Welcome to Stark Tax & Financial Service's website. We have been serving Stark County for over 60 years. Our website has been designed to help you learn more about us and our services available to you. We have also included additional resources to help you learn more about financial concepts such taxes, insurance, investing*, estate planning, and wealth preservation. Our website includes articles, investment*, retirement and tax calculators, slide presentations, and videos to help you better understand these financial concepts. Most importantly we hope you see the value of working with financial professionals to help you achieve your goals.
Stark Tax & Financial Service is a name you can trust. We are here to help educate you about the basic concepts of financial management. Stark Tax & Financial Service is trained to assist our customers in evaluating their own special circumstances and goals. Our capable team is trained to help you find the most suitable options.
Whether saving for retirement, preparing for a child’s education or purchasing a vacation home, the guidance of a professional Financial Consultant can provide the necessary guidance to help accomplish your objectives.
*These services are offered by Philip R. Harper, CPA, CFP® through his affilaiton with Avantax
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Services
We create strategies that are tailored to your needs and goals.
Independence
Years of experience have prepared us to guide you through your life transitions.
Trust
Trust. Honesty. Integrity. We believe values matter, and we live by ours every day.
Helpful Content
Systematic Withdrawals in Retirement
Taking regular, periodic withdrawals during retirement can be quite problematic.
Comparing Investments
This calculator compares the net gain of a taxable investment versus a tax-favored one.
The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive
In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Traditional vs. Roth IRA
One or the other? Perhaps both traditional and Roth IRAs can play a part in your retirement plans.
A Reminder of Why It's Important to Take a Long-Term View
The recent market drop is an important reminder of why it's important to take a long-term view.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
Types of Stock Market Analysis
Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.
Social Security: Five Facts You Need to Know
Here are five facts about Social Security that are important to keep in mind.
View all articles 
A Look at Systematic Withdrawals
This calculator may help you estimate how long funds may last given regular withdrawals.
Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Use this calculator to estimate your capital gains tax.
Self-Employed Retirement Plans
Estimate the maximum contribution amount for a Self-Employed 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, or SEP.
Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k)
This calculator compares employee contributions to a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401(k).
Tax Freedom Day
Assess how many days you'll work to pay your federal tax liability.
Comparing Investments
This calculator compares the net gain of a taxable investment versus a tax-favored one.
View all calculators
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
Investment Strategies for Retirement
Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
An Inside Look at Retirement Living
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
View all presentations
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
Retirement Redefined
Around the country, attitudes about retirement are shifting.
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times
All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.
Retiring the 4% Rule
A portfolio created with your long-term objectives in mind is crucial as you pursue your dream retirement.
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.