12. INCOME TAXES
We account for our tax positions in accordance with Codification Topic Income Taxes. Under the guidance, we evaluate uncertain tax positions based on the two-step approach. The first step is to evaluate each uncertain tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained in an audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. For tax positions that are not likely of being sustained upon audit, the second step requires us to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Our total gross unrecognized tax benefits recorded for uncertain income tax, and interest and penalties thereon, were negligible as of March 31, 2017, and March 31, 2016. We had no additions or reductions to our gross on certain income tax positions during the year ended March 31, 2017. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
We file income tax returns, including returns for our subsidiaries, with federal, state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. Tax years 2014, 2015 and 2016 are subjected to examination by federal and state taxing authorities. Various state and local income tax returns are also under examination by taxing authorities. We do not believe that the outcome of any examination will have a material impact on our financial statements.
A reconciliation of income taxes computed at the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to the provision for income taxes included in the consolidated statements of operations is as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
| | | Year Ended March 31, | |
| | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Statutory federal income tax rate | | | 35 | % | | | 35 | % | | | 35 | % |
Income tax expense computed at the U.S. statutory federal rate | | $ | 30,134 | | | $ | 26,513 | | | $ | 27,410 | |
State income tax expense—net of federal benefit | | | 4,193 | | | | 3,544 | | | | 4,193 | |
Non-deductible executive compensation | | | 512 | | | | 331 | | | | 222 | |
Other | | | 717 | | | | 616 | | | | 648 | |
Provision for income taxes | | $ | 35,556 | | | $ | 31,004 | | | $ | 32,473 | |
Effective income tax rate | | | 41.3 | % | | | 40.9 | % | | | 41.5 | % |
The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
| | | Year Ended March 31, | |
| | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Current: | | | | | | | | | |
Federal | | $ | 29,619 | | | $ | 21,361 | | | $ | 27,665 | |
State | | | 7,001 | | | | 6,114 | | | | 6,667 | |
Foreign | | | 132 | | | | 13 | | | | 3 | |
Total current expense | | | 36,752 | | | | 27,488 | | | | 34,335 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Federal | | | (622 | ) | | | 3,727 | | | | (1,591 | ) |
State | | | (432 | ) | | | (211 | ) | | | (271 | ) |
Foreign | | | (142 | ) | | | - | | | | - | |
Total deferred expense (benefit) | | | (1,196 | ) | | | 3,516 | | | | (1,862 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Provision for income taxes | | $ | 35,556 | | | $ | 31,004 | | | $ | 32,473 | |
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
| | | March 31, | |
| | | 2017 | | | 2016 | |
Deferred Tax Assets: | | | | | | |
Accrued vacation | | $ | 2,217 | | | $ | 2,116 | |
Deferred revenue | | | 3,107 | | | | 1,046 | |
Foreign net operating loss carryforward | | | 462 | | | | 461 | |
Reserve for credit losses | | | 2,026 | | | | 1,929 | |
Restricted stock | | | 1,779 | | | | 1,778 | |
Other accruals and reserves | | | 2,555 | | | | 1,556 | |
Other credits and carryforwards | | | 1,166 | | | | 1,275 | |
Gross deferred tax assets | | | 13,312 | | | | 10,161 | |
Less: valuation allowance | | | (1,270 | ) | | | (1,270 | ) |
Net deferred tax assets | | | 12,042 | | | | 8,891 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Deferred Tax Liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Basis difference in fixed assets | | | (1,399 | ) | | | (1,170 | ) |
Basis difference in operating leases | | | (9,926 | ) | | | (7,749 | ) |
Basis difference in tax deductible goodwill | | | (2,516 | ) | | | (2,973 | ) |
Total deferred tax liabilities | | | (13,841 | ) | | | (11,892 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net deferred tax liabilities | | $ | (1,799 | ) | | $ | (3,001 | ) |
The effective income tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2017 was 41.3%, compared to 40.9% of the previous fiscal year.
As of March 31, 2017, we have state capital loss carryforwards of approximately $1.3 million, which have been fully reserved. The valuation allowance resulted from management's determination, based on available evidence, that it was more likely than not that the state capital loss deferred tax asset balance may not be realized. If not realized, the state capital loss carryforwards will generally expire in 5 years.
As of March 31, 2017, we have a foreign net operating loss of approximately $0.5 million related to operations in the United Kingdom. No valuation allowance was recognized as a result of management's determination, based on available evidence, that it was more likely than not that the foreign net operating loss deferred tax asset balance will be realized. The foreign net operating loss is not set to expire.