and filing positions after considering statutes, regulations, judicial precedent and other pertinent information and maintain tax accruals consistent with our evaluation. Changes in the estimate of accrued taxes occur periodically due to changes in tax rates, interpretations of tax laws, the status of examinations by the authorities and newly issued or enacted statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance that could impact the relative merits of tax positions. These changes, when they occur, impact accrued taxes and can materially affect our operating results. We regularly evaluate our uncertain tax positions and estimate the appropriate level of reserves related to each of these positions.
As of March 31, 2021, we had net deferred tax assets totaling $4.0 million. We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. If currently available information raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance is established. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting tax assets and liabilities. These judgments require us to make projections of future taxable income. Management believes, based upon current facts, that it is more likely than not that there will be sufficient taxable income in future years to realize the deferred tax assets. The judgments and estimates we make in determining our deferred tax assets are inherently subjective and are reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require us to record a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance that results in additional income tax expense in the period in which it is recognized would negatively affect earnings. Our net deferred tax assets were determined based on the current enacted federal tax rate of 21%. Any possible future reduction in federal tax rates, would reduce the value of our net deferred tax assets and result in immediate write-down of the net deferred tax assets though our statement of operations, the effect of which would be material.
Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020
Summary. Total assets increased $80.9 million, or 11.0%, to $817.4 million at March 31, 2021, from $736.5 million at June 30, 2020. The increase in total assets can primarily be attributed to a $96.7 million increase in total cash and cash equivalents and a $19.2 million increase in investment securities, partially offset by a $32.8 million decrease in gross loans.
Cash and cash equivalents increased $96.7 million, or 116.6%, to $179.6 million at March 31, 2021, from $82.9 million at June 30, 2020. The increase in cash and cash equivalents was primarily driven by $126.4 million of gross offering proceeds received in connection with the second step offering and a $32.8 million decrease in gross loans. These increases to cash and cash equivalents were partially offset by an $11.5 million decrease in deposits, a $19.2 million increase in investment securities and a $23.9 million decrease in advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Pittsburgh. The decrease in advances from the FHLB of Pittsburgh was due to the strategic prepayment of $23.2 million of higher-cost advances during the three months ended September 30, 2020.
During the nine months ended March 31, 2021, we transferred six properties from premises and equipment with a total carrying value of approximately $3.2 million to the held for sale classification included in other assets on our consolidated statement of financial condition. We sold five of the six properties prior to December 31, 2020 and, as of March 31, 2021, we are actively marketing the one property that remains in the held for sale classification in other assets on our consolidated statement of financial condition. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company made a strategic decision to consolidate three existing Bank branches into one branch based on branch deposit levels and the close geographic proximity of the three consolidating branches and recorded a $34 thousand net loss on the disposition of premises and equipment.
Investments. Investments increased $19.2 million, or 21.3%, to $109.2 million at March 31, 2021, from $90.0 million at June 30, 2020. The Company remains focused on maintaining a high-quality investment portfolio that provides a steady stream of cash flows both in the current and in rising interest rate environments. During the nine months ended March 31, 2021, we purchased $60.4 million of investment securities with the remaining excess cash available resulting from our acquisitions of Fidelity and Washington in May 2020. Also during the nine months ended March 31, 2021, we sold $12.4 million of investments securities in order to decrease our exposure to premium amortization due to the current interest rate environment.
Loans. Gross loans decreased $32.8 million, or 6.4%, to $479.3 million at March 31, 2021, from $512.1 million at June 30, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic and low interest rate environment have created a highly competitive market for residential lending. The Company maintains conservative lending practices and is focused on lending to borrowers with high credit quality within its market footprint.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the Bank provided $2.4 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for 56 new and existing customers and, in January 2021, the Bank announced its continued participation in the restarted program for first and second draw PPP loans. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Bank provided an additional $1.1 million in PPP loans for 27 new