[doerit48]

What effect does lowering the estimate for doubtful accounts have on the income statement and/or balance sheet?

[MaggieMouse]

Here is the entry for recording the estimate-Dr. Expense(income statement a/c), Cr. Allowance(balance sheet a/c)

Lowering the estimate will lower the expense on income statement, which will higher the income.

Also, lowering the estimate will lower the allowance, a contra-asset account on the balance sheet, it will lead to a higher accounts receivable amount, which will higher the asset as a result.