SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
485B24E, 1996-12-27
Previous: PREMIER PARKS INC, DEF 14C, 1996-12-27
Next: DAILY TAX FREE INCOME FUND INC, N-30D, 1996-12-27



<PAGE>   1
   
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 27, 1996
    
                                                               FILE NO. 2-76990
                                                               FILE NO. 811-3447
================================================================================
                     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           Washington, D.C. 20549
                                  FORM N-1A
                      REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                           SECURITIES ACT OF 1933                            [ ]
   
                       POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 40                       [x]
                                     AND
                      REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                       INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940                        [ ]
                              AMENDMENT NO. 42                               [x]
    

                            SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN CHARTER)

                             c/o CT CORPORATION
                               2 OLIVER STREET
                         BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02109
             (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)

      REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE (800) 342-5734

                                DAVID G. LEE
                             C/O SEI CORPORATION
                           680 E. SWEDESFORD ROAD
                          WAYNE, PENNSYLVANIA 19087
                   (NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

                                 COPIES TO:
   
RICHARD W. GRANT, ESQUIRE                          JOHN H. GRADY, JR., ESQUIRE
MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP                        MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP 
2000 ONE LOGAN SQUARE                              1800 M STREET, N.W.  
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19103                   WASHINGTON, D.C.  20036
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
============================================================================================================
                                                                             PROPOSED
                                                          PROPOSED           MAXIMUM
                                                          MAXIMUM           AGGREGATE                       
        TITLE OF SECURITIES           AMOUNT BEING     OFFERING PRICE        OFFERING           AMOUNT OF   
         BEING REGISTERED              REGISTERED         PER UNIT           PRICE(1)       REGISTRATION FEE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                                  <C>                  <C>             <C>                    <C>
 Shares of Beneficial Interest . .    $269,515,134         $1.00           $269,515,134           $100
============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
    

   
(1)      Registrant has calculated the maximum aggregate offering price
         pursuant to Rule 24e-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
         "1940 Act") for fiscal year ended August 31, 1996.  Registrant had
         actual aggregate redemptions of $7,901,103,555.  For its fiscal year
         ended August 31, 1996; has used $7,631,918,421 of available
         redemptions for reductions pursuant to Rule 24f-2(c) under the 1940
         Act and has previously used no available redemptions for reductions
         pursuant to Rule 24e-2(a) of the 1940 Act during the current year.
         Registrant elects to use redemptions in the aggregate amount of
         $269,185,134. For reductions in its current amendment.
    

   
                 IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE FILING WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE (CHECK
                 APPROPRIATE BOX)
    

   
                 [x]      IMMEDIATELY UPON FILING PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (b), OR
                 [ ]      ON [DATE] PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (b), OR
                 [ ]      60 DAYS AFTER FILING PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (a), OR
                 [ ]      ON [DATE] PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (a) OF RULE 485
    

   
         DECLARATION PURSUANT TO RULE 24f-2: PURSUANT TO RULE 24f-2 UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 THE REGISTRANT HAS REGISTERED AN INDEFINITE
NUMBER OR AMOUNT OF ITS SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
OF 1933.  THE RULE 24f-2 NOTICE FOR THE REGISTRANT'S FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST
31, 1996 WAS FILED ON OCTOBER 30, 1996.
    





<PAGE>   2
                              SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST

   
                        POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 40
    

                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

   
PART A -- ALL FUNDS (EXCEPT TAX FREE PORTFOLIO CLASS D SHARES)
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-1A ITEM NO.                                                                LOCATION
- -------------                                                                --------
<S>                                                                      <C>
   Item 1.     Cover page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      Cover Page
   Item 2.     Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      Annual Operating Expenses
   Item 3.     Condensed Financial Information  . . . . . . . . . . . .      Financial Highlights
   Item 4.     General Description of Registrant  . . . . . . . . . . .      The Trust; Investment Objective and Policies; General
                                                                               Investment Policies; Investment Limitations; General
                                                                               Information--The Trust
   Item 5.     Management of the Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       The Manager and Shareholder Servicing Agent; The
                                                                               Adviser; General Information--Trustees of the Trust;
                                                                               General Information--Custodian and Wire Agent
   Item 5A.    Management's Discussion of Fund Performance  . . . . . .      **
   Item 6.     Capital Stock and Other Securities . . . . . . . . . . .      Taxes; General Information--Voting Rights; General
                                                                               Information--Shareholder Inquiries; General
                                                                               Information--Dividends; Taxes
   Item 7.     Purchase of Securities Being Offered . . . . . . . . . .      Purchase and Redemption of Shares
   Item 8.     Redemption or Repurchase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      Purchase and Redemption of Shares
   Item 9.     Pending Legal Proceedings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      *

PART A -- TAX FREE PORTFOLIO CLASS D SHARES
- -------------------------------------------

N-1A ITEM NO.                                                            LOCATION
- -------------                                                            --------
   Item 1.     Cover page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      Cover Page
   Item 2.     Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      Annual Operating Expenses
   Item 3.     Condensed Financial Information  . . . . . . . . . . . .      Financial Highlights
   Item 4.     General Description of Registrant  . . . . . . . . . . .      The Trust; Investment Objective and Policies; General
                                                                               Investment Policies; Risk Factors; Investment
                                                                               Limitations; General Information--The Trust
   Item 5.     Management of the Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      The Manager and Shareholder Servicing Agent; The
                                                                               Adviser; General Information--Trustees of the Trust;
                                                                               General Information--Custodian and Wire Agent
   Item 5A.    Management's Discussion of Fund Performance  . . . . . .      **
   Item 6.     Capital Stock and Other Securities . . . . . . . . . . .      Taxes; General Information--Voting Rights, General
                                                                               Information--Shareholder Inquiries; General
                                                                               Information--Dividends
</TABLE>
    





                                  i
<PAGE>   3
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                          <C>                                               
   Item 7.     Purchase of Securities Being Offered . . . . . . . . . .      Purchase and Redemption of Shares
   Item 8.     Redemption or Repurchase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      Purchase and Redemption of
                                                                               Shares
   Item 9.     Pending Legal Proceedings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      *

<CAPTION>
PART B -- ALL FUNDS
- -------------------

N-1A ITEM NO.                                                            LOCATION
- -------------                                                            --------
   <S>         <C>                                                           <C>
   Item 10.    Cover Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      Cover Page
   Item 11.    Table of Contents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      Table of Contents
   Item 12.    General Information and History  . . . . . . . . . . . .      *
   Item 13.    Investment Objectives and Policies . . . . . . . . . . .      The Trust; Description of Permitted Investments;
                                                                               Investment Limitations
   Item 14.    Management of the Registrant . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      The Manager and Shareholder
                                                                               Servicing Agent; Trustees and Officers of the Trust
   Item 15.    Control Persons and Principal Holders
                of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      Trustees  and Officers of the Trust
   Item 16.    Investment Advisory and Other Services . . . . . . . . .      The Manager and Shareholder Servicing Agent; The
                                                                               Advisers; Experts
   Item 17.    Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices . . . . . . . .      Portfolio Transactions
   Item 18.    Capital Stock and Other Securities . . . . . . . . . . .      Description of Shares
   Item 19.    Purchase, Redemption, and Pricing of Securities
                 Being Offered  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      Determination of Net Asset
                                                                               Value; Purchase and Redemption of Shares
   Item 20.    Tax Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      Taxes
   Item 21.    Underwriters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      Distribution
   Item 22.    Calculation of Performance Data  . . . . . . . . . . . .      Calculation of Yield and Total
                                                                               Return
   Item 23.    Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      Financial Statements
</TABLE>
    

PART C -- Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the
appropriate Item, so numbered, in Part C of this Registration Statement.

   
- ------------------------
*  Not Applicable
** Information required by Item 5A is contained in the 1996 Annual Report to
   Shareholders
    





                                      ii
<PAGE>   4
 
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
   
DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
This Prospectus sets forth concisely information about the above-referenced
Portfolio that an investor needs to know before investing. Please read this
Prospectus carefully, and keep it on file for future reference.
 
   
A Statement of Additional Information dated December 31, 1996 has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available upon request and
without charge by writing the Distributor, SEI Financial Services Company, 680
East Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated into this Prospectus by
reference.
    
 
   
SEI Tax Exempt Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company,
certain classes of which offer financial institutions a convenient means of
investing their own funds, or funds for which they act in a fiduciary, agency or
custodial capacity, in one or more professionally managed diversified and
non-diversified portfolios of securities. A portfolio may offer separate classes
of shares that differ from each other primarily in the allocation of certain
expenses and minimum investment amounts. This Prospectus offers Class A and
Class B shares of the Institutional Tax Free Portfolio (the "Portfolio"), a
money market portfolio.
    
 
AN INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIO IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT, AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE PORTFOLIO WILL BE ABLE TO
MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
 
ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK. THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT
AGENCY. INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
<PAGE>   5
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (as a percentage of average net assets)                  CLASS A              CLASS B
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>
Management/Advisory Fees (after fee waiver) (1)                                          .29%                 .29%
12b-1 Fees                                                                               None                 None
Total Other Expenses                                                                     .04%                 .34%
    Shareholder Servicing Fees (after fee waiver) (2)                          .00%                 .25%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses (after fee waivers) (3)                                         .33%                 .63%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1)  The Manager has waived, on a voluntary basis, a portion of its fee, and the
    Management/Advisory Fees shown reflect this voluntary waiver. The Manager
    reserves the right to terminate its waiver at any time in its sole
    discretion. Absent such fee waiver, Management/Advisory Fees for Class A and
    Class B shares of the Portfolio would be .40%.
    
   
(2)  The Distributor has waived, on a voluntary basis, all or a portion of its
    shareholder servicing fee, and the Shareholder Servicing Fees shown reflect
    this waiver. The Distributor reserves the right to terminate its waiver at
    any time in its sole discretion. Absent such waiver, Shareholder Servicing
    Fees for Class A and Class B shares of the Portfolio would be .25%.
    
   
(3)  Absent these fee waivers, Total Operating Expenses of the Portfolio would
    be .69% for Class A shares and .74% for the Class B shares. Additional
    information may be found under "The Adviser" and "The Manager."
    
 
EXAMPLE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       1 yr.    3 yrs.     5 yrs.     10 yrs.
                                                                                       -----    -------    -------    --------
<S>                                                                                    <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>
An investor in Class A shares of the Portfolio would pay the following expenses on a
  $1,000 investment assuming (1) a 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of
  each time period:
    Class A                                                                             $3        $11        $19        $42
    Class B                                                                             $6        $20        $35        $79
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
    
 
   
The purpose of the expense table and example is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that may be directly or indirectly
borne by investors in the Portfolio's Class A and Class B shares. The Portfolio
also offers Class C shares, which are subject to the same expenses, except that
Class C shares bear different shareholder servicing costs. A person who
purchases shares through an account with a financial institution may be charged
separate fees by that institution. Additional information may be found under
"The Manager," "Distribution and Shareholder Servicing" and "The Adviser."
    
 
                                        2                                      +
<PAGE>   6
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
   
The following financial highlights have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, whose report thereon was unqualified. This
information should be read in conjunction with the Trust's financial statements
and notes thereto which appear, along with the report of Arthur Andersen LLP, in
the Trust's 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders. Additional performance
information is set forth in the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is
available upon request and without charge by calling 1-800-342-5734.
    

   
FOR CLASS A SHARES OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            Net Realized
                              Investment                                                        and
                   Net        Activities                   Distributions                     Unrealized
                  Asset         -----                  ---------------------               Gain (Loss) on         Net
                 Value,          Net            Net           Net                           Investments       Asset Value
                Beginning     Investment     Investment     Realized         Total          and Capital           End        Total
                of Period       Income         Income         Gain       Distributions      Transactions       of Period     Return
<S>             <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>               <C>                <C>            <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------
INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- ----------------------------------
Class A
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31:
1996              $1.00         $0.035        $ (0.035)        --           $(0.035)           --                $1.00        3.52%
1995               1.00          0.036          (0.036)        --            (0.036)           --                 1.00        3.70%
1994               1.00          0.025          (0.025)        --            (0.025)           --                 1.00        2.51%
1993               1.00          0.026          (0.026)        --            (0.026)           --                 1.00        2.59%
1992               1.00          0.036          (0.036)        --            (0.036)           --                 1.00        3.66%
1991               1.00          0.049          (0.049)        --            (0.049)           --                 1.00        5.20%
1990 (1)           1.00          0.033          (0.033)        --            (0.033)           --                 1.00        3.32%+
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31:
1990              $1.00         $0.059        $ (0.059)        --           $(0.059)           --                $1.00        6.11%
1989               1.00          0.048          (0.048)        --            (0.048)           --                 1.00        5.05%
1988               1.00          0.042          (0.042)        --            (0.042)           --                 1.00        4.28%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Ratio of
                                              Ratio of        Ratio of       Investment
                                              Expenses          Net          Income to
                 Net          Ratio of       to Average      Investment       Average
             Assets, End      Expenses       Net Assets      Income to       Net Assets      Portfolio
              of Period      to Average      (Excluding       Average        (Excluding      Turnover
                (000)        Net Assets     Fee Waivers)     Net Assets     Fee Waivers)       Rate
<S>            <C>           <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>              <C>      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------
INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- ----------------------------------
Class A
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31:
1996          $  835,388        0.33%           0.49%           3.46%           3.30%          --
1995             788,877        0.33%           0.52%           3.64%           3.45%          --
1994             835,516        0.33%           0.50%           2.48%           2.31%          --
1993             763,040        0.33%           0.49%           2.55%           2.39%          --
1992             623,689        0.33%           0.51%           3.54%           3.36%          --
1991             448,390        0.33%           0.53%           4.91%           4.71%          --
1990 (1)         226,658     0.33%(#)           0.56%*          5.64%*          5.41%*         --
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31:
1990          $  177,342        0.52%           0.60%           5.90%           5.82%          --
1989              99,774        0.55%           0.57%           4.80%           4.78%          --
1988             223,653        0.55%           0.56%           4.20%           4.19%          --
- -----------
- -----------
*      Annualized
+      Return is for the period indicated and has not been annualized.
(1)    In August 1990, the Trustees changed the fiscal year end of the Trust from January 31 to August 31.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   7
 
   
FOR CLASS B SHARES OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Net Realized
                             Investment                                                   and
                   Net       Activities                   Distributions                Unrealized
                  Asset      ----------    --------------------------------------    Gain (Loss) on         Net
                 Value,         Net           Net          Net                        Investments       Asset Value
                Beginning    Investment    Investment    Realized       Total         and Capital           End         Total
                of Period      Income        Income        Gain      Distributions    Transactions       of Period      Return
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>               <C>               <C>             <C>
- ----------------------------------
INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- ----------------------------------
Class B
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31:
1996            $1.00        $0.032        $(0.032)          --      $(0.032)               --          $1.00           3.21%
1995             1.00         0.033         (0.033)          --       (0.033)               --           1.00           3.39%
1994             1.00         0.022         (0.022)          --       (0.022)               --           1.00           2.21%
1993             1.00         0.023         (0.023)          --       (0.023)               --           1.00           2.29%
1992             1.00         0.033         (0.033)          --       (0.033)               --           1.00           3.35%
1991(2)          1.00         0.038         (0.038)          --       (0.038)               --           1.00           3.89%+
================================================================================================================================= 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Ratio of
                                                                                  Net
                                                Ratio of        Ratio of       Investment
                                                Expenses          Net          Income to
                  Net           Ratio of       to Average      Investment       Average
              Assets, End       Expenses       Net Assets      Income to       Net Assets      Portfolio
               of Period       to Average      (Excluding       Average        (Excluding      Turnover
                 (000)         Net Assets     Fee Waivers)     Net Assets     Fee Waivers)       Rate
<S>            <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>              <C>      
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------
INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- ----------------------------------
Class B
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31:
1996            $14,156           0.63%           0.80%           3.16%            2.99%           --
1995             15,084           0.63%           0.82%           3.32%            3.13%           --
1994             21,725           0.63%           0.81%           2.31%            2.13%           --
1993              3,040           0.63%           0.79%           2.22%            2.06%           --
1992                686           0.63%           0.81%           3.22%            3.04%           --
1991(2)           1,515           0.63%*          0.84%*          4.34%*           4.13%*          --
================================================================================================================================= 
*      Annualized
+      Return is for the period indicated and has not been annualized.
(1)    The Institutional Tax-Free Portfolio-Class B commenced operations on October 15, 1990.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>   8
 
THE TRUST
 
   
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company
that offers units of beneficial interest ("shares") in separate diversified and
non-diversified investment portfolios. This Prospectus offers Class A and Class
B shares of the Trust's Institutional Tax Free Portfolio (the "Portfolio"). As
of September 30, 1996, the aggregate net assets of all classes of the
Institutional Tax Free Portfolio was $836,115,973. Investors may also purchase
Class C shares of the Portfolio. Each class provides for variation in
shareholder servicing expenses, voting rights and dividends. Additional
information pertaining to the Trust may be obtained by writing to SEI Financial
Services Company, 680 East Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087-1658, or
by calling 1-800-342-5734.
    
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND
POLICIES
 
   
                      The Portfolio's investment objective is to preserve
                      principal value and maintain a high degree of liquidity
                      while providing current income exempt from federal income
                      taxes. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will
                      meet its investment objective.
    
   
                             The Portfolio invests in U.S. dollar denominated
                      municipal securities of issuers located in all fifty
                      states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and other
                      U.S. territories and possessions (collectively, "Municipal
                      Securities"). It is a fundamental policy of the Portfolio
                      to invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities the
                      interest on which is exempt from federal income taxes,
                      based on opinions from bond counsel for the issuers, and
                      the Portfolio will invest, under normal conditions, at
                      least 80% of its net assets in securities the interest on
                      which is not a preference item for purposes of the federal
                      alternative minimum tax.
    
   
                             The Portfolio may purchase municipal bonds,
                      municipal notes and tax-exempt commercial paper, but only
                      if such securities, at the time of purchase, either meet
                      rating requirements imposed by Rule 2a-7 or, if not rated,
                      are determined to be of comparable quality by Weiss, Peck
                      & Greer, L.L.C., the Portfolio's investment adviser (the
                      "Adviser or "WPG"). See "General Investment Policies."
    
                             The Adviser will not invest more than 25% of
                      Portfolio assets in municipal securities (a) whose issuers
                      are located in the same state or (b) the interest on which
                      is derived from revenues of similar type projects. This
                      restriction does not apply to municipal securities in any
                      of the following categories: public housing authorities;
                      general obligations of states and localities; state and
                      local housing finance authorities or municipal utilities
                      systems.
                             There could be economic, business, or political
                      developments which might affect all municipal securities
                      of a similar type. To the extent that a significant
                      portion of the Portfolio's assets are invested in
                      municipal securities payable from revenues on similar
                      projects, the Portfolio will be subject to the peculiar
                      risks presented by such projects to a greater extent than
                      it would be if the Portfolio's
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   9
 
   
assets were not so invested. Moreover, in seeking to attain its investment
objective, the Portfolio may invest all or any part of its assets in municipal
securities that are industrial development bonds.
    
 
GENERAL
INVESTMENT
POLICIES
 
                      In purchasing obligations, the Portfolio complies with the
                      requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act
                      of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), as that Rule may be amended from
                      time to time. These requirements currently provide that
                      the Portfolio must limit its investments to securities
                      with remaining maturities of 397 days or less, and must
                      maintain a dollar-weighted average maturity of 90 days or
                      less. In addition, the Portfolio may only invest in
                      securities (other than U.S. Government Securities) rated
                      in one of the two highest categories for short-term
                      securities by at least two nationally recognized
                      statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs") (or by one
                      NRSRO if only one NRSRO has rated the security), or, if
                      unrated, determined by the Adviser (in accordance with
                      procedures adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees) to be
                      of equivalent quality to rated securities in which the
                      Portfolio may invest.
   
                             Securities rated in the highest rating category
                      (e.g., A-1 by S&P) by at least two NRSROs (or, if unrated,
                      determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality) are
                      "first tier" securities. Non-first tier securities rated
                      in the second highest rating category (e.g., A-2 by S&P)
                      by at least one NRSRO (or, if unrated, determined by the
                      Adviser to be of comparable quality) are considered to be
                      "second tier" securities.
    
                             Although the Portfolio is governed by Rule 2a-7,
                      its investment policies are more restrictive than those
                      imposed by that Rule.
   
                             The Portfolio may purchase securities on a
                      "when-issued" basis, variable and floating rate
                      obligations and reserves the right to engage in
                      transactions involving standby commitments. The Portfolio
                      may invest up to 20% of its net assets in taxable money
                      market instruments (including repurchase agreements) and
                      securities the interest on which is a preference item for
                      purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax. However,
                      the Portfolio generally intends to be fully invested in
                      federally tax-exempt securities. The Portfolio will not
                      invest more than 10% of its total assets in securities
                      which are considered to be illiquid.
    
                             Taxable money market instruments in which the
                      Portfolio may invest consist of U.S. Treasury obligations;
                      obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or
                      by its agencies or instrumentalities, whether or not
                      backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
                      Government; obligations of U.S. commercial banks or
                      savings and loan institutions (not including foreign
                      branches of U.S. banks or
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   10
 
   
                      U.S. branches of foreign banks) that are members of the
                      Federal Reserve System or the Federal Deposit Insurance
                      Corporation and that have total assets of $1 billion or
                      more as shown on their last published financial statements
                      at the time of investment; and repurchase agreements
                      involving any of the foregoing obligations.
    

   
                             For a description of the permitted investments and
                      ratings, see the "Description of Permitted Investments and
                      Risk Factors" and the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
INVESTMENT
LIMITATIONS
 
                      The investment objective and investment limitations are
                      fundamental policies of the Portfolio. Fundamental
                      policies cannot be changed with respect to the Trust or
                      the Portfolio without the consent of the holders of a
                      majority of the Trust's or the Portfolio's outstanding
                      shares. It is a fundamental policy of the Portfolio to use
                      its best efforts to maintain a constant net asset value of
                      $1.00 per share.
 
                      The Portfolio may not:
   
                      1. Purchase securities of any issuer (except securities
                         issued or guaranteed by the United States Government,
                         its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result,
                         more than 5% of the total assets of the Portfolio
                         (based on current market value at the time of
                         investment) would be invested in the securities of such
                         issuer; provided, however, that the Portfolio may
                         invest up to 25% of its total assets without regard to
                         this restriction of, and as permitted by, Rule 2a-7.
    
                      2. Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25%
                         of the total assets of the Portfolio, based on current
                         value at the time of such purchase, to be invested in
                         the securities of one or more issuers conducting their
                         principal business activities in the same industry,
                         provided that this limitation does not apply to
                         investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the
                         U.S. Government or its agencies and instrumentalities.
   
                      3. Borrow money except for temporary or emergency
                         purposes, and then only in an amount not exceeding 10%
                         of the value of the total assets of the Portfolio. All
                         borrowings will be repaid before making additional
                         investments and any interest paid on such borrowings
                         will reduce the income of the Portfolio.
    
   
                      The foregoing percentage limitations will apply at the
                      time of the purchase of a security. Additional fundamental
                      investment limitations are set forth in the Statement of
                      Additional Information.
    
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   11
 
   
THE MANAGER
    
 
   
                      SEI Fund Management (the "Manager" and the "Transfer
                      Agent") provides the Trust with overall management
                      services, regulatory reporting, all necessary office
                      space, equipment, personnel and facilities, and serves as
                      institutional transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent,
                      and shareholder servicing agent.
    
   
                             For these services, the Manager is entitled to a
                      fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an
                      annual rate of .36% of the average daily net assets of the
                      Portfolio. The Manager has voluntarily agreed to waive a
                      portion of its fee in order to limit the total operating
                      expenses to not more than .33% of the average daily net
                      assets of the Class A shares of the Portfolio and not more
                      than .63% of the average daily net assets of the Class B
                      shares of the Portfolio, on an annualized basis. The
                      Manager reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to
                      terminate this voluntary fee waiver at any time. For the
                      fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the Portfolio paid
                      management fees, after waivers, of .25% of its average
                      daily net assets.
    
 
THE ADVISER
 
   
                      Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C. serves as the Portfolio's
                      investment adviser under an investment advisory agreement
                      with the Trust (the "Advisory Agreement"). Under the
                      Advisory Agreement, the Adviser invests the assets of the
                      Portfolio, and continuously reviews, supervises and
                      administers the Portfolio's investment program. The
                      Adviser is independent of the Manager and discharges its
                      responsibilities subject to the supervision of, and
                      policies set by, the Trustees of the Trust.
    
   
                             The Adviser is a limited liability company founded
                      as a limited partnership in 1970, and engages in
                      investment management, venture capital management and
                      management buyouts. WPG has been active since its founding
                      in managing portfolios of tax exempt securities. As of
                      September 30, 1996, total assets under management were
                      approximately $13 billion. The principal business address
                      of the Adviser is One New York Plaza, New York, New York
                      10004.
    
   
                             For its services, the Adviser is entitled to a fee,
                      which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual
                      rate of .05% of the combined average daily net assets of
                      the money market portfolios of the Trust that are advised
                      by the Adviser up to $500 million, .04% of such assets
                      from $500 million to $1 billion and .03% of such assets in
                      excess of $1 billion. Such fees are allocated daily among
                      these portfolios based on their relative net assets. For
                      the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996 the Portfolio paid
                      advisory fees, after waivers, of .04% of its relative net
                      assets.
    
 
                                       8
<PAGE>   12
 
DISTRIBUTION
   
AND SHAREHOLDER
SERVICING
    
 
   
                      SEI Financial Services Company (the "Distributor"), a
                      wholly owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company
                      ("SEI"), serves as the Portfolio's distributor pursuant to
                      a distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement")
                      with the Trust.
    
   
                             The Portfolio has adopted plans under which firms,
                      including the Distributor, that provide shareholder and
                      administrative services may receive compensation therefor.
                      The Class A, B and C plans differ in a number of ways,
                      including the amounts that may be paid. Under each plan,
                      the Distributor may provide those services itself or may
                      enter into arrangements under which third parties provide
                      such services and are compensated by the Distributor.
                      Under such arrangements the Distributor may retain as a
                      profit any difference between the fee it receives and the
                      amount it pays such third party. In addition, the
                      Portfolio may enter into such arrangements directly.
    
   
                             Under the Class A plan, the Portfolio will pay the
                      Distributor a fee at an annual rate of up to .25% of the
                      average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to
                      Class A shares, in return for provision of a broad range
                      of shareholder and administrative services. Administrative
                      services include sub-accounting, providing information on
                      share positions to clients, forwarding shareholder
                      communications to clients, processing purchase, exchange
                      and redemption orders, and processing divided payments.
    
   
                             Under the Class B shareholder service plan, the
                      Portfolio will pay shareholder service fees to the
                      Distributor at an annual rate of up to .25% of average
                      daily net assets in return for the Distributor's (or its
                      agent's) efforts in maintaining client accounts; arranging
                      for bank wires; responding to client inquiries concerning
                      services provided or investment; and assisting clients in
                      changing dividend options, account designations and
                      addresses. In addition, under its administrative services
                      plan, Class B shares will pay administrative services fees
                      at specified percentages of the average daily net assets
                      of the shares of the Class (up to .05%). Administrative
                      services include sub-accounting; providing information on
                      share positions to clients; forwarding shareholder
                      communications to clients; processing purchase, exchange
                      and redemption orders and processing dividend payments.
    
   
                             It is possible that an institution may offer
                      different classes of shares to its customers and differing
                      services to the Classes of the Portfolio and thus receive
                      compensation with respect to different classes. These
                      financial institutions may also charge separate fees to
                      their customers. Certain financial institutions offering
                      shares to their customers may be required to register as
                      dealers pursuant to state laws.
    
   
                             The Trust may execute brokerage or other agency
                      transactions through the Distributor for which the
                      Distributor may receive compensation.
    
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   13
 
   
                             The Distributor may, from time to time in its sole
                      discretion, institute one or more promotional incentive
                      programs, which will be paid by the Distributor from its
                      own resources. Under any such program, the Distributor
                      will provide promotional incentives, in the form of cash
                      or other compensation, including merchandise, airline
                      vouchers, trips and vacation packages, to all dealers
                      selling shares of the Portfolios. Such promotional
                      incentives will be offered uniformly to all dealers and
                      predicated upon the amount of shares of the Portfolio sold
                      by the dealer.
    
 
PURCHASE AND
REDEMPTION OF
SHARES
 
                      Financial institutions may acquire shares of the Portfolio
                      for their own account, or as a record owner on behalf of
                      fiduciary, agency or custody accounts, by placing orders
                      with the Transfer Agent. Institutions that use certain SEI
                      proprietary systems may place orders electronically
                      through those systems. State securities laws may require
                      banks and financial institutions purchasing shares for
                      their customers to register as dealers pursuant to state
                      laws. Financial institutions which purchase shares for the
                      accounts of their customers may impose separate charges on
                      these customers for account services. Financial
                      institutions may impose an earlier cut-off time for
                      receipt of purchase orders directed through them to allow
                      for processing and transmittal of these orders to the
                      Transfer Agent for effectiveness on the same day. Shares
                      of the Portfolio are offered only to residents of states
                      in which the shares are eligible for purchase.
                             Shares of the Portfolio may be purchased or
                      redeemed on days on which the New York Stock Exchange is
                      open for business ("Business Days"). However, money market
                      fund shares cannot be purchased by Federal Reserve wire on
                      federal holidays restricting wire transfers.
   
                             Shareholders who desire to purchase shares for cash
                      must place their orders with the Transfer Agent (or its
                      authorized agent) prior to 2:00 p.m., Eastern time on any
                      Business Day for the order to be accepted on that Business
                      Day. Cash investments must be transmitted or delivered in
                      federal funds to the wire agent by the close of business
                      on the same day the order is placed.
    
                             The Trust reserves the right to reject a purchase
                      order when the Transfer Agent determines that it is not in
                      the best interest of the Trust or shareholders to accept
                      such purchase order.
                             The Trust will send shareholders a statement of
                      shares owned after each transaction. The purchase price of
                      shares is the net asset value next determined after a
                      purchase order is received and accepted by the Trust,
                      which is expected to remain constant at $1.00. The net
                      asset value per share of the Portfolio is determined by
                      dividing the total value of its investments and other
                      assets, less any
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   14
 
   
                      liabilities, by the total number of outstanding shares of
                      the Portfolio. The Portfolio's investments will be valued
                      by the amortized cost method described in the Statement of
                      Additional Information. Net asset value per share is
                      determined daily as of 2:00 p.m., Eastern time on each
                      Business Day.
    

   
                             Shareholders who desire to redeem shares of the
                      Portfolio must place their redemption orders with the
                      Transfer Agent (or its authorized agent) prior to 12:30
                      p.m., Eastern time on any Business Day. Otherwise, the
                      redemption order will be effective on the next Business
                      Day. The redemption price is the net asset value per share
                      of the Portfolio next determined after receipt by the
                      Transfer Agent, and effectiveness, of the redemption
                      order. For redemption orders received before 12:30 p.m.,
                      Eastern time on any Business Day, payment will be made the
                      same day by transfer of federal funds. Otherwise, the
                      redemption will be effective on the next Business Day.
    
                             If a shareholder's aggregate balance is less than
                      $45 million as a result of redemption or transfer, for a
                      period of seven consecutive days, the Trust reserves the
                      right to redeem that shareholder's shares in the Portfolio
                      for their current net asset value. Before the Trust
                      redeems such shares, the shareholder will be given notice
                      that the value of its shares is less than the minimum
                      amount and will be allowed sixty days to make an
                      additional investment in an amount that will increase the
                      value of the account to at least $50 million.
                             Purchase and redemption orders may be placed by
                      telephone. Neither the Trust nor its Transfer Agent will
                      be responsible for any loss, liability, cost or expense
                      for acting upon wire instructions or upon telephone
                      instructions that it reasonably believes to be genuine.
                      The Trust and its Transfer Agent will each employ
                      reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
                      communicated by telephone are genuine, including requiring
                      a form of personal identification prior to acting upon
                      instructions received by telephone and recording telephone
                      instructions.
                             If market conditions are extraordinarily active, or
                      other extraordinary circumstances exist, shareholders may
                      experience difficulties placing redemption orders by
                      telephone, and may wish to consider placing orders by
                      other means.
 
PERFORMANCE
 
   
                      From time to time the Portfolio advertises its "current
                      yield," "tax equivalent yield" and "effective yield."
                      These figures are based on historical earnings and are not
                      intended to indicate future performance. The "current
                      yield" of the Portfolio refers to the income generated by
                      an investment over a seven-day period which is then
                      "annualized." That is, the amount of income generated by
                      the investment during the week is assumed to be generated
                      each week over a 52-week period and is shown as a
                      percentage of the investment. The "effective yield" (also
                      called "effective compound yield") is calculated similarly
                      but, when annualized, the income earned by
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   15
 
                      an investment is assumed to be reinvested. The "effective
                      yield" will be slightly higher than the "current yield"
                      because of the compounding effect of this assumed
                      reinvestment. The "tax equivalent yield" is calculated by
                      determining the rate of return that would have been
                      achieved on a fully taxable investment to produce the
                      after-tax equivalent of the Portfolio's yield, assuming
                      certain tax brackets for a shareholder.

                             The Portfolio may periodically compare its
                      performance to that of: (i) other mutual funds tracked by
                      mutual fund rating services (such as Lipper Analytical),
                      financial and business publications and periodicals; (ii)
                      broad groups of comparable mutual funds; (iii) unmanaged
                      indices which may assume investment of dividends but
                      generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
                      management costs; or (iv) other investment alternatives.
                      The Portfolio may also quote financial and business
                      publications and periodicals as they relate to fund
                      management, investment philosophy and investment
                      techniques.
   
                             The performance of Class A shares will normally be
                      higher than that of Class B and Class C shares because of
                      the additional administrative services expenses charged to
                      Class B and Class C shares.
    
 
TAXES
 
                      The following summary of federal income tax consequences
                      is based on current tax laws and regulations, which may be
                      changed by legislative, judicial or administrative action.
                      No attempt has been made to present a detailed explanation
                      of the federal income tax treatment of the Portfolio or
                      its shareholders, and state and local tax consequences of
                      an investment in the Portfolio may differ from the federal
                      income tax consequences described below. Accordingly,
                      shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers
                      regarding specific questions as to federal, state and
                      local income taxes. Additional information concerning
                      taxes is set forth in the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
 
   
Tax Status
of the Portfolio      The Portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal
                      income tax purposes and is not combined with the Trust's
                      other portfolios. The Portfolio intends to continue to
                      qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated
                      investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal
                      Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), so as to be
                      relieved of federal income tax on net investment company
                      taxable income and net capital gain (the excess of net
                      long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss)
                      distributed to shareholders.
    
 
Tax Status
of Distributions      The Portfolio intends to distribute substantially all of
                      its net investment income (including net short-term
                      capital gain) to shareholders. If, at the close of each
                      quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of
                      the Portfolio's total assets consists of obligations the
                      interest on which is excludable from gross income, the
                      Portfolio may pay "exempt-interest dividends" to its
                      shareholders. Exempt-interest
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   16
 
                      dividends are excludable from a shareholder's gross income
                      for federal income tax purposes but may have certain
                      collateral federal tax consequences including alternative
                      minimum tax consequences. In addition, the receipt of
                      exempt-interest dividends may cause persons receiving
                      Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits to be
                      taxable on a portion of such benefits. See the Statement
                      of Additional Information.

   
                             Any dividends paid out of income realized by the
                      Portfolio on taxable securities will be taxable to
                      shareholders as ordinary income (whether received in cash
                      or in additional shares) to the extent of the Portfolio's
                      earnings and profits and will not qualify for the
                      dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.
                      Distributions to shareholders of net capital gains of the
                      Portfolio also will not qualify for the dividends received
                      deduction and will be taxable to shareholders as long-term
                      capital gain, whether received in cash or additional
                      shares, and regardless of how long a shareholder has held
                      the shares.
    
                             Dividends declared by the Portfolio in October,
                      November or December of any year and payable to
                      shareholders of record on a date in any such month will be
                      deemed to have been paid by the Portfolio and received by
                      the shareholders on December 31 of that year if paid by
                      the Portfolio at any time during the following January.
                      The Portfolio intends to make sufficient distributions
                      prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability
                      for federal excise tax applicable to regulated investment
                      companies.
                             Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
                      shareholder in order to purchase or carry shares of the
                      Portfolio is not deductible for federal income tax
                      purposes. Furthermore, the Portfolio may not be an
                      appropriate investment for persons (including corporations
                      and other business entities) who are "substantial users"
                      (or persons related to "substantial users") of facilities
                      financed by industrial development bonds or private
                      activity bonds. Such persons should consult their tax
                      advisers before purchasing shares.
                             The Portfolio will report annually to its
                      shareholders the portion of dividends that is taxable and
                      the portion that is tax-exempt based on income received by
                      the Portfolio during the year to which the dividends
                      relate.
   
                             Each sale, exchange, or redemption of the
                      Portfolio's shares is a taxable transaction to the
                      shareholder.
    
 
GENERAL INFORMATION
 
The Trust             The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
                      under a Declaration of Trust dated March 15, 1982. The
                      Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate
                      portfolios of shares and different classes of each
                      portfolio. In addition to the Portfolio, the Trust
                      consists of the following portfolios: Tax Free Portfolio,
                      California Tax Exempt Portfolio, Intermediate-Term
                      Municipal Portfolio, Pennsylvania
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   17
 
   
                      Municipal Portfolio, Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio, New
                      York Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio, and
                      Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolio. All consideration
                      received by the Trust for shares of any portfolio and all
                      assets of such portfolio belong to that portfolio and
                      would be subject to liabilities related thereto.
    

                             The Trust pay its expenses, including fees of its
                      service providers, audit and legal expenses, expenses of
                      preparing prospectuses, proxy solicitation materials and
                      reports to shareholders, costs of custodial services and
                      registering the shares under federal and state securities
                      laws, pricing, insurance expenses, litigation and other
                      extraordinary expenses, brokerage costs, interest charges,
                      taxes and organization expenses.
 
Trustees of the Trust The management and affairs of the Trust are supervised by
                      the Trustees under the laws of the Commonwealth of
                      Massachusetts. The Trustees have approved contracts under
                      which, as described above, certain companies provide
                      essential services to the Trust.
 
   
Voting Rights         Each share held entitles the shareholder of record to one
                      vote. The shareholders of each portfolio or class will
                      vote separately on matters relating solely to that
                      Portfolio or class, such as any distribution plan. As a
                      Massachusetts business trust, the Trust is not required to
                      hold annual meetings of shareholders, but approval will be
                      sought for certain changes in the operation of the Trust
                      and for the election of Trustees under certain
                      circumstances. In addition, a Trustee may be removed by
                      the remaining Trustees or by shareholders at a special
                      meeting called upon written request of shareholders owning
                      at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In
                      the event that such a meeting is requested the Trust will
                      provide appropriate assistance and information to the
                      shareholders requesting the meeting.
    
 
Reporting             The Trust issues unaudited financial statements
                      semi-annually and audited financial statements annually.
                      The Trust furnishes proxy statements and other reports to
                      shareholders of record.
 
   
Shareholder Inquiries Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Manager.
                      SEI Fund Management, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne,
                      Pennsylvania, 19087.
    
 
Dividends             The net investment income (exclusive of capital gains) of
                      the Portfolio is determined and declared on each Business
                      Day as a dividend for shareholders of record as of the
                      close of business on that day. Dividends are paid by the
                      Portfolio in federal funds or in additional shares at the
                      discretion of the shareholder on the first Business Day of
                      each month. Currently, capital gains, if any, are
                      distributed at the end of the calendar year.
                             Shareholders automatically receive all income
                      dividends and capital gain distributions in additional
                      shares, unless the shareholder has elected to take such
                      payment in cash. Shareholders may change their election by
                      providing written notice to the Manager at least 15 days
                      prior to the distribution.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   18
 
   
                             The dividends on Class A shares of the Portfolio
                      are normally higher than those on Class B and Class C
                      shares because of the additional administrative services
                      expenses charged to Class B and Class C shares.
    
 
Counsel and Independent
Public Accountants    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the
                      Trust. Arthur Andersen LLP serves as the independent
                      public accountants of the Trust.
 
   
Custodian
and Wire Agent        CoreStates Bank, N.A., Broad and Chestnut Streets, P.O.
                      Box 7618, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101, serves as
                      Custodian of the Trust's assets and acts as wire agent of
                      the Trust. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other
                      assets of the Trust as required by the 1940 Act.
    
 
DESCRIPTION
OF PERMITTED
INVESTMENTS
AND RISK FACTORS
 
                      The following is a description of certain of the permitted
                      investments for the Portfolio, and the associated risk
                      factors:
 
   
Money Market Securities
                      Money market securities are high-quality,
                      dollar-denominated, short-term debt instruments. They
                      consist of: (i) bankers' acceptances, certificates of
                      deposits, notes and time deposits of highly-rated U.S.
                      banks; (ii) U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations
                      issued by the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S.
                      Government; and (iii) repurchase agreements involving any
                      of the foregoing obligations entered into with
                      highly-rated banks and broker-dealers.
    
 
   
Municipal Securities  Municipal Securities consist of (i) debt obligations
                      issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain
                      funds to be used for various public facilities, for
                      refunding outstanding obligations, for general operating
                      expenses and for lending such funds to other public
                      institutions and facilities, and (ii) certain private
                      activity and industrial development bonds issued by or on
                      behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide
                      for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of
                      privately operated facilities.
    
                             General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing
                      power of the issuing municipality. Revenue bonds are
                      backed by the revenues of a project or facility, tolls
                      from a toll bridge, for example. Certificates of
                      participation represent an interest in an underlying
                      obligation or commitment such as an obligation issued in
                      connection with a leasing arrangement. The payment of
                      principal and interest on private activity and industrial
                      development bonds generally is dependent solely on the
                      ability of the facility's user to meet its financial
                      obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal
                      property so financed as security for such payment.
                             Municipal notes include general obligation notes,
                      tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond
                      anticipation notes, certificates of indebtedness,
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   19
 
                      demand notes and construction loan notes and participation
                      interests in municipal notes. Municipal bonds include
                      general obligation bonds, revenue or special obligation
                      bonds, private activity and industrial development bonds
                      and participation interests in municipal bonds.
 
   
Repurchase Agreements Repurchase agreements are arrangements by which a
                      Portfolio obtains a security and simultaneously commits to
                      return the security to the seller at an agreed upon price
                      (including principal and interest) on an agreed upon date
                      within a number of days from the date of purchase.
                      Repurchase agreements are considered loans under the 1940
                      Act.
    
 
   
Standby Commitments
and Puts              Securities subject to standby commitments or puts permit
                      the holder thereof to sell the securities at a fixed price
                      prior to maturity. Securities subject to a standby
                      commitment or put may be sold at any time at the current
                      market price. However, unless the standby commitment or
                      put was an integral part of the security as originally
                      issued, it may not be marketable or assignable; therefore,
                      the standby commitment or put would only have value to the
                      Portfolio owning the security to which it relates. In
                      certain cases, a premium may be paid for a standby
                      commitment or put, which premium will have the effect of
                      reducing the yield otherwise payable on the underlying
                      security. The Portfolio will limit standby commitment or
                      put transactions to institutions believed to present
                      minimal credit risk.
    
 
   
U.S. Government
Obligations           Obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury or issued or
                      guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. Government, including,
                      among others, the Federal Farm Credit Bank, the Federal
                      Housing Administration and the Small Business
                      Administration, and obligations issued or guaranteed by
                      instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, including, among
                      others, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the
                      Federal Land Banks and the U.S. Post Service. Some of
                      these securities are supported by the full faith and
                      credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., Government National
                      Mortgage Association securities), others are supported by
                      the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury (e.g.,
                      Federal Farm Credit Bank securities), while still others
                      are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality
                      (e.g., Federal National Mortgage Association securities).
                      Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities
                      of the U.S. Government may be a guarantee of payment at
                      the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a
                      default prior to maturity there might not be a market and
                      thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to
                      maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal
                      and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these
                      securities not to the value of the Fund's shares.
    
 
Variable and Floating
Rate
Instruments           Certain of the obligations purchased by the Portfolio may
                      carry variable or floating rates of interest and may
                      involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature.
                      Such obligations may include variable amount master demand
                      notes. Such instruments bear interest at rates which are
                      not fixed, but which vary with changes
 
                                       16                                      +
<PAGE>   20
 
                      in specified market rates or indices. The interest rates
                      on these securities may be reset daily, weekly, quarterly
                      or at some other interval, and may have a floor or ceiling
                      on interest rate changes. There is a risk that the current
                      interest rate on such obligations may not accurately
                      reflect existing market interest rates. A demand
                      instrument with a demand notice period exceeding seven
                      days may be considered illiquid if there is no secondary
                      market for such security.
 
   
When-Issued and Delayed
Delivery Securities   When-issued or delayed delivery transactions involve the
                      purchase of an instrument with payment and delivery taking
                      place in the future. Delivery of and payment for these
                      securities may occur a month or more after the date of the
                      purchase commitment. The Portfolio will maintain with the
                      custodian a separate account with liquid, high grade debt
                      securities or cash in an amount at least equal to these
                      commitments. The interest rate realized on these
                      securities is fixed as of the purchase date, and no
                      interest accrues to the Portfolio before settlement.
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   21
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
Annual Operating Expenses...................       2
Financial Highlights........................       3
The Trust...................................       5
Investment Objective and Policies...........       5
General Investment Policies.................       6
Investment Limitations......................       7
The Manager.................................       8
The Adviser.................................       8
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing......       9
Purchase and Redemption of Shares...........      10
Performance.................................      11
Taxes.......................................      12
General Information.........................      13
Description of Permitted Investments and
  Risk Factors..............................      15
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   22
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   23
 
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
   
DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
This Prospectus sets forth concisely information about the above-referenced
Portfolio that an investor needs to know before investing. Please read this
Prospectus carefully, and keep it on file for future reference.
 
   
A Statement of Additional Information dated December 31, 1996, has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available upon request and
without charge by writing the Distributor, SEI Financial Services Company, 680
East Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated into this Prospectus by
reference.
    
 
   
SEI Tax Exempt Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company,
certain classes of which offer financial institutions a convenient means of
investing their own funds, or funds for which they act in a fiduciary, agency or
custodial capacity, in one or more professionally managed diversified and
non-diversified portfolios of securities. A portfolio may offer separate classes
of shares that differ from each other primarily in the allocation of certain
expenses and minimum investment amounts. This Prospectus offers Class C shares
of the Institutional Tax Free Portfolio (the "Portfolio"), a money market
portfolio.
    
 
AN INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIO IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT, AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE PORTFOLIO WILL BE ABLE TO
MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK. THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT
AGENCY. INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
<PAGE>   24
 
   
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (as a percentage of average net assets)        CLASS C
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                   <C>        <C>
Management/Advisory Fees (after fee waiver) (1)                                                                  .29%
12b-1 Fees                                                                                                      None
Total Other Expenses                                                                                             .54%
    Shareholder Servicing Fees                                                                        .25%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses (after fee waivers) (2)                                                                 .83%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1)  The Manager has waived, on a voluntary basis, a portion of its fee, and the
    Management/Advisory Fees shown reflect this voluntary waiver. The Manager
    reserves the right to terminate its waiver at any time in its sole
    discretion. Absent such fee waiver, Management/Advisory Fees for the
    Portfolio would be .40%.
    
   
(2)  Absent this fee waiver, Total Operating Expenses of the Portfolio would be
    .94%. Additional information may be found under "The Adviser" and "The
    Manager."
    
 
EXAMPLE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1 YR.    3 YRS.     5 YRS.      10 YRS.
                                                                              -----    ------     ------      -------
<S>                                                                           <C>      <C>        <C>         <C>
An investor in Class C shares of the Portfolio would pay the following 
  expenses on a $1,000 investment assuming (1) a 5% annual return and 
  (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
    Class C                                                                    $8        $26        $46         $103
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
    
 
   
The purpose of the expense table and example is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that may be directly or indirectly
borne by investors in the Portfolio Class C shares. The Portfolio also offers
Class A and Class B shares, which are subject to the same expenses, except that
Class A and Class B shares bear different shareholder servicing costs. A person
who purchases shares through an account with a financial institution may be
charged separate fees by that institution. Additional information may be found
under "The Manager," "Distribution and Shareholder Servicing" and "The Adviser."
    
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   25
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
   
The following financial highlights have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, whose report thereon was unqualified. This
information should be read in conjunction with the Trust's financial statements
and notes thereto which appear, along with the report of Arthur Andersen LLP, in
the Trust's 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders. Additional performance
information is set forth in the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is
available upon request and without charge by calling 1-800-342-5734.
    
   
FOR CLASS C SHARES OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Net Realized
                                                                                              and
                Net         Investment                   Distributions                     Unrealized
               Asset        Activities:    -----------------------------------------     Gain (Loss) on         Net
               Value,          Net            Net            Net                          Investments       Asset Value,
             Beginning      Investment     Investment     Realized         Total          and Capital           End          Total
             of Period        Income         Income         Gain       Distributions      Transactions       of Period       Return
<S>          <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>               <C>                <C>              <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------
INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- ----------------------------------
Class C
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
1996 (1)       $ 1.00         $0.029         $(0.029)        --           $(0.029)           --                $ 1.00        2.92%+
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Ratio of
                                        of Expenses      Ratio of       Investment
              Net                       to Average         Net          Income to
            Assets,       Ratio of      Net Assets      Investment       Average
              End         Expenses      (Excluding      Income to       Net Assets      Portfolio
           of Period     to Average         Fee          Average        (Excluding      Turnover
             (000)       Net Assets      Waivers)       Net Assets     Fee Waivers)       Rate
<S>          <C>         <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>              <C> 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------
INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- ----------------------------------
Class C
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
1996 (1)    $ 19,208      0.83%*          0.96%*         2.89%*          2.76%*           --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*      Annualized
+      Return is for the period indicated and has not been annualized.
(1)    The Institutional Tax Free Portfolio - Class C commenced operations on September 11, 1995.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   26
 
THE TRUST
 
   
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company
that offers units of beneficial interest ("shares") in separate diversified and
non-diversified investment portfolios. This Prospectus offers Class C shares of
the Trust's Institutional Tax Free Portfolio (the "Portfolio"). As of September
30, 1996, the aggregate net assets of all classes of the Institutional Tax Free
Portfolio was $836,115,973. Investors may also purchase Class A and Class B
shares of the Portfolio. Each class provides for variations in shareholder
servicing expenses, voting rights and dividends. Additional information
pertaining to the Trust may be obtained by writing to SEI Financial Services
Company, 680 East Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087-1658, or by calling
1-800-342-5734.
    
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND
POLICIES
 
   
                      The Portfolio's investment objective is to preserve
                      principal value and maintain a high degree of liquidity
                      while providing current income exempt from federal income
                      taxes. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will
                      meet its investment objective.
    
   
                             The Portfolio invests in U.S. dollar denominated
                      municipal securities of issuers located in all fifty
                      states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and other
                      U.S. territories and possessions (collectively, "Municipal
                      Securities"). It is a fundamental policy of the Portfolio
                      to invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities the
                      interest on which is exempt from federal income taxes,
                      based on opinions from bond counsel for the issuers, and
                      the Portfolio will invest, under normal conditions, at
                      least 80% of its net assets in securities the interest on
                      which is not a preference item for purposes of the federal
                      alternative minimum tax.
    
   
                             The Portfolio may purchase municipal bonds,
                      municipal notes and tax-exempt commercial paper, but only
                      if such securities, at the time of purchase, either meet
                      the rating requirements imposed by Rule 2a-7 or, if not
                      rated, are determined to be of comparable quality by
                      Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C., the Portfolio's investment
                      adviser (the "Adviser" or "WPG"). See "General Investment
                      Policies."
    
                             The Adviser will not invest more than 25% of
                      Portfolio assets in municipal securities (a) whose issuers
                      are located in the same state or (b) the interest on which
                      is derived from revenues of similar type projects. This
                      restriction does not apply to municipal securities in any
                      of the following categories: public housing authorities;
                      general obligations of states and localities; state and
                      local housing finance authorities or municipal utilities
                      systems.
                             There could be economic, business, or political
                      developments which might affect all municipal securities
                      of a similar type. To the extent that a significant
                      portion of the Portfolio's assets are invested in
                      municipal securities payable from revenues on similar
                      projects, the Portfolio will be subject to the peculiar
                      risks
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   27
 
   
                      presented by such projects to a greater extent than it
                      would be if the Portfolio's assets were not so invested.
                      Moreover, in seeking to attain its investment objective,
                      the Portfolio may invest all or any part of its assets in
                      municipal securities that are industrial development
                      bonds.
    
 
GENERAL
INVESTMENT
POLICIES
 
                      In purchasing obligations, the Portfolio complies with the
                      requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act
                      of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), as that Rule may be amended from
                      time to time. These requirements currently provide that
                      the Portfolio must limit its investments to securities
                      with remaining maturities of 397 days or less, and must
                      maintain a dollar-weighted average maturity of 90 days or
                      less. In addition, the Portfolio may only invest in
                      securities (other than U.S. Government Securities) rated
                      in one of the two highest categories for short-term
                      securities by at least two nationally recognized
                      statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs") (or by one
                      NRSRO if only one NRSRO has rated the security), or, if
                      unrated, determined by the Adviser (in accordance with
                      procedures adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees) to be
                      of equivalent quality to rated securities in which the
                      Portfolio may invest.
   
                             Securities rated in the highest rating category
                      (e.g., A-1 by S&P) by at least two NRSROs (or, if unrated,
                      determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality) are
                      "first tier" securities. Non-first tier securities rated
                      in the second highest rating category (e.g., A-2 by S&P)
                      by at least one NRSRO (or, if unrated, determined by the
                      Adviser to be of comparable quality) are considered to be
                      "second tier" securities.
    
                             Although the Portfolio is governed by Rule 2a-7,
                      its investment policies are more restrictive than those
                      imposed by that Rule.
   
                             The Portfolio may purchase securities on a
                      "when-issued" basis, and reserves the right to engage in
                      transactions involving standby commitments. The Portfolio
                      may invest up to 20% of its net assets in taxable money
                      market instruments (including repurchase agreements) and
                      securities the interest on which is a preference item for
                      purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax. However,
                      the Portfolio generally intends to be fully invested in
                      federally tax-exempt securities. The Portfolio will not
                      invest more than 10% of its total assets in securities
                      which are considered to be illiquid.
    
                             Taxable money market instruments in which the
                      Portfolio may invest consist of U.S. Treasury obligations;
                      obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or
                      by its agencies or instrumentalities, whether or not
                      backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
                      Government; obligations of U.S. commercial banks
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   28
 
   
                      or savings and loan institutions (not including foreign
                      branches of U.S. banks or U.S. branches of foreign banks)
                      that are members of the Federal Reserve System or the
                      Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and that have total
                      assets of $1 billion or more as shown on their last
                      published financial statements at the time of investment;
                      and repurchase agreements involving any of the foregoing
                      obligations.
    

   
                             For a description of the permitted investments and
                      ratings, see the "Description of Permitted Investments and
                      Risk Factors" and the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
INVESTMENT
LIMITATIONS
 
                      The investment objective and investment limitations are
                      fundamental policies of the Portfolio. Fundamental
                      policies cannot be changed with respect to the Trust or
                      the Portfolio without the consent of the holders of a
                      majority of the Trust's or the Portfolio's outstanding
                      shares. It is a fundamental policy of the Portfolio to use
                      its best efforts to maintain a constant net asset value of
                      $1.00 per share.
 
                      The Portfolio may not:
                      1. Purchase securities of any issuer (except securities
                         issued or guaranteed by the United States Government,
                         its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result,
                         more than 5% of the total assets of the Portfolio
                         (based on current market value at the time of
                         investment) would be invested in the securities of such
                         issuer; provided, however, that the Portfolio may
                         invest up to 25% of its total assets without regard to
                         this restriction as permitted by Rule 2a-7.
                      2. Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25%
                         of the total assets of the Portfolio, based on current
                         value at the time of such purchase, to be invested in
                         the securities of one or more issuers conducting their
                         principal business activities in the same industry,
                         provided that this limitation does not apply to
                         investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the
                         U.S. Government or its agencies and instrumentalities.
   
                      3. Borrow money except for temporary or emergency
                         purposes, and then only in an amount not exceeding 10%
                         of the value of the total assets of the Portfolio. All
                         borrowings will be repaid before making additional
                         investments and any interest paid on such borrowings
                         will reduce the income of the Portfolio.
    
   
                      The foregoing percentage limitations will apply at the
                      time of the purchase of a security. Additional fundamental
                      investment limitations are set forth in the Statement of
                      Additional Information.
    
 
   
THE MANAGER
    
 
   
                      SEI Fund Management (the "Manager" and the "Transfer
                      Agent") provides the Trust with overall management
                      services, regulatory reporting, all necessary office
                      space,
    
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   29
 
                      equipment, personnel and facilities, and serves as
                      institutional transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent,
                      and shareholder servicing agent.
   
                             For these services, the Manager is entitled to a
                      fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an
                      annual rate of .36% of the average daily net assets of the
                      Portfolio. The Manager has voluntarily agreed to waive a
                      portion of its fee in order to limit the total operating
                      expenses to not more than .83% of the average daily net
                      assets of Class C shares of the Portfolio, on an
                      annualized basis. The Manager reserves the right, in its
                      sole discretion, to terminate this voluntary fee waiver at
                      any time. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the
                      Portfolio paid management fees, after waivers, of .25% of
                      its average daily net assets.
    
 
THE ADVISER
 
   
                      Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C. serves as the Portfolio's
                      investment adviser under an investment advisory agreement
                      with the Trust (the "Advisory Agreement"). Under the
                      Advisory Agreement, the Adviser invests the assets of the
                      Portfolio, and continuously reviews, supervises and
                      administers the Portfolio's investment program. The
                      Adviser is independent of the Manager and discharges its
                      responsibilities subject to the supervision of, and
                      policies set by, the Trustees of the Trust.
    
   
                             The Adviser is a limited liability company founded
                      as a limited partnership in 1970, and engages in
                      investment management, venture capital management and
                      management buyouts. WPG has been active since its founding
                      in managing portfolios of tax exempt securities. As of
                      September 30, 1996, total assets under management were
                      approximately $13 billion. The principal business address
                      of the Adviser is One New York Plaza, New York, New York
                      10004.
    
   
                             For its services, the Adviser is entitled to a fee,
                      which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual
                      rate of .05% of the combined average daily net assets of
                      the money market portfolios of the Trust that are advised
                      by the Adviser up to $500 million, .04% of such assets
                      from $500 million to $1 billion and .03% of such assets in
                      excess of $1 billion. Such fees are allocated daily among
                      these portfolios based on their relative net assets. For
                      the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996 the Portfolio paid
                      advisory fees, after waivers, of .04% of its relative net
                      assets.
    
 
DISTRIBUTION
   
AND SHAREHOLDER
    
   
SERVICING
    
 
   
                      SEI Financial Services Company (the "Distributor"), a
                      wholly owned subsidiary of SEI Investment Company ("SEI")
                      serves as the Portfolio's distributor pursuant to a
                      distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement") with
                      the Trust.
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>   30
 
   
                             The Portfolio has adopted plans under which firms,
                      including the Distributor, that provide shareholder and
                      administrative services may receive compensation therefor.
                      The Class A, B and C plans differ in a number of ways,
                      including the amounts that may be paid. Under each plan,
                      the Distributor may provide those services itself or may
                      enter into arrangements under which third parties provide
                      such services and are compensated by the Distributor.
                      Under such arrangements the Distributor may retain as a
                      profit any difference between the fee it receives and the
                      amount it pays such third party. In addition, the
                      Portfolio may enter into such arrangements directly.
    
   
                             Under the Class C shareholder service plans, the
                      Portfolio will pay shareholder service fees to the
                      Distributor at an annual rate of up to .25% of average
                      daily net assets in return for the Distributor's (or its
                      agent's) efforts in maintaining client accounts; arranging
                      for bank wires; responding to client inquiries concerning
                      services provided or investment; and assisting clients in
                      changing dividend options, account designations and
                      addresses. In addition, under their administrative
                      services plans, Class C shares will pay administrative
                      services fees at specified percentages of the average
                      daily net assets of the shares of the Class (up to .25%).
                      Administrative services include sub-accounting; providing
                      information on share positions to clients; forwarding
                      shareholder communications to clients; processing
                      purchase, exchange and redemption orders and processing
                      divided payments.
    
   
                             It is possible that an institution may offer
                      different classes of shares to its customers and differing
                      services to the Classes of the Portfolio and thus receive
                      compensation with respect to different classes. These
                      financial institutions may also charge separate fees to
                      their customers. Certain financial institutions offering
                      shares to their customers may be required to register as
                      dealers pursuant to state laws.
    
   
                             The Trust may execute brokerage or other agency
                      transactions through the Distributor for which the
                      Distributor may receive compensation.
    
   
                             The Distributor may, from time to time in its sole
                      discretion, institute one or more promotional incentive
                      programs, which will be paid by the Distributor from its
                      own resources. Under any such program, the Distributor
                      will provide promotional incentives, in the form of cash
                      or other compensation, including merchandise, airline
                      vouchers, trips and vacation packages, to all dealers
                      selling shares of the Portfolios. Such promotional
                      incentives will be offered uniformly to all dealers and
                      predicated upon the amount of shares of the Portfolio sold
                      by the dealer.
    
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   31
 
   
PURCHASE AND
    
REDEMPTION OF
SHARES
 
                      Financial institutions may acquire shares of the Portfolio
                      for their own account, or as a record owner on behalf of
                      fiduciary, agency or custody accounts, by placing orders
                      with the Transfer Agent. Institutions that use certain SEI
                      proprietary systems may place orders electronically
                      through those systems. State securities laws may require
                      banks and financial institutions purchasing shares for
                      their customers to register as dealers pursuant to state
                      laws. Financial institutions which purchase shares for the
                      accounts of their customers may impose separate charges on
                      these customers for account services. Financial
                      institutions may impose an earlier cut-off time for
                      receipt of purchase orders directed through them to allow
                      for processing and transmittal of these orders to the
                      Transfer Agent for effectiveness on the same day. Shares
                      of the Portfolio are offered only to residents of states
                      in which the shares are eligible for purchase.
                             Shares of the Portfolio may be purchased or
                      redeemed on days on which the New York Stock Exchange is
                      open for business ("Business Days"). However, money market
                      fund shares cannot be purchased by Federal Reserve wire on
                      federal holidays restricting wire transfers.
   
                             Shareholders who desire to purchase shares for cash
                      must place their orders with the Transfer Agent (or its
                      authorized agent) prior to 2:00 p.m., Eastern time on any
                      Business Day for the order to be accepted on that Business
                      Day. Cash investments must be transmitted or delivered in
                      federal funds to the wire agent by the close of business
                      on the same day the order is placed.
    
                             The Trust reserves the right to reject a purchase
                      order when the Transfer Agent determines that it is not in
                      the best interest of the Trust or shareholders to accept
                      such purchase order.
   
                             The Trust will send shareholders a statement of
                      shares owned after each transaction. The purchase price of
                      shares is the net asset value next determined after a
                      purchase order is received and accepted by the Trust,
                      which is expected to remain constant at $1.00. The net
                      asset value per share of the Portfolio is determined by
                      dividing the total value of its investments and other
                      assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of
                      outstanding shares of the Portfolio. The Portfolio's
                      investments will be valued by the amortized cost method
                      described in the Statement of Additional Information. Net
                      asset value per share is determined daily as of 2:00 p.m.,
                      Eastern time on each Business Day.
    
   
                             Shareholders who desire to redeem shares of the
                      Portfolio must place their redemption orders with the
                      Transfer Agent (or its authorized agent) prior to 12:30
                      p.m., Eastern time on any Business Day. Otherwise, the
                      redemption order will be effective on the next Business
                      Day. The redemption price is the net asset
    
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   32
 
                      value per share of the Portfolio next determined after
                      receipt by the Transfer Agent, and effectiveness, of the
                      redemption order. For redemption orders received before
                      12:30 p.m., Eastern time on any Business Day, payment will
                      be made the same day by transfer of federal funds.
                      Otherwise, the redemption will be effective on the next
                      Business Day.

                             If a shareholder's aggregate balance is less than
                      $45 million as a result of redemption or transfer, for a
                      period of seven consecutive days, the Trust reserves the
                      right to redeem that shareholder's shares in the Portfolio
                      for their current net asset value. Before the Trust
                      redeems such shares, the shareholder will be given notice
                      that the value of its shares is less than the minimum
                      amount and will be allowed sixty days to make an
                      additional investment in an amount that will increase the
                      value of the account to at least $50 million.
                             Purchase and redemption orders may be placed by
                      telephone. Neither the Trust nor its Transfer Agent will
                      be responsible for any loss, liability, cost or expense
                      for acting upon wire instructions or upon telephone
                      instructions that it reasonably believes to be genuine.
                      The Trust and its Transfer Agent will each employ
                      reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
                      communicated by telephone are genuine, including requiring
                      a form of personal identification prior to acting upon
                      instructions received by telephone and recording telephone
                      instructions.
                             If market conditions are extraordinarily active, or
                      other extraordinary circumstances exist, shareholders may
                      experience difficulties placing redemption orders by
                      telephone, and may wish to consider placing orders by
                      other means.
 
PERFORMANCE
 
   
                      From time to time the Portfolio advertises its "current
                      yield," "tax equivalent yield" and "effective yield."
                      These figures are based on historical earnings and are not
                      intended to indicate future performance. The "current
                      yield" of the Portfolio refers to the income generated by
                      an investment over a seven-day period which is then
                      "annualized." That is, the amount of income generated by
                      the investment during the week is assumed to be generated
                      each week over a 52-week period and is shown as a
                      percentage of the investment. The "effective yield" (also
                      called "effective compound yield") is calculated similarly
                      but, when annualized, the income earned by an investment
                      is assumed to be reinvested. The "effective yield" will be
                      slightly higher than the "current yield" because of the
                      compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment. The "tax
                      equivalent yield" is calculated by determining the rate of
                      return that would have been achieved on a fully taxable
                      investment to produce the after-tax equivalent of the
                      Portfolio's yield, assuming certain tax brackets for a
                      shareholder.
    
                             The Portfolio may periodically compare its
                      performance to that of: (i) other mutual funds tracked by
                      mutual fund rating services (such as Lipper Analytical),
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   33
 
                      financial and business publications and periodicals; (ii)
                      broad groups of comparable mutual funds; (iii) unmanaged
                      indices which may assume investment of dividends but
                      generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
                      management costs; or (iv) other investment alternatives.
                      The Portfolio may also quote financial and business
                      publications and periodicals as they relate to fund
                      management, investment philosophy and investment
                      techniques.

   
                             The performance of Class A shares will normally be
                      higher than that of Class B and Class C shares because of
                      the additional administrative services expenses charged to
                      Class B and Class C shares.
    
 
TAXES
 
                      The following summary of federal income tax consequences
                      is based on current tax laws and regulations, which may be
                      changed by legislative, judicial or administrative action.
                      No attempt has been made to present a detailed explanation
                      of the federal income tax treatment of the Portfolio or
                      its shareholders, and state and local tax consequences of
                      an investment in the Portfolio may differ from the federal
                      income tax consequences described below. Accordingly,
                      shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers
                      regarding specific questions as to federal, state and
                      local income taxes. Additional information concerning
                      taxes is set forth in the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
 
   
Tax Status
of the Portfolio      The Portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal
                      income tax purposes and is not combined with the Trust's
                      other portfolios. The Portfolio intends to continue to
                      qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated
                      investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal
                      Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), so as to be
                      relieved of federal income tax on net investment company
                      taxable income and net capital gain (the excess of net
                      long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss)
                      distributed to shareholders.
    
 
Tax Status
of Distributions      The Portfolio intends to distribute substantially all of
                      its net investment income (including net short-term
                      capital gain) to shareholders. If, at the close of each
                      quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of
                      the Portfolio's total assets consists of obligations the
                      interest on which is excludable from gross income, the
                      Portfolio may pay "exempt-interest dividends" to its
                      shareholders. Exempt-interest dividends are excludable
                      from a shareholder's gross income for federal income tax
                      purposes but may have certain collateral federal tax
                      consequences including alternative minimum tax
                      consequences. In addition, the receipt of exempt-interest
                      dividends may cause persons receiving Social Security or
                      Railroad Retirement benefits to be taxable on a portion of
                      such benefits. See the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
                             Any dividends paid out of income realized by the
                      Portfolio on taxable securities will be taxable to
                      shareholders as ordinary income (whether received in
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   34
 
   
                      cash or in additional shares) to the extent of the
                      Portfolio's earnings and profits and will not qualify for
                      the dividends-received deduction for corporate
                      shareholders. Distributions to shareholders of net capital
                      gains of the Portfolio also will not qualify for the
                      dividends received deduction and will be taxable to
                      shareholders as long-term capital gain, whether received
                      in cash or additional shares, and regardless of how long a
                      shareholder has held the shares.
    

                             Dividends declared by the Portfolio in October,
                      November or December of any year and payable to
                      shareholders of record on a date in any such month will be
                      deemed to have been paid by the Portfolio and received by
                      the shareholders on December 31 of that year if paid by
                      the Portfolio at any time during the following January.
                      The Portfolio intends to make sufficient distributions
                      prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability
                      for federal excise tax applicable to regulated investment
                      companies.
                             Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
                      shareholder in order to purchase or carry shares of the
                      Portfolio is not deductible for federal income tax
                      purposes. Furthermore, the Portfolio may not be an
                      appropriate investment for persons (including corporations
                      and other business entities) who are "substantial users"
                      (or persons related to "substantial users") of facilities
                      financed by industrial development bonds or private
                      activity bonds. Such persons should consult their tax
                      advisers before purchasing shares.
                             The Portfolio will report annually to its
                      shareholders the portion of dividends that is taxable and
                      the portion that is tax-exempt based on income received by
                      the Portfolio during the year to which the dividends
                      relate.
   
                             Each sale, exchange, or redemption of the
                      Portfolio's shares is a taxable transaction to the
                      shareholder.
    
 
GENERAL INFORMATION
 
   
The Trust             The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
                      under a Declaration of Trust dated March 15, 1982. The
                      Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate
                      portfolios of shares and different classes of each
                      portfolio. In addition to the Portfolio, the Trust
                      consists of the following portfolios: Tax Free Portfolio,
                      California Tax Exempt Portfolio, Intermediate-Term
                      Municipal Portfolio, Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio,
                      Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio, New York
                      Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio, and Pennsylvania
                      Tax Free Portfolio. All consideration received by the
                      Trust for shares of any portfolio and all assets of such
                      portfolio belong to that portfolio and would be subject to
                      liabilities related thereto.
    
                             The Trust pay its expenses, including fees of its
                      service providers, audit and legal expenses, expenses of
                      preparing prospectuses, proxy solicitation materials and
                      reports to shareholders, costs of custodial services and
                      registering the shares under federal and state securities
                      laws, pricing, insurance expenses, litigation and other
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   35
 
                      extraordinary expenses, brokerage costs, interest charges,
                      taxes and organization expenses.
 
Trustees of the Trust The management and affairs of the Trust are supervised by
                      the Trustees under the laws of the Commonwealth of
                      Massachusetts. The Trustees have approved contracts under
                      which, as described above, certain companies provide
                      essential services to the Trust.
 
   
Voting Rights         Each share held entitles the shareholder of record to one
                      vote. The shareholders of each portfolio or class will
                      vote separately on matters relating solely to that
                      Portfolio or class, such as any distribution plan. As a
                      Massachusetts business trust, the Trust is not required to
                      hold annual meetings of shareholders, but approval will be
                      sought for certain changes in the operation of the Trust
                      and for the election of Trustees under certain
                      circumstances. In addition, a Trustee may be removed by
                      the remaining Trustees or by shareholders at a special
                      meeting called upon written request of shareholders owning
                      at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In
                      the event that such a meeting is requested the Trust will
                      provide appropriate assistance and information to the
                      shareholders requesting the meeting.
    
 
Reporting             The Trust issues unaudited financial statements
                      semi-annually and audited financial statements annually.
                      The Trust furnishes proxy statements and other reports to
                      shareholders of record.
 
   
Shareholder Inquiries Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Manager.
                      SEI Fund Management, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne,
                      Pennsylvania, 19087.
    
 
Dividends             The net investment income (exclusive of capital gains) of
                      the Portfolio is determined and declared on each Business
                      Day as a dividend for shareholders of record as of the
                      close of business on that day. Dividends are paid by the
                      Portfolio in federal funds or in additional shares at the
                      discretion of the shareholder on the first Business Day of
                      each month. Currently, capital gains, if any, are
                      distributed at the end of the calendar year.
                             Shareholders automatically receive all income
                      dividends and capital gain distributions in additional
                      shares, unless the shareholder has elected to take such
                      payment in cash. Shareholders may change their election by
                      providing written notice to the Manager at least 15 days
                      prior to the distribution.
   
                             The dividends on Class A shares of the Portfolio
                      are normally higher than those on Class B and Class C
                      shares because of the additional administrative services
                      expenses charged to Class B and Class C shares.
    
 
Counsel and Independent
Public Accountants    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the
                      Trust. Arthur Andersen LLP serves as the independent
                      public accountants of the Trust.
 
   
Custodian
and Wire Agent        CoreStates Bank, N.A., Broad and Chestnut Streets, P.O.
                      Box 7618, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101, serves as
                      Custodian of the Trust's assets and acts as wire
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   36
 
   
                      agent of the Trust. The Custodian holds cash, securities
                      and other assets of the Trust as required by the 1940 Act.
    
 
DESCRIPTION
OF PERMITTED
INVESTMENTS
AND RISK FACTORS
 
                      The following is a description of certain of the permitted
                      investments for the Portfolio, and the associated risk
                      factors:
 
   
Money Market Securities
                      Money market securities are high-quality,
                      dollar-denominated, short-term debt instruments. They
                      consist of: (i) bankers' acceptances, certificates of
                      deposits, notes and time deposits of highly-rated U.S.
                      banks; (ii) U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations
                      issued by the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S.
                      Government; and (iii) repurchase agreements involving any
                      of the foregoing obligations entered into with
                      highly-rated banks and broker-dealers.
    
 
Municipal Securities  Municipal Securities consist of (i) debt obligations
                      issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain
                      funds to be used for various public facilities, for
                      refunding outstanding obligations, for general operating
                      expenses and for lending such funds to other public
                      institutions and facilities, and (ii) certain private
                      activity and industrial development bonds issued by or on
                      behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide
                      for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of
                      privately operated facilities.
                             General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing
                      power of the issuing municipality. Revenue bonds are
                      backed by the revenues of a project or facility, tolls
                      from a toll bridge, for example. Certificates of
                      participation represent an interest in an underlying
                      obligation or commitment such as an obligation issued in
                      connection with a leasing arrangement. The payment of
                      principal and interest on private activity and industrial
                      development bonds generally is dependent solely on the
                      ability of the facility's user to meet its financial
                      obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal
                      property so financed as security for such payment.
                             Municipal notes include general obligation notes,
                      tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond
                      anticipation notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand
                      notes and construction loan notes and participation
                      interests in municipal notes. Municipal bonds include
                      general obligation bonds, revenue or special obligation
                      bonds, private activity and industrial development bonds
                      and participation interests in municipal bonds.
 
   
Repurchase Agreements Repurchase agreements are arrangements by which a
                      Portfolio obtains a security and simultaneously commits to
                      return the security to the seller at an agreed upon price
                      (including principal and interest) on an agreed upon date
                      within a number of
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   37
 
   
                      days from the date of purchase. Repurchase agreements are
                      considered loans under the 1940 Act.
    
 
Standby Commitments
and Puts              Securities subject to standby commitments or puts permit
                      the holder thereof to sell the securities at a fixed price
                      prior to maturity. Securities subject to a standby
                      commitment or put may be sold at any time at the current
                      market price. However, unless the standby commitment or
                      put was an integral part of the security as originally
                      issued, it may not be marketable or assignable; therefore,
                      the standby commitment or put would only have value to the
                      Portfolio owning the security to which it relates. In
                      certain cases, a premium may be paid for a standby
                      commitment or put, which premium will have the effect of
                      reducing the yield otherwise payable on the underlying
                      security. The Portfolio will limit standby commitment or
                      put transactions to institutions believed to present
                      minimal credit risk.
 
   
U.S. Government
Obligations           Obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury or issued or
                      guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. Government, including,
                      among others, the Federal Farm Credit Bank, the Federal
                      Housing Administration and the Small Business
                      Administration, and obligations issued or guaranteed by
                      instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, including, among
                      others, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the
                      Federal Land Banks and the U.S. Post Service. Some of
                      these securities are supported by the full faith and
                      credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., Government National
                      Mortgage Association securities), others are supported by
                      the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury (e.g.,
                      Federal Farm Credit Bank securities), while still others
                      are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality
                      (e.g., Federal National Mortgage Association securities).
                      Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities
                      of the U.S. Government may be a guarantee of payment at
                      the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a
                      default prior to maturity there might not be a market and
                      thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to
                      maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal
                      and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these
                      securities not to the value of the Fund's shares.
    
 
Variable and Floating
Rate
Instruments           Certain of the obligations purchased by the Portfolio may
                      carry variable or floating rates of interest and may
                      involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature.
                      Such obligations may include variable amount master demand
                      notes. Such instruments bear interest at rates which are
                      not fixed, but which vary with changes in specified market
                      rates or indices. The interest rates on these securities
                      may be reset daily, weekly, quarterly or at some other
                      interval, and may have a floor or ceiling on interest rate
                      changes. There is a risk that the current interest rate on
                      such obligations may not accurately reflect existing
                      market interest rates. A demand instrument with a demand
                      notice period exceeding seven days may be considered
                      illiquid if there is no secondary market for such
                      security.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   38
 
   
When-Issued and Delayed
Delivery Securities   When-issued or delayed delivery transactions involve the
                      purchase of an instrument with payment and delivery taking
                      place in the future. Delivery of and payment for these
                      securities may occur a month or more after the date of the
                      purchase commitment. The Portfolio will maintain with the
                      custodian a separate account with liquid, high grade debt
                      securities or cash in an amount at least equal to these
                      commitments. The interest rate realized on these
                      securities is fixed as of the purchase date, and no
                      interest accrues to the Portfolio before settlement.
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   39
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
Annual Operating Expenses...................       2
Financial Highlights........................       3
The Trust...................................       4
Investment Objective and Policies...........       4
General Investment Policies.................       5
Investment Limitations......................       6
The Manager.................................       6
The Adviser.................................       7
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing......       7
Purchase and Redemption of Shares...........       9
Performance.................................      10
Taxes.......................................      11
General Information.........................      12
Description of Permitted Investments and
  Risk Factors..............................      14
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   40
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   41
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   42
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   43
 
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
   
DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
This Prospectus sets forth concisely information about the above-referenced
Portfolio that an investor needs to know before investing. Please read this
Prospectus carefully, and keep it on file for future reference.
 
   
A Statement of Additional Information dated December 31, 1996 has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available upon request and
without charge by writing the Distributor, SEI Financial Services Company, 680
East Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated into this Prospectus by
reference.
    
 
   
SEI Tax Exempt Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end investment management company,
certain classes of which offer financial institutions a convenient means of
investing their own funds, or funds for which they act in a fiduciary, agency or
custodial capacity, in one or more professionally managed diversified and
non-diversified portfolios of securities. A portfolio may offer separate classes
of shares that differ from each other primarily in the allocation of certain
expenses and minimum investment amounts. This Prospectus offers Class A shares
of the Trust's Tax Free Portfolio (the "Portfolio"), a money market portfolio.
    
 
AN INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIO IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT, AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE PORTFOLIO WILL BE ABLE TO
MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK. THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT INVESTED.
<PAGE>   44
 
   
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (as a percentage of average net assets)        CLASS A
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                <C>         <C>
Management/Advisory Fees                                                                                          .40%
12b-1 Fees                                                                                                       None
Total Other Expenses                                                                                              .05%
    Shareholder Servicing Fees (after fee waiver) (1)                                                 .01%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses (after fee waiver) (2)                                                                   .45%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1)  The Distributor has waived, on a voluntary basis, all or a portion of its
    shareholder servicing fee, and the Shareholder Servicing Fees shown reflect
    this waiver. The Distributor reserves the right to terminate its waiver at
    any time in its sole discretion. Absent such waiver, Shareholder Servicing
    Fees for the Portfolio would be .25%.
    
   
(2)  Absent this fee waiver, Total Operating Expenses for Class A shares of the
    Portfolio would be .69%. Additional information may be found under "The
    Adviser" and "The Manager."
    
 
EXAMPLE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1 YR.     3 YRS.     5 YRS.     10 YRS.
                                        ------   --------   --------   ---------
<S>                                       <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>

An investor in Class A shares of the
 Portfolio would pay the following
 expenses on a $1,000 investment
 assuming (1) a 5% annual return and
 (2) redemption at the end of each
 time period:                             $5       $14        $25        $57
</TABLE>
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
    
 
   
The purpose of the expense table and example is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that may be directly or indirectly
borne by investors in the Portfolio's Class A shares. The Portfolio also offers
Class D shares, which are subject to the same expenses, except that Class D
shares bear different distribution and transfer agent costs. A person who
purchases shares through a financial institution may be charged separate fees by
that institution. Additional information regarding these differences may be
found under "The Manager," "Distribution and Shareholder Servicing" and "The
Adviser."
    
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   45
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
   
The following financial highlights have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, whose report thereon was unqualified. This
information should be read in conjunction with the Trust's financial statements
and notes thereto which appear, along with the report of Arthur Andersen LLP, in
the Trust's 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders. Additional performance
information is set forth in the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is
available upon request and without charge by calling 1-800-342-5734.
    
FOR A CLASS A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             Net
                                                                                          Realized
                                                                                             and
                                Investment                                               Unrealized
                                Activities                 Distributions                    Gain
                   Net Asset    ----------    ---------------------------------------     (Loss) on     Net Asset
                    Value,         Net           Net          Net                        Investments     Value,
                   Beginning    Investment    Investment    Realized        Total        and Capital       End        Total
                   of Period      Income        Income        Gain      Distributions    Transactions   of Period    Return*
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>              <C>            <C>          <C>
- -------------------
TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- -------------------
Class A
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
1996                 $1.00        $0.033       $ (0.033)          --       $(0.033)             --        $1.00        3.35%
1995                  1.00         0.034         (0.034)          --        (0.034)             --         1.00        3.48%
1994                  1.00         0.022         (0.022)          --        (0.022)             --         1.00        2.20%
1993                  1.00         0.023         (0.023)          --        (0.023)             --         1.00        2.29%
1992                  1.00         0.033         (0.033)          --        (0.033)             --         1.00        3.32%
1991                  1.00         0.047         (0.047)          --        (0.047)             --         1.00        4.81%
1990 (1)              1.00         0.032         (0.032)          --        (0.032)             --         1.00       3.20%+
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
1990                 $1.00        $0.059       $ (0.059)          --       $(0.059)             --        $1.00        5.97%
1989                  1.00         0.049         (0.049)          --        (0.049)             --         1.00        4.98%
1988                  1.00         0.042         (0.042)          --        (0.042)             --         1.00        4.34%
==============================================================================================================================
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       Ratio of
                                                                         Ratio of        Net
                                                                           Net        Investment
                                                      Ratio of          Investment      Income
                                                      Expenses            Income      to Average
                                    Ratio of         to Average         to Average    Net Assets
                   Net Assets,      Expenses         Net Assets         Net Assets    (Excluding    Portfolio
                  End of Period    to Average        (Excluding         (Excluding       Fee        Turnover
                      (000)        Net Assets         Waivers)           Waivers)      Waivers)       Rate
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>             <C>           <C>                    <C>           <C>           <C>       
- ------------------
TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- ------------------
Class A
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
1996                $ 339,906         0.45%             0.50%               3.30%        3.25%          --
1995                  377,152         0.45%             0.51%               3.43%        3.37%          --
1994                  358,299         0.45%             0.53%               2.17%        2.09%          --
1993                  414,975         0.45%             0.53%               2.24%        2.16%
1992                  293,982         0.45%             0.55%               3.30%        3.20%          --
1991                  343,300         0.37%             0.55%               4.70%        4.52%          --
1990 (1)              356,814         0.45%*           0.56%*               5.46%*      5.35%*          --
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
1990                $ 464,389         0.54%             0.59%               5.90%        5.85%          --
1989                  790,629         0.46%             0.58%               4.90%        4.78%          --
1988                  938,484         0.53%             0.54%               4.20%        4.19%          --
===============================================================================================================
   *   Annualized
   +   Return is for the period indicated and has not been annualized.
 (1)   In August 1990, the Trustees changed the fiscal year end of the Trust from January 31 to August 31.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        3                                      
<PAGE>   46
 
THE TRUST
 
   
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company
that offers units of beneficial interest ("shares") in separate diversified and
non-diversified investment portfolios. This Prospectus offers Class A shares of
the Trust's Tax Free Portfolio (the "Portfolio"). Investors may also purchase
Class D shares of the Portfolio. Additional information pertaining to the Trust
may be obtained by writing to SEI Financial Services Company, 680 East
Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087-1658, or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
    
 
INVESTMENT
   
OBJECTIVE AND
    
POLICIES
 
   
                      The Portfolio's investment objective is to preserve
                      principal value and maintain a high degree of liquidity
                      while providing current income exempt from federal income
                      taxes. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will
                      meet its investment objective.
    
   
                             The Portfolio invests in U.S. dollar denominated
                      municipal securities of issuers located in all fifty
                      states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and other
                      U.S. territories and possessions (collectively, "Municipal
                      Securities"). At least 80% of the Portfolio's net assets
                      will be invested in securities the interest on which is
                      exempt from federal income taxes, based on opinions from
                      bond counsel for the issuers. This investment policy is a
                      fundamental policy of the Portfolio. Under normal
                      conditions, the Portfolio will invest at least 80% of its
                      net assets in securities the interest on which is not a
                      preference item for purposes of the federal alternative
                      minimum tax.
    
   
                             The Portfolio may purchase municipal bonds,
                      municipal notes and tax-exempt commercial paper, but only
                      if such securities, at the time of purchase, either meet
                      the rating requirements imposed by Rule 2a-7 or, if not
                      rated, are determined to be of comparable quality by
                      Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C., the Portfolio's investment
                      adviser (the "Adviser"). See "General Investment
                      Policies."
    
                             The Adviser will not invest more than 25% of
                      Portfolio assets in municipal securities (a) whose issuers
                      are located in the same state or (b) the interest on which
                      is derived from revenues of similar type projects. This
                      restriction does not apply to municipal securities in any
                      of the following categories: public housing authorities;
                      general obligations of states and localities; state and
                      local housing finance authorities or municipal utilities
                      systems.
                             There could be economic, business, or political
                      developments which might affect all municipal securities
                      of a similar type. To the extent that a significant
                      portion of the Portfolio's assets are invested in
                      municipal securities payable from revenues on similar
                      projects, the Portfolio will be subject to the peculiar
                      risks presented by such projects to a greater extent than
                      it would be if the Portfolio's
 
                                       4
<PAGE>   47
 
                      assets were not so invested. Moreover, in seeking to
                      attain its investment objective the Portfolio may invest
                      all or any part of its assets in municipal securities that
                      are industrial development bonds.
GENERAL
INVESTMENT
POLICIES
 
                      In purchasing obligations, the Portfolio complies with the
                      requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act
                      of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), as that Rule may be amended from
                      time to time. These requirements currently provide that
                      the Portfolio must limit its investments to securities
                      with remaining maturities of 397 days or less, and must
                      maintain a dollar-weighted average maturity of 90 days or
                      less. In addition, the Portfolio may only invest in
                      securities (other than U.S. Government Securities) rated
                      in one of the two highest categories for short-term
                      securities by at least two nationally recognized
                      statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs") (or by one
                      NRSRO if only one NRSRO has rated the security), or, if
                      unrated, determined by the Adviser (in accordance with
                      procedures adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees) to be
                      of equivalent quality to rated securities in which the
                      Portfolio may invest.
   
                             Securities rated in the highest rating category
                      (e.g., A-1 by S&P) by at least two NRSROs (or, if unrated,
                      determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality) are
                      "first tier" securities. Non-first tier securities rated
                      in the second highest rating category (e.g., A-2 by S&P)
                      by at least one NRSRO (or, if unrated, determined by the
                      Adviser to be of comparable quality) are considered to be
                      "second tier" securities.
    
                             Although the Portfolio is governed by Rule 2a-7,
                      its investment policies are more restrictive than those
                      imposed by that Rule.
                             The Portfolio may invest in variable and floating
                      rate obligations, may purchase securities on a
                      "when-issued" basis, and reserves the right to engage in
                      transactions involving standby commitments. The Portfolio
                      may invest up to 20% of its net assets in taxable money
                      market instruments (including repurchase agreements) and
                      securities the interest on which is a preference item for
                      purposes of the alternative minimum tax. However, the
                      Portfolio generally intends to be fully invested in
                      federally tax-exempt securities. The Portfolio will not
                      invest more than 10% of its net assets in illiquid
                      securities.
   
                             Taxable money market instruments in which the
                      Portfolio may invest consist of U.S. Treasury obligations;
                      obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or
                      by its agencies or instrumentalities, whether or not
                      backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
                      Government; obligations of U.S. commercial banks or
                      savings and loan institutions (not including foreign
                      branches of U.S. banks or U.S. branches of foreign banks)
                      that are members of the Federal Reserve System or
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>   48
 
                      the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and which have
                      total assets of $1 billion or more as shown on their last
                      published financial statements at the time of investment;
                      and repurchase agreements involving any of the foregoing
                      obligations.

   
                             For a description of the permitted investments and
                      ratings, see the "Description of Permitted Investments and
                      Risk Factors" and the Statement of Additional Information.
    
INVESTMENT
LIMITATIONS
 
                      The investment objective and investment limitations are
                      fundamental policies of the Portfolio. Fundamental
                      policies cannot be changed with respect to the Trust or
                      the Portfolio without the consent of the holders of a
                      majority of the Trust's or the Portfolio's outstanding
                      shares. It is a fundamental policy of the Portfolio to use
                      its best efforts to maintain a constant net asset value of
                      $1.00 per share.
 
                      The Portfolio may not:
   
                      1. Purchase securities of any issuer (except securities
                         issued or guaranteed by the United States Government,
                         its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result,
                         more than 5% of the total assets of the Portfolio
                         (based on current market value at the time of
                         investment) would be invested in the securities of such
                         issuer; provided, however, that the Portfolio may
                         invest up to 25% of its total assets without regard to
                         this restriction of, and as permitted by, Rule 2a-7.
    
                      2. Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25%
                         of the total assets of the Portfolio, based on current
                         value at the time of such purchase, to be invested in
                         the securities of one or more issuers conducting their
                         principal business activities in the same industry,
                         provided that this limitation does not apply to
                         investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the
                         U.S. Government or its agencies and instrumentalities.
   
                      3. Borrow money except for temporary or emergency
                         purposes, and then only in an amount not exceeding 10%
                         of the value of the total assets of the Portfolio. All
                         borrowings will be repaid before making additional
                         investments and any interest paid on such borrowings
                         will reduce the income of the Portfolio.
    
                      The foregoing percentage limitations will apply at the
                      time of the purchase of a security. Additional investment
                      limitations are set forth in the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
   
THE MANAGER
    
 
   
                      SEI Fund Management (the "Manager" and the "Transfer
                      Agent") provides the Trust with overall management
                      services, regulatory reporting, all necessary office
                      space, equipment, personnel and facilities, and serves as
                      institutional transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent,
                      and shareholder servicing agent.
    
 
                                        6                                      
<PAGE>   49
 
   
                             For these services, the Manager is entitled to a
                      fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an
                      annual rate of .36% of the average daily net assets of the
                      Portfolio. The Manager has voluntarily agreed to waive a
                      portion of its fee in order to limit the total operating
                      expenses of the Class A shares of the Portfolio to not
                      more than .45% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets
                      attributable to Class A shares, on an annualized basis.
                      The Manager reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to
                      terminate this voluntary fee waiver at any time. For the
                      fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the Portfolio paid
                      management fees, after waivers, of .36% of its average
                      daily net assets.
    
