The following facts pertain to Lewis Productions, a sole proprietorship owned by Lewis, in the current year:
Total cost of holiday gifts given to top 10 clients (each gift identical)........................$ 550
Receivable for prior-year purchase from Egan, who declared bankruptcy in the
current year.............................................................................................2,500
Lodging costs incurred by Lewis while traveling to client sites................................3,000
Meal costs incurred by Lewis only while traveling to and from client sites..................1,500
Meal costs incurred by Lewis while entertaining business clients and engaging in
some business-related discussion...................................................................3,000
Considering only the above facts, what is the total amount of business expenses that Lewis can declare on Schedule C of the current year's tax return?
a. $8,000
b. $5,500
c. $6,250
d. $8,750