DEFINED ASSET FUNDS MUNICIPAL INVT TR FD PENNSYLVANIA SER 12
485BPOS, 1999-04-14
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     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 14, 1999
 
                                                        REGISTRATION NO. 2-60147
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                   ------------------------------------------
 
                        POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 21
 
                                       TO
 
                                    FORM S-6
 
                   ------------------------------------------
 
                   FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
 
                    OF 1933 OF SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT
 
                        TRUSTS REGISTERED ON FORM N-8B-2
 
                   ------------------------------------------
 
A. EXACT NAME OF TRUST:
 
                             DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--
 
                        MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
 
                            PENNSYLVANIA SERIES--12
 
B. NAMES OF DEPOSITORS:
 
               MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
 
                       PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
 
                           DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
 
C. COMPLETE ADDRESSES OF DEPOSITORS' PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES:
 

                          MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE,
                              FENNER & SMITH
                               INCORPORATED
                            DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
                           POST OFFICE BOX 9051
                         PRINCETON, NJ 08543-9051

 

  PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES
      INCORPORATED
   ONE NEW YORK PLAZA
   NEW YORK, NY 10292                             DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
                                                       TWO WORLD TRADE
                                                     CENTER--59TH FLOOR
                                                     NEW YORK, NY 10048

 
D. NAMES AND COMPLETE ADDRESSES OF AGENTS FOR SERVICE:
 

                           TERESA KONCICK, ESQ.
                               P.O. BOX 9051
                         PRINCETON, NJ 08543-9051
 
   LEE B. SPENCER, JR.          COPIES TO:           DOUGLAS LOWE, ESQ.
   ONE NEW YORK PLAZA     PIERRE DE SAINT PHALLE, DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
   NEW YORK, NY 10292              ESQ.                TWO WORLD TRADE
                           450 LEXINGTON AVENUE      CENTER--59TH FLOOR
                            NEW YORK, NY 10017       NEW YORK, NY 10048

 
The issuer has registered an indefinite number of Units under the Securities Act
of 1933 pursuant to Rule 24f-2 and filed the Rule 24f-2 Notice for the most
recent fiscal year on March 9, 1999.
 
Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective on April 23,
1999 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485.  / x /
 
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<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                     DEFINED ASSET FUNDSSM
- --------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------
 

                              MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
                              PENNSYLVANIA SERIES--12
                              (A UNIT INVESTMENT TRUST)
                              O   PORTFOLIOS OF LONG-TERM MUNICIPAL BONDS
                              O   DESIGNED FOR FEDERALLY TAX-FREE INCOME
                              O   EXEMPT FROM SOME STATE TAXES
                              O   MONTHLY DISTRIBUTIONS

 

SPONSORS:                      -------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch,                 The Securities and Exchange Commission has not
Pierce, Fenner & Smith         approved or disapproved these Securities or
Incorporated                   passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any
Prudential Securities          representation to the contrary is a criminal
Incorporated                   offense.
Dean Witter Reynolds Inc.      Prospectus dated April 23, 1999.

 
<PAGE>
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Defined Asset FundsSM
Defined Asset FundsSM is America's oldest and largest family of unit investment
trusts, with over $160 billion sponsored over the last 28 years. Defined Asset
Funds has been a leader in unit investment trust research and product
innovation. Our family of Funds helps investors work toward their financial
goals with a full range of quality investments, including municipal, corporate
and government bond portfolios, as well as domestic and international equity
portfolios.
 
Defined Asset Funds offer a number of advantages:
   o A disciplined strategy of buying and holding with a long-term view is the
     cornerstone of Defined Asset Funds.
   o Fixed portfolio: Defined Funds follow a buy and hold investment strategy;
     funds are not managed and portfolio changes are limited.
o Defined Portfolios: We choose the stocks and bonds in advance, so you know
  what you're investing in.
o Professional research: Our dedicated research team seeks out stocks or bonds
      appropriate for a particular fund's objectives.
o Ongoing supervision: We monitor each portfolio on an ongoing basis.
No matter what your investment goals, tolerance for risk or time horizon,
there's probably a Defined Asset Fund that suits your investment style. Your
financial professional can help you select a Defined Asset Fund that works best
for your investment portfolio.
 
THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS AS OF JANUARY 31, 1999, THE
EVALUATION DATE.
 

CONTENTS
                                                                PAGE
                                                          -----------
Pennsylvania Portfolio--
   Risk/Return Summary..................................           3
What You Can Expect From Your Investment................           7
   Monthly Income.......................................           7
   Return Figures.......................................           7
   Records and Reports..................................           7
The Risks You Face......................................           8
   Interest Rate Risk...................................           8
   Call Risk............................................           8
   Reduced Diversification Risk.........................           8
   Liquidity Risk.......................................           8
   Concentration Risk...................................           8
   State Concentration Risk.............................           8
   Bond Quality Risk....................................           9
   Insurance Related Risk...............................           9
   Litigation and Legislation Risks.....................           9
Selling or Exchanging Units.............................          10
   Sponsors' Secondary Market...........................          10
   Selling Units to the Trustee.........................          10
   Exchange Option......................................          11
How The Fund Works......................................          11
   Pricing..............................................          11
   Evaluations..........................................          11
   Income...............................................          11
   Expenses.............................................          11
   Portfolio Changes....................................          12
   Fund Termination.....................................          12
   Certificates.........................................          13
   Trust Indenture......................................          13
   Legal Opinion........................................          13
   Auditors.............................................          14
   Sponsors.............................................          14
   Trustee..............................................          14
   Underwriters' and Sponsors' Profits                            14
   Public Distribution..................................          14
   Code of Ethics.......................................          14
   Year 2000 Issues.....................................          15
Taxes...................................................          15
Supplemental Information................................          16
Financial Statements....................................         D-1

 
                                       2
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PENNSYLVANIA INSURED PORTFOLIO--RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
 

       1.  WHAT IS THE FUND'S OBJECTIVE?
           The Fund seeks interest income that is exempt from regular
           federal income taxes and some state and local taxes by
           investing in a fixed portfolio consisting primarily of
           insured, long term municipal revenue bonds.
       2.  WHAT ARE MUNICIPAL REVENUE BONDS?
           Municipal revenue bonds are bonds issued by states,
           municipalities and public authorities to finance the cost
           of buying, building or improving various projects intended
           to generate revenue, such as airports, health care
           facilities, housing and municipal electric, water and sewer
           utilities. Generally, payments on these bonds depend solely
           on the revenues generated by the projects, excise taxes or
           state appropriations, and are not backed by the
           government's taxing power.
 
       3.  WHAT IS THE FUND'S INVESTMENT STRATEGY?
        O  The Fund plans to hold to maturity 10 long-term tax-exempt
           municipal bonds with an aggregate face amount of
           $6,394,000.
        o  The Fund is a unit investment trust which means that,
           unlike a mutual fund, the Portfolio is not managed.
        o  The bonds are rated AAA or Aaa by Standard & Poor's,
           Moody's or Fitch.
        o  Many of the bonds can be called at a premium declining over
           time to par value. Some bonds may be called earlier at par
           for extraordinary reasons. 13% of the bonds are currently
           callable.
        o  The Fund is concentrated in refunded bonds.
        o  30% of the bonds are insured by insurance companies that
           guarantee timely payments of principal and interest on the
           bonds (but not Fund units or the market value of the bonds
           before they mature).
 
