Question

At December 31, 2020, the unadjusted balance in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts is a credit of $16,000. Instructions Journalize and post the adjusting entry for bad debts at December 31, 2020. Journalize and post to the allowance account the following events and transactions in the year 2020. March 1, a $1,900 customer balance originating in 2020 is judged uncollectible. May 1, a check for $1,900 is received from the customer whose account was written off as uncollectible on March 1. Journalize the adjusting entry for bad debts on December 31, 2020. Assume that the unadjusted balance in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts is a debit of $2,000, and the aging schedule indicates that total estimated bad debts will be $38,300.

Answer 1

Answer:

a. Journal Entry

December 31, 2020:

Debit Bad Debts Expense $16,000

Credit Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $16,000

To record bad debts expense.

b. Journal Entries:

March 1, 2020:

Debit Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $1,900

Credit Accounts Receivable $1,900

To record the write-off of uncollectible account.

May 1, 2020:

Debit Accounts Receivable $1,900

Credit Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $1,900

To record the reversal of the March 1, 2020 entries.

Debit Cash $1,900

Credit Accounts Receivable $1,900

To record the receipt of check from the customer.

c. Journal Entries:

Debit Bad Debts Expense $40,300

Credit Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $40,300

To record bad debts expense and bring the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts to a credit balance of $38,300.

Explanation:

a) Adjusting journal entries are recorded at the end of the accounting period to provide for accrued expenses and revenues, expense prepayments, and deferred revenue, including depreciation expense, thereby ensuring that the accounts are reported in accordance with the accrual concept.