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New Member
posted Feb 6, 2022 3:36:54 PM

What expense category is used for bad debt?

Which expense category is used for bank fees

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1 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 6, 2022 4:07:50 PM

First, in order to realize a "bad debt" expense, you must be an accrual basis taxpayer.  If you are recognizing income at the time a service is provided, or goods are sold (as opposed to when you receive payment) you are an accrual based tax payer.  A bad debt expense can be taken only against income previously recorded, but for which payment has not been received.  If you are a cash basis taxpayer, you probably can't take a bad debt expense.  As a cash basis taxpayer, if someone owes you for goods or services, but does not pay you, you have not yet realized any income, so you can't take a bad debt expense against the income you did not receive. 

 

If you are an accrual basis taxpayer, you would report bad debt expense in "Other Miscellaneous Expenses" section.