9. INCOME TAXES

The components of pretax loss from continuing operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):


	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
U.S.	$	(47,225	)	$	(27,638	)
Foreign		—			(4,558	)

Total	$	(47,225	)	$	(32,196	)

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 provision for (benefit from) income taxes and effective tax rate from continuing operations:


	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Pretax loss	$	(47,225	)	$	(32,196	)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	220		$	(12,402	)
Effective rate		0.5	%		-38.5	%

As of December 31, 2013, we reported a total deferred tax valuation allowance of $82.5 million within our consolidated balance sheet. After considering both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets, we have determined that it is necessary to continue to record this valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2014. As a result, the effective tax provision for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 approximates $0.2 million.

The cumulative effect of federal and state valuation losses reduced the effective tax rate benefit by 38.7%. The current quarter tax rate was also impacted by nominal uncertain tax position activity, the net effect of which resulted in a 0.5% effective tax rate.

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 $2.5 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, 2014 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, 2014, we had accrued $2.8 million as an estimate for reasonably possible interest and accrued penalties.

Our tax returns are routinely examined by federal, state, local 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.