CHFC 2017 Annual Report

To determine the expected long-term rate of return on defined benefit pension plan assets, the Corporation considers the current asset allocation of the defined benefit pension plan, as well as historical and expected returns on each asset class. A lower expected rate of return on defined benefit pension plan assets will increase pension expense. The Corporation recognizes the over- or under-funded status of a plan within "Interest receivable and other assets" or "Interest payable and other liabilities" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as measured by the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the projected benefit obligation. Unrecognized prior service costs and actuarial gains and losses are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Corporation measures defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of December 31. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising and marketing expense was $5.9 million, $3.7 million and $3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Income and Other Taxes The Corporation is subject to the income and other tax laws of the United States, the States of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana and other states where nexus has been created. These laws are complex and are subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the various taxing authorities. In determining the provision for income and other taxes, management must make judgments and estimates about the application of these inherently complex laws, related regulations and case law. In the process of preparing the Corporation's tax returns, management attempts to make reasonable interpretations of enacted tax laws. These interpretations are subject to challenge by the tax authorities upon audit or to reinterpretation based on management's ongoing assessment of facts and evolving case law. The Corporation and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. The provision for federal income taxes is based on income and expenses, as reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements, rather than amounts reported on the Corporation's federal income tax return. The difference between the federal statutory income tax rate and the Corporation's effective federal income tax rate is primarily a function of the proportion of the Corporation's interest income exempt from federal taxation, nondeductible interest expense and other nondeductible expenses relative to pretax income and tax credits. When income and expenses are recognized in different periods for tax purposes than for book purposes, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Differences in the tax and book carrying amounts of assets and liabilities can also be generated when the Corporation acquires other banks or bank branches. 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 as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date of the change. On December 22, 2017, H.R.1, commonly referred to as the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" was signed into law. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, among other items, reduces the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018. As such, the Corporation completed a revaluation of the net deferred tax assets and estimated a reduction in the Corporation's deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2017. On a quarterly basis, management assesses the reasonableness of its effective federal tax rate based upon its estimate of taxable income and the applicable taxes expected for the full year. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reassessed on a quarterly basis, including the need for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Uncertain income tax positions are evaluated to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the tax position. If a tax position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained, a tax benefit is recognized for the amount that is greater than 50.0% likely to be realized. Reserves for contingent income tax liabilities attributable to unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions are reviewed quarterly for adequacy based upon developments in tax law and the status of audits or examinations. The Corporation had no contingent income tax liabilities recorded at December 31, 2017 and 2016. Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects, Federal Historic Projects and New Market Tax Credits The Corporation invests in qualified affordable housing projects, federal historic projects, and new market projects for the purpose of community reinvestment and obtaining tax credits. Return on the Corporation's investment in these projects comes Chemical Financial Corporation Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2017 93