[Question Concerning Disallowance of Real Estate Expenses]

The Customs Service requested a decision regarding an employee's claim for real estate expenses incident to his transfer from an overseas post to the United States. GAO held that: (1) since the employee's old duty station was not within the United States, there was no basis upon which Customs could reimburse him; and (2) while it was unfortunate that Customs gave the employee erroneous advice regarding his entitlements, this did not provide a basis for reimbursement. Accordingly, the claim was denied.