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Income Taxes
3 Months Ended
Mar. 28, 2015
Income Taxes
7. Income Taxes
 
The Company’s income tax expense decreased by $14,246, to $9,403 for the 13-week period ended March 28, 2015, from $23,649 for the 13-week period ended March 29, 2014.  The effective tax rate was 12.3% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 16.6% in the first quarter of 2014.  Release of uncertain tax position reserves due to expiration of certain statutes of limitations or completion of tax audits reduced our expense by $5,287 and $5,795, respectively, in first quarter 2015 and first quarter 2014.  The first quarter 2015 effective tax rate decreased as compared to first quarter 2014 primarily due to the current projected full year income mix for 2015 compared to the same projection at first quarter of 2014.  The full year 2014 effective tax rate was subsequently reduced as our income projection increased and income mix by taxing jurisdiction improved throughout 2014.