Notaries: Master Bookkeeping for a Stress-Free Tax Season

If the thought of tax season makes you sweat, you’re not alone. Many notaries find themselves scrambling to pull together receipts, invoices, and mileage logs come April.

But what if I told you that a simple bookkeeping system could make your tax season feel like a breeze (or at least not like a full-blown hurricane)?

Welcome to Challenge #3 from my book, The Notary Business Building Challenge, where we tackle the beast that is bookkeeping head-on.

Why Bookkeeping Matters (More Than You Think)

Bookkeeping is one of the foundational pieces of running a thriving, profitable notary business. Why?

Because knowing your numbers = knowing your business.

Tracking income and expenses properly:

• Saves time during tax season

• Keeps you compliant with state and federal laws

• Uncovers profit leaks you didn’t even know existed

• Gives you peace of mind, which is priceless!

The Dread of Doing It Alone

Most notaries fall into the trap of thinking they’ll keep up with bookkeeping “when things slow down.” But let’s face it, things rarely slow down enough.

We book appointments, market our services, manage client calls, AND try to squeeze in a life outside of business. The idea that we’ll “catch up” by tax season is laughable.

So, what’s the fix? Systems and tools.

Your Challenge: Choose a Bookkeeping System That Works for You

The good news is, bookkeeping doesn’t have to be complicated. You just need to find the right system, one that works with your brain, not against it.

Here are two notary-specific options I personally recommend:

1. Notary Assist :Simple, intuitive, and designed specifically for notaries. You should see the app!

2. Notary Gadget : Another solid option built with notaries in mind. It tracks appointments, calculates mileage, and organizes expenses with ease.

Not into fancy software? Excel or Google Sheets works just fine too. The point is to choose something and stick to it.

Take It to the Next Level: The Post-Appointment Ritual

Here’s where things get interesting. Rather than letting bookkeeping pile up, integrate it into your daily routine.

Consider adding bookkeeping to a simple post-appointment ritual. Here’s what a post-appointment ritual might look like:

• Wrap up your bookkeeping – Log the income and expenses immediately.

• Send invoices – Don’t wait; bill your clients while the signing is still fresh.

• Check your documents (again) – A final review prevents costly mistakes.

• Text a thank-you + request a review – Build relationships and strengthen your brand.

By doing these steps after each appointment, you keep your finances tidy, your clients happy, and your stress levels low.

Ready to Make Tax Season a Breeze?

This tip is just one of 90 actionable, practical challenges designed to help you serve more clients, make more money, and build confidence as a notary entrepreneur.

If you’re ready to tackle every corner of your business – from bookkeeping to client acquisition – grab your copy of The Notary Business Building Challenge today.

Get a copy of my book here