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INVESTMENTS IN QUALIFIED AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS, TAX CREDIT AND OTHER INVESTMENTS, NET | 6 Months Ended
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Jun. 30, 2016
INVESTMENTS IN QUALIFIED AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS, TAX CREDIT AND OTHER INVESTMENTS, NET |
INVESTMENTS IN QUALIFIED AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS, TAX CREDIT AND OTHER INVESTMENTS, NET |
NOTE 8 | — | INVESTMENTS IN QUALIFIED AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS, TAX CREDIT AND OTHER INVESTMENTS, NET
The Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) encourages banks to meet the credit needs of their communities for housing and other purposes, particularly in neighborhoods with low or moderate income. The Company invests in certain affordable housing limited partnerships that qualify for CRA credits. Such limited partnerships are formed to develop and operate apartment complexes designed as high-quality affordable housing for lower income tenants throughout the United States. Each of the partnerships must meet the regulatory requirements for affordable housing for a minimum 15-year compliance period to fully utilize the tax credits. In addition to affordable housing limited partnerships, the Company invests in new market tax credit projects that qualify for CRA credits and eligible projects that qualify for renewable energy and historic tax credits. Investments in renewable energy tax credits help promote the development of renewable energy sources, while the investments in historic tax credits promote the rehabilitation of historic buildings and economic revitalization of the surrounding areas. Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Net The Company records its investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the Company amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received, and recognizes the amortization on the Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of income tax expense. The following table presents the balances of the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net and related unfunded commitments as of the periods indicated:
($ in thousands) |  | June 30, 2016 |  | December 31, 2015
Investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net |  | $ | 179,657 |  |  | $ | 193,978 |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities — Unfunded commitments |  | $ | 45,995 |  |  | $ | 61,525 |
The following table presents additional information related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net for the periods indicated:
($ in thousands) |  | Three Months Ended June 30, |  | Six Months Ended June 30,
| 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Tax credits and other tax benefits recognized |  | $ | 8,518 |  |  | $ | 8,605 |  |  | $ | 17,970 |  |  | $ | 17,380 |
Amortization expense included in income tax expense |  | $ | 7,345 |  |  | $ | 6,152 |  |  | $ | 14,311 |  |  | $ | 12,396 |
Investments in Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net Investments in tax credit and other investments, net were $177.9 million and $187.2 million as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and were included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company is not the primary beneficiary in these partnerships and, therefore, is not required to consolidate its investments in tax credit and other investments on the Consolidated Financial Statements. Depending on the ownership percentage and the influence the Company has on the limited partnership, the Company applies either the equity method or cost method of accounting. Total unfunded commitments for these investments were $102.9 million and $113.2 million as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and were included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization of tax credit and other investments were $14.0 million and $3.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Amortization of tax credits and other investments were $28.2 million and $9.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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