           The Portfolio consists of municipal bonds of the following
           types:

 

                                                  APPROXIMATE
                                                   PORTFOLIO
                                                   PERCENTAGE

 

/ / General Obligation                                 11%
/ / Refunded Bonds                                     87%
/ / Universities/Colleges                              2%

 

       4.  WHAT ARE THE SIGNIFICANT RISKS?
           YOU CAN LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE FUND. THIS CAN
           HAPPEN FOR VARIOUS REASONS, INCLUDING:
        o  Rising interest rates, an issuer's worsening financial
           condition or a drop in bond ratings can reduce the price of
           your units.
        o  Assuming no changes in interest rates, when you sell your
           units, they will generally be worth less than your cost
           because your cost included a sales fee.
        o  The Fund will receive early returns of principal if bonds
           are called or sold before they mature. If this happens your
           income will decline and you may not be able to reinvest the
           money you receive at as high a yield or as long a maturity.
 
           ALSO, THE PORTFOLIO IS CONCENTRATED IN BONDS OF
           PENNSYLVANIA SO IT IS LESS DIVERSIFIED THAN A NATIONAL FUND
           AND IS SUBJECT TO RISKS PARTICULAR TO PENNSYLVANIA WHICH
           ARE BRIEFLY DESCRIBED UNDER STATE CONCENTRATION RISKS LATER
           IN THIS PROSPECTUS.

 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 

       5.  IS THIS FUND APPROPRIATE FOR YOU?
           Yes, if you want federally tax-free income. You will
           benefit from a professionally selected and supervised
           portfolio whose risk is reduced by investing in insured
           bonds of several different issuers.
           The Fund is not appropriate for you if you want a
           speculative investment that changes to take advantage of
           market movements, if you do not want a tax-advantaged
           investment or if you cannot tolerate any risk.

 
           DEFINING YOUR INCOME
 

           WHAT YOU MAY EXPECT (Payable on the 25th day of
           the month to holders of record on the 10th day
           of the month):
           Regular Monthly Income per unit                           $    2.88
           Annual Income per unit:                           $   34.64
           These figures are estimates determined on the evaluation
           day; actual payments may vary.

 

       6.  WHAT ARE THE FUND'S FEES AND EXPENSES?
           This table shows the costs and expenses you may pay,
           directly or indirectly, when you invest in the Fund.
           INVESTOR FEES
           Maximum Sales Fee (Load) on new
           purchases (as a percentage of
           $1,000 invested)                                  2.90%
           Employees of some of the Sponsors and their affiliates may
           pay a reduced sales fee of no less than $5.00 per unit.
           The maximum sales fee is reduced if you invest at least
           $100,000, as follows:

 

                                                 YOUR MAXIMUM
                                                    SALES FEE
                     IF YOU INVEST:                  WILL BE:
           -----------------------------------  -----------------
           Less than $100,000                            2.90%
           $100,000 to $249,999                          2.65%
           $250,000 to $499,999                          2.40%
           $500,000 to $999,999                          2.15%
           $1,000,000 and over                           1.90%
 
           Maximum Exchange Fee                          1.90%

 
           ESTIMATED ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
 

                                                        AMOUNT
                                                      PER UNIT
                                                    -----------
                                                     $    0.42
           Trustee's Fee
                                                     $    0.10
           Portfolio Supervision,
           Bookkeeping and
           Administrative Fees
           (including updating
           expenses)
                                                     $    0.34
           Evaluator's Fee
                                                     $    0.51
           Other Operating Expenses
                                                    -----------
                                                     $    1.37
           TOTAL

 

           The Sponsors historically paid updating expenses.
       7.  HOW HAVE SIMILAR FUNDS PERFORMED IN THE PAST?
           In the following chart we show past performance of prior
           Pennsylvania Portfolios, which had investment objectives,
           strategies and types of bonds substantially similar to
           this Fund. These prior Series differed in that they
           charged a higher sales fee. These prior Pennsylvania
           Series were offered between May 19, 1988 and September 13,
           1996 and were outstanding on December 31, 1998. OF COURSE,
           PAST PERFORMANCE OF PRIOR SERIES IS NO GUARANTEE OF FUTURE
           RESULTS OF THIS FUND.
           AVERAGE ANNUAL COMPOUND TOTAL RETURNS
           FOR PRIOR SERIES
           Reflecting all expenses. For periods ended 12/31/98.

 

                   WITH SALES FEE                    NO SALES FEE
            1 YEAR     5 YEARS   10 YEARS    1 YEAR     5 YEARS   10 YEARS

 
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High         4.04%      4.94%      7.10%      7.05%      6.12%      7.70%
Average      2.50       4.21       6.98       5.59       5.23       7.58
Low          0.37       3.54       6.85       2.04       4.44       7.44

 
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Average
Sales fee    3.07%      5.07%      5.82%

 
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Note: All returns represent changes in unit price with distributions reinvested
 into the Municipal Fund Investment Accumulation Program.
 

       8.  IS THE FUND MANAGED?
           Unlike a mutual fund, the Fund is not managed and bonds are
           not sold because of market changes. Rather, experienced
           Defined Asset Funds financial analysts regularly review the
           bonds in the Fund. The Fund may sell a bond if certain
           adverse credit or other conditions exist.

 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 

       9.  HOW DO I BUY UNITS?
           The minimum investment is one unit.
           You can buy units from any of the Sponsors and other
           broker-dealers. The Sponsors are listed later in this
           prospectus. Some banks may offer units for sale through
           special arrangements with the Sponsors, although certain
           legal restrictions may apply.
           UNIT PRICE PER UNIT                       $672.53
           (as of January 31, 1999)
           Unit price is based on the net asset value of the Fund plus
           the sales fee. An amount equal to any principal cash, as
           well as net accrued but undistributed interest on the unit,
           is added to the unit price. An independent evaluator prices
           the bonds at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time every business day.
           Unit price changes every day with changes in the prices of
           the bonds in the Fund.
      10.  HOW DO I SELL UNITS?
           You may sell your units at any time to any Sponsor or the
           Trustee for the net asset value determined at the close of
           business on the date of sale. You will not pay any other
           fee when you sell your units.

 

      11.  HOW ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE AND TAXED?
           The Fund pays income monthly.
           In the opinion of bond counsel when each bond was issued,
           interest on the bonds in this Fund is generally 100% exempt
           from regular federal income tax. Your income may also be
           exempt from some Pennsylvania state and local personal
           income taxes if you live in Pennsylvania.
           You will also receive principal payments if bonds are sold
           or called or mature, when the cash available is more than
           $5.00 per unit. You will be subject to tax on any gain
           realized by the Fund on the disposition of bonds.
      12.  WHAT OTHER SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?
           REINVESTMENT
           You will receive your income in cash unless you choose to
           compound your income by reinvesting at no sales fee in the
           Municipal Fund Investment Accumulation Program, Inc. This
           program is an open-end mutual fund with a comparable
           investment objective, but the bonds will generally not be
           insured. Income from this program will generally be subject
           to state and local income taxes. For more complete
           information about the program, including charges and fees,
           ask the Trustee for the program's prospectus. Read it
           carefully before you invest. The Trustee must receive your
           written election to reinvest at least 10 days before the
           record day of an income payment.
           EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES
           You may exchange units of this Fund for units of certain
           other Defined Asset Funds. You may also exchange into this
           Fund from certain other funds. We charge a reduced sales fee
           on exchanges.

