Although Allowance for Doubtful Accounts normally has a credit balance, it may have either a debit or a credit balance before adjusting entries are recorded at the end of the accounting period.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

This accounting practice represents a reserve for accounts receivable that may not be collectible, reflecting potential future losses due to credit sales.

Debit Balance

A debit balance is the remaining amount of money in an account, typically a bank account or a business's financial account, after all debits have been accounted for.

Credit Balance

A situation in financial accounts where the amount of credits exceeds the amount of debits, indicating an amount owed to the account holder.