Request for Reimbursement of Real Estate Commission

An advance decision was requested regarding a claim for reimbursement of a broker's commission paid to a realty firm in connection with the sale of the residence of an Air Force employee at his former permanent duty station. The realty firm paid the employee's wife, who is a licensed real estate agent, her broker's commission for the sale of the house. It was determined that the employee incurred a legally enforceable debt, and the fact that the spouse of the employee received a portion of the broker's fee did not preclude reimbursement. Accordingly, payment may be made to the realty firm for the rate generally charged for a broker's commission in that State.