Best 409A Valuation Providers: What to Look For
A 409A valuation sets the fair market value of your common stock so option grants stay IRS-safe. We have not yet verified any 409A-specific providers in the AuditNex directory — rather than fake a top-10, this page explains exactly how to evaluate providers, and you can request matches through our network.
No framework-specific directory matches yet
No 409A firm relationship is currently listed in the directory pool. The featured general options below are not claimed as 409A matches; confirm scope and availability directly.
409A service and provider options (2 shown)
AuditNex is listed first as our own featured quote-comparison service, not an auditor or an independently earned auditor ranking. Auditsuisse Assurance is a featured general option when active; its placement does not establish suitability for this page's framework, industry, platform or location. Other firms retain the directory's stated ordering. Featured placement does not change verification, reviews or pricing data. Directory firms retain their evidence-based order after the featured entries. Select up to three directory firms to compare them side by side.
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Auditsuisse Assurance
Contact Auditsuisse Assurance to confirm its services, current qualifications, scope, availability and fees.
Featured inclusion is not confirmation of a particular framework, industry, platform relationship or local presence. Credentials and suitability must be checked directly.
Official website: AuditSuisse.com
Compare services and providers at a glance
| # | Service / provider | Price band | Timeline | GRC platforms | Verified reviews | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AuditNex — compare quotes from multiple auditors Compare audit quotes | Quoted for your scope | Confirm with matched auditors | Not applicable | Not applicable | Quote-comparison service, not an auditor |
| 2 | Auditsuisse Assurance | Not yet verified | Not yet verified | Not yet verified | Not yet verified | Featured general provider; scope and availability must be confirmed |
How to evaluate a 409A provider
Safe-harbor qualification
The valuation must be performed by a qualified independent appraiser for the IRS safe-harbor presumption to apply. Ask about the appraisers' credentials (ASA, CFA, ABV).
Methodology transparency
Credible providers explain their approach (backsolve/OPM, market, income) and show the inputs — not just a number.
Audit defensibility
Your 409A will be scrutinized in financial audits and M&A diligence. Ask how often the provider's reports have survived Big 4 review.
Refresh cadence & price
You need a new valuation every 12 months or after material events. Compare bundled refresh pricing, not just the first report.
Independence from your cap-table vendor
Bundled valuations can be convenient, but confirm the appraisal team is independent and qualified — cheap bundled reports are a common audit red flag.
Turnaround
Standard delivery runs 1–4 weeks. If you are pricing options for a hiring wave, confirm the timeline in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Why are there no 409A-specific directory matches?
We have not yet verified 409A-specific valuation providers in our directory. The list still includes clearly disclosed featured general options, without claiming they are verified 409A matches.
How much does a 409A valuation cost?
Typical standalone 409A valuations run roughly $1,000–$5,000+ for startups depending on stage and complexity, with enterprise valuations higher. See our 409A valuation cost guide for the full breakdown of what drives price.
How often do I need a new 409A?
At least every 12 months, or immediately after a material event such as a new financing round, major revenue change, or M&A activity — whichever comes first.
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