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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

Because of calamitous earthquake losses, Bernstein Company, one of your clientโ€™s oldest and largest customers, suddenly and unexpectedly became bankrupt. Approximately 30% of your clientโ€™s total sales have been made to Bernstein Company during each of the past several years. The amount due from Bernstein Companyโ€” none of which is collectibleโ€”equals 22% of total accounts receivable, an amount that is considerably in excess of what was determined to be an adequate provision for doubtful accounts at the close of the preceding year. How would your client record the write-off of the Bernstein Company receivable if it is using the allowance method of accounting for bad debts? Justify your suggested treatment.

On July 1, 2017, Moresan Company sold special-order merchandise on credit and received in return an interest-bearing note receivable from the customer. Moresan will receive interest at the prevailing rate for a note of this type. Both the principal and interest are due in one lump sum on June 30, 2018.

On September 1, 2017, Moresan sold special-order merchandise on credit and received in return a zero-interest-bearing note receivable from the customer. The prevailing rate of interest for a note of this type is determinable. The note receivable is due in one lump sum on August 31, 2019.

Moresan also has significant amounts of trade accounts receivable as a result of credit sales to its customers. On October 1, 2017, some trade accounts receivable were assigned to Indigo Finance Company on a non-notification (Moresan handles collections) basis for an advance of 75% of their amount at an interest charge of 8% on the balance outstanding.

On November 1, 2017, other trade accounts receivable were sold without recourse. The factor withheld 5% of the trade accounts receivable factored as protection against sales returns and allowances and charged a finance charge of 3%.

Instructions

(b) How should Moresan report the interest-bearing note receivable and the zero-interest-bearing note receivable on its balance sheet at December 31, 2017?

(Bank Reconciliation and Adjusting Entries) Angela Lansbury Company deposits all receipts and makes all payments by check. The following information is available from the cash records.

June 30 Bank Reconciliation Statement

Balance per bank

\(7,000

Add: Deposit in transit

1,540

Less: Outstanding checks

(2,000)

Balance per books

\)6,540

Month of July Results

Per Bank

Per Books

Balance July 31

\(8,650

\)9,250

July Deposits

5,000

5,810

July Checks

4,000

3,100

July note collected (not included in July deposits)

1,000

-

July bank service charge

15

-

July NSF check from a customer, returned by the bank (recorded by bank as a charge)

335

-

Instructions

(a) Prepare a bank reconciliation going from balance per bank and balance per book to correct cash balance.

(b) Prepare the general journal entry or entries to correct the Cash account.

Answer

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

You are evaluating Woodlawn Racetrack for a potential loan. An examination of the notes to the financial statements indicates restricted cash at year-end amounts to $100,000. Explain how you would use this information in evaluating Woodlawnโ€™s liquidity.

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