 
                                       5
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    TAX-FREE VS. TAXABLE INCOME: A COMPARISON OF TAXABLE AND TAX-FREE YIELDS
 
                           FOR PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  COMBINED
                                  EFFECTIVE
TAXABLE INCOME 1999*              TAX RATE                       TAX-FREE YIELD OF
 SINGLE RETURN      JOINT RETURN     %       3%     3.5%     4%     4.5%     5%     5.5%     6%     6.5%     7%
                                                        IS EQUIVALENT TO A TAXABLE YIELD OF

 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

<S>        <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>      <C> 
 $      0- 25,750  $      0- 43,050  17.38     3.63   4.24     4.84   5.45     6.05   6.66     7.26   7.87     8.47
$ 27,751- 62,450  $ 43,051-104,050  30.02     4.29   5.00     5.72   6.43     7.14   7.86     8.57   9.29    10.00
$ 62,451-130,250  $104,051-158,550  32.93     4.47   5.22     5.96   6.71     7.46   8.20     8.95   9.69    10.44
$130,251-283,150  $158,551-283,150  37.79     4.82   5.63     6.43   7.23     8.04   8.84     9.65  10.45    11.25
OVER $283,151        OVER $283,151  41.29     5.11   5.96     6.81   7.66     8.52   9.37    10.22  11.07    11.92
</TABLE>

 
To compare the yield of a taxable security with the yield of a tax-free
security, find your taxable income and read across. The table incorporates 1999
federal and applicable State (and City) income tax rates and assumes that all
income would otherwise be taxed at the investor's highest tax rate. Yield
figures are for example only.
 
*Based upon net amount subject to federal income tax after deductions and
exemptions. This table does not reflect the possible effect of other tax
factors, such as alternative minimum tax, personal exemptions, the phase out of
exemptions, itemized deductions or the possible partial disallowance of
deductions. Consequently, investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers
in this regard.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR INVESTMENT
 
MONTHLY INCOME
 
The Fund will pay you regular monthly income. Your monthly income may vary
because of:
   o elimination of one or more bonds from the Fund's portfolio because of
     calls, redemptions or sales;
   o a change in the Fund's expenses; or
   o the failure by a bond's issuer to pay interest.
 
Changes in interest rates generally will not affect your income because the
portfolio is fixed.
 
Along with your income, you will receive your share of any available bond
principal.
 
RETURN FIGURES
 
We cannot predict your actual return, which will vary with unit price, how long
you hold your investment and changes in the portfolio, interest income and
expenses.
 
Estimated Current Return equals the estimated annual cash to be received from
the bonds in the Fund less estimated annual Fund expenses, divided by the Unit
Price (including the maximum sales fee):
 

 Estimated Annual                  Estimated
 Interest Income        -       Annual Expenses
- -------------------------------------------------
                   Unit Price

 
Estimated Long Term Return is a measure of the estimated return over the
estimated life of the Fund. Unlike Estimated Current Return, Estimated Long Term
Return reflects maturities, discounts and premiums of the bonds in the Fund. It
is an average of the yields to maturity (or in certain cases, to an earlier call
date) of the individual bonds in the portfolio, adjusted to reflect the Fund's
maximum sales fee and estimated expenses. We calculate the average yield for the
portfolio by weighting each bond's yield by its market value and the time
remaining to the call or maturity date.
 
Yields on individual bonds depend on many factors including general conditions
of the bond markets, the size of a particular offering and the maturity and
quality rating of the particular issues. Yields can vary among bonds with
similar maturities, coupons and ratings.
 
These return quotations are designed to be comparative rather than predictive.
 
RECORDS AND REPORTS
 
You will receive:
o a monthly statement of income payments and any principal payments;
o a notice from the Trustee when new bonds are deposited in exchange or
  substitution for bonds originally deposited;
o an annual report on Fund activity; and
o annual tax information. This will also be sent to the IRS. You must report the
  amount of tax-exempt interest received during the year.
 
You may request:
o copies of bond evaluations to enable you to comply with federal and state tax
  reporting requirements; and
o audited financial statements of the Fund.
 
You may inspect records of Fund transactions at the Trustee's office during
regular business hours.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
THE RISKS YOU FACE
 
INTEREST RATE RISK
 
Investing involves risks, including the risk that your investment will decline
in value if interest rates rise. Generally, bonds with longer maturities will
change in value more than bonds with shorter maturities. Bonds in the Fund are
more likely to be called when interest rates decline. This would result in early
returns of principal to you and may result in early termination of the Fund. Of
course, we cannot predict how interest rates may change.
 
CALL RISK
 
Many bonds can be prepaid or 'called' by the issuer before their stated
maturity.
 
For example, some bonds may be required to be called pursuant to mandatory
sinking fund provisions.
 
Also, an issuer might call its bonds during periods of falling interest rates,
if the issuer's bonds have a coupon higher than current market rates.
 
An issuer might call its bonds in extraordinary cases, including if:
   o it no longer needs the money for the original purpose;
   o the project is condemned or sold;
   o the project is destroyed and insurance proceeds are used to redeem the
     bonds;
   o any related credit support expires and is not replaced; or
   o interest on the bonds become taxable.
 
If the bonds are called, your income will decline and you may not be able to
reinvest the money you receive at as high a yield or as long a maturity. An
early call at par of a premium bond will reduce your return.
 
REDUCED DIVERSIFICATION RISK
 
If many investors sell their units, the Fund will have to sell bonds. This could
reduce the diversification of your investment and increase your share of Fund
expenses.
 
LIQUIDITY RISK
 
You can always sell back your units, but we cannot assure you that a liquid
trading market will always exist for the bonds in the portfolio, especially
since current law may restrict the Fund from selling bonds to any Sponsor. The
bonds will generally trade in the over-the-counter market. The value of the
bonds, and of your investment, may be reduced if trading in bonds is limited or
absent.
 
CONCENTRATION RISK
 
When a certain type of bond makes up 25% or more of the portfolio, it is said to
be 'concentrated' in that bond type, which makes the Portfolio less diversified.
 
Here is what you should know about the Fund's concentration in refunded bonds.
Refunded bonds are typically:
   o backed by direct obligations of the U.S. government; or
   o in some cases, backed by obligations guaranteed by the U.S. government and
      placed in escrow with an independent trustee;
   o noncallable prior to maturity; but
   o sometimes called for redemption prior to maturity.
 
STATE CONCENTRATION RISK
 
PENNSYLVANIA RISKS
 
Generally
 
Pennsylvania and many of its municipalities (including Philadelphia) have
undergone an economic decline:
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
   o coal, steel, railroads and other heavy industry historically associated
     with the Commonwealth has given way to increased competition from foreign
      producers.
 
   o agriculture and related industries are still an important part of the
      Commonwealth's economy.
 
   o Recently, however, service sector industries (trade, medical and health
      services, education and financial services) have provided new sources of
     growth.
 
State and Local Governments
 
Historically, both the Commonwealth and the City of Philadelphia have
experienced serious revenue shortfalls. At the same time, rising demands for
state and local programs and services (particularly medical assistance and cash
assistance programs) have lead to increased spending.
 
   o In recent years, both the Commonwealth and the City of Philadelphia have
     tried to balance their budgets with a mix of tax increases and spending
     cuts.
 
   o Philadelphia has considered significant service cuts and privatization of
     certain services which it has provided to date.
 
   o In 1991, the Commonwealth created the Pennsylvania Inter-Governmental
      Cooperation Authority ('PICA') which it authorized to issue debt to cover
      Philadelphia's budget shortfalls, eliminate the City's projected deficits
     and fund its capital spending. PICA issued approximately $1.76 billion of
     Special Revenue Bonds on Philadelphia's behalf. Its power to issue bonds on
     Philadelphia's behalf expired at the end of 1996; as of June 30, 1997,
     approximately $1.1 billion in PICA Special Revenue Bonds were outstanding.
 
   o Pennsylvania's general obligation bonds are currently rated A1 by Moody's
     and AA-by Standard & Poor's. Philadelphia's general obligation bonds are
     rated Baa by Moody's and BBB by Standard & Poor's. There can be no
     assurance that these ratings will not be lowered.
 
BOND QUALITY RISK
 
A reduction in a bond's rating may decrease its value and, indirectly, the value
of your investment in the Fund.
 
