The direct write-off method allows a business to record Bad Debt Expense only when a specific account has been deemed uncollectible. The account is removed from the Accounts Receivable balance and Bad Debt Expense is increased. Accounts Receivable on the balance sheet will be debited by 20k and Bad Expense on the income statement gets debited 20k.

This answer is very straight forward, so do not get hung up on it: The direct write-off method allows a business to record Bad Debt Expense only when a specific account has been deemed uncollectible. The account is removed from the Accounts Receivable balance and Bad Debt Expense is increased. Accounts Receivable on the balance sheet will be debited by 20k and Bad Expense on the income statement gets debited 20k.