I have an Aged Trial Balance and my problem is stated as such…

“From the 2011 Aged Trial Balance calculate the allowance for bad debts using your auditor’s judgement. Compare the calculated amount with the allowance recorded and report the amount of overstatement/understatement.

I don’t know where to start. I also have an A/R Lead Schedule for year end 12/31/11, if this is needed (see below). I don’t want an answer just the steps to calculate what is being asked. I was not given any other information.

Please help!

Accounts Receivable Lead Schedule Prepared by
For Year Ended 12/31/2011 Reviewed by
PBC
(Audited) Credits/ Unaudited
Balance Receipts/ Balance
Acct # Account Title 12/31/2010 Additions Writeoffs 12/31/2011
11000 Accounts Receivable $16,410,902.71 $231,613,231.99 $198,243,874.72 $49,780,259.98
11100 Advances to Employees $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
11400 Other Receivables $0.00 $1,000,000.00 $0.00 $1,000,000.00
11500 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts ($1,262,819.88) $0.00 $8,810.13 ($1,254,009.75)
$15,148,082.83 $232,613,231.99 $198,235,064.59 $49,526,250.23