The following information was taken from the accounting records of XYZ Company for the year ended

December 31, 2008: 

Cost of Goods Sold $50,000 Salaries Payable $34,000 Inventory $70,000 Cash ? Accounts Payable $52,000 Common Stock $80,000 Accounts Receivable $35,000 Retained Earnings $50,000 (at January 1, 2008) Salaries Expense $31,000 Dividends ? Interest Revenue $11,000 Supplies $10,000 Notes Payable $94,000 Patent $65,000 Sales Revenue $97,000 Equipment $91,000 Income Tax Expense $10,000 

Additional information Total equity at December 31, 2008 is equal to 75% of total liabilities at December 31, 2008. 

Calculate the amount of dividends XYZ Company paid to its stockholders during 2008.