how do i record a minus expense when i return a purchase

In QuickBooks Online, you can record an expense credit in three ways, based on how the purchase was initially recorded. If it was documented as an expense or a check, create a bank deposit to offset the original entry and keep your records accurate.

Here’s how:

1. Go to +Create and select Bank Deposit.
2. In the Add funds to this deposit section, select your supplier in the Received From field.
3. Choose the same account used on the original expense.
4. Enter the refund amount, then hit Save and close.
    

If the purchase was made using a bill or credit card, follow options 2 and 3 in this article: Enter supplier credits and refunds in QuickBooks Online.

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