Income taxes
The income tax expense comprises current tax and deferred tax. Tax is recognized in the consolidated income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income, or directly in equity; then the related tax is recognized in other comprehensive income or equity, respectively.
Current taxes are based on the results of group companies and are calculated using the local tax laws and tax rates that are enacted or substantively enacted as of each reporting date. Corporate taxes withheld at the source of the income on behalf of group companies, both recoverable and irrecoverable, are accounted for in income taxes.
Following the IFRS Interpretations Committee agenda decision in September 2017 on interest and penalties related to income taxes, the Group no longer accounts for these items as income taxes. Interest expenses and income are presented in financial expenses and income, respectively, and penalties are presented in other operating expenses in the consolidated income statement. In relation to this, the Group has retrospectively revised the presentation of interest and penalties related to income taxes from current income tax liabilities to provisions in the consolidated statement of financial position. The impact of the revision was EUR 98 million as of December 31, 2016 and EUR 93 million as of December 31, 2015.
The Group periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It adjusts the amounts recorded, where appropriate, on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities. The amount of current income tax liabilities for uncertain income tax positions is recognized when it is more likely than not that certain tax positions may not be fully sustained upon review by tax authorities. The amounts recorded are based upon the estimated future settlement amount as of each reporting date.