Answer:
$15,300
Explanation:
Allowance for doubtful account at the beginning of the year $13,900
Less increased in the balance of doubt account $19,800
Balance $5,900
Therefore:
Bad debt at the end of the year $21,200- $5,900 =$15,300
The bad debt expense represents the direct write off of bad accounts ($15,300) in which it also represents an increase in the allowance account which is an estimate of bad accounts to be written off in the future ($5,900). Therefore the increase in the allowance account cannot be deducted.