Amused
Sorry, but I think that you have chosen the wrong name.
I’ve almost been in the same situation but decided to pull out before purchasing the a/c, it did not smell right.
Your case is very simple. All a/c that were imported into one of the E.U states before a certain date (I think 31/12/1985) are exempt from VAT. All other a/c MUST pay and carry the VAT Certificate (form C88A) on board to be shown on demand. If proof of payment cannot be shown the a/c will be confiscated until VAT and a hefty fine are paid (according to current value). The only accepted proof of payment is the VAT certificate or in some cases a letter from Customs stating that VAT was paid.
Your problem starts with your transfer to the ‘N’ Reg. and the ever friendly French officials. During the transfer to the ‘N’ Reg. you were issued with an Export C of A. Your friendly and ever helpful French official will argue that the a/c was exported to the US and then back to the UK, hence, VAT must be paid, NOW and to him (someone that was given the friendly French welcome wrote in Pilot Mag. that officials get something like 3.5% of all monies collected), if not, there are BA flights from CHD back to London. Have you ever tried to prove that you do not have a sister and that she is not a pros…..? Well, this is the case. In order to save you a possible headache I think that you should do the following.
1. Carry with you the a/c logbooks that show the date of registration to the ‘G’ Reg. and the ‘N’ Reg.
2. Write a letter to your local VAT office (or to the aviation branch in Southampton) and ask them to advise you. Make sure to mention that the a/c has not left E.U/UK territory. Do not forget to submit the photocopies from the logbooks that show 1st. registration to the ‘G’ Reg. and than to the ‘N’ Reg.
3. If you have paid VAT when you bought the a/c carry a copy on board and submit a copy to the VAT office.
The VAT office should answer within 10 days. If they say that the a/c is exempt from payment keep the original in a safe place and carry an approved copy (by a Public Noteruion) on board.
All of the above can be seen very excessive but it is all done in order to prevent your friendly French official to become over friendly.
And to the rest of you, regardless of the a/c registration you MUST carry a proof of VAT payment on board. I heard the H.M Customs & Excise has started to carry out spot checks in U.K aerodromes.
Hope that it helps.