Den Co$.$ owes J$,$ CPAs $$25$K for previously rendered tax and consulting services. The fees have been outstanding for more than one year and are significant to J$.$ Den asked J to perform this year's audit but is unable to pay the fees prior to release of the audit report. Which statement best describes whether J is independent under the $$Unpaid Fees$$ interpretation?

J is independent because the previous services did not include audit or attest services.

J may be independent if J determines that threats to independence are not significant.

J may be independent if J can apply safeguards that reduce threats to an acceptable level.

J is not independent because threats to J$\text{'}$s independence are not at an acceptable level.