Do notaries pay taxes?

Asked by: Dr. Arnoldo Robel MD  |  Last update: November 11, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (50 votes)

If you are a self-employed Notary Signing Agent, IRS Publication 17 states that you must pay self-employment tax if you had net earnings of $400 or more from fees for services other than notarizing documents (for example, traveling to a signer's home, delivering completed loan document packages, etc.).

Do you have to pay taxes as a notary?

All Notary Income must be reported income on on Form 1040 Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ. However, notary income is exempt from self-employment tax on their notarial income because they are public officials. This means you are exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare but you are taxed at full rate on your profit.

What type of notary makes the most money?

#1: Loan Signing Agent

One of the most lucrative ways to make money as a notary public is by becoming a loan signing agent. ​Signing agents are responsible for guiding borrowers through the process of closing a mortgage loan, ensuring that all paperwork is properly signed and notarized.

What are the pros and cons of being a notary public?

  • Steady income can be difficult.
  • You could be sued for a lot of money.
  • Upstart and upkeep costs can add up.
  • Getting started as a notary is pretty easy.
  • Flexible hours and be your own boss.
  • A notary commission enhances your resume.
  • Opportunity to make extra money.
  • You get to help people.

What can I write off as a notary?

Tax Write Offs And Deductions For Notaries and Signing Agents
  • Business Cards. Business cards are a crucial tool for networking and attracting new clients. ...
  • Business Meals. ...
  • Car Insurance & Registration. ...
  • Car Maintenance. ...
  • Car Purchase & Depreciation. ...
  • Continuing Education Classes. ...
  • E&O Insurance. ...
  • Home Office Furniture.

Your Guide to Notary Taxes and Claim Deductions

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Is a notary self-employed?

Many independently owned Notary businesses fall under the sole proprietorship category. In fact, “you're automatically considered to be a sole proprietorship if you do business activities but don't register as any other kind of business,” the SBA notes.

What good is a notary?

Notaries witness and authenticate the signing of our most important transactions, including mortgage documents, powers of attorney, contracts, adoption papers, advance medical directives and other dealings central to our lives and the economy.

Is notary a stressful job?

Working as a Notary is flexible, rewarding and provides a valuable service to the public — but no one ever said it's a cakewalk. Notaries face many sources of stress on the job, including angry customers, illegal requests, irregular work hours and more.

Is notary a side hustle?

Why becoming a Notary is the ultimate side gig. Whether you're looking for a way to work from home or a part-time job to get you out of the house, you should consider becoming a Notary first. A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities.

Is being an online notary worth it?

Becoming a successful online notary can be challenging, and profitability will take some time, but if you are patient and market yourself effectively, becoming an online notary can be worthwhile in the long run.

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.

Who uses notaries the most?

What types of businesses benefit the most from having a Notary on staff?
  • Insurance companies.
  • Mortgage companies.
  • Title companies.
  • Corporations — of any type.
  • Real-estate companies.
  • Construction companies.
  • Schools — public or private of all levels.
  • Any other company that requires notarization on a regular basis.

What jobs can you get as a notary public?

Career Paths for Notaries
  • Job Opportunities for Notaries. Real estate agencies, law offices, banks or credit unions and lending institutions are common places that hire commissioned notaries. ...
  • Notary Signing Agent. ...
  • Escrow Assistant. ...
  • Legal Assistant. ...
  • Field Inspector. ...
  • Bookkeeper. ...
  • Remote Online Notary.

Do Notaries report to IRS?

Reporting Notarization Fees

According to IRS Publication 17, all fees received specifically for notarial acts should be included in gross income — the amount of money received before anything is deducted — on a Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ (Form 1040).

Why not to be a notary?

You may not enjoy a steady source of income

As a self-employed notary, enjoying a steady source of income may be difficult. This is because the flow of jobs may be unpredictable and estimating how often your clients will need your services may be difficult.

What can Notaries not charge for?

Some states prohibit their notaries from charging or collecting a fee for notarizing a signature on any absentee ballot or absentee voter registration.

Can you work from home as a notary?

States that allow RON in the future: California, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Vermont. States that don't allow RON: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina.

Can I be a freelance notary?

If you're looking to start your own businesses — or make money on the side — becoming a mobile Notary is a good place to start. It is simple, the start-up cost is fairly low and you can work either part-time or full-time. Mobile Notaries travel to signers' locations to notarize documents.

Do you tip a notary?

Just like money tips, the recommended ethical practice for other types of gifts and gratuities is not to accept them. Guiding Principle II-A-3 of The Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility of 2020 recommends Notaries should not accept any gifts, gratuities or donations.

What type of personality does a notary have?

Extraversion: Notaries don't necessarily need to be extraverted, but they do need to be comfortable interacting with people. They must be able to communicate effectively and build trust with their clients. Agreeableness: Notaries need to be approachable and easy to work with.

Does being a notary look good on a resume?

The second reason is that being a notary public looks good on your resume, particularly if you work in a field like real estate or banking where certain documents will need a notary's signature to be considered valid and binding.

Is notary star worth it?

If you are brand new or less than a year into your career we highly recommend you sign up for at least the Notary Star Membership to ensure you have the advanced training you need to conquer this industry.

What is your greatest strength in notary public?

What are the most important Notary Public job skills to have on my resume? The most common important skills required by employers are Legal Deed, Detail Oriented, Affidavit, Multi Tasking, Legal Documents, Communication Skills and Collaboration.

What is the point of notarizing?

Notarization is the official fraud-deterrent process that assures the parties of a transaction that a document is authentic, and can be trusted. It is a three-part process, performed by a Notary Public, that includes of vetting, certifying and record-keeping.

What is the day in the life of a notary?

Notaries frequently meet clients at various locations, including offices, homes, and even public places like coffee shops. Each meeting typically involves verifying the identity of the signer, ensuring that all documents are complete and accurate, and witnessing the signing process.