Johnson Company calculates its allowance for uncollectible accounts as 10% of its ending balance in gross accounts receivable. The allowance for uncollectible accounts had a credit balance of $30,000 at the beginning of 2021. No previously written-off accounts receivable were reinstated during 2021. At 12/31/2021, gross accounts receivable totaled $500,000, and prior to recording the adjusting entry to recognize bad debts expense for 2021, the allowance for uncollectible accounts had a debit balance of 55,000. Required:
a. What was the balance in gross accounts receivable as of 12/31/2020?
b. What journal entry should Johnson record to recognize bad debt expense for 2021?