INSURANCE RELATED RISK
 
Some bonds are backed by insurance companies (as shown under Portfolios).
Insurance policies generally make payments only according to a bond's original
payment schedule and do not make early payments when a bond defaults or becomes
taxable. Although the federal government does not regulate the insurance
business, various state laws and federal initiatives and tax law changes could
significantly affect the insurance business. The claims-paying ability of the
insurance companies is generally rated A or better by Standard & Poor's or
another nationally recognized rating organization. The insurance company ratings
are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the rating agencies.
 
LITIGATION AND LEGISLATION RISKS
 
We do not know of any pending litigation that might have a material adverse
effect upon the Fund.
 
Future tax legislation could affect the value of the portfolio by:
   o limiting real property taxes,
   o reducing tax rates,
   o imposing a flat or other form of tax, or
   o exempting investment income from tax.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
SELLING OR EXCHANGING UNITS
 
You can sell your units at any time for a price based on net asset value. Your
net asset value is calculated each business day by:
   o adding the value of the bonds, net accrued interest, cash and any other
     Fund assets;
   o subtracting accrued but unpaid Fund expenses, unreimbursed Trustee
      advances, cash held to buy back units or for distribution to investors and
     any other Fund liabilities; and
   o dividing the result by the number of outstanding units.
 
Your net asset value when you sell may be more or less than your cost because of
sales fees, market movements and changes in the portfolio.
 
SPONSORS' SECONDARY MARKET
 
While we are not obligated to do so, we will buy back units at net asset value
without any other fee or charge We may resell the units to other buyers or to
the Trustee. You should consult your financial professional for current market
prices to determine if other broker-dealers or banks are offering higher prices.
 
We have maintained the secondary market continuously for over 25 years, but we
could discontinue it without prior notice for any business reason.
 
SELLING UNITS TO THE TRUSTEE
 
Regardless of whether we maintain a secondary market, you can sell your units to
the Trustee at any time by sending the Trustee a letter (with any outstanding
certificates if you hold Unit certificates). You must properly endorse your
certificates (or execute a written transfer instrument with signatures
guaranteed by an eligible institution). Sometimes, additional documents are
needed such as a trust document, certificate of corporate authority, certificate
of death or appointment as executor, administrator or guardian.
 
Within seven days after your request and the necessary documents are received,
the Trustee will mail a check to you. Contact the Trustee for additional
information.
 
As long as we are maintaining a secondary market, the Trustee will sell your
units to us at a price based on net asset value. If there is no secondary
market, the Trustee may sell your units in the over-the-counter market for a
higher price, but it is not obligated to do so. In that case, you will receive
the net proceeds of the sale.
 
If the Fund does not have cash available to pay you for units you are selling,
the agent for the Sponsors will select bonds to be sold. Bonds will be selected
based on market and credit factors. These sales could be made at times when the
bonds would not otherwise be sold and may result in your receiving less than the
unit par value and also reduce the size and diversity of the Fund.
 
There could be a delay in paying you for your units:
   o if the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and
      holiday closings);
   o if the SEC determines that trading on the New York Stock Exchange is
     restricted or that an emergency exists making sale or evaluation of the
     bonds not reasonably practicable; and
   o for any other period permitted by SEC order.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
EXCHANGE OPTION
 
You may exchange units of certain Defined Asset Funds for units of this Fund at
a maximum exchange fee of 1.90%. You may exchange units of this Fund for units
of certain other Defined Asset Funds at a reduced sales fee if your investment
goals change. To exchange units, you should talk to your financial professional
about what funds are exchangeable, suitable and currently available.
 
Normally, an exchange is taxable and you must recognize any gain or loss on the
exchange. However, the IRS may try to disallow a loss if the portfolios of the
two funds are not materially different; you should consult your own tax adviser.
 
We may amend or terminate this exchange option at any time without notice.
 
HOW THE FUND WORKS
 
PRICING
 
The price of a unit includes interest accrued on the bonds, less expenses, from
the initial most recent Record Day up to, but not including, the settlement
date, which is usually three business days after the purchase date of the unit.
 
A portion of the price of a unit consists of cash so that the Trustee can
provide you with regular monthly income. When you sell your units you will
receive your share of this cash.
 
EVALUATIONS
 
An independent Evaluator values the bonds on each business day (excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and the following holidays as observed by the New York Stock
Exchange: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas).
Bond values are based on current bid or offer prices for the bonds or comparable
bonds. In the past, the difference between bid and offer prices of publicly
offered tax-exempt bonds has ranged from 0.5% of face amount on actively traded
issues to 3.5% on inactively traded issues; the difference has averaged between
1 and 2%.
 
INCOME
 
The Trustee credits interest to an Income Account and other receipts to a
Capital Account. The Trustee may establish a Reserve Account by withdrawing from
these accounts amounts it considers appropriate to pay any material liability.
These accounts do not bear interest.
 
EXPENSES
 
The Trustee is paid monthly. It also benefits when it holds cash for the Fund in
non-interest bearing accounts. The Trustee may also receive additional amounts:
   o to reimburse the Trustee for the Fund's operating expenses;
   o for extraordinary services and costs of indemnifying the Trustee and the
      Sponsors;
   o costs of actions taken to protect the Fund and other legal fees and
     expenses;
   o expenses for keeping the Fund's registration statement current; and
   o Fund termination expenses and any governmental charges.
 
The Sponsors are currently reimbursed up to 45 cents per $1,000 face amount
annually for providing portfolio supervisory, bookkeeping
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
and administrative services and for any other expenses properly chargeable to
the Fund. Legal, typesetting, electronic filing and regulatory filing fees and
expenses associated with updating the Portfolio's registration statement yearly
are also now chargeable to the Portfolio. While this fee may exceed the amount
of these costs and expenses attributable to this Fund, the total of these fees
for all Series of Defined Asset Funds will not exceed the aggregate amount
attributable to all of these Series for any calendar year. The Fund also pays
the Evaluator's fees.
 
The Trustee's, Sponsors' and Evaluator's fees may be adjusted for inflation
without investors' approval.
 
The Sponsors will pay advertising and selling expenses at no charge to the Fund.
If Fund expenses exceed initial estimates, the Fund will owe the excess. The
Trustee has a lien on Fund assets to secure reimbursement of Fund expenses and
may sell bonds if cash is not available.
 
PORTFOLIO CHANGES
 
The Sponsors and Trustee are not liable for any default or defect in a bond; if
a contract to buy any bond.
 
Unlike a mutual fund, the portfolio is designed to remain intact and we may keep
bonds in the portfolio even if their credit quality declines or other adverse
financial circumstances occur. However, we may sell a bond in certain cases if
we believe that certain adverse credit conditions exist or if a bond becomes
taxable.
 
If we maintain a secondary market in units but are unable to sell the units that
we buy in the secondary market, we will redeem units, which will affect the size
and composition of the portfolio. Units offered in the secondary market may not
represent the same face amount of bonds that they did originally.
 
We decide whether or not to offer units for sale that we acquire in the
secondary market after reviewing:
   o diversity of the portfolio;
   o size of the Fund relative to its original size;
   o ratio of Fund expenses to income;
   o current and long-term returns;
   o degree to which units may be selling at a premium over par; and
   o cost of maintaining a current prospectus.
 
FUND TERMINATION
 
The Fund will terminate following the stated maturity or sale of the last bond
in the portfolio. The Fund may also terminate earlier with the consent of
investors holding 51% of the units or if total assets of the Fund have fallen
below 40% of the face amount of bonds deposited. We will decide whether to
terminate the Fund early based on the same factors used in deciding whether or
not to offer units in the secondary market.
 
When the Fund is about to terminate you will receive a notice, and you will be
unable to sell your units after that time. On or shortly before termination, we
will sell any remaining bonds, and you will receive your final distribution. Any
bond that cannot be sold at a reasonable price may continue to be held by the
Trustee in a liquidating trust pending its final sale.
 
You will pay your share of the expenses associated with termination, including
brokerage costs in selling bonds. This may
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
reduce the amount you receive as your final distribution.
 
