Question

Explain why the analysis of receivables approach provides the most accurate estimate of current net realizable value of the receivables.

Answer 1

When it is highly probable that some accounts will prove uncollectible and the dollar amount can be reasonably estimated, estimates of bad debt expense should be made and recorded in the period in which the sale takes place. Two methods of accounting for uncollectible accounts are used in practice-the allowance method and the direct write-off method.

When the seller can make a reasonable estimate of the dollar amount to be written off, the allowance method should be used. The allowance method provides an expense for uncollectible receivables in advance of their write-off. The use of the allowance method serves two purposes. First, it reduces the value of the receivables to the amount of cash expected to be realized in the future. Second, it matches the uncollectible expense of the current period with the related revenues of the period.

The allowance for uncollectible accounts is reported on the balance sheet as a deduction from accounts receivable and is called a contra asset account. Because the receivables are reported net of the allowance, the net receivables balance is the amount of cash that is expected to be collected in the near future and thus satisfies the financial reporting objective of providing information about future cash inflows to the company.

The estimate of uncollectibles at the end of a fiscal period should be based on past experience and forecasts of future business activity. When the general economic environment is favorable, the amount of the expense should normally be less than when the trend is in the opposite direction.

Listed below are the three generally accepted procedures that may be used in applying the allowance method.

1. Percentage of Credit Sales-This estimate of uncollectible accounts is based on a historically determined percentage of each period's credit sales. For example, if your company's experience indicates that ultimate uncollectible accounts average about two percent of credit sales, an adjusting entry would be made at year-end that expensed two percent of the receivables with an offsetting credit to the reserve for bad-debt.

2. Percentage of Ending Accounts Receivable-Under this method the percentage of the ending balance of accounts receivable not expected to be collected is determined. The allowance account is then adjusted to equal this percentage. The method emphasizes valuation of the receivables at net realizable value on the balance sheet.

3. Aging of Accounts Receivable-This method is similar to Percentage of Ending Accounts Receivable, but it is a more precise variation. Aging considers that the longer a receivable is outstanding, the less likely it is to be collected. A separate estimate of the percentage of uncollectibles is applied to each age classification group instead of applying an overall percentage.

The allowance method emphasizes reporting uncollectible accounts expense in the period in which the sales occur. This emphasis on matching expenses with related revenue is the preferred method of accounting for uncollectible receivables.

In situations in which it is impossible to estimate, with reasonable accuracy, the uncollectibles at the end of the period, the direct write-off method should be used. Under the direct write-off method, no entries are made until a customer actually defaults on payment, at which time the uncollectible account receivable is written off; therefore, no allowance account is required.