So, is there a way to present the P&L inc VAT, to overcome this issue?

Let me provide you a few information on how you can show Profit and Loss VAT in QuickBooks Online, nielscorfield.

If you are VAT registered, your income and expenses are likely to be shown 'net' of VAT, as an example, any VAT charged or incurred is not included in the profit and loss account. Also, the profit and loss account only shows 'revenue' transactions that are connected with the commercial activity of the business. However, if you're referring to the VAT Suspense or VAT Control account that you want to show on the Profit and Loss report, you can customise the report and filter the transactions. To do this, you can follow the steps below.

1. Click Reports on the left menu.
2. On the search bar, type the Profit and Loss Report.
3. Click Customise on the upper-right corner of your screen.
4. Click Filter, tick the Distribution Account box and select VAT Suspense or VAT Control.
   
5. Click Run report.

In addition, Vat payment is not an expense, you merely collected the tax on behalf of HMRC and you pay over to HMRC. So it should be as a creditor in your accounts.

We have dedicated VAT Reports that you can use aside from P&L. I've attached a screenshot for your reference.

I have these help articles in case you need additional resources with QuickBooks Online.

Feel free to let us know if you need help with your taxes. We're here to assist you further anytime.