Ossie_lation,
Its difficult! Currently nearing the end of achieving it myself. Keeping fingers crossed
Send Clowns is completely correct in that you need to speak to HM Customs.
I'm told claiming the VAT used to be really easy, but as with anything a number who were only ppl learning and with no intention of ever going further messed it up for those who were genuine.
Is a long process to register with them and with no guarantees.
In essence you hit an initial catch 22.
You have too few hours/ too little cpl progress to show you are genuine, and by the time you have this you then need to convince them to pay you back VAT that may have been paid over six months ago.(Outside of the normal return period)
I started talking to the VAT people over 16 months ago. Left officially applying to become VAT registered until I'd completed approx 105 hrs TT, had passed all the ATPL theory subjects, created a company registered with companies house and set up a business bank account
Oh and got an accountant to fill the forms in
Hoping to get everything in place whilst I finish the last few hours building and get the final cpl flying course sorted. Goes without saying that you will need to keep EVERY receipt.
VAT peeps are far from stupid and given the previous abuse are now very dubious of flying training applications.
They have also recently asked for a rough business plan and proof of advertising material (to prove that I intend to finally trade as a business!)
In the event you end up only working for one employer I've been told they can ask for all the returned VAT to be repaid
I last spoke to the VAT people just over two weeks ago and have been lucky in finding a very helpful and simpathetic staff member. I'm also rotary and if successful will try and pass on the pit falls I've found.
As I said, hopefully fairly soon I'll hear that alls gone ok and a cheque is in the post. Whatever I'll update this post once I hear from them again.
Q
'Make crime pay............ Become a lawyer!'