Do notaries report to IRS?

Asked by: Sage VonRueden  |  Last update: May 2, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (21 votes)

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).

Is notary income taxable in the IRS?

Notary income

Fees for services you provide as a notary public are not subject to self-employment tax. However, all of your other self-employment income is subject to self-employment tax.

Do I have to file taxes for notary?

Saturday Tip - California Notaries

If you have additional questions, please consult with a professional. Separate your Notary Income from Other - such as travel, wait time, courier service. All Notary Income must be reported income on on Form 1040 Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ.

Do Notaries keep a record?

California requires its Notaries to keep all completed journals as long as they maintain a current Notary commission. California Notaries whose commissions end without being renewed must turn in their journals within 30 days to the county clerk's office where their oath of office is on file.

Do Notaries get tax breaks?

Here is the good news for notaries! There is a little-known piece of tax code that states that notarial fees are not subject to self-employment tax, which means the portion of your net income that you earn from notarial fees (i.e. notarial acts) is not subject to self-employment tax!

Your Guide to Notary Taxes and Claim Deductions

21 related questions found

Is a notary a federal job?

In the United States, a notary public is a person appointed by a state government, e.g., the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, or in some cases the state legislature, and whose primary role is to serve the public as an impartial witness when important documents are signed.

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.

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.

Will a notary hold up in court?

No, notarization itself does not make a document legally binding. While it verifies the identities and consent of the signers, the enforceability of a document depends on its content and compliance with the applicable laws, among other factors. Notarization primarily enhances credibility and deters fraud.

What happens if I don't turn in my notary journal?

Willful failure to deliver the notary journal and other notarial records to the county clerk within the appropriate time is a misdemeanor, and the notary public is personally liable for damages to any person injured by the non-delivery. (California Government Code section 8209(a).)

Do notaries get 1099?

If you're working as an independent contractor for different companies and lenders, you can expect to receive a 1099-NEC (Non Employee Compensation) from any company that paid you $600 or more to perform loan document signing assignments.

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 is not considered taxable by the IRS?

Key Takeaways

Inheritances, gifts, cash rebates, alimony payments (for divorce decrees finalized after 2018), child support payments, most healthcare benefits, welfare payments, and money that is reimbursed from qualifying adoptions are deemed nontaxable by the IRS.

What are the liabilities of a notary?

A notary public is liable for all damages caused by his or her errors, omissions, improper notarizations, or negligence in the performance of a notarial act even if such actions were made inadvertently.

What industry is a notary considered?

NAICS Code 541120 - Offices of Notaries sits in the 2-digit Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector. NAICS codes can be 2- to 6-digits and the further along the hierarchy, the more detailed and specific the category will be.

Is a notarized letter considered a legal document?

To conclude, because notaries public notarize signatures, not the content of a document, notarization does not make a document "legal" or "official" in any way. It is important to note that a document that is illegal or false prior to notarization is still illegal or false even after being notarized.

Can you refuse to do a notary?

In order to properly refuse a notarization, you should have one or more reasons to do so that can be objectively articulated in your journal. In other words, you should be able to explain why you are refusing to notarize. If you can't explain it, then you don't have a sufficient basis to do it.

Are notarized documents public records?

Although the law has strict guidelines, Government Code 8206[c] permits notaries to disclose the information if a written request is presented. This request needs to include the person's name, type of transaction or document, and the time at which the notarization took place.

What are the downsides of being a notary?

The Cons of Being a Notary
  • Steady income can be difficult.
  • You could be sued for a lot of money.
  • Upstart and upkeep costs can add up.

Can you fold a notarized document?

You can do this by folding or flipping the pages, without removing the staple. When a certified document has been tampered with, the only remedy is to start the entire notarization, county and/or state certification process all over again.

What makes a notary invalid?

Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal

States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.

Is there still a need for notaries?

Traditional Notary Services: Still Puttering Along

Despite technological advancements, traditional in-person notarization continues to hold significant importance due to its established trust and legal recognition.

Can a document be legal without a notary?

Many types of written contracts don't require a notary public to be valid. However, if a person's signature has been notarized, generally, courts waive the legal obligation or duty to prove contract authentication. This can save you a lot of time and money.