On 1 January 2017, a company had $240,640 balance in (gross) accounts receivable and $14,800 balance in the allowance for doubtful accounts. During the year the company reported sales of $486,600, 60% of which were on account. The company was able to collect $173,000 of accounts receivables during 2017. The accounts receivable balance on 31 December 2017 was $329,600. The firm's management determined that as of 31 December 2017 $17,236 of their balance in accounts receivables would not be collectible in the future.

Question: How much was the bad debt expense during 2017?

a) $32,076

b) 32,960

c) $36,528

d) $38,720

e) $23,760