TQSA Calculator
Estimate your Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance for a KMC OCONUS PCS. Adjust location, EFMs, and duration — rates update instantly per DSSR 120.
Up to 90 days
DSSR 120
DoD Civilians
GS & SES grades
KMC Germany
7 locations
Enter your details
TQSA rates update instantly as you adjust. Verify your per diem before submitting.
TQSA rates are location-based per DSSR 120. Pay grade is for reference only.
Age 12 and over
50% / 45% / 40% per period (DSSR 120)
Under age 12
40% / 35% / 30% per period (DSSR 120)
Your TQSA Estimate
Ramstein-Miesenbach
Max Lodging Rate
TLA operators may charge up to this
M&IE
Meals & incidentals — yours to keep
Daily allowance
Days 1–30
$282.75/day × 30 days
Total TQSA — 30 days
$8,483
82% of KMC listings are within your $282.75/day allowance
Rates per DSSR 120. Always verify your current per diem at the State Dept Per Diem lookup before submitting your voucher.
Germany — VAT Tax Relief
Most TLA operators require a VAT (NATO Tax) form
In Germany, all purchases include MWST (VAT) at 7–19%. As a SOFA-status employee, you are entitled to tax relief on authorized purchases — including rent. When making TLA payments, your operator will require a NATO Tax Relief (VAT) form. These are typically submitted every two weeks, keeping each transaction under the €2,500 threshold.
NF-1 Form
Purchases under €2,500
Most rental situations
NF-2 Form
Purchases €2,500 and over
Larger or long-term stays
Before you use a VAT form
- • Register with your installation VAT Office first
- • Ask the vendor if they accept the form before purchasing
- • Cannot be used after purchase is complete
- • Contracts over 30 days are excluded
- • Do not split purchases to stay under €2,500
Understanding TQSA
Everything DoD civilians need to know about Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance for an OCONUS PCS.
TQSA is a subsistence allowance paid to DoD civilian employees during a PCS move to help cover temporary lodging and meal costs when permanent housing is not yet available. It is the civilian equivalent of the military's TLA and is governed by DSSR 123 (arrival) and DSSR 124 (departure).
TLA vs TQSA vs LQA
Not sure which allowance applies to you? Here's a quick breakdown.
Temporary Lodging Allowance
Lodging + M&IE during PCS transition
Who
Active-duty military
Duration
10–60 days (OCONUS)
- Covers actual lodging up to per diem ceiling
- M&IE paid as flat daily rate
- Requires housing office referral letter
- Receipts required for lodging reimbursement
Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance
Lodging + M&IE during PCS transition
Who
DoD civilians
Duration
Up to 90 days
- Civilian equivalent of TLA
- Calculated as a percentage of quarters allowance
- Authorized by agency, not military housing office
- Also available on the stateside end of PCS
Living Quarters Allowance
Ongoing rent & utilities for permanent quarters
Who
DoD civilians (OCONUS)
Duration
Full overseas tour
- Ongoing monthly allowance for permanent rent
- Based on actual rent costs, not a flat rate
- Requires lease and housing office approval
- Does not apply to military members
Rates and rules are set by the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) and updated annually. Verify current rates before submitting your claim.
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