liabilities. We expect to pay $18 million of benefits from our unfunded postemploy- ment benefit plans and $13 million of deferred compensation in fiscal 2011. We are unable to reliably estimate the amount of these payments beyond fiscal 2011. As of May 30, 2010, our total liability for uncertain tax positions and the associated accrued interest and penalties was $728 million.We expect to pay approximately $425 million of tax liabilities related to uncertain tax positions and accrued interest in the next 12 months, including a portion of our potential liability for the matter resolved by the U.S. Court of Appeals discussed within this MD&A.While fiscal years 2007 and 2008 are currently under examination by the Internal RevenueService (IRS),we are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of future cash flows beyond 12 months due to uncertainties in the timing of this and other tax audit outcomes. (including amounts classified as a reduction of revenues) are significant, if our estimates are inaccurate we would have to make adjustments in subsequent periods that could have a material effect on our results of operations. Valuation of Long-lived Assets Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indi- cate that the carrying amount of an asset (or asset group) may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the oper- ation and disposition of the asset group are less than the carrying amount of the asset group. Asset groups have identifiable cash flows independent of other asset groups. Measurement of an impairment loss would be based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset group over its fair value. Fair value is mea- sured using discounted cash flows or independent appraisals, as appropriate. For a complete description of our significant accounting policies, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page 51 of this report. Our significant accounting estimates are those that have a meaningful impact on the reporting of our financial condition and results of operations. These estimates include our accounting for promotional expenditures, valuation of long-lived assets, intangible assets, stock-based compensation, income taxes, and defined benefit pension, other postretirement and postemployment benefits. Promotional Expenditures Our promotional activities are con- ducted through our customers and directly or indirectly with end consumers. These activities include: payments to customers to perform merchandising activities on our behalf, such as adver- tising or in-store displays; discounts to our list prices to lower retail shelf prices; payments to gain distribution of new products; coupons, contests, and other incentives; and media and adver- tising expenditures. The media and advertising expenditures are recognized as expense when the advertisement airs. The cost of payments to customers and other consumer activities are rec- ognized as the related revenue is recorded, which generally precedes the actual cash expenditure. The recognition of these costs requires estimation of customer participation and perfor- mance levels. These estimates are made based on the forecasted customer sales, the timing and forecasted costs of promotional activities, and other factors. Differences between estimated expenses and actual costs are normally insignificant and are recognized as a change in management estimate in a subsequent period. Our accrued trade, coupon, and consumer marketing liabilities were $555 million as of May 30, 2010, and $474 million as of May 31, 2009. Because our total promotional expenditures Intangible Assets Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Impairment testing is performed for each of our reporting units. We compare the carrying value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, to the fair value of the unit. Carrying value is based on the assets and liabilities associated with the operations of that reporting unit, which often requires allocation of shared or cor- porate items among reporting units. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we revalue all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, excluding goodwill, to determine if the fair value of the net assets is greater than the net assets including goodwill. If the fair value of the net assets is less than the net assets including goodwill, impairment has occurred. Our estimates of fair value are determined based on a discounted cash flow model. Growth rates for sales and profits are deter- mined using inputs from our annual long-range planning process. We also make estimates of discount rates, perpetuity growth assumptions, market comparables, and other factors. We evaluate the useful lives of our other intangible assets, mainly brands, to determine if they are finite or indefinite-lived. Reaching a determination on useful life requires significant judg- ments and assumptions regarding the future effects of obsoles- cence, demand, competition, other economic factors (such as the General Mills 36 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES