The income tax benefit associated with a loss carryback or carryforward is recorded as an adjustment to income tax expense in the year of the loss.

Loss Carryback

An accounting technique that allows businesses to apply current year’s net operating losses to previous years’ profits to reduce tax liabilities.

Income Tax Benefit

A reduction in income tax payments, which can result from deductions, exemptions, or credits, often recognizing benefits from losses or deductions from previous years.

Income Tax Expense

The amount of money a company or individual owes to the government based on earned income, reflecting the tax rate and taxable earnings for a fiscal period.