bad debt
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Related to Accounts Uncollectible: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, uncollectible debt
Bad debt
A debt that is written off and deemed uncollectible.
Bad Debt
Debt from a credit sale that the creditor is unable to collect. Debt becomes bad debt when the creditor has made all reasonable efforts to collect the debt but has been unable to do so. Often, this occurs when the debtor declares bankruptcy or when pursuing collection attempts further will cost more than the debt itself. A company writes off bad debt as an expense, which reduces its taxable income. However, it also deprives the company of cash flow that is ultimately necessary to keep it in business.