A safe-harbor 409A valuation in 10 business days.
Capable orders an independent 409A appraisal using your live cap table, so there is nothing to export. You review the fair market value, and it is recorded as the exercise price floor for new grants the moment you approve it.
$1,499 · 10 business days · paid upfront, full refund before work starts
Recommended by YC founders · Unlimited stakeholders on every plan · AI account manager, 24/7 · 14-day free trial, no card
$1,499, published
Fixed price, or $1,999 for delivery in 5 business days.
10 business days
From your financials to a signed report in your documents.
Independent appraiser signs
The safe-harbor method: a qualified appraiser of record.
Built from your cap table
Share classes and round terms flow in; nothing to export.
409A valuation: one fixed price, ordered in two minutes
409A valuation
$1,499
Delivered in 10 business days
$1,999 with 5 business days rush
Full refund before work starts
- Signed by an independent appraiser of record (safe harbor)
- Uses your live cap table, no spreadsheet exports
- Full report and valuation model, one round of corrections
Pay by card or US bank account. Invoice included.
You need this now if
You are about to grant options
Your last 409A is 12 months old
You just raised money
Something big changed
How it works
- 1
Order and pay in Capable
Tell us why you need it and any recent financing. Pay by card or US bank account; the invoice is emailed with the receipt. - 2
We gather the data
Your cap table, share classes and round terms come straight from Capable, and we gather the market data. You send your financial statements to the request. - 3
The appraiser signs
An independent, qualified appraiser of record reviews every input and judgment and signs the report. - 4
Delivered and recorded
The signed report and valuation model land in your documents, and the fair market value is recorded as the exercise price floor for new grants. One round of corrections is included.
What you get
Independent appraisal report
FMV on your cap table
Grant-ready
Capable's 409A costs $1,499, uses your live cap table, is signed by an independent appraiser of record, and records the fair market value on your cap table the day it is delivered.
What the 409A safe harbor actually requires
Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code taxes deferred compensation that does not follow its rules. A stock option with an exercise price below the stock's fair market value on the grant date is deferred compensation, so the holder can owe income tax as it vests, a 20% additional federal tax and interest.
Treasury regulations give private companies a presumption that a valuation is reasonable when it is performed by a qualified independent appraiser as of a date no more than 12 months before the grant. The IRS then has to show the value was grossly unreasonable, rather than the company proving it was right.
The presumption does not survive information the valuation ignored. A financing, a major contract or an acquisition offer after the valuation date is a reason to refresh early.
$1,499 sits in the middle of what startups pay
Published pricing for seed and Series A companies, September 2026.
| Typical price | Typical turnaround | |
|---|---|---|
| Capable | $1,499, or $1,999 with 5-day rush | 10 business days |
| Cap table platforms | About $500 to $2,500 at seed | 1 to 3 weeks |
| Boutique valuation firms | About $2,500 to $6,000 | 2 to 4 weeks |
409A valuation questions, answered
How much does a 409A valuation cost?+
Capable charges $1,499 for a standard 409A delivered in 10 business days, or $1,999 for a 5-business-day rush. Startups typically pay about $500 to $2,500 through cap table platforms and $2,500 to $6,000 through boutique valuation firms.
How long does a 409A valuation take?+
10 business days from payment on the standard option and 5 business days with rush, provided you share financials and projections when asked.
How often do I need a 409A?+
At least every 12 months to keep the safe-harbor presumption, and sooner after a material event such as a priced financing, a significant change in revenue, or an acquisition offer.
Do I need a new 409A after raising a SAFE?+
Often, yes. Many appraisers treat a SAFE raise as new information about value, especially at a meaningful cap. Ask for a refresh before granting options after the raise.
What happens if we grant options without a current 409A?+
If the exercise price turns out to be below fair market value, the option can fall under Section 409A: the holder may owe income tax as it vests plus a 20% additional federal tax and interest. Fixing it later usually means repricing.
Can I cancel after ordering?+
Yes. Cancel from the request before the appraiser starts and you are refunded in full to the original payment method.
Order your 409a valuation in two minutes.
Fixed price, paid upfront, delivered in 10 business days. Cancel before work starts for a full refund.