17.  INCOME TAXES

 

Deferred income taxes are established for temporary differences between financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse.  A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is provided if the Company believes that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.  No valuation allowance was recorded as of December 31, 2017 or 2016.  The Company had net deferred tax assets of $1.4 million and $1.3 million, which are included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The Company believes it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets will be realized.