Allowance for Doubtful Accounts is debited under the direct write-off method when an account is determined to be uncollectible.

Direct Write-off Method

An accounting method where bad debts are charged against income at the time they are determined to be uncollectible, rather than being estimated and accounted for in advance.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

An estimation of the amount of credit sales that are expected not to be collected, representing a reserve for potential bad debts.