If vat not paid in full how to match partial payments to the full amount? last 3 qtrs, 2 were payments and one a refund which went towards the payment. how do i log this?

Welcome to the Community, @michael134.

QuickBooks only allows you to match VAT payments based on your bank account and VAT screen, the record should be the same. In this case, you'll have to record the payment in QuickBooks so you'll know if there's an overpayment. This way, the Record Refund will show on the VAT page.

Here's how to record the VAT payment:

1. Click Taxes from the left menu, then select VAT.
2. Find the VAT returns and click Record payment.
3. Fill out the information for the payment.
4. Select Save.

I'm adding this article for more details: Record a VAT payment or refund.

Once done, you can now match the VAT payments. For more guidance, feel free to check out this article: Add and match downloaded bank transactions.

Please keep in touch if there's anything else I can do to help you succeed with QuickBooks. I've got your back. Have a great day!