Investopedia explains 'Net Operating Loss - NOL' If a company has a net operating loss, it can apply this tax relief in two ways: it can apply the net operating loss to its past tax payments and receive a tax credit; or it could apply the net operating loss to future income tax payments, reducing the need to make payments in future periods. Read more: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/netoperatingloss.asp#ixzz1hBO8WsQJ