Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) require that companies use the allowance method when preparing financial statements. The use of the allowance method is not permitted, however, for purposes of reporting income taxes in the United States because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not allow companies to anticipate these credit losses. As a result, companies must use the direct write-off method for income tax reporting.
In the direct write-off method, a company will not use an allowance account to reduce its Accounts Receivable. Accounts Receivable is only reduced if and when a company knows with certainty that a specific amount will not be collected from a specific customer.
For example, let's assume that on October 21, Gem Merchandise Co. is convinced that a specific customer's account receivable originating on June 5 in the amount of $1,238 is definitely uncollectible. Using the direct write-off method, the following entry is made: