Inquiry before assessment permits notices for returns and compels audits or valuations with approvals and hearing rights. Inquiry before assessment authorises the Assessing Officer to require returns, accounts, documents and verified information; obtain prior Joint Commissioner approval to demand assets not in accounts; and not require accounts older than three years. The Assessing Officer may order, with senior commissioner approval and after hearing the assessee, an audit by a nominated accountant and/or inventory valuation by a nominated cost accountant, with prescribed reports and a furnishing period extendable for good reason but not exceeding six months in aggregate. Audit and valuation expenses are determined by guidelines and paid by the Central Government, and the assessee is entitled to a hearing on material from such inquiries or audits.