Distributions from a Corporation $($for reference, see practice question $385$ on page $63$ and related answer and explanation on page $122)$: Blake, a C corporation, had a deficit in accumulated earnings and profits of $$100,000$ at the beginning of the year and had current earnings and profits of $$30,000.$ At year end, Blake paid a dividend of $$40,000$ to its sole shareholder. What amount of the dividend is reported as income?

a$.$ $$40,000$

b$.$ $$60,000$

c$.$ $$0$

d$.$ $$30,000$