The figure representing the amount of money a company realistically expects to collect from its customers is derived by subtracting the allowance for doubtful accounts from the gross accounts receivable balance. The gross amount represents the total owed to the company by its customers. The allowance for doubtful accounts is an estimation of the receivables that are unlikely to be collected. For example, if a company has $100,000 in gross receivables and an allowance for $5,000, the collectible receivables are $95,000.
This calculation provides a more accurate reflection of a company’s financial health than simply reporting the gross amount. It allows stakeholders to understand the potential risk associated with outstanding invoices and provides a more conservative and reliable assessment of current assets. Historical context shows that this accounting practice became increasingly important as credit sales expanded, requiring businesses to implement methods for estimating and accounting for potential losses due to non-payment.