ZimbsTech – Innovative Software Solutions for Modern Businesses

409A Valuation Services

409A Valuation Services for
Equity Compensation & Tax Compliance

Independent fair market valuations of common stock to support employee stock options, equity compensation, and compliance with IRS Section 409A requirements.

IRS 409A Valuation Services

409A Valuation for Equity Compensation & Tax Compliance

A 409A valuation determines the fair market value (FMV) of a company’s common stock and is required for issuing stock options and other equity compensation in the United States. Our valuations follow IRS safe-harbor guidelines and are designed to withstand scrutiny from auditors, investors, and regulators—giving founders and finance teams confidence at every stage of growth.

409A Valuation Framework

A structured, IRS-compliant approach to determining the fair market value of common stock for equity compensation, tax compliance, and audit readiness.

Foundation

Company & Capital Structure Review

Detailed analysis of company financials, cap table, preferred rights, funding history, and ownership structure as the basis for valuation.

Fair Value

Common Stock FMV Assessment

Determination of fair market value (FMV) of common stock in accordance with IRS 409A Safe Harbor guidelines.

Methodology

Valuation Model Selection

Application of accepted valuation methodologies such as OPM, PWERM, Hybrid, or Backsolve based on company stage and data availability.

Compliance

IRS 409A Safe Harbor Alignment

Valuations prepared to meet IRS Safe Harbor standards, reducing audit risk and protecting companies and employees from tax penalties.

Equity Plans

ESOP & Equity Compensation Support

Support for employee stock options, RSUs, and equity grants with defensible valuations suitable for board and investor review.

Reporting

Audit-Ready 409A Reports

Clear, well-documented valuation reports designed for auditors, investors, CFOs, and regulatory scrutiny.

When & Why 409A Valuations Matter

A 409A valuation is a critical compliance requirement that ensures equity compensation is priced fairly and defensibly as your company grows.

Incorporation Stage

Initial 409A Baseline

Establishes the fair market value of common stock before issuing employee stock options or early equity grants.

Fundraising Events

Post-Round Revaluation

Updates common stock valuation after priced equity rounds to reflect changes in enterprise value and investor preferences.

Equity Compensation

Stock Option Pricing

Ensures option strike prices meet IRS requirements and protects employees from unexpected tax penalties.

Material Events

Business Changes

Required when significant events occur, such as acquisitions, revenue inflection points, or major strategic pivots.

Validity Period

12-Month Safe Harbor

A 409A valuation is valid for up to 12 months unless a material event triggers the need for an updated valuation.

Audit Readiness

Investor & IRS Defense

Provides Safe Harbor protection and defensible documentation for audits, due diligence, and regulatory review.

Equity & Share Data Overview

A structured snapshot of equity data used in 409A valuations to support fair market value determination, audit defensibility, and regulatory compliance.

Equity Classes
Common, Preferred, Options, RSUs
Valuation Purpose
409A Fair Market Value (FMV)
Valuation Models
OPM, PWERM, Hybrid
Key Assumptions
Volatility, discount rate, exit timing
Safe Harbor Validity
12 months (unless material event)
Reporting Standards
IRS 409A, ASC 820, ASC 718

Why This Data Matters

Accurate equity inputs ensure stock option pricing is compliant, defensible, and aligned with IRS safe harbor requirements.

Investor & Audit Confidence

Structured equity data reduces friction during audits, due diligence, fundraising, and financial reporting reviews.

Employee Protection

Proper valuation data protects employees from unexpected tax exposure and penalties related to equity compensation.

Ongoing Updates

Equity data is refreshed after funding rounds, option grants, or material business events impacting valuation.

Contact

Lets get in touch

You can reach us anytime via contact@zimbstech.com

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    Contact Info

    +91 890 5544 504
    contact@zimbstech.com

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    ZimbsTech 402, Horizon Trade Center (HTC), Nr. Vaishnodevi Circle, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India