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Note 14 - Income Tax Expense
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements  
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

14. Income Tax Expense

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of income tax expense calculated at the net composite federal and state statutory rate on income before income taxes and income tax expense reported on the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

(in thousands)

  

2020

    

2019

  

Income Before Income Taxes

   $ 29,906     $ 31,952  

Tax Computed at Company’s Net Composite Federal and State Statutory Rate (26%)

     7,776       8,308  

Increases (Decreases) in Tax from:

                

Differences Reversing in Excess of Federal Rates

     (1,229 )     (983 )

Excess Tax Deduction – Equity Method Stock Awards

     (402 )     (827 )

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction – Equity

     (312 )     (86 )

North Dakota Wind Tax Credit Amortization – Net of Federal Taxes

     (258 )     (258 )

Research and Development and Other Tax Credits

     (54 )     (188 )

Corporate Owned Life Insurance

     207       (409 )

Other Items – Net

     (90 )     71  

Income Tax Expense

   $ 5,638     $ 5,628  

Effective Income Tax Rate

     18.9 %     17.6 %

 

The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits:

 

(in thousands)

  

2020

    

2019

  

Balance on January 1

   $ 1,488     $ 1,282  

Increases Related to Tax Positions for Current Year

     41       38  

Uncertain Positions Resolved During Year

     -       -  

Balance on March 31

   $ 1,529     $ 1,320  

 

The balance of unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2020 would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2020 could be reduced by as much as $725,000 within the next 12 months due to expected settlement. The Company classifies interest and penalties on tax uncertainties as components of the provision for income taxes in its consolidated statement of income.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and various state income tax returns. As of May 1, 2020, with limited exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to examinations by taxing authorities for tax years prior to 2016 for federal, Minnesota and North Dakota income taxes.