B-238121, Feb 1, 1990
Highlights
Harrod: The issue in this case is whether Mr. Incurred real estate expenses that are similar or analogous to expenses the agency is required to pay to a relocation service company. Even if the inspection expenses are not similar or analogous. Such expenses are not reimbursable when incurred for the personal benefit of the seller rather than to satisfy a requirement to transfer the property. Harrod may not be reimbursed for the costs of the additional inspection which was not a requirement for transfer of his property. His claim for the Federal Express charges he incurred to speed delivery of real estate transaction documents to the relocation company may not be allowed because such charges are not reimbursable.
B-238121, Feb 1, 1990
PRECIS-UNAVAILABLE
Harold R. Harrod:
The issue in this case is whether Mr. Harrod may be reimbursed for inspection and Federal Express delivery fees he incurred incident to the sale of his residence by a relocation service contractor. /1/
He claims reimbursement for expenses he incurred in obtaining an independent inspection of his residence which he used to negotiate with the relocation service company concerning the cost of necessary repairs. However, a transferred employee may not be reimbursed personally-- incurred real estate expenses that are similar or analogous to expenses the agency is required to pay to a relocation service company. James T. Faith, 67 Comp.Gen. 453 (1988); Louis H. Schwartz, B-231485, Jan. 19, 1989. Even if the inspection expenses are not similar or analogous, such expenses are not reimbursable when incurred for the personal benefit of the seller rather than to satisfy a requirement to transfer the property. See Anna L. Janni, B-236571, Nov. 9, 1989; Ronald M. Pearson, B-230402 Mar. 23, 1988. Here, since it appears that the agency paid the contractor for similar inspection services, Mr. Harrod may not be reimbursed for the costs of the additional inspection which was not a requirement for transfer of his property.
His claim for the Federal Express charges he incurred to speed delivery of real estate transaction documents to the relocation company may not be allowed because such charges are not reimbursable. Mark B. Gregory, B-229230, Mar. 14, 1988.
/1/ This decision was requested by the Chief, Accounting Section, Regional Commissioner, Southwest Region, Internal Revenue Service.