In: Accounting
Contrast two different methods of estimating bad debts. Create simple examples.
There are two methods: Bad debts based on % of sales, based on % of receivable
Bad debts based on % of sale | Bad debts based on % of receivable |
Estimation for allowance is based on current period credit sale | Estimatio is based on the existing receivable from past credit sales |
The determination of bad debts is the current period addition to the existing provision for bad debts | The determination of bad debts is the total bad debts provision required for the closing receivable. The difference between the existing provision and the closing provision is the current period P&L provision |
Formula = sales * estimated % | Formula = Closing receivable * estimated provision % |
The method is unrealistic and fails to estimate the difference in the estimate for the prior period receivables as against the original estimate. | The method is realistic and estimates the difference in the estimate for the prior period receivables as against the original estimate. |
Any change in the estimate is only prospective and does not change our bad debts evaluation of prior period sale | Any change in the estimate is on the entire receivable and does change our bad debts evaluation of prior period sale |
Multiple % estimation is not possible | Multiple % could be applied based on ageing of receivables to estimate bad debts accurately |
Eg: | Eg |
Sales= 100 | Sales 100 |
Estimate =1% | receivable closing = 200 |
Then bad debts provision is 1 | Estimate 1% |
Opening bad debts provision = 1 | Opening bad debts provision = 1 |
Closing bad debt provision = 2 | Closing bad debt provision = 200*1% |
Receivable closing = 2 | Closing bad debt provision =2 |
Post bad debt provision adjustment receivable is 199 | Post bad debt provision adjustment receivable is 200-2 = 198 |