It would be a helpful safeguard if files were unable to be changed by software updates once they are e-filed/accepted. We currently only lock returns that have been filed AND invoice paid. Even if we did lock after e-filing, when we need to go in later and put invoice payments in we would have to create a copy of the file so changes will not be applied. We would have unnecessary duplicates of many client files.
Possibly there could be a feature that once a file is changed to a certain status (final, etc) that it cannot be changed by software updates. An automatic status change feature after e-filing/acceptance would also be helpful. Or maybe just a way to input invoice payments even if the file is locked.
