Sheffield Corporation operates in an industry that has a high rate of bad debts. Before any year$-$end adjustments, the balance in

Sheffield's Accounts Receivable account was $$593,900$ and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts had a credit balance of $$40,480.$ The

year$-$end balance reported in the balance sheet for Allowance for Doubtful Accounts will be based on the aging schedule shown

below.

$($a$)$

What is the appropriate balance for Allowance for Doubtful Accounts at year$-$end?

Balance for allowance for doubtful accounts