14. Income Taxes

Effective Income Tax Rate

We recorded income tax expense of $2.3 million, or 41.6% of income before income tax expense, for the three month period ended July 28, 2013, compared to income tax expense of $1.8 million, or 34.4% of income before income tax expense, for the three month period ended July 29, 2012. Our effective income tax rates for the three month periods ended July 28, 2013 and July 29, 2012 were based upon the estimated effective income tax rate applicable for the full year after giving effect to any significant items related specifically to interim periods. The effective income tax rate can be affected over the fiscal year by the mix and timing of actual earnings from our U.S. operations and foreign sources versus annual projections and changes in foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar.

The income tax expense for the three month period ended July 28, 2013 is different from the amount obtained by applying our statutory rate of 34% to income before income taxes for the following reasons:

The income tax rate increased 5% for adjustments primarily made to our state of North Carolina loss carryforwards for the decrease in future North Carolina corporate income tax rates commencing in fiscal 2015 and beyond. These adjustments totaled $273,000 and represented a discrete event in which the full tax effects were recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.

·	The income tax rate decreased by 6% for taxable income subject to lower statutory income tax rates in foreign jurisdictions (Canada and China) compared with the statutory income tax rate of 34% for the United States.

·	The income tax rate increased by 4% for an increase in unrecognized tax benefits.

·	The income tax rate increased by 4.6% for stock-based compensation and other miscellaneous items.

The income tax expense for the three month period ended July 29, 2012 is different from the amount obtained by applying our statutory rate of 34% to income before income taxes for the following reasons:

·	The income tax rate increased 5% for an increase in unrecognized tax benefits.

·	The income tax rate was reduced by 5% for taxable income subject to lower statutory income tax rates in foreign jurisdictions (Canada and China) compared with the statutory income tax rate of 34% for the United States.

·	The income tax rate was increased by 0.4% for stock-based compensation and other miscellaneous items.

Deferred Income Taxes

In accordance with ASC Topic 740, we evaluate our deferred income taxes to determine if a valuation allowance is required. ASC Topic 740 requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard, with significant weight being given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Since the company operates in multiple jurisdictions, we assess the need for a valuation allowance on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, taking into account the effects of local tax law. Based on our assessment at July 28, 2013, we recorded a partial valuation allowance of $1.1 million, of which $722,000 pertained to certain U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards and credits and $328,000 pertained to loss carryfowards associated with our Culp Europe operation located in Poland. Based on our assessment at April 28, 2013, we recorded a partial valuation allowance of $963,000, of which $722,000 pertained to certain U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards and credits and $241,000 pertained to loss carryfowards associated with our Culp Europe operation located in Poland.

No valuation allowance was recorded against our net deferred tax assets associated with our operations located in China and Canada at July 28, 2013 and April 28, 2013, respectively.

At July 28, 2013, the current deferred tax asset of $7.7 million represents $7.4 million and $302,000 from our operations located in the U.S. and China, respectively. At April 28, 2013, the current deferred tax asset of $7.7 million represents $7.4 million and $325,000 from our operations located in the U.S. and China, respectively. At July 28, 2013, the non-current deferred tax asset of $651,000 pertains to our operations located China. At April 28, 2013, the non-current deferred tax asset of $753,000 pertains to our operations located in China. At July 28, 2013, the non-current deferred tax liability of $4.3 million represents $3.2 million and $1.1 million from operations located in the U.S. and Canada, respectively. At April 28, 2013, the non-current deferred tax liability of $3.1 million represents $2.0 million and $1.1 million from our operations located in the U.S. and Canada, respectively.

Uncertainty In Income Taxes

At July 28, 2013, we had $13.3 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which $4.2 million represents the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the income tax rate in future periods. Of the $13.3 million in gross unrecognized tax benefits as of July 28, 2013, $9.1 million were classified as net non-current deferred income taxes and $4.2 million were classified as income taxes payable –long-term in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

We estimate that the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits will increase by approximately $838,000 for fiscal 2014. This increase primarily relates to double taxation under applicable tax treaties with foreign tax jurisdictions.