Bookkeeping for signing agents
Bookkeeping for notaries and loan signing agents
We run a notary business ourselves and keep the books as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor. Signing-agent income is messy: many small payments from many companies, plus mileage and printing. This is how we'd set it up.
What's different about your books
Income arrives from title companies, signing services and direct clients, often with a 1099 at year end. Expenses include mileage, printing and paper, a mobile printer, E&O and bonds, commissions and renewals, and background checks or certifications.
A clean setup tracks each source separately so you can see which companies are actually worth your time.
The records worth keeping
A mileage log that records date, starting point, destination and purpose. A simple income list matched to bank deposits. Receipts for supplies. A line for each platform's fee.
Getting current
If you haven't kept books, the first job is catching up: sort a year of deposits, set up categories and reconcile the bank. After that it's a few minutes a month.
Taxes
Self-employed notaries generally report on Schedule C and may owe self-employment tax. We aren't a tax preparer and don't give tax advice here. Good books make your tax professional's job faster and cheaper.
Related
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with the agency, lender or your professional. Updated October 2026.
FAQ
Common questions
Do you work with QuickBooks?
Yes. We're a QuickBooks ProAdvisor and also work with other common tools.
Can you help me catch up on past months?
Yes. Catch-up work is a common first project.
Do you do tax returns?
No. We prepare the books and work with your tax professional.