9 Tax Write-Offs for Notarys in 2026

Notary Stamp & Supplies

Schedule C Line 22 · $50 — $300/yr

Notary stamp or seal, notary journal, thumbprint pad, signing agent supplies, pens, and business stationery.

Vehicle / Mileage

Schedule C Line 9 · $3,000 — $12,000/yr

Driving to signing appointments, client locations, and drop-off points. Notary signing agents often drive 10,000+ business miles per year.

E&O Insurance

Schedule C Line 15 · $200 — $500/yr

Errors and omissions insurance protecting against claims from notarization mistakes. Required by most signing services.

Marketing & Advertising

Schedule C Line 8 · $100 — $1,000/yr

Website, NotaryRotary or SigningAgent.com profiles, business cards, Google Business listing, and local advertising.

Background Checks

Schedule C Line 27 · $50 — $150/yr

NNA background screening, state-required background checks, and signing service verification fees.

Notary License & Bond

Schedule C Line 23 · $50 — $300/yr

Notary commission fees, surety bond premiums, and state filing fees for your notary license.

Printing & Scanning

Schedule C Line 22 · $200 — $800/yr

Printer, ink, paper, and scanner for printing loan documents, scanning signed packages, and producing copies.

Phone & Communication

Schedule C Line 25 · $400 — $1,000/yr

Business percentage of your cell phone for scheduling, GPS navigation, and communicating with signing services and clients.

Professional Development

Schedule C Line 27 · $100 — $500/yr

NNA certification, loan signing agent training, state-required education, and notary association memberships.

Home Office Deduction

30 (Form 8829)

If you use a dedicated space in your home regularly and exclusively for business, you can deduct it. Simplified method: $5 per square foot, up to 300 sq ft ($1,500 max). Regular method: proportionate share of rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, and repairs.

Self-Employment Tax Deduction

Form 1040, Line 15

You can deduct the employer-equivalent portion of self-employment tax (7.65% of net earnings) as an above-the-line deduction on your Form 1040.

Health Insurance Premiums

Form 1040, Line 17

Self-employed individuals can deduct 100% of health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for themselves, their spouse, and dependents.

Retirement Contributions

Form 1040, Line 16

Contributions to a SEP-IRA (up to 25% of net earnings), Solo 401(k), or SIMPLE IRA are deductible and reduce both income tax and self-employment tax.

Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction

Form 1040, Line 13

Most self-employed individuals can deduct up to 20% of qualified business income under Section 199A, subject to income limits and business type.

Is a notary stamp deductible?

Yes. Your notary stamp, seal, journal, and all notary supplies are deductible on Schedule C Line 22 (Supplies). These are ordinary and necessary expenses for your notary business.

Can notaries deduct mileage to signing appointments?

Yes. Driving to and from signing appointments is deductible business mileage. Use the standard mileage rate or actual expense method. Signing agents often have very high business mileage.

Is E&O insurance required and deductible for notaries?

E&O insurance is not legally required in all states but is required by most loan signing services. Regardless, it is a deductible business expense on Schedule C Line 15 (Insurance).