10. Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was 32.9% and (10.3)%, respectively, resulting in a $624,000 income tax benefit and $2,976,000 income tax expense, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was 25.7% and (4.6)%, respectively, resulting in a $1,218,000 income tax benefit and $1,509,000 income tax expense, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $627,000 and $4,106,000, respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $832,000 and $4,106,000, respectively. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considered the scheduled reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based on the consideration of these items, management determined that it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize the deferred income tax asset balances and therefore, initially recorded a valuation allowance as of September 30, 2015. Management has again evaluated the deferred tax asset for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and has determined a full valuation allowance continues to be applicable.