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Companies that rely on our 409A valuations

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.
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.
From planning to delivery, every step is designed to
save you time and give you confidence.
STEP 1
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.
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STEP 2
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
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
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
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.
You generally need a 409A valuation if:
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A 409A valuation is valid for up to 12 months from the effective date, unless there’s a material event that affects your company’s value, such as a new funding round, major acquisition, or significant change in business outlook. In those cases, an updated valuation is required sooner.
Yes. Our valuation partners, Aranca and CCV India, provide direct access to their certified experts. You can discuss your report, ask questions, and request clarifications during the review process.
Yes. Every 409A report delivered through EquityList is signed by the certified valuation specialist responsible for the analysis, ensuring it’s defensible for board and regulatory review.
Some equity platforms (e.g., Carta) offer system-generated 409A reports. However, an independent analysis notes that Carta’s reports typically do not list a named analyst or include a signature from a responsible valuation expert, which reduces the level of accountability and audit protection available if questions arise.*
You can request additional valuations as and when required. However, we don’t offer unlimited valuations since each 409A report on EquityList is independently prepared by certified valuation experts, not by software. This ensures your reports meet the highest standards of accuracy and credibility, and stand up to regulator and investor review.
If your company requires multiple or periodic valuations, the EquityList team can also offer volume-based pricing to make recurring reports more cost-efficient.
Not necessarily. The rules under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (IRC 409A) apply to deferred-compensation plans of U.S. tax persons. If your company and all option-holders are located outside the U.S., and you aren’t granting equity or deferred compensation to U.S. tax-residents, then you generally don’t need a 409A valuation. In such cases, local valuation rules (for example in India under the Companies Act, 2013 or Rule 11UA) will apply instead.
However, if you have U.S. employees, advisors or contractors receiving stock options or other deferred equity compensation, or a U.S. entity grants the compensation, then you’ll need a 409A-compliant valuation.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website by E-List Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (“EquityList”) is solely for informational purposes and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, offer, solicitation, or advice, whether legal, financial, professional, or otherwise, regarding any investment, product, or service. Any reference to products or services shall be subject exclusively to formal offering documents, agreements, or letters of intent issued by EquityList, which contain comprehensive details concerning associated risks, fees, minimum investments, and terms and conditions. Please note that these terms and contents of this website may change without prior notice. Nothing on this website should be construed as professional, legal, financial, or technical advice. Decisions or actions affecting your business or interests should be made after consulting with a qualified professional advisor. EquityList disclaims all liability and responsibility for any loss, damage, or expenses arising out of or in connection with the use of its website or reliance on any of the content therein.