Determining Financial Statement Effects of Write-Offs and Bad Debt Expense Using the Allowance Method

Using the following categories, indicate the effects of the following transactions. Indicate the accounts affected and the amounts. (Enter any decreases to Assets, Liabilities, or Stockholders Equity with a minus sign.)

During the period, customer balances are written off in the amount of $10,000.
At the end of the period, bad debt expense is estimated to be $8,000.

Assets =Liabilities +  Stockholders Equity

-8000=                                           - 8000

Explanation:

Allowance for Doubtful  Debts $10,000

Bad debt expense $8,000

Assets =Liabilities +  Stockholders Equity

-8000=                                           - 8000

The write off does not affect the realizable value of accounts receivable. Neither total assets nor net income is affected by the write off a specific account.Instead both assets and net income are affected in the period when bad debts expense is predicted and recorded with an adjusting entry.