I wish to submit a Vat Return by a spreadsheet for the period 1 March 20-31 May 20. ir does not give me an option to open this period,it displays the previous period

Hi there, @thegreencatbaker.

Thanks for visiting the Community. By default, QuickBooks will display VAT returns per quarter. 

You'll want to click Prepare return to any of the open returns to customize the date. Here's how: 

1. Go to the Taxes menu. 
2. Select Returns. 
3. Click Prepare return under the Action column. 
4. Choose your start and end date from 01/03/2020 to 31/05/2020.
5. Click Export at the bottom. 

For future reference, read through this article: Record a VAT payment or refund. It includes a quick video tutorial as your visual guide in recording your VAT payments in QuickBooks. 

Feel free to message again if you have additional questions. We're always here to help.