NOT VAT registered, I need to add VAT to bills

Hello there, @Chloeh10.

Adding a vat on a bill without turning the taxes feature is unavailable. You'll need to turn it on, so the system will generate the default codes and you can apply the vat on bills.

To set up VAT in QuickBooks, let me show you how:

1. Click on Taxes on the left menu, then the Setup VAT button.
2. On the Setup VAT page, select the beginning month of your current VAT period.
3. Select your filing frequency.
4. Next, choose your VAT accounting scheme.
5. Enter your VAT registration number.
6. Tick the checkbox for Flat Rate Scheme (FRS), if your business is entitled to this.​
7. Click Save when you're ready. Your VAT codes will now be automatically set up.

For more details, see this article: Set up and edit VAT settings, VAT codes, and VAT rates.

Once you're done, set the default tax to "No VAT", so you don't need to enter the vat code in creating other transactions. 

Here's how:

1. Go to the Gear icon at the top, then select Account and Settings.
2. Choose Advanced on the left panel, and click on the Pencil icon for Accounting.
3. In the Default tax rate selection section, select No VAT.
4. Click on Save and Done.

Also, I'm adding this article that will guide you in entering bills and how to pay multiple bills and multiple suppliers at the same time: Enter and pay bills. 

For additional reference, I've attached some articles you can use to learn more about the VAT settings:

• VAT: Getting Started
• Common VAT Codes

Post again in the Community if you need anything else. I’ll be here to help. Take care!