 
THE ADVISER
 
   
                      Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C. acts as the Portfolio's
                      investment adviser under an investment advisory agreement
                      with the Trust (the "Advisory Agreement"). Under the
                      Advisory Agreement, the Adviser invests the assets of the
                      Portfolio, and continuously reviews, supervises and
                      administers the Portfolio's investment program. The
                      Adviser is independent of the Manager and SEI, and
                      discharges its responsibilities subject to the supervision
                      of, and policies set by, the Trustees of the Trust.
    
   
                             The Adviser is a limited liability company founded
                      as a limited partnership in 1970, and engages in
                      investment management, venture capital management and
                      management buyouts. WPG has been active since its founding
                      in managing portfolios of tax exempt securities. As of
                      September 30, 1996, total assets under management were
                      approximately $13 billion. The principal business address
                      of the Adviser is One New York Plaza, New York, New York
                      10004.
    
   
                             For its services, the Adviser is entitled to a fee,
                      which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual
                      rate of .05% of the combined average daily net assets of
                      the money market portfolios of the Trust that are advised
                      by the Adviser up to $500 million, .04% of such assets
                      from $500 million to $1 billion, and .03% of such assets
                      in excess of $1 billion. Such fees are allocated daily
                      among these portfolios based on their relative net assets.
                      For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the Portfolio
                      paid advisory fees, after waivers, of .04% of its relative
                      daily net assets.
    
 
DISTRIBUTION
   
AND SHAREHOLDER
    
   
SERVICING
    
 
   
                      SEI Financial Services Company (the "Distributor"), a
                      wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company ("SEI")
                      serves as the Portfolio's distributor pursuant to a
                      distribution agreement with the Trust. The Portfolio has
                      adopted a distribution plan for its Class D shares (the
                      "Class D Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
    
 
                                       7
                                        
<PAGE>   50
 
   
                             The Portfolio has adopted a shareholder servicing
                      plan for Class A shares (the "Service Plan") under which a
                      shareholder servicing fee of up to .25% of average daily
                      net assets attributable to Class A shares will be paid to
                      the Distributor. Under the Service Plan, the Distributor
                      may perform, or may compensate other service providers for
                      performing, the following shareholder and administrative
                      services: maintaining client accounts; arranging for bank
                      wires; responding to client inquiries concerning services
                      provided on investments; assisting clients in changing
                      dividend options, account designations and addresses; sub-
                      accounting; providing information on share positions to
                      clients; forwarding shareholder communications to clients;
                      processing purchase, exchange and redemption orders; and
                      processing dividend payments. Under the Service Plan, the
                      Distributor may retain as a profit any difference between
                      the fee it receives and the amount it pays to third
                      parties.
    
   
                             It is possible that an institution may offer
                      different classes of shares to its customers and thus
                      receive different compensation with respect to different
                      classes. These financial institutions may also charge
                      separate fees to their customers.
    
   
                             The Trust may also execute brokerage or other
                      agency transactions through the Distributor for which the
                      Distributor may receive usual and customary compensation.
    
   
                             In addition, the Distributor may, from time to time
                      in its sole discretion, institute one or more promotional
                      incentive programs, which will be paid by the Distributor
                      from its own resources. Under any such program, the
                      Distributor will provide promotional incentives, in the
                      form of cash or other compensation, including merchandise,
                      airline vouchers, trips and vacation packages, to all
                      dealers selling shares of the Portfolio. Such promotional
                      incentives will be offered uniformly to all dealers and
                      predicated upon the amount of shares of the Portfolio sold
                      by the dealer.
    
PURCHASE AND
REDEMPTION OF
SHARES
 
                      Financial institutions may acquire shares of the Portfolio
                      for their own account, or as a record owner on behalf of
                      fiduciary, agency or custody accounts, by placing orders
                      with the Transfer Agent. Institutions that use certain SEI
                      proprietary systems may place orders electronically
                      through those systems. State securities laws may require
                      banks and financial institutions purchasing shares for
                      their customers to register as dealers pursuant to state
                      laws. Financial institutions which purchase shares for the
                      accounts of their customers may impose separate charges on
                      these customers for account services. Financial
                      institutions may impose an earlier cut-off time for
                      receipt of purchase orders directed through them to allow
                      for processing and transmittal of these orders to the
                      Transfer Agent for effectiveness on the same
 
                                        8                                      
<PAGE>   51
 
                      day. Shares of the Portfolio are offered only to residents
                      of states in which the shares are eligible for purchase.
                             Shares of the Portfolio may be purchased or
                      redeemed on days on which the New York Stock Exchange is
                      open for business ("Business Days"). However, money market
                      fund shares cannot be purchased by Federal Reserve wire on
                      federal holidays restricting wire transfers.
   
                             Shareholders who desire to purchase shares for cash
                      must place their orders with the Transfer Agent (or its
                      authorized agent) prior to 2:00 p.m., Eastern time on any
                      Business Day for the order to be accepted on that Business
                      Day. Cash investments must be transmitted or delivered in
                      federal funds to the wire agent by the close of business
                      on the same day the order is placed. The Trust reserves
                      the right to reject a purchase order when the Distributor
                      determines that it is not in the best interest of the
                      Trust or shareholders to accept such purchase order.
    
   
                             The Trust will send shareholders a statement of
                      shares owned after each transaction. The purchase price of
                      shares is the net asset value next determined after a
                      purchase order is received and accepted by the Trust,
                      which is expected to remain constant at $1.00. The net
                      asset value per share of the Portfolio is determined by
                      dividing the total value of its investments and other
                      assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of
                      outstanding shares of the Portfolio. The Portfolio's
                      investments will be valued by the amortized cost method
                      described in the Statement of Additional Information. Net
                      asset value per share is determined daily as of 2:00 p.m.,
                      Eastern time on each Business Day.
    
   
                             Shareholders who desire to redeem shares of the
                      Portfolio must place their redemption orders with the
                      Transfer Agent (or its authorized agent) prior to 12:30
                      p.m., Eastern time on any Business Day. Otherwise, the
                      redemption order will be effective on the next Business
                      Day. The redemption price is the net asset value per share
                      of the Portfolio next determined after receipt by the
                      Transfer Agent, and effectiveness, of the redemption
                      order. For redemption orders received before 12:30 p.m.,
                      Eastern time on any Business Day, payment will be made the
                      same day by transfer of federal funds. Otherwise, the
                      redemption order will be effective on the next Business
                      Day.
    
                             Purchase and redemption orders may be placed by
                      telephone. Neither the Trust nor its Transfer Agent will
                      be responsible for any loss, liability, cost or expense
                      for acting upon wire instructions or upon telephone
                      instructions that it reasonably believes to be genuine.
                      The Trust and its Transfer Agent will each employ
                      reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
                      communicated by telephone are genuine, including requiring
                      a form of personal identification prior to acting upon
                      instructions received by telephone and recording telephone
                      instructions.
                             If market conditions are extraordinarily active, or
                      other extraordinary circumstances exist, shareholders may
                      experience difficulties placing redemption orders by
                      telephone, and may wish to consider placing orders by
                      other means.
 
                                        9                                      
<PAGE>   52
 
PERFORMANCE
 
   
                      From time to time the Portfolio advertises its "current
                      yield", "tax equivalent yield" and "effective yield."
                      These figures are based on historical earnings and are not
                      intended to indicate future performance. The "current
                      yield" of the Portfolio refers to the income generated by
                      an investment over a seven-day period which is then
                      "annualized." That is, the amount of income generated by
                      the investment during the week is assumed to be generated
                      each week over a 52-week period and is shown as a
                      percentage of the investment. The "effective yield" (also
                      called "effective compound yield") is calculated similarly
                      but, when annualized, the income earned by an investment
                      is assumed to be reinvested. The "effective yield" will be
                      slightly higher than the "current yield" because of the
                      compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment. The "tax
                      equivalent yield" is calculated by determining the rate of
                      return that would have been achieved on a fully taxable
                      investment to produce the after-tax equivalent of the
                      Portfolio's yield, assuming certain tax brackets for a
                      shareholder.
    
                             The Portfolio may periodically compare its
                      performance to that of: (i) other mutual funds tracked by
                      mutual fund rating services (such as Lipper Analytical),
                      financial and business publications and periodicals; (ii)
                      broad groups of comparable mutual funds; (iii) unmanaged
                      indices which may assume investment of dividends but
                      generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
                      management costs; or (iv) other investment alternatives.
                      The Portfolio may also quote financial and business
                      publications and periodicals as they relate to fund
                      management, investment philosophy and investment
                      techniques.
   
                             The performance of Class A shares will normally be
                      higher than that of the Class D shares of the Portfolio
                      because of the additional distribution and transfer agent
                      expenses charged to Class D shares.
    
 
TAXES
 
                      The following summary of federal income tax consequences
                      is based on current tax laws and regulations, which may be
                      changed by legislative, judicial or administrative action.
                      No attempt has been made to present a detailed explanation
                      of the federal income tax treatment of the Portfolio or
                      its shareholders, and state and local tax consequences of
                      an investment in the Portfolio may differ from the federal
                      income tax consequences described below. Accordingly,
                      shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers
                      regarding specific questions as to federal, state and
                      local income taxes. Additional information concerning
                      taxes is set forth in the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
 
Tax Status
of the Portfolio      The Portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal
                      income tax purposes and is not combined with the Trust's
                      other portfolios. The Portfolio intends to continue to
                      qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated
                      investment companies
 
                                       10                                      
<PAGE>   53
 
   
                      under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
                      as amended (the "Code"), so as to be relieved of federal
                      income tax on net investment company taxable income and
                      net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain
                      over net short-term capital loss) distributed to
                      shareholders.
    
 
Tax Status
of Distributions      The Portfolio intends to distribute substantially all of
                      its net investment income (including net short-term
                      capital gain) to shareholders. If, at the close of each
                      quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of
                      the Portfolio's total assets consists of obligations the
                      interest on which is excludable from gross income, the
                      Portfolio may pay "exempt-interest dividends" to its
                      shareholders. Exempt-interest dividends are excludable
                      from a shareholder's gross income for federal income tax
                      purposes but may have certain collateral federal tax
                      consequences including alternative minimum tax
                      consequences. In addition, the receipt of exempt-interest
                      dividends may cause persons receiving Social Security or
                      Railroad Retirement benefits to be taxable on a portion of
                      such benefits. See the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
   
                             Any dividends paid out of income realized by the
                      Portfolio on taxable securities will be taxable to
                      shareholders as ordinary income (whether received in cash
                      or in additional shares) to the extent of the Portfolio's
                      earnings and profits and will not qualify for the
                      dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.
                      Distributions to shareholders of net capital gains of the
                      Portfolio also will not qualify for the dividends received
                      deduction and will be taxable to shareholders as long-term
                      capital gain, whether received in cash or additional
                      shares, and regardless of how long a shareholder has held
                      the shares.
    
                             Dividends declared by the Portfolio in October,
                      November or December of any year and payable to
                      shareholders of record on a date in any such month will be
                      deemed to have been paid by the Portfolio and received by
                      the shareholders on December 31 of that year if paid by
                      the Portfolio at any time during the following January.
                      The Portfolio intends to make sufficient distributions
                      prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability
                      for federal excise tax applicable to regulated investment
                      companies.
                             Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
                      shareholder in order to purchase or carry shares of the
                      Portfolio is not deductible for federal income tax
                      purposes. Furthermore, the Portfolio may not be an
                      appropriate investment for persons (including corporations
                      and other business entities) who are "substantial users"
                      (or persons related to "substantial users") of facilities
                      financed by industrial development bonds or private
                      activity bonds. Such persons should consult their tax
                      advisers before purchasing shares.
                             The Portfolio will report annually to its
                      shareholders the portion of dividends that is taxable and
                      the portion that is tax-exempt based on income received by
                      the Portfolio during the year to which the dividends
                      relate.
 
                                       11                                      
<PAGE>   54
 
                             Each sale, exchange or redemption of the
                      Portfolio's shares is a taxable transaction for the
                      shareholder.
 
GENERAL INFORMATION
 
   
The Trust             The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
                      under a Declaration of Trust dated March 15, 1982. The
                      Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate
                      portfolios of shares and different classes of each
                      portfolio. In addition to the Portfolio, the Trust
                      consists of the following portfolios: Institutional Tax
                      Free Portfolio, California Tax Exempt Portfolio,
                      Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio, Pennsylvania
                      Municipal Portfolio, Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio, New
                      York Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio, and
                      Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolio. All consideration
                      received by the Trust for shares of any portfolio and all
                      assets of such portfolio belong to that portfolio and
                      would be subject to liabilities related thereto.
    
                             The Trust pays its expenses, including fees of its
                      service providers, audit and legal expenses, expenses of
                      preparing prospectuses, proxy solicitation materials and
                      reports to shareholders, costs of custodial services and
                      registering the shares under federal and state securities
                      laws, pricing, insurance expenses, litigation and other
                      extraordinary expenses, brokerage costs, interest charges,
                      taxes and organization expenses.
 
Trustees of the Trust The management and affairs of the Trust are supervised by
                      the Trustees under the laws of the Commonwealth of
                      Massachusetts. The Trustees have approved contracts under
                      which, as described above, certain companies provide
                      essential services to the Trust.
 
Voting Rights         Each share held entitles the shareholder of record to one
                      vote. The shareholders of each portfolio or class will
                      vote separately on matters relating solely to that
                      Portfolio or class, such as any distribution plan. As a
                      Massachusetts business trust, the Trust is not required to
                      hold annual meetings of shareholders but approval will be
                      sought for certain changes in the operation of the Trust
                      and for the election of Trustees under certain
                      circumstances. In addition, a Trustee may be removed by
                      the remaining Trustees or by shareholders at a special
                      meeting called upon written request of shareholders owning
                      at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In
                      the event that such a meeting is requested the Trust will
                      provide appropriate assistance and information to the
                      shareholders requesting the meeting.
 
Reporting             The Trust issues unaudited financial statements
                      semi-annually and audited financial statements annually.
                      The Trust furnishes proxy statements and other reports to
                      shareholders of record.
 
   
Shareholder Inquiries Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Manager.
                      SEI Fund Management, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne,
                      Pennsylvania, 19087.
    
 
                                       12                                      
<PAGE>   55
 
Dividends             The net investment income (exclusive of capital gains) of
                      the Portfolio is determined and declared on each Business
                      Day as a dividend for shareholders of record as of the
                      close of business on that day. Dividends are paid by the
                      Portfolio in federal funds or in additional shares at the
                      discretion of the shareholder on the first Business Day of
                      each month. Currently, capital gains, if any, are
                      distributed at the end of the calendar year.
                             Shareholders automatically receive all income
                      dividends and capital gain distributions in additional
                      shares, unless the shareholder has elected to take such
                      payment in cash. Shareholders may change their election by
                      providing written notice to the Manager at least 15 days
                      prior to the distribution.
                             The dividends on Class A shares of the Portfolio
                      are normally higher than those on Class D shares because
                      of the additional distribution and transfer agent expenses
                      charged to Class D shares.
 
Counsel and Independent
Public Accountants    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the
                      Trust. Arthur Andersen LLP serves as the independent
                      public accountants of the Trust.
 
   
Custodian and
Wire Agent            CoreStates Bank, N.A., Broad and Chestnut Streets, P.O.
                      Box 7618, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101, serves as
                      Custodian of the Trust's assets and acts as wire agent of
                      the Trust. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other
                      assets of the Trust as required by the 1940 Act.
    
DESCRIPTION
OF PERMITTED
INVESTMENTS
AND RISK FACTORS
 
                      The following is a description of certain of the permitted
                      investments for the Portfolio, and the associated risk
                      factors:
 
   
Money Market Securities
                      Money market securities are high-quality,
                      dollar-denominated, short-term debt instruments. They
                      consist of: (i) bankers' acceptances, certificates of
                      deposits, notes and time deposits of highly-rated U.S.
                      banks; (ii) U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations
                      issued by the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S.
                      Government; and (iii) repurchase agreements involving any
                      of the foregoing obligations entered into with
                      highly-rated banks and broker-dealers.
    
 
   
Municipal Securities  Municipal Securities consist of (i) debt obligations
                      issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain
                      funds to be used for various public facilities, for
                      refunding outstanding obligations, for general operating
                      expenses and for lending such funds to other public
                      institutions and facilities, and (ii) certain private
                      activity and industrial development bonds issued by or on
                      behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide
                      for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of
                      privately operated facilities.
    
 
                                       13                                      
<PAGE>   56
 
                             General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing
                      power of the issuing municipality. Revenue bonds are
                      backed by the revenues of a project or facility, tolls
                      from a toll bridge, for example. Certificates of
                      participation represent an interest in an underlying
                      obligation or commitment such as an obligation issued in
                      connection with a leasing arrangement. The payment of
                      principal and interest on private activity and industrial
                      development bonds generally is dependent solely on the
                      ability of the facility's user to meet its financial
                      obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal
                      property so financed as security for such payment.
                             Municipal notes include general obligation notes,
                      tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond
                      anticipation notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand
                      notes and construction loan notes and participation
                      interests in municipal notes. Municipal bonds include
                      general obligation bonds, revenue or special obligation
                      bonds, private activity and industrial development bonds
                      and participation interests in municipal bonds.
 
   
Repurchase Agreements Repurchase agreements are arrangements by which a
                      Portfolio obtains a security and simultaneously commits to
                      return the security to the seller at an agreed upon price
                      (including principal and interest) on an agreed upon date
                      within a number of days from the date of purchase.
                      Repurchase agreements are considered loans under the 1940
                      Act.
    
 
   
Standby Commitments
and Puts
                      Securities subject to standby commitments or puts permit
                      the holder thereof to sell the securities at a fixed price
                      prior to maturity. Securities subject to a standby
                      commitment or put may be sold at any time at the current
                      market price. However, unless the standby commitment or
                      put was an integral part of the security as originally
                      issued, it may not be marketable or assignable; therefore,
                      the standby commitment or put would only have value to the
                      Portfolio owning the security to which it relates. In
                      certain cases, a premium may be paid for a standby
                      commitment or put, which premium will have the effect of
                      reducing the yield otherwise payable on the underlying
                      security. The Portfolio will limit standby commitment or
                      put transactions to institutions believed to present
                      minimal credit risk.
    
 
   
U.S. Government
Obligations           Obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury or issued or
                      guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. Government, including,
                      among others, the Federal Farm Credit Bank, the Federal
                      Housing Administration and the Small Business
                      Administration, and obligations issued or guaranteed by
                      instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, including, among
                      others, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the
                      Federal Land Banks and the U.S. Post Service. Some of
                      these securities are supported by the full faith and
                      credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., Government National
                      Mortgage Association securities), others are supported by
                      the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury
                      (e.g.,Federal Farm Credit Bank securities), while still
                      others are supported only by the credit of the
                      instrumentality (e.g., Federal National Mortgage
    
 
                                       14                                      
<PAGE>   57
 
   
                      Association securities). Guarantees of principal by
                      agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government may
                      be a guarantee of payment at the maturity of the
                      obligation so that in the event of a default prior to
                      maturity there might not be a market and thus no means of
                      realizing on the obligation prior to maturity. Guarantees
                      as to the timely payment of principal and interest do not
                      extend to the value or yield of these securities not to
                      the value of the Fund's shares.
    
 
Variable and Floating
Rate Instruments      Certain of the obligations purchased by the Portfolio may
                      carry variable or floating rates of interest and may
                      involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature.
                      Such obligations may include variable amount master demand
                      notes. Such instruments bear interest at rates which are
                      not fixed, but which vary with changes in specified market
                      rates or indices. The interest rates on these securities
                      may be reset daily, weekly, quarterly or at some other
                      interval, and may have a floor or ceiling on interest rate
                      changes. There is a risk that the current interest rate on
                      such obligations may not accurately reflect existing
                      market interest rates. A demand instrument with a demand
                      notice period exceeding seven days may be considered
                      illiquid if there is no secondary market for such
                      security.
 
   
When-Issued and Delayed
Delivery Securities   When-issued or delayed delivery transactions involve the
                      purchase of an instrument with payment and delivery taking
                      place in the future. Delivery of and payment for these
                      securities may occur a month or more after the date of the
                      purchase commitment. The Portfolio will maintain with the
                      custodian a separate account with liquid, high grade debt
                      securities or cash in an amount at least equal to these
                      commitments. The interest rate realized on these
                      securities is fixed as of the purchase date, and no
                      interest accrues to the Portfolio before settlement.
    
 
                                       15                                      
<PAGE>   58
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
Annual Operating Expenses...................       2
Financial Highlights........................       3
The Trust...................................       4
Investment Objective and Policies...........       4
General Investment Policies.................       5
Investment Limitations......................       6
The Manager.................................       6
The Adviser.................................       7
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing......       7
Purchase and Redemption of Shares...........       8
Performance.................................      10
Taxes.......................................      10
General Information.........................      12
Description of Permitted Investments and
  Risk Factors..............................      13
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       16                                      
<PAGE>   59
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   60
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   61
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   62
 
PROSPECTUS
   
DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Please read this Prospectus carefully before investing, and keep it on file for
future reference. It concisely sets forth information that can help you decide
if the Portfolio's investment goals match your own.
 
   
A Statement of Additional Information dated December 31, 1996 has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available upon request and
without charge by writing the Distributor, SEI Financial Services Company, 680
East Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, or by calling 1-800-437-6016.
The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated into this Prospectus by
reference.
    
 
   
SEI Tax Exempt Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end investment management company,
certain classes of which offer shareholders a convenient means of investing
their funds in one or more professionally managed diversified and
non-diversified portfolios of securities. The Tax Free Portfolio offers two
classes of shares, Class A and Class D shares. Class D shares differ from Class
A shares primarily in the allocation of certain expenses and minimum investment
amounts. Class D shares are available through SEI Financial Services Company
(the Trust's distributor), and through participating broker-dealers, financial
institutions and other organizations. This Prospectus offers Class D shares of
the Trust's Tax Free Portfolio (the "Portfolio"), a money market portfolio.
    
 
AN INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIO IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT, AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE PORTFOLIO WILL BE ABLE TO
MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK. THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT INVESTED.
<PAGE>   63
HOW TO READ THIS PROSPECTUS
 
This Prospectus gives you information that you should know about the Portfolio
before investing. Brief descriptions are also provided throughout the Prospectus
to better explain certain key points. To find these helpful guides, look for
this symbol.

            [DELTA SYMBOL IN CIRCLE]
 
FUND HIGHLIGHTS
 
The following summary provides basic information about the Class D shares of the
Portfolio. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more
detailed information provided elsewhere in this Prospectus and in the Statement
of Additional Information.
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND
POLICIES              The Tax Free Portfolio seeks to preserve principal value
                      and maintain a high degree of liquidity while providing
                      current income exempt from federal income taxes. See
                      "Investment Objective and
                      Policies" and "Description of
                      Permitted Investments and
                      Risk Factors."
UNDERSTANDING RISK    The Portfolio invests in U.S.
                      dollar denominated municipal
                      securities, the interest on
                      which is exempt from federal
                      income taxes. The investment
                      policies of the Portfolio
                      entail certain risks and
                      considerations of which an
                      investor should be aware.
                      There can be no assurance
                      that the Portfolio will
                      achieve its investment
                      objective. See "Investment
                      Objective and Policies" and
                      "Description of Permitted
                      Investments and Risk
                      Factors."
   
MANAGEMENT PROFILE    Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C.
                      (the "Adviser") serves as the
                      investment adviser of the
                      Portfolio. SEI Fund
                      Management serves as the
                      manager and shareholder
                      servicing agent of the Trust
                      (the "Manager"). DST Systems,
                      Inc. ("DST") serves as
                      transfer agent (the "Transfer
                      Agent") and dividend
                      disbursing agent for the
                      Class D shares of the Trust.
                      SEI Financial Services
                      Company acts as distributor
                      ("Distributor") of the
                      Trust's shares. See "The
                      Manager and Shareholder
                      Servicing Agent," "The
    
I,2                   Adviser" and "Distribution."
   
                                                     TABLE OF
    
                                                     CONTENTS
                                                     Fund Highlights........2
                                                     Portfolio Expenses.....4
                                                     Financial Highlights...5
                                                     Your Account and Doing
                                                       Business with Us.....6
                                                     Investment Objective and
                                                       Policies.............9
                                                     General Investment
                                                       Policies............10
                                                     Investment
                                                       Limitations.........11
                                                     The Manager and
                                                       Shareholder Servicing
                                                       Agent...............12
   
                                                     The Adviser...........12
    
   
                                                     Distribution..........13
    
                                                     Performance...........14
                                                     Taxes.................14
                                                     Additional Information
                                                     About Doing Business
   
                                                     With Us...............16
    
                                                     General Information...19
                                                     Description of Permitted
                                                       Investments and Risk
                                                       Factors.............21

                                        2
<PAGE>   64
 
   
YOUR ACCOUNT
AND DOING BUSINESS
WITH US               You may open an account with just $1,000, and make
                      additional investments with as little as $100. Redemptions
                      of the Portfolio's shares are made at net asset value per
                      share. See "Your Account and Doing Business With Us."
    
DIVIDENDS             Substantially all of the net
                      investment income (exclusive   [DELTA SYMBOL IN CIRCLE]
                      of capital gains) of the        
                      Portfolio is
                      distributed in the form of               INVESTMENT       
                      dividends that will be                   PHILOSOPHY       
                      declared daily and paid        Believing that no single   
                      monthly on the first Business  investment adviser can     
                      Day of each month. Any         deliver outstanding        
                      realized net capital gain is   performance in every       
                      distributed at least           investment category, only  
                      annually. Distributions are    those advisers who have    
                      paid in additional shares      distinguished themselves   
                      unless the shareholder elects  within their areas of      
                      to take the payment in cash.   specialization are selected
                      See "General Information--     to advise our mutual funds.
                      Dividends."
 
INFORMATION/          For more information about Class D Shares, call
SERVICE CONTACTS      1-800-437-6016.                                

                                        3
<PAGE>   65
 
PORTFOLIO EXPENSES
 
The purpose of the following table is to help you understand the various cost
and expenses that you, as a shareholder, will bear directly or indirectly in
connection with an investment in Class D shares.
 
   
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES (as a percentage of offering price)     Class D
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                       <C>    <C>
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)                                       None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends (as a percentage of offering price)                            None
Redemption Fees (1)                                                                                               None
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (as a percentage of average net assets)        Class D
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                       <C>    <C>
Management/Advisory Fees                                                                                           .40%
12b-1 Fees (after fee waiver) (2)                                                                                  .20%
Other Expenses                                                                                                     .20%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses (after fee waiver) (3)                                                                    .80%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
(1)  A charge, currently $10.00, is imposed on wires of redemption proceeds.
   
(2)  The Distributor has waived, on a voluntary basis, all or a portion of its
    12b-1 fee, and the 12b-1 fees shown reflect this waiver. The Distributor
    reserves the right to terminate its waiver at any time in its sole
    discretion. Absent such waiver, 12b-1 fees would be .25% for the Portfolio.
    
   
(3)  Absent this fee waiver, Total Operating Expenses for Class D shares of the
    Portfolio would be .85%. Additional information may be found under "The
    Adviser" and "The Manager and Shareholder Servicing Agent."
    
 
EXAMPLE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       1 yr.     3 yrs.     5 yrs.     10 yrs.
                                                                                       ------   --------   --------   ---------
<S>                                                                                    <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment in the Class D shares
  assuming
  (1) a 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:              $8       $26        $44         $99
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSE.
ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
    
 
   
The purpose of the expense table and example is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that may be directly or indirectly
borne by investors in the Portfolio's Class D shares. The Portfolio also offers
Class A shares, which are subject to the same expenses as the Portfolio's Class
D shares, except that Class A shares bear different shareholder servicing and
transfer agent costs. A person that purchases shares through an account with a
financial institution may be charged separate fees by the financial institution.
Additional information may be found under "The Manager and Shareholder Servicing
Agent," "Distribution," and "The Adviser."
    
 
   
Long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent of the maximum
front end sales charges permitted by the Conduct Rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
    
 
                                        4                                      
<PAGE>   66
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
   
The following financial highlights have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, whose report thereon was unqualified. This
information should be read in conjunction with the Trust's financial statements
and notes thereto which appear, along with the report of Arthur Andersen LLP, in
the Trust's 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders. Additional performance
information is set forth in the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is
available upon request and without charge, by calling 1-800-342-5734.
    
FOR A CLASS D SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            Net Realized
                              Investment                                                        and
                   Net        Activities:                 Distributions:                     Unrealized           Net
                  Asset       ----------     -----------------------------------------     Gain (Loss) on        Asset
                 Value,          Net            Net           Net                           Investments         Value,
                Beginning     Investment     Investment     Realized         Total          and Capital           End
                of Period       Income         Income         Gain       Distributions      Transactions       of Period
<S>             <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>               <C>                <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------
TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- -------------------
Class D
FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
1996              $1.00         $0.030        $  (0.030)     $ --          $  (0.030)          $--               $1.00
1995 (1)           1.00          0.026           (0.026)       --             (0.026)           --                1.00
======================================================================================================================
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         Ratio of
                                                           Expenses       Ratio of      Income to
                                                          to Average        Net          Average
                                            Ratio of      Net Assets     Investment     Net Assets
                          Net Assets,       Expenses      (Excluding     Income to      (Excluding     Portfolio
              Total      End of Period     to Average        Fee          Average          Fee         Turnover
             Return          (000)         Net Assets      Waivers)      Net Assets      Waivers)        Rate
<S>            <C>       <C>               <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------
TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- -------------------
Class D
FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
1996           2.99%         $   6            0.80%          0.88%          3.18%          3.10%         --
1995 (1)       2.68%+          272            0.80%*         0.86%*         3.13%*         3.07%*        --
=====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
    
 
 *  Annualized.
 +  Return is for the period indicated and has not been annualized.
(1)  The Tax Free Portfolio--Class D commenced operations on November 1, 1994.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   67
 
YOUR ACCOUNT AND DOING BUSINESS
WITH US
 
   
Class D shares of the Portfolio are sold on a continuous basis and may be
purchased directly from the Trust's Transfer Agent, DST Systems, Inc. Shares may
also be purchased through financial institutions, broker-dealers, or other
organizations which have established a dealer agreement or other arrangement
with SEI Financial Services Company ("Intermediaries"). For more information
about the following topics, see "Additional Information About Doing Business
with Us."
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
HOW TO BUY, SELL
AND EXCHANGE
SHARES THROUGH
INTERMEDIARIES        Class D shares of the Portfolio may be purchased through
                      Intermediaries which provide various levels of shareholder
                      services to their customers. Contact your Intermediary for
                      information about the services available to you and for
                      specific
    
                      instructions on how to buy,     [DELTA SYMBOL IN CIRCLE]
                      sell and exchange shares. To                            
                      allow for processing and                  WHAT IS AN    
                      transmittal of orders to the              INTERMEDIARY? 
                      Transfer Agent on the same      Any entity, such as a   
                      day, Intermediaries may         bank, broker-dealer,    
                      impose earlier cut-off times    other financial         
                      for receipt of purchase         institution, association
                      orders. Certain                 or organization which   
                      Intermediaries may charge       has entered into an     
                      customer account fees.          arrangement with the    
                      Information concerning          Distributor to sell     
                      shareholder services and any    Class D shares to its   
                      charges will be provided to     customers.              
                      the customer by the            
                      Intermediary. Certain of these Intermediaries may be
                      required to register as broker-dealers under state law.
                             The shares you purchase through an Intermediary may
                      be held "of record" by that Intermediary. If you want to
                      transfer the registration of shares beneficially owned by
                      you, but held "of record" by an Intermediary, you should
                      call the Intermediary to request this change.
 
   
HOW TO BUY SHARES     Account application forms may be obtained by calling   
FROM THE TRANSFER     1-800-437-6016. Class D shares of the Portfolio are    
AGENT                 offered only to residents of states in which the shares
                      are eligible for purchase.                             
    
 
   
Opening an Account    You may buy Class D shares by mailing a completed         
By Check              application and a check (or other negotiable bank         
                      instrument or money order) to the Transfer Agent. All     
                      purchases made by check should be in U.S. dollars and made
                      payable to "Class D Shares (Tax Free Portfolio)". If you  
                      send a check that does not clear, the purchase will be    
                      canceled and you could be liable for any losses or fees   
                      incurred. Third-party checks, credit cards, credit card   
                      checks and cash will not be accepted. When shares are     
                      purchased by check, redemption proceeds will be forwarded 
                      only upon collection of payment for such shares;          
                      collection of payment may take up to 15 days.             
                      
    

                                        6
<PAGE>   68
 
By Fed Wire           You may buy shares by Fed Wire by calling 1-800-437-6016.
 
Automatic             You may systematically buy Class D shares through         
Investment Plan       deductions from your checking or savings accounts,        
("AIP")               provided these accounts are maintained through banks which
                      are part of the Automated Clearing House ("ACH") system.  
                      You may purchase shares on a fixed schedule (semi-monthly 
                      or monthly) with amounts as low as $25, or as high as     
                      $100,000. Upon notice, the amount you commit to the AIP   
                      may be changed or canceled at any time. The AIP is subject
                      to account minimum initial purchase amounts and minimum   
                      balance maintenance requirements.                         

   
EXCHANGING SHARES     Once good payment for your shares has been received and  
                      accepted (i.e., an account has been established), you may
When Can You          exchange some or all of your shares for Class D shares of
Exchange Shares?      the Trust or of SEI Liquid Asset Trust, SEI Daily Income 
                      Trust, SEI International Trust and SEI Institutional     
                      Managed Trust ("SEI Funds"). Exchanges are made at net   
                      asset value plus any applicable sales charge.            
    
                     
When Do Sales Charges SEI Funds' portfolios that
Apply to an Exchange? are not money market           [DELTA SYMBOL IN CIRCLE]
                      portfolios currently impose              HOW DOES AN   
                      a sales charge on Class D                EXCHANGE TAKE 
                      shares. If you exchange into             PLACE?        
                      one of these "non-money        When making an exchange,
                      market" portfolios, you will   you authorize the sale  
                      have to pay a sales charge     of your shares of one or
                      on any portion of your         more Portfolios in order
                      exchanged Class D shares for   to purchase the shares  
                      which you have not previously  of another Portfolio. In
                      paid a sales charge.           other words, you are    
                             If you previously paid  executing a sell order  
                      a sales charge on your Class   and then a buy order.   
                      D shares, no additional sales  This sale of your shares
                      charge will be assessed when   is a taxable event which
                      you exchange those Class D     could result in a       
                      shares for other Class D       taxable gain or loss.   
                      shares.                        
                             If you buy Class D shares of a "non-money market"
                      fund and you receive a sales charge waiver, you will be
                      deemed to have paid the sales charge for purposes of this
                      exchange privilege. In calculating any sales charge
                      payable on your exchange, the Trust will assume that the
                      first shares you exchange are those on which you have
                      already paid a sales charge. Sales charge waivers may also
                      be available under certain circumstances described in the
                      SEI Funds' prospectuses.
                             The Trust reserves the right to change the terms
                      and conditions of the exchange privilege discussed herein,
                      or to terminate the exchange privilege, upon 60 days'
                      notice. The Trust also reserves the right to deny an
                      exchange request made within 60 days of the purchase of a
                      "non-money market" portfolio.
 
Requesting an         To request an exchange, you must provide proper          
Exchange of Shares    instructions in writing to the Transfer Agent. Telephone 
                      exchanges will also be accepted if you previously elected
                      this option on your account application.                 

                                        7
<PAGE>   69
 
                             In the case of shares held "of record" by an
                      Intermediary but beneficially owned by you, you should
                      contact the Intermediary who will contact the Transfer
                      Agent and effect the exchange on your behalf.
 
   
HOW TO SELL SHARES    To sell your shares, a written request for redemption in 
THROUGH THE           good order must be received by the Transfer Agent. Valid 
TRANSFER AGENT        written redemption requests will be effective on receipt.
                      All shareholders of record must sign the redemption      
                      request. The Transfer Agent may require that the         
                      signatures on written requests be guaranteed.            
    

By Mail                      For information about the proper form of redemption
                      requests, call 1-800-437-6016. You may also have the
                      proceeds mailed to an address of record or mailed (or sent
                      by ACH) to a commercial bank account previously designated
                      on the Account Application or specified by written
                      instruction to the Transfer Agent. There is no charge for
                      having redemption requests mailed to a designated
                      bank account.
 
By Telephone          You may sell your shares by telephone if you previously
                      elected that option on the Account Application. You may
                      have the proceeds mailed to the address of record, wired
                      or sent by ACH to a commercial bank account previously
                      designated on the
                      Account Application. Under     [DELTA SYMBOL IN CIRCLE]
                      most circumstances, payments                           
                      will be transmitted on the               WHAT IS A     
                      next Business Day following              SIGNATURE     
                      receipt of                               GUARANTEE?    
                                                                             
                      a valid telephone request for  A signature guarantee   
                      redemption. Wire redemption    verifies the            
                      requests may be made by        authenticity of your    
                      calling 1-800-437-6016, who    signature and may be    
                      will subtract a wire           obtained from any of the
                      redemption charge (presently   following: banks,       
                      $10.00) from the amount of     brokers, dealers,       
                      the redemption.                certain credit unions,  
                                                     securities exchange or  
                                                     association, clearing   
Systematic            You may establish a            agency or savings       
Withdrawal Plan       systematic withdrawal plan     association. A notary   
("SWP")               for an account with a $10,000  public cannot provide a 
                      minimum balance. Under the     signature guarantee.    
                      plan, redemptions can be       
                      automatically processed from   
                      accounts (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually)
                      by check or by ACH with a minimum redemption amount of
                      $50.
 
Check-Writing         Check-Writing Service is offered free of charge to Class D
                      shareholders in the Portfolio. You may redeem shares by
                      writing checks on your account for $500 or more. Once you
                      have signed and returned a signature card, you will
                      receive a supply of checks. A check may be made payable to
                      any person, and your account will continue to earn
                      dividends until the check clears.
                             Because of the difficulty of determining in advance
                      the exact value of your account, you may not use a check
                      to close your account. The checks are free, but your
                      account will be charged a fee for stopping payment of a
                      check upon your

                                        8
<PAGE>   70
 
request or if the check cannot be honored because of insufficient funds or other
valid reasons.
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND
POLICIES
 
   
                      The Portfolio's investment objective is to preserve
                      principal value and maintain a high degree of liquidity
                      while providing current income exempt from federal income
                      taxes. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will
                      meet its investment objective.
    

   
                             The Portfolio invests in U.S. dollar denominated
                      municipal securities of
                      issuers located in all fifty   
                      states, the District of        [DELTA SYMBOL IN CIRCLE]
                      Columbia, Puerto Rico and                              
                      other U.S. territories and               WHAT ARE      
                      possessions (collectively,               INVESTMENT    
                      "Municipal Securities"). At              OBJECTIVES AND
                      least 80% of the Portfolio's             POLICIES?     
                      net assets will be invested                            
                      in securities the interest on  The Portfolio's         
                      which is exempt from federal   investment objective is 
                      income taxes, based on         a statement of what it  
                      opinions from bond counsel     seeks to achieve. It is 
                      for the issuers. This          important to make sure  
                      investment policy is a         that the investment     
                      fundamental policy of the      objective matches your  
                      Portfolio. Under normal        own financial needs and 
                      conditions, the Portfolio      circumstances. The      
                      will invest at least 80% of    investment policies     
                      its net assets in securities   section spells out the  
                      the interest on which is not   types of securities in  
                      a preference item for          which the Portfolio     
                      purposes of the federal        invests.                
                      alternative minimum tax.     
                                                   

   
                             The Portfolio may purchase municipal bonds,
                      municipal notes and tax-exempt commercial paper, but only
                      if such securities, at the time of purchase, either meet
                      the rating requirements imposed by Rule 2a-7 or, if not
                      rated, are determined to be of comparable quality by
                      Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C., the Portfolio's investment
                      adviser (the "Adviser"). See "General Investment
                      Policies."
    
                             The Adviser will not invest more than 25% of
                      Portfolio assets in municipal securities (a) whose issuers
                      are located in the same state or (b) the interest on which
                      is derived from revenues of similar type projects. This
                      restriction does not apply to municipal securities in any
                      of the following categories; public housing authorities;
                      general obligations of states and localities; state and
                      local housing finance authorities or municipal utilities
                      systems.
                             There could be economic, business, or political
                      developments which might affect all municipal securities
                      of a similar type. To the extent that a significant
                      portion of the Portfolio's assets are invested in
                      municipal securities payable from revenues on similar
                      projects, the Portfolio will be subject to the peculiar
                      risks

                                        9
<PAGE>   71
 
presented by such projects to a greater extent than it would be if the
Portfolio's assets were not so invested. Moreover, in seeking to attain its
investment objective the Portfolio may invest all or any part of its assets in
municipal securities that are industrial development bonds.
 
GENERAL
INVESTMENT
POLICIES
 
                      In purchasing obligations, the Portfolio complies with the
                      requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act
                      of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), as that Rule may be amended from
                      time to time. These requirements currently provide that
                      the Portfolio must limit its investments to securities
                      with remaining maturities of 397 days or less, and must
                      maintain a dollar-weighted average maturity of 90 days or
                      less. In addition, the Portfolio may only invest in
                      securities (other than U.S. Government Securities) rated
                      in one of the two highest categories for short-term
                      securities by at least two nationally recognized
                      statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs") (or by one
                      NRSRO if only one NRSRO has rated the security), or, if
                      unrated, determined by the Adviser (in accordance with
                      procedures adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees) to be
                      of equivalent quality to rated securities in which the
                      Portfolio may invest.
   
                             Securities rated in the highest rating category
                      (e.g., A-1 by S&P) by at least two NRSROs (or, if unrated,
                      determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality) are
                      "first tier" securities. Non-first tier securities rated
                      in the second highest rating category (e.g., A-2 by S&P)
                      by at least one NRSRO (or, if unrated, determined by the
                      Adviser to be of comparable quality) are considered to be
                      "second tier" securities.
    
                             Although the Portfolio is governed by Rule 2a-7,
                      its investment policies are more restrictive than those
                      imposed by that Rule.
                             The Portfolio may invest in variable and floating
                      rate obligations, may purchase securities on a
                      "when-issued" basis, and reserves the right to engage in
                      transactions involving standby commitments. The Portfolio
                      will not invest more than 10% of its net assets in
                      illiquid securities.
   
                             The Adviser has discretion to invest up to 20% of
                      the Portfolio's assets in taxable money market instruments
                      (including repurchase agreements) and securities the
                      interest on which is a preference item for purposes of the
                      federal alternative minimum tax. However, the Portfolio
                      generally intends to be fully invested in federally
                      tax-exempt securities.
    
                             The taxable money market instruments in which the
                      Portfolio may invest consist of: U.S. Treasury
                      obligations; obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
                      Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities,
                      whether or not backed by the full faith and credit of the
                      U.S. Government; obligations of U.S. commercial banks or
                      savings and loan institutions (not including foreign
                      branches of U.S. banks or
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   72
 
   
U.S. branches of foreign banks) which are members of the Federal Reserve System
or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and which have total assets of $1
billion or more as shown on their last published financial statements at the
time of investment; and repurchase agreements involving any of the foregoing
obligations.
    
   
                             For a description of the Portfolio's permitted
                      investments and ratings, see the "Description of Permitted
                      Investments and Risk Factors" and the Statement of
                      Additional Information.
    
 
INVESTMENT
LIMITATIONS
 
                      The investment objective and investment limitations are
                      fundamental policies of the Portfolio. Fundamental
                      policies cannot be changed with respect to the Trust or
                      the Portfolio without the consent of the holders of a
                      majority of the Trust's or the Portfolio's outstanding
                      shares. It is a fundamental policy of the Portfolio to use
                      its best efforts to maintain a constant net asset value of
                      $1.00 per share.
 
                      The Portfolio may not:
   
                      1. Purchase securities of any issuer (except securities
                         issued or guaranteed by the United States Government,
                         its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result,
                         more than 5% of the total assets of the Portfolio
                         (based on current value at the time of investment)
                         would be invested in the securities of such issuer,
                         provided, however, that the Portfolio may invest up to
                         25% of its total assets without regard to this
                         restriction of, and as permitted by, Rule 2a-7.
    
                      2. Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25%
                         of the total assets of the Portfolio, based on current
                         value at the time of such purchase, to be invested in
                         the securities of one or more issuers conducting their
                         principal business activities in the same industry,
                         provided that this limitation does not apply to
                         investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the
                         U.S. Government or its agencies and instrumentalities.
   
                      3. Borrow money except for temporary or emergency
                         purposes, and then only in an amount not exceeding 10%
                         of the value of the total assets of the Portfolio. All
                         borrowings will be repaid before making additional
                         investments and any interest paid on such borrowings
                         will reduce the income of the Portfolio.
    
 
   
                      The foregoing percentage limitations will apply at the
                      time of the purchase of a security. Additional fundamental
                      investment limitations are set forth in the Statement of
                      Additional Information.
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   73
 
THE MANAGER
AND SHAREHOLDER
SERVICING AGENT
 
   
                      SEI Fund Management (the "Manager") provides the Trust
                      with overall management services, regulatory reporting,
                      all necessary office space, equipment, personnel and
                      facilities, and serves as the Trust's institutional
                      transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, and shareholder
                      servicing agent.
    
                             For these services, the Manager is entitled to a
                      fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an
                      annual rate of .36% of the average daily net assets of the
                      Portfolio. The Manager has voluntarily waived a portion of
                      its fees in order to limit the total operating expenses of
                      the Class D shares of the Portfolio to not more than .80%
                      of the Portfolio's average daily net assets attributable
                      to Class D shares, on an annualized basis. The Manager
                      reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate
                      this voluntary fee waiver at any time.
   
                             For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the
                      Portfolio paid management fees, after waivers, of .36% of
                      its average daily net assets.
    
   
                             The Trust and DST Systems, Inc., 1004 Baltimore
                      Street, 2nd Floor, Kansas City, Missouri, 64105 ("DST"),
                      have entered into a separate transfer agent agreement,
                      with respect to the Class D shares of the Portfolio. Under
                      this agreement, DST acts as the transfer agent and
                      dividend disbursing agent (the "Transfer Agent") for the
                      Class D shares of the Trust.
    
