Can anyone help with how to enter and claim back the vat when purchasing a new vehicle?We have paid the VAT in full up front?

Recording this in QuickBooks will depend on whether you receive the VAT invoice or not, Lynne.

If the invoice is yet to be received, simply record it as a payment/cheque to a supplier, Category = Accounts Payable or Creditors & NO VAT. The deposit should now reflect as a credit amount against the supplier. 

Here's how:

1. Click the +New icon.
2. Choose Cheque from the Suppliers tab.
3. Enter the necessary details and Category.
4. Once done, click Save and close.

However, if you have received the invoice, enter it before putting the final payment and use the credit amount.

Alternatively, you can enter a dummy invoice from the supplier, then place the payment as you would a normal bill payment. Once you have the actual one, modify the dummy as required.

On top of that, I recommend contacting your accountant to further guide you in this process since this involves recording money movement transactions that might affect your book balance. 

Leave a comment below if you need additional assistance recording your VAT transactions.