Creating Links Between Fields

Use the Start Link and Finish Link feature to create a link between two fields on any form (including schedules and worksheets). This function, represented by the Start Link/Finish Link toggle button on the toolbar above an open return, links text or numeric values from one field (source field) to another field (destination field).

After a link has been established, changes made in the Start Link field are reflected in the destination field. When checking a return for errors (Check Return), the Finish Link field (destination) will be marked as an overridden field.

Start/Finish links automatically roll over from prior year or prior period returns.

To create custom links:

Select the source field.
Do one of the following:
On the toolbar, click the Start Link button.
From the Edit menu, select Start Link.
Navigate to the destination field on any form, schedule, or worksheet.
Do one of the following:
On the toolbar, click the Finish Link button.
From the Edit menu, select Finish Link.

If it takes longer than 40 seconds to finish the link, the request will be canceled.

Destination fields have a green background.

Image: Example of Linked Fields

Creating links between fields: example of source/destination fields

Canceling Relationships between Two Linked Fields

To undo the link between two fields:

Place the cursor in the destination (green) field.
Do one of the following:
On the toolbar, click the Restore button.
From the Edit menu, select Restore Field.
Press Ctrl+R.

When the green background disappears from the destination field, you know the link has been removed.

Exceptions: When Fields Cannot Accept a Link

The following fields cannot be linked:

Input or Detail Sheets
Itemized Lists
Circular references or mathematical loops

Whenever a field cannot be linked, you'll receive a message that will alert you to this exception.