In: Accounting
1. Explain how to record the recovery of an account previously written off when the direct write-off method was used.
2. Explain how to record the recovery of an account previously written off when the allowance method was used.
3. Describe the financial statement presentation of both the allowance for uncollectible accounts and the loss from uncollectible accounts
Solution 1:
Recovery of accounts previouslty written off is recorded using direct method as under:
Journal Entries - Bad Debts recovery - Direct Method | ||
Particulars | Debit | Credit |
Accounts Receivables Dr | XX | |
To Bad debts recovered | XX | |
(Being reinstatement of account previously written off) | ||
Cash Dr | XX | |
To Accounts Receivables | XX | |
(Being cash received from debtor previously written off) |
Solution 2:
Recovery of accounts previouslty written off is recorded using allowance method as under:
Journal Entries - Bad Debts recovery - Allowance Method | ||
Particulars | Debit | Credit |
Accounts Receivables Dr | XX | |
To Allowance for uncollectible accounts | XX | |
(Being reinstatement of account previously written off) | ||
Cash Dr | XX | |
To Accounts Receivables | XX | |
(Being cash received from debtor previously written off) |
Solution 2:
Allowance for uncollectible account is presented in balance sheet as deduction from gross accounts receivables. After deduction net accounts receivables are shown in balance sheet.
Loss from uncollectible accounts is presented in income statement as an expense.