Bad Debts Allowance Method
The allowance method is one of the two common techniques of accounting for bad debts, the other being the direct write-off method. Allowance method is a better alternative to the direct write-off method because it is according to the matching principle of accounting. In allowance method, the doubtful debts are estimated and bad debts expense is recognized before the debts actually become uncollectible.
Bad debts expense is recognized early because bad debts are probable and they can be estimated to a fairly accurate extent therefore they fulfill the criteria required for recognition of contingent losses and it is necessary to recognize bad debts expense.