Gold Company Signs a 13-Year Franchise Agreement with Silver

Gold Company signs a 13-year franchise agreement with Silver. Silver retained significant powers, rights, and a continuing interest. Gold Company (the franchisee) makes noncontingent payments of $18,000 per year for the first four years of the franchise. Gold Company also pays a contingent fee of 2% of gross sales every month. Which of the following statements is correct?

A) Gold Company may deduct the $18,000 per year noncontingent payments in full as they are made.
B) Gold Company may deduct the monthly contingent fee as it is paid.
C) Gold Company may deduct both the noncontingent annual fee and the contingent monthly fees as they are paid.
D) Gold Company may not deduct either the noncontingent annual fee or the contingent monthly fees as they are paid.
E) None of the above.