2015 were not affected by any adjustments as the result of the resolution of various tax positions pertaining to prior years. 2015 tax expense related to discontinued operations includes $665 million of tax expense on certain funds earned outside the U.S. in 2015 that were not designated as permanently reinvested overseas. Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the first six months of 2015 also reflects the recognition of $17 million of net tax benefits primarily as a result of the resolution of various tax positions related to AbbVie’s operations for years prior to the separation. The conclusion of these tax matters decreased the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $35 million.

 

Tax authorities in various jurisdictions regularly review Abbott’s income tax filings.  Abbott believes that it is reasonably possible that the recorded amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by $100 million to $200 million, including cash adjustments, within the next twelve months as a result of concluding various domestic and international tax matters. In the U.S., Abbott’s federal income tax returns through 2012 are settled except for one issue.