NOTE 6—INCOME TAXES

HSNi calculates its interim income tax provision in accordance with the accounting guidance for income taxes in interim periods. At the end of each interim period, HSNi makes its best estimate of the annual expected effective tax rate and applies that rate to its ordinary year-to-date income or loss. The tax or benefit related to significant, unusual, or extraordinary items that will be separately reported or reported net of their related tax effect are individually computed and recognized in the interim period in which those items occur.

In addition, the effect of changes in enacted tax laws or rates, tax status, or judgment on the realizability of a beginning-of-the-year deferred tax asset in future years is recognized in the interim period in which the change occurs.

The computation of the annual expected effective tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the expected operating income for the year, permanent and temporary differences, and the likelihood of recovering deferred tax assets generated in the current year. The accounting estimates used to compute the provision for income taxes may change as new events occur, more experience is acquired, additional information is obtained or the tax environment changes. To the extent that the estimated annual effective tax rate changes during a quarter, the effect of the change on prior quarters is included in tax expense for the current quarter.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, HSNi recorded a tax provision of $15.0 million and $48.1 million, respectively, which represents effective tax rates of 38.1% and 38.6%, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, HSNi recorded a tax provision of $9.8 million and $36.9 million, respectively, which represents effective tax rates of 39.8% and 39.2%, respectively. The effective tax rates exceed the federal statutory rate of 35.0% due principally to the effect of state income taxes.

In connection with the Spin-off, HSNi entered into a Tax Sharing Agreement with IAC pursuant to which, among other things, each of the Spincos has indemnified IAC and the other Spincos for any taxes resulting from the Spin-off of such Spinco (and any related interest, penalties, legal and professional fees, and all costs and damages associated with related shareholder litigation or controversies) to the extent such amounts result from (i) any act or failure to act by such Spinco described in the covenants in the Tax Sharing Agreement, (ii) any acquisition of equity securities or assets of such Spinco or a member of its group, and (iii) any breach by such Spinco or any member of its group of any representation or covenant contained in the separation documents or in the documents relating to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") private letter ruling and/or tax opinions. In the event an adjustment with respect to a pre-Spin-off period for which IAC is responsible results in a tax benefit to HSNi in a post-Spin-off period, HSNi will be required to pay such tax benefit to IAC. In general, IAC controls all audits and administrative matters and other tax proceedings relating to the consolidated federal income tax return of the IAC group and any other tax returns for which the IAC group is responsible. The provisions set forth in the Tax Sharing Agreement could subject HSNi to future tax contingencies.

The IRS has completed its review of the IAC consolidated tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2001 through 2006, which includes the operations of HSNi. The settlement for these years has not yet been submitted to the Joint Committee on Taxation for approval. The IRS began its review of the IAC consolidated tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2007 through 2009 in July 2011. The statute of limitations for the years 2001 through 2007 has been extended to December 31, 2012. Various IAC consolidated tax returns filed with state, local and foreign jurisdictions are currently under examination, the most significant of which are California, New York and New York City, for various tax years after December 31, 2003. By virtue of the Tax Sharing Agreement with IAC, HSNi is indemnified with respect to additional tax liabilities for consolidated or combined federal and state tax returns prepared and filed by IAC prior to the Spin-off, but is liable for any additional tax liabilities for HSNi separately filed state income tax returns.