Q: I am a CSRS Air Force employee with more than 37 years of civil service. I am considering retiring on Dec. 31. Can I cash in more than 30 days annual leave when I retire, or do I need to use everything over 30 days annual leave prior to my retirement date to keep from losing it? Will the payment of annual leave be paid in the 2012 tax year? Would I qualify for the buyouts the Air Force is about to offer with the same retirement benefits as if I retired Dec. 31?
A: As long as you retire no later than December 31, the end of the leave year, you’ll receive a lump-sum payment for all your unused annual leave.
