3.23 Income taxes
Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax. Income taxes are charged to consolidated income statements as they are incurred, except when they relate to items that are recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case, the current and deferred tax are also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.
3.23.1 Current income taxes
Income taxes are recorded in the results of the year they are incurred.
3.23.2 Deferred income taxes
Deferred tax is recognized on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are generally recognized for all deductible temporary differences, including tax loss carryforwards and certain tax credits, to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits, reversal of existing taxable temporary differences and future tax planning strategies will be available against which those deductible temporary differences can be utilized. Such deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognized if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit. In the case of Brazil, where certain goodwill amounts are at times deductible for tax purposes, the Company recognizes in connection with the acquisition accounting a deferred tax asset for the tax effect of the excess of the tax basis over the related carrying value.
Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, the carry forward of unused tax credits and any unused tax losses. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, and the carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilized. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised. Unrecognised deferred tax assets are re-assessed at each reporting date and are recognised to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the Company is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences associated with such investments and interests are only recognized to the extent that it is probable that there will be sufficient taxable profits against which to utilize the benefits of the temporary differences and they are expected to reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred income taxes are classified as a non-current asset or liability, regardless of when the temporary differences are expected to reverse.
Deferred tax relating to items recognised in the other comprehensive income are recognised in correlation to the underlying transaction in OCI.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in which the liability is settled or the asset is realized, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Company expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.
In Mexico, the income tax rate is 30% for 2017, 2016 and 2015. As a result of the Mexican Tax Reform discussed below, it will also be 30% for 2018