12280: e-Filed Returns Locked After Acceptance

You have checked the option Lock client data file after EF acceptance at Setup > Options > EF.

After setting the option, when you open a return that has been e-filed and accepted, you see a warning message with Yes, No, and Cancel options:

When you click Yes to proceed, the return opens normally.

The current return may vary from the originally e-filed return if tax law changes have been implemented by software updates. To review a return as it was e-filed, go to View/Print mode > Documents > Archive Manager and restore the "Selected for EF" archive. Alternatively, go to Drake Documents and review the PDF copy of the return (if you saved a PDF at the time of filing - Recommended). 

When the option Lock client data file after EF acceptance is set, a preparer opening an accepted return:

• can view it and enter data if the preparer's security rights permit it. The displayed message serves only as a warning.
• can only view it if the preparer's security rights exclude Unlock Client Files. The displayed message offers only the option of viewing the return. Data entry is disabled.

For example, a preparer whose security excludes Unlock Client Files

sees this message when attempting to open an accepted return

and sees grey data entries fields that are "read only"

An administrator and preparers with adequate security can open and edit the return. This message is displayed which allows you to open and edit the return:

Locked accepted returns can also be opened from the Tools menu. The menu selection Tools > File Maintenance > Unlock Client Files does not eliminate the warning message or change the locked status of a return. It simply opens the return to the warning message. A preparer with inadequate security finds this menu selection disabled.

See Related Links below for more information about preparer security rights.