 
THE ADVISER                                          [DELTA SYMBOL IN CIRCLE]
 
   
                      Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C.              INVESTMENT   
                      acts as the Portfolio's                  ADVISER      
                      investment adviser under an                           
                      advisory agreement with the    The Portfolio's        
                      Trust (the "Advisory           investment adviser     
                      Agreement"). Under the         manages the investment 
                      Advisory Agreement, the        activities and is      
                      Adviser invests the assets of  responsible for the    
                      the Portfolio, and             performance of the     
                      continuously reviews,          Portfolio. The adviser 
                      supervises and administers     conducts investment    
                      the Portfolio's investment     research, executes     
                      program. The Adviser is        investment strategies  
                      independent of the Manager     based on an assessment 
                      and SEI, and discharges its    of economic and market 
                      responsibilities subject to    conditions, and        
                      the supervision of, and        determines which       
                      policies set by, the Trustees  securities to buy, hold
                      of the Trust.                  or sell.               
    

   
                             The Adviser is a limited liability company founded
                      as a limited partnership in 1970, and engages in
                      investment management, venture capital management and
                      management buyouts. WPG has been active since its founding
                      in managing portfolios of tax exempt securities. As of
                      September 30, 1996, total assets under
    

                                       12
<PAGE>   74
 
   
                      management were approximately $13 billion. The principal
                      business address of the Adviser is One New York Plaza, New
                      York, New York 10004.
    
   
                             For its services, the Adviser is entitled to a fee,
                      which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual
                      rate of .05% of the combined average daily net assets of
                      the money market portfolios of the Trust that are advised
                      by the Adviser up to $500 million, .04% of such assets
                      from $500 million to $1 billion, and .03% of such assets
                      in excess of $1 billion. Such fees are allocated daily
                      among these portfolios based on their relative net assets.
                      For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the Portfolio
                      paid advisory fees, after waivers, of .04% of its relative
                      net assets.
    
 
DISTRIBUTION
 
   
                      SEI Financial Services Company (the "Distributor"), a
                      wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI, Investments Company
                      ("SEI") serves as each Portfolio's distributor pursuant to
                      a distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement")
                      with the Trust. The Trust has adopted a distribution plan
                      for its Class D shares (the "Class D Plan,"), pursuant to
                      Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
    
   
                             The Class D Plan provides for payments to the
                      Distributor at an annual rate of .25% of the Portfolio's
                      average daily net assets attributable to Class D shares.
                      This payment may be used to compensate financial
                      institutions that provide distribution-related services to
                      their customers. These payments are characterized as
                      "compensation," and are not directly tied to expenses
                      incurred by the Distributor; the payments the Distributor
                      receives during any year may therefore be higher or lower
                      than its actual expenses. These payments compensate the
                      Distributor for its services in connection with
                      distribution assistance or provision of shareholder
                      services, and some or all of it may be used to pay
                      financial institutions and intermediaries such as banks,
                      savings and loan associations, insurance companies, and
                      investment counselors, broker-dealers (including the
                      Distributor's affiliates and subsidiaries) for services or
                      reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with
                      distribution assistance or provision of shareholder
                      services. If the Distributor's expenses are less than its
                      fees under the Class D Plan, the Trust will still pay the
                      full fee and the Distributor will realize a profit, but
                      the Trust will not be obligated to pay in excess of the
                      full fee, even if the Distributor's actual expenses are
                      higher.
    
                             It is possible that an institution may offer
                      different classes of shares to its customers and thus
                      receive different compensation with respect to different
                      classes. These financial institutions may also charge
                      separate fees to their customers.
                             The Trust may execute brokerage or other agency
                      transactions through the Distributor for which the
                      Distributor may receive compensation.
                             The Distributor may, from time to time in its sole
                      discretion, institute one or more promotional incentive
                      programs, which will be paid for by the Distributor
 
                                       13
                                        
<PAGE>   75
 
   
from the sales charge it receives or from its own resources. Under any such
program, the Distributor will provide promotional incentives, in the form of
cash or other compensation, including merchandise, airline vouchers, trips and
vacation packages, to all dealers selling shares of the Portfolio. Such
promotional incentives will be offered uniformly to all shares of the Portfolio
and also will be offered uniformly to all dealers, predicated upon the amount of
shares of the Portfolio sold by such dealer.
    
 
PERFORMANCE
 
   
                      From time to time the Portfolio advertises its "current
                      yield," "tax equivalent yield" and "effective yield."
                      These figures are based on historical earnings and are not
                      intended to indicate future performance. The "current
                      yield" of the Portfolio refers to the income generated by
                      an investment over a seven-day period which is then
                      "annualized." That is, the amount of income generated by
                      the investment during the week is assumed to be generated
                      each week over a 52-week period and is shown as a
                      percentage of the investment. The "effective yield" (also
                      called "effective compound yield") is calculated similarly
                      but, when annualized, the income earned by an investment
                      is assumed to be reinvested. The "effective yield" will be
                      slightly higher than the "current yield" because of the
                      compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment. The "tax
                      equivalent yield" is calculated by determining the rate of
                      return that would have been achieved on a fully taxable
                      investment to produce the after-tax equivalent of the
                      Portfolio's yield, assuming certain tax brackets for a
                      shareholder.
    
   
                             The Portfolio may periodically compare its
                      performance to that of: (i) other mutual funds tracked by
                      mutual fund rating services (such as Lipper Analytical),
                      financial and business publications and periodicals; (ii)
                      broad groups of comparable mutual funds; (iii) unmanaged
                      indices which may assume investment of dividends but
                      generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
                      management costs; or (iv) other investment alternatives.
                      The Portfolio may also quote financial and business
                      publications and periodicals as they relate to fund
                      management, investment philosophy and investment
                      techniques.
    
   
                             The performance of Class D shares will normally be
                      lower than that of Class A shares of the Portfolio because
                      of the additional distribution and transfer agent expenses
                      charged to Class D shares.
    
 
TAXES
 
                      The following summary of federal income tax consequences
                      is based on current tax laws and regulations, which may be
                      changed by legislative, judicial or administrative action.
                      No attempt has been made to present a detailed explanation
                      of the federal income tax treatment of the Portfolio or
                      its shareholders, and state and local tax
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   76
 
consequences of an investment in the Portfolio may differ from the federal
income tax consequences described below. Accordingly, shareholders are urged to
consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to federal, state and
local income taxes. Additional information concerning taxes is set forth in the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
   
Tax Status            The Portfolio is treated as a     [DELTA SYMBOL IN CIRCLE]
of the Portfolio:     separate entity for federal
                      income tax purposes and is                    TAXES      
                      not combined with the Trust's       You must pay taxes on
                      other portfolios. The               your Portfolio's     
                      Portfolio intends to continue       earnings whether you 
                      to qualify for the special          take your payments in
                      tax treatment afforded              cash or additional   
                      regulated investment                shares.              
                      companies under Subchapter M
                      of the Internal Revenue Code
                      of 1986, as amended, (the "Code"), so as to be relieved of
                      federal income tax on net investment company taxable
                      income and net capital gain (the excess of net long-term
                      capital gain over net short-term capital loss) distributed
                      to shareholders.
     
   
Tax Status            The Portfolio intends to        [DELTA SYMBOL IN CIRCLE]
of Distributions:     distribute substantially all
                      of its net investment income             DISTRIBUTIONS 
                      (including net short-term      The Portfolio           
                      capital gain) to               distributes income      
                      shareholders. If, at the       dividends and capital   
                      close of each quarter of its   gains. Income dividends 
                      taxable year, at least 50% of  represent the earnings  
                      the value of the Portfolio's   from the Portfolio's    
                      total assets consists of       investments; capital    
                      obligations the interest on    gains distributions     
                      which is excludable from       occur when investments  
                      gross income, the Portfolio    in the Portfolio are    
                      may pay "exempt-interest       sold for more than the  
                      dividends" to its              original purchase price.
                      shareholders. Exempt-interest
                      dividends are excludable from a shareholder's gross income
                      for federal income tax purposes but may have certain
                      collateral federal tax consequences, including alternative
                      minimum tax consequences. In addition, the receipt of
                      exempt-interest dividends may cause persons receiving
                      Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits to be
                      taxable on a portion of such benefits. See the Statement
                      of Additional Information.
    
   
                             Any dividends paid out of income realized by the
                      Portfolio on taxable securities will be taxable to
                      shareholders as ordinary income (whether received in cash
                      or in additional shares) to the extent of the Portfolio's
                      earnings and profits and will not qualify for the
                      dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.
                      Distributions of net capital gains of the Portfolio also
                      will not qualify for the dividends received deduction and
                      will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains
                      whether received in cash or additional shares, and
                      regardless of how long a shareholder has held the shares.
    
                             Dividends declared by the Portfolio in October,
                      November or December of any year and payable to
                      shareholders of record on a date in any such month will be

                                       15
<PAGE>   77
 
deemed to have been paid by the Portfolio and received by the shareholders on
December 31 of that year if paid by the Portfolio at any time during the
following January. The Portfolio intends to make sufficient distributions prior
to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability for federal excise tax
applicable to regulated investment companies.
                             Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
                      shareholder in order to purchase or carry shares of the
                      Portfolio is not deductible for federal income tax
                      purposes. Furthermore, the Portfolio may not be an
                      appropriate investment for persons (including corporations
                      and other business entities) who are "substantial users"
                      (or persons related to "substantial users") of facilities
                      financed by industrial development bonds or private
                      activity bonds. Such persons should consult their tax
                      advisers before purchasing shares.
                             The Portfolio will report annually to its
                      shareholders the portion of dividends that is taxable and
                      the portion that is tax-exempt based on income received by
                      the Portfolio during the year to which the dividends
                      relate.
                             Each sale, exchange, or redemption of the
                      Portfolio's shares is a taxable transaction to the
                      shareholder.
 
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION ABOUT
DOING BUSINESS
WITH US
 
   
Business Days         You may buy, sell or exchange shares on days on which the
                      New York Stock Exchange is open for business (a "Business
                      Day"). However, shares of the Portfolio cannot be
                      purchased by Federal Reserve wire on federal holidays
                      restricting wire transfers. All purchase, exchange and
                      redemption requests received in "good order" will be
                      effective as of the Business Day received by the Transfer
                      Agent (or its authorized agent) as long as the Transfer
                      Agent receives the order and, in the case of a purchase
                      request, payment before 2:00 p.m., Eastern time. Otherwise
                      the purchase will be effective when payment is received.
                      Broker-dealers may have separate arrangements with the
                      Trust regarding the sale of Class D shares of the
                      Portfolio.
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   78
 
                             If an exchange request    [DELTA SYMBOL IN CIRCLE]
                      is for shares of a portfolio
                      whose net asset value is                BUY, EXCHANGE AND
                      calculated as of a time                 SELL REQUESTS ARE
                      earlier than 2:00 p.m.,                 IN "GOOD ORDER"  
                      Eastern time, the exchange              WHEN:            
                      request will not be effective                            
                      until the next Business Day.   - The account number and  
                      Anyone who wishes to make an     portfolio name are      
                      exchange must have received a    shown                   
                      current prospectus of the      - The amount of the       
                      portfolio into which the         transaction is          
                      exchange is being made before    specified in dollars    
                      the exchange will be             or shares               
                      effected.                      - Signatures of all       
Minimum Investments   The minimum initial              owners appear exactly   
                      investment in the Portfolio's    as they are registered  
                      Class D shares is $1,000;        on the account          
                      however, the minimum           - Any required signature  
                      investment may be waived at      guarantees (if          
                      the Distributor's discretion.    applicable) are         
                      All subsequent purchases must    included                
                      be at least $100 ($25 for      - Other supporting legal  
                      payroll deductions authorized    documents (as           
                      pursuant to pre-approved         necessary) are present  
                      payroll deduction plans). The
                      Trust reserves the right to reject a purchase order when
                      the Distributor determines that it is not in the best
                      interest of the Trust or its shareholders to accept such
                      order.
 
   
Maintaining a         Due to the relatively high cost of handling small        
Minimum Account       investments, the Portfolio reserves the right to redeem, 
Balance               at net asset value, the shares of any shareholder if,    
                      because of redemptions of shares by or on behalf of the  
                      shareholder, the account of such shareholder in the      
                      Portfolio has a value of less than $1,000, the minimum   
                      initial purchase amount. Accordingly, an investor        
                      purchasing shares of the Portfolio in only the minimum   
                      investment amount may be subject to such involuntary     
                      redemption if he or she thereafter redeems any of these  
                      shares. Before the Portfolio exercises its right to redeem
                      such shares and to send the proceeds to the shareholder,  
                      the shareholder will be given notice that the value of the
                      shares in his or her account is less than the minimum    
                      amount and will be allowed 60 days to make an additional 
                      investment in the Portfolio in an amount that will       
                      increase the value of the account to at least $1,000. See
                      "Purchase and Redemption of Shares" in the Statement of  
                      Additional Information for examples of when the right of 
                      redemption may be suspended.                             
                                                                               
                                                                               
    
   
                             At various times, the Portfolio may receive a
                      request to redeem shares for which it has not yet received
                      good payment. In such circumstances, redemption proceeds
                      will be forwarded upon collection of payment for the
                      shares; collection of payment may take up to 15 days. The
                      Portfolio intends to pay cash for all shares redeemed, but
                      under abnormal conditions that make payment in cash
                      unwise, payment may be made wholly or partly in portfolio
                      securities with a market value equal to the redemption
                      price. In such cases, an investor may incur brokerage
                      costs in converting such securities to cash.
    
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
                                       17
<PAGE>   79
 
Net Asset Value       An order to buy shares will be executed at a per share
                      price equal to the net asset value next determined after
                      the receipt of the purchase order by the Transfer Agent
                      (the "offering price"). The purchase price of shares is
                      expected to remain constant at $1.00. No certificates
                      representing shares will be issued. An order to sell
                      shares will be executed at the net asset value per share
                      next determined after receipt and effectiveness of a
                      request for redemption in good order. Net asset value per
                      share is determined daily as of 2:00 p.m., Eastern time on
                      any Business Day. Payment to shareholders for shares
                      redeemed will be made within 7 days after receipt by the
                      Transfer Agent of the redemption order.
 
How the               The net asset value per share of the Portfolio is
Net Asset Value       determined by dividing the total market value of its
is Determined         investments and other assets, less any liabilities, by the
                      total number of outstanding shares of the Portfolio. The
                      Portfolio's investments will be valued by the amortized
                      cost method described in the Statement of Additional
                      Information. Although the methodology and procedures for
                      determining net asset value per share are identical for
                      each class of the Portfolio, the net asset value per share
                      of one class may differ from that of another class because
                      of the different distribution fees and incremental
                      transfer agent fees charged to Class D shares.
 
Signature Guarantees  The Transfer Agent may require that the signatures on the
                      written request be guaranteed. You should be able to
                      obtain a signature guarantee from a bank, broker, dealer,
                      certain credit unions, securities exchange or association,
                      clearing agency or savings association. Notaries public
                      cannot guarantee signatures. The signature guarantee
                      requirement will be waived if all of the following
                      conditions apply: (1) the redemption is for not more than
                      $5,000 worth of shares, (2) the redemption check is
                      payable to the shareholder(s) of record, and (3) the
                      redemption check is mailed to the shareholder(s) at his or
                      her address of record. The Trust and the Transfer Agent
                      reserve the right to amend these requirements without
                      notice.
 
Telephone/Wire        Redemption orders may be placed by telephone. Neither the
Instructions          Trust nor the Transfer Agent will be responsible for any
                      loss, liability, cost or expense for acting upon wire
                      instructions or upon telephone instructions that it
                      reasonably believes to be genuine. The Trust and the
                      Transfer Agent will each employ reasonable procedures to
                      confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are
                      genuine, including requiring a form of personal
                      identification prior to acting upon instructions received
                      by telephone and recording telephone instructions. If
                      market conditions are extraordinarily active, or other
                      extraordinary circumstances exist, and you experience
                      difficulties placing redemption orders by telephone, you
                      may wish to consider placing your order by other means.
 
Systematic            Please note that if withdrawals exceed income dividends,
Withdrawal Plan       your invested principal in the account will be depleted.
("SWP")               Thus, depending upon the frequency and amounts of the
                      withdrawal payments and/or any fluctuations in the net
                      asset value per share,
 

                                       18
<PAGE>   80
 
your original investment could be exhausted entirely. To participate in the SWP,
you must have your dividends automatically reinvested. You may change or cancel
the SWP at any time, upon written notice to the Transfer Agent.
 
How to                An account may be closed by providing written notice to
Close your Account    the Transfer Agent. You may also close your account by
                      telephone if you have previously elected telephone options
                      on your account application.
 
GENERAL
INFORMATION
 
   
The Trust             SEI Tax Exempt Trust (the"Trust") was organized as a
                      Massachusetts business trust under a Declaration of Trust
                      dated March 15, 1982. The Declaration of Trust permits the
                      Trust to offer separate portfolios of shares and different
                      classes of each portfolio. Shareholders may purchase
                      shares in the Portfolio through two separate classes:
                      Class A and Class D, which provide for variation in
                      distribution and transfer agent costs, voting rights, and
                      dividends. This Prospectus offers Class D shares of the
                      Trust's Tax Free Portfolio. In addition to the Portfolio,
                      the Trust consists of the following portfolios:
                      Institutional Tax Free Portfolio, California Tax Exempt
                      Portfolio, Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio,
                      Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio, Kansas Tax Free Income
                      Portfolio, New York Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio
                      and Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolio. Additional
                      information pertaining to the Trust may be obtained by
                      writing to SEI Fund Management, 680 East Swedesford Road,
                      Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, or by calling 1-800-437-6016.
                      All consideration received by the Trust for shares of any
                      portfolio and all assets of such portfolio belong to that
                      portfolio and would be subject to liabilities related
                      thereto.
    
                             The Trust pays its expenses, including fees of its
                      service providers, audit and legal expenses, expenses of
                      preparing prospectuses, proxy solicitation material and
                      reports to shareholders, costs of custodial services and
                      registering the shares under federal and state securities
                      laws, pricing, insurance expenses, litigation and other
                      extraordinary expenses, brokerage costs, interest charges,
                      taxes and organization expenses.
 
Trustees of the Trust The management and affairs of the Trust are supervised by
                      the Trustees under the laws of the Commonwealth of
                      Massachusetts. The Trustees have approved contracts under
                      which, as described above, certain companies provide
                      essential management services to the Trust.
 
   
Voting Rights         Each share held entitles the shareholder of record to one
                      vote. The shareholders of each portfolio or class of the
                      Trust will vote separately on matters relating solely to
                      that portfolio or class, such as any distribution plan. As
                      a Massachusetts business trust, the Trust is not required
                      to hold annual meetings of shareholders, but shareholders'
                      approval will be sought for certain changes in the
                      operation of the
    
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   81
 
Trust and for the election of Trustees under certain circumstances. In addition,
a Trustee may be removed by the remaining Trustees or by shareholders at a
special meeting called upon written request of shareholders owning at least 10%
of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In the event that such a meeting is
requested the Trust will provide appropriate assistance and information to the
shareholders requesting the meeting.
 
Reporting             The Trust issues unaudited financial statements
                      semi-annually and audited financial statements annually.
                      The Trust furnishes proxy statements and other reports to
                      shareholders of record.
 
   
Shareholder Inquiries Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Transfer
                      Agent, DST Systems, Inc., 1004 Baltimore Street, 2nd
                      Floor, Kansas City, Missouri, 64141-6240.
    
 
Dividends             The net investment income (exclusive of capital gains) of
                      the Portfolio is determined and declared on each Business
                      Day as a dividend for shareholders of record as of the
                      close of business on that day. Dividends are paid by the
                      Portfolio in cash or in additional shares at the
                      discretion of the shareholder on the first Business Day of
                      each month. Currently, capital gains, if any, are
                      distributed at the end of the calendar year.
                             The dividends on Class D shares of the Portfolio
                      will normally be lower than those on Class A shares
                      because of the additional distribution and transfer agent
                      expenses charged to Class D shares.
                             Shareholders automatically receive all income
                      dividends and capital gain distributions in additional
                      shares, unless the shareholder has elected to take such
                      payment in cash. Shareholders may change their election by
                      providing written notice to the Manager at least 15 days
                      prior to the distribution.
 
Counsel and           Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the
Independent           Trust. Arthur Andersen LLP serves as the independent
Public Accountants    public accountants of the Trust.
 
   
Custodian and         CoreStates Bank, N.A., Broad and Chestnut Streets, P.O.
Wire Agent            Box 7618, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101, serves as
                      custodian of the Trust's assets and acts as wire agent of
                      the Trust. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other
                      assets of the Trust as required by the 1940 Act.
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   82
 
   
DESCRIPTION
OF PERMITTED
INVESTMENTS
AND RISK FACTORS
    
 
                      The following is a description of certain of the permitted
                      investments for the Portfolio, and the associated risk
                      factors:
 
   
Money Market Securities
                      Money market securities are high-quality,
                      dollar-denominated, short-term debt instruments. They
                      consist of: (i) bankers' acceptances, certificates of
                      deposits, notes and time deposits of highly-rated U.S.
                      banks; (ii) U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations
                      issued by the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S.
                      Government; and (iii) repurchase agreements involving any
                      of the foregoing obligations entered into with
                      highly-rated banks and broker-dealers.
    
 
   
Municipal Securities  Municipal Securities consist of (i) debt obligation issued
                      by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to
                      be used for various public facilities, for refunding
                      outstanding obligations, for general operating expenses
                      and for lending such funds to other public institutions
                      and facilities, and (ii) certain private activity and
                      industrial development bonds issued by or on behalf of
                      public authorities to obtain funds to provide for the
                      construction, equipment, repair or improvement of
                      privately operated facilities.
    
                             General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing
                      power of the issuing municipality. Revenue bonds are
                      backed by the revenues of a project or facility, tolls
                      from a toll bridge, for example. Certificates of
                      participation represent an interest in an underlying
                      obligation or commitment such as an obligation issued in
                      connection with a leasing arrangement. The payment of
                      principal and interest on private activity and industrial
                      development bonds generally is dependent solely on the
                      ability of the facility's user to meet its financial
                      obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal
                      property so financed as security for such payment.
                             Municipal notes include general obligation notes,
                      tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond
                      anticipation notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand
                      notes and construction loan notes and participation
                      interests in municipal notes. Municipal bonds include
                      general obligation bonds, revenue or special obligation
                      bonds, private activity and industrial development bonds
                      and participation interests in municipal bonds.
 
   
Repurchase Agreements Repurchase agreements are arrangements by which a
                      Portfolio obtains a security and simultaneously commits to
                      return the security to the seller at an agreed upon price
                      (including principal and interest) on an agreed upon date
                      within a number of days from the date of purchase.
                      Repurchase agreements are considered loans under the 1940
                      Act.
    
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   83

   
Standby Commitments   Securities subject to standby commitments or puts permit
and Puts              the holder thereof to sell the securities at a fixed price
                      prior to maturity. Securities subject to a standby
                      commitment or put may be sold at any time at the current
                      market price. However, unless the standby commitment or
                      put was an integral part of the security as originally
                      issued, it may not be marketable or assignable; therefore,
                      the standby commitment or put would only have value to the
                      Portfolio owning the security to which it relates. In
                      certain cases, a premium may be paid for a standby
                      commitment or put, which premium will have the effect of
                      reducing the yield otherwise payable on the underlying
                      security. The Portfolio will limit standby commitment or
                      put transactions to institutions believed to present
                      minimal credit risk.
    
 
   
U.S. Government       Obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury or issued or
Obligations           guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. Government, including,
                      among others, the Federal Farm Credit Bank, the Federal
                      Housing Administration and the Small Business
                      Administration, and obligations issued or guaranteed by
                      instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, including, among
                      others, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the
                      Federal Land Banks and the U.S. Post Service. Some of
                      these securities are supported by the full faith and
                      credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., Government National
                      Mortgage Association securities), others are supported by
                      the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury (e.g.,
                      Federal Farm Credit Bank securities), while still others
                      are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality
                      (e.g., Federal National Mortgage Association securities).
                      Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities
                      of the U.S. Government may be a guarantee of payment at
                      the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a
                      default prior to maturity there might not be a market and
                      thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to
                      maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal
                      and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these
                      securities not to the value of the Fund's shares.
    
 
   
Variable and Floating Certain of the obligations purchased by the Portfolio may
Rate Instruments      carry variable or floating rates of interest and may
                      involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature.
                      Such obligations may include variable amount master demand
                      notes. Such instruments bear interest at rates which are
                      not fixed, but which vary with changes in specified market
                      rates or indices. The interest rates on these securities
                      may be reset daily, weekly, quarterly or at some other
                      interval and may have a floor or ceiling on interest rate
                      changes. There is a risk that the current interest rate on
                      such obligations may not accurately reflect existing
                      market interest rates. A demand instrument with a demand
                      notice period exceeding seven days may be considered
                      illiquid if there is no secondary market for such
                      security.
    
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   84
 
   
When-issued and       When-issued or delayed delivery transactions involve the
Delayed               purchase of an instrument with payment and delivery taking
Delivery Securities   place in the future. Delivery of and payment for these
                      securities may occur a month or more after the date of the
                      purchase commitment. The Portfolio will maintain with the
                      custodian a separate account with liquid, high grade debt
                      securities or cash in an amount at least equal to these
                      commitments. The interest rate realized on these
                      securities is fixed as of the purchase date, and no
                      interest accrues to the Portfolio before settlement.
    
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   85
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   86
 
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
   
DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
This Prospectus sets forth concisely information about the above-referenced
Portfolios that an investor needs to know before investing. Please read this
Prospectus carefully, and keep it on file for future reference.
 
   
A Statement of Additional Information dated December 31, 1996 has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available upon request and
without charge by writing the Distributor, SEI Financial Services Company, 680
East Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated into this Prospectus by
reference.
    
 
   
SEI Tax Exempt Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end investment management company,
certain classes of which offer financial institutions a convenient means of
investing their own funds, or funds for which they act in a fiduciary, agency or
custodial capacity, in one or more professionally managed diversified and
non-diversified portfolios of securities. A portfolio may offer separate classes
of shares that differ from each other primarily in the allocation of certain
expenses and minimum investment amounts. This Prospectus offers Class A, Class B
and Class C shares of the Trust's California Tax Exempt Portfolio, a money
market portfolio (the "Portfolio").
    
 
   
AN INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIO IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT, AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE PORTFOLIO WILL BE ABLE TO
MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK. THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT INVESTED.
<PAGE>   87
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (as a percentage of average net assets)         CLASS A             CLASS B             CLASS C
<S>                                                              <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management/Advisory Fees (after fee waiver) (1)                                .24%                .24%                .24%
12b-1 Fees                                                                     None                None                None
Total Other Expenses                                                           .04%                .34%                .54%
    Shareholder Servicing Fees (after fee waiver)                   .00%(2)              .25%                .25%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses (after fee waivers) (3)                               .28%                .58%                .78%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1)  The Manager has waived, on a voluntary basis, a portion of its fees for the
    Portfolio. The Management/Advisory fees shown reflect these voluntary
    waivers. The Manager reserves the right to terminate its waiver at any time
    in its sole discretion. Absent such fee waivers, Management/Advisory fees
    for the Portfolio would be .27%.
    
   
(2)  The Distributor has waived, on a voluntary basis, all or a portion of its
    shareholder servicing fee, and the Shareholder Servicing Fees shown reflect
    this waiver. The Distributor reserves the right to terminate its waiver at
    anytime in its sole discretion. Absent such waiver, Shareholder Servicing
    Fees would be .25% for Class A shares of the Portfolio.
    
   
(3)  Absent these fee waivers, Total Operating Expenses of the Class A, B and C
    shares of the Portfolio would be .56%, .61% and .81%, respectively.
    Additional information may be found under "The Adviser" and "The Manager."
    
 
EXAMPLE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           1 YR.    3 YRS.    5 YRS.    10 YRS.
                                                                                           -----    ------    ------    -------
<S>                                                                                        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
An investor in a Portfolio would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment
  assuming (1) a 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
    Class A                                                                                 $ 3      $  9      $ 16       $36
    Class B                                                                                 $ 6      $ 19      $ 32       $73
    Class C                                                                                 $ 8      $ 25      $ 43       $97
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
   
The purpose of the expense table and example is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that may be directly or indirectly
borne by investors in the Portfolio's Class A, Class B and Class C shares. The
Portfolio also offers Class G shares, which are subject to the same expenses,
except for different distribution and shareholder servicing expenses. A person
who purchases shares through a financial institution may be charged separate
fees by that institution. Additional information may be found under "The
Manager," "The Adviser" and "Distribution and Shareholder Servicing."
    
 
   
Long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent of the maximum
front end sales charges permitted the Conduct Rules of the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc.
    
 
                                        2                                      
<PAGE>   88
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
   
The following financial highlights have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, whose report thereon was unqualified. This
information should be read in conjunction with the Trust's financial statements
and notes thereto which appear, along with the report of Arthur Andersen LLP, in
the Trust's 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders. Additional performance
information is set forth in the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is
available upon request and without charge by calling 1-800-342-5734. As of
August 31, 1996, the Class C shares of the California Tax Exempt Portfolio had
not commenced operations.
    
   
FOR A CLASS A AND CLASS B SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD**
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Investment                                                Net Realized
                                  Activities                 Distributions                 and Unrealized
                     Net Asset    ----------    ---------------------------------------     Gain (Loss)
                       Value         Net           Net          Net                        on Investments    Net Asset
                     Beginning    Investment    Investment    Realized        Total         and Capital      Value End    Total
                     of Period      Income        Income        Gain      Distributions     Transactions     of Period    Return
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>              <C>               <C>          <C>
- -----------------------------------
CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO
- -----------------------------------
Class A
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
1996                   $1.00       $  0.034      $ (0.034)          --       $(0.034)              --          $1.00       3.41%
1995                   $1.00          0.033        (0.033)          --       $(0.033)              --          $1.00       3.49%
1994                   $1.00          0.023        (0.023)          --       $(0.023)              --          $1.00       2.32%
1993                   $1.00          0.024        (0.024)          --       $(0.024)              --          $1.00       2.41%
1992                   $1.00          0.034        (0.034)          --       $(0.034)              --          $1.00       3.44%
1991                   $1.00          0.047        (0.047)          --       $(0.047)              --          $1.00       4.92%
1990 (1)               $1.00          0.016        (0.016)          --       $(0.016)              --          $1.00       1.81%+
Class B
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
1995 (2)               $1.00          0.027        (0.027)          --       $(0.027)              --          $1.00       2.65%+
1994 (3)               $1.00          0.013        (0.013)          --       $(0.013)              --          $1.00       2.07%*
=================================================================================================================================
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Ratio of
                                                                                  Net
                                                    Ratio of                   Investment     
                                                    Expenses      Ratio of       Income
                                      Ratio of     to Average       Net        to Average
                                      Expenses     Net Assets    Investment    Net Assets
                     Net Assets          to        (Excluding      Income      (Excluding    Portfolio
                    End of Period     Average         Fee        to Average       Fee        Turnover
                        (000)        Net Assets     Waivers)     Net Assets     Waivers)       Rate
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>       
- --------------------------------
CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------
Class A
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
1996                  $  44,729         0.28%         0.36%         3.33%        3.25%           --
1995                  $  30,921         0.28%         0.42%         3.43%        3.29%           --
1994                  $  32,015         0.27%         0.38%         2.28%        2.17%           --
1993                  $ 540,285         0.28%         0.37%         2.37%        2.28%           --
1992                  $ 445,936         0.28%         0.38%         3.34%        3.24%           --
1991                  $ 376,653         0.28%         0.40%         4.74%        4.62%           --
1990 (1)              $ 275,095         0.28%*        0.51%*        5.27%*       5.04%*          --
Class B
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
1995 (2)              $       0         0.58%*        0.69%*        3.16%*       3.05%*          --
1994 (3)              $   3,257         0.51%*        0.81%*        2.05%*       1.75%*          --
==========================================================================================================
   *   Annualized
  **   The Trust has not previously offered shares of the California Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio.
   +   Return is for the period indicated and has not been annualized.
 (1)   The California Tax Exempt Portfolio-Class A commenced operations on May 14, 1990.
 (2)   The California Tax Exempt Portfolio-Class B closed on July 12, 1995.
 (3)   The California Tax Exempt Portfolio-Class B commenced operations on January 5, 1994.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       3
<PAGE>   89
 
THE TRUST
 
   
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company
that offers units of beneficial interest ("shares") in separate diversified and
non-diversified investment portfolios. This Prospectus offers Class A, Class B
and Class C shares of the Trust's California Tax Exempt Portfolio (the
"Portfolio"). As of September 30, 1996, the aggregate net assets of all classes
of the California Tax Exempt Portfolio was $411,526,336. Investors may also
purchase Class G shares of the Portfolio. Each class provides for variation in
distribution, shareholder servicing and/or transfer agent costs, voting rights,
and dividends. Additional information pertaining to the Trust may be obtained by
writing to SEI Financial Services Company, 680 East Swedesford Road, Wayne,
Pennsylvania 19087-1658, or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
    
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES AND
POLICIES
 
   
                      The Portfolio's investment objective is to preserve
                      principal value and maintain a high degree of liquidity
                      while providing current income exempt from federal and, to
                      the extent possible, California state personal income
                      taxes. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will
                      achieve its investment objective.
    
   
                             It is a fundamental policy of the Portfolio to
                      invest, under normal conditions, at least 80% of its net
                      assets in municipal securities that produce interest that,
                      in the opinion of bond counsel, is exempt from federal
                      income tax (collectively, "Municipal Securities"), and the
                      Portfolio will invest, under normal conditions, at least
                      80% of its net assets in securities the interest on which
                      is not a preference item for purposes of the federal
                      alternative minimum tax. Under normal conditions, at least
                      65% of the Portfolio's assets will be invested in
                      municipal obligations the interest on which is exempt from
                      California state personal income tax. These constitute
                      municipal obligations of the state of California and its
                      political subdivisions or municipal authorities and
                      municipal obligations issued by territories or possessions
                      of the United States. The Portfolio may invest, under
                      normal conditions, up to 20% of its net assets in (1)
                      Municipal Securities the interest on which is a preference
                      item for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax
                      (although the Portfolio has no present intention of
                      investing in such securities) and (2) taxable investments.
                      In addition, for temporary defensive purposes when Weiss,
                      Peck & Greer, L.L.C., the Portfolio's investment adviser
                      (the "Adviser" or "WPG"), determines that market
                      conditions warrant, the Portfolio may invest up to 100% of
                      its assets in municipal obligations of states other than
                      California or taxable money market securities (including
                      repurchase agreements, U.S. Treasury securities and
                      instruments of certain U.S. commercial banks or savings
                      and loan institutions).
    
                             The Adviser will not invest more than 25% of
                      Portfolio assets in municipal securities the interest on
                      which is derived from revenues of similar type projects.
                      This restriction does not apply to municipal securities in
                      any of the following
 
                                        4                                      
<PAGE>   90
 
                      categories: public housing authorities; general
                      obligations of states and localities; state and local
                      housing finance authorities or municipal utilities
                      systems.
 
   
GENERAL
INVESTMENT
POLICIES
    

                      In purchasing obligations, the Portfolio complies with the
                      requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act
                      of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), as that Rule may be amended from
                      time to time. These requirements currently provide that
                      the Portfolio must limit its investments to securities
                      with remaining maturities of 397 days or less, and must
                      maintain a dollar-weighted average maturity of 90 days or
                      less. In addition, the Portfolio may only invest in
                      securities (other than U.S. Government Securities) rated
                      in one of the two highest categories for short-term
                      securities by at least two nationally recognized
                      statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs") (or by one
                      NRSRO if only one NRSRO has rated the security), or, if
                      unrated, determined by the Adviser (in accordance with
                      procedures adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees) to be
                      of equivalent quality to rated securities in which the
                      Portfolio may invest.
   
                             Securities rated in the highest rating category
                      (e.g., A-1 by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P")) by at
                      least two NRSROs (or, if unrated, determined by the
                      Adviser to be of comparable quality) are "first tier"
                      securities. Non-first tier securities rated in the second
                      highest rating category (e.g., A-2 by S&P) by at least one
                      NRSRO (or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of
                      comparable quality) are considered to be "second tier"
                      securities.
    
                             Although the Portfolio is governed by Rule 2a-7,
                      its investment policies are more restrictive than those
                      imposed by that Rule.
   
                             The Portfolio may purchase municipal bonds,
                      municipal notes and tax-exempt commercial paper, but only
                      if such securities, at the time of purchase, either meet
                      the rating requirements imposed by Rule 2a-7 or, if not
                      rated, are of comparable quality as determined by the
                      Adviser. See "General Investment Policies."
    
   
                             The portfolio may invest in variable and floating
                      rate obligations, may purchase securities on a
                      "when-issued" basis, and reserves the right to engage in
                      transactions involving standby commitments. The Portfolio
                      will not invest more than 10% of its net assets in
                      securities which are considered illiquid.
    
                             For a description of the Portfolio's permitted
                      investments and ratings, see the "Description of Permitted
                      Investments and Risk Factors" and the Statement of
                      Additional Information.
 
                                        5                                      
<PAGE>   91
 
RISK
FACTORS
 
   
California Risk Factors
                      The Portfolio's concentration in investments in California
                      municipal securities involves greater risks than if their
                      investments were more diversified. Certain risks are
                      inherent in the Portfolio's investments in California
                      municipal securities. These risks result from (1)
                      amendments to the California Constitution and other
                      statutes that limit the taxing and spending authority of
                      California government entities, (2) the general financial
                      condition of the State of California, and (3) a variety of
                      California laws and regulations that may affect, directly
                      or indirectly, California municipal securities. The
                      ability of issuers of municipal securities to pay interest
                      on, or repay principal of, municipal securities may be
                      impaired as a result. A more complete description of these
                      risks is contained in the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
    
   
                             There could be economic, business, or political
                      developments which might affect all municipal securities
                      of a similar type. To the extent that a significant
                      portion of the Portfolio's assets are invested in
                      municipal securities payable from revenues on similar
                      projects, the Portfolio will be subject to the peculiar
                      risks presented by such projects to a greater extent than
                      it would be if the Portfolio's assets were not so
                      invested. Moreover, in seeking to attain its investment
                      objective the Portfolio may invest all or any part of its
                      assets in municipal securities that are industrial
                      development bonds.
    
 
INVESTMENT
LIMITATIONS
 
   
                      The investment objective and investment limitations are
                      fundamental policies of the Portfolio. Fundamental
                      policies cannot be changed with respect to the Trust or
                      the Portfolio without the consent of the holders of a
                      majority of the Trust's or the Portfolio's outstanding
                      shares. It is a fundamental policy of the Portfolio to use
                      its best efforts to maintain a constant net asset value of
                      $1.00 per share.
    
 
                      The Portfolio may not:
                      1. Purchase securities of any issuer (except securities
                         issued or guaranteed by the United States Government,
                         its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result,
                         more than 5% of the total assets of the Portfolio
                         (based on current value at the time of investment)
                         would be invested in the securities of such issuer.
                         This restriction applies to 75% of the Portfolio's
                         assets.
                      2. Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25%
                         of the total assets of the Portfolio, based on fair
                         market value at the time of such purchase, to be
                         invested in the securities of one or more issuers
                         conducting their principal business activities in the
                         same industry, provided that this limitation does not
 
                                        6                                      
<PAGE>   92
 
                         apply to investments in obligations issued or
                         guaranteed by the United States Government or its
                         agencies and instrumentalities or to investments in
                         tax-exempt securities issued by governments or
                         political subdivisions of governments.

                      3. Borrow money except for temporary or emergency purposes
                         and then only in an amount not exceeding 10% of the
                         value of the total assets of the Portfolio. All
                         borrowings will be repaid before making additional
                         investments and any interest paid on such borrowings
                         will reduce the income of the Portfolio.
 
   
                      The foregoing percentage limitations will apply at the
                      time of the purchase of a security. Additional fundamental
                      investment limitations are set forth in the Statement of
                      Additional Information.
    
 
THE MANAGER
 
   
                      SEI Fund Management (the "Manager" and the "Transfer
                      Agent") provides the Trust with overall management
                      services, regulatory reporting, all necessary office
                      space, equipment, personnel and facilities, and serves as
                      institutional transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent,
                      and shareholder servicing agent.
    
   
                             For these services, the Manager is entitled to a
                      fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an
                      annual rate of .23% of the average daily net assets of the
                      Portfolio. The Manager has voluntarily agreed to waive a
                      portion of its fees in order to limit the total operating
                      expenses of Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the
                      Portfolio to not more than .28%, .58% and .78% as a
                      percentage of the Portfolio's average daily net assets
                      attributable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares, on an
                      annualized basis, respectively. The Manager reserves the
                      right, in its sole discretion, to terminate these
                      voluntary fee waivers at any time. For the fiscal year
                      ended August 31, 1996, the Portfolio paid management fees,
                      after waivers, of .20% of its average daily net assets.
    
 
THE ADVISER
 
   
                      Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C. serves as the Portfolio's
                      investment adviser under an advisory agreement (the
                      "Advisory Agreement") with the Trust. Under the Advisory
                      Agreement, the Adviser invests the assets of the
                      Portfolio, and continuously reviews, supervises and
                      administers the investment programs of the Portfolio. The
                      Adviser is independent of the Manager and SEI and
                      discharges its responsibilities subject to the supervision
                      of, and policies set by, the Trustees of the Trust.
    
   
                             The Adviser is a limited liability company founded
                      as a limited partnership in 1970, and engages in
                      investment management, venture capital management and
                      management buyouts. WPG has been active since its founding
                      in managing portfolios of tax exempt securities. As of
                      September 30, 1996, total assets under management were
                      approximately $13 billion. The principal business address
                      of the Adviser is One New York Plaza, New York, New York
                      10004.
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>   93
 
                             Janet Fiorenza acts as the portfolio manager for
                      the Portfolio. Ms. Fiorenza, a Principal of WPG, has been
                      associated with WPG's Tax Exempt Fixed Income group since
                      1988 and its predecessor since 1980.
   
                             For its services to the Portfolio, the Adviser is
                      entitled to a fee, which is calculated daily and paid
                      monthly, at an annual rate of .05% of the combined average
                      daily net assets of the money market portfolios of the
                      Trust advised by the Adviser up to $500 million, .04% of
                      such assets from $500 million to 1 billion, and .03% of
                      such assets in excess of $1 billion. Such fees are
                      allocated daily among these portfolios on the basis of
                      their relative net assets. For the fiscal year ended
                      August 31, 1996, the Portfolio paid advisory fees, after
                      waivers, of .04% of its relative net assets.
    
 
   
DISTRIBUTION
AND SHAREHOLDER
SERVICING
    
 
   
                      SEI Financial Services Company (the "Distributor"), a
                      wholly owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company
                      ("SEI"), serves as the Portfolio's distributor pursuant to
                      a distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement")
                      with the Trust.
    
   
                             The Portfolio has adopted plans under which firms,
                      including the Distributor, that provide shareholder and
                      administrative services may receive compensation therefor.
                      As discussed below, the Class A, B and C plans differ in a
                      number of ways, including the amounts that may be paid
                      under each plan. The Distributor may provide those
                      services itself or may enter into arrangements under which
                      third parties provide such services and are compensated by
                      the Distributor. Under such arrangements the Distributor
                      may retain as a profit any difference between the fee it
                      receives and the amount it pays such third party.
    
   
                             Under the Class A plan, the Portfolio will pay the
                      Distributor a fee at an annual rate of up to .25% of the
                      average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to
                      Class A shares, in return for provision of a broad range
                      of shareholder and administrative services. Under the
                      Class B and Class C shareholder service plans, the
                      Portfolio will pay shareholder service fees to the
                      Distributor at an annual rate of up to .25% of average
                      daily net assets in return for the Distributor's (or its
                      agent's) efforts in maintaining client accounts; arranging
                      for bank wires; responding to client inquiries concerning
                      services provided or investment; and assisting clients in
                      changing dividend options, account designations and
                      addresses. In addition, under their administrative service
                      plans, Class B and Class C shares also pay administrative
                      services fees at specified percentages of the average
                      daily net assets of the shares of the Class (up to .05%
                      and .25%, respectively). Administrative services include
                      sub-accounting; providing information on share positions
                      to clients; forwarding shareholder communications to
                      clients; processing purchase, exchange and redemption
                      orders; and processing dividend payments.
    
 
                                        8                                      
<PAGE>   94
 
   
                             It is possible that an institution may offer
                      different classes of shares to its customers and differing
                      services to the classes of each Portfolio, and thus
                      receive compensation with respect to different classes.
                      These financial institutions may also charge separate fees
                      to their customers. Certain financial institutions
                      offering shares to their customers may be required to
                      register as dealers pursuant to state laws.
    
   
                             The Trust may execute brokerage or other agency
                      transactions through the Distributor for which the
                      Distributor may receive usual and customary compensation.
    
   
                             The Distributor may, from time to time in its sole
                      discretion, institute one or more promotional incentive
                      programs, which will be paid by the Distributor from its
                      own resources. Under any such program, the Distributor
                      will provide promotional incentives, in the form of cash
                      or other compensation, including merchandise, airline
                      vouchers, trips and vacation packages, to all dealers
                      selling shares of the Portfolio. Such promotional
                      incentives will be offered uniformly to all dealers and
                      predicated upon the amount of shares of the Portfolio sold
                      by the dealer.
    
 
   
PURCHASE AND
REDEMPTION OF
SHARES
    
 
                      Financial institutions may acquire shares of the Portfolio
                      for their own account, or as a record owner on behalf of
                      fiduciary, agency or custody accounts, by placing orders
                      with the Transfer Agent. Institutions that use certain SEI
                      proprietary systems may place orders electronically
                      through those systems. State securities laws may require
                      banks and financial institutions purchasing shares for
                      their customers to register as dealers pursuant to state
                      laws. Financial institutions which purchase shares for the
                      accounts of their customers may impose separate charges on
                      these customers for account services. Financial
                      institutions may impose an earlier cut-off time for
                      receipt of purchase orders directed through them to allow
                      for processing and transmittal of these orders to the
                      Transfer Agent for effectiveness on the same day. Shares
                      of the Portfolio are offered only to residents of states
                      in which the shares are eligible for purchase.
   
