Intuit HelpIntuit
How to lock and unlock returns in ProConnect Tax
by Intuit• Updated 5 months ago
In ProConnect Tax, you can now manually lock returns to place them in a read-only state. This is particularly useful when needing to preserve a return as it was originally e-filed.
When a return is locked:
- you can view, but cannot change data inputs.
- program updates that modify calculations won't be applied until the return is unlocked.
How do I lock a return?
You can now manually lock the return, where previously the program did it for you automatically after you've e-filed the main form. This puts control in the firm's hands as to when a return should be locked.
To lock a return:
- From within a tax return, go to and select Return actions.
- From the picklist provided, select Lock return.
Here's how you can tell if a return is locked:
- A lock icon will appear beside the return's name in your tax returns list and when you have the return open.
- Inside the return, you can hover over the lock icon for detail.
- Input will be grayed out and can't be changed.
How do I unlock a return?
You might need to unlock a return that you previously e-filed in order to file an amended return or e-file additional state returns or estimates.
To unlock and amend a return:
- From your Tax Returns list, press the down arrow beside View return.
- Or, from inside the return, press Return actions.
- Press Amend return.
- You'll see a confirmation message. Select Yes, amend return to continue.
- We'll unlock the return and create a locked copy of what was originally filed.
- "ORIGINAL" will be appended to the name of the locked copy we create.
- Originally filed amounts will be transferred to the 1040-X screen of the unlocked return.
- Open the unlocked tax return. This one won't say "ORIGINAL" or display a lock icon.
- Go to the 1040-X screen and verify the data was transferred correctly.
- Make your changes on the regular input screens. For example, if you're amending to report an additional W-2, go to the Wages, Salaries, Tips (W-2) screen and press the + plus sign to add a new entry.
To only unlock a return:
- From your Tax Returns list, press the down arrow beside View return.
- Or, from inside the return, press Return actions.
- Select Unlock return.
- You'll see a confirmation message. Check the box if you want to create a locked copy of the return.
- If you choose this option, we'll unlock the return and create a locked copy of what was originally filed.
- "ORIGINAL" will be appended to the name of the locked copy we create.
- Press Yes, unlock return.