What can I write off as a notary?
Asked by: Margaretta Zemlak | Last update: June 9, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (34 votes)
Some other common deductions for notaries include professional expenses like bond and insurance premiums, commission fees, training expenses, and your notary tools. You may also be able to claim deductions for administrative expenses like office supplies and equipment as well as rent and utilities.
Do notaries get a tax break?
This includes any fees charged for notarial acts such as acknowledgments, jurats, or certified copies. It is important to note that notary income is typically exempt from self-employment tax. The IRS allows notaries to exclude this income from self-employment taxes under Section 1402(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.
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.
What can I write off as a mobile notary?
- 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.
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.
EASIEST Notary Tax Write-Offs
How do notaries report income?
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.
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.
Can I notarize a handwritten statement?
Yes, you may notarize a signature on a document that includes handwritten paragraphs. A document can be typed or handwritten. If the notarial certificate under the signature is not included, be sure to attach a loose certificate chosen by your customer.
What category does notary fall under?
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.
How do mobile notary make money?
Mobile Notaries travel to signers' locations to notarize documents. They earn money by charging a fee for the notarization up to the limit allowed by their state's law. Some states also permit Notaries to charge a travel fee.
What are the downsides 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.
Is notary a good side hustle?
A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities. Being a Notary shows that you have integrity and it establishes a level of trust that gives you a leg up on your competition — even if you're not directly using your commission for every freelance job that comes your way.
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.
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.
Where are notaries needed the most?
Banks, Mortgage Lenders, and Other Financial Institutions
As we pointed out, loan and mortgage documents require signature verification. The same goes for other financial agreements as well. That means financial institutions will need notary services on a regular basis.
How to claim notary on taxes?
As a notary, you should include all fees received for notarial acts in your gross income on a Schedule C (Form 1040) according to IRS Publication 17, as long as you are a sole proprietor or single-member LLC.
Does being a notary count as a certification?
Like the training beforehand, the notary exam can usually be taken either in person or online. After taking and passing the exam, the state will provide you with a notary commission certificate and further instructions regarding the oath of office.
Does a notary have to be typed?
In most states, the fact that a document is handwritten does not preclude it from being notarized. However, the document must have an appropriate notarial certificate. If there is not already a certificate written on the document, the notary must add it.
How do I notarize a handwritten bill of sale?
- Visit a notary in person at banks, parcel shipping businesses, libraries, real estate firms, and more.
- Get it signed by an online notary via a digital document.
Can a notary make statements like in my opinion?
It's never the job of a Notary Public to swear or affirm as to the client's or signer's state of mind or legal capacity. A statement like, “In my opinion, the person before me is signing under his own free will,” is an unauthorized practice of law.
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.
Can I 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.
How does a notary get paid?
The two most common ways notaries make money are: Part of an established salary (working for a bank, local post office or another business) As an independent, freelance notary.