CubeSmart Income Taxes Disclosure
18. INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes are established for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is provided if the Company believes that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. No valuation allowance was recorded as of December 31, 2020 or 2019. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had
net deferred tax assets of $0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively, which are included in Other assets, net on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company believes it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets will be realized.
Historical Timeline
| Fiscal Year | Filed | |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Feb 26, 2021 | Showing above |
| 2019 | Feb 21, 2020 | |
| 2018 | Feb 22, 2019 | |
| 2017 | Feb 16, 2018 | |
| 2016 | Feb 17, 2017 | |
| 2015 | Feb 19, 2016 | |
About Income Taxes Disclosures
The income tax disclosure reveals how much a company actually pays in taxes versus what the statutory rate would predict. Analysts focus on the effective tax rate (ETR) reconciliation, which breaks down every item driving the gap between the 21% federal rate and the company's reported ETR — including R&D credits, foreign rate differentials, and state taxes. Deferred tax assets (DTAs) and their valuation allowances signal management's confidence in future profitability: a rising allowance suggests the company doubts it can use accumulated tax benefits. Uncertain tax benefit (UTB) reserves quantify exposure to IRS challenges on aggressive positions.
Key signals to watch: sudden ETR drops without clear operational reasons, large increases in valuation allowances, growing UTB balances, and significant unremitted foreign earnings. Post-TCJA, pay attention to GILTI and BEAT provisions that affect multinational tax structures. Compare the cash taxes paid (from the cash flow statement) against the income tax provision to gauge earnings quality.