| Overview |
If the SA103 self-employment pages in your BTCSoftware tax return appear greyed out and you cannot type into the fields, the return is in read-only mode. BTCSoftware opens all tax returns in read-only mode by default. You need to switch to Edit mode before you can enter or change data.
| How to Switch to Edit Mode |
- Open the tax return in BTCSoftware.
- Look for the Edit / Read Only toggle — this is typically in the bottom-left corner of the return screen or on the toolbar at the top.
- Click the toggle to switch from Read Only to Edit mode.
- The fields will become active and you can now enter or edit data.
- Click Save regularly as you work.
| ✔ Tip: Remember to switch back to Read Only mode when you have finished editing, especially if others in your firm may access the same return. This prevents accidental changes. |
| Why Are Some Fields Still Greyed Out in Edit Mode? |
Even in Edit mode, some fields on the SA103 remain grey. This is expected — grey fields are calculated automatically by BTCSoftware based on figures you enter elsewhere and cannot be edited directly. For example:
- The net profit or loss figure is calculated from the income and expenses you enter — it cannot be typed into directly.
- Tax calculated fields update when you run Check and Calculate.
| Cannot Tick Question 6 on the Self-Employment Page |
If you are unable to tick Question 6 (or similar checkboxes) on the SA103, this is most commonly caused by:
- Read-only mode — switch to Edit mode as described above.
- A dependency condition — some fields on SA103 only become active when related fields are completed first. Check that the prior fields in the section have been completed.
- Software version — ensure BTCSoftware is updated to the latest version. Some field behaviours are corrected in updates.
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Q: I switched to Edit mode but the toggle switched back automatically — why?
A: If another user in your firm has the same return open, BTCSoftware may prevent editing to avoid conflicting changes. Ask colleagues to check whether they have the return open, then try again.
Q: I saved changes in Edit mode but they have disappeared — what happened?
A: Check whether another user edited and saved the same return after you. BTCSoftware uses a last-save-wins approach. Ensure only one person edits a return at a time.
Q: The self-employment start date field is greyed out — how do I enter it?
A: The start date field becomes active when the 'Business commenced during this period' option is selected earlier in the self-employment section. Select that option first, then the start date field will become editable.