Aolani, a calendar year cash basis taxpayer, owns and operates several TV rental outlets in Virginia and wants to expand to other states. During 2024, Aolani spends $14,000 to investigate TV rental stores in Maryland and $9,000 to investigate TV rental stores in West Virginia. Aolani acquires the Maryland operations but not the outlets in West Virginia. As to these expenses, Aolani should:
a. Expense $23,000 for 2024.
b. Expense $9,000 for 2024 and capitalize $14,000.
c. Expense $23,000 in 2025.
d. Capitalize $23,000.
e. Capitalize $14,000 and not deduct $9,000.