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
A company will use the allowance method of accounting for bad debts when it needs to match expenses with revenues in the same accounting period, adhering to the matching principle. This method is particularly useful for companies that extend credit to customers, as it allows them to estimate and recognize potential uncollectible accounts in advance, rather than waiting until specific accounts are deemed uncollectible. This approach provides a more accurate representation of a company's financial position and performance.
Bad debts is the direct write-off method of uncollectable for accounts receivable.
The percent of sales method
The_direct_write_off_method_of_accounting_for_uncollectible_accounts_violates_the
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
A company will use the allowance method of accounting for bad debts when it needs to match expenses with revenues in the same accounting period, adhering to the matching principle. This method is particularly useful for companies that extend credit to customers, as it allows them to estimate and recognize potential uncollectible accounts in advance, rather than waiting until specific accounts are deemed uncollectible. This approach provides a more accurate representation of a company's financial position and performance.
Bad debts is the direct write-off method of uncollectable for accounts receivable.
The percent of sales method
The Direct Write-Off Method is not generally accepted because it violates the matching principle of accounting, which requires expenses to be matched with the revenues they help generate. This method recognizes bad debt expenses only when an account is deemed uncollectible, potentially distorting financial statements by not accurately reflecting the financial position in the period when the revenue was recognized. Additionally, it can lead to fluctuating profits and mislead investors, making it less reliable for assessing a company's financial health.
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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The direct write-off method recognizes bad debt expenses only when an account is deemed uncollectible, leading to a potential mismatch between revenues and expenses in the same period. This method does not adhere to the matching principle of accounting, as it can distort financial statements by not estimating uncollectible accounts in advance. Consequently, it is typically used by small businesses or for tax purposes, where simplicity is preferred over accuracy in financial reporting. However, it may not be compliant with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for larger companies.
The two primary bases for estimating uncollectible accounts are the percentage of accounts receivable method and the aging of accounts receivable method. The percentage of accounts receivable method uses a historical percentage of uncollectible accounts applied to the total accounts receivable balance. In contrast, the aging of accounts receivable method categorizes receivables based on how long they have been outstanding, applying different estimated uncollectible rates based on the age of each category. Both methods help businesses assess potential losses from credit sales.
In the same period in which the sale on account occurs.
aging of rereceivable method of chapter 8 receivables problum a8-2