Notarial Fees, Tariffs, and Professional Ethics
Fees and tariffs
Understand that notarial fees are set by a statutory tariff, generally calculated on the value of the transaction, with minimum and maximum caps and special rules for acts without a determinable value. Know the rules on additional fees for copies, translations, and travel, and the rules on who owes the fee.
Ethics and discipline
Know the core duties: impartiality, independence, confidentiality, diligence, avoidance of conflicts of interest, and the prohibition on advertising inconsistent with professional dignity. Understand the disciplinary offences and sanctions, and the rules on the notary's liability for damage caused by unlawful acts.
Traps and a rule of thumb
Traps: applying a percentage without checking the cap; confusing the notary's fee with state fees and taxes; and assuming the notary may act for a related party. Also watch questions on the duty to inform the client about the fee in advance.
Rule of thumb: compute the fee in three steps - determine the taxable value, apply the tariff bracket, then apply any cap or minimum and add statutory extras.