Question

There are 2 methods of accounting for uncollectible receivables: Direct Write-Off and Allowance methods. Describe and compare these methods. Make sure to include how estimates can be calculated for the Allowance method.

Answer 1

The correct answer is B: direct write-off method

Explanation:

Unfortunately, some sales on account may not be collected. Customers go broke, become unhappy and refuse to pay, or may generally lack the ethics to complete their half of the bargain. It is necessary to establish an accounting process for measuring and reporting these uncollectible items. Uncollectible accounts are frequently called “bad debts.”

There are two methods of accounting to manage uncollectable accounts:

1- Allowance method

2- Direct Write-off Method

2- Under this method, there is no allowance account. An account receivable is written-off directly to expense only after the account is determined to be uncollectible. This method is required for income tax purposes. The direct write-off method is easy to operate as it only requires that specific debts are written off as they are identified with a simple journal. The problem with the method, however, is that it does not comply with the matching principle, in that revenue might be recorded in one period, when the customer is invoiced, whereas the expense of writing off the uncollectible amount is recorded in a completely different period when the amount is identified as irrecoverable.

Answer 2

The direct write off does not report about the bad debt and does not use the allowance where as the allowance method uses the allowance for doubtful accounts because it provides an estimate for the same.

Explanation:

The allowance method speaks to the accumulation and accrual basis of bookkeeping and is the acknowledged technique to record uncollectible records for monetary bookkeeping purposes. The direct write off method is utilized just when we choose a client won't pay.

The allowance method utilizes the stipend for doubtful records to catch amassed assessments of awful obligations. The direct write-off method does not report bad debt estimates; therefore, it does not use the allowance for doubtful accounts when reporting bad debts.