Vernon is a cash basis taxpayer with a calendar tax year. On November 1, 2012, Vernon entered into a lease to rent a building for use in his business at $4,000 a month. On that day Vernon paid 6 months rent on the building, a total of $24,000 ($4,000 ´ 6 months). How much may Vernon deduct for rent expense on his 2012 tax return?
a. $4,000
b. None of the above
c. $24,000
d. $8,000
e. $16,000