This case provides students with the opportunity to analyze the income tax disclosures for Apple Inc. In particular, it provides for discussion about such topics as deferred taxes, valuation allowances, unrecognized tax benefits, and the statutory rate reconciliation. What is most unique about the example is that Apple reports around $200 billion of cash and investments on its balance sheet.
However, students learn that Apple shareholders would incur a significant tax penalty were Apple to repatriate the cash and distribute to shareholders. Also, Apple designates some foreign earnings as permanently reinvested, but not other earnings. Therefore, students can see the accounting effects of both designations.
