(A) Explain why a provision may be made for doubtful debts. 

(B) Explain the procedure to be followed when a customer whose debt has been written-off as bad subsequently pays the amount originally owing. 

(C) On 1 January 2010 D. Watson had debtors of £25,000 on which he had made an allowance for doubtful debts of 3%. During 2010,

(i) A. Stewart, who owed D. Watson £1,200, was declared bankrupt and a settlement of 25p in the £ was made, the balance being treated as a bad debt.

(ii) Other bad debts written-off during the year amounted to £2,300. On 31 December 2010 total accounts receivable amounted to £24,300 but this requires to be adjusted as follows:

(a) J. Smith, a debtor owing £600, was known to be unable to pay and this amount was to be written off.

(b) A cheque for £200 from S. McIntosh was returned from the bank unpaid. D. Watson maintained his allowance for doubtful debts at 3% of accounts receivable. Required: (1) For the financial year ended 31 December 2010, show the entries in the following accounts: (i) Allowance for doubtful debts (ii) Bad debts (2) What is the effect on net profit of the change in the allowance for doubtful debts? (Scottish Qualifications Authority)