Thanks for visiting the Community today, @david243. I'd be happy to answer your first post.
Let's ensure to set your Bills or Expense to inclusive of VAT so it will automatically apply as you create the transaction to your supplier.
Here's how:
Go to the Settings (gear icon) at the top right.
Select Accounts and Settings, then go to the Advanced tab.
Click into the Accounting section to expand the accounting options.
Change the Default tax rate selection to 'Inclusive of VAT'
Click Save to record the change.
I'd also suggest checking the specific supplier's details as there is an option to select a default VAT code for them. If that is selected as No VAT, then the column would not appear on any transactions to that specific supplier.
I've also added these articles for your future references about VAT settings, VAT codes, and VAT exceptions and reports in QuickBooks: