Which of the following would result from an increase in the provision for doubtful debts?
A Decrease in gross profit
A decrease in net profit
An increase in gross profit
An increase in net profit
Correct answer is B
The provision for doubtful debts is the estimated amount of bad debt that will arise from accounts receivable that have been issued but not yet collected. Provision for bad debts can only appear in the income statement if there is an increase in provision. Thus, the net impact of the increase in provision for doubtful debts (expenses) is the decrease in the net profit