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Income Taxes
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes Income Taxes
We are subject to U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income or loss of Desert Newco, as well as any stand-alone income or loss we generate. Desert Newco is treated as a partnership for U.S. income tax purposes, and for most applicable state and local income tax purposes, and generally does not pay income taxes in most jurisdictions. Instead, Desert Newco's taxable income or loss is passed through to its members, including us. Despite its partnership treatment, Desert Newco is liable for income taxes in certain foreign jurisdictions in which it operates, in those states not recognizing its pass-through status and for certain of its subsidiaries not taxed as pass-through entities. We have acquired the outstanding stock of various domestic and foreign entities taxed as corporations, which are now wholly-owned by us or our subsidiaries. Where required or allowed, these subsidiaries also file and pay tax as a consolidated group for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes and internationally, primarily within the United Kingdom (UK), Germany and India. We anticipate this structure to remain in existence for the foreseeable future.
Our effective tax rates differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to changes in valuation allowances based on current year earnings and the impact of foreign earnings primarily related to the UK, Germany and India jurisdictions.
In determining the need for a valuation allowance, we prepare quarterly estimates using historical and forecasted future operating results, based upon approved business plans, including a review of the eligible carryforward periods and tax planning strategies. Based primarily on the negative evidence outweighing the positive evidence as of September 30, 2023, we believe there is uncertainty as to when we will be able to utilize certain of our domestic net operating losses (NOLs), credit carryforwards and other deferred tax assets (DTAs). This negative evidence includes our historical tax losses, the difficulty in forecasting excess tax benefits related to equity-based compensation and the difficulty in forecasting profits due to the current uncertain macroeconomic conditions, such as inflation and the possibility of recession or an economic slowdown. Therefore, we have recorded a valuation allowance against the DTAs for which we have concluded it is more-likely-than-not they will not be realized.
If the current uncertain macroeconomic conditions dissipate making it easier to forecast in the long-term, our operating results continue to improve and our projections show sufficient utilization of tax attributes, we will consider that as significant positive evidence and our future reassessment may result in the determination that all or a portion of the valuation allowance is no longer required. If this were to occur, any reversal of the valuation allowance would result in a corresponding non-cash income tax benefit, thereby increasing total DTAs.
Uncertain Tax Positions
The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $151.8 million as of September 30, 2023, of which $45.9 million, if fully recognized, would decrease our effective tax rate. Although we believe the amounts reflected in our tax returns substantially comply with applicable U.S. federal, state and foreign tax regulations, the respective taxing authorities may take contrary positions based on their interpretation of the law. A tax position successfully challenged by a taxing authority could result in an adjustment to our provision or benefit for income taxes in the period in which a final determination is made.