---
title: "1040 - Lock or Unlock a Tax Return"
canonical: "https://support.crosslinktax.com/space/CSC/1869289874/1040%20-%20Lock%20or%20Unlock%20a%20Tax%20Return"
format: markdown
---
This article demonstrates how to lock or unlock a tax return in the Desktop Software

## \uD83D\uDCD8 Instructions

**Follow the instructions below to successfully unlock/lock a return:**

1. Open the tax return
2. Once inside the return Click **Return** > **Lock/Unlock **<u>OR</u> use the shortcut **Ctrl + Shift + U**.

![image-20250918-200347.png](media://f82c9e39-e07f-43e0-8ede-9ef44d309cd8)

> ✅ #### The tax return should now be Unlocked/Locked


> ℹ️ If the tax return remains locked after unlocking, click **Save **and then repeat step 2.