CERTIFICATES
 
Certificates for units are issued on request. You may transfer certificates by
complying with the requirements for redeeming certificates, described above. You
can replace lost or mutilated certificates by delivering satisfactory indemnity
and paying the associated costs.
 
TRUST INDENTURE
 
The Fund is a 'unit investment trust' governed by a Trust Indenture, a contract
among the Sponsors, the Trustee and the Evaluator, which sets forth their duties
and obligations and your rights. A copy of the Indenture is available to you on
request to the Trustee. The following summarizes certain provisions of the
Indenture.
 
The Sponsors and the Trustee may amend the Indenture without your consent:
   o to cure ambiguities;
   o to correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision;
   o to make any amendment required by any governmental agency; or
   o to make other changes determined not to be materially adverse to your best
     interest (as determined by the Sponsors).
 
Investors holding 51% of the units may amend the Indenture. Every investor must
consent to any amendment that changes the 51% requirement. No amendment may
reduce your interest in the Fund without your written consent.
 
The Trustee may resign by notifying the Sponsors. The Sponsors may remove the
Trustee without your consent if:
   o it fails to perform its duties and the Sponsors determine that its
     replacement is in your best interest; or
   o it becomes incapable of acting or bankrupt or its affairs are taken over by
      public authorities.
Investors holding 51% of the units may remove the Trustee. The Evaluator may
resign or be removed by the Sponsors and the Trustee without the consent of
investors. The resignation or removal of either becomes effective when a
successor accepts appointment. The Sponsors will try to appoint a successor
promptly; however, if no successor has accepted within 30 days after notice of
resignation, the resigning Trustee or Evaluator may petition a court to appoint
a successor.
 
Any Sponsor may resign as long as one Sponsor with a net worth of $2 million
remains and agrees to the resignation. The remaining Sponsors and the Trustee
may appoint a replacement. If there is only one Sponsor and it fails to perform
its duties or becomes bankrupt the Trustee may:
   o remove it and appoint a replacement Sponsor;
   o liquidate the Fund; or
   o continue to act as Trustee without a Sponsor.
 
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated acts as agent for the
Sponsors.
 
The Trust Indenture contains customary provisions limiting the liability of the
Trustee, the Sponsors and the Evaluator.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
LEGAL OPINION
 
Davis Polk & Wardwell, 450 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, as
counsel for the Sponsors, has given an opinion that the units are validly
issued. Special counsel located in the relevant states have given state and
local tax opinions.
 
AUDITORS
 
Deloitte & Touche LLP, 2 World Financial Center, New York, New York 10281,
independent accountants, audited the Statements of Condition included in this
prospectus.
 
SPONSORS
 
The Sponsors are:
 
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED (a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.)
P.O. Box 9051,
Princeton, NJ 08543-9051
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC. (a principal operating subsidiary of Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter & Co.)
Two World Trade Center--59th Floor,
New York, NY 10048
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED (an
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Prudential Insurance Company of America)
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10292
 
Each Sponsor is a Delaware corporation and it, or its predecessor, has acted as
sponsor to many unit investment trusts. As a registered broker-dealer each
Sponsor buys and sells securities (including investment company shares) for
others (including investment companies) and participates as an underwriter in
various selling groups.
 
TRUSTEE
 
The Bank of New York, 101 Barclay Street, 17 W, New York, New York 10268, is the
Trustee.
 
It is supervised by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System and New York State banking authorities.
 
UNDERWRITERS' AND SPONSORS' PROFITS
 
Underwriters receive sales charges when they sell units. The Sponsors also
realized a profit or loss on the initial date of deposit of the bonds. Any cash
made available by you to the Sponsors before the settlement date for those units
may be used in the Sponsors' businesses to the extent permitted by federal law
and may benefit the Sponsors.
 
A Sponsor or Underwriter may realize profits or sustain losses on bonds in the
Fund which were acquired from underwriting syndicates of which it was a member.
 
In maintaining a secondary market, the Sponsors will also realize profits or
sustain losses in the amount of any difference between the prices at which they
buy units and the prices at which they resell or redeem them.
 
PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
 
The Sponsors do not intend to qualify units for sale in any foreign countries.
This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell units in any country where
units cannot lawfully be sold.
 
CODE OF ETHICS
 
Merrill Lynch, as agent for the Sponsors, has adopted a code of ethics requiring
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
preclearance and reporting of personal securities transactions by its employees
with access to information on portfolio transactions. The goal of the code is to
prevent fraud, deception or misconduct against the Fund and to provide
reasonable standards of conduct.
 
YEAR 2000 ISSUES
 
Many computer systems were designed in such a way that they may be unable to
distinguish between the year 2000 and the year 1900 (commonly known as the 'Year
2000 Problem'). We do not expect that the computer system changes necessary to
prepare for the Year 2000 will cause any major operational difficulties for the
Fund. The Year 2000 Problem may adversely affect the issuers of the securities
contained in the Portfolio, but we cannot predict whether any impact will be
material to the Portfolio as a whole.
 
TAXES
 
The following summary describes some of the important income tax consequences of
holding units. It assumes that you are not a dealer, financial institution,
insurance company or other investor with special circumstances. You should
consult your own tax adviser about your particular circumstances.
 
At the date of issue of each bond, counsel for the issuer delivered an opinion
to the effect that interest on the bond is exempt from regular federal income
tax. However, interest may be subject to state and local taxes and federal
alternative minimum tax. Neither we nor our counsel have reviewed the issuance
of the bonds, related proceedings or the basis for the opinions of counsel for
the issuers. We cannot assure you that the issuer (or other users) have complied
or will comply with any requirements necessary for a bond to be tax-exempt. If
any of the bonds were determined not to be tax-exempt, you could be required to
pay income tax for current and prior years, and if the Fund were to sell the
bond, it might have to sell it at a substantial discount.
 
In the opinion of our counsel, under existing law:
 
GENERAL TREATMENT OF THE FUND AND YOUR INVESTMENT
 
The Fund will not be taxed as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, and
you will be considered to own directly your share of each bond in the Fund.
 
INCOME OR LOSS UPON DISPOSITION
 
When all or part of your share of a bond is disposed of (for example, when the
Fund sells, exchanges or redeems a bond or when you sell or exchange your
units), you will generally recognize capital gain or loss. Your gain, however,
will generally be ordinary income to the extent of any accrued 'market
discount'. Generally you will have market discount to the extent that your basis
in a bond when you purchase a unit is less than its stated redemption price at
maturity (or, if it is an original issue discount bond, the issue price
increased by original issue discount that has accrued on the bond before your
purchase). You should consult your tax adviser in this regard.
 
If your net long-term capital gains exceed your net short-term capital losses,
the excess may be subject to tax at a lower rate than ordinary income. Any
capital gain from the Fund will
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
be long-term if you are considered to have held your investment on each bond for
more than one year and short-term if you held it for one year or less. If you
are an individual and sell your units after holding them for more than one year,
you may be entitled to a 20% maximum federal tax rate on any resulting gains.
Consult your tax adviser in this regard. Because the deductibility of capital
losses is subject to limitations, you may not be able to deduct all of your
capital losses.
 
YOUR BASIS IN THE BONDS
 
Your aggregate basis in the bonds will be equal to the cost of your units,
including any sales charges and the organizational expenses you pay, adjusted to
reflect any accruals of 'original issue discount,' 'acquisition premium' and
'bond premium'. You should consult your tax adviser in this regard.
 
EXPENSES
 
If you are not a corporate investor, you will not be entitled to a deduction for
your share of fees and expenses of the Fund. Also, if you borrowed money in
order to purchase or carry your units, you will not be able to deduct the
interest on this borrowing for federal income tax purposes. The IRS may treat
your purchase of units as made with borrowed money even if the money is not
directly traceable to the purchase of units.
 
