Carta combines cap table management and 409A valuations within the same platform, making it a convenient option for companies already managing their equity on Carta. But convenience is only one factor when choosing a 409A provider.
Pricing, turnaround time, access to valuation analysts, audit support, and the ability to get a 409A without committing to a specific cap table platform can all affect which provider is the right fit.
This article looks at how Carta’s 409A valuation service works, what it costs, how long the process takes, and how it compares with Eqvista as a standalone 409A valuation provider.
What Is a Carta 409A Valuation?
A 409A valuation establishes the fair market value of a private company’s common stock for purposes of setting the exercise price of certain stock options and other equity compensation. The tax consequences of exercising or selling equity depend on the type of award and the holder’s individual circumstances.
Section 409A of the US Internal Revenue Code governs deferred compensation, including certain equity compensation arrangements. If you issue stock-based compensation based on valuations that meet the Section 409A requirements, you can qualify for safe harbor protection, which simplifies your audit position.
A 409A valuation is generally valid for up to 12 months from its effective date. It can become outdated sooner if a material event occurs.
How Carta’s 409A Valuation Works
Carta’s process starts with a 409A request and upfront data collection. The cap table and fundraising information can be pulled directly from the platform. Carta then reviews the information, selects an appropriate valuation methodology, and prepares a draft report.
The customer can review the draft, raise questions, and request revisions before the valuation is finalized. Once the review process is complete, Carta delivers the final 409A valuation report, which establishes the fair market value of the company’s common stock as of the valuation date.
How Much Does a Carta 409A Valuation Cost?
Carta does not offer 409A valuations as a standalone service. Instead, 409A valuations are included with Carta’s Grow and Scale equity management plans. The prices for these plans are not disclosed online.
Carta 409A Valuation Turnaround Time
Carta states that it can deliver a draft 409A report within 1-3 business days, but the actual timing depends on how complete the cap table, financials, and funding history are when the valuation is requested.
Is Carta’s 409A Valuation IRS Safe Harbor Compliant?
A 409A valuation may support the presumption of reasonableness under Section 409A when it meets the applicable requirements for an independent appraisal. The safe-harbor rules depend on the facts and circumstances and the requirements of the applicable Treasury regulations; a provider name alone does not guarantee safe-harbor treatment.
Pros and Cons of Carta’s 409A Valuation
Carta’s main advantage is integration. Companies already using Carta can have their cap table and fundraising information flow directly into the valuation process.
However, Carta does not offer standalone 409A valuations, and the price of its paid cap table plans is not published. So, it can be difficult to compare the valuation cost separately from the equity management subscription. Companies may also want to examine the number of valuation updates included, the level of analyst access, audit support, and whether they want their cap table and valuation provider bundled together.
Carta vs Eqvista for 409A Valuations
The table below compares Carta and Eqvista specifically for 409A valuation services, based on publicly available provider information as of September 2026.
| Factor | Carta | Eqvista |
|---|---|---|
| Published pricing | Not publicly disclosed | Stage-based pricing: |
| Pricing model | Included with Grow and Scale equity plans | Annual packages with unlimited 409A valuations for 12 months |
| Published turnaround | Draft in 1-3 business days after complete data submission | Standard turnaround of 5-10 business days |
| Expedited turnaround | Not publicly disclosed | 1-5 business days or as low as 24 hours |
| Valuation updates/renewals | Carta says as many 409As as needed within the relevant plan | Unlimited 409A valuations for 12 months |
| IRS Safe Harbor | Yes | Yes |
| Valuation team | In-house valuation professionals | In-house team including NACVA-certified analysts |
| Analyst access | Yes | Direct access to valuation team |
| Audit support | Included with Grow and Scale | Lifetime audit support |
| Cap table platform required? | Yes, companies must be onboarded onto Carta | No |
| Cap table included? | Yes | Yes |
| Real-time company valuation monitoring | No | Yes, with Eqvista Real-Time Company Valuation® |
The main difference is pricing transparency. Carta packages 409A valuations within its equity management plans and does not publish the prices. Eqvista publishes a starting price of $990 per year for packages that include unlimited 409A valuations for 12 months. It has different tiers for pre-revenue startups, angel-funded startups, seed-funded startups, Series A startups, and Series B and beyond startups.