                             Shares of the Portfolio may be purchased or
                      redeemed on days on which the New York Stock Exchange is
                      open for business ("Business Days"). However, money market
                      fund shares cannot be purchased by Federal Reserve wire on
                      federal holidays restricting wire transfers. Shareholders
                      who desire to purchase shares for cash must place their
                      orders with the Transfer Agent (or its Authorized Agent)
                      prior to the calculation of net asset value on any
                      Business Day for the order to be accepted on that Business
                      Day. Cash investments must be transmitted or delivered in
                      federal funds to the wire agent by the close of business
                      on the same day the order is placed. The Trust reserves
                      the right to reject a purchase order when the
    
 
                                        9                                      
<PAGE>   95
 
                      Distributor determines that it is not in the best interest
                      of the Trust or shareholders to accept such purchase
                      order.
                             The Trust will send shareholders a statement of
                      shares owned after each transaction. The purchase price of
                      shares is the net asset value next determined after a
                      purchase order is received and accepted by the Trust. The
                      purchase price of shares is expected to remain constant at
                      $1.00. The net asset value per share of the Portfolio is
                      determined by dividing the total value of its investments
                      and other assets, less any liability, by the total
                      outstanding shares of the Portfolio. The Portfolio's
                      investments will be valued by the amortized cost method
                      described in the Statement of Additional Information. Net
                      asset value per share is determined on each Business Day
                      as of 2:00 p.m., Eastern time.
   
                             Shareholders who desire to redeem shares of the
                      Portfolio must place their redemption orders with the
                      Transfer Agent (or its authorized agent) prior to the
                      calculation of net asset value on any Business Day in
                      order to be effective on that day. Otherwise, the
                      redemption orders will be effective on the next Business
                      Day. Payment for redemption orders received before the
                      calculation of net asset value will be made the same day
                      by transfer of federal funds. The redemption price is the
                      net asset value per share of the Portfolio next determined
                      after receipt by the Transfer Agent (or its authorized
                      agent) of an effective redemption order.
    
                             Purchase and redemption orders may be placed by
                      telephone. Neither the Trust nor its transfer agent will
                      be responsible for any loss, liability, cost or expense
                      for acting upon wire instructions or upon telephone
                      instructions that it reasonably believes to be genuine.
                      The Trust and its transfer agent will each employ
                      reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
                      communicated by telephone are genuine, including requiring
                      a form of personal identification prior to acting upon
                      instructions received by telephone and recording telephone
                      instructions.
                             If market conditions are extraordinarily active, or
                      other extraordinary circumstances exist, shareholders may
                      experience difficulties placing redemption orders by
                      telephone, and may wish to consider placing orders by
                      other means.
 
PERFORMANCE
 
   
                      From time to time the Portfolio advertises its "current
                      yield," "tax equivalent yield" and "effective yield."
                      These figures are based on historical earnings and are not
                      intended to indicate future performance. The "current
                      yield" of the Portfolio refers to the income generated by
                      an investment over a seven-day period which is then
                      "annualized." That is, the amount of income generated by
                      the investment during the week is assumed to be generated
                      each week over a 52-week period and is shown as a
                      percentage of the investment. The "effective yield" (also
                      called "effective compound yield") is calculated similarly
                      but, when annualized, the income earned by an investment
                      is assumed to be reinvested. The "effective yield" will be
                      slightly higher than the "current yield" because of the
                      compounding effect of this assumed
    
 
                                       10                                      
<PAGE>   96
 
   
                      reinvestment. The "tax equivalent yield" is calculated by
                      determining the rate of return that would have been
                      achieved on a fully taxable investment to produce the
                      after-tax equivalent of the Portfolio's yield, assuming
                      certain tax brackets for a shareholder.
    
   
                             The Portfolio may periodically compare its
                      performance to that of: (i) other mutual funds tracked by
                      mutual fund rating services (such as Lipper Analytical),
                      financial and business publications and periodicals; (ii)
                      broad groups of comparable mutual funds; (iii) unmanaged
                      indices which may assume investment of dividends but
                      generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
                      management costs; or (iv) other investment alternatives.
    
   
                             The performance of Class A shares of the Portfolio
                      will normally be higher than that of Class B, Class C or
                      Class G shares because of the additional distribution
                      and/or shareholder servicing expenses charged to Class B,
                      Class C and Class G shares.
    
 
TAXES
 
                      The following summary of federal and state income tax
                      consequences is based on current tax laws and regulations,
                      which may be changed by legislative, judicial or
                      administrative action. No attempt has been made to present
                      a detailed explanation of the federal, state or local
                      income tax treatment of the Portfolio or its shareholders.
                      Accordingly, shareholders are urged to consult their tax
                      advisers regarding specific questions as to federal, state
                      and local income taxes. Additional information concerning
                      taxes is set forth in the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
 
   
Tax Status
of each Portfolio     The Portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal
                      income tax purposes and is not combined with the Trust's
                      other portfolios. The Portfolio intends to continue to
                      qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated
                      investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal
                      Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), so as to be
                      relieved of federal income tax on net investment company
                      taxable income and net capital gain (the excess of net
                      long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss)
                      distributed to shareholders.
    
 
Tax Status
of Distributions      The Portfolio intends to distribute substantially all of
                      its net investment income (including net short-term
                      capital gain) to shareholders. If, at the close of each
                      quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of
                      the Portfolio's total assets consists of obligations the
                      interest on which is excludable from gross income, the
                      Portfolio may pay "exempt-interest dividends" to its
                      shareholders. Exempt-interest dividends are excludable
                      from a shareholder's gross income for federal income tax
                      purposes but may have certain collateral federal tax
                      consequences including alternative minimum tax
                      consequences. In addition, the receipt of exempt-interest
                      dividends may cause persons receiving Social Security or
                      Railroad Retirement
 
                                       11                                      
<PAGE>   97
 
                      benefits to be taxable on a portion of such benefits. See
                      the Statement of Additional Information.

   
                             Any dividends paid out of income realized by the
                      Portfolio on taxable securities will be taxable to
                      shareholders as ordinary income (whether received in cash
                      or in additional shares) to the extent of the Portfolio's
                      earnings and profits and will not qualify for the
                      dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.
                      Distributions to shareholders of net capital gains of the
                      Portfolio also will not qualify for the dividends received
                      deduction and will be taxable to shareholders as long-term
                      capital gain, whether received in cash or additional
                      shares, and regardless of how long a shareholder has held
                      the shares.
    
                             Dividends declared by the Portfolio in October,
                      November or December of any year and payable to
                      shareholders of record on a date in any such month will be
                      deemed to have been paid by the Portfolio and received by
                      the shareholders on December 31 of that year if paid by
                      the Portfolio at any time during the following January.
                      The Portfolio intends to make sufficient distributions
                      prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability
                      for federal excise tax applicable to regulated investment
                      companies.
                             Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
                      shareholder in order to purchase or carry shares of the
                      Portfolio is not deductible for federal income tax
                      purposes. Furthermore, the Portfolio may not be an
                      appropriate investment for persons (including corporations
                      and other business entities) who are "substantial users"
                      (or persons related to "substantial users") of facilities
                      financed by industrial development bonds or private
                      activity bonds. Such persons should consult their tax
                      advisers before purchasing shares. The Portfolio will
                      report annually to its shareholders the portion of
                      dividends that is taxable and the portion that is tax-
                      exempt based on income received by the Portfolio during
                      the year to which the dividends relate.
                             Each sale, exchange or redemption of the
                      Portfolio's shares is a taxable transaction to the
                      shareholder.
 
California Taxes      The following is a general, abbreviated summary of certain
                      of the provisions of the California Revenue and Taxation
                      Code presently in effect as they directly govern the
                      taxation of shareholders subject to California personal
                      income tax. These provisions are subject to change by
                      legislative or administrative action, and any such change
                      may be retroactive.
   
                             The Portfolio intends to qualify to pay dividends
                      to shareholders that are exempt from California personal
                      income tax ("California exempt-interest dividends"). The
                      Portfolio will qualify to pay California exempt-interest
                      dividends if (1) at the close of each quarter of the
                      Portfolio's taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the
                      Portfolio's total assets consists of obligations the
                      interest on which would be exempt from California personal
                      income tax if the obligations were held by an
    
 
                                       12                                      
<PAGE>   98
 
                      individual ("California Tax Exempt Obligations") and (2)
                      the Portfolio continues to qualify as a regulated
                      investment company. The Portfolio will notify its
                      shareholders of the amount of exempt-interest dividends
                      each year.
                             If the Portfolio qualifies to pay California
                      exempt-interest dividends, dividends distributed to
                      shareholders will be considered California exempt-interest
                      dividends if they meet certain requirements. See the
                      Statement of Additional Information.
                             Corporations subject to California franchise tax
                      that invest in the Portfolio may not be entitled to
                      exclude California exempt-interest dividends from income.
                             Distributions that do not qualify for treatment as
                      California exempt-interest dividends (including those
                      distributions to shareholders taxable as long-term capital
                      gains for federal income tax purposes) will be taxable to
                      shareholders at ordinary income tax rates for California
                      personal income tax purposes to the extent of the
                      Portfolio's earnings and profits.
                             Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
                      shareholder in connection with the purchase of shares of
                      the Portfolio will not be deductible for California
                      personal income tax purposes if the Portfolio distributes
                      California exempt-interest dividends.
 
GENERAL
INFORMATION
 
   
The Trust             The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
                      under a Declaration of Trust dated March 15, 1982. The
                      Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate
                      portfolios of shares and different classes of each
                      portfolio. In addition to the Portfolios, the Trust
                      consists of the following portfolios: Tax Free Portfolio,
                      Institutional Tax Free Portfolio, Intermediate-Term
                      Municipal Portfolio, Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio,
                      Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio, New York
                      Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio, and Pennsylvania
                      Tax Free Portfolio. All consideration received by the
                      Trust for shares of any portfolio and all assets of such
                      portfolio belong to that portfolio and would be subject to
                      liabilities related thereto.
    
                             The Trust pays its expenses, including fees of its
                      service providers, audit and legal expenses, expenses of
                      preparing prospectuses, proxy solicitation materials and
                      reports to shareholders, costs of custodial services and
                      registering the shares under federal and state securities
                      laws, pricing, insurance expenses, litigation and other
                      extraordinary expenses, brokerage costs, interest charges,
                      taxes and organization expenses.
 
Trustees of the Trust The management and affairs of the Trust are supervised by
                      the Trustees under the laws of the Commonwealth of
                      Massachusetts. The Trustees have approved contracts under
                      which, as described above, certain companies provide
                      essential services to the Trust.
 
                                       13                                      +
<PAGE>   99
 
   
Voting Rights         Each share held entitles the shareholder of record to one
                      vote. The shareholders of each portfolio or class will
                      vote separately on matters relating solely to that
                      portfolio or class, such as any distribution plan. As a
                      Massachusetts business trust, the Trust is not required to
                      hold annual meetings of shareholders, but approval will be
                      sought for certain changes in the operation of the Trust
                      and for the election of Trustees under certain
                      circumstances. In addition, a Trustee may be removed by
                      the remaining Trustees or by shareholders at a special
                      meeting called upon written request of shareholders owning
                      at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In
                      the event that such a meeting is requested the Trust will
                      provide appropriate assistance and information to the
                      shareholders requesting the meeting.
    
 
Reporting             The Trust issues unaudited financial statements
                      semi-annually and audited financial statements annually.
                      The Trust furnishes proxy statements and other reports to
                      shareholders of record.
 
   
Shareholder Inquiries Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Manager.
                      SEI Fund Management. 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne,
                      Pennsylvania, 19087.
    
 
Dividends             The net investment income (exclusive of capital gains) of
                      the Portfolio is distributed in the form of dividends. The
                      Portfolio declares dividends daily, and shareholders of
                      record at the close of each Business Day will be entitled
                      to receive that day's dividend. Dividends are paid on the
                      first Business Day of each month. If any net capital gains
                      are realized by the Portfolio, they will be distributed
                      annually. Shareholders automatically receive all income
                      dividends and capital gain distributions in additional
                      shares, unless the shareholder has elected to take such
                      payment in cash. Shareholders may change their election by
                      providing written notice to the Manager at least 15 days
                      prior to the distribution.
   
                             The dividends on Class A shares of the Portfolio
                      are normally higher than those on Class B, Class C or
                      Class G shares because of the additional distribution
                      and/or shareholder servicing expenses charged to Class B,
                      Class C and Class G shares.
    
 
Counsel and Independent
Public Accountants    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the
                      Trust. Arthur Andersen LLP serves as the independent
                      public accountants of the Trust.
 
   
Custodian and Wire Agent
                      CoreStates Bank, N.A., Broad and Chestnut Streets, P.O.
                      Box 7618, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101, serves as
                      Custodian of the Trust's assets and acts as wire agent of
                      the Trust. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other
                      assets of the Trust as required by the 1940 Act.
    
 
                                       14                                      
<PAGE>   100
 
DESCRIPTION OF
PERMITTED
INVESTMENTS
AND RISK FACTORS
 
                      The following is a description of certain of the permitted
                      investments for the Portfolios, and the associated risk
                      factors:
 
   
Money Market Securities
                      Money market securities are high-quality,
                      dollar-denominated, short-term debt instruments. They
                      consist of: (i) bankers' acceptances, certificates of
                      deposits, notes and time deposits of highly-rated U.S.
                      banks; (ii) U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations
                      issued by the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S.
                      Government; and (iii) repurchase agreements involving any
                      of the foregoing obligations entered into with
                      highly-rated banks and broker-dealers.
    
 
   
Municipal Securities  Municipal Securities consist of (i) debt obligations
                      issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain
                      funds to be used for various public facilities, for
                      refunding outstanding obligations, for general operating
                      expenses and for lending such funds to other public
                      institutions and facilities, and (ii) certain private
                      activity and industrial development bonds issued by or on
                      behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide
                      for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of
                      privately operated facilities.
    
                             General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing
                      power of the issuing municipality. Revenue bonds are
                      backed by the revenues of a project or facility, tolls
                      from a toll bridge, for example. Certificates of
                      participation represent an interest in an underlying
                      obligation or commitment such as an obligation issued in
                      connection with a leasing arrangement. The payment of
                      principal and interest on private activity and industrial
                      development bonds generally is dependent solely on the
                      ability of the facility's user to meet its financial
                      obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal
                      property so financed as security for such payment.
                             Municipal notes include general obligation notes,
                      tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond
                      anticipation notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand
                      notes and construction loan notes and participation
                      interests in municipal notes. Municipal bonds include
                      general obligation bonds, revenue or special obligation
                      bonds, private activity and industrial development bonds
                      and participation interests in municipal bonds.
 
   
Repurchase Agreements Repurchase agreements are arrangements by which a
                      Portfolio obtains a security and simultaneously commits to
                      return the security to the seller at an agreed upon price
                      (including principal and interest) on an agreed upon date
                      within a number of days from the date of purchase.
                      Repurchase agreements are considered loans under the 1940
                      Act.
    
 
                                       15                                     
<PAGE>   101
 
   
Standby Commitments
and Puts              Securities subject to standby commitments or puts permit
                      the holder thereof to sell the securities at a fixed price
                      prior to maturity. Securities subject to a standby
                      commitment or put may be sold at any time at the current
                      market price. However, unless the standby commitment or
                      put was an integral part of the security as originally
                      issued, it may not be marketable or assignable; therefore,
                      the standby commitment or put would only have value to the
                      Portfolio owning the security to which it relates. In
                      certain cases, a premium may be paid for a standby
                      commitment or put, which premium will have the effect of
                      reducing the yield otherwise payable on the underlying
                      security. The Portfolio will limit standby commitment or
                      put transactions to institutions believed to present
                      minimal credit risk.
    
 
   
U.S. Government
Obligations           Obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury or issued or
                      guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. Government, including,
                      among others, the Federal Farm Credit Bank, the Federal
                      Housing Administration and the Small Business
                      Administration, and obligations issued or guaranteed by
                      instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, including, among
                      others, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the
                      Federal Land Banks and the U.S. Post Service. Some of
                      these securities are supported by the full faith and
                      credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., Government National
                      Mortgage Association securities), others are supported by
                      the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury (e.g.,
                      Federal Farm Credit Bank securities), while still others
                      are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality
                      (e.g., Federal National Mortgage Association securities).
                      Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities
                      of the U.S. Government may be a guarantee of payment at
                      the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a
                      default prior to maturity there might not be a market and
                      thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to
                      maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal
                      and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these
                      securities not to the value of the Fund's shares.
    
 
Variable and Floating
Rate Instruments      Certain of the obligations purchased by the Portfolio may
                      carry variable or floating rates of interest and may
                      involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature.
                      Such obligations may include variable amount master demand
                      notes. Such instruments bear interest at rates which are
                      not fixed, but which vary with changes in specified market
                      rates or indices. The interest rates on these securities
                      may be reset daily, weekly, quarterly or at some other
                      interval, and may have a floor or ceiling on interest rate
                      changes. There is a risk that the current interest rate on
                      such obligations may not accurately reflect existing
                      market interest rates. A demand instrument with a demand
                      notice period exceeding seven days may be considered
                      illiquid if there is no secondary market for such
                      security.
 
                                       16                                      
<PAGE>   102
 
   
When-Issued and Delayed
Delivery Securities   When-issued or delayed delivery transactions involve the
                      purchase of an instrument with payment and delivery taking
                      place in the future. Delivery of and payment for these
                      securities may occur a month or more after the date of the
                      purchase commitment. The Portfolio will maintain with the
                      custodian a separate account with liquid, high grade debt
                      securities or cash in an amount at least equal to these
                      commitments. The interest rate realized on these
                      securities is fixed as of the purchase date, and no
                      interest accrues to the Portfolio before settlement.
    
 
                                       17                                      
<PAGE>   103
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
Annual Operating Expenses...................       2
Financial Highlights........................       3
The Trust...................................       4
Investment Objectives and Policies..........       4
General Investment Policies.................       5
Risk Factors................................       6
Investment Limitations......................       6
The Manager.................................       7
The Adviser.................................       7
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing......       8
Purchase and Redemption of Shares...........       9
Performance.................................      10
Taxes.......................................      11
General Information.........................      13
Description of Permitted Investments and
  Risk Factors..............................      15
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       18                                      
<PAGE>   104
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   105
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   106
 
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
   
DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
This Prospectus sets forth concisely information about the above-referenced
Portfolio that an investor needs to know before investing. Please read this
Prospectus carefully, and keep it on file for future reference.
    
 
   
A Statement of Additional Information dated December 31, 1996 has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and is available upon request and
without charge by writing the Distributor, SEI Financial Services Company, 680
East Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated into this Prospectus by
reference.
    
 
   
SEI Tax Exempt Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end investment management company,
certain classes of which offer financial institutions a convenient means of
investing their own funds, or funds for which they act in a fiduciary, agency or
custodial capacity, in one or more professionally managed diversified and
non-diversified portfolios of securities. A portfolio may offer separate classes
of shares that differ from each other primarily in the allocation of certain
expenses and minimum investment amounts. This Prospectus offers Class G shares
of the Trust's California Tax Exempt Portfolio (the "Portfolio"), a money market
portfolio.
    
 
   
AN INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIO IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT, AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE PORTFOLIO WILL BE ABLE TO
MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK. THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT INVESTED.
<PAGE>   107
 
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (as a percentage of average net assets)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                        <C>     <C>
Management/Advisory Fees (after fee waiver) (1)                                                                     .24%
12b-1 Fees (after fee waiver) (2)                                                                                   .25%
Total Other Expenses                                                                                                .29%
    Shareholder Servicing Fees                                                                              .25%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses (after fee waivers) (3)                                                                    .78%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1)  The Manager has waived, on a voluntary basis, a portion of its fees for the
    Portfolio. The Management/Advisory fees shown reflect this voluntary waiver.
    The Manager reserves the right to terminate its waiver at any time in its
    sole discretion. Absent such fee waiver, Management/Advisory fees for the
    Class G Shares of the Portfolio would be .27%.
    
   
(2)  The Distributor has waived, on a voluntary basis, all or a portion of its
    12b-1 fee, and the 12b-1 fees shown reflect this waiver. The Distributor
    reserves the right to terminate its waiver at any time in its sole
    discretion. Absent such waiver, 12b-1 fees would be .50% for the Portfolio.
    
   
(3)  Absent these fee waivers, Total Operating Expenses for the Portfolio would
    be 1.06%. Additional information may be found under "The Adviser" and "The
    Manager."
    
 
EXAMPLE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       1 YR.    3 YRS.     5 YRS.     10 YRS.
                                                                                       -----    -------    -------    --------
<S>                                                                                    <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>
An investor in the Portfolio would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment
  assuming (1) a 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
    Class G                                                                             $8        $25        $43        $97
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
   
The purpose of the expense table and example is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that may be directly or indirectly
borne by investors in Class G shares of the Portfolio. The Portfolio also offers
Class A, Class B and Class C shares, which are subject to the same expenses,
except there are different distribution, shareholder servicing and/or transfer
agent costs. A person who purchases shares through a financial institution may
be charged separate fees by that institution. Additional information may be
found under "The Manager," "Distribution and Shareholder Servicing" and "The
Adviser."
    
 
   
Long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent of the maximum
front-end sales charges otherwise permitted by the Conduct Rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
    
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   108
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
   
The following financial highlights have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, whose report thereon was unqualified. This
information should be read in conjunction with the Trust's financial statements
and notes thereto, which appear, along with the report of Arthur Andersen LLP,
in the Trust's 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders. Additional performance
information is set forth in the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is
available upon request and without charge by calling 1-800-342-5734.
    
FOR A CLASS G SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            Net
                                                                                          Realized
                                                                                            and
                          Investment                                                     Unrealized
               Net        Activities                   Distributions                        Gain              Net
              Asset       ----------     -----------------------------------------       (Loss) on           Asset
             Value,          Net            Net           Net                           Investments         Value,
            Beginning     Investment     Investment     Realized         Total          and Capital           End          Total
            of Period       Income         Income         Gain       Distributions      Transactions       of Period       Return
<S>         <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>               <C>                <C>             <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------
CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO
- -----------------------------------
Class G
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
1996         $  1.00        $0.028        $ (0.028)        --           $(0.028)           --               $  1.00           2.90%
1995         $  1.00        $0.029        $ (0.029)        --           $(0.029)           --               $  1.00           2.97%
1994(1)      $  1.00        $0.006        $ (0.006)        --           $(0.006)           --               $  1.00           2.14%*
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Ratio of
                                                                            Net
                                            Ratio                       Investment
                                         of Expenses      Ratio of       Income to
                                         to Average         Net           Average
              Net          Ratio of      Net Assets      Investment     Net Assets
          Assets, End      Expenses      (Excluding      Income to      (Excluding      Portfolio
           of Period      to Average         Fee          Average           Fee         Turnover
             (000)        Net Assets      Waivers)       Net Assets      Waivers)         Rate
<S>         <C>           <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------
CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO
- -----------------------------------
Class G
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
1996       $  350,684        0.78%           0.86%          2.84%            2.76%        --
1995       $  328,035        0.78%           0.93%          2.93%            2.78%        --
1994(1)    $  318,122       0.67%*           0.87%*        2.06%*            1.86%*       --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   *   Annualized
 (1)   The California Tax Exempt Portfolio--Class G commenced operations on May 11, 1994. Prior to May 1, 1996, Class G shares of
       the Portfolio were known as Class C shares.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   109
 
THE TRUST
 
   
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company
that offers units of beneficial interest ("shares") in separate diversified and
non-diversified investment portfolios. This Prospectus offers Class G shares of
the Trust's California Tax Exempt Portfolio (the "Portfolio"). Investors may
also purchase Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Portfolio. Each class
provides for variation in distribution, shareholder servicing, or transfer agent
costs, voting rights and dividends. Additional information pertaining to the
Trust may be obtained by writing to SEI Financial Services Company, 680 East
Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087-1658, or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
    
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES AND
POLICIES
 
                      The Portfolio's investment objective is to preserve
                      principal value and maintain a high degree of liquidity
                      while providing current income exempt from federal and, to
                      the extent possible, California state personal income
                      taxes.
   
                             There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will
                      achieve its investment objective.
    
   
                             It is a fundamental policy of the Portfolio to
                      invest, under normal conditions, at least 80% of its net
                      assets in municipal securities that produce interest that,
                      in the opinion of bond counsel for the issuers, is exempt
                      from federal income tax (collectively, "Municipal
                      Securities"), and the Portfolio will invest, under normal
                      conditions, at least 80% of its net assets in securities
                      the interest on which is not a preference item for
                      purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax. Under
                      normal conditions, at least 65% of the Portfolio's assets
                      will be invested in municipal obligations the interest on
                      which is exempt from California state personal income tax.
                      These constitute municipal obligations of the state of
                      California and its political subdivisions or municipal
                      authorities, as well as municipal obligations issued by
                      territories or possessions of the United States. Under
                      normal conditions, the Portfolio may invest, in the
                      aggregate; up to 20% of its net assets in (1) Municipal
                      Securities the interest on which is a preference item for
                      purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax (although
                      the Portfolio has no present intention of investing in
                      such securities) and (2) taxable investments. In addition,
                      for temporary defensive purposes when Weiss, Peck & Greer,
                      L.L.C., the Portfolio's investment adviser (the "Adviser"
                      or "WPG"), determines that market conditions warrant, the
                      Portfolio may invest up to 100% of its assets in municipal
                      obligations of states other than California or in taxable
                      money market securities (including repurchase agreements,
                      U.S. Treasury securities and instruments of certain U.S.
                      commercial banks or savings and loan institutions).
    
   
                             The Adviser will not invest more than 25% of the
                      Portfolio's assets in municipal securities the interest on
                      which is derived from revenues of similar type
    
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   110
 
   
                      projects. This restriction does not apply to municipal
                      securities in any of the following categories: public
                      housing authorities; general obligations of states and
                      localities; state and local housing finance authorities or
                      municipal utilities systems.
    
 
GENERAL
INVESTMENT
POLICIES
 
                      In purchasing obligations, the Portfolio complies with the
                      requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act
                      of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), as that Rule may be amended from
                      time to time. These requirements currently provide that
                      the Portfolio must limit its investments to securities
                      with remaining maturities of 397 days or less, and must
                      maintain a dollar-weighted average maturity of 90 days or
                      less. In addition, the Portfolio may only invest in
                      securities (other than U.S. Government Securities) rated
                      in one of the two highest categories for short-term
                      securities by at least two nationally recognized
                      statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs") (or by one
                      NRSRO if only one NRSRO has rated the security), or, if
                      unrated, determined by the Adviser (in accordance with
                      procedures adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees) to be
                      of equivalent quality to rated securities in which the
                      Portfolio may invest.
   
                             Securities rated in the highest rating category
                      (e.g., A-1 by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P")) by at
                      least two NRSROs (or, if unrated, determined by the
                      Adviser to be of comparable quality) are "first tier"
                      securities. Non-first tier securities rated in the second
                      highest rating category (e.g., A-2 by S&P) by at least one
                      NRSRO (or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of
                      comparable quality) are considered to be "second tier"
                      securities.
    
                             Although the Portfolio is governed by Rule 2a-7,
                      its investment policies are more restrictive than those
                      imposed by that Rule.
   
                             The Portfolio may purchase municipal bonds,
                      municipal notes and tax-exempt commercial paper, but only
                      if such securities, at the time of purchase, either meet
                      the rating requirements imposed by Rule 2a-7 or, if not
                      rated, are of comparable quality as determined by the
                      Adviser. See "General Investment Policies."
    
   
                             The Portfolio may invest in variable and floating
                      rate obligations, may purchase securities on a
                      "when-issued" basis, and reserves the right to engage in
                      transactions involving standby commitments. The Portfolio
                      will not invest more than 10% of its net assets in
                      securities which are considered illiquid.
    
                             For a description of the Portfolio's permitted
                      investments and ratings, see the "Description of Permitted
                      Investments and Risk Factors" and the Statement of
                      Additional Information.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   111
 
   
RISK FACTORS
    
 
   
California Risk Factors
                      The Portfolio's concentration in investments in California
                      municipal securities involves greater risks than if their
                      investments were more diversified. These risks result from
                      (1) amendments to the California Constitution and other
                      statutes that limit the taxing and spending authority of
                      California government entities, (2) the general financial
                      condition of the State of California, and (3) a variety of
                      California laws and regulations that may affect, directly
                      or indirectly, California municipal securities. The
                      ability of issuers of municipal securities to pay interest
                      on, or repay principal of, municipal securities may be
                      impaired as a result. A more complete description of these
                      risks is contained in the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
    
   
                             There could be economic, business, or political
                      developments which might affect all municipal securities
                      of a similar type. To the extent that a significant
                      portion of the Portfolio's assets are invested in
                      municipal securities payable from revenues on similar
                      projects, the Portfolio will be subject to the peculiar
                      risks presented by such projects to a greater extent than
                      it would be if the Portfolio's assets were not so
                      invested. Moreover, in seeking to attain its investment
                      objective, the Portfolio may invest all or any part of its
                      assets in municipal securities that are industrial
                      development bonds.
    
 
INVESTMENT
LIMITATIONS
 
   
                      The investment objective and investment limitations are
                      fundamental policies of the Portfolio. Fundamental
                      policies cannot be changed with respect to the Trust or
                      the Portfolio without the consent of the holders of a
                      majority of the Trust's or the Portfolio's outstanding
                      shares. It is a fundamental policy of the Portfolio to use
                      its best efforts to maintain a constant net asset value of
                      $1.00 per share.
    
 
                      The Portfolio may not:
                      1. Purchase securities of any issuer (except securities
                         issued or guaranteed by the United States Government,
                         its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result,
                         more than 5% of the total assets of the Portfolio
                         (based on current value at the time of investment)
                         would be invested in the securities of such issuer.
                         This restriction applies to 75% of the Portfolio's
                         assets.
                      2. Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25%
                         of the total assets of the Portfolio, based on fair
                         market value at the time of such purchase, to be
                         invested in the securities of one or more issuers
                         conducting their principal business activities in the
                         same industry, provided that this limitation does not
                         apply to investments in obligations issued or
                         guaranteed by the United States Government or its
                         agencies and instrumentalities or to investments in
                         tax-exempt securities issued by governments or
                         political subdivisions of governments.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   112
 
                      3. Borrow money except for temporary or emergency purposes
                         and then only in an amount not exceeding 10% of the
                         value of the total assets of the Portfolio. All
                         borrowings will be repaid before making additional
                         investments and any interest paid on such borrowings
                         will reduce the income of the Portfolio.
   
                      The foregoing percentage limitations will apply at the
                      time of the purchase of a security. Additional fundamental
                      investment limitations are set forth in the Statement of
                      Additional Information.
    
 
THE MANAGER
 
   
                      SEI Fund Management (the "Manager" and the "Transfer
                      Agent") provides the Trust with overall management
                      services, regulatory reporting, all necessary office
                      space, equipment, personnel and facilities, and serves as
                      institutional transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent,
                      and shareholder servicing agent.
    
   
                             For these services, the Manager is entitled to a
                      fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an
                      annual rate of .23% of the average daily net assets of the
                      Portfolio. The Manager has voluntarily agreed to waive a
                      portion of its fees in order to limit the total operating
                      expenses of Class G shares of the Portfolio (as a
                      percentage of the Portfolio's average daily net assets
                      attributable to Class G shares) to not more than .78%, on
                      an annualized basis. The Manager reserves the right, in
                      its sole discretion, to terminate its voluntary fee waiver
                      at any time. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996,
                      the Portfolio paid management fees, after waivers, of .20%
                      of its average daily net assets.
    
 
THE ADVISER
 
   
                      Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C. serves as the Portfolio's
                      investment adviser under an advisory agreement (the
                      "Advisory Agreement") with the Trust. Under the Advisory
                      Agreement, the Adviser invests the assets of the
                      Portfolio, and continuously reviews, supervises and
                      administers the investment programs of the Portfolio. The
                      Adviser is independent of the Manager and discharges its
                      responsibilities subject to the supervision of, and
                      policies set by, the Trustees of the Trust.
    
   
                             The Adviser is a limited liability company founded
                      as a limited partnership in 1970, and engages in
                      investment management, venture capital management and
                      management buyouts. The Adviser has been active since its
                      founding in managing portfolios of tax exempt securities.
                      As of September 30, 1996, total assets under management
                      were approximately $13 billion. The principal business
                      address of the Adviser is One New York Plaza, New York,
                      New York 10004.
    
   
                             Janet Fiorenza acts as portfolio manager for the
                      Portfolio. Ms. Fiorenza, a Principal of WPG, has been
                      associated with WPG's Tax Exempt Fixed Income group since
                      1988, and its predecessor since 1980.
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>   113
 
   
                             For its services to the Portfolio, the Adviser is
                      entitled to a fee, which is calculated daily and paid
                      monthly, at an annual rate of .05% of the combined average
                      daily net assets of the money market portfolios of the
                      Trust advised by the Adviser up to $500 million, .04% of
                      such assets from $500 million to 1 billion, and .03% of
                      such assets in excess of $1 billion. Such fees are
                      allocated daily among these portfolios on the basis of
                      their relative net assets. For the fiscal year ended
                      August 31, 1996, the Portfolio paid advisory fees, after
                      waivers, of .04% of its relative net assets.
    
 
   
DISTRIBUTION
AND SHAREHOLDER
SERVICING
    
 
   
                      SEI Financial Services Company (the "Distributor"), a
                      wholly owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company
                      ("SEI"), serves as the Portfolio's distributor pursuant to
                      a distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement")
                      with the Trust.
    
   
                             The Rule 12b-1 Plan applicable to Class G shares of
                      the Portfolio ("Class G Plan") provides for payments to
                      the Distributor at an annual rate of .50% of the
                      Portfolio's average daily net assets attributable to Class
                      G shares. This payment is characterized as "compensation,"
                      and is not directly tied to expenses incurred by the
                      Distributor; the payment the Distributor receives during
                      any year may therefore be higher or lower than its actual
                      expenses. This payment compensates the Distributor for its
                      services in connection with distribution assistance, and
                      some or all of it may be used to pay financial
                      institutions and intermediaries such as banks, savings and
                      loan associations, insurance companies, and investment
                      counselors, broker-dealers (including the Distributor's
                      affiliates and subsidiaries) for services or reimbursement
                      of expenses incurred in connection with distribution
                      assistance. If the Distributor's expenses are less than
                      its fees under the Class G Plan, the Trust will still pay
                      the full fee and the Distributor will realize a profit,
                      but the Trust will not be obligated to pay in excess of
                      the full fee, even if the Distributor's actual expenses
                      are higher.
    
   
                             The Portfolio has adopted a shareholder servicing
                      plan (the "Class G Service Plan") under which firms,
                      including the Distributor, that provide shareholder
                      services may receive compensation therefor. Under the
                      Class G Service Plan, the Portfolio will pay shareholder
                      service fees to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to
                      .25% of average daily net assets in return for the
                      Distributor's (or its agent's) efforts in maintaining
                      client accounts; arranging for bank wires; responding to
                      client inquiries concerning services provided or
                      investment; and assisting clients in changing dividend
                      options, account designations and addresses. In addition,
                      the Portfolio has adopted shareholder servicing plans for
                      its Class A, Class B and Class C shares that are similar
                      to the plan described above. The Distributor may provide
                      those services itself or may enter into arrangements under
                      which third
    
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   114
 
   
                      parties provide such services and are compensated by the
                      Distributor. The Distributor may retain as a profit any
                      difference between the fee it receives and the amount it
                      pays such third party.
    
   
                             It is possible that an institution may offer
                      different classes of shares to its customers and provide
                      differing services to the classes of the Portfolio, and
                      thus receive compensation with respect to different
                      classes. These financial institutions may also charge
                      separate fees to their customers. Certain financial
                      institutions offering shares to their customers may be
                      required to register as dealers pursuant to state laws.
    
   
                             The Trust may execute brokerage or other agency
                      transactions through the Distributor for which the
                      Distributor may receive compensation.
    
   
                             The Distributor may, from time to time in its sole
                      discretion, institute one or more promotional incentive
                      programs, which will be paid by the Distributor from its
                      own resources. Under any such program, the Distributor
                      will provide promotional incentives, in the form of cash
                      or other compensation, including merchandise, airline
                      vouchers, trips and vacation packages, to all dealers
                      selling shares of the Portfolio. Such promotional
                      incentives will be offered uniformly to all dealers and
                      predicated upon the amount of shares of the Portfolio sold
                      by the dealer.
    
 
PURCHASE AND
REDEMPTION OF
SHARES
 
   
                      Financial institutions may acquire shares of the Portfolio
                      for their own account, or as a record owner on behalf of
                      fiduciary, agency or custody accounts, by placing orders
                      with the Transfer Agent. Institutions that use certain SEI
                      proprietary systems may place orders electronically
                      through those systems. State securities laws may require
                      banks and financial institutions purchasing shares for
                      their customers to register as dealers pursuant to state
                      laws. Financial institutions that purchase shares for the
                      accounts of their customers may impose separate charges on
                      these customers for account services. Financial
                      institutions may impose an earlier cut-off time for
                      receipt of purchase orders directed through them to allow
                      for processing and transmittal of these orders to the
                      Transfer Agent for effectiveness on the same day. Shares
                      of the Portfolio are offered only to residents of states
                      in which the shares are eligible for purchase.
    
   
                             Shares of the Portfolio may be purchased or
                      redeemed on days on which the New York Stock Exchange is
                      open for business ("Business Days"). However, money market
                      fund shares cannot be purchased by Federal Reserve wire on
                      federal holidays restricting wire transfers. Shareholders
                      who desire to purchase shares for cash must place their
                      orders with the Transfer Agent (or its authorized agent)
                      prior to the calculation of net asset value on any
                      Business Day for the order to be accepted on that Business
                      Day.
    
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   115
 
                      Cash investments must be transmitted or delivered in
                      federal funds to the wire agent by the close of business
                      on the same day the order is placed for the Portfolio. The
                      Trust reserves the right to reject a purchase order when
                      the Distributor determines that it is not in the best
                      interest of the Trust or shareholders to accept such
                      purchase order.

   
                             The Trust will send shareholders a statement of
                      shares owned after each transaction. The purchase price of
                      shares is the net asset value next determined after a
                      purchase order is received and accepted by the Trust. The
                      purchase price of shares of the Portfolio is expected to
                      remain constant at $1.00. The net asset value per share of
                      the Portfolio is determined by dividing the total value of
                      its investments and other assets, less any liability, by
                      the total number of outstanding shares of the Portfolio.
                      The Portfolio's investments will be valued by the
                      amortized cost method described in the Statement of
                      Additional Information. Net asset value per share is
                      determined on each Business Day as of 2:00 p.m., Eastern
                      time.
    
                             The market value of the portfolio security is
                      obtained by the Manager from an independent pricing
                      service. Securities having maturities of 60 days or less
                      at the time of purchase will be valued using the amortized
                      cost method (described in the Statement of Additional
                      Information), which approximates the securities' market
                      value. The pricing service may use a matrix system to
                      determine valuations of equity and fixed income
                      securities. This system considers such factors as security
                      prices, yields, maturities, call features, ratings and
                      developments relating to specific securities in arriving
                      at valuations. The pricing service may also provide market
                      quotations. The procedures of the pricing service and its
                      valuations are reviewed by the officers of the Trust under
                      the general supervision of the Trustees. Portfolio
                      securities for which market quotations are available are
                      valued at the most recently quoted bid price on each
                      Business Day.
   
                             Shareholders who desire to redeem shares of the
                      Portfolio must place their redemption orders with the
                      Transfer Agent prior to the calculation of net asset value
                      on any Business Day in order to be effective on that day.
                      Otherwise, the redemption orders will be effective on the
                      next Business Day. Payment for redemption orders from the
                      Portfolio received before the calculation of net asset
                      value will be made the same day by transfer of federal
                      funds. The redemption price is the net asset value per
                      share of the Portfolio next determined after receipt by
                      the Transfer Agent (or its authorized agent) of an
                      effective redemption order.
    
                             Purchase and redemption orders may be placed by
                      telephone. Neither the Trust nor its transfer agent will
                      be responsible for any loss, liability, cost or expense
                      for acting upon wire instructions or upon telephone
                      instructions that it reasonably believes to be genuine.
                      The Trust and its transfer agent will each employ
                      reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
                      communicated by telephone are genuine, including requiring
                      a form of personal identification prior to acting upon
                      instructions received by telephone and recording telephone
                      instructions.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   116
 
                             If market conditions are extraordinarily active, or
                      other extraordinary circumstances exist, shareholders may
                      experience difficulties placing redemption orders by
                      telephone, and may wish to consider placing orders by
                      other means.
 
PERFORMANCE
 
   
                      From time to time the Portfolio advertises its "current
                      yield," "tax equivalent yield" and "effective yield."
                      These figures are based on historical earnings and are not
                      intended to indicate future performance. The "current
                      yield" of the Portfolio refers to the income generated by
                      an investment over a seven-day period which is then
                      "annualized." That is, the amount of income generated by
                      the investment during the week is assumed to be generated
                      each week over a 52-week period and is shown as a
                      percentage of the investment. The "effective yield" (also
                      called "effective compound yield") is calculated similarly
                      but, when annualized, the income earned by an investment
                      is assumed to be reinvested. The "effective yield" will be
                      slightly higher than the "current yield" because of the
                      compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment. The "tax
                      equivalent yield" is calculated by determining the rate of
                      return that would have been achieved on a fully taxable
                      investment to produce the after-tax equivalent of the
                      Portfolio's yield, assuming certain tax brackets for a
                      shareholder.
    
   
                             The Portfolio may periodically compare its
                      performance to that of: (i) other mutual funds tracked by
                      mutual fund rating services (such as Lipper Analytical),
                      financial and business publications and periodicals; (ii)
                      broad groups of comparable mutual funds; (iii) unmanaged
                      indices which may assume investment of dividends but
                      generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
                      management costs; or (iv) other investment alternatives.
    
   
                             The performance of Class A shares of the Portfolio
                      will normally be higher than that of Class B, Class C or
                      Class G shares because of the additional distribution
                      and/or shareholder servicing expenses charged to Class B,
                      Class C and Class G shares.
    
 
TAXES
 
                      The following summary of federal and state income tax
                      consequences is based on current tax laws and regulations,
                      which may be changed by legislative, judicial or
                      administrative action. No attempt has been made to present
                      a detailed explanation of the federal, state or local
                      income tax treatment of the Portfolio or its shareholders.
                      Accordingly, shareholders are urged to consult their tax
                      advisers regarding specific questions as to federal, state
                      and local income taxes. Additional information concerning
                      taxes is set forth in the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
 
Tax Status
of the Portfolio      The Portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal
                      income tax purposes and is not combined with the Trust's
                      other portfolios. The Portfolio intends to continue to
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   117
 
   
                      qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated
                      investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal
                      Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), so as to be
                      relieved of federal income tax on net investment company
                      taxable income and net capital gain (the excess of net
                      long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss)
                      distributed to shareholders.
    
 
   
Tax Status
of Distributions      The Portfolio intends to distribute substantially all of
                      its net investment income (including net short-term
                      capital gain) to shareholders. If, at the close of each
                      quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of
                      the Portfolio's total assets consists of obligations the
                      interest on which is excludable from gross income, the
                      Portfolio may pay "exempt-interest dividends" to its
                      shareholders. Exempt-interest dividends are excludable
                      from a shareholder's gross income for federal income tax
                      purposes, but may have certain collateral federal tax
                      consequences including alternative minimum tax
                      consequences. In addition, the receipt of exempt-interest
                      dividends may cause persons receiving Social Security or
                      Railroad Retirement benefits to be taxable on a portion of
                      such benefits. See the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
    
   
                             Any dividends paid out of income realized by the
                      Portfolio on taxable securities will be taxable to
                      shareholders as ordinary income (whether received in cash
                      or in additional shares) to the extent of the Portfolio's
                      earnings and profits and will not qualify for the
                      dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.
                      Distributions to shareholders of net capital gains of the
                      Portfolio also will not qualify for the dividends received
                      deduction and will be taxable to shareholders as long-term
                      capital gain, whether received in cash or additional
                      shares, and regardless of how long a shareholder has held
                      the shares.
    
                             Dividends declared by the Portfolio in October,
                      November or December of any year and payable to
                      shareholders of record on a date in any such month will be
                      deemed to have been paid by the Portfolio and received by
                      the shareholders on December 31 of that year if paid by
                      the Portfolio at any time during the following January.
                      The Portfolio intends to make sufficient distributions
                      prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability
                      for federal excise tax applicable to regulated investment
                      companies.
   
                             Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
                      shareholder in order to purchase or carry shares of the
                      Portfolio is not deductible for federal income tax
                      purposes. Furthermore, the Portfolio may not be an
                      appropriate investment for persons (including corporations
                      and other business entities) who are "substantial users"
                      (or persons related to "substantial users") of facilities
                      financed by industrial development bonds or private
                      activity bonds. Such persons should consult their tax
                      advisers before purchasing shares. The Portfolio will
                      report annually to its shareholders the portion of
                      dividends that is taxable and the portion that is tax-
    
                                        
                                       12
<PAGE>   118
 
                      exempt based on income received by the Portfolio during
                      the year to which the dividends relate.

                             Each sale, exchange or redemption of the
                      Portfolio's shares is a taxable transaction to the
                      shareholder.
 
California Taxes      The following is a general, abbreviated summary of certain
                      of the provisions of the California Revenue and Taxation
                      Code presently in effect as they directly govern the
                      taxation of shareholders subject to California personal
                      income tax. These provisions are subject to change by
                      legislative or administrative action, and any such change
                      may be retroactive.
                             The Portfolio intends to qualify to pay dividends
                      to shareholders that are exempt from California personal
                      income tax ("California exempt-interest dividends"). The
                      Portfolio will qualify to pay California exempt-interest
                      dividends if (1) at the close of each quarter of the
                      Portfolio's taxable year, at least 50 percent of the value
                      of the Portfolio's total assets consists of obligations
                      the interest on which would be exempt from California
                      personal income tax if the obligations were held by an
                      individual ("California Tax Exempt Obligations") and (2)
                      the Portfolio continues to qualify as a regulated
                      investment company. The Portfolio will notify its
                      shareholders of the amount of exempt-interest dividends
                      each year.
                             If the Portfolio qualifies to pay California
                      exempt-interest dividends, dividends distributed to
                      shareholders will be considered California exempt-interest
                      dividends if they meet certain requirements. See the
                      Statement of Additional Information.
                             Corporations subject to California franchise tax
                      that invest in the Portfolio may not be entitled to
                      exclude California exempt-interest dividends from income.
                             Distributions that do not qualify for treatment as
                      California exempt-interest dividends (including those
                      distributions to shareholders taxable as long-term capital
                      gains for federal income tax purposes) will be taxable to
                      shareholders at ordinary income tax rates for California
                      personal income tax purposes to the extent of the
                      Portfolio's earnings and profits.
                             Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
                      shareholder in connection with the purchase of shares of
                      the Portfolio will not be deductible for California
                      personal income tax purposes if the Portfolio distributes
                      California exempt-interest dividends.
 
