Pro Rata Reimbursement of Residence Transaction Expenses

A decision was requested as to whether an employee could be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the sale of 20 acres of land in connection with a permanent change of duty station. The employee, who owned 23.5 acres of land at his old duty station, may be reimbursed for the expenses of selling the 3.5 acre parcel containing his house, a barn, and a garage. However, expenses for the sale of the additional 20 acres may not be reimbursed even though an agency official informed the employee that he could be reimbursed for the expenses of selling both parcels. The Federal Travel Regulations provide for pro rata reimbursement when land is in excess of that reasonably related to a residence site, and the Government is not liable for the negligent acts of its agents.