STATE AND LOCAL TAXES
 
Under the income tax laws of the State and City of New York, the Fund will not
be taxed as a corporation. If you are a New York taxpayer, your income from the
Fund will not be tax-exempt in New York except to the extent that the income is
earned on bonds that are tax-exempt for New York purposes. Depending on where
you live, your income from the Fund may be subject to state and local taxation.
You should consult your tax adviser in this regard.
 
PENNSYLVANIA TAXES
 
In the opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
special counsel on Pennsylvania tax matters:
 
The Pennsylvania Trust will not be taxed as a corporation under the current
income tax laws of Pennsylvania. Your income from the Trust may be subject to
taxation depending on where you live. If you are a Pennsylvania taxpayer your
interest income from the Trust will be tax exempt to the extent that income is
earned on bonds that are tax exempt for Pennsylvania purposes. However, gains on
the sale of bonds by the Trust or on the sale of your Units will be subject to
Pennsylvania income tax. If you are a Philadelphia resident you may be subject
to the Philadelphia school district tax on any gains realized from the sale of
bonds by the Trust or the sale of Units by you to the extent either the bonds or
Units have been held for six months or less. You should consult your tax adviser
as to the consequences to you with respect to any investment you make in the
Trust.
 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
 
You can receive at no cost supplemental information about the Fund by calling
the Trustee. The supplemental information includes more detailed risk disclosure
about the types of bonds that may be in the Fund's portfolios, general risk
disclosure concerning any insurance securing certain bonds, and general
information about the structure and
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
operation of the Fund. The supplemental information is also available from the
SEC.
 
                                       17

<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
PENNSYLVANIA SERIES - 12


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


The Sponsors, Trustee and Holders
  of Defined Asset Funds - Municipal Investment Trust Fund,
  Pennsylvania Series - 12:
   

We have audited the accompanying statement of condition of Defined 
Asset Funds - Municipal Investment Trust Fund, Pennsylvania Series - 
12, including the portfolio, as of January 31, 1999 and the related 
statements of operations and of changes in net assets for the years 
ended January 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997. These financial statements are 
the responsibility of the Trustee. Our responsibility is to express an 
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing 
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit 
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements 
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the 
financial statements. Securities owned at January 31, 1999, as shown 
in such portfolio, were confirmed to us by The Bank of New York, the 
Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles 
used and significant estimates made by the Trustee, as well as 
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe 
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present 
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Defined 
Asset Funds - Municipal Investment Trust Fund, Pennsylvania Series - 
12 at January 31, 1999 and the results of its operations and changes 
in its net assets for the above-stated years in conformity with 
generally accepted accounting principles.


DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New York, N.Y.
April 2, 1999

                                                   D - 1
<PAGE>

DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,   
PENNSYLVANIA SERIES -  12   
   
STATEMENT OF CONDITION   
AS OF JANUARY 31, 1999   
   
<TABLE>   
<S>                                                                <C>
TRUST PROPERTY:   
  Investment in marketable securities - at value   
    (cost $6,160,429)(Note 1)......................                  $7,053,430 
  Receivable from security sold or redeemed........                      50,216 
  Accrued interest receivable......................                      90,323 
  Cash.............................................                     101,736 
                                                                   _____________
                                                                
              Total trust property.................                   7,295,705 
                                                                
LESS LIABILITIES:   
  Redemptions payable..............................   $   50,485   
  Accrued expenses.................................        2,500         52,985 
                                                    _____________  _____________
                                                   
NET ASSETS, REPRESENTED BY:   
  10,724 units of fractional undivided   
    interest outstanding (Note 3)..................    7,059,521   
  Undistributed net investment income..............      183,199   
                                                    _____________  
                                                                     $7,242,720 
                                                                   =============
UNIT VALUE ($7,242,720/10,724 units)...............                     $675.37 
                                                                   =============
    
   
</TABLE>   
                         See Notes to Financial Statements.   
   
   
                                                   D - 2
<PAGE>

DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,   
PENNSYLVANIA SERIES - 12   
   
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS   
   
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>   
                                             .......Years Ended January 31,..........  
                                                 1999         1998         1997    
                                             _________________________________________  
<S>                                        <C>          <C>          <C>         
INVESTMENT INCOME:   
  Interest income...........................    $398,836     $419,300     $448,870 
  Trustee's fees and expenses...............     (13,067)     (16,897)     (16,476)
  Sponsors' fees............................      (1,099)          10       (1,330)
                                             _________________________________________  
  Net investment income.....................     384,670      402,413      431,064 
                                             _________________________________________  
   
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)   
  ON INVESTMENTS:   
  Realized gain on securities sold   
    or redeemed.............................      33,716       31,104       38,959 
  Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)   
    of investments..........................      48,815      219,056     (226,661)
                                             _________________________________________  
   
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   
    on investments..........................      82,531      250,160     (187,702)
                                             _________________________________________  
   
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING   
  FROM OPERATIONS...........................    $467,201     $652,573     $243,362 
                                             =========================================  
   
   
</TABLE>   
                                 See Notes to Financial Statements.   
   


                                                   D - 3
<PAGE>

DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,   
PENNSYLVANIA SERIES -  12   
   
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   
   
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>   
                                               .......Years Ended January 31,..........  
                                                   1999         1998         1997    
                                               _________________________________________  
<S>                                          <C>          <C>          <C>         
OPERATIONS:   
  Net investment income.......................  $  384,670   $  402,413   $  431,064 
  Realized gain on securities sold   
    or redeemed...............................      33,716       31,104       38,959 
  Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)   
    of investments............................      48,815      219,056     (226,661)
                                               _________________________________________  
  Net increase in net assets resulting   
    from operations...........................     467,201      652,573      243,362 
                                               _________________________________________  
                                                 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO HOLDERS (Note 2):   
  Income......................................    (384,431)    (409,846)    (432,587)
  Principal...................................     (80,167)     (47,259)     (35,554)
                                               _________________________________________  
  Total distributions.........................    (464,598)    (457,105)    (468,141)
                                               _________________________________________  
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS - Redemptions of   
  498, 532 and 735 units, respectively........    (335,416)    (352,017)    (482,413)
                                               _________________________________________  
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS....................    (332,813)    (156,549)    (707,192)
                                                 
NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR...............   7,575,533    7,732,082    8,439,274 
                                               _________________________________________  
NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR.....................  $7,242,720   $7,575,533   $7,732,082 
                                               =========================================  
PER UNIT:   
  Income distributions during year............      $34.87       $35.72       $35.40 
                                               =========================================  
  Principal distributions during year.........       $7.32        $4.19        $2.99 
                                               =========================================  
  Net asset value at end of year..............     $675.37      $675.06      $657.83 
                                               =========================================  
TRUST UNITS OUTSTANDING AT END OF YEAR........      10,724       11,222       11,754 
                                               =========================================  
   
   
</TABLE>   
                  See Notes to Financial Statements.   
   


                                                   D - 4
<PAGE>

DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
PENNSYLVANIA SERIES - 12


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


  1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

      The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as
      a Unit Investment Trust. The following is a summary of significant
      accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the
      preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in
      conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. 

      (a) Securities are stated at value as determined by the Evaluator 
          based on bid side evaluations for the securities. 

      (b) The Fund is not subject to income taxes. Accordingly, no 
          provision for such taxes is required.

      (c) Interest income is recorded as earned.

  2.  DISTRIBUTIONS

      A distribution of net investment income is made to Holders each 
      month. Receipts other than interest, after deductions for 
      redemptions and applicable expenses, are also distributed
      periodically.

