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Income Taxes
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Income Taxes 
Income Taxes

Note 12 – Income Taxes

The Company's consolidated tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was 38.2% and 40.8%, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was 38.8% and 40.9%, respectively. In determining the quarterly provision for income taxes, management uses an estimated annual effective tax rate based on forecasted annual pre-tax income, permanent tax differences, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The impact of significant discrete items is separately recognized in the quarter(s) in which they occur.

The Company's subsidiaries file income tax returns in numerous tax jurisdictions, including U.S. federal, most U.S. states and certain foreign jurisdictions. The statute of limitations varies by the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The Company's U.S. federal income tax returns for years ending on or after 2008 still remain open for examination. Although management believes its calculations for tax returns are correct and the positions taken thereon are reasonable, the final outcome of tax audits could be materially different from the resolution management currently anticipates, and those differences could result in significant costs or benefits to the Company.