Miguel Corporation and Forest Company merged as of January 1, 20X3. Miguel paid finder's fees of $36,000 and legal fees of $8,000. Miguel also paid audit fees related to the stock issuance of $12,000, stock registration fees of $7,000, and stock listing application fees of $3,000.

Required information

Based on the preceding information, under the acquisition method, what amount relating to the business combination would be expensed?

$22,000

$36,000

$44,000

$66,000