A write-off is an accounting action that results in reporting the debt/receivable as having no value on the agency’s financial and management reports. The agency may need Department of Justice approval to write off a debt since the agency is adjusting its accounting records. Additionally, statutory authority may be required to write off debts owed by foreign governments.
The written-off amount is removed from an entity's receivables; however, collection attempts should continue until the agency decides to close out the debt.