In November 2015, Ben and Betty (married, filing jointly) have a long-term capital gain of $54,000 on the sale of stock. They have no other capital gains and losses for the year. Their ordinary income for the year after the standard deduction and personal exemptions is $72,500, making their total taxable income for the year $126,500 ($72,500 + $54,000). In 2015, married taxpayers pay 10 percent on taxable income up to $18,450, 15 percent on the next $56,450, and 25 percent on the next $74,900 of taxable income. What will be their 2015 total tax liability assuming a tax of $9,956 on the $72,500 of ordinary income?

a.$9,956

b.$17,696

c.$18,056

d.$23,213