FirstEnergy recognizes interest expense or income and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income taxes by applying the applicable statutory interest rate to the difference between the tax position recognized and the amount previously taken, or expected to be taken, on the tax return. FirstEnergy includes net interest and penalties in the provision for income taxes. FirstEnergy's recognition of net interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits in 2022, 2021 and 2020, was not material. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the cumulative net interest payable recorded by FirstEnergy was not material. IRS review of FirstEnergy’s federal income tax returns is complete through the 2020 tax year with no pending adjustments. FirstEnergy’s tax returns for some state jurisdictions are open from tax years 2009 to 2020. General Taxes General tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, recognized in continuing operations is summarized as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2020 (In millions) kWh excise $ 191 $ 189 $ 183 State gross receipts 219 190 182 Real and personal property 596 571 541 Social security and unemployment 105 103 112 Other 18 20 28 Total general taxes $ 1,129 $ 1,073 $ 1,046 8. LEASES FirstEnergy primarily leases vehicles as well as building space, office equipment, and other property and equipment under cancellable and non-cancelable leases. FirstEnergy does not have any material leases in which it is the lessor. FirstEnergy accounts for leases under, "Leases (Topic 842)". Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term and not recorded on the balance sheet. Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from 1 to 40 years, and certain leases include options to terminate. The exercise of lease renewal options is at FirstEnergy’s sole discretion. Renewal options are included within the lease liability if they are reasonably certain based on various factors relative to the contract. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. The depreciable life of leased assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise. FirstEnergy’s lease agreements do not contain any material restrictive covenants. FirstEnergy has elected a policy to not separate lease components from non-lease components for all asset classes. For vehicles leased under certain master lease agreements, the lessor is guaranteed a residual value up to a stated percentage of the equipment cost at the end of the lease term. If the actual fair value of the leased equipment is below the guaranteed residual value at the end of the lease term, FirstEnergy is committed to pay the difference in the actual fair value and the residual value guarantee. FirstEnergy does not believe it is probable that it will be required to pay anything pertaining to the residual value guarantee, and the lease liabilities and right-of-use assets are measured accordingly. Finance leases for assets used in regulated operations are recognized in FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income such that amortization of the right-of-use asset and interest on lease liabilities equals the expense allowed for ratemaking purposes. Finance leases for regulated and non-regulated operations are accounted for as if the assets were owned and financed, with associated expense recognized in Interest expense and Provision for depreciation on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income, while all operating lease expenses are recognized in Other operating expense. The components of lease expense were as follows: 101
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