24 Tax Write-Offs for Notaries and Signing Agents

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Notaries and signing agents are used to dealing with official forms, but let’s be real. The IRS tax forms can be a lot more complicated than what you normally deal with — and so are the rules they deal with.

For instance, you probably know that you don't have to pay self-employment tax on any fees you receive as a notary public. But you still have to pay income taxes on those fees. And if you also earn money as a signing agent, you on the hook for self-employment taxes for that income.

It's enough to make anyone dizzy. But that’s okay — deep breath.

Here at Keeper, we’ve found an easy way for you to save money on your tax bill from the IRS — income and self-employed. Just write off all the business expenses you incur as a notary or signing agent, and you’ll be able to save money.

If you still want help with your taxes, give our app a try, or send us your questions at support@keepertax.com. Now that’s something to give your seal of approval.

📃
Licensing fees
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 23

Fees to get or renew your license to perform your work are fully deductible.

📝
Office supplies
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.

👨‍💻
Productivity software
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

Software you use for invoicing, tracking expenses, creating timesheets, and so on is deductible.

🎓
Continuing education classes
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Continuing education class required to keep your job are fully deductible.

🗃️
Business cards
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Business cards with your contact information count as advertising expenses.

📱
Phone & accessories
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Part of your actual phone's cost, monthly phone bill, and any accessories you use for work can be written off.

☂️
E&O insurance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

E&O insurance keeps your business protected. You're allowed to write it off on your taxes — plus any other insurance you buy for work.

💳
NNA membership
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Do you pay membership dues to the National Notary Association, or any other professional orgs? You can write off those fees.

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If you drive for work ...

If you drive for purposes related to your notary business, like to meet with a client or pick up office supplies, you can claim vehicle expenses.

🅿️
Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!

🛣️
Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!

🚘
Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.

🧰
Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.

☂️
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.

🔧
Car maintenance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 9

Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

Dining with clients and other notaries to discuss your work is a business expense and can be deducted.

🍔
Business meals
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24b

If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!

If you leave town for work ...

Attending an industry conference or seminar for notaries in another city? Go ahead and write off your travel expenses.

🛫
Transportation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.

🏨
Travel lodging
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.

🥡
Meals while traveling
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

If you work from home ...

Having a designated at-home workspace where you regularly work on client development, attend virtual meetings, or conduct industry research is enough to let you claim the home office deduction.

🛋️
Home office furniture
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.

🛠️
Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

🔌
Power bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.

🌪️
Property insurance
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.

🚰
Water bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.

🌐
Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 25

Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!