Income tax expense represents the corporation tax payable.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the statement of comprehensive income because of items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and items that are never taxable or deductible. The company's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.
Current tax is recognised in profit or loss for the year, except when they relate to items that are recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case current tax is recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.