Final Answer:
It encompasses events occurring between the balance sheet date and the date of the auditor's report, ensuring that any material changes during this period are appropriately considered in the financial statements. Thus, the correct answer is option 3) balance sheet date but prior to the date of the auditor's report.
Step-by-step explanation:
Subsequent events that the auditor actively searches for are events occurring between the balance sheet date and the date of the auditor's report. These events are important as they may provide additional information about conditions that existed at the balance sheet date.
The auditor needs to ensure that any material events occurring during this period are appropriately reflected in the financial statements.
Thus, the correct answer is option 3) balance sheet date but prior to the date of the auditor's report.