I'm still confused, just to clarify, I submitted a VAT return for Oct, Nov, Dec 2018 using Gov Gateway as I was not using QBO at this time.  I have since signed up for QBO with my starting date as 1st January 2019.  The actual payment for the 12/18 VAT return was made in January.  I am still confused as to why this should show as an expense, because of this, my P & L report shows I'm making a loss not a profit!