409A valuation services that stand up to any audit

EquityList provides independent, audit-ready 409A valuation reports within 4–5 business days, which you can request directly through your dashboard.

Why should you use EquityList’s 409A valuation services

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Compliant, audit-ready valuations

A mispriced stock option can trigger a 20% federal tax penalty for employees and create state compliance risks for your company. EquityList provides certified 409A valuations built to hold up to regulators and boards.

Fast, on-schedule option grants

EquityList delivers the first draft of your 409A valuation report in 4-5 working days, so you can issue options on schedule.

Global coverage for international teams

Cross-border hires and subsidiaries often fall outside standard valuation coverage, creating foreign tax exposure. EquityList provides compliant equity valuations for the USA, India, and UK to meet local regulations.

Unlimited 409A valuations aren't useful if the reports aren't signed

Some equity platforms (e.g., Carta) offer unlimited 409A valuations in their plans. These valuations are system-generated, and the reports typically do not list a named analyst or include a signature from a responsible valuation expert.*

Without a professional formally taking ownership of the valuation, companies may face challenges if an auditor, regulator, or investor requests clarification or support.

What to expect from EquityList’s 409A valuation services

From planning to delivery, every step is designed to save you time and give you confidence.

STEP 1

Understand your needs
We begin by learning about your company stage, the purpose of the valuation, and the type of equity you plan to issue. This information can either be shared directly or through the EquityList platform.

STEP 2

Collect necessary information
We collect your historical and projected financials along with funding details. If you’re already on EquityList, your cap table data flows in automatically.

STEP 3

Draft report
Your information is securely shared with our valuation partners, who apply IRS safe harbor methodologies and industry best practices to prepare the first draft of the 409A report in 4-5 working days.

STEP 4

Review and feedback
At this stage you can review the draft, ask questions, and request clarifications to ensure the report reflects your business accurately, with the EquityList team supporting you throughout the process.

STEP 5

Final report delivery
After your approval, we deliver the complete report with charts, tables, and supporting assumptions. This final version is fully defensible with the IRS and ready for option grants. You can also log the valuation seamlessly in EquityList and immediately start issuing grants.

When do you need a 409A valuation report?

You generally need a 409A valuation if:

• Your last valuation is more than 12 months old.
• You’re issuing stock options.
• You’ve raised a new funding round that significantly changes your company’s value.
• There’s been a leadership change that impacts the company’s finances.
• Your business has undergone major strategic or operational changes.
• Industry or economic shifts have materially affected your fair market value.

Get your 409A valuation

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is a 409A valuation valid?
• Can I speak to the valuer?
• Is the 409A valuation report signed by the expert?
• Can I request multiple 409A valuations?
• Do I need a 409A valuation report if I don’t have any US-based employees?

Get started with EquityList today

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