Question

Sam's Construction had a balance in its allowance for doubtful accounts at the end of 2014 of $44,500. Sam reported credit sales of $5,000,000 in 2014 and wrote off receivables of $43,000 during 2014. At the end of the year, Sam estimates un-collectible accounts receivable based on the year-end aging using the assumptions provided at left.

What should Sam report as bad debt expense for 2015?

As of December 31, 2015		Estimated
Days Past Due	Receivables	Uncollectible
0-30 days past due	300,000	2.50%
31-60 days past due	125,000	9.00%
61-90 days past due	55,000	23.00%
90+ days past due	15,000	65.00%
	495,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts at 12/31/14	44,500
Write-offs in 2015	43,000
2015 Sales	5,000,000

Answer 1

	Accounts receivable		Percent uncollectible		Estimated Uncollectible
0-30 Days past due	$                       300,000	x	2.50%	=	$                                   7,500
31 to 60 Days past due	$                       125,000	x	9.00%	=	$                                 11,250
61 to 90 Days past due	$                         55,000	x	23.00%	=	$                                 12,650
90+ Days past due	$                         15,000	x	65.00%	=	$                                   9,750
Estimated balance of allowance for uncollectibles					$                                 41,150

Allowance for doubtful accounts at 12/31/14	$   44,500
Less: Write off in 2015	$ (43,000)
Allowance for doubtful accounts at 12/31/15 (before adjustment)	$      1,500

Estimated balance of allowance for uncollectibles	$ 41,150
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts at 12/31/15 (before adjustment)	$ (1,500)
Baddebt expenses	$ 39,650

You can reach me over comment box if you have any doubts. Please rate this answer