9.	Income Taxes

The Company files income tax returns in the United States Federal jurisdiction, in a limited number of foreign jurisdictions, and in many state jurisdictions. Internal Revenue Service examinations have been completed for years prior to 2011. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal, state or foreign income tax examinations for years before 2010.

The Company had $3.0 million and $6.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease in the following twelve months due to statute requirements; however, actual results could differ from those currently expected. Of the balance of unrecognized tax benefits, $2.5 million would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized at some point in the future.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The Company provided for income taxes from continuing operations at an estimated effective tax rate of 35.9% and 35.8% for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and estimated effective tax rates of 41.3% and 34.0%, respectively for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013. Our effective tax rate in the three month period ended September 30, 2013 was greater than our federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to an increase in the valuation allowance related to an investment in which we were anticipating a future capital loss. Our effective tax rate was less than our federal statutory rate for the nine month period ended Septmeber 30, 2013 primarily due to the favorable impact of the research and development tax credit.