A Newark CPA You Can Actually Talk To

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant

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Tim McLain, CPA

740-453-0371

timmclain@darkhorse.cpa

TITLE

Principal

HOMETOWN

New Lexington, OH

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

43

EDUCATION

You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try

— Beverly Sills

Tim McLain has been married to his wife for as long as he has worked in public accounting. 43 years to be exact. He’s been devoted to both, as well as his family, team members and community. He’s lived a life of service and those he’s served have benefited greatly, not the least of which are his clients. Tim’s goal is to be his clients’ first and most trusted resource for any accounting, business or tax needs. He’s helped these clients in the areas of business and individual tax preparation and planning, business and estate planning, as well as business valuation support and consulting. He’s served businesses across various industries, including manufacturing, real estate, oil and gas, as well as about every type of small business you could imagine.

Tim earned his accounting degree from Ohio University and his CPA license from the state of Ohio. He has served McLain, Hill, Rugg & Associates as a partner and Vice President for decades, managing both the Zanesville and Newark offices, prior to merging forces with Dark Horse.

Outside of his service to clients, Tim is a board member of Park National Corporation, Perry County Community Foundation, and Muskingum Valley Miracle League. He is a founding member of Zanesville Daybreak Rotary and has formerly served as the president of both the Muskingum County Community Foundation and Muskingum County Library System. Outside of his suit-and-tie endeavors, Tim enjoys unwinding via a round of golf with friends, dancing with his wife and family fishing trips in Canada.

Specialties

Business Exit Planning

Tax Planning

High-Net Worth Individuals

Industries

Automotive

Oil & Gas

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant

Accredited in Business Valuation

Certified Valuation Analyst

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Megan Durst, CPA/ABV, CVA

740-453-0371

megandurst@darkhorse.cpa

TITLE

Principal

HOMETOWN

Dresden, OH

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

20+

EDUCATION

Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.

— Madam CJ Walker

At first glance, one might read the statement, “Megan is a beekeeper” as, “Megan is a bookkeeper” given her extensive public accounting background. One would be reading incorrectly. In fact, she has six beehives on her family farm in Ohio which she keeps with pride. Maybe it’s this ability to serve a delicate (and dangerous!) group that makes serving her clients child’s play.

To that end, many clients has she served. From individuals to large corporations, spanning the industries of manufacturing, real estate, wholesale, retail and professional services. She began her career in the Big Four after graduating from Ohio University with a Master’s degree in accounting and passing the CPA exam. She then transitioned to a regional firm, McLain, Hill, Rugg & Associates, where she became partner in 2018. She served the firm in that capacity until merging forces with Dark Horse in 2023.

Outside of running her practice, she spends her time on the boards of various organizations, including Genesis Foundation, United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan, and Muskingum County Center for Seniors. Additionally, she is the president of her local Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Professionally, she is a past Executive Board member of the Ohio State Society of CPAs, and a member of the AICPA. To say she’s involved with a lot of good causes would be an understatement. Otherwise, if not tending her beehives or the family farm, Megan is trying to get as close to any body of water she can find, whether pond, lake or ocean.

Specialties

Business Valuation

Tax Credit Planning

Business Exit Planning

Bookkeeping Clean-up

Tax Planning

Industries

Funeral Services

Veterinary Practices

Marketing & Advertising

Government

Software

Your Trusted CPAs in Newark for Tax & Business Advisory

Too often, business owners work with accountants who are disconnected, slow to adapt, or lack the integrity you deserve. At Dark Horse CPAs, we do things differently. Your dedicated Newark CPAs, Tim McLain and Megan Durst, bring big-firm expertise with a personal, local touch—helping small businesses and individuals across Licking County and Central Ohio achieve financial clarity and growth.

From proactive tax planning and compliance to outsourced accounting and strategic advisory, Tim and Megan provide secure, modern, and comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking to maximize your bottom line, streamline your books, or plan for the future, you’ll gain true partners committed to your success here in Newark.

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Accounting Solutions for Businesses.

The Problem: Business owners aren't getting timely, accurate and actionable data from their financials. Even worse, they're not receiving tax planning advice from their, "tax pro," which is costing them untold amounts of money. This is just plain wrong. We believe you deserve a better small business accounting firm.

Solutions for Businesses

Tax Services for People.

The Problem: It’s not until you file your personal tax return that you feel the sting of your tax situation. Whether it’s an unwanted surprise in the amount owed or refunded, or the realization that you left significant tax savings on the table, the sting hurts. We believe in No Surprises, especially the bad kind. This is why we work collaboratively with our clients to ensure they plan for and reduce taxes wherever possible. We make sure every engagement requires a level of Tax Planning with your CPA, period.

Tax & Wealth Advisory for Individuals

Nancy R.

I have used James Larsen as my CPA for many years and am confident in his work ethic and tax knowledge.

Kyle T.

With our prior accountant we didn't feel we were receiving adequate tax guidance and felt we were always paying more than our fair share of taxes. We have been very pleased with the service we have received with Adam Ripperdan. He has taken the time to review in detail our current situation and upcoming plans. With that information he has helped us create tax strategies for our businesses, investments, and personal taxes that not only help us save on taxes but also helps us plan for the future. I highly recommend Dark Horse CPAs.

Patrick W.

I was referred to Max by a friend who is also a small business owner. I was definitely in need of direction when it came to my finances. After speaking with Max I was able to understand how I can be efficient in the accounting side of my business and he and his team is there to guide me every step of the way. I'm now confident I have the right team watching my books I highly recommend Max and Dark Horse CPAs.

Marisa M.

I had the pleasure of working with Stella and she was absolutely incredible. I had received what I suspected was bad advice from a previous tax preparer, and I was looking for another professional opinion on a specific tax situation. I found Dark Horse and Stella and I couldn't be happier. Stella confirmed what I had suspected about the previous tax situation being handled incorrectly by my former preparer at a different firm, and helped me fix the problem. Stella was prompt, exceedingly professional, and actually took the time to explain everything. Prices for services are fair. I am thrilled to have found a knowledgeable, trustworthy tax advisor and I look forward to continue working with Stella in the future.

Susan H.

Megan, Kim and staff were very prompt filing our business and personal taxes. The secure email site to upload our documents was very user friendly. The staff was also extremely prompt answering our questions through email and on the phone. In addition, Megan met with us personally a couple of times several months in advance to map out a plan for our business and personal taxes. Thank you all!

Quinn R.

We signed on with Adam's accounting group after bouncing around trying to find the right 'fit' with other companies. I knew immediately that we found what we needed when Adam took the time to sit down and talk to me about my business, my plans, my goals and where I wanted my company to be in the next 2, 5, 10 years. Adam and his team are responsive - and by that, I mean proactive - which is probably the single best reason to use Dark Horse. After 8 years and 3 different accounting firms we found what we need with Dark Horse.

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