On March 4, Year 1, Miqdadi Corporation, a calendar year corporation, elected S status, and all of its shareholders consented to the election. All of the eligibility requirements had been met by the corporation for S status during the portion of the year that was pre-election. On which date is the earliest that Miqdadi Corporation can be recognized as an S corporation?

a. January 1, Year 1.

b. March 4, Year 1.

c. January 1, Year 2.

d. March 4, Year 2.