Diving into the Orange County business world can be intimidating and overwhelming, and you need to make use of all available online tools and information, which is why we put together this list of 6 free online resources for Orange County businesses. These resources can help you manage all the headaches of running your business as smoothly as possible and hopefully make your life a bit easier.
It’s a wide ranging list containing information pertaining to everything from setting up a business in the OC, to handling taxes, to finding helpful reading material. So check out these 6 great resources and bookmark them for future use. (And good luck with the business!)
Free Online Resource #1: The California Secretary of State (SOS) Website
Without proper knowledge and preparation, the process of setting up a business can be confusing. Unfortunately, there isn’t a single online source where you can finish all the business filing requirements. However, the CA Secretary of State’s website can help guide you through the process and offers a wide range of useful resources.
The official website of the California SOS offers various tips, links, and other resources that can assist any business owner across the state. On their Business Entities Section, you will find great online resources regarding almost all documents and forms an Orange Country business needs.
From options for online searches and filings for certificates and copies to tips for filing most business documents, this website covers everything. You can also check the current processing dates for Business Entities, which can help you choose the most suitable method of submission for your needs.
Free Online Resource #3: The IRS2Go App
If you’re going to try to do your business taxes on your own, it’s important to leverage as much help and resources as you can. Thankfully, the official mobile app of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can help. It is available in both English and Spanish and offers a long list of useful features.
The IRS2Go app provides a free and secure way to make online payments directly from your bank account or using a credit or debit card. You can also check your federal income tax refund status using the app, and it will enable you to access the IRS’s free tax software which can help you prepare your taxes. (Hopefully you’ll get them in on time…)
Free Online Resource #4: Federal Tax Refund Tracking
Every year, the IRS has millions of dollars in tax refunds that go undelivered or unclaimed. To avoid this situation, it’s important to track the status of your refund. If you don’t want to download the IRS2Go app, you can use the above link to check the status of your federal tax refund. Or, you could simply call the IRS and get put on hold, which seems a bit less efficient, but to each his own.
The online IRS system is updated once every 24 hours. So, if you have issues, or the information isn’t available yet, don’t give up and keep trying. To track your federal tax refund, you should be prepared: have your social security number, filing status, and the exact dollar amount of your tax refund ready. You will need to enter all of this information to view any updates.
Free Online Resource #5: The U.S. Small Business Administration
The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to helping small businesses start, grow, expand, and even recover. To this end, they provide counseling, capital, and contracting expertise, among other things.
By using the SBA’s online resources, you can learn how to start, manage, and grow your Orange County business. You can also find SBA-guaranteed business loans or an SBA investor to help fund your business. Not only that, the SBA can also help you find and win small business government contracts.
There is so much more SBA has to offer, so check out their website for more information. (There is a reason the SBA is considered a go-to online resource for small businesses across the US.)
Free Online Resource #6: The My OC Bookkeeper Blog
We understand how challenging it can be to start and run a business in Orange County. That’s why we don’t just offer accounting and bookkeeping services- we’ve also created one of the most informative business and Orange County living blogs in Southern California.
The articles we publish are widely diversified to suit everyone’s unique needs. You can learn about accounting, business, and living in Orange County. To help you choose the best legal structure for your Orange County business, for example, you can read this post on starting a business in the OC.
Our blogs will also introduce you to 5 great free apps for your Orange county business, help you learn everything you need to know about Taxes in CA, find the Best Project Management Apps, or learn about the basics of property management accounting.
So don’t wait, check out our blog today. Actually, strictly speaking you are already here, so welcome. Please take a look around and see if there is anything that might help you or your business.
You might be asking yourself who we are. We’re My OC Bookkeeper. As noted above, we offer bookkeeping, accounting, and business advisory services to great companies all over Southern California. We love working with great local businesses and helping them to reach new heights. So, if you are in need of some outside assistance reach out today and let’s chat. We’re always standing by and would be delighted to help.
Click below to learn a bit more about why companies hire outside help like us!