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<PAGE> PAGE 2
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SIGNATURE PAUL BUCAVALAS
TITLE VICE PRESIDENT
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
Financial Data Schedule for Putnam Tax Exempt Income Fund
</LEGEND>
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<NUMBER> 3
<NAME> CLASS A
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</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
Financial Data Schedule for Putnam Tax Exempt Income Fund
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<SERIES>
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</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
Financial Data Schedule for Putnam Tax Exempt Income Fund
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 3
<NAME> CLASS M
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
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</TABLE>
