How Much Does a 409A Valuation Cost?
An independent 409A valuation typically runs $1,000–$15,000+ depending on your stage, structure, and provider. Early-stage startups on cap-table platforms often pay $1,000–$3,000 (sometimes bundled), while later-stage companies with complex capital structures pay $5,000–$15,000+ from independent valuation firms.
First-Party Medians & Percentiles
Where our own marketplace data supports it, we publish the median and 25th–75th percentile range for each segment. Any segment with fewer than 5 underlying data points is withheld, not estimated — the row says so explicitly.
| Segment | Median & percentile range |
|---|---|
| 409A Valuation completed transactions | Withheld — 0 samples, below our 5-sample minimum |
| 409A Valuation self-reported prices (auditor reviews) | Withheld — 0 samples, below our 5-sample minimum |
| Auditor tier (Big 4 / national / boutique) | Withheld — not yet enough verified tier data to publish tier-level medians |
Data as of July 26, 2026 (live view — first quarterly snapshot pending).
Methodology: computed only from AuditNex marketplace records (test and internal traffic excluded), refreshed by quarterly snapshot. See our methodology and how we use pricing data.
What Drives Your 409A Valuation Price
No two engagements cost the same. These are the factors auditors weigh most when scoping a 409A Valuation price.
| Factor | Why it affects price | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Company stage & revenue | A pre-revenue seed startup is far simpler to value than a growth company with forecasts, comparables analysis, and multiple funding rounds. | High |
| Capital structure complexity | Multiple preferred share classes, SAFEs, convertible notes, warrants, and secondary transactions all add valuation work. | High |
| Provider type | Cap-table platforms bundle low-cost valuations; independent firms charge more but offer deeper defensibility for audits and IRS scrutiny. | Medium |
| Audit scrutiny expected | If your financials are audited (or an IPO is on the horizon), the valuation must survive auditor review — driving more rigorous, more expensive work. | Medium |
| Turnaround time | Standard turnaround is 1–3 weeks; rush delivery for an imminent option grant usually carries a premium. | Low |
What's Included — and What's Not
Usually included in the audit fee
- ✓An independent fair-market-value appraisal of your common stock
- ✓A written valuation report establishing IRS safe-harbor protection
- ✓Support defending the valuation if auditors or the IRS question it
Often priced separately
- –Cap-table software subscription (if bundled, the valuation may look 'free')
- –Refresh valuations after each funding round or material event
- –Audit-support hours beyond the standard package
- –ASC 718 stock-compensation reporting for your financials
Timeline & Renewal
409A Valuation Cost FAQ
How much does a 409A valuation cost in 2026?
Most companies pay $1,000–$15,000+ per valuation. Early-stage startups using cap-table platforms commonly pay $1,000–$3,000 (sometimes included in the subscription), growth-stage companies pay about $3,000–$8,000 from independent firms, and late-stage companies with complex capital structures pay $8,000–$15,000 or more.
Why do I need a 409A valuation?
IRS Section 409A requires stock options to be granted at or above fair market value of your common stock. An independent 409A valuation gives you safe-harbor protection — the IRS must prove the valuation was grossly unreasonable rather than you proving it was right. Granting options without one exposes employees to immediate taxation plus a 20% penalty.
How often does a 409A valuation need to be refreshed?
At least every 12 months, and immediately after any material event — a new financing round, a significant change in revenue or business model, a tender offer, or acquisition discussions. Grants made under an expired valuation lose safe-harbor protection.
Are cheap or bundled 409A valuations safe?
Often yes for early-stage companies with simple cap tables, since the analysis is straightforward. As you grow — multiple share classes, audited financials, secondaries, pre-IPO — auditors scrutinize valuations harder, and a deeply discounted valuation that can't survive audit review costs more to redo than a rigorous one costs upfront.
What information does a 409A provider need?
Typically your cap table, articles of incorporation, recent financial statements and forecasts, details of recent funding rounds or secondary sales, and any acquisition offers. Cleaner data means faster turnaround and less back-and-forth.
Sources & methodology: Figures are publicly reported industry ranges drawn from Published cap-table platform and independent valuation firm pricing (Carta, Pulley, Eqvista, valuation firms); IRS Section 409A safe-harbor guidance; Audit-firm guidance on ASC 718 and valuation review. AuditNex is a marketplace and does not set audit fees — each accredited firm prices independently. Ranges are estimates for planning only, not quotes.
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