What is bad debt, and how do you deal with it?

Bad debt is when a customer can’t or won’t pay you what they owe, leaving you with a loss. This affects your business’s financial health and cash flow. Here’s how bad debt happens and what you can do about it:

Causes of Bad Debt:

• Customer Financial Problems: Your customer may face financial issues like bankruptcy or insolvency, making it hard for them to pay.
• Supply Chain Issues: Delays in receiving supplies can affect your customer’s ability to produce and sell goods, impacting their payment to you.
• Market Changes: Sudden market downturns can affect your customer’s sales and ability to pay.
• Unsuitable Customers: Sometimes, offering credit to the wrong customers can lead to bad debt.

(Tip: Always use a loan calculator before availing one!)

Accounting for Bad Debt:

• Bad Debt Write-Off: When a debt is uncollectible, you remove it from your accounts as a loss.
• Bad Debt Provision: Estimating and setting aside funds for potential bad debts based on past experiences.

Recovery and Tax Implications:

• Possible Recovery: Even after writing off a debt, there’s a chance it may be recovered, but usually not in full.
• Tax Relief: In most cases, you can claim back the tax paid on bad debts, providing some financial relief.

Prevention Measures:

• Credit Management Policies: Have robust policies to manage credit risks and monitor customer finances.
• Bad Debt Letters: Sending reminders and communicating with customers promptly can prevent debts from turning bad.
• Debt Insurance: Consider bad debt insurance to protect your business against non-payment risks.

Cost of Bad Debt Insurance:

• Premiums depend on your business’s sector and turnover, providing coverage and financial insights to manage risks effectively.

Bad debt can harm your business, but proactive measures like credit management and insurance can help mitigate risks and protect your cash flow.