14. Income Taxes

The Company has accumulated net losses since inception and has not recorded an income tax provision or benefit for the United States (U.S.) federal and state income taxes during the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The components of the income tax benefits, net are as follows:

A reconciliation of income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate to net income taxes included in the consolidated statements of operations is as follows:

The components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities are:

As of each reporting date, the Company considers existing evidence, both positive and negative, that could impact its view with regard to future realization of deferred tax assets. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that the benefit for deferred tax assets will not be realized. In recognition of this uncertainty, a full valuation allowance was applied to the deferred tax assets. The Company did not record a tax provision for the year ended September 30, 2020 and, due to the Company’s estimate that the effective tax rate for each year is 0%.  

Future realization depends on the Company’s future earnings, if any, the timing and amount of which are uncertain as of September 30, 2020. In the future, should management conclude that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets are partially or fully realizable, the valuation allowance would be reduced to the extent of such expected realization and the amount would be recognized as a deferred income tax benefit in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had available federal and state total net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $20.0 million. Federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $20.0 million carryforward indefinitely. State operating loss carryforwards of approximately $20.0 million, begin to expire in 2039.

Pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the Company’s federal and state net operating loss carryforwards may be limited in the event a cumulative change in ownership of more than 50% occurs within a three-year period.  The Company has not completed a Section 382 analysis regarding the limitation of net operating loss carryforwards. There is a risk that changes in ownership have occurred since Company’s formation. If a change in ownership were to have occurred, the NOL carryforwards could be limited or restricted. If limited, the related asset would be removed from the deferred tax asset schedule with a corresponding reduction in the valuation allowance. Due to the existence of the valuation allowance, limitations created by future ownership changes, if any, related to the Company’s operations will not impact the Company’s effective tax rate.

There are open statutes of limitations whereby our US Federal and Pennsylvania tax returns from inception of the Company are subject to audit by the respective taxing authorities in these jurisdictions for taxing authorities in federal and state jurisdictions to audit our tax returns from inception of the Company. There have been no material income tax related interest or penalties assessed or recorded.

No liability for uncertain tax positions or related interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions is reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.