_______________
 
                            January 9, 1998
                            _______________
 
 
                            GSBCA 14174-RELO
 
 
                    In the Matter of RANDY SORENTRUE
 
 
        Randy Sorentrue, Bardstown, KY, Claimant.
 
        Lisa  D. Peer,  Chief, Travel  Branch,  Defense Finance  and
   Accounting  Service, Rock Island, IL, appearing for Department of
   Defense.
 
   VERGILIO, Board Judge.
 
        The  claimant, Randy Sorentrue,  a civilian employee  of the
   Department  of Defense, changed  permanent duty stations.   After
   payment  of  expenses not  detailed  in  the record,  the  agency
   calculated the  relocation income  tax (RIT) allowance  utilizing
   rates and  formulae contained  in regulations.   The  regulations
   specify,  as explained and  summarized in Robert  J. Dusek, GSBCA
   14325-RELO   (Dec.  4,  1997),  that  the  methodology  has  been
   developed  utilizing general rules  and assumptions to  provide a
   readily  ascertainable result (an estimate of tax liability); the
   methodology  is  not to  be  adjusted to  accommodate  the unique
   circumstances of an employee and  is not intended to reimburse an
   employee for  precisely the  amount of  the employee's  added tax
   liability.   41 CFR  302-11.8(b) (1996).   The claimant  seeks to
   deviate from  the prescribed  tax rates and  to adopt  his actual
   rates.    The   regulations  prohibit  the  agency   from  making
   calculations  as requested  by the  claimant.   Accordingly,  the
   claimant does not prevail in his claim.
 
 
                                 ____________________________
                                 JOSEPH A. VERGILIO
                                 Board Judge