Question

On December 31, after making a concerted effort, management determines that it will not be able to collect the $1,200 owed to it by its customer Acme, Inc. The company uses the direct write-off method to account for uncollectible accounts.

Required:
Prepare the journal entry to record the reinstatement of the account receivable.

Answer 1

Journal Entry to Record the Reinstatement of the Account Receivable:

Initial Write-off of Account:

December 1: Debit Bad Debts Expense $1,200

Credit Accounts Receivable (Acme, Inc.) $1,200

To write-off the account as uncollectible.

December 31: Debit Accounts Receivable (Acme, Inc.) $1,200

Credit Bad Debts Expense $1,200

To record the reinstatement of the accounts.

When the Cash is Collected:

December 31: Debit Cash $1,200

Credit Accounts Receivable (Acme, Inc.) $1,200

To record the cash receipt for reinstated account.

Step-by-step explanation:

a) Data and Analysis:

December 1: Bad Debts Expense $1,200 Accounts Receivable (Acme, Inc.) $1,200

December 31: Accounts Receivable (Acme, Inc.) $1,200 Bad Debts Expense $1,200

December 31: Cash $1,200 Accounts Receivable (Acme, Inc.) $1,200