In 2018, Godfrey Received a $50,000 Sales Commission on a Long-Term

In 2018, Godfrey received a $50,000 sales commission on a long-term contract. But in 2019, the customer filed bankruptcy and Godfrey's employer was not able to collect from the customer. Under the bonus agreement, Godfrey was required to repay the employer $20,000 of the bonus. Godfrey was in the 35% marginal tax bracket in 2018 but he is in the 24% marginal tax bracket in 2019.

A) Godfrey can amend his 2018 tax return and reduce his taxable income by $20,000.
B) Godfrey should deduct the $20,000 paid in 2019 and thus his tax savings will be $4,800.
C) Godfrey can reduce his 2019 tax liability by 35% × $20,000 = $7,000.
D) Godfrey should not have reported the income in 2018 because of the contingencies.
E) None of the above.