My grammar is 💯 good I
7301 Points
Posted on 18 May 2020
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/