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Claim for Long Distance Telephone Call and Postage Expenses

B-197266 Sep 22, 1980
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Highlights

A request was made for a decision concerning a voucher submitted by a Public Health Service employee for a long distance telephone call and postage costs incurred incident to his transfer to an overseas duty station. The issues were whether the employee may be reimbursed for a long distance call which appeared personal in nature and for postage costs for mailing documents in support of his claim for relocation expenses. The agency questioned payment of the claim since the employee admitted the call was not for official business but was to discuss housing decisions with his wife. In addition, the employee was unable to furnish a receipt for the telephone call since it was lost in the exchanges of correspondence in connection with his transfer. The voucher submitted by the employee showed that an approving official certified the call as necessary in the interest of the Government. GAO will not question such certification. However, the claim for postage for mailing documents related to the relocation may not be paid since it was personal in nature rather than an official matter.

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