No while using allowance method, bad debts are charged to allowance for bad debts account rather charging the accounts receivable because accounts receivable was already charged with allowance when it was created.
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
Setting up an allowance for uncollectible accounts is an application of the Principle of Conservatism. The idea is that when there are uncertain outcomes, you don't want to make the company look "too good," because that might mislead financial statement users.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Bad debts is the direct write-off method of uncollectable for accounts receivable.
When there is credit risk in accounts receivable, the amount that is expected to be uncollectible needs to be subtracted from accounts receivable (resulting in net accounts receivable). In case there is no such allowance created, accounts receivable is overstated. As a result, equity is overstated as well (since there are no expenses booked to create the allowance). Thus, not including the allowance leads to overstated assets and overstated equity.
The percentage-of-receivables method is a way for a company to estimate its Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts and Bad Debt Expense. It is considered a "Balance Sheet Approach," because total Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts is estimated as a percent of total Accounts Receivable. Bad Debt expense then becomes the increase between the previous year's Allowance and the current year's Allowance.
The percentage-of-receivables method is a way for a company to estimate its Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts and Bad Debt Expense. It is considered a "Balance Sheet Approach," because total Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts is estimated as a percent of total Accounts Receivable. Bad Debt expense then becomes the increase between the previous year's Allowance and the current year's Allowance.
Answer:The allowance for uncollectible accounts is a contra T-account to accounts receivable. Both are presented under current assets. The allowance can also be subtracted from accounts receivables, showing the net value (common for listed companies).
DR Allowance for Doubtful Accounts CR Accounts Receivable
It is basically deducting the allowance for doubtful accounts from the total accounts receivable.
Associated accounting issues include recognizing accounts receivable, valuing accounts receivable, and disposing of accounts receivable.