Write Back

Accounting

Quick Definition

Write Back is an accounting process where a previously written-off expense, loss, or liability is reversed because the amount has been recovered or is no longer required.

Detailed Explanation

Write back is used in accounting and finance when a company recovers money that was earlier considered a loss or when an estimated expense turns out to be lower than expected. It improves the company’s financial position by increasing profit or reducing expenses in the period in which the write back occurs.

Common situations where write back is applied include:

  • Bad debt write back: When a customer pays an amount that was earlier written off
  • Provision write back: When excess provisions for expenses, taxes, or liabilities are no longer needed
  • Asset impairment reversal: When the value of an asset improves after being reduced earlier

Write backs must be properly documented and are recorded in the profit and loss account. They help present a more accurate and fair view of a company’s financial performance.

Example

"A company writes off ₹1,00,000 as bad debt. Later, the customer pays ₹40,000. This recovered amount is recorded as a write back, increasing the company’s income."

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