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INCOME TAXES
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES Income Taxes
Income tax expense consisted of the following components:
 
(Dollars in thousands)202320222021
Current expense
Federal$46,800 $24,307 $21,397 
State2,568 3,308 2,289 
Total current expense49,368 27,615 23,686 
Deferred expense (benefit)
Federal11,769 (4,399)10,944 
State1,596 894 1,143 
Total deferred expense (benefit)13,365 (3,505)12,087 
Income tax expense$62,733 $24,110 $35,773 

The difference between the federal income tax rates applied to income before income taxes and the effective rates were due to the following:
(Dollars in thousands)202320222021
Income taxes computed at federal statutory rate (21%) on income before income taxes
$66,905 $50,762 $50,596 
Benefit from tax-exempt income(6,165)(5,743)(5,613)
Tax credits(15,271)(37,331)(21,561)
Basis reduction on tax credit87 2,761 1,346 
Tax expense (benefit) of equity compensation(418)(154)(243)
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit3,290 3,320 2,711 
Affordable housing investments12,097 9,341 7,194 
Other2,208 1,154 1,343 
Income tax expense$62,733 $24,110 $35,773 
The major components of the temporary differences that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2023, and 2022, were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)20232022
Deferred tax assets
Allowance for credit losses$32,453 $30,464 
Deferred compensation326 346 
Postretirement benefits other than pension liability537 636 
Accrued stock-based compensation2,317 2,216 
Interest on nonaccrual loans336 406 
Accrued expenses7,822 7,454 
Net unrealized losses on investment securities79,652 92,072 
State net operating loss960 1,152 
Leasing liability15,290 15,308 
Reserve for unfunded commitments4,261 4,254 
Section 174 capitalized expense656 0 
Other13,400 516 
Total deferred tax assets158,010 154,824 
Deferred tax liabilities
Tax depreciation in excess of book depreciation(7,568)(7,172)
FHLB and FRB stock(3,911)(3,912)
Mortgage-servicing rights(3,956)(3,825)
Leasing activities(36,940)(12,829)
Retirement obligation(9,811)(10,197)
Intangible assets(20,789)(18,462)
Deferred loan fees and costs(2,408)(1,638)
Prepaid expenses(353)(645)
Limited partnership investments(3,062)(312)
Fair value adjustments on business combinations(5,788)(6,736)
Net unrealized gains on derivatives(1,130)0 
ASU 2016-01 unrealized gain/loss-equity securities(2,401)(2,237)
Right of use assets(12,868)(12,911)
Other(3,918)(3,653)
Total deferred tax liabilities(114,903)(84,529)
Total net deferred tax asset (liability)$43,107 $70,295 

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had a state net operating loss carryforward from MSFG of $1.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively. This carryforward begins to expire in 2026. The Company expects to fully utilize this net operating loss and, therefore, a valuation allowance was not required at December 31, 2023 and 2022. The acquired MSFG state net operating loss is subject to IRC Section 382 and is limited annually.

The realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is dependent upon the Company’s ability to generate taxable income in future periods and the reversal of deferred tax liabilities during the same period. The Company has evaluated the available evidence supporting the realization of its deferred tax assets and determined it is more likely than not that the assets will be realized and thus no valuation allowance was recorded at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

The Bank’s retained earnings at December 31, 2023 and 2022 included base-year bad debt reserves of $16.1 million.  Base-year reserves are subject to recapture in the event the Bank redeems its stock, makes distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits (as calculated for federal income tax purposes), loses its “bank” status or liquidates.  The
Bank has no intention of meeting any of the criteria for recapture.  Accordingly, a deferred income tax liability of $3.4 million has not been recorded.

At December 31, 2023, First Financial had no unrecognized tax benefits compared to $1.9 million at both December 31, 2022 and 2021. As defined by FASB ASC Topic 740-10, Income Taxes, an unrecognized tax benefit is a position that if recognized would favorably impact the effective income tax rate in future periods. The unrecognized tax benefits in 2022 and 2021 were related to state income tax exposures where the Company believed it was likely that, upon examination, a state may have taken a position contrary to the position taken by First Financial. A resolution regarding the Company's uncertain tax position resulted in partial recognition of the benefit in the second quarter of 2023. First Financial recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as income tax expense. At December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company had no interest or penalties recorded.

At December 31, 2023, First Financial had no unrecognized tax benefits as determined in FASB ASC Topic 740-10, Income Taxes, that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. As of both December 31, 2022 and 2021, First Financial had $1.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits, as determined in FASB ASC Topic 740-10, Income Taxes, that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. A progression of gross unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)202320222021
Balance at beginning of year$2,386 $2,386 $2,386 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years(1,909)0 0 
Settlements(477)0 0 
Balance at end of year$0 $2,386 $2,386 

First Financial and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as state and local income tax in several jurisdictions. Tax years prior to 2020 have been closed and are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations. Tax years 2020 through 2023 remain open to examination by the federal taxing authority. With limited exception, First Financial is no longer subject to state and local income tax examinations for years prior to 2019.