The sum of all the current E&P amounts from last years, less all dividends distributed. The accumulated E&P amount represents all undistributed E&P. Any dividends that are in excess of accumulated E&P are a return of capital. E&P can be negative only from operating losses, not from paying out liquidating dividends. Additive E&P is similar to the balance sheet account retained earnings, but accumulated adjustments account 18 calculated differently and based on taxable income. While earnings is equal to total income from all income statements less all dividends paid over time, accumulated E&P is the sum of all taxable revenue from the tax returns less all taxes paid and all dividends paid