Indicate how the percentage-of-receivables method, based on an aging schedule, accomplishes the objectives of the allowance method of accounting for bad debts. What other methods, besides an aging analysis, can be used for estimating uncollectible accounts?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Percentage method reports account receivables on net realizable value in the balance sheet. A business entity can use other methods such ascredit rating.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Credit Ratings

The ratings given to each debtor that depicts their ability to repay a loan is known as credit rating. It is provided based onprevious loan payments.

02

Accomplishment of Objective by Percentage-of-Receivables Method

Underpercentage method, a business entity calculates bad debt expenses and allowance for doubtful debts byassessing the collectability of the opening receivables at the end of the year. Such assessment is done based on their due dates. Different age categories are established, and percentage rates for each age category are allotted. Such allotment is made based on previous experience. A business entity can also use analysis to estimateuncollectible receivables that are due from prior periods. The estimated uncollectible accounts are then adjusted with the accounts receivables on the balance sheet.

This method proves to be accurate because the accounts receivables under this method are reported on their net realizable value on the balance sheet. Still, it might not be accurate according tomatching principlebecause bad debt expenses do not match the sales instead it causes them.

03

Other Methods That Can be Used

A business entity can adopt loss ratios for customers and allot different credit ratings to each customer. A company can also usediscounted cash flow model representing the probability of collection.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the accounts receivable turnover, and what type of information does it provide?

(Petty Cash, Bank Reconciliation) Bill Jovi is reviewing the cash accounting for Nottleman, Inc., a local mailing service. Jovi’s review will focus on the petty cash account and the bank reconciliation for the month ended May 31, 2017. He has collected the following information from Nottleman’s bookkeeper for this task.

Petty Cash

1. The petty cash fund was established on May 10, 2017, in the amount of \(250.

2. Expenditures from the fund by the custodian as of May 31, 2017, were evidenced by approved receipts for the following.

Postage expenses

\)33.00

Mailing Labels and Other Supplies

65.00

I.O.U from employees

30.00

Shipping charges

57.45

Newspaper advertising

22.80

Miscellaneous expenses

15.35

On May 31, 2017, the petty cash fund was replenished and increased to \(300; currency and coin in the fund at that time totaled \)26.40.

Bank Reconciliation

THIRD NATIONAL BANK

BANK STATEMENT

Disbursements

Receipts

Balance

Balance 1 May, 2017

\(8,769

Deposits

\)28,000

Note payment direct from customer (\(30)

930

Check clearing during May

\)31,150

Bank service charges

27

Balance 31 May, 2017

6,522

Nottleman’s Cash Account

Balance 1 May 2017

\(8,850

Deposit during May 2017

31,000

Checks written during May 2017

(31,835)

Deposits in transit are determined to be \)3,000, and checks outstanding at May 31 total \(850. Cash on hand (besides petty cash) at May 31, 2017, is \)246.

Instructions

(a) Prepare the journal entries to record the transactions related to the petty cash fund for May.

(b) Prepare a bank reconciliation dated May 31, 2017, proceeding to a correct cash balance, and prepare the journal entries necessary to make the books correct and complete.

(c) What amount of cash should be reported in the May 31, 2017, balance sheet?

Your accounts receivable clerk, Mitra Adams, to whom you pay a salary of \(1,500 per month, has just purchased a new Acura. You decide to test the accuracy of the accounts receivable balance of \)82,000 as shown in the ledger.

The following information is available for your first year in business.

(1) Collection from customer $198,000.

(2) Merchandise purchased 320,000.

(3) Ending merchandise inventory by 90,000.

(4) Goods are marked to sell at 40% above cost.

Instructions

Compute an estimate of the ending balance of accounts receivable from customers that should appear in the ledger and any apparent shortages. Assume that all sales are made on the account.

Explain how accounting for bad debts can be used for earnings management.

(Recording Bad Debts) Duncan Company reports the following financial information before adjustments.

Debit

Credit

Accounts receivables

\(100,000

Allowance for doubtful accounts

\)2,000

Sales revenue (All on credit)

900,000

Sales return and allowance

50,000

Instructions

Prepare the journal entry to record Bad Debt Expense assuming Duncan Company estimates bad debts at (a) 5% of accounts receivable and (b) 5% of accounts receivable but Allowance for Doubtful Accounts had a $1,500 debit balance.

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