Based on experience, a company will know that a certain percentage of their outstanding accounts receivable will be uncollectible, They apply this experience via a formula to approximate the dollar amount of uncollectible ,and set up an allowance for doubtful accounts (a contra-asset account) and the debit goes to bad debt expense .The formula might be as simple as 1% of total A/R or various percentages applied to an A/R aging (50% of over 90 days old +10% of over 60 day old etc.).At the end of each period, the allowance is adjusted and re calculated accordingly, up or down with the offset to bad debt expense.
The_direct_write_off_method_of_accounting_for_uncollectible_accounts_violates_the
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Bad debts is the direct write-off method of uncollectable for accounts receivable.
The percent of sales method
The direct write-off method. For tax purposes, companies must use the direct write-off method, under which bad debts are recognized only after the company is certain the debt will not be paid. Before determining that an account balance is uncollectible, a company generally makes several attempts to collect the debt from the customer. Recognizing the bad debt requires a journal entry that increases a bad debts expense account and decreases accounts receivable.
The_direct_write_off_method_of_accounting_for_uncollectible_accounts_violates_the
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Bad debts is the direct write-off method of uncollectable for accounts receivable.
The percent of sales method
The direct write-off method. For tax purposes, companies must use the direct write-off method, under which bad debts are recognized only after the company is certain the debt will not be paid. Before determining that an account balance is uncollectible, a company generally makes several attempts to collect the debt from the customer. Recognizing the bad debt requires a journal entry that increases a bad debts expense account and decreases accounts receivable.
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In the same period in which the sale on account occurs.
aging of rereceivable method of chapter 8 receivables problum a8-2
it is a meas whereby not everyone can use the method
Cash is the most common method to use. It is more felxible. Read more here http://ezinearticles.com/?Using-the-Cash-Method-For-Tax-Accounting&id=1639113
What is current purchasing power accounting method
Fresh Start Accounting is an accounting method used by business entities that are emerging from bankruptcy. The method is governed by the Federal Accounting Methods Board.