Tax Avoidance, Large Positive Book-Tax Differences and Earnings Persistence

54 Pages Posted: 17 Dec 2009 Last revised: 18 Mar 2014

See all articles by Bradley S. Blaylock

Bradley S. Blaylock

University of Oklahoma - Michael F. Price College of Business

Terry J. Shevlin

University of California-Irvine; University of California-Irvine

Ryan J. Wilson

University of Iowa - Henry B. Tippie College of Business

Date Written: March 29, 2010

Abstract

We investigate why book-tax temporary differences appear to serve as a useful signal of earnings persistence. We maintain that there are multiple potential sources of large positive book-tax differences and examine the differing implications of large positive book-tax differences for earnings and accruals persistence depending on the source of those differences. We expect and observe that firms with large positive book-tax differences likely arising from tax avoidance exhibit greater accruals persistence than other firms with large positive book-tax differences. We also expect and observe that firms with large positive book-tax differences likely arising from upward earnings management exhibit lower earnings and accruals persistence than other firms with large positive book-tax differences. Further, we provide evidence that investors are able to look through to the source of large positive book-tax differences allowing them to correctly price the persistence of accruals. Together, our results illustrate the importance of considering the source of book-tax differences when using them as a signal of earnings quality.

Keywords: book-tax differences, earnings persistence, earnings quality, earnings expectations

JEL Classification: M41

Suggested Citation

Blaylock, Bradley S. and Shevlin, Terry J. and Shevlin, Terry J. and Wilson, Ryan J., Tax Avoidance, Large Positive Book-Tax Differences and Earnings Persistence (March 29, 2010). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1524298 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1524298

Bradley S. Blaylock

University of Oklahoma - Michael F. Price College of Business ( email )

307 West Brooks
Norman, OK 73019-4004
United States

Terry J. Shevlin (Contact Author)

University of California-Irvine ( email )

Paul Merage School of Business
Irvine, CA 92697-3125
United States
949-824-6149 (Phone)

University of California-Irvine ( email )

Paul Merage School of Business
Irvine, CA California 92697-3125
United States
2065509891 (Phone)

Ryan J. Wilson

University of Iowa - Henry B. Tippie College of Business ( email )

Acquisitions
5020 Main Library
Iowa City, IA 52242-1000
United States

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