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.
Schedule C, Box 23
Fees to get or renew your license to perform your work are fully deductible.
Schedule C, Box 18
Deduct anything you buy for your office, like pens, binders, folders, printer ink, or a whiteboard.
Schedule C, Box 18
Software you use for invoicing, tracking expenses, creating timesheets, and so on is deductible.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Continuing education class required to keep your job are fully deductible.
Schedule C, Box 8
Business cards with your contact information count as advertising expenses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
Schedule C, Box 13
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
Schedule C, Box 22
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
Schedule C, Box 9
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
Dining with clients and other notaries to discuss your work is a business expense and can be deducted.
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
Attending an industry conference or seminar for notaries in another city? Go ahead and write off your travel expenses.
Schedule C, Box 24a
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!
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.
Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
Form 8829
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
Form 8829
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
Schedule C, Box 25
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
