Question

The December 31, 2020, Allowance account balance includes $3,076 for a past due account that is not likely to be collected. This account has not been written off. (1) If it had been written off, will there be any effect of the write-off on the working capital at December 31, 2020?

Answer 1

Answer:

There will be no effect on working capital upon write off as the entries required would be a credit to receivables and a debit to allowance account.

Explanation:

The allowance account is the account used to record receivables due that may not be collectible.

When a company has determined that a receivable may be uncollectible, the company credits the allowance for receivables account and debits bad debit expense. This reduces the accounts receivable balance in the balance sheet as the receivables to be reported will be net the allowance given. As such, where on December 31, 2020, Allowance account balance includes $3,076 for a past due account that is not likely to be collected.

There will be no effect on working capital upon write off as the entries required would be a credit to receivables and a debit to allowance account.