Indicate how the percentage-of-receivables method, based on an ageing schedule, accomplishes the objectives of the allowance method of accounting for bad debts. What other methods, besides an ageing analysis, can be used for estimating uncollectible accounts?
The percentage of receivables method based on an aging schedule calculates each year's debit to the expense account and credit to the allowance account by evaluating the collectability of open accounts receivable at the close of the year. An analysis of the accounts according to their due dates is a common procedure. For each of the age categories established in the analysis, average percentage rates may be developed on the basis of past experience and applied to the accounts in the respective age categories. This method may also utilize individual analysis for some accounts, especially those that are considerably past due, in arriving at estimated uncollectible receivables. On the basis of the foregoing analysis the balance in the valuation account is then adjusted to the amount estimated to be uncollectible.
This method of providing for uncollectible accounts is quite accurate for purposes of reporting accounts receivable at their estimated net realizable value in the balance sheet. From the stand-point of the income statement, however, the aging method may not match accurately bad debt expenses with the sales which caused them because the charge to bad debt expense is not based on sales. The accuracy of both the charge to bad debt expense and the reported value of receiv-ables depends on the current estimate of uncollectible accounts. The accuracy of the expense charge, however, is additionally dependent upon the timing of actual write-offs.
Other methods that companies may use employ estimates based on historical loss ratios for customers with different credit ratings as a basis for estimating uncollectible accounts. Or a company may utilize a probability-weighted discounted cash flow model (as illustrated in Chapter 6) to estimate expected credit losses.
If the answers is incorrect or not given, you can answer the above question in the comment box. If the answers is incorrect or not given, you can answer the above question in the comment box.