How can I clear VAT from old invoices that have been added to current VAT term?

To be clear, these are VAT exceptions. When I was creating the invoices, I did get a warning about VAT being brought into the current period if the date of the invoice affected a previously submitted VAT return. But as I only ever submitted one VAT return for 22-23 financial year, and all the invoices I have added are for 21-22 financial year, I don't understand why these have all been added? 

It's good to see you here in the Community, @bmweb.

I've come to help clear the VAT rates from the old invoices that have been added to the current VAT return.

Please know that if you've made changes to the VAT rates from the old invoices, it'll affect your current VAT return. That's why it adds up to your upcoming VAT period.

However, you can clear this up by going through each of the invoices and changing the VAT rate to No VAT or Exempt. To do so, you can run the VAT Detail report to show all the invoices affected. Here's how:

1. Click Reports from the left menu.
2. Search for the VAT Detail report.
3. Select the date range of the report. You'll see the list of transactions with the corresponding VAT rate.
4. Find and open the affected invoices.
5. On the Invoice page, select Exempt from the VAT column or No VAT from the Amounts are drop-down.
6. Save the changes.

In case you encounter a prompt that still affects your current VAT period, I suggest seeking help from your accountant. This way, they can guide you on the proper way how to clear it.

These articles will help guide you more about common VAT codes in QuickBooks:

• Common VAT Codes.
• Set up and edit VAT settings, VAT codes, and VAT rates.

The Community forum is always open to help you again if you have further questions about VAT. Have a good one.