24 Tax Write-Offs for Notaries and Signing Agents
NAICS business codeYour NAICS business code is a six-digit string of numbers that shows the type of work your business does. NAICS stands for North American Industry Classification System. When you do your taxes, you'll enter it in Box B of your Schedule C.541100
Reviewed bya tax professionalThis content has been reviewed by an Enrolled Agent (EA) with the IRS — the highest credential awarded by the agency. Enrolled Agents are empowered to represent all taxpayers before the IRS, on all types of tax-related matters. Accountants who earn this certification have passed a comprehensive three-part exam on individual and business tax returns. To maintain EA status, they must stay up to date in the field by completing 72 hours of continuing education every three years.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're 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.
Fees to renew your license to perform your work are fully deductible.
Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.
Software you use for invoicing, tracking expenses, creating timesheets, and so on is deductible.
Continuing education classes required to keep your job are fully deductible.
Business cards with your contact information count as advertising expenses.
Part of your actual phone's cost, monthly phone bill, and any accessories you use for work can be written off.
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.
Do you pay membership dues to the National Notary Association, or any other professional orgs? You can write off those fees.
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 for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
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.
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.
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write-offs.
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.
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? Your water bill counts.
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
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