10. INCOME TAXES

The components of pretax (loss) income from continuing operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:


	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
U.S	$	(34,105	)	$	35,836
Foreign		8,375			12,253

Total	$	(25,730	)	$	48,089

The determination of the annual effective tax is based upon a number of significant estimates and judgments, including the estimated annual pretax income in each tax jurisdiction in which we operate and the ongoing development of tax planning strategies during the year. In addition, our provision for income taxes can be impacted by changes in tax rates or laws, the finalization of tax audits and reviews, as well as other factors that cannot be predicted with certainty. As such, there can be significant volatility in interim tax provisions.

The following is a summary of our income tax (benefit) provision and effective tax rate from continuing operations:


	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
Pretax (loss) income	$	(25,730	)	$	48,089
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes	$	(11,239	)	$	6,430
Effective income tax rate		-43.7	%		13.4	%

The decrease in the effective tax rate for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the prior year quarter was primarily due to lower full-year projected results of operations and the relative percentage of operating income that our not-for-profit institutions will contribute to consolidated results. The current quarter tax rate was also impacted by a $2.0 million favorable tax adjustment related to the resolution of various state tax exposures which increased the effective tax rate benefit by 7.8%. The cumulative effect of foreign and state valuation losses, foreign rate differences and not-for-profit operating income reduced the effective tax rate benefit by 2.4%.

We estimate that it is reasonably possible that the liability for unrecognized tax benefits for a variety of uncertain tax positions will decrease by up to $12.6 million in the next twelve months as a result of the completion of various tax audits currently in process and the expiration of the statute of limitations in several jurisdictions. The income tax rate for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 does not take into account the possible reduction of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits. The impact of a reduction to the liability will be treated as a discrete item in the period the reduction occurs. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense. As of March 31, 2013, we had accrued $3.2 million as an estimate for reasonably possible interest and accrued penalties.

Our tax returns are routinely examined by federal, state and foreign tax authorities and these audits are at various stages of completion at any given time. The Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of our U.S. income tax returns through our tax year ended December 31, 2007.