After having his best three quarters of earnings ever, and with a predicted strong fourth quarter, D, a sole proprietor who is a calendar year, cash basis taxpayer in a manufacturing business, is looking for ways to reduce his A.G.I. this year. Which of the following would probably not generate a deduction for A.G.I.?

a. Expenses incurred in December for a big January ad campaign.

b. Selling assets below his adjusted basis in them.

c. Expenses incurred in providing information to the city council on matters of direct interest to the taxpayer.

d. Buying life insurance on his key employees' lives, with the business as beneficiary.