Section 199, as it existed prior to its substitution by the Finance Act 2008 with effect from 1st April 2008, provides
for the credit of TDS on the basis of production of the TDS certificate. Credit for TDS on the basis of Annual Tax
Statement in Form 26AS was only for the deduction of TDS made on or after 1st April, 2008. Therefore, for A.Y.
2007-08 & 2008-09, TDS credit should have been granted on the production of TDS certificates.
Although it was mandatory on the part of the assessee to attach proof of TDS claim along with the return, as per provisions of Explanation to Section 139(9), Rule 12(2) read with section 139C, has specifically exempted assessees from submitting proof of TDS claimed along with the return. However, it was required to be produced before the Assessing Officer if demanded, as specifically spelt out in section 139C.
Therefore, if at all TDS credit was not matching with the data available with the department, it was obligatory on the part of the Assessing Officer to call for the proof of the TDS claim in the form of a TDS certificate, and to allow the credit if the claim was found to be proper