---
title: "Locking Forms and Editing Locked Forms"
description: "This chapter describes how the locking mechanism prevents simultaneous editing and how you can still edit a form locked by another person when necessary."
source_url: https://support.lucanet.com/en/documentation/income-taxes/tax-services/lock-form-and-edit-locked-forms
language: en
last_updated: 2023-08-24
---
# Locking Forms and Editing Locked Forms

## Overview

Tax Services uses a **locking mechanism** to prevent data conflicts caused by simultaneous editing. The software automatically locks forms as soon as you open them. Other people can only view locked forms in read-only mode and receive a note indicating who is currently editing the form. The lock is automatically released when you leave the form.

If necessary, you can edit **locked forms** held by another person, in which case their unsaved changes are lost. Locked forms are specially highlighted in the drafts list. The locking mechanism ensures that form data remains consistent and that no changes are overwritten.

## Locking a Form

To **lock** a **form:**

{% stepper %}
{% stepper-step %}
Open the **My forms** workspace.
{% /stepper-step %}
{% stepper-step %}
Switch to the **Drafts** tab.

The list shows all forms that are in progress.
{% /stepper-step %}
{% stepper-step %}
Select the desired form from the list and open it.

Form with the 'In progress' status
{% /stepper-step %}
{% stepper-step %}
Edit the form. The system automatically locks it for other people.

{% info-box %}
Other users receive a note when they open it:

_The record is currently being edited by \[Name\]_.
{% /info-box %}
{% /stepper-step %}
{% stepper-step %}
Save your changes.
{% /stepper-step %}
{% stepper-step %}
Close the form using the **Close** button.

If you navigate to the start page, the form is automatically closed.
{% /stepper-step %}
{% stepper-step %}
Closing the form releases the lock. The form is available to other people again.
{% /stepper-step %}
{% /stepper %}

## Editing Locked Forms

To edit locked forms:

{% stepper %}
{% stepper-step %}
Open the locked form from the list.
{% /stepper-step %}
{% stepper-step %}
A notification appears with the name of the person who is currently editing the form.

Locked form
{% /stepper-step %}
{% stepper-step %}
First check with your colleague whether they are still actively working on the form. Only then click **Edit enforce**, otherwise you risk overwriting their changes.

{% info-box %}
A form can still be displayed as **In progress** even though no colleague is actively working on it. Possible causes:

- The browser was closed without first leaving the form
- Connection loss
- Power failure
{% /info-box %}
{% /stepper-step %}
{% stepper-step %}
The form is unlocked for you. You can now make changes.

{% info-box %}
The other person immediately loses edit access to the form. Any unsaved changes are lost.
{% /info-box %}
{% /stepper-step %}
{% /stepper %}