Mario operates a cash$-$basis, calendar year$-$end pizzeria business. At the end of the year he received a $$12,000$ bill for pizza sauce and was given $1$ year to pay it with no penalties or late fees. Mario's marginal tax rate is $22\%$ this year and $26\%$ next year. Assume that he can earn an after$-$tax rate of return of $9\%$ on investments.

When should he pay the $$12,000$ bill$-$this year or next? What is the total after tax cost of paying the bill?

Multiple Choice

Next year $-$ $$2,861$

This year $-$ $$2,640$

This year $-$ $$9,360$

Next year $-$ $$9,139$