Infosys Technologies (INFY)

22.1.11. Income tax

Income taxes are computed using the tax effect accounting method, where taxes are accrued in the same period the related revenue and expenses arise. A provision is made for income tax annually based on the tax liability computed after considering tax allowances and exemptions. Provisions are recorded when it is estimated that a liability due to disallowances or other matters is probable.

The differences that result between the profit offered for income taxes and the profit as per the financial statements are identified and thereafter a deferred tax asset or deferred tax liability is recorded for timing differences, namely the differences that originate in one accounting period and reverse in another, based on the tax effect of the aggregate amount being considered. The tax effect is calculated on the accumulated timing differences at the end of an accounting period based on prevailing enacted or substantially enacted regulations. Deferred tax assets are recognized only if there is reasonable certainty that they will be realized and are reviewed for the appropriateness of their respective carrying values at each balance sheet date. Tax benefits of deductions earned on exercise of employee stock options in excess of compensation charged to profit and loss account are credited to the share premium account.

Income Tax

As part of our financial reporting process, we are required to estimate our liability for income taxes in each of the tax jurisdictions in which we operate. This process requires us to estimate our actual current tax exposure together with an assessment of temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as depreciation on property, plant and equipment, for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our balance sheet.

53

Table of Contents

We face challenges from domestic and foreign tax authorities regarding the amount of current taxes due. These challenges include questions regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. Based on our evaluation of our tax position and the information presently available to us, we believe we have adequately accrued for probable exposures as of March 31, 2005. To the extent we are able to prevail in matters for which accruals have been established or are required to pay amounts in excess of our reserves, our effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be materially impacted.

Our deferred tax liabilities mainly arise from taxable basis differences in foreign exchange forward contracts, intangible assets and investments in liquid mutual funds. Our deferred tax assets comprise assets arising from basis differences in depreciation on property, plant and equipment, investments for which the ultimate realization of the tax asset may be dependent on the availability of future capital gains, and provisions for doubtful accounts receivable. We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. This assessment takes into consideration tax planning strategies, including levels of historical taxable income and assumptions regarding the availability and character of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible. We believe it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of those deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowance at March 31, 2005. The ultimate amount of deferred tax assets realized may be materially different from those recorded, as influenced by potential changes in income tax laws in the tax jurisdictions where we operate.

To the extent we believe that realization of a deferred tax asset is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance in an accounting period and include an expense within the tax provision in our statements of income. As of March 31, 2005 and March 31, 2004, we recorded valuation allowances of $1 million and $2 million due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of our deferred tax assets comprising provisions for doubtful accounts receivable and investments. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates of valuation allowance or if we adjust these estimates in future periods, we may need to establish an additional valuation allowance, which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations.

Income Tax

As part of our financial reporting process, we are required to estimate our liability for income taxes in each of the tax jurisdictions in which we operate. This process requires us to estimate our actual current tax exposure together with an assessment of temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as depreciation on property, plant and equipment, for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our balance sheet.

44

Table of Contents

We face challenges from domestic and foreign tax authorities regarding the amount of current taxes due. These challenges include questions regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. Based on our evaluation of our tax position and the information presently available to us, we believe we have adequately accrued for probable exposures as of December 31, 2004. To the extent we are able to prevail in matters for which accruals have been established or are required to pay amounts in excess of our reserves, our effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be materially impacted.

Our deferred tax liabilities mainly arise from taxable basis differences in foreign exchange forward contracts, intangible assets and investments in liquid mutual funds. Our deferred tax assets comprise assets arising from basis differences in depreciation on property, plant and equipment, investments for which the ultimate realization of the tax asset may be dependent on the availability of future capital gains, and provisions for doubtful accounts receivable. We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. This assessment takes into consideration tax planning strategies, including levels of historical taxable income and assumptions regarding the availability and character of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible. We believe it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of those deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowance at December 31, 2004. The ultimate amount of deferred tax assets realized may be materially different from those recorded, as influenced by potential changes in income tax laws in the tax jurisdictions where we operate.

To the extent we believe that realization of a deferred tax asset is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance in an accounting period and include an expense within the tax provision in our statements of income. As of December 31, 2004 and March 31, 2004, we recorded valuation allowances of $3 million and $2 million due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of our deferred tax assets comprising provisions for doubtful accounts receivable and investments. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates of valuation allowance or if we adjust these estimates in future periods, we may need to establish an additional valuation allowance, which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations.