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Chapter 7: Question 9 (page 362)

What is the theoretical justification of the allowance method as contrasted with the direct write-off method of accounting for bad debts?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The allowance method for bad debt is theoretically justified because it complies with the matching principle andreports receivables on their net realizable value.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Matching Principle

The matching principle of accounting states that a business entity must report expenses in the same period in which the revenues related to these expenses are reported.

02

Theoretical Justification

1. The first reason allowance method proves to be theoretically justified is that it reports bad debt expenses when credit sales are made by the business entity and therefore does not overstate the income of the business entity.

2. The second reason the allowance method proves to be theoretically justified is that it reports the accounts receivables after deducting an allowance for bad debts representing its net realizable value.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

(Notes Receivable with Unrealistic Interest Rate) On December 31, 2015, Ed Abbey Co. performed environmental consulting services for Hayduke Co. Hayduke was short of cash, and Abbey Co. agreed to accept a $200,000 zero-interest-bearing note due December 31, 2017, as payment in full. Hayduke is somewhat of a credit risk and typically borrows funds at a rate of 10%. Abbey is much more creditworthy and has various lines of credit at 6%.

Instructions

(a) Prepare the journal entry to record the transaction of December 31, 2015, for the Ed Abbey Co.

(b) Assuming Ed Abbey Co.’s fiscal year-end is December 31, prepare the journal entry for December 31, 2016.

(c) Assuming Ed Abbey Co.’s fiscal year-end is December 31, prepare the journal entry for December 31, 2017.

(Recording Bad Debts) At the end of 2017, Aramis Company has accounts receivable of \(800,000 and an allowance for doubtful accounts of \)40,000. On January 16, 2018, Aramis Company determined that its receivable from Ramirez Company of $6,000 will not be collected, and management authorized its write-off.

Instructions

(a) Prepare the journal entry for Aramis Company to write off the Ramirez receivable.

(b) What is the net realizable value of Aramis Company’s accounts receivable before the write-off of the Ramirez receivable?

(c) What is the net realizable value of Aramis Company’s accounts receivable after the write-off of the Ramirez receivable?

Moon Hardware is planning to factor some of its receivables. The cash received will be used to pay for inventory purchases. The factor has indicated that it will require “recourse” on the sold receivables. Explain to the controller of Moon Hardware what “recourse” is and how the recourse will be reflected in Moon’s financial statements after the sale of the receivables.

Jim Carrie Company shows a balance of \(181,140 in the Accounts Receivable account on December 31, 2017. The balance consists of the following.

Installment accounts due in 2018

\)23,000

Installment accounts due after 2018

34,000

Overpayment to vendors

2,640

Due from regular customers, of which $40,000 represents account pledge as security for a bank loan

79,000

Advances to employees

1,500

Advance to the subsidiary company (due in 2018)

81,000

Instructions

Illustrate how the information above should be shown on the balance sheet of Jim Carrie Company on December 31, 2017.

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?
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