409A Valuations

In October 2004 the IRS issued new regulations (Internal Revenue Code Section 409A) that require private companies to establish that stock options were not being issued "in-the money" or below "fair market value" as defined in IRS Revenue Ruling 59-60.

To avoid an additional tax event and potential penalties, a formal "valuation opinion" is usually required every 12 months, or more often if there is a material change in either the business or the implied market value of the common stock. The determination of fair market value can be made in several ways, but many venture capital backed companies seek an opinion from an outside expert, such as SVB Analytics.

SVB Analytics has completed over 1,400 valuation opinions for IRC 409A since its inception.

SVB Analytics is a non-bank affiliate of Silicon Valley Bank and a member of SVB Financial Group. Products and services offered by SVB Analytics are not FDIC insured and are not deposits or other obligations of Silicon Valley Bank. SVB Analytics does not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisors for such guidance.

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Iris Hit-Shagir
President
SVB Analytics, San Francisco, CA

James Walling, CFA
Chief Operating Officer
SVB Analytics, San Francisco, CA

Christian Groh
Sales Director
SVB Analytiics, San Francisco, CA