Q. My agency is contemplating a buyout but wants everyone off the books by Dec. 31. I would think it would be beneficial to retire on a date that would roll any buyout payment and any annual leave lump sum into the following tax year, when income would be lower. Am I correct that retiring on Dec. 29 would place me on the annuity role in January, and my Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment buyout and annual leave lump sum would be 2013 income?
A. Yes.
