Est. 1857

126 Deansgate Manchester

M3 2GR, UK

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Forsyth is the UK's single largest classically orientated music shop

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Terms and conditions

 Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme

 - VAT FREE Instruments! 

What is the AIPS?

The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme exists due to a special arrangement between Local Authority Schools and HM Customs and Excise. Goods which are  used in the provision of education such as musical instruments, can be purchased VAT free on this scheme. 

Who is eligible for the AIPS?

Any student that attends a Local Authority School and receives regular instrumental tuition can buy an instrument on this scheme. 

How does it work?

To purchase an instrument, the student's parent / guardian must complete a Forsyth AIPS Form  and hand it in to their school music teacher or  bursar. The parent / guardian is then required to pay the school directly for the instrument at the VAT free price. The school will order the instrument from us and we will invoice the school for the full amount inclusive of VAT. The school is able to recover the VAT back under section 33 of the VAT Act, 1994 because resale to the students' is a part of its non-business activity. 

How does the student receive the instrument?

Once we have received the official order from the school we will arrange for the instrument to be delivered to the school.

Rules and Restrictions of the AIPS.

• The scheme is only operable in LEA controlled schools (it is not available to Sixth Form Colleges, independent schools or Universities).

• To qualify for VAT relief, the instrument should be portable and taken into school for regular, weekly  use in their lessons. 

• The school must place an official order for the instrument  (with an order no.) and accept responsibility for the delivery of it.

• The supplier must be VAT registered ( Forsyth Brothers Limited VAT No. GB 145 4970 51) 

• The  financial transaction between the parent /guardian and the school must take place on school premises. If the parent accepts supply of the instrument in a shop or pays the retailer directly, the school will be unable to arrange VAT relief.

• The instrument must only be of a necessary quality for the particular student i.e. a beginner student would not be allowed to purchase a professional level instrument.

Further information about the scheme is available from HM Customs and Excise in the VAT guidance note Notice 701/30 Education and Vocational Training (Jan 2002).

Visit our Student Instruments page to see our latest student range instruments available for purchase on the AIPS.

Education Division Main Page