Final answer:
The adjustment amount for uncollectible accounts, based on 10% of the gross accounts receivable of $172,000, would be $14,160 after accounting for the existing $3,040 balance in the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the estimate of uncollectible accounts is made by taking 10% of gross accounts receivable, the amount of the adjustment for uncollectible accounts can be calculated by first identifying the total amount of gross accounts receivable and then multiplying it by the estimated percentage of uncollectible. In this case, the accounts receivable before adjustments is $172,000. Therefore:
Uncollectible accounts estimate = 10% of $172,000
= 0.10 × $172,000
= $17,200.
The current balance in the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts is $3,040. The amount of the adjustment is the difference between the estimated uncollectible and the existing balance in the allowance account. So:
Adjustment = Estimated Uncollectible Accounts - Current Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
= $17,200 - $3,040
= $14,160.
This adjustment of $14,160 would need to be recorded to properly reflect the estimated uncollectible accounts.