  3.  NET CAPITAL
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                    <C> 
      Cost of 10,724 units at Date of Deposit.............   $10,856,679 
      Less sales charge...................................       407,081 
                                                           ______________
      Net amount applicable to Holders....................    10,449,598 
      Redemptions of units - net cost of 7,276 units 
        redeemed less redemption amounts..................     1,507,797 
      Realized loss on securities sold or redeemed........      (101,202)
      Principal distributions.............................    (5,689,673)
      Unrealized appreciation of investments..............       893,001 
                                                           ______________
 
      Net capital applicable to Holders...................   $ 7,059,521 
                                                           ==============
</TABLE>
 
  4.  INCOME TAXES

      As of January 31, 1999, unrealized appreciation of investments, based
      on cost for Federal income tax purposes, aggregated $893,001, all of
      which related to appreciated securities. The cost of investment
      securities for Federal income tax purposes was $6,160,429 at 
      January 31, 1999.

                                                   D - 5

<PAGE>




DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,        
PENNSYLVANIA SERIES - 12        
        
PORTFOLIO        
AS OF JANUARY 31, 1999        
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Rating                                      Optional  
    Portfolio No. and Title of                of           Face                        Redemption  
            Securities                    Issues(1)       Amount  Coupon Maturities(3) Provisions(3)         Cost       Value(2) 
            __________                    _________       ______  ______ _____________ _____________         ____       ________ 
<C><S>                                    <C>       <C>          <C>       <C>           <C>           <C>           <C> 
 1 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, General   AA        $   385,000  4.000%    2002          None          $  283,591    $  388,985 
   Obligation Bonds                                      315,000  4.000     2002          None             232,029       318,260


 2 Pennsylvania Higher Educational         Aa2(m)        140,000  4.900     2008          None             120,400       140,092 
   Facilities Authority, University of       
   Pennsylvania Revenue Bonds, Ser. 
   of 1968       
          
 3 Altoona Area School District            AAA         1,180,000  6.500     2008(5)       07/01/06       1,180,000     1,349,023 
   Authority, Blair County, Pennsylvania,                                                 @ 100.000    
   School Revenue Bonds - Ser. of 1978       
          
 4 Blackhawk School Building Authority,    AAA         1,305,000  6.375     2007          None           1,305,783     1,540,161 
   Beaver County, Pennsylvania, School                                                 
   Building Revenue Refunding Bonds, Ser.       
   of 1978 (MBIA Ins.)(4)       
          
 5 Exeter Township School Aut hority,      AAA           625,000  6.375     2001          None             625,375       667,319 
   County, Pennsylvania, School Revenue       
   Bonds, Ser. 1978 (MBIA Ins.)(4)       
        
 6 Mount Lebanon High School  Authority,   Aaa(m)        655,000  6.400     2000          None             655,000       677,480 
   Allegheny Couty, Pennsia, School       
   Building Revenue Refunding Bonds, Ser.       
   of 1978        
        
 7 North Penn School Distric  Authority,   Aaa(m)      1,110,000  6.200     2007          None           1,110,000     1,196,303 
   Montgomery and Bucks Counties,       
   Pennsylvania, School Revenue Bonds -        
   Ser. of 1978 (Refunding)         
          
 8 Public Auditorium Authority of          AAA            99,000  3.600     2001          None              68,251        99,469 
   Pittsburg and Allegheny County,       
   Pennsylvania, Auditorium Bonds         
 
</TABLE>
                                                                 D - 6

<PAGE>


DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,        
PENNSYLVANIA SERIES - 12        
        
PORTFOLIO        
AS OF JANUARY 31, 1999        
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Rating                                      Optional  
    Portfolio No. and Title of                of           Face                        Redemption  
            Securities                    Issues(1)       Amount  Coupon Maturities(3) Provisions(3)          Cost      Value(2) 
            __________                    _________       ______  ______ _____________ _____________          ____      ________ 
<C><S>                                    <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>        
 9 The Municipal Authority of the Borough  NR         $  580,000  6.400%    2017(5)       11/15/14      $  580,000    $  676,338 
   of West View Allegheny County,                                                         @ 100.000    
   Pennsylvania, Water Revenue Bonds,       
   Ser. of 1978       
        
                                                    ______________                                    ______________ _____________
TOTAL                                                 $6,394,000                                        $6,160,429    $7,053,430 
                                                    ==============                                    ============== =============

</TABLE>
        See Notes to Portfolio.        
                                                                 D - 7

<PAGE>
        
        
        
        


DEFINED ASS ET FUNDS - MUNIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
PENNSYLVANIA SERIES - 12


NOTES TO PORTFOLIO
AS OF JANUARY 31, 1999


   (1) The ratings of the bonds are by Standard & Poor's Ratings 
       Group, or by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. if followed by 
       "(m)", or by Fitch Investors Service, Inc. if followed by 
       "(f)"; "NR" indicates that this bond is not currently rated by 
       any of the above-mentioned rating services. These ratings have 
       been furnished by the Evaluator but not confirmed with
       the rating agencies.

   (2) See Notes to Financial Statements.

   (3) Optional redemption provisions, which may be exercised in whole
       or in part, are initially at prices of par plus a premium, then
       subsequently at prices declining to par. Certain securities may 
       provide for redemption at par prior or in addition to any 
       optional or mandatory redemption dates or maturity, for 
       example, through the operation of a maintenance and replacement 
       fund, if proceeds are not able to be used as contemplated, the 
       project is condemned or sold or the project is destroyed and 
       insurance proceeds are used to redeem the securities. Many of 
       the securities are also subject to mandatory sinking fund 
       redemption commencing on dates which may be prior to the date 
       on which securities may be optionally redeemed. Sinking fund 
       redemptions are at par and redeem only part of the issue. Some 
       of the securities have mandatory sinking funds which contain 
       optional provisions permitting the issuer to increase the 
       principal amount of securities called on a mandatory redemption 
       date. The sinking fund redemptions with optional provisions 
       may, and optional refunding redemptions generally will, occur 
       at times when the redeemed securities have an offering side 
       evaluation which represents a premium over par. To the extent 
       that the securities were acquired at a price higher than the 
       redemption price, this will represent a loss of capital when 
       compared with the Public Offering Price of the Units when 
       acquired. Distributions will generally be reduced by the amount 
       of the income which would otherwise have been paid with respect 
       to redeemed securities and there will be distributed to Holders 
       any principal amount and premium received on such redemption 
       after satisfying any redemption requests for Units received by 
       the Fund. The estimated current return may be affected by 
       redemptions.

   (4) Insured by the indicated municipal bond insurance company.

   (5) Bonds with an aggregate face amount of $1,760,000 have been 
       pre-refunded and are expected to be called for redemption on 
       the optional redemption provision date shown.


                                                   D - 8



<PAGE>
                             Defined
                             Asset FundsSM
 

HAVE QUESTIONS ?                         MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
Request the most                         PENNSYLVANIA SERIES--12
recent free Information                  (A Unit Investment Trust)
Supplement that gives more               ---------------------------------------
details about the Fund,                  This Prospectus does not contain
by calling:                              complete information about the
The Bank of New York                     investment company filed with the
1-800-221-7771                           Securities and Exchange Commission in
                                         Washington, D.C. under the:
                                         o Securities Act of 1933 (file no.
                                         2-60147) and
                                         o Investment Company Act of 1940 (file
                                         no. 811-1777).
                                         TO OBTAIN COPIES AT PRESCRIBED RATES--
                                         WRITE: Public Reference Section of the
                                         Commission
                                         450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
                                         D.C. 20549-6009
                                         CALL: 1-800-SEC-0330.
                                         VISIT: http://www.sec.gov.
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         No person is authorized to give any
                                         information or representations about
                                         this Fund not contained in this
                                         Prospectus or the Information
                                         Supplement, and you should not rely on
                                         any other information.
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         When units of this Fund are no longer
                                         available, this Prospectus may be used
                                         as a preliminary prospectus for a
                                         future series, but some of the
                                         information in this Prospectus will be
                                         changed for that series.
                                         Units of any future series may not be
                                         sold nor may offers to buy be accepted
                                         until that series has become effective
                                         with the Securities and Exchange
                                         Commission. No units can be sold in any
                                         State where a sale would be illegal.

