Final answer:
Adjusting entries for bad debts involve updating the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. When specific accounts are deemed uncollectible, they are written off against this allowance. Should the amount later be collected, it's reinstated to receivables before recording the cash collection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Journal Entries for Bad Debts and Recovery
For (a), if the aging method determines that bad debts should be adjusted, the adjusting journal entry would look like this (assuming the aged amount is given but not specified in the question):
Bad Debts Expense xxx
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts xxx
Regarding the specifics of (a), let's assume the aged uncollectible accounts receivable amount to $12,000.
The entry to adjust the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts considering an existing $8,000 debit balance would be:
Bad Debts Expense $20,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $20,000
This entry corrects the negative allowance balance and increases it by $12,000 as estimated for bad debts.
For (c), the journal entry to write off the specifically uncollectible $5,000 would be:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $5,000
Accounts Receivable $5,000
For (d), when that specific account previously written off is collected, the entries to restore the account and record collection would be:
Accounts Receivable $5,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $5,000
followed by:
Cash $5,000
Accounts Receivable $5,000
This restores the receivable and then recognizes the cash collection.