Accounting for VAT in self assesment

Hi there, I'm a self employed freelancer and have been for years. This year I've just registered for VAT and as I was claiming back a couple of years worth of equipment I still use I've ended up with a VAT rebate for the first quarter. How is this accounted for as far as income tax is concerned? Is this taxable income? Or is it just money that I've previously paid out that's just being returned to me? If I need to pay tax on it, are VAT payments to the HMRC classed as an expense?

Hi,
VAT payments that you receive, are declared in the gross profits as part of the turnover.
VAT paid out to the VAT office, is declared as an expense in the self employment section, box 30 (SA103F).
Thank you.