For the year, Uptowne Furniture had sales of $$818,790,$ costs of $$748,330,$ and interest paid of $$24,450.$ The depreciation expense was $$56,100$ and the tax rate was $34$ percent. At the beginning of the year, the firm had retained earnings of $$172,270$ and common stock of $$260,000.$ At the end of the year, retained earnings was $$158,713$ and common stock was $$280,000.$ Any tax losses can be used. What is the amount of the dividends paid for the year?

a$.$ $$6,898$

b$.$ $$7,566$

c$.$ $$6,466$

d$.$ $$7,066$

e$.$ $$5,266$