Updated: 2023-10-27

After filing all returns forms in a TaxCycle file, you may wish to lock the data in the file to prevent further changes to the return.

When a file is locked, all fields change to green non-edit text to prevent accidental data entry. This also prevents updates to calculated fields and works in conjunction with the detection of calculation changes between software releases.

You can configure TaxCycle automatically lock data in T1, T2, T3 and T5013 files after transmitting all the required returns and forms. However, if a file was previously locked then unlocked—either manually from the Security menu or through a review message—TaxCycle cannot automatically lock it again.

Configure Automatic File Locking

1. To open Options from the Start screen, click Options on the left side. If you have a file open, go to the File menu, then click Options.
2. On the left side of the dialog box, expand the T1/TP1 or T2 section, then click on General to apply the option to all years, or expand General and click on a year to set a different option for a specific year.
3. Check Automatically lock files when they are completed to enable data locking once the file is considered complete.
4. Click OK or Apply to save the changes.

Lock a File Automatically

1. Transmit all the required returns and forms in the file. This checks the All filing completed task in the Track sidebar.
   
2. TaxCycle locks the file, turning all the fields to green non-edit text to prevent further changes.
3. To unlock a file, go to the Security menu and click the Unlock File button. However, if you unlock a file, it will not be automatically locked again.
4. A green message also displays at the top of the form to indicate that the return is complete and the data is locked.
5. If the return was filed using a previous software version, you can click the Preview changes button to see a list of calculation changes that would apply if you were to unlock the file.
6. To unlock the file, click the Unlock button. However, if you unlock a file, it will not be automatically locked again.
7. Click the Dismiss button to hide the message. The message stays in the Review sidebar and will reappear the next time you open the file.