INCOME TAXES

Accounting standards state that companies account for income taxes using the asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. This method also requires the recognition of future tax benefits, such as net operating loss carryforwards and other tax credits. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are recorded as necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount thereof that is more likely than not to be realized. The likelihood of realizing deferred tax assets is evaluated by, among other things, estimating future taxable income, considering the future reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities to which the deferred tax assets may be applied and assessing the impact of tax planning strategies.

For interim periods, accounting standards require that income tax expense be determined by applying the estimated annual effective income tax rate to year-to-date results unless this method does not result in a reliable estimate of year-to-date income tax expense. Each quarter the income tax accrual is adjusted to the latest estimate and the difference from the previously accrued year-to-date balance is adjusted to the current quarter.

The income tax components and associated effective income tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014					2013
	Tax Benefit			Tax Rate		Tax Provision		Tax Rate
Continuing operations	$	(5.6	)	(28	)%	$	22.9	26	%
Discontinued operations	—			35	%	0.2		35	%
	$	(5.6	)	(28	)%	$	23.1	26	%

For the first three months of 2014, the primary differences between the U.S. statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate applicable to LP’s continuing operations relate to the effect of foreign tax rates and adjustments to reserves for uncertain tax positions. For the first three months of 2013, the primary differences between the U.S. statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate applicable to LP’s continuing operations relate to the effect of foreign tax rates and decreases in valuation allowances attributed to net operating loss carryforwards in various jurisdictions.

LP periodically reviews the need for valuation allowances against deferred tax assets and recognizes these deferred tax assets to the extent that the realization is more likely than not. Based upon its review of available positive and negative evidence, LP believes that the valuation allowances provided are appropriate. If LP were to determine that it would not be able to realize a portion of an existing net deferred tax asset in excess of an existing valuation allowance, an adjustment to the net deferred tax asset would be charged to earnings in the period in which such determination was made. Conversely, if it were to make a determination that it is more likely than not that an existing deferred tax asset for which there is currently a valuation allowance would be realized, the related valuation allowance would be reduced and a benefit to earnings would be recorded in the period in which such determination was made.

As a result of certain recognition requirements of ASC 718 Compensation -- Stock Compensation, certain deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2014 are not recognized in relation to amounts of tax deductions for equity compensation that are greater than the compensation recognized for financial reporting. Equity will be increased by $13.2 million if and when such deferred tax assets are ultimately realized. LP uses the "with and without" method for determining when excess tax benefits have been realized.

LP and its domestic subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income taxes of multiple state jurisdictions. Its foreign subsidiaries are subject to income tax in Canada, Chile, Peru and Brazil. During 2011, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) initiated an audit of tax years 2007 - 2009 for which field work has been completed. LP has protested certain proposed adjustments and requested review by the IRS Appeals Office. During the third quarter of 2013, LP deposited $17.1 million with the IRS to suspend the accrual of interest pending the resolution of this matter. The deposit is included within other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. All U.S. federal audits of prior years have been completed. LP remains subject to state and local tax examinations for the tax years 2007 through 2012. Canadian federal income tax returns have been audited and effectively settled through 2008, and no examinations are currently in progress. Quebec provincial audits have been effectively settled through 2011 and 2012 is currently under review. As of March 31, 2014, the Chilean Tax Office was in the process of auditing tax year 2011.