Yates Co. uses the allowance method to account for bad debts. At the end of the period, Yate's unadjusted trial balance shows an accounts receivable balance of $10,000; allowance for doubtful accounts balance of $400 (credit); and sales of $500,000. Based on history, Yates estimates that bad debts will be 1% of sales. The entry to record estimated bad debts will include a debit to bad debts expense in the amount of:

The bad debts would be debited with $5,000.

Explanation:

The bad debts under the allowance method is calculated by either as a percentage of accounts receivables or as a percentage of sales.

Percentage of Sales method:

In the percentage of sales method the allowance is calculated as below:

Allowance for doubtful debts = Sales * Percentage for doubtful debts

Allowance for doubtful debts = $500,000 * 1% = $5,000

Now always remember that this amount will be used only and their is no need to include the allowance for doubtful accounts balance.

Whereas on the other hand, in the percentage of accounts receivable method the allowances are included in the amount calculated.

The entry would be:

Dr Bad Debt Expense $5000

Cr Allowance for Doubtful Debts $5000

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