LIMITATIONS ON BAD DEBTS
01.Core Concepts
Business Bad Debts • Only deductible if accrual method of accounting is used. • Generally required to use specific charge-off method in year the debt becomes partially or wholly worthless. • Some businesses can use the reserve method. Nonbusiness Bad Debts • Specific charge-off method must be used. • Allowed only when debt is wholly worthless • Always treated as short-term capital loss, regardless of the holding period • Related party debts are suspect and are usually treated as gifts.