A company issues $15,000,000, 7.8%, 20-year bonds to yield 8% on January 1, 2012. Interest is paid on June 30 and December 31. The proceeds from the bonds are $14,703,109.

Using effective-interest amortization, how much interest expense will be recognized in 2012?

a. $585,000
b. $1,170,000
c. $1,176,374
d. $1,176,249