Understanding Remote Online Notarization (RON): What You Need to Know

A notary public plays a crucial role in ensuring the legitimacy and authenticity of important documents. Whether you're a small business owner, a real estate professional, or someone handling personal legal matters, understanding what a notary public does and how they can help you is essential. In this blog post, we'll answer common questions about notaries, what documents they can notarize, how to find a notary, and more. What is a Notary Public? A notary public is a state-appointed official who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of legal documents. Their primary function is to verify the identities of the individuals signing documents and to ensure that the signatures are made voluntarily and without duress. Notaries help prevent fraud and protect both parties involved in a legal transaction. Notaries can work in various sectors, including business, real estate, finance, and personal matters. Their role is critical for ensuring the authenticity of documents used in legal or financial transactions, making them an essential part of the process for small businesses, freelancers, and individuals alike. What Types of Documents Can a Notary Public Notarize? Notary publics are authorized to notarize a wide variety of documents. Here are some of the most common ones: Wills and Trusts – These legal documents often require notarization to be considered valid, particularly if they are contested in the future. Real Estate Documents – Deeds, mortgages, and other real estate-related paperwork are commonly notarized to ensure the transaction is legitimate. Powers of Attorney – This allows an individual to designate someone else to make decisions on their behalf. It often requires notarization to be legally binding. Affidavits and Oaths – A notarized affidavit or oath can be used to verify facts in legal matters or court proceedings. Contracts and Agreements – Business contracts, leases, and other agreements sometimes require notarization to ensure all parties are entering the agreement knowingly and voluntarily. How Can I Find a Notary Public? Finding a notary public is easier than you might think. Here are some options for locating a notary in your area: Banks and Credit Unions – Many banks offer notary services for their customers free of charge, although they may limit the number of documents they will notarize. Real Estate Offices – If you’re involved in a real estate transaction, most agents and brokers have a notary public on hand. Mobile Notary Services – A mobile notary can meet you at a convenient location, such as your home or office, making the process even easier. Online Notary Services – Remote online notarization (RON) allows you to have documents notarized through a secure audio-video meeting, and can be accessed from anywhere. Online Notary Directories – You can search for certified notaries on websites like the National Notary Association (NNA) or your state’s official website. Can Documents Be Notarized Online? Yes! In recent years, remote online notarization (RON) has become increasingly popular, especially for those who can’t make it to a notary in person. RON allows you to have documents notarized through a secure audio-video meeting with a commissioned online notary public. Remote notarization is available in many states, though it’s important to confirm whether it’s legally allowed in your state. Online notaries use specialized platforms to verify the identity of the signer, ensuring the process remains secure and valid. Note: Remote online notarization is only permitted in states where it has been approved by law. Be sure to check your state’s regulations before opting for an online notarization. How Much Does Notarization Typically Cost? The cost of notarization can vary depending on where you are located. Notary fees are typically regulated by the state, and each state has its own fee structure for notaries. Notary Fees in Texas In Texas, notaries are allowed to charge the following maximum fees: Acknowledgments and Jurats (Affidavits): $10 for the first signature and $1 for each additional signature Oaths & Affirmations: $10 per certificate and seal In addition to these standard fees, notaries may charge additional fees for travel if you're utilizing a mobile notary service. If you're using a remote online notary service, they may have their own fee structure, often ranging between $10 to $25 per notarization in addition to any other fees authorized by the state, depending on the service and your state's laws. It’s important to note that some notaries may offer additional services like apostille services, but these would incur extra costs. Final Thoughts Whether you’re managing real estate transactions, handling business contracts, or simply need personal documents notarized, knowing what a notary public is and how they can assist you is invaluable. S tay informed and make sure you have the right resources in place to streamline your legal and business processes.

Understanding Invoicing and Accounts Receivable Support: A Must-Have for Small Business Success As a small business owner or freelancer, staying on top of your finances can feel overwhelming. Between client work, marketing, operations, and admin tasks, it’s easy for some things to slip through the cracks, especially your invoicing and accounts receivable (A/R) processes. But did you know that managing these effectively is crucial not just for your cash flow, but for the overall health and growth of your business? Let’s break it down: What Is Invoicing and Accounts Receivable Support? Invoicing and accounts receivable support is the process of managing the financial workflow that ensures your business gets paid. Invoicing refers to creating and sending detailed bills to clients after delivering a product or service. Accounts receivable represents the outstanding payments your business is owed, essentially, the money that’s expected to come in. This support involves setting up and managing your billing systems, tracking which invoices have been paid, and following up with clients who are late. It’s about making sure your payment process is clear, organized, and consistently followed. When managed properly, invoicing and A/R support helps your business: Get paid faster Maintain steady cash flow Avoid payment disputes Save time on admin work Focus more on client service and growth Why Is Invoicing and A/R So Important? For many small businesses and freelancers, cash flow is the lifeblood of daily operations. When clients delay payments or invoices get lost in the shuffle, your cash flow takes a direct hit. And when cash flow suffers, it affects your ability to pay bills, reinvest in your business, and grow. Timely and professional invoicing also shows clients that you run an organized, trustworthy operation. It sets expectations, improves the client experience, and encourages quicker payment. What Are the Consequences of Poor Invoicing and A/R Management? If you don’t have a solid invoicing and A/R process, here are some of the issues you might face: Delayed payments that create cash flow problems Time-consuming follow-ups that take you away from billable work Lost or missed invoices that result in lost revenue Strained client relationships due to unclear payment terms Increased stress and uncertainty about income and financial stability These problems compound over time, turning minor inefficiencies into major business obstacles. How Can a Bookkeeper Help With Invoicing and Accounts Receivable? A professional bookkeeper provides more than just data entry, they bring structure, consistency, and accountability to your invoicing and A/R workflow. Here’s how a bookkeeper can help: Set up and maintain a reliable invoicing system Ensure invoices are created accurately and delivered on time Monitor incoming payments and follow up with overdue clients Create helpful reports (such as aging summaries) to track who owes what and for how long Help you establish consistent payment policies and processes Bookkeepers understand the details of small business finances and can offer insights to help you make better decisions. They ensure your invoicing and A/R process supports, not hinders, your business success. Final Thoughts: A streamlined invoicing and accounts receivable process isn’t just good practice, it’s a smart strategy for sustainable business growth. Managing your invoicing and accounts receivable isn’t just about collecting payments, it’s about creating stability, building trust with your clients, and giving yourself the freedom to focus on what you do best. Whether you're just getting started or looking to tighten up your processes, now is the perfect time to put systems in place that support your long-term success. Business and Notary Solutions, LLC – Helping small business owners take control of their finances, one invoice at a time.