What is a provision for discount?

A provision for discount is an accounting entry that records the estimated amount of future discounts that will be granted to debtors. The provision is made against the accounts receivable account, which reduces the value of the receivables.

What are the benefits of using a provision for discount?

The benefits of using a provision for the discount include increased accuracy in recording the number of future discounts that will be granted to debtors, better decision making about extending credit to customers, and improved management of accounts receivable balances.

How to calculate the provision for discount on debtors?

The provision for discount can also be estimated by calculating the average amount of discounts granted to debtors and multiplying it by the estimated amount of future discounts that will be granted. This will give you the estimated provision for a discount. Finally, the provision for discounts can be reduced by the number of discounts granted to debtors when they pay their accounts.

Why is a provision for discount necessary?

A provision for discount is necessary because it allows businesses to estimate and record the number of future discounts that will be granted to debtors. This information helps businesses make better decisions about extending credit to customers and managing their accounts receivable balances.

What is the journal entry for provision for discount on debtors?

Debiting provision for discount on debtors and crediting provision for doubtful accounts to record the reduction of the provision for doubtful debts if it is less than the provision already existing.

Provision for Discount on Debtors | Calculation, Example, FAQs

At the end of the trading period, there are typically outstanding debtors or accounts receivable. To motivate debtors to pay their debts, companies may sometimes offer a cash discount.

For this purpose, it is necessary for the company to create a provision or allowance for the discount on debtors or accounts receivable.

In other words, it is an anticipated loss that a trader willingly bears by allowing a cash discount to those customers who settle their accounts within the prescribed time.

To make this provision, at the end of the financial year, a percentage is calculated on the total amount of sundry debtors (after deducting the provision for bad debts).

The adjusting entry shown later in this article is passed to make the provision for discount on debtors.

Example

In December 2024, the total sundry debtors of a business are $30,000. The company decides to create a Provision for Bad Debts @ 5% and a Provision for Discount on Debtors @ 3% p.a. on sundry debtors.

Provision for bad debts = 30,000 x5/100 = $1,500

Remaining good debtors = 30,000 - 1,500 = $28,500

Provision for discount on debtors = 28,500 x 3/100 = $855

Accounting Treatment

The amount of the provision for discount on debtors is an anticipated loss of the business, while on the other hand, it is a reduction in the value of the debtors account.

Provision for discount on debtors has the following two effects on the final accounts:

It is a loss of the business, meaning that it will be recorded on the debit side of the profit and loss account.

On the other hand, it is a decrease in the value of assets (i.e., debtors), meaning that it will be deducted from the debtors account on the asset side of the balance sheet.