GENERAL
INFORMATION
 
   
The Trust             The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
                      under a Declaration of Trust dated March 15, 1982. The
                      Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate
                      portfolios of shares and different classes of each
                      portfolio. In addition to the Portfolio, the Trust
                      consists of the following portfolios: Tax Free Portfolio,
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   119
 
   
                      Institutional Tax Free Portfolio, Intermediate-Term
                      Municipal Portfolio, Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio,
                      Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio, New York
                      Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio, and Pennsylvania
                      Tax Free Portfolio. All consideration received by the
                      Trust for shares of any portfolio and all assets of such
                      portfolio belong to that portfolio and would be subject to
                      liabilities related thereto.
    

                             The Trust pays its expenses, including fees of its
                      service providers, audit and legal expenses, expenses of
                      preparing prospectuses, proxy solicitation materials and
                      reports to shareholders, costs of custodial services and
                      registering the shares under federal and state securities
                      laws, pricing, insurance expenses, litigation and other
                      extraordinary expenses, brokerage costs, interest charges,
                      taxes and organization expenses.
 
Trustees of the Trust The management and affairs of the Trust are supervised by
                      the Trustees under the laws of the Commonwealth of
                      Massachusetts. The Trustees have approved contracts under
                      which, as described above, certain companies provide
                      essential services to the Trust.
 
Voting Rights         Each share held entitles the shareholder of record to one
                      vote. The shareholders of
                      each portfolio or class will vote separately on matters
                      relating solely to that portfolio or class, such as any
                      distribution plan. As a Massachusetts business trust, the
                      Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of
                      shareholders but approval will be sought for certain
                      changes in the operation of the Trust and for the election
                      of Trustees under certain circumstances. In addition, a
                      Trustee may be removed by the remaining Trustees or by
                      shareholders at a special meeting called upon written
                      request of shareholders owning at least 10% of the
                      outstanding shares of the Trust. In the event that such a
                      meeting is requested the Trust will provide appropriate
                      assistance and information to the shareholders requesting
                      the meeting.
 
Reporting             The Trust issues unaudited financial statements
                      semi-annually and audited financial statements annually.
                      The Trust furnishes proxy statements and other reports to
                      shareholders of record.
 
   
Shareholder Inquiries Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Manager,
                      SEI Fund Management, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne,
                      Pennsylvania, 19087.
    
 
Dividends             The net investment income (exclusive of capital gains) of
                      the Portfolio is distributed in the form of dividends. The
                      Portfolio declares dividends daily, and shareholders of
                      record at the close of each Business Day will be entitled
                      to receive that day's dividend. Dividends are paid by the
                      Portfolio on the first Business Day of each month. If any
                      net capital gains are realized by the Portfolio, they will
                      be distributed annually. Shareholders automatically
                      receive all income dividends and capital gain
                      distributions in additional shares, unless the shareholder
                      has elected to take such payment in cash. Shareholders may
                      change their election by providing written notice to the
                      Manager at least 15 days prior to the distribution.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   120
 
   
                             The dividends on Class A shares of the Portfolio
                      are normally higher than those on Class B, Class C or
                      Class G shares because of the additional distribution
                      and/or shareholder servicing expenses charged to Class B,
                      Class C and Class G shares.
    
 
Counsel and Independent
Public Accountants    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the
                      Trust. Arthur Andersen LLP serves as the independent
                      public accountants of the Trust.
 
   
Custodian
and Wire Agent        CoreStates Bank, N.A., Broad and Chestnut Streets, P.O.
                      Box 7618, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101, serves as
                      Custodian of the Trust's assets and acts as wire agent of
                      the Trust. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other
                      assets of the Trust as required by the 1940 Act.
    
 
DESCRIPTION
OF PERMITTED
INVESTMENTS
AND RISK FACTORS
 
                      The following is a description of certain of the permitted
                      investments for the Portfolios, and the associated risk
                      factors:
 
   
Money Market Securities
                      Money market securities are high-quality,
                      dollar-denominated, short-term debt instruments. They
                      consist of: (i) bankers' acceptances, certificates of
                      deposits, notes and time deposits of highly-rated U.S.
                      banks and U.S. branches of foreign banks; (ii) U.S.
                      Treasury obligations and obligations issued by the
                      agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government;
                      (iii) high-quality commercial paper issued by U.S. and
                      foreign corporations; (iv) debt obligations with a
                      maturity of one year or less issued by corporations that
                      issue high-quality commercial paper; and (v) repurchase
                      agreements involving any of the foregoing obligations
                      entered into with highly-rated banks and broker-dealers.
    
 
   
Municipal Securities  Municipal Securities consist of (i) debt obligations
                      issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain
                      funds to be used for various public facilities, for
                      refunding outstanding obligations, for general operating
                      expenses and for lending such funds to other public
                      institutions and facilities, and (ii) certain private
                      activity and industrial development bonds issued by or on
                      behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide
                      for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of
                      privately operated facilities.
    
                             General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing
                      power of the issuing municipality. Revenue bonds are
                      backed by the revenues of a project or facility, tolls
                      from a toll bridge, for example. Certificates of
                      participation represent an interest in an underlying
                      obligation or commitment such as an obligation issued in
                      connection with a leasing arrangement. The payment of
                      principal and interest on private activity and industrial
                      development bonds generally is dependent solely on the
                      ability
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   121
 
                      of the facility's user to meet its financial obligations
                      and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property so
                      financed as security for such payment.
 
                             Municipal notes include general obligation notes,
                      tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond
                      anticipation notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand
                      notes and construction loan notes and participation
                      interests in municipal notes. Municipal bonds include
                      general obligation bonds, revenue or special obligation
                      bonds, private activity and industrial development bonds
                      and participation interests in municipal bonds.
 
   
Repurchase Agreements Repurchase agreements are arrangements by which a
                      Portfolio obtains a security and simultaneously commits to
                      return the security to the seller at an agreed upon price
                      (including principal and interest) on an agreed upon date
                      within a number of days from the date of purchase.
                      Repurchase agreements are considered loans under the 1940
                      Act.
    
 
Standby Commitments
and Puts              Securities subject to standby commitments or puts permit
                      the holder thereof to sell the securities at a fixed price
                      prior to maturity. Securities subject to a standby
                      commitment or put may be sold at any time at the current
                      market price. However, unless the standby commitment or
                      put was an integral part of the security as originally
                      issued, it may not be marketable or assignable; therefore,
                      the standby commitment or put would only have value to the
                      Portfolio owning the security to which it relates. In
                      certain cases, a premium may be paid for a standby
                      commitment or put, which premium will have the effect of
                      reducing the yield otherwise payable on the underlying
                      security. The Portfolio will limit standby commitment or
                      put transactions to institutions believed to present
                      minimal credit risk.
 
   
U.S. Government
Obligations           Obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury or issued or
                      guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. Government, including,
                      among others, the Federal Farm Credit Bank, the Federal
                      Housing Administration, and the Small Business
                      Administration and obligations issued or guaranteed by
                      instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, including, among
                      others, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the
                      Federal Land Banks and the U.S. Post Service. Some of
                      these securities are supported by the full faith and
                      credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., Government National
                      Mortgage Association securities), others are supported by
                      the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury (e.g.,
                      Federal Farm Credit Bank securities), while still others
                      are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality
                      (e.g., Federal National Mortgage Association securities).
                      Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities
                      of the U.S. Government may be a guarantee of payment at
                      the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a
                      default prior to maturity there might not be a market and
                      thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to
                      maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal
                      and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these
                      securities not to the value of the Fund's shares.
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   122
 
Variable and Floating
Rate Instruments      Certain of the obligations purchased by the Portfolio may
                      carry variable or floating rates of interest and may
                      involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature.
                      Such obligations may include variable amount master demand
                      notes. Such instruments bear interest at rates which are
                      not fixed, but which vary with changes in specified market
                      rates or indices. The interest rates on these securities
                      may be reset daily, weekly, quarterly or at some other
                      interval, and may have a floor or ceiling on interest rate
                      changes. There is a risk that the current interest rate on
                      such obligations may not accurately reflect existing
                      market interest rates. A demand instrument with a demand
                      notice period exceeding seven days may be considered
                      illiquid if there is no secondary market for such
                      security.
 
   
When-Issued and Delayed
Delivery Securities   When-issued or delayed delivery transactions involve the
                      purchase of an instrument with payment and delivery taking
                      place in the future. Delivery of and payment for these
                      securities may occur a month or more after the date of the
                      purchase commitment. The Portfolio will maintain with the
                      custodian a separate account with liquid, high grade debt
                      securities or cash in an amount at least equal to these
                      commitments. The interest rate realized on these
                      securities is fixed as of the purchase date, and no
                      interest accrues to the Portfolio before settlement.
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   123
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
Annual Operating Expenses...................       2
Financial Highlights........................       3
The Trust...................................       4
Investment Objective and Policies...........       4
General Investment Policies.................       5
Risk Factors................................       6
Investment Limitations......................       6
The Manager.................................       7
The Adviser.................................       7
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing......       8
Purchase and Redemption of Shares...........       9
Performance.................................      11
Taxes.......................................      11
General Information.........................      13
Description of Permitted Investments and
  Risk Factors..............................      15
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   124
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   125
 
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
   
DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERMEDIATE-TERM MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
This Prospectus sets forth concisely information about the above-referenced
Portfolio that an investor needs to know before investing. Please read this
Prospectus carefully, and keep it on file for future reference.
 
   
A Statement of Additional Information dated December 31, 1996 has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available upon request and
without charge by writing the Distributor, SEI Financial Services Company, 680
East Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated into this Prospectus by
reference.
    
 
   
SEI Tax Exempt Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end investment management company,
certain classes of which offer financial institutions a convenient means of
investing their own funds, or funds for which they act in a fiduciary, agency or
custodial capacity, in professionally managed diversified and non-diversified
portfolios of securities. A portfolio may offer separate classes of shares that
differ from each other primarily in the allocation of certain expenses and
minimum investment amounts. This Prospectus offers Class A shares of the Trust's
Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio (the "Portfolio"), a fixed income
portfolio.
    
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK. THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT
AGENCY. INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
<PAGE>   126
 
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (as a percentage of average net assets)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                         <C>     <C>
Management/Advisory Fees (after fee waiver) (1)                                                                     .53%
12b-1 Fees                                                                                                          None
Total Other Expenses                                                                                                .07%
    Shareholder Servicing Fees (after fee waiver)(2)                                                        .00%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses (after fee waivers) (3)                                                                    .60%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1)  SEI Financial Management ("SFM") has waived, on a voluntary basis, a
    portion of its fees, and the Management/Advisory fees shown reflect these
    voluntary waivers. SFM reserves the right to terminate this waiver at any
    time in its sole discretion. Absent such fee waiver, Management/Advisory
    fees for the Portfolio would be .57%.
    
   
(2)  The Distributor has waived, on a voluntary basis, all or a portion of its
    shareholder servicing fee, and the Shareholder Servicing Fees shown reflect
    this waiver. The Distributor reserves the right to terminate its waiver at
    anytime in its sole discretion. Absent such waiver, Shareholder Servicing
    Fees would be .25%.
    
   
(3)  Absent these waivers, Total Operating Expenses of the Portfolio would be
    .89%. Additional information may be found under "The Advisor" and "The
    Manager."
    
 
EXAMPLE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           1 YR.    3 YRS.    5 YRS.    10 YRS.
                                                                                           -----    ------    ------    -------
<S>                                                                                        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
An investor in Class A shares of the Portfolio would pay the following expenses on a
  $1,000
  investment assuming (1) a 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of
  each time period:                                                                         $ 6      $ 19      $ 33       $75
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
    
 
   
The purpose of the table and this example is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that may be directly or indirectly
borne by investors in the Portfolio. A person who purchases shares through a
financial institution may be charged separate fees by that institution. Addition
information may be found under "The Manager," "The Adviser" and "Distribution
and Shareholder Servicing."
    
 
                                        2                                      
<PAGE>   127
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
   
The following financial highlights have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, whose report thereon was unqualified. This
information should be read in conjunction with the Trust's financial statements
and notes thereto which appear, along with the report of Arthur Andersen LLP, in
the Trust's 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders. Additional performance
information is set forth in the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is
available upon request and without charge by calling 1-800-342-5734.
    
FOR A CLASS A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            Investment                                                Net Realized
                            Activities                 Distributions                 and Unrealized
               Net Asset    ----------    ---------------------------------------    Gain (Loss) on
                Value,         Net           Net          Net                         Investments      Net Asset
               Beginning    Investment    Investment    Realized        Total         and Capital      Value, End     Total
               of Period      Income        Income        Gain      Distributions     Transactions     of Period      Return
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>              <C>               <C>           <C>
- -------------------------------------------
INTERMEDIATE-TERM MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------------------------
Class A
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31;
1996            $ 10.59        $0.49        $(0.53)     $  --          $ (0.53)          $(0.10)         $10.45        3.76%
1995              10.36         0.52         (0.52)        --            (0.52)            0.23           10.59        7.53%
1994              10.84         0.49         (0.49)        (0.06)        (0.55)           (0.42)          10.36        0.65%
1993              10.49         0.49         (0.50)        (0.02)        (0.52)            0.38           10.84        8.62%
1992              10.20         0.56         (0.54)        (0.01)        (0.55)            0.28           10.49        8.56%
1991               9.98         0.61         (0.63)        --            (0.63)            0.24           10.20        8.82%
1990 (2)          10.01         0.38         (0.37)        --            (0.37)           (0.04)           9.98        3.44%+
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31;
1990 (1)        $ 10.00       $ 0.21        $(0.16)     $ (0.002)      $ (0.16)          $(0.04)         $10.01        1.72%+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Ratio of Net
                                             Expenses to        Net         Income to
                                Ratio of     Average Net     Investment    Average Net
               Net Assets,      Expenses        Assets       Income to        Assets       Portfolio
              End of Period    to Average     (Excluding      Average       (Excluding     Turnover
                  (000)        Net Assets    Fee Waivers)    Net Assets    Fee Waivers)      Rate
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>       
- ------------
INTERMEDIATE
- ------------
Class A
FOR THE YEAR
1996            $ 134,563        0.59%            0.66%         4.66%          4.59%           40.66%
1995               95,675        0.55%            0.72%         4.96%          4.79%           36.05%
1994              127,509        0.53%            0.71%         4.65%          4.47%           58.39%
1993              122,649        0.55%            0.69%         4.79%          4.65%           63.04%
1992               63,210        0.55%            0.71%         5.56%          5.40%           61.56%
1991               36,699        0.55%            0.78%         6.18%          5.95%          111.82%
1990 (2)           12,781       0.55%*            0.90%*       6.63%*         6.28%*           63.45%
FOR THE YEAR
1990 (1)        $   9,106       0.56%*            1.36%*       5.80%*         5.00%*          352.00%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
<TABLE>
<S>    <C>
*
+
(1)
(2)
 
<CAPTION>
*      Annualized
 
<S>    <C>
 
+      Return is for period indicated and has not been annualized.
 
(1)    The Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio commenced operations on September 5, 1989.
 
(2)    In August 1990, the Trustees changed the fiscal year end of the Trust from January 31 to August 31.
 
</TABLE>
 
                                       3
<PAGE>   128
 
THE TRUST
 
   
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company
that offers units of beneficial interest ("shares") in separate diversified and
non-diversified investment portfolios. This prospectus offers Class A shares of
the Trust's Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio (the "Portfolio"). The
investment adviser and investment sub-adviser to the Portfolio are referred to
collectively as the "advisers." Additional information pertaining to the Trust
may be obtained by writing to SEI Financial Services Company, 680 East
Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
    
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND
POLICIES
 
   
                      The Portfolio's investment objective is to seek the
                      highest level of income exempt from federal income taxes
                      that can be obtained, consistent with the preservation of
                      capital, from a diversified portfolio of investment grade
                      municipal securities.
    
   
                             The Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net
                      assets in municipal securities the interest of which is
                      exempt from federal income taxes (collectively "Municipal
                      Securities"), based on opinions from bond counsel for the
                      issuers. This investment policy is a fundamental policy of
                      the Portfolio. The issuers of these securities can be
                      located in all fifty states, the District of Columbia,
                      Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories and possessions.
                      Under normal conditions, the Portfolio will invest at
                      least 80% of its net assets in securities the interest on
                      which is not a preference item for purposes of the federal
                      alternative minimum tax. Although the advisers have no
                      present intention of doing so, up to 20% of all assets in
                      the Portfolio can be invested in taxable debt securities
                      for defensive purposes or when sufficient tax exempt
                      securities considered appropriate by the advisers are not
                      available for purchase.
    
   
                             The Portfolio may purchase the following types of
                      municipal obligations, but only if such securities, at the
                      time of purchase, either have the requisite rating, or, if
                      not rated, are of comparable quality as determined by the
                      advisers: (i) municipal bonds rated A or better by
                      Standard and Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or by Moody's
                      Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), and the Portfolio may
                      invest up to 10% of its total assets in municipal bonds
                      rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's; (ii) municipal notes
                      rated at least SP-1 by S&P or MIG-1 or VMIG-1 by Moody's;
                      and (iii) tax-exempt commercial paper rated at least A-1
                      by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's. Bonds rated BBB by S&P or
                      Baa by Moody's have speculative characteristics. Municipal
                      obligations owned by the Portfolio which become less than
                      the prescribed investment quality shall be sold at a time
                      when, in the judgment of the advisers, it does not
                      substantially impact the market value of the Portfolio.
    
   
                             Not more than 25% of Portfolio assets will be
                      invested in (a) municipal securities whose issuers are
                      located in the same state and, (b) municipal securities
    
 
                                        4                                      
<PAGE>   129
 
   
                      the interest on which is derived from revenues of similar
                      type projects. This restriction does not apply to
                      municipal securities in any of the following categories:
                      public housing authorities; general obligations of states
                      and localities; state and local housing finance
                      authorities, or municipal utilities systems.
    

                             There could be economic, business, or political
                      developments which might affect all municipal securities
                      of a similar type. To the extent that a significant
                      portion of the Portfolio's assets are invested in
                      municipal securities payable from revenues on similar
                      projects, the Portfolio will be subject to the peculiar
                      risks presented by such projects to a greater extent than
                      it would be if the Portfolio's assets were not so
                      invested.
                             The Portfolio will maintain a dollar-weighted
                      average portfolio maturity of three to ten years. However,
                      when the advisers determine that market conditions so
                      warrant, the Portfolio can maintain an average weighted
                      maturity of less than three years.
 
GENERAL
INVESTMENT
POLICIES
 
   
                      The Portfolio may invest in variable and floating rate
                      obligations, may purchase securities on a "when-issued"
                      basis, and reserves the right to engage in transactions
                      involving standby commitments. The Portfolio may also
                      purchase other types of tax-exempt instruments as long as
                      they are of a quality equivalent to the long-term bond or
                      commercial paper ratings stated above. Although permitted
                      to do so, the Portfolio has no present intention to invest
                      in repurchase agreements or purchase securities subject to
                      the federal alternative minimum tax. The Portfolio will
                      not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid
                      securities.
    
                             The taxable securities in which the Portfolio may
                      invest consist of U.S. Treasury obligations; obligations
                      issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or by its
                      agencies or instrumentalities whether or not backed by the
                      full faith and credit of the U.S. Government; instruments
                      of U.S. commercial banks or savings and loan institutions
                      (not including foreign branches of U.S. banks or U.S.
                      branches of foreign banks) which are members of the
                      Federal Reserve System or the Federal Deposit Insurance
                      Corporation and which have total assets of $1 billion or
                      more as shown on their last published financial statements
                      at the time of investment; and repurchase agreements
                      involving any of such obligations.
   
                             For a description of the permitted investments and
                      ratings, see the "Description of Permitted Investments and
                      Risk Factors" and the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
                                        5                                      
<PAGE>   130
 
INVESTMENT
LIMITATIONS
 
                      The investment objective and investment limitations are
                      fundamental policies of the Portfolio. Fundamental
                      policies cannot be changed with respect to the Trust or
                      the Portfolio without the consent of the holders of a
                      majority of the Trust's or the Portfolio's outstanding
                      shares.
 
                      The Portfolio may not:
                      1. Purchase securities of any issuer (except securities
                         issued or guaranteed by the United States Government,
                         its agencies or instrumentalities and any security
                         guaranteed thereby) if, as a result, more than 5% of
                         the total assets of the Portfolio (based on fair market
                         value at time of investment) would be invested in the
                         securities of such issuer; provided, however, that the
                         Portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets
                         without regard to this restriction.
                      2. Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25%
                         of the total assets of the Portfolio, based on current
                         value at the time of such purchase, to be invested in
                         the securities of one or more issuers conducting their
                         principal business activities in the same industry,
                         provided that this limitation does not apply to
                         investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the
                         U.S. Government or its agencies and instrumentalities
                         or to investments in tax-exempt securities issued by
                         governments or political subdivisions of governments.
                      3. Borrow money except for temporary or emergency purposes
                         and then only in an amount not exceeding 10% of the
                         value of the total assets of the Portfolio. All
                         borrowings will be repaid before making additional
                         investments and any interest paid on such borrowings
                         will reduce the income of the Portfolio.
   
                      The foregoing percentage limitations will apply at the
                      time of the purchase of a security. Additional fundamental
                      investment limitations are set forth in the Statement of
                      Additional Information.
    
 
   
THE MANAGER
    
 
   
                      SEI Fund Management (the "Manager" and the "Transfer
                      Agent") provides the Trust with overall management
                      services, regulatory reporting, all necessary office
                      space, equipment, personnel and facilities, and serves as
                      institutional transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent,
                      and shareholder servicing agent.
    
   
                             For these services, the Manager is entitled to a
                      fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an
                      annual rate of .24% of the average daily net assets of the
                      Portfolio. In addition, the Manager has voluntarily agreed
                      to waive a portion of its fees proportionately in order to
                      limit total operating expenses of the Class A shares of
                      the Portfolio to not more than .60% of the Portfolio's
                      average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares,
                      on an annualized basis. The Manager reserves the right, in
                      its sole discretion, to terminate its waiver at any time.
                      For the fiscal year
    
 
                                        6                                      
<PAGE>   131
 
   
                      ended August 31, 1996, the Portfolio paid management fees,
                      after waivers, of .20% of its average daily net assets.
    
 
   
THE ADVISER
    
 
   
SEI Financial Management
Corporation           SEI Financial Management Corporation ("SFM") serves as
                      investment adviser to the Portfolio. SFM is a wholly-owned
                      subsidiary of SEI Investments Company ("SEI"), a financial
                      services company located in Wayne, Pennsylvania. The
                      principal business address of SFM is 680 East Swedesford
                      Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087-1658. SEI was founded in
                      1968 and is a leading provider of investment solutions to
                      banks, institutional investors, investment advisers and
                      insurance companies. Affiliates of SFM have provided
                      consulting advice to institutional investors for more than
                      20 years, including advice regarding the selection and
                      evaluation of investment advisers. SFM currently serves as
                      manager or administrator to more than   investment
                      companies, including more than    portfolios, which
                      investment companies have more than $     billion in
                      assets as of September 30, 1996.
    
   
                             SFM acts as the investment adviser to the Portfolio
                      and operates as a "manager of managers." As Adviser, SFM
                      oversees the investment advisory services provided to the
                      Portfolio and manages the cash portion of the Portfolio's
                      assets. Pursuant to a separate sub-advisory agreement with
                      SFM, and under the supervision of the Adviser and the
                      Board of Trustees, the sub-adviser is responsible for the
                      day-to-day investment management of all or a discrete
                      portion of the assets of the Portfolio. Sub-advisers are
                      selected based primarily upon the research of SFM, which
                      evaluate quantitatively and qualitatively the
                      sub-advisers' skills and investment results in managing
                      assets for specific asset classes, investment styles and
                      strategies. Subject to Board review, SFM allocates and,
                      when appropriate, reallocates the Portfolio's assets to
                      the sub-advisers, monitors and evaluates the sub-advisers'
                      performance, and oversees sub-adviser compliance with the
                      Portfolio's investment objectives, policies and
                      restrictions. SFM HAS THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE
                      INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO DUE TO ITS
                      RESPONSIBILITY TO OVERSEE SUB-ADVISERS AND RECOMMEND THEIR
                      HIRING, TERMINATION AND REPLACEMENT.
    
   
                             For these advisory services, SFM is entitled to a
                      fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an
                      annual rate of .33% of the Portfolio's average daily net
                      assets. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the
                      Portfolio paid advisory fees, after waivers, of .33% of
                      its average daily net assets. SFM pays the sub-advisers
                      out its investment advisory fees.
    
   
                             SFM has obtained an exemptive order from the
                      Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") that permits
                      SFM, with the approval of the Trust's Board of Trustees,
                      to retain sub-advisers unaffiliated with SFM for the
                      Portfolio without submitting the sub-advisory agreements
                      to a vote of the Portfolio's shareholders. The exemptive
                      relief permits the disclosure of only the aggregate amount
                      payable
    
 
                                       7

<PAGE>   132
 
   
by SFM under all such sub-advisory agreements. The Portfolio will notify
shareholders in the event of any addition or change in the identity of its
sub-advisers.
    
 
THE SUB-ADVISER
 
   
Standish, Ayer &
Wood, Inc.            Standish Ayer & Wood, Inc. ("SAW" or the "Sub-Adviser")
                      serves as Sub-Adviser to the Portfolio. SAW's principal
                      offices are located at One Financial Center, Boston,
                      Massachusetts 02111. SAW which was founded in 1933, is a
                      Subchapter S Corporation organized under the laws of the
                      Commonwealth of Massachusetts that is completely owned by
                      its 23 directors, all of whom are actively engaged in the
                      management of the corporation. SAW has been providing
                      investment management services to institutions and
                      managing municipal securities since 1934. SAW manages
                      assets for pensions, funds, corporate and public,
                      insurance companies; banks; and individuals. Total assets
                      under management as of September 30, 1996 were $29
                      billion.
    
                             Raymond J. Kubiak, CFA serves as portfolio manager
                      to the Portfolio. Mr. Kubiak has 15 years experience in
                      public finance and is a Vice President and Director of the
                      Sub-Adviser. He has been with SAW since March, 1988.
   
                             SFM pays SAW a fee based on a percentage of the
                      assets of the Portfolio managed by SAW.
    
 
DISTRIBUTION
   
AND SHAREHOLDER
    
   
SERVICING
    
 
   
                      SEI Financial Services Company (the "Distributor"), a
                      wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI, serves as the Portfolio's
                      distributor pursuant to a distribution agreement with the
                      Trust.
    
   
                             The Portfolio has adopted a shareholder servicing
                      plan for Class A shares (the "Service Plan") under which a
                      shareholder servicing fee of up to .25% of average daily
                      net assets attributable to Class A shares will be paid to
                      the Distributor. Under the Service Plan, the Distributor
                      may perform, or may compensate other service providers for
                      performing the following shareholder and administrative
                      services: maintaining client accounts; arranging for bank
                      wires; responding to client inquiries concerning services
                      provided on investments; assisting clients in changing
                      dividend options; account designations and addresses; sub-
                      accounting; providing information on share positions to
                      clients; forwarding shareholder communications to clients;
                      processing purchase, exchange and redemption orders; and
                      processing dividend payments. Under the Service Plan, the
                      Distributor may retain as a profit any difference between
                      the fee it receives and the amount it pays to third
                      parties.
    
 
                                       8
<PAGE>   133
  
   
                             It is possible that an institution may offer
                      different classes of shares to its customers and thus
                      receive different compensation with respect to different
                      classes. These financial institutions may also charge
                      separate fees to their customers.
    
   
                             The Trust may also execute brokerage or other
                      agency transactions through the Distributor for which the
                      Distributor may receive usual and customary compensation.
    
   
                             In addition, the Distributor may, from time to time
                      in its sole discretion, institute one or more promotional
                      incentive programs, which will be paid by the Distributor
                      from its own resources. Under any such program, the
                      Distributor will provide promotional incentives, in the
                      form of cash or other compensation, including merchandise,
                      airline vouchers, trips and vacation packages, to all
                      dealers selling shares of the Portfolio. Such promotional
                      incentives will be offered uniformly to all dealers and
                      predicated upon the amount of shares of the Portfolio sold
                      by the dealer.
    
 
PURCHASE AND
REDEMPTION OF
SHARES
 
                      Financial institutions may acquire shares of the Portfolio
                      for their own account, or as a record owner on behalf of
                      fiduciary, agency or custody accounts, by placing orders
                      with the Transfer Agent. Institutions that use certain SEI
                      proprietary systems may place orders electronically
                      through those systems. State securities laws may require
                      banks and financial institutions purchasing shares for
                      their customers to register as dealers pursuant to state
                      laws. Financial institutions which purchase shares for the
                      accounts of their customers may impose separate charges on
                      these customers for account services. Financial
                      institutions may impose an earlier cut-off time for
                      receipt of purchase orders directed through them to allow
                      for processing and transmittal of these orders to the
                      Transfer Agent for effectiveness on the same day. Shares
                      of the Portfolio are offered only to residents of states
                      in which the shares are eligible for purchase.
                             Shares of the Portfolio may be purchased or
                      redeemed on days on which the New York Stock Exchange is
                      open for business ("Business Days").
   
                             Shareholders who desire to purchase shares for cash
                      must place their orders with the Transfer Agent (or its
                      authorized agent) prior to the close of trading on the New
                      York Stock Exchange (presently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on
                      any Business Day for the order to be accepted on that
                      Business Day. Cash investments must be transmitted or
                      delivered in federal funds to the wire agent on the next
                      Business Day following the date the order is placed. The
                      Trust reserves the right to reject a purchase order when
                      the Distributor determines that it is not in the best
                      interest of the Trust and/or shareholders to accept such
                      purchase order.
    
 
                                        9                                      
<PAGE>   134
 
   
                             Purchases will be made in full and fractional
                      shares of the Portfolio calculated to three decimal
                      places. The Trust will send shareholders a statement of
                      shares owned after each transaction. The purchase price of
                      shares is the net asset value next determined after a
                      purchase order is received and accepted by the Trust. The
                      net asset value per share of the Portfolio is determined
                      by dividing the total value of its investments and other
                      assets, less any liability, by the total number of
                      outstanding shares of the Portfolio. Net asset value per
                      share is determined daily as of the close of trading on
                      the New York Stock Exchange (presently 4:00 p.m. Eastern
                      time) on each Business Day. Although the methodology and
                      procedures for determining net asset value per share are
                      identical for all classes of the Portfolio, the net asset
                      value of one class may differ from that of another class
                      because of the different distribution fees charged to each
                      class.
    
                             The market value of each security is obtained by
                      the Manager from an independent pricing service.
                      Securities having maturities of 60 days or less at the
                      time of purchase will be valued using the amortized cost
                      method (described in the Statement of Additional
                      Information), which approximates the securities' market
                      value. The pricing service may use a matrix system to
                      determine valuations of fixed income securities. This
                      system considers such factors as security prices, yields,
                      maturities, call features, ratings and developments
                      relating to specific securities in arriving at valuations.
                      The pricing service may also provide market quotations.
                      The procedures of the pricing service and its valuation
                      are reviewed by the officers of the Trust under the
                      general supervision of the Trustees. Portfolio securities
                      for which market quotations are available are valued at
                      the most recently quoted bid price on each Business Day.
   
                             Shareholders who desire to redeem shares of the
                      Portfolio must place their redemption orders with the
                      Transfer Agent (or its authorized agent) prior to the
                      close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (presently
                      4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on any Business Day. The
                      redemption price is the net asset value per share of the
                      Portfolio next determined after receipt by the Transfer
                      Agent of the redemption order. Payment on redemption will
                      be made as promptly as possible and, in any event, within
                      five Business Days after the redemption order is received.
    
                             Purchase and redemption orders may be placed by
                      telephone. Neither the Trust nor the Transfer Agent will
                      be responsible for any loss, liability, cost or expense
                      for acting upon wire instructions or upon telephone
                      instructions that it reasonably believes to be genuine.
                      The Trust and the Transfer Agent will each employ
                      reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
                      communicated by telephone are genuine, including requiring
                      a form of personal identification prior to acting upon
                      instructions received by telephone and recording telephone
                      instructions.
                             If market conditions are extraordinarily active, or
                      other extraordinary circumstances exist, shareholders may
                      experience difficulties placing redemption orders by
                      telephone, and may wish to consider placing orders by
                      other means.
 
                                       10                                     
<PAGE>   135
 
PERFORMANCE
 
                      From time to time, the Portfolio may advertise yield, tax
                      equivalent yield and total return. These figures will be
                      based on historical earnings and are not intended to
                      indicate future performance.
                             The yield of the Portfolio refers to the annualized
                      income generated by a hypothetical investment in the
                      Portfolio over a specified 30-day period. The yield is
                      calculated by assuming that the income generated by the
                      investment during that period generated each period over
                      one year and is shown as a percentage of the investment. A
                      tax equivalent yield is calculated by determining the rate
                      of return that would have been achieved on a fully taxable
                      investment to produce the after-tax equivalent of the
                      Portfolio's yield, assuming certain tax brackets for a
                      shareholder.
                             The total return of the Portfolio refers to the
                      average compounded rate of return to a hypothetical
                      investment for designated time periods (including, but not
                      limited to, the period from which the Portfolio commenced
                      operations through the specified date), assuming that the
                      entire investment is redeemed at the end of each period
                      and assuming the reinvestment of all dividend and capital
                      gain distributions.
   
                             The Portfolio may periodically compare its
                      performance to that of: (i) other mutual funds tracked by
                      mutual fund rating services (such as Lipper Analytical),
                      financial and business publications and periodicals; (ii)
                      broad groups of comparable mutual funds; (iii) unmanaged
                      indices which may assume investment of dividends but
                      generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
                      management costs; or (iv) other investment alternatives.
                      The Portfolio may quote Morningstar, Inc., a service that
                      ranks mutual funds on the basis of risk-adjusted
                      performance, and Ibbotson Associates of Chicago, Illinois,
                      which provides historical returns of the capital markets
                      in the U.S. The Portfolio may use long-term performance of
                      these capital markets to demonstrate general long-term
                      risk versus reward scenarios and could include the value
                      of a hypothetical investment in any of the capital
                      markets. The Portfolio may also quote financial and
                      business publications and periodicals as they relate to
                      fund management, investment philosophy, and investment
                      techniques.
    
   
                             The Portfolio may quote various measures of
                      volatility and benchmark correlation in advertising and
                      may compare these measures to those of other funds.
                      Measures of volatility attempt to compare historical share
                      price fluctuations or total returns to a benchmark while
                      measures of benchmark correlation indicate how valid a
                      comparative benchmark might be. Measures of volatility and
                      correlation are calculated using averages of historical
                      data and cannot be calculated precisely.
    
 
TAXES
 
                      The following summary of federal income tax consequences
                      is based on current tax laws and regulations, which may be
                      changed by legislative, judicial or administrative
 
                                       11                                      
<PAGE>   136
 
   
                      action. No attempt has been made to present a detailed
                      explanation of the federal income tax treatment of the
                      Portfolio or its shareholders, and state and local tax
                      consequences of an investment in the Portfolio may differ
                      from the federal income tax consequences described below.
                      Accordingly, shareholders are urged to consult their tax
                      advisers regarding specific questions as to federal, state
                      and local income taxes. Additional information concerning
                      taxes is set forth in the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
    
 
   
Tax Status
of the Portfolio      The Portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal
                      income tax purposes and is not combined with the Trust's
                      other portfolios. The Portfolio intends to continue to
                      qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated
                      investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal
                      Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), so as to be
                      relieved of federal income tax on net investment company
                      taxable income) and net capital gain (the excess of net
                      long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss)
                      distributed to shareholders.
    
 
Tax Status
of Distributions      The Portfolio intends to distribute substantially all of
                      its net investment income (including net short-term
                      capital gain) to shareholders. If, at the close of each
                      quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of
                      the Portfolio's total assets consists of obligations the
                      interest on which is excludable from gross income, the
                      Portfolio may pay "exempt-interest dividends" to its
                      shareholders. Exempt-interest dividends are excludable
                      from a shareholder's gross income for federal income tax
                      purposes but may have certain collateral federal tax
                      consequences including alternative minimum tax
                      consequences. In addition, the receipt of exempt-interest
                      dividends may cause persons receiving Social Security or
                      Railroad Retirement benefits to be taxable on a portion of
                      such benefits. See the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
   
                             Any dividends paid out of income realized by the
                      Portfolio on taxable securities will be taxable to
                      shareholders as ordinary income (whether received in cash
                      or in additional shares) to the extent of the Portfolio's
                      earnings and profits and will not qualify for the
                      dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.
                      Distributions to shareholders of net capital gains of the
                      Portfolio also will not qualify for the dividends received
                      deduction and will be taxable to shareholders as long-term
                      capital gain, whether received in cash or additional
                      shares, and regardless of how long a shareholder has held
                      the shares.
    
                             Dividends declared by the Portfolio in October,
                      November or December of any year and payable to
                      shareholders of record on a date in any such month will be
                      deemed to have been paid by the Portfolio and received by
                      the shareholders on December 31 of that year if paid by
                      the Portfolio at any time during the following January.
                      The Portfolio intends to make sufficient distributions
                      prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability
                      for federal excise tax applicable to regulated investment
                      companies.
 
                                       12                                      
<PAGE>   137
 
                             Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
                      shareholder in order to purchase or carry shares of the
                      Portfolio is not deductible for federal income tax
                      purposes. Furthermore, the Portfolio may not be an
                      appropriate investment for persons (including corporations
                      and other business entities) who are "substantial users"
                      (or persons related to "substantial users") of facilities
                      financed by industrial development bonds or private
                      activity bonds. Such persons should consult their tax
                      advisers before purchasing shares.
                             The Portfolio will report annually to its
                      shareholders the portion of dividends that is taxable and
                      the portion that is tax-exempt based on income received by
                      the Portfolio during the year to which the dividends
                      relate.
   
                             Each sale, exchange, or redemption of the
                      Portfolio's shares is a taxable transaction to the
                      shareholder.
    
 
GENERAL INFORMATION
 
   
The Trust             The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
                      under a Declaration of Trust dated March 15, 1982. The
                      Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate
                      portfolios of shares and different classes of each
                      portfolio. In addition to the Portfolio, the Trust
                      consists of the following portfolios: Tax Free Portfolio,
                      Institutional Tax Free Portfolio, California Tax Exempt
                      Portfolio, Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio, Kansas Tax
                      Free Income Portfolio, New York Intermediate-Term
                      Municipal Portfolio, and Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolio.
                      All consideration received by the Trust for shares of any
                      portfolio and all assets of such portfolio belong to that
                      portfolio and would be subject to liabilities related
                      thereto.
    
                             The Trust pays its expenses, including fees of its
                      service providers, audit and legal expenses, expenses of
                      preparing prospectuses, proxy solicitation materials and
                      reports to shareholders, costs of custodial services and
                      registering the shares under federal and state securities
                      laws, pricing, insurance expenses, litigation and other
                      extraordinary expenses, brokerage costs, interest charges,
                      taxes and organization expenses.
 
Trustees of the Trust The management and affairs of the Trust are supervised by
                      the Trustees under the laws of the Commonwealth of
                      Massachusetts. The Trustees have approved contracts under
                      which, as described above, certain companies provide
                      essential management services to the Trust.
 
   
Voting Rights         Each share held entitles the shareholder of record to one
                      vote. The shareholders of each portfolio or class will
                      vote separately on matters relating solely to that
                      portfolio or class, such as any distribution plan. As a
                      Massachusetts business trust, the Trust is not required to
                      hold annual meetings of shareholders, but approval will be
                      sought for certain changes in the operation of the Trust
                      and for the election of Trustees under certain
                      circumstances. In addition, a Trustee may be removed by
                      the
    
 
                                       13                                      
<PAGE>   138
 
                      remaining Trustees or by shareholders at a special meeting
                      called upon written request of shareholders owning at
                      least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In the
                      event that such a meeting is requested the Trust will
                      provide appropriate assistance and information to the
                      shareholders requesting the meeting.
 
Reporting             The Trust issues unaudited financial statements
                      semi-annually and audited financial statements annually.
                      The Trust furnishes proxy statements and other reports to
                      shareholders of record.
 
   
Shareholder Inquiries Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Manager,
                      SEI Fund Management, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne,
                      Pennsylvania, 19087.
    
 
Dividends             Substantially all of the net investment income (exclusive
                      of capital gains) of the Portfolio is declared daily and
                      paid monthly as a dividend. Shareholders of record on the
                      last record date of each period will be entitled to
                      receive the dividend distribution, which is generally paid
                      on the 10th Business Day of the following month. If any
                      net capital gains are realized, they will be distributed
                      by the Portfolio annually.
                             Shareholders automatically receive all income
                      dividends and capital gain distributions in additional
                      shares at the net asset value next determined following
                      the record date, unless the shareholder has elected to
                      take such payment in cash. Shareholders may change their
                      election by providing written notice to the Manager at
                      least 15 days prior to the distribution.
 
   
Counsel and Independent
Public Accountants    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the
                      Trust. Arthur Andersen LLP serves as the independent
                      public accountants of the Trust.
    
 
   
Custodian and Wire Agent
                      CoreStates Bank, N.A., Broad and Chestnut Streets, P.O.
                      Box 7618, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101, serves as
                      Custodian of the Trust's assets and acts as wire agent of
                      the Trust. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other
                      assets of the Trust as required by the 1940 Act.
    
 
DESCRIPTION
OF PERMITTED
INVESTMENTS AND
RISK FACTORS
 
                      The following is a description of certain of the permitted
                      investments for the Portfolio, and the associated risk
                      factors:
 
   
Money Market Securities
                      Money market securities are high-quality,
                      dollar-denominated, short-term debt instruments. They
                      consist of: (i) bankers' acceptances, certificates of
                      deposits, notes and time deposits of highly-rated U.S.
                      banks; (ii) U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations
                      issued by the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S.
                      Government; and
    
 
                                       14                                      
<PAGE>   139
 
   
                      (iii) repurchase agreements involving any of the foregoing
                      obligations entered into with highly-rated banks and
                      broker-dealers.
    
 
Municipal Securities  Municipal Securities consist of (i) debt obligations
                      issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain
                      funds to be used for various public facilities, for
                      refunding outstanding obligations, for general operating
                      expenses and for lending such funds to other public
                      institutions and facilities, and (ii) certain private
                      activity and industrial development bonds issued by or on
                      behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide
                      for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of
                      privately operated facilities.
                             General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing
                      power of the issuing municipality. Revenue bonds are
                      backed by the revenues of a project or facility, tolls
                      from a toll bridge, for example. Certificates of
                      participation represent an interest in an underlying
                      obligation or commitment such as an obligation issued in
                      connection with a leasing arrangement. The payment of
                      principal and interest on private activity and industrial
                      development bonds generally is dependent solely on the
                      ability of the facility's user to meet its financial
                      obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal
                      property so financed as security for such payment.
                      Municipal notes include general obligation notes, tax
                      anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond
                      anticipation notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand
                      notes and construction loan notes and participation
                      interests in municipal notes. Municipal bonds include
                      general obligation bonds, revenue or special obligation
                      bonds, private activity and industrial development bonds
                      and participation interests in municipal bonds.
 
   
Repurchase Agreements Repurchase agreements are arrangements by which a
                      Portfolio obtains a security and simultaneously commits to
                      return the security to the seller at an agreed upon price
                      (including principal and interest) on an agreed upon date
                      within a number of days from the date of purchase.
                      Repurchase agreements are considered loans under the 1940
                      Act.
    
 
Standby Commitments
and Puts              Securities subject to standby commitments or puts permit
                      the holder thereof to sell the securities at a fixed price
                      prior to maturity. Securities subject to a standby
                      commitment or put may be sold at any time at the current
                      market price. However, unless the standby commitment or
                      put was an integral part of the security as originally
                      issued, it may not be marketable or assignable; therefore,
                      the standby commitment or put would only have value to the
                      Portfolio owning the security to which it relates. In
                      certain cases, a premium may be paid for a standby
                      commitment or put, which premium will have the effect of
                      reducing the yield otherwise payable on the underlying
                      security. The Portfolio will limit standby commitment or
                      put transactions to institutions believed to present
                      minimal credit risk.
 
   
U.S. Government
Obligations           Obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury or issued or
                      guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. Government, including,
                      among others, the Federal Farm Credit Bank, the
    
 
                                       15                                      
<PAGE>   140
 
   
                      Federal Housing Administration and the Small Business
                      Administration, and obligations issued or guaranteed by
                      instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, including, among
                      others, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the
                      Federal Land Banks and the U.S. Post Service. Some of
                      these securities are supported by the full faith and
                      credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., Government National
                      Mortgage Association securities), others are supported by
                      the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury (e.g.,
                      Federal Farm Credit Bank securities), while still others
                      are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality
                      (e.g., Federal National Mortgage Association securities).
                      Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities
                      of the U.S. Government may be a guarantee of payment at
                      the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a
                      default prior to maturity there might not be a market and
                      thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to
                      maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal
                      and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these
                      securities not to the value of the Fund's shares.
    
 
Variable and Floating
Rate Instruments      Certain of the obligations purchased by the Portfolio may
                      carry variable or floating rates of interest and may
                      involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature.
                      Such obligations may include variable amount master demand
                      notes. Such instruments bear interest at rates which are
                      not fixed, but which vary with changes in specified market
                      rates or indices. The interest rates on these securities
                      may be reset daily, weekly, quarterly or at some other
                      interval, and may have a floor or ceiling on interest rate
                      changes. There is a risk that the current interest rate on
                      such obligations may not accurately reflect existing
                      market interest rates. A demand instrument with a demand
                      notice period exceeding seven days may be considered
                      illiquid if there is no secondary market for such
                      security.
 
