I am unable to setup a NO VAT tax without having to specifiy sales or purchases. In some instances these do not apply. Can anyone help with this?

Great to have you here, info256. 

If you're trying to default your transactions to show No VAT, then we can go to the Account and Settings page. This will stop VAT from showing in future transactions and bank feeds and will save you time from updating these manually. Here's how: 

1. Go to the Gear icon.
2. Select Account and Settings.
3. Click Advanced.
4. In the Accounting section, change the Default tax selection to No VAT.
5. Hit Save.
6. Press Done.

Now when you go to create a transaction in QuickBooks, the VAT column will be hidden under the Default tax rate selection options. However, if you don't want to turn off VAT in your settings, just manually create the invoice and choose No VAT in the Amounts are field. For more details about this one, see the Set up and edit VAT settings, VAT codes, and VAT rates article. Visit our Taxes page for more insights about managing your taxes in QuickBooks.

Feel free to update us on the result of this troubleshooting in the comment below. I'd like to ensure this is resolved for you. You have a good one.