v3.22.2.2
INCOME TAXES
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES
The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, was 18.8% and 22.0%, respectively, and 22.2% and 22.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily due to a favorable provision to return adjustment related to an increase in certain tax credits and deductions. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily due to a favorable provision to return adjustment related to an increase in certain tax credits and deductions, which was offset by a change in mix of earnings in higher taxing jurisdictions.
Balchem will continue to evaluate and analyze the impact of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was enacted on December 22, 2017 and the additional guidance that has been issued, and may be issued, by the U.S. Department of Treasury, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and/or the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") regarding this act.
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company regularly reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability and would establish a valuation allowance if it believed that such assets may not be recovered, taking into consideration historical operating results, expectations of future earnings, changes in its operations and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences.
The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes utilizing ASC 740-10, "Income Taxes". ASC 740-10 clarifies whether or not to recognize assets or liabilities for tax positions taken that may be challenged by a tax authority. It prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken. This interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosures. The application of ASC 740-10 requires judgment related to the uncertainty in income taxes and could impact our effective tax rate.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and in various states and foreign countries. As of September 30, 2022, in the major jurisdictions where the Company operates, it is generally no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2017. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had approximately $5,690 and $5,881, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits, which are included in "Other long-term obligations" on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company includes interest expense or income as well as potential penalties on unrecognized tax positions as a component of "Income tax expense" in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. The total amounts of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were approximately $2,167 and $2,106, respectively, and are included in "Other long-term obligations."