The linked return checkbox is disabled when you open an existing return because it is not possible to convert a single return into a linked return through the wizard after it has already been created.

A linked return must be set up using one of the two methods described below.

Option 1: Create a Linked Return from Scratch

If you are starting fresh, you can enable linking during the initial creation of the return:

1. Launch the creation wizard for a new return.
2. On the Marital Status page, check the linked return checkbox.
3. Complete the wizard for both spouses.

StudioTax will create both returns as a linked pair from the start.

Option 2: Link Two Existing Returns

If you have already created one or both returns separately and want to link them, follow these steps:

Before you begin: Make sure that each return has the spouse’s information filled in from the wizard — including the spouse’s SIN and date of birth. StudioTax uses this information to identify and match the two returns when linking.

1. Open both returns in StudioTax. Both should appear in the return tree view in the top-left corner of the application.
2. Go to the menu Tools → Link Return.
3. StudioTax will link the two returns automatically.

Note: If you only have one return, you will need to create the second return separately before you can link them.