---
title: What if I believe an investment is worthless or out of business?
description: "Since alternative asset values are not available through public trading exchanges, self-directed IRA owners must generally work with their investment provider or contract with a qualified, independent third-party \"Valuation Agent\" to update an asset value to show a significant change in value or a zero valuation."
---
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# What if I believe an investment is worthless or out of business?
Since alternative asset values are not available through public trading exchanges, self-directed IRA owners must generally work with their investment provider or contract with a qualified, independent third-party "Valuation Agent" to update an asset value to show a significant change in value or a zero valuation.
- Supporting documentation is required.
- The supporting documentation must be signed by the “Valuation Agent” of the accountholder’s choice.
- Valuation Agents must be an independent, third-party professional who is certified or licensed and not considered a [disqualified person](https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-prohibited-transactions#:~:text=Disqualified%20persons%20include%20the%20IRA,prohibited%20transactions%20with%20an%20IRA.) defined in Internal Revenue Code 4975.
---
### What supporting documents are needed?
Supporting documents can include:
- A third-party appraisal
- A written explanation from the entity signed by an officer or managing member
- Documentation from a court-appointed receiver regarding the value
- Bankruptcy paperwork (Chapter 7 only)
- Articles of dissolution filed with the state
###### ***Documents not accepted***
The following documents do not meet state or federal reporting requirements for updating investment values:
- Tax documents such as K-1s and county tax appraisal documentation.
- Statements from the investment that are not registered as “STRATA Trust FBO \[Client's Name\]”
- Emailed requests—STRATA requires a physical signature for any fair market valuation updates.
---
### How to submit valuation changes
Accountholders can easily complete, sign, upload supporting documentation, and securely electronically transmit their valuation updates directly to STRATA.
- [Fair Market Valuation - Real Estate](https://www.stratatrust.com/resource-center/forms/#real-estate-valuation-form-service-now): Use for directly owned real estate
- [Fair Market Valuation - Mineral Rights](https://www.stratatrust.com/resources/forms/fair-market-valuation-mineral-rights): Use for mineral rights assets
- [Fair Market Valuation Update Request](https://www.stratatrust.com/resource-center/forms/#fair-market-valuation-update-request-service-now) - Use for private assets.
- [Uncollectable Note Removal Request](https://www.stratatrust.com/resources/forms/?tab-id=2&form-id=uncollectable-note-removal-request) - Use for uncollectable private debt notes
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STRATA Trust Company (“STRATA”) performs the duties of a directed (passive) custodian, and as such does not provide due diligence to third parties regarding prospective investments, platforms, sponsors, dealers or service providers. As a custodian, STRATA does not sponsor, endorse or sell any investment and is not affiliated with any investment sponsor, issuer or dealer. STRATA does not provide investment, legal or tax advice. Individuals should consult with their investment, legal or tax professionals for such services.