   
When-Issued and Delayed
Delivery Securities   When-issued or delayed delivery transactions involve the
                      purchase of an instrument with payment and delivery taking
                      place in the future. Delivery of and payment for these
                      securities may occur a month or more after the date of the
                      purchase commitment. The Portfolio will maintain with the
                      custodian a separate account with liquid, high grade debt
                      securities or cash in an amount at least equal to these
                      commitments. The interest rate realized on these
                      securities is fixed as of the purchase date, and no
                      interest accrues to the Portfolio before settlement.
    
 
                                       16                                      
<PAGE>   141
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
Annual Operating Expenses...................       2
Financial Highlights........................       3
The Trust...................................       4
Investment Objective and Policies...........       4
General Investment Policies.................       5
Investment Limitations......................       6
The Manager.................................       6
The Adviser.................................       7
The Sub-Adviser.............................       8
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing......       8
Purchase and Redemption of Shares...........       9
Performance.................................      11
Taxes.......................................      11
General Information.........................      13
Description of Permitted Investments and
  Risk Factors..............................      14
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       17                                      
<PAGE>   142
 
   
                      [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
    
 
                                       18                                      
<PAGE>   143
 
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
   
DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO
PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
This Prospectus sets forth concisely information about the above-referenced
Portfolios that an investor needs to know before investing. Please read this
Prospectus carefully, and keep it on file for future reference.
 
   
A Statement of Additional Information dated December 31, 1996 has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available upon request and
without charge by writing the Distributor, SEI Financial Services Company, 680
East Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated into this Prospectus by
reference.
    
 
   
SEI Tax Exempt Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company,
certain classes of which offer financial institutions a convenient means of
investing their own funds, or funds for which they act in a fiduciary, agency or
custodial capacity, in one or more professionally managed diversified and
non-diversified portfolios of securities. A portfolio may offer separate classes
of shares that differ from each other primarily in the allocation of certain
expenses and minimum investment amounts. This Prospectus offers Class A shares
of the Trust's Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio (the "Fixed Income Portfolio"),
and Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Trust's Pennsylvania Tax Free
Portfolio (the "Money Market Portfolio") (each a "Portfolio" and, together, the
"Portfolios").
    
 
   
AN INVESTMENT IN THE PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE PORTFOLIO IS NEITHER INSURED NOR
GUARANTEED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE
PORTFOLIO WILL BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
   
THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK. THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT INVESTED.
    
<PAGE>   144
 
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (as a percentage of average net assets)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            MONEY MARKET
                                                                              PORTFOLIO                     FIXED
                                                                ------------------------------------        INCOME
                                                                CLASS A        CLASS B       CLASS C      PORTFOLIO
                                                                -------        -------       -------      ---------
<S>                                                    <C>      <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
Management/Advisory Fees (after fee waiver) (1)                 .31%           .31%           .31%          .44%
12b-1 Fees (2)                                                  None           None           None          None
Total Other Expenses                                            .04%           .34%           .54%          .04%
     Shareholder Servicing Fees (after fee waiver)     .00%(2)           .25%           .25%        .00%(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses (after fee waivers and expense
  reimbursements) (3)                                           .35%           .65%           .85%          .48%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1)  The Manager has waived, on a voluntary basis, a portion of its fee, and
    agreed to reimburse expenses; the management/advisory fees shown reflect
    this voluntary waiver. The Manager reserves the right to terminate its
    waiver and reimbursements at any time in its sole discretion. Absent such
    waiver and reimbursement, management/advisory fees for the Money Market
    Portfolio would be .40% and for the Fixed Income Portfolio would be .55%.
    
   
(2)  The Distributor has waived, on a voluntary basis, all or a portion of its
    shareholder servicing fee, and the Shareholder Servicing Fees shown reflect
    this waiver. The Distributor reserves the right to terminate its waiver at
    any time in its sole discretion. Absent such waiver, Shareholder Servicing
    Fees would be .25% for the Class A shares of the Money Market Portfolio and
    .25% for the Fixed Income Portfolio.
    
   
(3)  Absent these fee waivers and reimbursements, Total Operating Expenses for
    Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Money Market Portfolio would be
    .69%, .74% and .94%, respectively, and for the Class A shares of the Fixed
    Income Portfolio would be .84%. Additional information may be found under
    "The Adviser" and "The Manager."
    
 
   
EXAMPLE
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    1 YR.     3 YRS.     5 YRS.     10 YRS.
                                                                                    ------   --------   --------   ---------
<S>                                                                                 <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>
An investor in the Portfolios would pay the following expenses on a $1,000
  investment assuming (1) a 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of
  each time period:
    Money Market Portfolio
      Class A                                                                         $4       $11        $20        $ 44
      Class B                                                                          6        19         33          75
      Class C                                                                          9        27         47         105
    Fixed Income Portfolio                                                             5        15         27          60
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
    
 
   
The purpose of the table and this example is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that may be directly or indirectly
borne by investors in the Class A, B and C shares of the Pennsylvania Tax Free
Portfolio and the Class A shares of the Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio. A
person who purchases shares through a financial institution may be charged
separate fees by that institution. Additional information may be found under
"The Manager," "The Adviser" and "Distribution and Shareholder Servicing."
    
 
                                       2
<PAGE>   145
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
   
The following financial highlights have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, whose report thereon was unqualified. This
information should be read in conjunction with the Trust's financial statements
and notes thereto which appear, along with the report of Arthur Andersen LLP, in
the Trust's 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders. Additional performance
information is set forth in the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders which is
available upon request and without charge by calling 1-800-342-5734. As of
August 31, 1996 the Class B and Class C shares of the Pennsylvania Tax Free
Portfolio had not commenced operations.
    
   
FOR A CLASS A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            Net Realized
                              Investment                                                        and
                   Net        Activities                   Distributions                     Unrealized
                  Asset         -----                  --------------------                Gain (Loss) on        Net
                 Value,          Net            Net           Net                           Investments      Asset Value
                Beginning     Investment     Investment     Realized         Total          and Capital          End        Total
                of Period       Income         Income         Gain       Distributions      Transactions      of Period     Return
<S>             <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>               <C>               <C>            <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------
PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO
- ------------------------------------
Class A
For the years ended August 31,
1996             $ 10.66       $   0.55       $  (0.59)     $     --        $ (0.59)           $(0.14)          $ 10.48      3.96%
1995               10.52           0.55          (0.55)           --          (0.55)             0.14             10.66      6.81%
1994               10.94           0.53          (0.53)           --          (0.53)            (0.42)            10.52      1.14%
1993               10.59           0.55          (0.55)        (0.01)         (0.56)             0.36             10.94      8.91%
1992               10.29           0.57          (0.57)        (0.01)         (0.58)             0.31             10.59      8.89%
1991                9.95           0.60          (0.60)       (0.003)         (0.60)             0.34             10.29      9.80%
1990 (2)            9.98           0.34          (0.34)           --          (0.34)            (0.03)             9.95      3.12%+
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
1990 (1)           10.00           0.28          (0.23)       (0.001)         (0.23)            (0.07)             9.98      2.11%+
- ------------------------------------
PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- ------------------------------------
Class A
For the years ended August 31,
1996             $  1.00       $  0.034       $ (0.034)     $     --        $(0.034)           $   --           $  1.00      3.40%
1995                1.00          0.035         (0.035)           --         (0.035)               --              1.00      3.60%
1994 (3)            1.00          0.014         (0.014)           --         (0.014)               --              1.00      2.37%*
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Ratio of
                                                 Ratio of         Ratio of        Investment
                                                 Expenses           Net           Income to
                                Ratio of        to Average       Investment        Average
              Net Assets,       Expenses        Net Assets       Income to        Net Assets       Portfolio
             End of Period     to Average     (Excluding Fee      Average       (Excluding Fee     Turnover
                 (000)         Net Assets        Waivers)        Net Assets        Waivers)          Rate
<S>            <C>             <C>            <C>                <C>            <C>                <C>      <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------
PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO
- ------------------------------------
Class A
For the years ended August 31,
1996           $  97,228          0.48%            0.65%            5.15%            4.98%         65.75%
1995             104,094          0.48%            0.72%            5.21%            4.97%         22.62%
1994             125,081          0.47%            0.71%            4.90%            4.66%         25.13%
1993             153,808          0.48%            0.70%            5.15%            4.93%         15.26%
1992             114,461          0.48%            0.72%            5.52%            5.28%         10.54%
1991              83,054          0.50%            0.73%            5.98%            5.75%         19.17%
1990 (2)          64,531          0.60%*           0.80%*           5.88%*           5.68%*        20.35%
FOR THE YEA
1990 (1)          53,042          0.60%*           0.85%*           6.05%*           5.79%*        10.00%
- ------------------------------------
PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- ------------------------------------
Class A
For the years ended August 31,
1996           $  42,971          0.35%            0.49%            3.33%            3.19%             --
1995              26,058          0.35%            0.51%            3.54%            3.38%             --
1994 (3)          18,712          0.35%*           0.65%*           2.37%*           2.07%*            --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*      Annualized
+      Return is for the period indicated and has not been annualized.
(1)    The Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio commenced operations on August 14, 1989.
(2)    In August 1990, the Trustees changed the fiscal year end of the Trust from January 31 to August 31.
(3)    The Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolio (Class A) commenced operations on January 21, 1994.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        3                   
<PAGE>   146
 
THE TRUST
 
   
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company
that offers units of beneficial interest ("shares") in separate diversified and
non-diversified investment portfolios. This Prospectus offers Class A shares of
the Trust's Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio (the "Fixed Income Portfolio") and
Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Trust's Pennsylvania Tax Free
Portfolio (the "Money Market Portfolio"). The Fixed Income Portfolio is a
diversified portfolio, and the Money Market Portfolio is a non-diversified
portfolio. Additional information pertaining to the Trust may be obtained by
writing to SEI Financial Services Company, 680 East Swedesford Road, Wayne,
Pennsylvania 19087-1658, or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
    
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES AND
POLICIES
 
PENNSYLVANIA
MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO   The Fixed Income Portfolio's investment objective is to
                      provide current income exempt from both federal and
                      Pennsylvania state income taxes while preserving capital
                      by investing primarily in municipal securities within the
                      guidelines presented below.
   
                             The Fixed Income Portfolio has a fundamental
                      policy, under normal conditions, to be fully invested in
                      obligations which produce interest that is exempt from
                      both federal and Pennsylvania state income tax (state
                      tax-free obligations). Under normal circumstances, the
                      Portfolio will invest at least 90% (and intends to invest
                      100%) of its net assets in securities the interest on
                      which is not a preference item for purposes of the federal
                      alternative minimum tax. In addition, for temporary
                      defensive purposes when, in the opinion of its investment
                      adviser, such securities are not readily available or of
                      sufficient quality, the Portfolio can invest up to 100% of
                      its assets in securities which pay interest which is
                      exempt only from federal income taxes or in taxable
                      securities as described below.
    
   
                             The Fixed Income Portfolio may purchase the
                      following types of municipal obligations, but only if such
                      securities, at the time of purchase, either have the
                      requisite rating or, if not rated, are of comparable
                      quality as determined by Morgan Grenfell Capital
                      Management, the Portfolio's investment adviser ("Morgan
                      Grenfell"): (i) municipal bonds rated BBB or better by
                      Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Baa or better by
                      Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"); (ii)
                      municipal notes rated at least SP-1 by S&P or MIG-1 or
                      VMIG-1 by Moody's; and (iii) tax-exempt commercial paper
                      rated at least A-1 by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's. Bonds
                      rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's have speculative
                      characteristics. Municipal obligations owned by the Fixed
                      Income Portfolio which become less than the prescribed
                      investment quality will be sold at a time when, in the
                      judgment of Morgan Grenfell, it does not substantially
                      impact the market value of the Portfolio.
    
 
                                        4                         
<PAGE>   147
 
                             The Fixed Income Portfolio will maintain a
                      dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of seven years
                      or less. Each security purchased will have an average
                      maturity of no longer than fifteen years.
 
PENNSYLVANIA TAX
FREE PORTFOLIO        The Money Market Portfolio's investment objective is a
                      high level of current income, free from federal income tax
                      and, to the extent possible, Pennsylvania personal income
                      taxes, consistent with preservation of capital. The Money
                      Market Portfolio will also attempt to maintain a constant
                      net asset value of $1.00 per share.
   
                             It is a fundamental policy of the Money Market
                      Portfolio to invest, under normal conditions, at least 80%
                      of its net assets in municipal securities the interest on
                      which, in the opinion of bond counsel for the issuer, is
                      exempt from federal income tax (collectively, "Municipal
                      Securities"). This Portfolio will, under normal
                      conditions, invest at least 80% of its net assets in
                      securities the interest on which is not a preference item
                      for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax and
                      invest at least 65% of its total assets in municipal
                      obligations the interest on which is exempt from
                      Pennsylvania personal income tax ("Pennsylvania
                      Securities"). Pennsylvania Securities constitute municipal
                      obligations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its
                      political subdivisions or municipal authorities, as well
                      as municipal obligations issued by territories or
                      possessions of the United States, such as Puerto Rico.
                      This Portfolio may invest, under normal conditions, up to
                      20% of its net assets in (1) Municipal Securities the
                      interest on which is a preference item for purposes of the
                      federal alternative minimum tax (although the Portfolio
                      has no present intention of investing in such securities),
                      and (2) taxable securities, including shares of other
                      mutual funds to the extent permitted by regulations of the
                      SEC. In addition, for temporary defensive purposes when
                      its investment adviser determines that market conditions
                      warrant, the Money Market Portfolio may invest up to 100%
                      of its assets in municipal obligations of states other
                      than Pennsylvania or taxable money market instruments
                      (including repurchase agreements, U.S. Treasury securities
                      and obligations of certain U.S. commercial banks or
                      savings and loan institutions).
    
   
                             The Money Market Portfolio may purchase municipal
                      bonds, municipal notes and tax-exempt commercial paper,
                      but only if such securities, at the time of purchase,
                      either meet the rating requirements imposed by Rule 2a-7
                      or, if not rated, are determined to be of comparable
                      quality by Weiss, Peck & Greer L.L.C., this Portfolio's
                      investment adviser. See "General Investment Policies."
    
   
                             There can be no assurance that either Portfolio
                      will be able to achieve its investment objective or that
                      the Money Market Portfolio will be able to maintain a
                      constant $1.00 net asset value per share.
    
 
                                        5              
<PAGE>   148
 
GENERAL
INVESTMENT
POLICIES
 
                      In purchasing obligations, the Money Market Portfolio
                      complies with the requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the
                      Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), as that
                      Rule may be amended from time to time. These requirements
                      currently provide that the Money Market Portfolio must
                      limit its investments to securities with remaining
                      maturities of 397 days or less, and must maintain a
                      dollar-weighted average maturity of 90 days or less. In
                      addition, the Money Market Portfolio may only invest in
                      securities (other than U.S. Government Securities) rated
                      in one of the two highest categories for short-term
                      securities by at least two nationally recognized
                      statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs") (or by one
                      NRSRO if only one NRSRO has rated the security), or, if
                      unrated, determined by the Adviser (in accordance with
                      procedures adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees) to be
                      of equivalent quality to rated securities in which the
                      Money Market Portfolio may invest.
   
                             Securities rated in the highest rating category
                      (e.g., A-1 by S&P) by at least two NRSROs (or, if unrated,
                      determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality) are
                      "first tier" securities. Non-first tier securities rated
                      in the second highest rating category (e.g., A-2 by S&P)
                      by at least one NRSRO (or, if unrated, determined by the
                      Adviser to be of comparable quality) are considered to be
                      "second tier" securities.
    
                             Although the Money Market Portfolio is governed by
                      Rule 2a-7, its investment policies are more restrictive
                      than those imposed by that Rule.
   
                             Neither Portfolio will invest more than 25% of its
                      assets in municipal securities the interest on which is
                      derived from revenues of similar type projects. This
                      restriction does not apply to municipal securities in any
                      of the following categories: public housing authorities;
                      general obligations of states and localities; state and
                      local housing finance authorities; or municipal utilities
                      systems.
    
   
                             There could be economic, business, or political
                      developments which might affect all municipal securities
                      of a similar type. To the extent that a significant
                      portion of a Portfolio's assets are invested in municipal
                      securities payable from revenues on similar projects, the
                      Portfolio will be subject to the peculiar risks presented
                      by such projects to a greater extent than it would be if
                      the Portfolio's assets were not so invested. Moreover, in
                      seeking to attain its investment objective a Portfolio may
                      invest all or any part of its assets in municipal
                      securities that are industrial development bonds.
    
                             Each Portfolio may invest in variable and floating
                      rate obligations, may purchase securities on a
                      "when-issued" basis, and reserves the right to engage in
                      transactions involving standby commitments. The Fixed
                      Income Portfolio may also
 
                                        6                               
<PAGE>   149
 
                      purchase other types of tax exempt instruments as long as
                      they are of a quality equivalent to the long-term bond or
                      commercial paper ratings stated above. Although permitted
                      to do so, the Fixed Income Portfolio has no present
                      intention to invest in repurchase agreements. Each
                      Portfolio will not invest more than 10% of its net assets
                      in illiquid securities.
   
                             For a description of the permitted investments and
                      ratings, see the "Description of Permitted Investments and
                      Risk Factors" and the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
RISK FACTORS
 
   
Pennsylvania Risk
Factors               Under normal conditions the Fixed Income Portfolio will be
                      fully invested, and the Money Market Portfolio will invest
                      primarily, in obligations which produce interest income
                      exempt from federal income tax and Pennsylvania state
                      income tax. Accordingly, each Portfolio will have
                      considerable investments in Pennsylvania municipal
                      obligations. As a result, each Portfolio will be more
                      susceptible to factors which adversely affect issuers of
                      Pennsylvania obligations than a mutual fund which does not
                      have as great a concentration in Pennsylvania municipal
                      obligations.
    
                             An investment in either Portfolio will be affected
                      by the many factors that affect the financial condition of
                      the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For example, financial
                      difficulties of the Commonwealth, its counties,
                      municipalities and school districts that hinder efforts to
                      borrow and lower credit ratings are factors which may
                      affect the Portfolio. See "Special Considerations Relating
                      to Pennsylvania Municipal Securities" in the Statement of
                      Additional Information.
 
Non-Diversification   Investment in the Money Market Portfolio, a
                      non-diversified mutual fund, may entail greater risk than
                      would investment in a diversified investment company
                      because the concentration in securities of relatively few
                      issuers could result in greater fluctuation in the total
                      market value of this Portfolio's holdings. Any economic,
                      political, or regulatory developments affecting the value
                      of the securities this Portfolio holds could have a
                      greater impact on the total value of the Portfolio's
                      holdings than would be the case if the portfolio
                      securities were diversified among more issuers. The Money
                      Market Portfolio intends to comply with the
                      diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the
                      Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). In
                      accordance with these requirements, the Portfolio will not
                      invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one issuer;
                      this limitation applies to 50% of the Portfolio's total
                      assets.
 
INVESTMENT
LIMITATIONS
 
                      The investment objectives and investment limitations are
                      fundamental policies of the Portfolios. Fundamental
                      policies cannot be changed with respect to the Trust or a
                      Portfolio without the consent of the holders of a majority
                      of the Trust's or that
 
                                        7                                
<PAGE>   150
 
                      Portfolio's outstanding shares. It is a fundamental policy
                      of the Money Market Portfolio to use its best efforts to
                      maintain a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share.
 
                      Neither Portfolio may:
   
                      1. Purchase securities of any issuer (except securities
                         issued or guaranteed by the United States Government,
                         its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result,
                         more than 5% of the total assets of the Portfolio would
                         be invested in the securities of such issuer. This
                         limitation does not apply to the Money Market Portfolio
                         to the extent permitted by Rule 2a-7.
    
                      2. Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25%
                         of the total assets of the Portfolio, based on current
                         value at the time of such purchase, to be invested in
                         the securities of one or more issuers conducting their
                         principal business activities in the same industry,
                         provided that this limitation does not apply to
                         investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the
                         U.S. Government or its agencies and instrumentalities
                         or to investments in tax-exempt securities issued by
                         governments or political subdivisions of governments.
   
                      3. Borrow money except for temporary or emergency
                         purposes, and then only in an amount not exceeding 10%
                         of the value of the total assets of the Portfolio. All
                         borrowings will be repaid before making additional
                         investments and any interest paid on such borrowings
                         will reduce the income of the Portfolio.
    
 
                      The foregoing percentage limitations will apply at the
                      time of the purchase of a security. Additional investment
                      limitations are set forth in the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
 
   
THE MANAGER
    
 
   
                      SEI Fund Management (the "Manager" and the "Transfer
                      Agent") provides the Trust with overall management
                      services, regulatory reporting, all necessary office
                      space, equipment, personnel and facilities, and serves as
                      institutional transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent,
                      and shareholder servicing agent.
    
   
                             For these services, the Manager is entitled to a
                      fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an
                      annual rate of .35% of the average daily net assets of the
                      Fixed Income Portfolio and .36% of the average daily net
                      assets of the Money Market Portfolio. The Manager has
                      voluntarily waived a portion of its fees in order to limit
                      the total operating expenses of the Fixed Income Portfolio
                      to not more than .48% of that Portfolio's average daily
                      net assets on an annualized basis, and of Class A shares
                      of the Money Market Portfolio to not more than .35% of
                      that Portfolio's average daily net assets on an annualized
                      basis. The Manager reserves the right, in its sole
                      discretion, to terminate these voluntary fee waivers at
                      any time. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the
                      Fixed Income and Money
    
 
                                        8                                 
<PAGE>   151
 
   
                      Market Portfolios paid management fees, after waivers, of
                      .24% and .27%, respectively, of their average daily net
                      assets.
    
 
THE ADVISERS
 
   
                      Under advisory agreements with the Trust (the "Advisory
                      Agreements"), Morgan Grenfell Capital Management
                      Incorporated and Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C. (the
                      "Advisers" and each of these, an "Adviser") act as the
                      investment advisers for the Fixed Income and Money Market
                      Portfolios, respectively. Under the Advisory Agreements,
                      the Advisers invest the assets of the Portfolios, and
                      continuously review, supervise and administer the
                      Portfolios' investment programs. Each Adviser is
                      independent of the Manager and discharges its
                      responsibilities subject to the supervision of, and
                      policies set by, the Trustees of the Trust.
    
 
   
Morgan Grenfell Capital
Management Incorporated
                      Morgan Grenfell Capital Management Incorporated ("Morgan
                      Grenfell") acts as investment adviser to the Fixed Income
                      Portfolio. Morgan Grenfell is a wholly-owned, U.S.-based
                      subsidiary of Morgan Grenfell Asset Management and was
                      organized in 1985. As of September 30, 1996, total assets
                      under management by Morgan Grenfell were approximately
                      $8.6 billion. The principal place of business address of
                      Morgan Grenfell is 885 Third Avenue, 32nd Floor, New York,
                      New York 10022.
    
                             David W. Baldt, Director and Executive Vice
                      President of Morgan Grenfell, has served as the portfolio
                      manager of the Fixed Income Portfolio since July, 1995,
                      and has been with Morgan Grenfell since 1989.
   
                             For its services, Morgan Grenfell is entitled to a
                      fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an
                      annual rate of .20% of the average daily net assets. For
                      the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the Portfolio paid
                      Morgan Grenfell an advisory fee, after waivers, of .20% of
                      its average daily net assets.
    
 
   
Weiss, Peck &
Greer, L.L.C.         Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C. ("WPG") acts as investment
                      adviser for the Money Market Portfolio. WPG is a limited
                      liability company founded as a limited partnership in
                      1970, and engages in investment management, venture
                      capital management and management buyouts. WPG has been
                      active since its founding in managing portfolios of tax
                      exempt securities. As of September 30, 1996, total assets
                      under management were approximately $13 billion. The
                      principal business address of WPG is One New York Plaza,
                      New York, New York 10004.
    
   
                             Janet Fiorenza acts as the portfolio manager for
                      the Portfolio. Ms. Fiorenza, a Principal of WPG, has been
                      associated with WPG's Tax Exempt Fixed Income group since
                      1988, and its predecessor since 1980.
    
   
                             For its services, WPG is entitled to a fee, which
                      is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of
                      .05% of the average daily net assets of the money market
                      portfolios of the Trust that are advised by WPG up to $500
                      million; .04% of such assets from $500 million to $1
                      billion; and .03% of such assets over
    
 
                                       9
<PAGE>   152
 
   
                      $1 billion. Such fees are allocated daily among these
                      money market portfolios on the basis of their relative net
                      assets. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the
                      Portfolio paid WPG an advisory fee, after waivers, of .04%
                      of its average daily net assets.
    

    
DISTRIBUTION
AND SHAREHOLDER
SERVICING
    
 
   
                      SEI Financial Services Company (the "Distributor"), a
                      wholly owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company
                      ("SEI"), serves as each Portfolio's distributor pursuant
                      to a distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement")
                      with the Trust.
    
   
                             The Portfolios have adopted plans under which
                      firms, including the Distributor, that provide shareholder
                      and administrative services may receive compensation
                      therefor. The Class A, B and C plans differ in a number of
                      ways, including the amounts that may be paid. Under each
                      plan, the Distributor may provide those services itself or
                      may enter into arrangements under which third parties
                      provide such services and are compensated by the
                      Distributor. Under such arrangements the Distributor may
                      retain as a profit any difference between the fee it
                      receives and the amount it pays such third party. In
                      addition, the Portfolios may enter into such arrangements
                      directly.
    
   
                             Under the Class A plan, a Portfolio will pay the
                      Distributor a fee at an annual rate of up to .25% of the
                      average daily net assets of such Portfolio attributable to
                      Class A shares, in return for provision of a broad range
                      of shareholder services. Under the Class B and Class C
                      shareholder service plans, a Portfolio will pay
                      shareholder service fees to the Distributor at an annual
                      rate of up to .25% of average daily net assets in exchange
                      for the Distributor's (or its agent's) efforts in
                      maintaining client accounts; arranging for bank wires;
                      responding to client inquiries concerning services
                      provided or investment; and assisting clients in changing
                      dividend options, account designations and addresses. In
                      addition, under their administrative services plans, Class
                      B and Class C shares will pay administrative services fees
                      at specified percentages of the average daily net assets
                      of the shares of the Class (up to .05% in the case of the
                      Class B shares and up to .25% in the case of the Class C
                      shares). Administrative services include sub-accounting;
                      providing information on share positions to clients;
                      forwarding shareholder communications to clients;
                      processing purchase, exchange and redemption orders; and
                      processing dividend payments.
    
   
                             It is possible that an institution may offer
                      different classes of shares to its customers and differing
                      services to the Classes of each Portfolio and thus receive
                      compensation with respect to different classes. These
                      financial institutions may also charge separate fees to
                      their customers. Certain financial institutions offering
                      shares to their customers may be required to register as
                      dealers pursuant to state laws.
    
 
                                       10                              
<PAGE>   153
 
   
                             The Trust may execute brokerage or other agency
                      transactions through the Distributor for which the
                      Distributor may receive compensation.
    
   
                             The Distributor may, from time to time in its sole
                      discretion, institute one or more promotional incentive
                      programs, which will be paid by the Distributor from its
                      own resources. Under any such program, the Distributor
                      will provide promotional incentives, in the form of cash
                      or other compensation, including merchandise, airline
                      vouchers, trips and vacation packages, to all dealers
                      selling shares of the Portfolios. Such promotional
                      incentives will be offered uniformly to all dealers and
                      predicated upon the amount of shares of the Portfolios
                      sold by the dealer.
    
 
   
PURCHASE AND
REDEMPTION OF
SHARES
    
 
                      Financial institutions may acquire shares of each
                      Portfolio for their own account, or as a record owner on
                      behalf of fiduciary, agency or custody accounts, by
                      placing orders with the Transfer Agent. Institutions that
                      use certain SEI proprietary systems may place orders
                      electronically through those systems. State securities
                      laws may require banks and financial institutions
                      purchasing shares for their customers to register as
                      dealers pursuant to state laws. Financial institutions
                      which purchase shares for the accounts of their customers
                      may impose separate charges on these customers for account
                      services. Financial institutions may impose an earlier
                      cut-off time for receipt of purchase orders directed
                      through them to allow for processing and transmittal of
                      these orders to the Transfer Agent for effectiveness on
                      the same day. Shares of either Portfolio are offered only
                      to residents of states in which the shares are eligible
                      for purchase.
                             Shares of each Portfolio may be purchased or
                      redeemed on days on which the New York Stock Exchange is
                      open for business ("Business Days"). However, money market
                      fund shares cannot be purchased by Federal Reserve wire on
                      federal holidays restricting wire transfers.
   
                             Shareholders who desire to purchase shares for cash
                      must place their orders with the Transfer Agent (or its
                      authorized agent) prior to a specified time on any
                      Business Day for the order to be accepted on that Business
                      Day; the specified time is 2:00 p.m., Eastern time for the
                      Money Market Portfolio and the close of trading on the New
                      York Stock Exchange (presently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time)
                      for the Fixed Income Portfolio. Cash investments must be
                      transmitted or delivered in federal funds to the wire
                      agent by the close of business on the same day the order
                      is placed for the Money Market Portfolio and on the next
                      Business Day following the day the order is placed for the
                      Fixed Income Portfolio.
    
                             Purchases will be made in full or fractional shares
                      of the Fixed Income Portfolio calculated to three decimal
                      places. The Trust will send shareholders a statement of
                      shares owned after each transaction. The purchase price of
                      shares is
 
                                       11                                 
<PAGE>   154
 
   
                      the net asset value next determined after a purchase order
                      is received and accepted by the Trust. The purchase price
                      of shares of the Money Market Portfolio is expected to
                      remain constant at $1.00. The net asset value per share of
                      each Portfolio is determined by dividing the total value
                      of its investments and other assets, less any liability,
                      by the total number of outstanding shares of the
                      Portfolio. The Money Market Portfolio's investments will
                      be valued by the amortized cost method described in the
                      Statement of Additional Information. Net asset value per
                      share is determined on each Business Day as of 2:00 p.m.,
                      Eastern time for the Money Market Portfolio and as of the
                      close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (presently
                      4:00 p.m., Eastern time) for the Fixed Income Portfolio.
    
   
                             Although the methodology and procedures for
                      determining net asset value per share are identical for
                      all classes of a Portfolio, the net asset value per share
                      of one class of the Fixed Income Portfolio may differ from
                      that of another class because of the different fees
                      charged to each class. The Trust reserves the right to
                      reject a purchase order when the Distributor determines
                      that it is not in the best interest of the Trust or
                      shareholders to accept such purchase order.
    
   
                             The market value of each portfolio security of the
                      Fixed Income Portfolio is obtained by the Manager from an
                      independent pricing service. Securities having maturities
                      of 60 days or less at the time of purchase will be valued
                      using the amortized cost method (described in the
                      Statement of Additional Information), which approximates
                      the securities' market value. The pricing service may use
                      a matrix system to determine valuations of equity and
                      fixed income securities. This system considers such
                      factors as security prices, yields, maturities, call
                      features, ratings and developments relating to specific
                      securities in arriving at valuations. The pricing service
                      may also provide market quotations. The procedures of the
                      pricing service and its valuations are reviewed by the
                      officers of the Trust under the general supervision of the
                      Trustees. Portfolio securities for which market quotations
                      are available are valued at the most recently quoted bid
                      price on each Business Day.
    
   
                             Shareholders who desire to redeem shares of a
                      Portfolio must place their redemption orders with the
                      Transfer Agent (or its authorized agent) prior to 2:00
                      p.m., Eastern time for the Money Market Portfolio and 4:00
                      p.m., Eastern time for Fixed Income Portfolio. Otherwise,
                      the redemption orders will be effective on the next
                      Business Day. Payment for redemption orders from the Fixed
                      Income Portfolio will be made as promptly as possible and,
                      in any event, within five Business Days after the
                      redemption order is received. Payment for redemption
                      orders from the Money Market Portfolio received before the
                      calculation of net asset value will be made the same day
                      by transfer of federal funds. The redemption price is the
                      net asset value per share of the Portfolio next determined
                      after receipt by the Transfer Agent of an effective
                      redemption order. Financial institutions which redeem
                      shares for the accounts of their customers may impose
                      their own procedures and
    
 
                                       12                                 
<PAGE>   155
 
                      cut-off times for receipt of redemption requests directed 
                      through the financial institution.
                             Purchase and redemption orders may be placed by
                      telephone. Neither the Trust nor its transfer agent will
                      be responsible for any loss, liability, cost or expense
                      for acting upon wire instructions or upon telephone
                      instructions that it reasonably believes to be genuine.
                      The Trust and its transfer agent will each employ
                      reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
                      communicated by telephone are genuine, including requiring
                      a form of personal identification prior to acting upon
                      instructions received by telephone and recording telephone
                      instructions.
                             If market conditions are extraordinarily active, or
                      other extraordinary circumstances exist, shareholders may
                      experience difficulties placing redemption orders by
                      telephone, and may wish to consider placing orders by
                      other means.
 
PERFORMANCE
 
                      From time to time, the Money Market Portfolio may
                      advertise its "current yield" and "effective yield," and
                      the Fixed Income Portfolio may advertise its yield and
                      total return. Each Portfolio may also advertise a "tax
                      equivalent yield." These figures are based on historical
                      earnings and are not intended to indicate future
                      performance.
                             The "current yield" of the Money Market Portfolio
                      refers to the income generated by an investment over a
                      seven-day period which is then "annualized." That is, the
                      amount of income generated by the investment during that
                      week is assumed to be generated each week over a 52-week
                      period and is shown as a percentage of the investment. The
                      "effective yield" is calculated similarly but, when
                      annualized, the income earned by an investment is assumed
                      to be reinvested. The effective yield will be slightly
                      higher than the "current yield" because of the compounding
                      effect of this assumed reinvestment.
                             The yield of the Fixed Income Portfolio refers to
                      the annualized income generated by a hypothetical
                      investment, in the Portfolio over a specified 30-day
                      period. The yield is calculated by assuming that the
                      income generated by the investment during that period
                      generated each period over one year and is shown as a
                      percentage of the investment.
                             The total return of the Fixed Income Portfolio
                      refers to the average compounded rate of return to a
                      hypothetical investment for designated time periods
                      (including, but not limited to, the period from which the
                      Portfolio commenced operations through the specified
                      date), assuming that the entire investment is redeemed at
                      the end of each period and assuming the reinvestment of
                      all dividend and capital gain distributions.
                             The "tax equivalent yield" is calculated by
                      determining the rate of return that would have been
                      achieved on a fully taxable investment to produce the
                      after-
 
                                       13                                  
<PAGE>   156
 
                      tax equivalent of a Portfolio's yield, assuming certain
                      tax brackets for a shareholder of the Money Market
                      Portfolio.
   
                             A Portfolio may periodically compare its
                      performance to that of: (i) other mutual funds tracked by
                      mutual fund rating services (such as Lipper Analytical),
                      financial and business publications and periodicals; (ii)
                      broad groups of comparable mutual funds; (iii) unmanaged
                      indices which may assume investment of dividends but
                      generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
                      management costs; or (iv) other investment alternatives.
                      The Fixed Income Portfolio may quote Morningstar, Inc., a
                      service that ranks mutual funds on the basis of
                      risk-adjusted performance, and Ibbotson Associates of
                      Chicago, Illinois, which provides historical returns of
                      the capital markets in the U.S. The Fixed Income Portfolio
                      may use long-term performance of these capital markets to
                      demonstrate general long-term risk versus reward scenarios
                      and could include the value of a hypothetical investment
                      in any of the capital markets. The Fixed Income Portfolio
                      may also quote financial and business publications and
                      periodicals as they relate to fund management, investment
                      philosophy, and investment techniques.
    
                             The Fixed Income Portfolio may quote various
                      measures of volatility and benchmark correlation in
                      advertising and may compare these measures to those of
                      other funds. Measures of volatility attempt to compare
                      historical share price fluctuations or total returns to a
                      benchmark while measures of benchmark correlation indicate
                      how valid a comparative benchmark might be. Measures of
                      volatility and correlation are calculated using averages
                      of historical data and cannot be calculated precisely.
   
                             The performance of Class A shares will normally be
                      higher than that of Class B or Class C shares because of
                      the additional administrative services expenses charged to
                      Class B or Class C shares.
    
 
TAXES
 
                      The following summary of federal and state income tax
                      consequences is based on current tax laws and regulations,
                      which may be changed by legislative, judicial or
                      administrative action. No attempt has been made to present
                      a detailed explanation of the federal, state or local
                      income tax treatment of the Portfolio or its shareholders.
                      Accordingly, shareholders are urged to consult their tax
                      advisers regarding specific questions as to federal, state
                      and local income taxes. Additional information concerning
                      taxes is set forth in the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
 
   
Tax Status
of each Portfolio     Each Portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal
                      income tax purposes and is not combined with the Trust's
                      other portfolios. Each Portfolio intends to continue to
                      qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated
                      investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal
                      Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), so as to be
                      relieved of federal income tax on net investment company
    
 
                                       14                                   
<PAGE>   157
 
                      taxable income and net capital gain (the excess of net
                      long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss)
                      distributed to shareholders.
 
Tax Status
of Distributions      Each Portfolio intends to distribute substantially all of
                      its net investment income (including net short-term
                      capital gain) to shareholders. If, at the close of each
                      quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of
                      a Portfolio's total assets consists of obligations the
                      interest on which is excludable from gross income, the
                      Portfolio may pay "exempt-interest dividends" to its
                      shareholders. Exempt-interest dividends are excludable
                      from a shareholder's gross income for federal income tax
                      purposes but may have certain collateral federal tax
                      consequences including alternative minimum tax
                      consequences. In addition, the receipt of exempt-interest
                      dividends may cause persons receiving Social Security or
                      Railroad Retirement benefits to be taxable on a portion of
                      such benefits. See the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
   
                             Any dividends paid out of income realized by a
                      Portfolio on taxable securities will be taxable to
                      shareholders as ordinary income (whether received in cash
                      or in additional shares) to the extent of such Portfolio's
                      earnings and profits and will not qualify for the
                      dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.
                      Distributions to shareholders of net capital gains of a
                      Portfolio also will not qualify for the dividends received
                      deduction and will be taxable to shareholders as long-term
                      capital gain, whether received in cash or additional
                      shares, and regardless of how long a shareholder has held
                      the shares.
    
                             Dividends declared by a Portfolio in October,
                      November or December of any year and payable to
                      shareholders of record on a date in any such month will be
                      deemed to have been paid by the Portfolio and received by
                      the shareholders on December 31 of that year if paid by
                      the Portfolio at any time during the following January.
                      Each Portfolio intends to make sufficient distributions
                      prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability
                      for federal excise tax applicable to regulated investment
                      companies.
                             Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
                      shareholder in order to purchase or carry shares of a
                      Portfolio is not deductible for federal income tax
                      purposes. Furthermore, the Portfolios may not be an
                      appropriate investment for persons (including corporations
                      and other business entities) who are "substantial users"
                      (or persons related to "substantial users") of facilities
                      financed by industrial development bonds or private
                      activity bonds. Such persons should consult their tax
                      advisers before purchasing shares.
                             Each Portfolio will report annually to its
                      shareholders the portion of dividends that is taxable and
                      the portion that is tax-exempt based on income received by
                      the Portfolio during the year to which the dividends
                      relate.
   
                             Each sale, exchange or redemption of the
                      Portfolios' shares is a taxable transaction to the
                      shareholders.
    
 
                                       15                               
<PAGE>   158
 
State Taxes           The following is a general, abbreviated summary of certain
                      of the provisions of the Pennsylvania tax code presently
                      in effect as they directly govern the taxation of
                      shareholders subject to Pennsylvania personal income tax.
                      These provisions are subject to change by legislative or
                      administrative action, and any such change may be
                      retroactive.
   
                             Distributions paid by the Portfolios to
                      shareholders will not be subject to the Pennsylvania
                      personal income tax or to the Philadelphia School District
                      investment net income tax to the extent that the
                      distributions are attributable to interest received by the
                      Portfolio from its investments in (i) obligations issued
                      by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, any public authority,
                      commission, board of agency created by the Commonwealth of
                      Pennsylvania or any public authority created by such
                      political subdivision, and (ii) obligations of the United
                      States, the interest and gains from which are statutorily
                      free from state taxation in the Commonwealth or the United
                      States. Distributions by the Portfolios to a Pennsylvania
                      resident that are attributable to most other sources will
                      not be exempt from the Pennsylvania personal income tax or
                      (for residents of Philadelphia) the Philadelphia School
                      District investment net income tax. Distributions paid by
                      a Portfolio which are excludable as exempt income for
                      federal tax purposes are not subject to the Pennsylvania
                      corporate net income tax.
    
   
                             Shares of the Portfolios are exempt from
                      Pennsylvania county personal property taxes to the extent
                      that the Portfolios' investments consist of obligations
                      which are themselves exempt from taxation in Pennsylvania.
    
   
                             Each Portfolio intends to invest primarily in
                      obligations that produce interest exempt from federal and
                      Pennsylvania taxes. If the Portfolios invest in
                      obligations that pay interest that is not exempt for
                      Pennsylvania purposes but is exempt for federal purposes,
                      a portion of the Portfolios' distributions will be subject
                      to Pennsylvania personal income tax.
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   159
 
GENERAL
INFORMATION
 
   
The Trust             The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
                      under a Declaration of Trust dated March 15, 1982. The
                      Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate
                      portfolios of shares and different classes of each
                      portfolio. In addition to the Portfolios, the Trust
                      consists of the following portfolios: Tax Free Portfolio,
                      Institutional Tax Free Portfolio, California Tax Exempt
                      Portfolio, Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio, Kansas
                      Tax Free Income Portfolio, and New York Intermediate-Term
                      Municipal Portfolio. All consideration received by the
                      Trust for shares of any portfolio and all assets of such
                      portfolio belong to that portfolio and would be subject to
                      liabilities related thereto.
    
                             The Trust pays its expenses, including fees of its
                      service providers, audit and legal expenses, expenses of
                      preparing prospectuses, proxy solicitation materials and
                      reports to shareholders, costs of custodial services and
                      registering the shares under federal and state securities
                      laws, pricing, insurance expenses, litigation and other
                      extraordinary expenses, brokerage costs, interest charges,
                      taxes and organization expenses.
 
Trustees of the Trust The management and affairs of the Trust are supervised by
                      the Trustees under the laws of the Commonwealth of
                      Massachusetts. The Trustees have approved contracts under
                      which, as described above, certain companies provide
                      essential services to the Trust.
 
   
Voting Rights         Each share held entitles the shareholder of record to one
                      vote. The shareholders of each portfolio or class will
                      vote separately on matters relating solely to that
                      portfolio or class, such as any distribution plan. As a
                      Massachusetts business trust, the Trust is not required to
                      hold annual meetings of shareholders, but approval will be
                      sought for certain changes in the operation of the Trust
                      and for the election of Trustees under certain
                      circumstances. In addition, a Trustee may be removed by
                      the remaining Trustees or by shareholders at a special
                      meeting called upon written request of shareholders owning
                      at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In
                      the event that such a meeting is requested the Trust will
                      provide appropriate assistance and information to the
                      shareholders requesting the meeting.
    
 
Reporting             The Trust issues unaudited financial statements
                      semi-annually and audited financial statements annually.
                      The Trust furnishes proxy statements and other reports to
                      shareholders of record.
 
   
Shareholder Inquiries Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Manager,
                      SEI Fund Management, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne,
                      Pennsylvania, 19087.
    
 
Dividends             The net investment income (exclusive of capital gains) of
                      each Portfolio is distributed in the form of dividends.
                      The Money Market Portfolio declares dividends daily, and
                      shareholders of record at the close of each Business Day
                      will be entitled
 
                                       17                                   
<PAGE>   160
 
                      to receive that day's dividend. The Money Market Portfolio
                      pays dividends on the first Business Day of each month.
                      The Fixed Income Portfolio declares dividends daily, and
                      shareholders of record on the last record date of each
                      period will be entitled to receive the periodic dividend
                      distribution, which is generally paid on the 10th Business
                      Day of the following month. If any net capital gains are
                      realized by either Portfolio, they will be distributed
                      annually. Shareholders automatically receive all income
                      dividends and capital gain distributions in additional
                      shares, unless the shareholder has elected to take such
                      payment in cash. Shareholders may change their election by
                      providing written notice to the Manager at least 15 days
                      prior to the distribution.
 
Counsel and Independent
Public Accountants    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the
                      Trust. Arthur Andersen LLP serves as the independent
                      public accountants of the Trust.
 
   
Custodian and Wire Agent
                      CoreStates Bank, N.A., Broad and Chestnut Streets, P.O.
                      Box 7618, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101, serves as
                      Custodian of the Trust's assets and acts as wire agent of
                      the Trust. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other
                      assets of the Trust as required by the 1940 Act.
    
 
DESCRIPTION
OF PERMITTED
INVESTMENTS
AND RISK FACTORS
 
   
                      The following is a description of certain of the permitted
                      investments for the Portfolios, and the associated risk
                      factors:
    
 
   
Money Market Securities
                      Money market securities are high-quality,
                      dollar-denominated, short-term debt instruments. They
                      consist of: (i) bankers' acceptances, certificates of
                      deposits, notes and time deposits of highly-rated U.S.
                      banks; (ii) U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations
                      issued by the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S.
                      Government; and (iii) repurchase agreements involving any
                      of the foregoing obligations entered into with
                      highly-rated banks and broker-dealers.
    
 
Municipal Securities  Municipal Securities consist of (i) debt obligations
                      issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain
                      funds to be used for various public facilities, for
                      refunding outstanding obligations, for general operating
                      expenses and for lending such funds to other public
                      institutions and facilities, and (ii) certain private
                      activity and industrial development bonds issued by or on
                      behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide
                      for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of
                      privately operated facilities.
                             General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing
                      power of the issuing municipality. Revenue bonds are
                      backed by the revenues of a project or facility, tolls
                      from a toll bridge, for example. Certificates of
                      participation represent an interest in an underlying
                      obligation or commitment such as an obligation issued in
                      connection
 
                                       18                                    
<PAGE>   161
 
                      with a leasing arrangement. The payment of principal and
                      interest on private activity and industrial development
                      bonds generally is dependent solely on the ability of the
                      facility's user to meet its financial obligations and the
                      pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed
                      as security for such payment.

