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If you're running your notary business whether part-time or full-time you’ve probably asked yourself: “How do I actually pay myself?” You’re earning money, you’re getting deposits, but transferring that money into your personal account in a way that makes sense (and won’t mess up your taxes) might still feel murky.
So let’s break it down. Paying yourself as a notary doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few simple systems in place, you can make it clear, consistent, and stress-free.
First Things First: Your Business Needs a Business Account
Whether you’re in Canada or the U.S., this is a non-negotiable. You need a separate bank account for your notary business. No mixing your client payments with your grocery store runs or your Netflix subscription. Why? Because keeping your business income separate makes everything easier bookkeeping, tax time, and paying yourself.
If you're a sole proprietor, you can open a business checking account under your name with your business name attached. If you’re incorporated or have an LLC, you’ll likely need an EIN (U.S.) or a business number (Canada) and your official documents.
Once that account is set up, deposit all client payments there. That’s the first step to getting paid like a professional.
Decide on a Payment Schedule
You’re the boss. That means you get to choose how often you “get paid.” Some notaries pay themselves weekly, others biweekly, and some monthly. There’s no right or wrong just what works best for your cash flow and lifestyle.
Here’s the key: Make it consistent.
When you have a regular rhythm of paying yourself, you start to treat your business like a business. It also helps you see if your income is actually sustainable, which is important when you're setting goals or thinking about scaling up.
How Much Should You Pay Yourself?
This is the part that trips people up, but it doesn’t have to. Start by subtracting your business expenses from what you’ve earned. That could be mileage, printing, gas, notary supplies, software, marketing whatever it takes to run your business.
The money that’s left is your profit. From there, you can pay yourself a portion of that profit whether it's 100% or a set percentage.
Some folks like to leave a little cushion in their business account to cover next month’s expenses or set aside money for taxes. If you’re in the U.S., you’ll likely owe self-employment taxes. In Canada, you may be paying into CPP (Canada Pension Plan) or other federal contributions depending on how you’re set up.
If you’re just starting out, even paying yourself $100 a week can be empowering. It builds confidence and gives you a real sense of reward for your work.
Use the Right Method to Transfer the Money
If you’re a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, the easiest method is just an owner’s draw. This means you’re transferring money from your business account to your personal one, usually through an e-transfer, Zelle, or a simple bank transfer. You don’t need to run payroll for yourself unless your business structure requires it.
If you are incorporated in Canada or run an S Corp in the U.S., then you may need to run actual payroll, issue T4s or W-2s, and withhold taxes. But if that’s not you, don’t overcomplicate it. Keep good records, write “owner’s draw” or “pay to self” in the memo line, and move on.
Track It All (Seriously)
You don’t need to be an accountant to stay organized, but you do need to track what comes in, what goes out, and how much you’re paying yourself. Use a simple spreadsheet, QuickBooks, Wave, or even a notebook if that’s your vibe.
At the end of the year, you’ll thank yourself. And if you ever want to hire help or get a loan, having clean financials is gold.
Paying yourself is part of respecting the work you do. Even if you’re not making thousands every month yet, treat that income like it matters because it does. You built this business. You show up for clients. You deserve to see that effort come back to you in the form of an actual paycheck.
So if you've been sitting on your money in a business account and unsure what to do with it, here’s your sign: Go transfer that payment. You earned it.
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