Income Taxes |
3 Months Ended |
|---|---|
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
| Income Taxes | |
| Income Taxes | Note 8—Income Taxes Tax provision and rate—In the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, our effective tax rate was 17.8 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively, based on loss before income tax benefit. In the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the effect of various discrete period tax items was a net tax benefit of $27 million and $20 million, respectively. In the three months ended March 31, 2021, such discrete items included loss on disposal of assets, gain on retirement of debt, expiration of various uncertain tax positions and changes in valuation allowances. In the three months ended March 31, 2020, such discrete items included the carryback of net operating losses in the U.S. as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which included the release of valuation allowances previously recorded, as well as settlements and expirations of various uncertain tax positions and changes in valuation allowances. In the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, our effective tax rate, excluding discrete items, was (5.7) percent and (9.5) percent, respectively, based on loss before income tax expense. Tax returns—Tax authorities in certain jurisdictions are examining our tax returns and, in some cases, have issued assessments. We intend to defend our tax positions vigorously, although we can provide no assurance as to the outcome. We do not expect the ultimate liability to have a material adverse effect on our condensed consolidated statement of financial position or results of operations, although it could have a material adverse effect on our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Brazil tax investigations—In December 2005, the Brazilian tax authorities began issuing tax assessments with respect to our tax returns for the years 2000 through 2004. In May 2014, the Brazilian tax authorities issued an additional tax assessment for the years 2009 and 2010. We filed protests with the Brazilian tax authorities for the assessments and are currently engaged in the appeals process. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, a portion of the two cases was favorably closed. As of March 31, 2021, the remaining aggregate tax assessment, including interest and penalties, was for corporate income tax of BRL 641 million, equivalent to approximately $114 million, and indirect tax of BRL 96 million, equivalent to $17 million. We believe our returns are materially correct as filed, and we are vigorously contesting these assessments. An unfavorable outcome on these proposed assessments could have a material adverse effect on our condensed consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Other tax matters—We conduct operations through our various subsidiaries in countries throughout the world. Each country has its own tax regimes with varying nominal rates, deductions and tax attributes. From time to time, we may identify changes to previously evaluated tax positions that could result in adjustments to our recorded assets and liabilities. Although we are unable to predict the outcome of these changes, we do not expect the effect, if any, resulting from these adjustments to have a material adverse effect on our condensed consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. |