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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:

  1. From within a tax return, go to and select Return actions.
  2. From the picklist provided, select Lock return.
    A sign that says you will pay for the ticket.

Here's how you can tell if a return is locked:

  • A lock lock_PCG_US_EXT_102821.png 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:

  1. From your Tax Returns list, press the down arrow beside View return.
    • Or, from inside the return, press Return actions.
  2. Press Amend return.
  3. 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.
  4. Open the unlocked tax return. This one won't say "ORIGINAL" or display a lock icon.
image
  1. Go to the 1040-X screen and verify the data was transferred correctly.
  2. 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:

  1. From your Tax Returns list, press the down arrow beside View return.
    • Or, from inside the return, press Return actions.
  2. Select Unlock return.
  3. 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.
  4. Press Yes, unlock return.
ProConnect Tax

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