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Provision for doubt ful debts

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why provision for doubtful debts old is credited to p and l a/c?
can new provision be adjusted for old bad debts? what if bad debts is more than old provision?
any one explain this with the help of example
Replies (3)

There are many versions related to provision for bad debts. Mine is: 

If you suspect that someone is going to default on you, you create a provision by deducting the amount from receivables.

Bad debts a/c (Income statement) 1000₹

To Provision for bad debt a/c (balance sheet receivables debited and liability created(contra asset to some, liability to me)) 1000₹

then by the end of year, if the provision is still outstanding, carry it to next year. If the company recovers  the amount, then write off the entry 

Cash a/c 1000

To Provision for bad debts a/c 1000 (income statement)

This amount is fully settled.

Can provisions be adjusted for old bad debt? A provision is created for every doubtful debt annually. So,

Bad debt a/c 1000₹

To Provision a/c 1000₹ (Liability or contra asset)

When old bad debts received are just 500₹, then provisions will be reduced by 500₹

Cash a/c 500₹

To Provision a/c 500₹ (Income statement)

If bad debts are more than provisions?

If bad debts are 2000₹ and old provision is 1000₹, then create a new provision for 1000₹. When you are able to recover only 1500₹, then, adjust this with related bad debts i.e., old bad debt vs old provision and new bad debt vs new provision. If you loose all the money and not able to recover anything. Then write it off as  expense. Eg.

Provision expense a/c 500₹

To P&L a/c 500₹

However, like I mentioned above, there are different versions like this: https://www.wallstreetmojo.com/bad-debt-provision/

 

Sorry, the last entry should be reversed because revenue will decrease and contra asset is deleted off from balance sheet. Like this 

P&L (Provision expense) a/c 

To Provision for bad debt 

 

There can be two ways one by reducing receivables and creating a provision.
another way provision for doubtful debts against bad debt.


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