VAT-Free

VAT-Free

Starland Music, being an Educational supplies company, operates the Government's Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme (AIPS) for students to purchase instruments through their school at VAT-free prices.  This was very popular in the 1990s but is now rarely used.  It requires some financial accounting changes to many schools, and many finance offices just don't have the time to help.  It is voluntary, and some schools absolutely can't use the scheme, so if you would like to apply for this, please speak first to the Finance Manager or Bursar of the school for their approval. and they can speak to us at Starland fo us to set it up.

It was designed to help parents purchase an instrument for their child to take to and from lessons held at school, if the purchase is eligible, the VAT element of our prices is paid by the local authority, or claimed back by the Trust or Academy finance officers. For full details of how the scheme works, with guidance for parents and school administrators, click this link to our AIPS rules.

How to calculate an "ex-VAT" price. Here's an example.

With UK rates of VAT at 20%, the savings can be considerable. If you have selected (for example) a clarinet showing a price of £239 (inc VAT) on our site, you divide £239 by 1.2 to get the VAT-free price (=£199.16). Delivery to the school will generally cost £8.95, so the school will need to have payment of £208.11 (£199.16 + £8.95) before they can place an order with Starland.

NOTE: Why not give the Starland advisory team a quick call on local-rate number 0845 862 1913? They can not only advise on availability, but also check whether your child's school already has an account.

TYPICAL INSTRUMENTS REGULARLY PURCHASED THROUGH A.I.P.S

Flute, clarinet, oboe, sax, bassoon, trumpet, cornet, horns, tubas, euphonium, trombone, violin, viola, cella, double bass, guitar, bass, portable keyboard etc. Please enquire about eligibility for other instruments.