Notary Fees and Compensation Flashcards

How much is the application fee to be appointed as a Connecticut notary public?

Answer: $120.00

Connecticut charges a $120.00 fee for a notary public appointment application.

A Connecticut notary employed by a bank notarizes documents for customers during work hours. Who may keep the fees collected?

Answer: The employer may keep the fees if the notary agreed to this as a condition of employment

A notary may agree with an employer that fees earned during employment belong to the employer.

A signer refuses to pay the fee a Connecticut notary quoted before the notarization. What may the notary do?

Answer: Decline to perform the notarial act

Because notaries are not obligated to serve every requester, they may decline service when a quoted fee is refused.

For federal income tax purposes, how are notary fees earned by a Connecticut notary treated?

Answer: They are reportable income but exempt from self-employment tax

Notary fees must be reported as income, but federal law specifically exempts them from self-employment tax.

A Connecticut notary advertises "$50 loan document notarizations." The $50 covers one acknowledgment with no travel or other services. Is this permissible?

Answer: No, because the charge for the notarial act exceeds the statutory maximum

Advertising a fee does not make it lawful; the charge for the notarial act itself may not exceed the statutory cap.

Which additional service may a Connecticut notary lawfully charge for separately from the notarial act fee?

Answer: Travel to the signer's location at the statutory mileage rate

Travel is a lawful separate charge, while document preparation and legal advice constitute unauthorized practice of law for a non-attorney notary.

A Connecticut notary performs two jurats and one acknowledgment in a single appointment. What is the maximum total fee for the notarial acts alone?

Answer: $15.00

Three separate notarial acts at a maximum of $5.00 each total $15.00.