Quickbooks Online Layout

I have some details that I would like to share so you'll be guided on why QuickBooks is showing differently, Travis.

QuickBooks Online (QBO) provides multiple interfaces that enable the user to work and choose whichever is best for the business. What you see for the first time is the default view. This is usually based on what you tell us when you first set up your QuickBooks account.

However, both Business and Accountant View will still give you the same interface for the expense transaction. I've provided a screenshot below which is exactly the same as the second screenshot provided above:

May I know if you're using QuickBooks Online Advanced? If so, it's possible that a custom field is added to your expense transaction, that's why you're seeing the Permit no. field as shown in your screenshot. 

You'll want to remove the field by selecting the Make inactive option. To do so, you can follow the steps below:

1. Go to the Gear icon, then select Custom Fields.
2. Locate the field
3. Click the Edit drop-down arrow and select Make inactive.
   
    

In relation to this, the vendor information would automatically prefill only once you've set a default category for your vendor. You'll want to check out the  Default expense category field if a default account has already been assigned to a certain vendor. Here's how to check:

1. Go Expenses on the left panel.
2. Select the Vendors tab.
3. Choose the vendor.
4. Click Edit in the upper-right corner. Go to the Additional info section.
   
   
   
    

Furthermore, you may want to take a complete picture of how you can enter your income and expense so you'll be able to track your transactions. I've got this article for more details: Enter And Manage Bills And Bill Payments In QuickBooks Online.

Let me know how it goes. You can always reply anytime below if you have any questions about entering expense transactions. I'd be happy to help.