How much total income does Denise have for tax purposes?

To determine Denise's total income for tax purposes, one must identify the specific types of income that qualify as taxable and how they are reported. Total income typically includes wages, salaries, bonuses, interest, dividends, capital gains, rental income, and other sources of income, minus any specific exclusions or deductions that may apply.

In this scenario, if the total income is calculated as $149,500, it implies that this figure may have been derived from summing various income sources or wages and subtracting adjustments or exclusions allowed under tax laws. For instance, certain expenses or adjustments, like retirement plan contributions or certain types of interest, could have been deducted to arrive at this figure.

Since the options represent different income levels, understanding what makes $149,500 the correct answer requires recognizing it as the comprehensive total that reflects Denise's taxable income for the year, based on the relevant income categories and allowable deductions or exclusions, while also ensuring compliance with tax regulations.

Other figures represent potential combinations of income and deductions that either exceed or do not adequately account for Denise’s correct taxable income amount.