 
                                                      12770--4/99
<PAGE>
                             DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--
                        MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
                              PENNSYLVANIA SERIES
                       CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
     This Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement on Form S-6
comprises the following papers and documents:
 
     The facing sheet of Form S-6.
 
     The cross-reference sheet (incorporated by reference to the Cross-Reference
Sheet to the Registration Statement of Defined Asset Funds Municipal Insured
Series, 1933 Act File No. 33-54565).
 
     The Prospectus.
 
     The Signatures.
 
The following exhibits:
 
     1.1.1--Form of Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust Effective as of
            October 21, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1.1 to the
            Registration Statement of Municipal Investment Trust Fund,
            Multistate Series--48, 1933 Act File No. 33-50247).
 
     4.1  --Consent of the Evaluator.
 
     5.1  --Consent of independent accountants.
 
     9.1  --Information Supplement (incorporated by reference to Post-Effective
            Amendment No. 4 to Exhibit 9.1 to the Registration Statement of
            Municipal Investment Trust Fund, Insured Series--207, 1933 Act File
         No. 33-54037).
 
                                      R-1
<PAGE>
                             DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--
                        MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
                            PENNSYLVANIA SERIES--12
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT,
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS, MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND, PENNSYLVANIA SERIES--12,
CERTIFIES THAT IT MEETS ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO RULE 485(B) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AMENDMENT TO THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED THEREUNTO DULY
AUTHORIZED IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK AND STATE OF NEW YORK ON THE 14TH DAY OF
APRIL, 1999.
 
                  SIGNATURES APPEAR ON PAGES R-3, R-4 AND R-5.
 
     A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated has signed this Registration Statement or
Amendment to the Registration Statement pursuant to Powers of Attorney
authorizing the person signing this Registration Statement or Amendment to the
Registration Statement to do so on behalf of such members.
 
     A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Prudential
Securities Incorporated has signed this Registration Statement or Amendment to
the Registration Statement pursuant to Powers of Attorney authorizing the person
signing this Registration Statement or Amendment to the Registration Statement
to do so on behalf of such members.
 
     A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Dean Witter Reynolds
Inc. has signed this Registration Statement or Amendment to the Registration
Statement pursuant to Powers of Attorney authorizing the person signing this
Registration Statement or Amendment to the Registration Statement to do so on
behalf of such members.
 
                                      R-2
<PAGE>
               MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
                                   DEPOSITOR
 

By the following persons, who constitute  Powers of Attorney have been filed
  a majority of                             under
  the Board of Directors of Merrill         Form SE and the following 1933 Act
  Lynch, Pierce,                            File
  Fenner & Smith Incorporated:              Number: 333-70593

 
      HERBERT M. ALLISON, JR.
      GEORGE A. SCHIEREN
      JOHN L. STEFFENS
      By J. DAVID MEGLEN
       (As authorized signatory for Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
       Fenner & Smith Incorporated and
       Attorney-in-fact for the persons listed above)
 
                                      R-3
<PAGE>
                       PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
                                   DEPOSITOR
 

By the following persons, who constitute a majority of      Powers of Attorney
  the Board of Directors of Prudential Securities             have been filed
  Incorporated:                                               under Form SE and
                                                              the following 1933
                                                              Act File Numbers:
                                                              33-41631 and
                                                              333-15919

 
      ROBERT C. GOLDEN
      ALAN D. HOGAN
      A. LAURENCE NORTON, JR.
      LELAND B. PATON
      VINCENT T. PICA II
      MARTIN PFINSGRAFF
      HARDWICK SIMMONS
      LEE B. SPENCER, JR.
      BRIAN M. STORMS
 
      By RICHARD R. HOFFMANN
       (As authorized signatory for Prudential Securities
       Incorporated and Attorney-in-fact for the persons
       listed above)
 
                                      R-4
<PAGE>
                           DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
                                   DEPOSITOR
 

By the following persons, who constitute  Powers of Attorney have been filed
  a majority of                             under Form SE and the following 1933
  the Board of Directors of Dean Witter     Act File Numbers: 33-17085 and
  Reynolds Inc.:                            333-13039

 
      RICHARD M. DeMARTINI
      ROBERT J. DWYER
      CHRISTINE A. EDWARDS
      JAMES F. HIGGINS
      MITCHELL M. MERIN
      STEPHEN R. MILLER
      RICHARD F. POWERS III
      PHILIP J. PURCELL
      THOMAS C. SCHNEIDER
      WILLIAM B. SMITH
      By
       MICHAEL D. BROWNE
       (As authorized signatory for
       Dean Witter Reynolds Inc.
       and Attorney-in-fact for the persons listed above)
 
                                      R-5

<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.1
 
                               STANDARD & POOR'S
                    A DIVISION OF THE McGRAW-HILL COMPANIES
                                  J. J. KENNY
                                  65 BROADWAY
                           NEW YORK, N.Y. 10006-2551
                            TELEPHONE (212) 770-4422
                                FAX 212/797-8681
 
                                                   April 14, 1999
 
Frank A. Ciccotto, Jr.
Vice President
Tax-Exempt Evaluations
 

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
Defined Asset Funds
P.O. Box 9051
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9051
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street
New York, New York 10286

 
RE: DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
     PENNSYLVANIA SERIES--12
 
Gentlemen:
 
     We have examined the post-effective Amendment to the Registration Statement
File No. 2-60147 for the above-captioned trust. We hereby acknowledge that Kenny
S&P Evaluation Services, a division of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc. is currently acting
as the evaluator for the trust. We hereby consent to the use in the Amendment of
the reference to Kenny S&P Evaluation Services, a division of J. J. Kenny Co.,
Inc. as evaluator.
 
     In addition, we hereby confirm that the ratings indicated in the
above-referenced Amendment to the Registration Statement for the respective
bonds comprising the trust portfolio are the ratings currently indicated in our
KENNYBASE database.
 
     You are hereby authorized to file copies of this letter with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
 
                                                   Sincerely,
                                                   FRANK A. CICCOTTO
                                                   Vice President


<PAGE>
                                                                     Exhibit 5.1
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Sponsors and Trustee of
Defined Asset Funds--Municipal Investment Trust Fund--Pennsylvania Series--12
 
We consent to the use in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to Registration
Statement No. 2-60147 of our opinion dated April 2, 1999 appearing in the
Prospectus, which is part of such Registration Statement, and to the reference
to us under the heading 'Miscellaneous--Auditors' in such Prospectus.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, N.Y.
April 14, 1999

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<MULTIPLIER>1

       
<S>                                      <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                            YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                                Jan-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                                                     Jan-31-1999

<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                              6,160,429
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                             7,053,430
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        140,539
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                       101,736
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                     7,295,705
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                   0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                    0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                             52,985
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                   52,985
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                            0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                           6,166,520
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                                 10,724
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                                 11,222
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                                            183,199
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                                                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                                                    0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                                                   0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                                             893,001
<NET-ASSETS>                                                       7,242,720
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                                          0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                                    398,836
<OTHER-INCOME>                                                             0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                                       (14,166)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                                              384,670
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                                              33,716
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                                             48,815
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                                467,201
<EQUALIZATION>                                                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                                            384,431
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                                                   0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                                 80,167
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                                                    0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                                              498
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                                        0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                                              (332,813)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                                              190,642
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                  0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                                                    0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                                      0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                         0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                                            0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                                            0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                                                    0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                                       0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                                                  0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                                        0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                                            0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                                                     0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                                       0
        

</TABLE>


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