16. INCOME TAXES

The Company’s provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of the annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items arising in that quarter. The Company’s effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to valuation allowances on its deferred tax assets as it is more likely than not that some or all of the Company’s deferred tax assets will not be realized as well as the partial release of the valuation allowance as part of the EnvisionTEC acquisition. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the company recorded an income tax benefit was $27.9 million. There was no income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

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The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the differences between the consolidated financial statements carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities and for loss and credit carryforwards, using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company has provided a full valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets as the Company has determined that it was more likely than not that the Company would not realize the benefits of federal and state net deferred tax assets.

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As a result of the recent acquisition of EnvisionTEC, the Company recorded a U.S. deferred tax liability related to non-tax-deductible intangible assets recognized in the financial statements. The acquired deferred tax liability is a source of income to support recognition of the Company’s existing deferred tax assets. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $28.1 million income tax benefit for the release in the valuation allowance related to the acquired intangibles.

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The Company provides reserves for potential payments of taxes to various tax authorities related to uncertain tax positions. Amounts recognized are based on a determination of whether a tax benefit taken by the Company in its tax filings or positions is “more likely than not” to be sustained on audit. The amount associated with uncertain tax positions are recorded as a component of income tax expense. As of March 31, 2021, the Company has accrued uncertain tax positions of approximately $1.2 million related to the EnvisionTEC acquisition. The amounts relate to U.S. state and foreign tax positions. Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2021 are amounts that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has not identified any uncertain tax positions for which reserves would be required.