What principle does the allowance method of accounting for bad debts rely on?

The allowance method of accounting for bad debts is fundamentally based on the matching principle. This principle requires that expenses be matched with the revenues they help generate in the same accounting period. When a company makes sales on credit, it recognizes the revenue at the time of sale. However, at that point, it may not be certain whether all customers will pay their debts in full. To adhere to the matching principle, the company estimates the amount of bad debts it anticipates will occur for that period and recognizes this expense in the same period as the related revenue.

By creating an allowance for doubtful accounts, companies can systematically account for expected losses from uncollectible accounts. This proactive approach aligns expenses with revenues, thereby providing a more accurate representation of the company’s financial position and performance over time. The allowance method contrasts with the recognition of bad debt expenses only when specific accounts are deemed uncollectible, which would improperly delay the recognition of expenses and misrepresent earnings in the relevant period.