INCOME TAXES

At September 30, 2015, we had $272 thousand recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets under the caption, "Accrued federal and state income taxes" for the U.S. federal and various states income tax after the application of the annual limitation set forth under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC").

The components of (benefit from) provision for income taxes are shown below for the periods presented (in thousands):



	Three months ended September 30,					Nine months ended September 30,
	2015			2014		2015		2014
Current:
U.S. federal	$	(586	)	$	—	$	227	$	—
State	(65		)	—		45		—
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes	$	(651	)	$	—	$	272	$	—

For the three months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded a benefit from income taxes of $651 thousand for U.S. federal and various states income tax after the application of the annual limitation set forth under Section 382 of the IRC. The benefit resulted from a net operating loss carry-forward ("NOL carry-forward") and a change in our estimated taxable income for the year, including discrete deductions available to us related to the write-off of inter-company loans made to Crescent Lighting Limited that were forgiven as a result of the disposition of the business, as well as deductions able to be realized for stock-based compensation. For the three months ended September 30, 2014, there was no provision recorded for income taxes due to the availability of NOL carry-forwards for U.S. federal and various states income tax.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, our effective tax rate was 3.4 percent. Our effective tax rate is lower than the statutory tax rate due to the utilization of a NOL carry-forward available to us after the application of the annual limitation set forth under Section 382 of the IRC, as well as deductions available to us as a result of our disposition of Crescent Lighting Limited and deductions we are able to realize for stock-based compensation. There was no provision recorded for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, due to the availability of NOL carry-forwards for U.S. federal and various states income tax.

At September 30, 2015, we had a full valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance was recorded due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize the deferred tax assets; primarily consisting of certain net operating losses carried forward. The valuation allowance is based upon management’s estimates of taxable income by jurisdiction and the periods over which the deferred tax assets will be recoverable.

At December 31, 2014, we had a net operating loss carry-forward of approximately $75.3 million for U.S. federal, state, and local income tax purposes. However, due to changes in our capital structure, approximately $23.8 million of this amount is available to offset future taxable income after the application of the limitations found under Section 382 of the IRC. If not utilized, these carry-forwards will begin to expire in 2021 for federal purposes and in 2021 or sooner for state and local purposes. Additionally, the changes to our capital structure have subjected, and will continue to subject our net operating loss carry-forward to an annual limitation. This limitation will significantly restrict our ability to utilize the carry-forward to offset taxable income in future periods. For a full discussion of the estimated restrictions on our utilization of net operating loss carry-forwards, please refer to Note 14. Income taxes, included under Item 8. of our 2014 Annual Report.