Income Taxes
We are subject to the income tax laws of the various jurisdictions where we conduct business and estimate income tax expense based on amounts expected to be owed to these various tax jurisdictions. The estimated income tax expense (benefit) is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The evaluation pertaining to the tax expense and related tax asset and liability balances involves a high degree of judgment and subjectivity around the ultimate measurement and resolution of these matters.
Accrued taxes represent the net estimated amount due to or to be received from tax jurisdictions either currently or in the future and are reported in other assets on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. We assess the appropriate tax treatment of transactions 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 December 31, 2022, we had net deferred tax assets totaling $9.3 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 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 December 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022
Summary. Total assets decreased $9.1 million, or 1.0%, to $870.9 million at December 31, 2022, from $880.0 million at June 30, 2022, primarily due to $8.6 million of cash used to repurchase shares, a $7.0 million increase in the unrealized loss on available for sale securities net of deferred taxes, and a $5.0 million decrease in advances from the FHLB of Pittsburgh, partially offset by an $8.8 million increase in deposits.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $17.1 million, or 47.1%, to $19.1 million at December 31, 2022, from $36.2 million at June 30, 2022. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily driven by a $16.7 million increase in net loans, the repurchase of 739,359 shares at a total cost of $8.6 million, and a $5.0 million decrease in advances from the FHLB of Pittsburgh, partially offset by an $8.8 million increase in deposits.
Investments. Total investments decreased $10.1 million, or 3.5%, to $277.0 million at December 31, 2022, from $287.1 million at June 30, 2022. The decrease in investments was primarily due to a $9.0 million increase in the gross unrealized loss on available for sale securities. The increase in the gross unrealized loss on available for sale securities is due to current interest rate levels relative to the Company’s cost and not credit quality. 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.
Loans. Net loans increased $16.7 million, or 3.5%, to $492.2 million at December 31, 2022, from $475.5 million at June 30, 2022. During the six months ended December 31, 2022, the Company originated $44.3 million of new loans, including $36.5 million of commercial loans. The Company maintains conservative lending practices and is focused on lending to borrowers with high credit quality within its market footprint.
Deposits. Deposits increased $8.8 million, or 1.5%, to $615.4 million at December 31, 2022, from $606.6 million at June 30, 2022. The increase in deposits was primarily due to a $17.2 million increase in money market accounts and a $6.1 million increase in time