Eqvista’s valuation team includes NACVA-certified analysts. For companies comparing providers, it’s also worth checking the valuation methodology, supporting documentation, analyst involvement, and level of audit support provided.
The two providers also differ in how their 409A services connect with cap table management. Carta requires you to use its cap table platform to access 409A valuations, while Eqvista includes the Premium Cap Table Bundle for free with its 409A plans.
When comparing turnaround times, it is important to check when the clock starts. Carta states that it can deliver a draft report within 1–3 business days after all required data has been submitted. Eqvista provides a standard 5–10 business day turnaround, with expedited options of 1–5 business days or as little as 24 hours when needed.
So, if transparent pricing, the flexibility to use a standalone 409A provider, direct access to an in-house valuation team, or lifetime audit support are priorities, Eqvista may be worth considering as an alternative to Carta.
When Does Carta Make Sense for a 409A Valuation?
Carta can make sense for companies that already manage their equity on the platform and value having cap table management and 409A valuations within the same ecosystem. The integration can reduce manual data transfer, and Grow and Scale customers can access 409A valuations within their existing plan.
When Might an Alternative Like Eqvista Make More Sense?
Eqvista may be worth considering if transparent pricing, the flexibility to use a standalone 409A provider, expedited turnaround, direct access to an in-house valuation team, or lifetime audit support are priorities. Eqvista also allows a company to use its 409A service without moving its existing cap table.
Can You Use Eqvista for Your 409A Even if Your Cap Table Is on Carta?
Yes. You can keep your cap table on Carta and use Eqvista separately for your 409A valuation. There is no need to migrate your cap table or switch equity management platforms.
You provide Eqvista with the cap table, financials, funding information, and other documents needed for the valuation. Eqvista’s in-house valuation team then reviews the information, prepares the valuation, and delivers the final 409A report.
How to Choose a 409A Valuation Provider
Before choosing a provider, compare:
- Pricing model and total cost
- Standard and expedited turnaround
- Analyst access
- Audit support
- IRS safe harbor coverage
- Policy for valuation refreshes
FAQs About Carta 409A Valuations
Because Carta bundles 409A valuations with certain equity management plans and does not publish a standard standalone 409A price, the cost of the valuation itself can be difficult to compare directly.
Carta states that it can deliver a draft report within one to three business days after receiving a complete data set. Eqvista offers a standard 5–10 business day turnaround, with expedited options of 1–5 business days or as little as 24 hours when needed.
A Carta 409A valuation can qualify for IRS safe harbor protection when it meets the applicable requirements for an independent appraisal. Safe harbor depends on the valuation and applicable regulatory requirements, rather than the valuation provider alone.
No. You can keep your cap table on Carta and use a separate 409A provider such as Eqvista.
A 409A valuation is generally valid for up to 12 months. A new valuation may be needed sooner after a material event.
The main difference is that Carta provides 409A valuations through its equity management plans, while Eqvista can provide a 409A independently of where you manage your cap table. Eqvista also offers published stage-based pricing, unlimited 409A valuations for 12 months, direct access to its in-house valuation team, and lifetime audit support.
Yes. Eqvista is one of the leading Carta 409A alternatives for companies looking for a standalone valuation provider. It combines transparent stage-based pricing starting at $990 per year with an in-house team of NACVA-certified valuation analysts, lifetime audit support, and expedited turnaround in as little as 24 hours, without requiring companies to move their cap table from Carta.
Compare Your 409A Options with Eqvista
You don’t need to move your cap table from Carta to get your 409A valuation from Eqvista. Keep your existing equity management setup while getting transparent stage-based pricing, direct access to our in-house team of NACVA-certified valuation analysts, and lifetime audit support.
Eqvista’s 409A plans start at $990 per year, with expedited turnaround available in 1–5 business days or as little as 24 hours when needed.
