The accounts receivable method to estimate bad debts obtains the estimated balance in the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts in one of two ways: (1)computing the percent uncollectible from the total accounts receivable or (2)aging accounts receivable.

Accounts Receivable Method

A technique for estimating the amount of uncollectible accounts receivable and setting aside an allowance for bad debts, reflecting more accurate financial statements.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

A contra asset account that reduces the total receivables on the balance sheet by the amount estimated to be uncollectible.

Aging Accounts Receivable

A method of categorizing accounts receivable based on how long an invoice has been outstanding, used to identify potential bad debts.