Tips To Maximize Tax Deductions For Notary Signing Agents

Tax season can feel overwhelming, especially when deciphering the complicated IRS forms and rules. As signing agents, you’re no stranger to dealing with official documents, but tax forms can be a new ball game. Understanding that income taxes apply while you may be exempt from self-employment tax on your notary fees is crucial. And if you earn income as a signing agent, self-employment taxes come into play. But fear not because we’re here to ease your worries and help you save thousands of dollars! We have the information you need to understand the tax write-offs for notaries and ensure you make the most out of it. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to breathe and read on.

Unlocking Tax Savings – Major Deductible Expenses For A Notary

You can use several major tax write-offs for notaries to reduce taxable income. Let’s look at them in detail:

#1 Self-Employed Tax:

As a self-employed notary signing agent, it’s important to understand how self-employment tax can impact your overall tax liability. Notary fees, although taxable income, are exempt from self-employment tax.

Let’s break it down with an example. Imagine you had a successful year in your notarial services business, earning $9,000. Of that amount, $2,000 can be attributed to fees earned for specific notarial acts like acknowledgments or oaths/affirmations. The fascinating part is that this $2,000 is exempt from self-employment tax! However, the remaining $7,000 would still be subject to self-employment tax.

It’s worth noting that if your self-employed net earnings are less than $400, you won’t be required to pay self-employment tax, per the instructions provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Understanding these nuances can make a real difference in managing your tax obligations as a self-employed notary.

#2 Office Expenses Deductions:

Keeping track of your Office expenses is important to maximize your tax deductions as a notary. According to IRS guidelines, you can deduct costs for maintaining an office space exclusively for your notary business. Here are the office expenses that can be deducted for notary business owners, as per IRS guidelines:

• Rent or mortgage payments for the office space
• Utilities such as electricity and water
• Internet and telephone bills
• Office supplies like paper, ink, pens, and stamps

You should remember that these expenses must be directly related to your notary business and necessary for its operation. So, remember to keep all statements and receipts as proof for your claims. Utilizing the office expenses deductions allows you to maximize your tax savings as a notary.

#3 Insurance Premium:

As a notary business owner, it’s crucial to safeguard your business and minimize risks. That’s where business insurance steps in, providing you with peace of mind and protection. According to IRS guidelines, one great benefit is that you can write off the premiums you pay for professional liability insurance or other business insurance policies as necessary expenses for your business. As a notary business owner, you can use this tax write-off option for notaries by deducting the costs associated with your insurance premiums. You can also write off other types of business insurance, like general liability or property insurance, to maximize your tax deductions as a notary. By taking advantage of these deductions, you not only ensure the safety of your business but also gain valuable tax benefits.

#4 Software & Technology:

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, notary business owners like you have a fantastic opportunity to harness the power of software and technology. The best part? You can write off the expenses of notary-specific software and applications. In addition, IRS also allows you to write off electronic signature platforms, appointment scheduling tools, and other essential technologies from your taxable income. It’s like a win-win situation! As the IRS affirms in Schedule C, specifically Box 18, these expenses can significantly increase the tax write-offs for notaries.

How CloseWise Notary Management App Can Help You Save Money On Your Taxes?

Discover how CloseWise online notary platform can be your valuable partner in saving money on your taxes. Our all-in-one notary accounting software simplifies your financial management, ensuring accurate and timely records of your revenue and expenses. Our Accounting and reporting features let you easily categorize your cost heads, identify exempted revenue streams, and track deductible expenses. Let's see how our features can help maximize tax write-offs for notaries:

• Income/Expenses Tracking: The app lets you easily track your notary business income and expenses. You can record all your transactions, including notary fees, office expenses, travel costs, etc. Accurate and detailed income and expense tracking helps you maintain organized financial records, making it easier to identify deductible expenses and maximize your tax savings.
• Receipt Tracking: With CloseWise, you can capture and store digital copies of your receipts directly within the app. No more worries about lost or misplaced paper receipts. Having all your receipts in one place simplifies gathering supporting documentation for your tax deductions. You can easily access and share digital receipts when filing your tax returns, ensuring you claim all eligible deductions.
• Mileage Log: For mobile notaries, tracking mileage is crucial for tax deductions. CloseWise includes a mileage log feature that automatically calculates your round-trip distance from your office to each appointment location. It saves you time and effort in manually tracking your mileage and provides you with an estimate of your write-off for tax season. Accurate mileage tracking helps you claim the maximum deduction allowed by the IRS.

Read More: Tax Write Offs For Notaries