409A Valuation Specialists

Equity Valuations
You Can Attest To

Atestare delivers audit-ready 409A valuations for startups and private companies — with precision, speed, and an expert team that understands your stage of growth.

IRS Compliant AICPA Standards Safe Harbor 10-Day Turnaround Series A–Late Stage
409A
Section 409A of the IRC
Safe Harbor Compliant Fair Market Value Stock Options AICPA Standards IRS Defensible Independent Analysis Series Seed to Late Stage Safe Harbor Compliant Fair Market Value Stock Options AICPA Standards IRS Defensible Independent Analysis Series Seed to Late Stage

409A isn't optional — it's existential

Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code requires private companies to obtain an independent valuation before granting stock options. Without it, employees face immediate taxation and severe penalties. The stakes are high — and so is our standard.

Speak to a Valuator
01
Avoid IRS Penalties

Non-compliant option grants expose employees to immediate income recognition plus a 20% penalty tax. A defensible 409A report creates Safe Harbor protection.

02
Grant Options Confidently

A current 409A valuation establishes the FMV for your strike price, enabling compliant equity compensation for employees and advisors.

03
Investor & Audit Readiness

Clean cap table hygiene and documented valuations accelerate due diligence and satisfy the expectations of institutional investors and auditors.

04
Stays Valid for 12 Months

A 409A report provides a 12-month Safe Harbor window — or until a material event. We help you track when it's time to refresh.

Comprehensive valuation coverage

From seed-stage startups to late-stage companies, we provide the right valuation approach for every stage and complexity.

01
409A Valuation

Independent fair market value determination for common stock under IRC Section 409A. Fully defensible, AICPA-compliant reports built for Safe Harbor protection.

02
409A Update & Refresh

Expedited revaluation following material events — new funding rounds, acquisitions, pivots, or significant revenue milestones that invalidate prior reports.

03
Common Stock Valuation

Standalone common stock FMV analyses for financial reporting, equity plan structuring, and GAAP stock compensation expense purposes.

04
Preferred Stock Valuation

Option pricing models and waterfall analysis for preferred share classes to support M&A due diligence, restructurings, and financial statement audits.

From engagement to delivery
in as few as 10 days

I
Engagement

Complete a brief questionnaire and sign our engagement letter. No lengthy onboarding, no unnecessary complexity.

II
Data Collection

Share your financial data, cap table, and funding documents through our secure portal. We guide you on exactly what's needed.

III
Analysis

Our credentialed analysts apply AICPA-standard methodologies — income, market, and asset approaches — tailored to your stage.

IV
Report Delivery

Receive your certified 409A report with supporting documentation. We stand behind our work through any IRS inquiry.

Built for companies at every stage

🌱
Seed & Pre-Series A

Establish your first compliant fair market value before granting options to early employees and advisors. Straightforward pricing for early-stage companies.

🚀
Series A–C

Growing fast with complex cap structures and investor-preferred terms? We apply rigorous OPM and PWERM models appropriate to your complexity.

🏢
Growth & Late Stage

Late-stage companies with institutional oversight need valuations that hold up to the highest scrutiny. Our reports are audit-firm tested.

⚖️
Law Firms & Advisors

Partner with Atestare to provide 409A coverage to your portfolio of clients. Reliable turnarounds and white-glove service for your practice.

Ready to issue options
the right way?

Most valuations are delivered within 10 business days. Get in touch for a no-obligation quote — transparent pricing, no surprises.