Final answer:
Bad debt expense is recognized in the same accounting period as the revenue that is related to the receivable because revenues should be stated at realizable value.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bad debt expense is recognized in the same accounting period as the revenue that is related to the receivable because revenues should be stated at realizable value. Realizable value is the estimated amount that a company expects to collect from its receivables, taking into account the potential risk of non-payment by customers. By recognizing bad debt expense in the same accounting period as the revenue, a company can accurately reflect the net realizable value of its accounts receivable on its financial statements.