Table:
|  |  | Year Ended December 31, |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| (In thousands) | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| Beginning balance as of January 1 | $ 19,821 | $ 10,939 | $ 10,616 |
| Increases for tax positions related to the current year | 1,240 | 8,977 | 640 |
| Decreases for tax positions related to prior years | 0 | 0 | (146) |
| Increases for tax positions related to prior years | 95 | 367 | 153 |
| Decreases relating to settlements with taxing authorities | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Increases acquired in business acquisitions | 0 | 540 | 0 |
| Foreign currency translation | 3 | (5) | 10 |
| Reductions due to lapsed statute of limitations | (555) | (997) | (334) |
| Ending balance as of December 31 | $ 20,604 | $ 19,821 | $ 10,939 |
Paragraphs:
Changes in the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:
We had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $20.6 million and $19.8 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. If the current gross unrecognized tax benefits were recognized, the result would be an increase in our income tax benefit of $20.7 million and $19.6 million, respectively. These amounts are net of accrued interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits of $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
We believe that it is reasonably possible that $0.2 million of our currently remaining unrecognized tax benefits may be recognized by the end of 2020, as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations.
Question:
What would have been the impact if the current gross unrecognized tax benefits were recognized?
Answer: the result would be an increase in our income tax benefit of $20.7 million and $19.6 million, respectively.