When posting a transaction in Sage 50 Accounts, you may see the message 'Your transaction date is set before the current lock date of dd/mm/yyyy'. This occurs when a lock date has been set on your data to Prevent postings before a specific date, and you try to post a transaction dated before the lock date. Let's take a look at how to fix this.

Users with access to override a lock date

If you've access to override a lock date, you receive the following message:

'Your transaction date is set before the current lock date of dd/mm/yyyy.
Do you wish to proceed and post to a locked date?
Note - posting with an alternative date may affect your statutory returns.'

To post into the locked period, click Yes. Alternatively, to return to your transaction to check the date, click No.

 NOTE: Posting into a previous financial period could affect the end balances at that period, which could affect the balances on a VAT, or end of year accounts submission. If you need guidance with this, please speak with your accountant.  

Users with no access to override a lock date

If you don't have access to override the lock date, you receive the following message:

'Your transaction date is set before the current lock date of dd/mm/yyyy.
If the date is correct please refer to your system administrator or accountant for advice on how to post to a locked date.
Note - posting with an alternative date may affect your statutory returns.'

The person who logs into Sage 50 Accounts as manager can amend your access rights to allow you to override the lock date. Alternatively, another user who has lock date access can post the transaction for you.

 NOTE: Posting into a previous financial period could affect the end balances at that period, which could affect the balances on a VAT, or end of year accounts submission. If you need guidance with this, please speak with your accountant.