INCOME TAXES |
3 Months Ended |
|---|---|
Mar. 31, 2023 | |
| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| INCOME TAXES | INCOME TAXES The Company records its quarterly tax provision based on an estimate of the annual effective tax rate expected to apply to continuing operations for the various jurisdictions in which it operates. The tax effects of certain items, such as tax rate changes, significant unusual or infrequent items, and certain changes in the assessment of the realizability of deferred taxes, are recognized as discrete items in the period in which they occur and are excluded from the estimated annual effective tax rate.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company's effective tax rate for the period was 0%, which differs from the statutory rate of 21% primarily as a result of the valuation allowance on the Company's deferred tax assets.
At each reporting period, the Company weighs all available positive and negative evidence to determine whether its deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, including net operating losses, is recognized when it is more likely than not that some or all of the benefit from the deferred tax assets will not be realized. To assess that likelihood, the Company uses estimates and judgment regarding future taxable income and considers the tax laws in the jurisdiction where such taxable income is generated, to determine whether a valuation allowance is required. Such evidence can include current financial position, results of operations, both actual and forecasted, the reversal of deferred tax liabilities and tax planning strategies as well as the current and forecasted business economics of the oil and gas industry. Based upon the Company’s analysis, the Company determined a full valuation allowance was necessary against its net deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2023.
The Company will continue to evaluate whether the valuation allowance is needed in future reporting periods. The valuation allowance will remain until it is determined that the net deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized. Future events or new evidence which may lead us to conclude that it is more likely than not that its net deferred tax assets will be realized include, but are not limited to, cumulative historical pre-tax earnings, improvements in oil prices, and taxable events that could result from one or more transactions. The valuation allowance does not prevent future utilization of the tax attributes if the Company recognizes taxable income. As long as the Company concludes that the valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets is necessary, the Company likely will not have any additional deferred income tax expense or benefit.
The Company emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 17, 2021, which resulted in a change in ownership for purposes of IRC Section 382. The Company is applying rules under IRC Section 382(l)(5) that allows the Company to mitigate the limitations imposed under the regulations with respect to the Company’s remaining tax attributes. The Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities, prior to the valuation allowance, have been computed on such basis. Additionally, under IRC Section 382(l)(5), an ownership change subsequent to the Company’s emergence could severely limit or effectively eliminate its ability to realize the value of its tax attributes.
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