VAT Free Scheme
What is the scheme?
The scheme is commonly known as "the assisted instrument purchase scheme" (AIPS for short). It enables students in schools who qualify, to purchase instruments without paying the vat. The savings are therefore 17.5%, which is the vat element. The prices on our pages include vat, but if you put an instrument into the shopping basket you are shown the price and the vat amount. So you can see how much you would save.
Who can use the scheme?
You can only use the scheme if the student attends a non fee paying state school and receives instrumental lessons at school, as part of the curriculum.
You need the cooperation of your school, and will need to check with your school bursar whether you can use the scheme. Some local authorities administer the scheme centrally.
How does it work?
We invoice the school or local authority in the normal way. They are able to claim back the vat, and pass the instrument on to you exempt from vat. You pay the school or local authority.
Do not use our shopping basket, but get the school to fax or post us an order.
Although you actually buy the instrument from the school, all the normal guarantees apply, as if you had bought directly from us.
What do I do now?
- Check with your school bursar that they can operate the scheme.
- You may have to fill in forms, especially if it is administered centrally by the music service. They may make a small administration charge.
- Phone us to confirm the price and availability for your selected instrument.
- The school will need to place an order by fax or post.
- The school or music service will need to place the order, and you will need to pay them.
- We send the instrument to the student via the school. We dispatch by next-day courier free of charge.
- The school or local authority will be invoiced in the normal way.
Our contact details are:-
Netmusicalinstruments (Ackerman Music Ltd.)
70/72 Portland Road
Hove
East Sussex BN3 5DL
Tel: 01273 279282 Fax: 01273 702222