Fannie Mae-No Politics (FNMA)

[capitalismforever]

My tax refund is an asset. Interesting to think of it that way.

Accounting rules for individuals and corporations are much different. However, in a way, you could think of it in that regard if it helps you to better understand what a DTA is.

DTAs are on losses on assets and I believe it taken of the profit to lower your tax liability and really doesn't have anything to do with the estimated payments.

An operational loss is a completely separate matter. They are distinct from one another which is why you can carry forward a NOL for up to 20 years, and a DTA can only be carried forward for 7. If they were the same, they'd both have the same carry-forward rule applied. A DTA can arise from a NOL by way of the 2 year carry-back rule, but they also arise from timing differences between GAAP accounting rules and IRS.

Not rocket science

It's a little more complex than what you understand, apparently.