                             Municipal notes include general obligation notes,
                      tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond
                      anticipation notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand
                      notes and construction loan notes and participation
                      interests in municipal notes. Municipal bonds include
                      general obligation bonds, revenue or special obligation
                      bonds, private activity and industrial development bonds
                      and participation interests in municipal bonds.
 
   
Repurchase Agreements Repurchase agreements are arrangements by which a
                      Portfolio obtains a security and simultaneously commits to
                      return the security to the seller at an agreed upon price
                      (including principal and interest) on an agreed upon date
                      within a number of days from the date of purchase.
                      Repurchase agreements are considered loans under the 1940
                      act.
    
 
Standby Commitments
and Puts              Securities subject to standby commitments or puts permit
                      the holder thereof to sell the securities at a fixed price
                      prior to maturity. Securities subject to a standby
                      commitment or put may be sold at any time at the current
                      market price. However, unless the standby commitment or
                      put was an integral part of the security as originally
                      issued, it may not be marketable or assignable; therefore,
                      the standby commitment or put would only have value to the
                      Portfolio owning the security to which it relates. In
                      certain cases, a premium may be paid for a standby
                      commitment or put, which premium will have the effect of
                      reducing the yield otherwise payable
                      on the underlying security. The Portfolio will limit
                      standby commitment or put transactions to institutions
                      believed to present minimal credit risk.
 
   
U.S. Government
Obligations           Obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury or issued or
                      guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. Government, including,
                      among others, the Federal Farm Credit Bank, the Federal
                      Housing Administration and the Small Business
                      Administration, and obligations issued or guaranteed by
                      instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, including, among
                      others, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the
                      Federal Land Banks and the U.S. Post Service. Some of
                      these securities are supported by the full faith and
                      credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., Government National
                      Mortgage Association securities), others are supported by
                      the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury (e.g.,
                      Federal Farm Credit Bank securities), while still others
                      are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality
                      (e.g., Federal National Mortgage Association securities).
                      Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities
                      of the U.S. Government may be a guarantee of payment at
                      the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a
                      default prior to maturity there might not be a market and
                      thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to
                      maturity.
    
 
                                       19                                   
<PAGE>   162
 
   
                      Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal and
                      interest do not extend to the value or yield of these
                      securities not to the value of the Fund's shares.
    
 
   
Variable and Floating
Rate Instruments      Certain of the obligations purchased by a Portfolio may
                      carry variable or floating rates of interest and may
                      involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature.
                      Such obligations may include variable amount master demand
                      notes. Such instruments bear interest at rates which are
                      not fixed, but which vary with changes in specified market
                      rates or indices. The interest rates on these securities
                      may be reset daily, weekly, quarterly or at some other
                      interval, and may have a floor or ceiling on interest rate
                      changes. There is a risk that the current interest rate on
                      such obligations may not accurately reflect existing
                      market interest rates. A demand instrument with a demand
                      notice period exceeding seven days may be considered
                      illiquid if there is no secondary market for such
                      security.
    
 
When-Issued and Delayed
Delivery Securities   When-issued or delayed delivery transactions involve the
                      purchase of an instrument with payment and delivery taking
                      place in the future. Delivery of and payment for these
                      securities may occur a month or more after the date of the
                      purchase commitment. The Portfolio will maintain with the
                      custodian a separate account with liquid, high grade debt
                      securities or cash in an amount at least equal to these
                      commitments. The interest rate realized on these
                      securities is fixed as of the purchase date, and no
                      interest accrues to the Portfolio before settlement. These
                      securities are subject to market fluctuation due to
                      changes in market interest rates, and it is possible that
                      the market value at the time of settlement could be higher
                      or lower than the purchase price if the general level of
                      interest rates has changed. Although a Portfolio generally
                      purchases securities on a when-issued or forward
                      commitment basis with the intention of actually acquiring
                      securities for its portfolio, a Portfolio may dispose of a
                      when-issued security or forward commitment prior to
                      settlement if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so.
 
                                       20                                   
<PAGE>   163
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
Annual Operating Expenses...................       2
Financial Highlights........................       3
The Trust...................................       4
Investment Objectives and Policies..........       4
General Investment Policies.................       6
Risk Factors................................       7
Investment Limitations......................       7
The Manager.................................       8
The Advisers................................       9
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing......      10
Purchase and Redemption of Shares...........      11
Performance.................................      13
Taxes.......................................      14
General Information.........................      17
Description of Permitted Investments and
  Risk Factors..............................      18
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       21                                   
<PAGE>   164
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   165
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   166
 
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
   
DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KANSAS TAX FREE INCOME PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
This Prospectus sets forth concisely information about above-referenced
Portfolio that an investor needs to know before investing. Please read this
Prospectus carefully, and keep it on file for future reference.
 
   
A Statement of Additional Information dated December 31, 1996 has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available upon request and
without charge by writing the Distributor, SEI Financial Services Company, 680
East Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated into this Prospectus by
reference.
    
 
   
SEI Tax Exempt Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company,
certain classes of which offer financial institutions a convenient means of
investing their own funds, or funds for which they act in a fiduciary, agency or
custodial capacity, in professionally managed diversified and non-diversified
portfolios of securities. A portfolio may offer separate classes of shares that
differ from each other primarily in the allocation of certain shareholder
servicing expenses and minimum investment amounts. This Prospectus offers Class
A and Class B shares of the Trust's Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio (the
"Portfolio"), a fixed income portfolio.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK. THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER
GOVERNMENT AGENCY. INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING POSSIBLE
LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
<PAGE>   167
 
   
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (as a percentage of average net assets)          CLASS
A          CLASS B
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Management/Advisory Fees (after fee waiver) (1)                                                 .15%                  .15%
12b-1 Fees                                                                                     None                  None
Total Other Expenses                                                                            .06%                  .36%
    Shareholder Servicing Fees (after fee waiver) (2)                                .00% (2)              .25%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses (after fee waivers) (3)                                                .21%                  .51%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1)  The Adviser has waived, on a voluntary basis, a portion of its fee, and the
    Management/Advisory fee shown reflect these voluntary waivers. The Adviser
    reserves the right to terminate its waiver at any time in its sole
    discretion. Absent such waiver, the Management/Advisory fee would be .45%
    for both Class A and Class B shares of the Portfolio.
    
   
(2)  The Distributor has waived, on a voluntary basis, all or a portion of its
    shareholder servicing fee for the Class A shares, and the Shareholder
    Servicing Fees shown reflect this waiver. The Distributor reserves the right
    to terminate its waiver at any time in its sole discretion. Absent such
    waiver, Shareholder Servicing Fees would be .25% for the Class A shares of
    the Portfolio.
    
   
(3)  Absent these fee waivers, Total Operating Expenses of the Portfolio would
    be .76% and .81% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. Additional
    information may be found under "The Adviser" and "The Manager."
    
 
   
EXAMPLE
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            1 yr.    3 yrs.    5 yrs.    10 yrs.
                                                                                            -----    ------    ------    -------
<S>                                                                                         <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
An investor would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment assuming (1) a 5%
  annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
    Class A                                                                                  $ 2      $  7      $ 12       $27
    Class B                                                                                  $ 5      $ 16      $ 29       $64
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
    
 
   
The purpose of the expense table and example is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that may be directly or indirectly
borne by investors in the Portfolio's Class A and Class B shares. A person who
purchases shares through a financial institution may be charged separate fees by
that institution. Additional information may be found under "The Manager,"
"Distribution and Shareholder Servicing" and "The Adviser."
    
 
   
Long-term Class B shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent of the
maximum front-end sales charges otherwise permitted by the Conduct Rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
    
 
                                        2                                      
<PAGE>   168
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
   
The following financial highlights have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, whose report thereon was unqualified. This
information should be read in conjunction with the Trust's financial statements
and notes thereto which appear, along with the report of Arthur Andersen LLP, in
the Trust's 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders. Additional performance
information is set forth in the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is
available upon request and without charge by calling 1-800-342-5734. As of
August 31, 1996, Class B shares of the Kansas Tax Free Portfolio had not
commenced operations.
    
   
FOR A CLASS A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            Net Realized
                              Investment                                                        and
                   Net        Activities                   Distributions                     Unrealized
                  Asset         -----        -----------------------------------------     Gain (Loss) on         Net
                  Value          Net            Net           Net                           Investments       Asset Value
                Beginning     Investment     Investment     Realized         Total          and Capital           End         Total
                of Period       Income         Income         Gain       Distributions      Transactions       of Period      Return
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>               <C>                <C>             <C>
- -------------------------------------
KANSAS TAX FREE INCOME PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
1996             $ 10.63        $ 0.56         $(0.56)       $    --        $ (0.56)           $(0.12)          $ 10.51       4.23%
1995               10.47          0.57          (0.57)            --          (0.57)             0.16             10.63       7.23%
1994               10.91          0.57          (0.57)         (0.02)         (0.59)            (0.42)            10.47       1.41%
1993               10.50          0.58          (0.58)         (0.05)         (0.63)             0.46             10.91      10.38%
1992               10.13          0.60          (0.59)         (0.01)         (0.60)             0.37             10.50       9.78%
1991 (1)           10.00          0.42          (0.37)            --          (0.37)             0.08             10.13       5.12%+
====================================================================================================================================
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Ratio of
                                                                                  Net
                                                Ratio of        Ratio of       Investment
                                                Expenses          Net          Income to
                                Ratio of       to Average      Investment       Average
              Net Assets        Expenses       Net Assets      Income to       Net Assets      Portfolio
             End of Period     to Average      (Excluding       Average        (Excluding      Turnover
                 (000)         Net Assets     Fee Waivers)     Net Assets     Fee Waivers)       Rate
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>              <C>      
- --------------------------------
KANSAS TAX FREE INCOME PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 
1996            $72,066           0.21%           0.51%           5.31%            5.01%         12.71%
1995             65,834           0.21%           0.51%           5.47%            5.17%         17.60%
1994             62,346           0.21%           0.54%           5.36%            5.03%         10.57%
1993             58,197           0.21%           0.51%           5.56%            5.26%         23.04%
1992             45,609           0.22%           0.52%           5.87%            5.57%         12.69%
1991 (1)         29,242           0.31%*          0.61%*          5.85%*           5.55%*        21.82%
============================================================================================================
*      Annualized.
 
+      Return is for period indicated and has not been annualized.
 
(1)    The Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio (Class A) commenced operations on December 10, 1990.
 
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        3                                      
<PAGE>   169
 
THE TRUST
 
   
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company
that offers units of beneficial interest ("shares") in separate diversified and
non-diversified investment portfolios. This prospectus offers Class A and Class
B shares of the Trust's Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio (the "Portfolio").
Additional information pertaining to the Trust may be obtained by writing to SEI
Financial Services Company, 680 East Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087,
or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
    
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND
POLICIES
 
   
                      The Portfolio's investment objective is to preserve
                      capital while producing current income for the investor
                      that is exempt from both federal and Kansas state income
                      taxes. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will
                      meet its investment objective.
    
   
                             Under normal conditions the Portfolio will invest
                      at least 80% of its net assets in municipal obligations
                      which produce interest that is, in the opinion of bond
                      counsel for the issuer, exempt from federal income tax
                      (collectively, "Municipal Securities"). This investment
                      policy is a fundamental policy of the Portfolio. At least
                      65% of the Portfolio's total assets will be invested in
                      Municipal Securities which are exempt from Kansas state
                      income taxes. The remainder of the Portfolio may be
                      invested in Municipal Securities of other states. Under
                      normal conditions, the Portfolio will also invest at least
                      80% of its net assets in securities the income from which
                      is not subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.
                      Although it has no present intention of doing so, the
                      Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in taxable
                      securities for defensive purposes or when sufficient tax
                      exempt securities considered appropriate by INTRUST, N.A.,
                      the Portfolio's investment adviser (the "Adviser"), are
                      not available for purchase.
    
   
                             The Portfolio will maintain a dollar-weighted
                      average portfolio maturity of seven years to twelve years.
                      However, when the Adviser determines that the market
                      conditions so warrant, the Portfolio can maintain an
                      average weighted maturity of less than seven years.
    
                             The Portfolio may purchase the following types of
                      municipal obligations, but only if such securities, at the
                      time of purchase, either have the requisite rating, or, if
                      not rated, are of comparable quality as determined by the
                      Adviser: (i) municipal bonds rated A or better by Standard
                      and Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Moody's Investors
                      Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), and a maximum of 10% of the
                      Portfolio's total assets in municipal bonds rated BBB by
                      S&P or Baa by Moody's; (ii) municipal notes rated at least
                      SP-2 by S&P or MIG-2 or V-MIG-2 by Moody's; and (iii)
                      tax-exempt commercial paper rated at least A-1 by S&P or
                      Prime-1 by Moody's. Municipal notes rated SP-2 by S&P have
                      satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest;
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   170
 
   
                      notes rated MIG-2 or VMIG-2 by Moody's are considered to
                      be of high quality. Bonds rated BBB by S&P have an
                      adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal;
                      bonds rated Baa by Moody's are considered to be
                      medium-grade obligations (i.e., neither highly protected
                      nor poorly secured) and have speculative characteristics.
    
                             For a description of the permitted investments and
                      ratings, see the "Description of Permitted Investments and
                      Risk Factors" and the Statement of Additional Information.
 
GENERAL
INVESTMENT
POLICIES
 
                      The Portfolio may invest in variable and floating rate
                      obligations, may purchase securities on a "when-issued"
                      basis, and reserves the right to engage in standby
                      commitments. The Portfolio may also purchase other types
                      of tax exempt instruments as long as they are of a quality
                      equivalent to the long-term bond or commercial paper
                      ratings stated above. Although permitted to do so, the
                      Portfolio has no present intention to invest in repurchase
                      agreements. The Portfolio will not invest more than 10% of
                      its total assets in securities which are considered to be
                      illiquid.
   
                             The taxable instruments in which the Portfolio may
                      invest consist of U.S. Treasury obligations; obligations
                      issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or by its
                      agencies or instrumentalities whether or not backed by the
                      full faith and credit of the U.S. Government; certificates
                      of deposit, bankers acceptances and time deposits of U.S.
                      commercial banks or savings and loan institutions (not
                      including foreign branches of U.S. banks or U.S. branches
                      of foreign banks) which are members of the Federal Reserve
                      System or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and
                      which have total assets of $1 billion or more as shown on
                      their last published financial statements at the time of
                      investment; and repurchase agreements involving any of the
                      foregoing obligations.
    
 
   
Kansas Risk Factors   Under normal conditions, the Portfolio will be primarily
                      invested in municipal obligations which produce income
                      which is exempt from federal and Kansas state income
                      taxes. Accordingly, the Portfolio will have considerable
                      investments in Kansas municipal obligations, and will be
                      more susceptible to factors which adversely affect issuers
                      of Kansas obligations than a mutual fund which does not
                      have as great a concentration in the municipal obligations
                      of one particular state. Such factors include the
                      financial difficulties of Kansas, its counties,
                      municipalities and school districts, if any. See "Special
                      Considerations Relating to Kansas Municipal Securities" in
                      the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   171
 
INVESTMENT
LIMITATIONS
 
                      The investment objective and investment limitations are
                      fundamental policies of the Portfolio. Fundamental
                      policies cannot be changed with respect to the Trust or
                      the Portfolio without the consent of the holders of a
                      majority of the Trust's or the Portfolio's outstanding
                      shares.
 
                      The Portfolio may not:
                      1. Purchase securities of any issuer (except the
                         securities issued or guaranteed by the United States
                         Government, its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a
                         result, more than 5% of the total assets of the
                         Portfolio would be invested in the securities of such
                         issuer. This restriction applies to 75% of the
                         Portfolio's assets.
                      2. Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25%
                         of the total assets of the Portfolio based on current
                         value at the time of such purchase, to be invested in
                         the securities of one or more issuers conducting their
                         principal business activities in the same industry,
                         provided that this limitation does not apply to
                         investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the
                         U.S. Government or its agencies and instrumentalities
                         or to investments in tax-exempt securities issued by
                         governments or political subdivisions of governments.
                      3. Borrow money except for temporary or emergency purposes
                         and then only in an amount not exceeding 10% of the
                         value of the total assets of the Portfolio. All
                         borrowings will be repaid before making additional
                         investments and any interest paid on such borrowings
                         will reduce the income of the Portfolio.
   
                      The foregoing percentage limitations will apply at the
                      time of the purchase of a security. Additional fundamental
                      investment limitations are set forth in the Statement of
                      Additional Information.
    
 
   
THE MANAGER
    
 
   
                      SEI Fund Management (the "Manager" and the "Transfer
                      Agent") provides the Trust with overall management
                      services, regulatory reporting, all necessary office
                      space, equipment, personnel and facilities, and serves as
                      institutional transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent,
                      and shareholder servicing agent.
    
   
                             For these services, the Manager is entitled to a
                      fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an
                      annual rate of .15% of the average daily net assets of the
                      Portfolio. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the
                      Portfolio paid management fees, after waivers, of .15% of
                      its average daily net assets.
    
 
THE ADVISER
 
                      INTRUST Bank, N.A. in Wichita, formerly First National
                      Bank in Wichita (the "Adviser"), serves as the Portfolio's
                      investment adviser under an advisory agreement
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   172
 
   
                      with the Trust (the "Advisory Agreement"). Under the
                      Advisory Agreement, the Adviser invests the assets of the
                      Portfolio, and continuously reviews, supervises and
                      administers the Portfolio's investment program. The
                      Adviser is independent of the Manager, and discharges its
                      responsibilities subject to the supervision of, and
                      policies set by, the Trustees of the Trust.
    
   
                             The Adviser is a majority-owned subsidiary of
                      INTRUST Financial Corporation (formerly First Bancorp of
                      Kansas), a bank holding company. The Adviser is a national
                      banking association which provides a full range of banking
                      and trust services to clients. As of September 30, 1996,
                      total assets under management were approximately $1.2
                      billion. The principal place of business address of the
                      Adviser is 105 North Main Street, Box One, Wichita, Kansas
                      67201.
    
   
                             Michael Colgan, Vice President and Trust Investment
                      Officer for the Adviser since 1985, has managed the
                      portfolio of the Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio since
                      December 1990.
    
   
                             The Adviser is entitled to a fee, which is
                      calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of
                      .30% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio. The
                      Adviser may waive its fee, in its discretion, for
                      competitive purposes. In addition, the Adviser has
                      voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of its fee to limit
                      the total operating expenses to not more than .21% of the
                      average daily net assets for Class A and no more than .51%
                      of the average daily net assets for Class B on an
                      annualized basis. The Adviser reserves the right, in its
                      sole discretion, to terminate this voluntary fee waiver at
                      any time. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the
                      Portfolio paid advisory fees, after waivers, of .00% of
                      its relative net assets.
    
 
   
DISTRIBUTION
    
   
AND SHAREHOLDER
    
   
SERVICING
    
 
   
                      SEI Financial Services Company (the "Distributor"), a
                      wholly owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company
                      ("SEI"), serves as the Portfolio's distributor pursuant to
                      a distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement")
                      with the Trust.
    
   
                             The Portfolio has adopted plans under which firms,
                      including the Distributor, that provide shareholder and
                      administrative services may receive compensation therefor.
                      The Class A and B plans differ in a number of ways,
                      including the amounts that may be paid. Under each plan,
                      the Distributor may provide those services itself or may
                      enter into arrangements under which third parties provide
                      such services and are compensated by the Distributor.
                      Under such arrangements the Distributor may retain as a
                      profit any difference between the fee it receives and the
                      amount it pays such third party. In addition, the
                      Portfolio may enter into such arrangements directly.
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>   173
 
   
                             Under the Class A plan, the Portfolio will pay the
                      Distributor a fee at an annual rate of up to .25% of the
                      average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to
                      Class A shares, in return for provision of a broad range
                      of shareholder and administrative services. Under the
                      Class B shareholder service plan, the Portfolio will pay
                      shareholder service fees to the Distributor at an annual
                      rate of up to .25% of average daily net assets in return
                      for the Distributor's (or its agent's) efforts in
                      maintaining client accounts; arranging for bank wires;
                      responding to client inquiries concerning services
                      provided or investment; and assisting clients in changing
                      dividend options, account designations and addresses. In
                      addition, under their administrative services plan, Class
                      B shares will pay administrative services fees of up to
                      .05% of the average daily net assets of the shares.
                      Administrative services include sub-accounting; providing
                      information on share positions to clients; forwarding
                      shareholder communications to clients; processing
                      purchase, exchange and redemption orders; and processing
                      dividend payments.
    
   
                             It is possible that an institution may offer
                      different classes of shares to its customers and differing
                      services to the Classes of the Portfolio and thus receive
                      compensation with respect to different classes. These
                      financial institutions may also charge separate fees to
                      their customers. Certain financial institutions offering
                      shares to their customers may be required to register as
                      dealers pursuant to state laws.
    
   
                             The Trust may execute brokerage or other agency
                      transactions through the Distributor for which the
                      Distributor may receive compensation.
    
   
                             The Distributor may, from time to time in its sole
                      discretion, institute one or more promotional incentive
                      programs, which will be paid by the Distributor from its
                      own resources. Under any such program, the Distributor
                      will provide promotional incentives, in the form of cash
                      or other compensation, including merchandise, airline
                      vouchers, trips and vacation packages, to all dealers
                      selling shares of the Portfolios. Such promotional
                      incentives will be offered uniformly to all dealers and
                      predicated upon the amount of shares of the Portfolio sold
                      by the dealer.
    
 
   
PURCHASE AND
REDEMPTION OF
    
SHARES
 
                      Financial institutions may acquire shares of the Portfolio
                      for their own account, or as a record owner on behalf of
                      fiduciary, agency or custody accounts, by placing orders
                      with the Transfer Agent. Institutions that use certain SEI
                      proprietary systems may place orders electronically
                      through those systems. State securities laws may require
                      banks and financial institutions purchasing shares for
                      their customers to register as dealers pursuant to state
                      laws. Financial institutions which purchase shares for the
                      accounts of their customers may impose separate charges on
                      these customers for account services. Financial
                      institutions may impose an earlier cut-off
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   174
 
                      time for receipt of purchase orders directed through them
                      to allow for processing and transmittal of these orders to
                      the Transfer Agent for effectiveness on the same day.
                      Shares of the Portfolio are offered only to residents of
                      states in which the shares are eligible for purchase.

   
                             Shares of the Portfolio may be purchased or
                      redeemed on days on which the New York Stock Exchange is
                      open for business ("Business Day"). However, money market
                      fund shares cannot be purchased by Federal Reserve wire on
                      federal holidays restricting wire transfers.
    
   
                             Shareholders who desire to purchase shares for cash
                      must place their orders with the Transfer Agent (or its
                      authorized agent) prior to the close of trading on the New
                      York Stock Exchange (presently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on
                      any Business Day for the order to be accepted on that
                      Business Day. Cash investments must be transmitted or
                      delivered in federal funds to the wire agent on the next
                      Business Day following the date the order is placed. The
                      Trust reserves the right to reject a purchase order when
                      the Distributor determines that it is not in the best
                      interest of the Trust and/or shareholders to accept such
                      purchase order.
    
   
                             Purchases will be made in full and fractional
                      shares of the Portfolio calculated to three decimal
                      places. The Trust will send shareholders a statement of
                      shares owned after each transaction. The purchase price of
                      shares is the net asset value next determined after a
                      purchase order is received and accepted by the Trust. The
                      net asset value per share of the Portfolio is determined
                      by dividing the total value of its investments and other
                      assets, less any liability, by the total number of
                      outstanding shares of the Portfolio. Net asset value per
                      share is determined daily as of the close of trading on
                      the New York Stock Exchange (presently 4:00 p.m. Eastern
                      time) on each Business Day. Although the methodology and
                      procedures for determining net asset value per share are
                      identical for each class of the Portfolio, the net asset
                      value per share of one class may differ from that of
                      another class because of the different shareholder
                      servicing fees charged to each class.
    
                             The market value of each security is obtained by
                      the Manager from an independent pricing service.
                      Securities having maturities of 60 days or less at the
                      time of purchase will be valued using the amortized cost
                      method (described in the Statement of Additional
                      Information), which approximates the securities' market
                      value. The pricing service may use a matrix system to
                      determine valuations of fixed income securities. This
                      system considers such factors as security prices, yields,
                      maturities, call features, ratings and developments
                      relating to specific securities in arriving at valuations.
                      The pricing service may also provide market quotations.
                      The procedures of the pricing service and its valuation
                      are reviewed by the officers of the Trust under the
                      general supervision of the Trustees. Portfolio securities
                      for which market quotations are available are valued at
                      the most recently quoted bid price on each Business Day.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   175
 
   
                             Shareholders who desire to redeem shares of the
                      Portfolio must place their redemption orders with the
                      Transfer Agent (or its authorized agent) prior to the
                      close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (presently
                      4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on any Business Day. The
                      redemption price is the net asset value per share of the
                      Portfolio next determined after receipt by the Transfer
                      Agent of the redemption order. Payment on redemption will
                      be made as promptly as possible and, in any event, within
                      five Business Days after the redemption order is received.
    
                             Purchase and redemption orders may be placed by
                      telephone. Neither the Trust nor the Transfer Agent will
                      be responsible for any loss, liability, cost or expense
                      for acting upon wire instructions or upon telephone
                      instructions that it reasonably believes to be genuine.
                      The Trust and the Transfer Agent will each employ
                      reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
                      communicated by telephone are genuine, including requiring
                      a form of personal identification prior to acting upon
                      instructions received by telephone and recording telephone
                      instructions.
                             If market conditions are extraordinarily active, or
                      other extraordinary circumstances exist, shareholders may
                      experience difficulties placing redemption orders by
                      telephone, and may wish to consider placing orders by
                      other means.
 
PERFORMANCE
 
                      From time to time, the Portfolio may advertise yield,
                      total return and tax equivalent yield. These figures will
                      be based on historical earnings and are not intended to
                      indicate future performance.
                             The yield of the Portfolio refers to the annualized
                      income generated by an investment in the Portfolio over a
                      specified 30-day period. The yield is calculated by
                      assuming that the income generated by the investment
                      during that period generated each period over one year and
                      is shown as a percentage of the investment. The tax
                      equivalent yield is calculated by determining the rate of
                      return that would have been achieved on a fully taxable
                      investment to produce the after-tax equivalent of the
                      Portfolio's yield, assuming certain tax brackets for a
                      shareholder.
                             The total return of the Portfolio refers to the
                      average compounded rate of return to a hypothetical
                      investment for designated time periods (including, but not
                      limited to, the period from which the Portfolio commenced
                      operations through the specified date), assuming that the
                      entire investment is redeemed at the end of each period
                      and assuming the reinvestment of all dividend and capital
                      gain distributions.
                             The Portfolio may periodically compare its
                      performance to that of: (i) other mutual funds tracked by
                      mutual fund rating services (such as Lipper Analytical),
                      financial and business publications and periodicals; (ii)
                      broad groups of comparable mutual funds; (iii) unmanaged
                      indices which may assume investment of dividends but
                      generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
                      management costs; or (iv) other investment alternatives.
                      The Portfolio may quote Morningstar, Inc., a
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   176
 
   
                      service that ranks mutual funds on the basis of
                      risk-adjusted performance, and Ibbotson Associates of
                      Chicago, Illinois, which provides historical returns of
                      the capital markets in the U.S. The Portfolio may use
                      long-term performance of these capital markets to
                      demonstrate general long-term risk versus reward scenarios
                      and could include the value of a hypothetical investment
                      in any of the capital markets. The Portfolio may also
                      quote financial and business publications and periodicals
                      as they relate to fund management, investment philosophy,
                      and investment techniques.
    
                             The Portfolio may quote various measures of
                      volatility and benchmark correlation in advertising and
                      may compare these measures to those of other funds.
                      Measures of volatility attempt to compare historical share
                      price fluctuations or total returns to a benchmark while
                      measures of benchmark correlation indicate how valid a
                      comparative benchmark might be. Measures of volatility and
                      correlation are calculated using averages of historical
                      data and cannot be calculated precisely.
   
                             The performance of Class A shares will normally be
                      higher than that of Class B shares because of the
                      additional administrative services expenses charged to
                      Class B shares.
    
 
TAXES
 
                      The following summary of federal and state income tax
                      consequences is based on current tax laws and regulations,
                      which may be changed by legislative, judicial or
                      administrative action. No attempt has been made to present
                      a detailed explanation of the federal, state or local
                      income tax treatment of the Portfolio or its shareholders.
                      Accordingly, shareholders are urged to consult their tax
                      advisers regarding specific questions as to federal, state
                      and local income taxes. Additional information concerning
                      taxes is set forth in the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
 
   
Tax Status
of the Portfolio      The Portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal
                      income tax purposes and is not combined with the Trust's
                      other portfolios. The Portfolio intends to continue to
                      qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated
                      investment companies ("RICs") under Subchapter M of the
                      Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), so
                      as to be relieved of federal income tax on net investment
                      company taxable income and net capital gain (the excess of
                      net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital
                      loss) distributed to shareholders.
    
 
Tax Status
of Distributions      The Portfolio intends to distribute substantially all of
                      its net investment income (including net short-term
                      capital gain) to shareholders. If, at the close of each
                      quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of
                      the Portfolio's total assets consists of obligations the
                      interest on which is excludable from gross income, the
                      Portfolio may pay "exempt-interest dividends" to its
                      shareholders. Exempt-interest dividends are excludable
                      from a shareholder's gross income for federal income tax
                      purposes but may have certain collateral federal tax
                      consequences including alternative minimum tax
                      consequences. In addition, the receipt of exempt-interest
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   177
 
                      dividends may cause persons receiving Social Security or
                      Railroad Retirement benefits to be taxable on a portion of
                      such benefits. See the Statement of Additional
                      Information.

   
                             Any dividends paid out of income realized by the
                      Portfolio on taxable securities will be taxable to
                      shareholders as ordinary income (whether received in cash
                      or in additional shares) to the extent of the Portfolio's
                      earnings and profits and will not qualify for the
                      dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.
                      Distributions to shareholders of net capital gains of the
                      Portfolio also will not qualify for the dividends received
                      deduction and will be taxable to shareholders as long-term
                      capital gain, whether received in cash or additional
                      shares, and regardless of how long a shareholder has held
                      the shares.
    
   
                             Dividends declared by the Portfolio in October,
                      November or December of any year and payable to
                      shareholders of record on a date in any such month will be
                      deemed to have been paid by the Portfolio and received by
                      the shareholders on December 31 of that year if paid by
                      the Portfolio at any time during the following January.
                      The Portfolio intends to make sufficient distributions
                      prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability
                      for the federal excise tax applicable to RICs.
    
                             Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
                      shareholder in order to purchase or carry shares of the
                      Portfolio is not deductible for federal income tax
                      purposes. Furthermore, the Portfolio may not be an
                      appropriate investment for persons (including corporations
                      and other business entities) who are "substantial users"
                      (or persons related to "substantial users") of facilities
                      financed by industrial development bonds or private
                      activity bonds. Such persons should consult their tax
                      advisers before purchasing shares.
                             The Portfolio will report annually to its
                      shareholders the portion of dividends that is taxable and
                      the portion that is tax-exempt based on income received by
                      the Portfolio during the year to which the dividends
                      relate.
   
                             Each sale, exchange or redemption of the
                      Portfolio's shares is a taxable transaction to the
                      shareholder.
    
 
State Taxes           The following is a general, abbreviated summary of certain
                      of the provisions of the Kansas tax code presently in
                      effect as they directly govern the taxation of
                      shareholders subject to Kansas personal income tax. These
                      provisions are subject to change by legislative or
                      administrative action, and any such change may be
                      retroactive.
                             Under Kansas law, interest on all obligations
                      issued by the State of Kansas or its political
                      subdivisions after December 31, 1987 is excluded from
                      Kansas adjusted gross income in determining Kansas tax
                      liability, and interest from obligations issued prior to
                      January 1, 1988, is exempt from Kansas income tax only if
                      there is statutory authority exempting the interest from
                      the particular obligations in question. For Kansas income
                      tax purposes, interest on the above-described
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   178
 
                      obligations is exempt for both the Portfolio and its
                      shareholders who are Kansas residents.
 
   
GENERAL INFORMATION
    
 
   
The Trust             The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
                      under a Declaration of Trust dated March 15, 1982. The
                      Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate
                      portfolios of shares and different classes of each
                      portfolio. In addition to the Portfolio, the Trust
                      consists of the following portfolios: Intermediate-Term
                      Municipal Portfolio, Tax Free Portfolio, Institutional Tax
                      Free Portfolio, California Tax Exempt Portfolio,
                      Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio, New York Intermediate-
                      Term Municipal Portfolio, and Pennsylvania Tax Free
                      Portfolio. All consideration received by the Trust for
                      shares of any portfolio and all assets of such portfolio
                      belong to that portfolio and would be subject to
                      liabilities related thereto.
    
                             The Trust pays its expenses, including fees of its
                      service providers, audit and legal expenses, expenses of
                      preparing prospectuses, proxy solicitation materials and
                      reports to shareholders, costs of custodial services and
                      registering the shares under federal and state securities
                      laws, pricing, insurance expenses, litigation and other
                      extraordinary expenses, brokerage costs, interest charges,
                      taxes and organization expenses.
 
Trustees of the Trust The management and affairs of the Trust are supervised by
                      the Trustees under the laws of the Commonwealth of
                      Massachusetts. The Trustees have approved contracts under
                      which, as described above, certain companies provide
                      essential management services to the Trust.
 
   
Voting Rights         Each share held entitles the shareholder of record to one
                      vote. The shareholders of each portfolio or class will
                      vote separately on matters relating solely to that
                      portfolio or class, such as any distribution plan. As a
                      Massachusetts business trust, the Trust is not required to
                      hold annual meetings of shareholders, but approval will be
                      sought for certain changes in the operation of the Trust
                      and for the election of Trustees under certain
                      circumstances. In addition, a Trustee may be removed by
                      the remaining Trustees or by shareholders at a special
                      meeting called upon written request of shareholders owning
                      at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In
                      the event that such a meeting is requested the Trust will
                      provide appropriate assistance and information to the
                      shareholders requesting the meeting.
    
 
Reporting             The Trust issues unaudited financial statements
                      semi-annually and audited financial statements annually.
                      The Trust furnishes proxy statements and other reports to
                      shareholders of record.
 
   
Shareholder Inquiries Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Manager,
                      SEI Fund Management, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne,
                      Pennsylvania, 19087.
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   179
 
Dividends             Substantially all of the net investment income (exclusive
                      of capital gains) of the Portfolio is periodically
                      declared and paid as a dividend. Shareholders of record on
                      the last record date of each period will be entitled to
                      receive the periodic dividend distribution, which is
                      generally paid on the 10th Business Day of the following
                      month. If any net capital gains are realized, they will be
                      distributed by the Portfolio annually.
                             Shareholders automatically receive all income
                      dividends and capital gain distributions in additional
                      shares at the net asset value next determined following
                      the record date, unless the shareholder has elected to
                      take such payment in cash. Shareholders may change their
                      election by providing written notice to the Manager at
                      least 15 days prior to the distribution.
   
                             The dividends on Class A shares are normally higher
                      than on Class B shares of the Portfolio because of the
                      additional administrative services expenses charged to
                      Class B shares.
    
 
   
Counsel and Independent
Public Accountants    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the
                      Trust. Arthur Andersen LLP serves as the independent
                      public accountants of the Trust.
    
 
   
Custodian and Wire Agent
                      CoreStates Bank, N.A., Broad and Chestnut Streets, P.O.
                      Box 7618, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101, serves as
                      Custodian of the Trust's assets and acts as wire agent of
                      the Trust. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other
                      assets of the Trust as required by the 1940 Act.
    
 
DESCRIPTION
   
OF PERMITTED
INVESTMENTS
AND RISK FACTORS
    
 
                      The following is a description of certain of the permitted
                      investments for the Portfolio, and the associated risk
                      factors:
 
   
Money Market Securities
                      Money market securities are high-quality,
                      dollar-denominated, short-term debt instruments. They
                      consist of: (i) bankers' acceptances, certificates of
                      deposits, notes and time deposits of highly-rated U.S.
                      banks; (ii) U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations
                      issued by the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S.
                      Government; and (iii) repurchase agreements involving any
                      of the foregoing obligations entered into with
                      highly-rated banks and broker-dealers.
    
 
   
Municipal Securities  Municipal Securities consist of (i) debt obligations
                      issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain
                      funds to be used for various public facilities, for
                      refunding outstanding obligations, for general operating
                      expenses and for lending such funds to other public
                      institutions and facilities, and (ii) certain private
                      activity and industrial development bonds issued by or on
                      behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide
                      for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of
                      privately operated facilities.
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   180
 
                             General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing
                      power of the issuing municipality. Revenue bonds are
                      backed by the revenues of a project or facility, tolls
                      from a toll bridge, for example. Certificates of
                      participation represent an interest in an underlying
                      obligation or commitment such as an obligation issued in
                      connection with a leasing arrangement. The payment of
                      principal and interest on private activity and industrial
                      development bonds generally is dependent solely on the
                      ability of the facility's user to meet its financial
                      obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal
                      property so financed as security for such payment.
                             Municipal notes include general obligation notes,
                      tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond
                      anticipation notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand
                      notes and construction loan notes and participation
                      interests in municipal notes. Municipal bonds include
                      general obligation bonds, revenue or special obligation
                      bonds, private activity and industrial development bonds
                      and participation interests in municipal bonds.
 
   
Repurchase Agreements Repurchase agreements are arrangements by which a
                      Portfolio obtains a security and simultaneously commits to
                      return the security to the seller at an agreed upon price
                      (including principal and interest) on an agreed upon date
                      within a number of days from the date of purchase.
                      Repurchase agreements are considered loans under the 1940
                      Act.
    
 
   
Standby Commitments
and Puts              Securities subject to standby commitments or puts permit
                      the holder thereof to sell the securities at a fixed price
                      prior to maturity. Securities subject to a standby
                      commitment or put may be sold at any time at the current
                      market price. However, unless the standby commitment or
                      put was an integral part of the security as originally
                      issued, it may not be marketable or assignable; therefore,
                      the standby commitment or put would only have value to the
                      Portfolio owning the security to which it relates. In
                      certain cases, a premium may be paid for a standby
                      commitment or put, which premium will have the effect of
                      reducing the yield otherwise payable on the underlying
                      security. The Portfolio will limit standby commitment or
                      put transactions to institutions believed to present
                      minimal credit risk.
    
 
   
U.S. Government
Obligations           Obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury or issued or
                      guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. Government, including,
                      among others, the Federal Farm Credit Bank, the Federal
                      Housing Administration and the Small Business
                      Administration, and obligations issued or guaranteed by
                      instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, including, among
                      others, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the
                      Federal Land Banks and the U.S. Post Service. Some of
                      these securities are supported by the full faith and
                      credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., Government National
                      Mortgage Association securities), others are supported by
                      the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury (e.g.,
                      Federal Farm Credit Bank securities), while still others
                      are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality
                      (e.g., Federal National Mortgage
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   181
 
   
                      Association securities). Guarantees of principal by
                      agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government may
                      be a guarantee of payment at the maturity of the
                      obligation so that in the event of a default prior to
                      maturity there might not be a market and thus no means of
                      realizing on the obligation prior to maturity. Guarantees
                      as to the timely payment of principal and interest do not
                      extend to the value or yield of these securities not to
                      the value of the Fund's shares.
    
 
Variable and Floating
Rate Instruments      Certain of the obligations purchased by the Portfolio may
                      carry variable or floating rates of interest and may
                      involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature.
                      Such obligations may include variable amount master demand
                      notes. Such instruments bear interest at rates which are
                      not fixed, but which vary with changes in specified market
                      rates or indices. The interest rates on these securities
                      may be reset daily, weekly, quarterly or at some other
                      interval, and may have a floor or ceiling on interest rate
                      changes. There is a risk that the current interest rate on
                      such obligations may not accurately reflect existing
                      market interest rates. A demand instrument with a demand
                      notice period exceeding seven days may be considered
                      illiquid if there is no secondary market for such
                      security.
 
   
When-Issued and Delayed
Delivery Securities   When-issued or delayed delivery transactions involve the
                      purchase of an instrument with payment and delivery taking
                      place in the future. Delivery of and payment for these
                      securities may occur a month or more after the date of the
                      purchase commitment. The Portfolio will maintain with the
                      custodian a separate account with liquid, high grade debt
                      securities or cash in an amount at least equal to these
                      commitments. The interest rate realized on these
                      securities is fixed as of the purchase date, and no
                      interest accrues to the Portfolio before settlement.
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   182
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
Annual Operating Expenses...................       2
Financial Highlights........................       3
The Trust...................................       4
Investment Objective and Policies...........       4
General Investment Policies.................       5
Investment Limitations......................       6
The Manager.................................       6
The Adviser.................................       6
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing......       7
Purchase and Redemption of Shares...........       8
Performance.................................      10
Taxes.......................................      11
General Information.........................      13
Description of Permitted Investments and
  Risk Factors..............................      14
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   183
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   184
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   185
 
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
   
DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW YORK INTERMEDIATE-TERM MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
This Prospectus sets forth concisely information about the above-referenced
Portfolio that an investor needs to know before investing. Please read this
Prospectus carefully before investing, and keep it on file for future reference.
 
   
A Statement of Additional Information dated December 31, 1996 has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available upon request and
without charge by writing the Distributor, SEI Financial Services Company, 680
East Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated into this Prospectus by
reference.
    
 
   
SEI Tax Exempt Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end investment management company,
certain classes of which offer financial institutions a convenient means of
investing their own funds, or funds for which they act in a fiduciary, agency or
custodial capacity, in professionally managed diversified and non-diversified
portfolios of securities. A portfolio may offer separate classes of shares that
differ from each other primarily in the allocation of certain expenses and
minimum investment amounts. This Prospectus offers Class A shares of the Trust's
New York Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio (the "Portfolio"), a fixed income
portfolio.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK. THE TRUST'S SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT
AGENCY. INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
<PAGE>   186
 
   
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (as a percentage of average net assets)
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                        <C>     <C>
Management/Advisory Fees (after fee waivers) (1)                                                                   .50%
12b-1 Fees                                                                                                         None
Total Other Expenses (2)                                                                                           .05%
  Shareholder Servicing Fees (after fee waiver) (3)                                                        .00%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses (after fee waivers) (4)                                                                   .55%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1)  The Manager and Adviser have waived, on a voluntary basis, a portion of
    their fees, and the Management/Advisory fees shown reflect these voluntary
    waivers. The Manager and Adviser reserve the right to terminate their
    waivers at any time in their sole discretion. Absent such waiver, the
    Management/Advisory fees for the Portfolio would be .57%.
    
   
(2)  "Total Other Expenses" is based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal
    year. See "The Manager."
    
   
(3)  The Distributor has waived, on a voluntary basis, all or a portion of its
    Shareholder servicing fee, and the Shareholder Servicing Fees shown reflect
    this waiver. The Distributor reserves the right to terminate its waiver at
    any time in its sole discretion. Absent such waiver, Shareholder Servicing
    Fees for the Portfolio would be .25%.
    
   
(4)  Absent these fee waivers. Total Operating Expenses for Class A shares of
    the Portfolio would be .87%.
    
 
   
EXAMPLE
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       1 YR.     3 YRS.     5 YRS.     10 YRS.
                                                                                       ------   --------   --------   ---------
<S>                                                                                    <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>
An investor in Class A shares of the Portfolio would pay the following expenses on a
  $1,000 investment assuming (1) a 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of
  each time period:                                                                      $6       $18        $31         $69
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
    
 
   
The purpose of the table and this example is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that may be directly or indirectly
borne by investors in the Portfolio's Class A shares. A person who purchases
shares through a financial institution may be charged separate fees by that
institution. Additional information may be found under "The Manager,"
    
"Distribution and Shareholder Servicing" and "The Adviser."
 
                                       2
<PAGE>   187
 
THE TRUST
 
   
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company
that offers units of beneficial interest ("shares") in separate diversified and
non-diversified investment portfolios. This prospectus offers Class A shares of
the Trust's New York Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio (the "Portfolio").
Additional information pertaining to the Trust may be obtained by writing to SEI
Financial Services Company, 680 East Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087,
or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
    
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND
POLICIES
 
   
                      The investment objective of the Portfolio is a high level
                      of current income, exempt from both federal and New York
                      state personal income taxes, consistent with the
                      preservation of principal. There can be no assurance that
                      the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
    
   
                             It is a fundamental policy of the Portfolio to
                      invest, under normal conditions, at least 80% of its net
                      assets in municipal securities that produce interest that,
                      in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuers, is exempt
                      from federal income tax (collectively, "Municipal
                      Securities") and is not a preference item for purposes of
                      the federal alternative minimum tax. Under normal
                      conditions, at least 65% of the Portfolio's assets will be
                      invested in municipal obligations the interest on which is
                      exempt from New York state personal income tax. These
                      include municipal obligations issued by the State of New
                      York and its political subdivisions or any agency or
                      instrumentality of either of the foregoing, as well as
                      municipal obligations issued by territories or possessions
                      of the United States.
    
   
                             Under normal conditions, the Portfolio may invest,
                      in the aggregate, up to 20% of its net assets in (1)
                      Municipal Securities the interest on which is a preference
                      item for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax
                      (although the Portfolio has no present intention of
                      investing in such securities) and (2) taxable investments.
                      In addition, for temporary defensive purposes when its
                      investment adviser determines that market conditions
                      warrant, the Portfolio may invest up to 100% of its assets
                      in municipal obligations of states other than New York or
                      taxable money market instruments (including repurchase
                      agreements, U.S. Treasury securities and instruments of
                      certain U.S. commercial banks or savings and loan
                      institutions).
    
   
                             The Portfolio may purchase the following types of
                      municipal obligations, but only if such securities, at the
                      time of purchase, either have the requisite rating or, if
                      not rated, are determined by Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C.
                      (the "Adviser") to be of comparable quality: (i) municipal
                      bonds rated BBB or better by Standard and Poor's
                      Corporation ("S&P") or Baa or better by Moody's Investors
                      Service, Inc. ("Moody's"); (ii) municipal notes and
                      certificates of participation which are rated at
    
 
                                       3

<PAGE>   188
 
                      least SP-2 by S&P or MIG-2 or VMIG-2 by Moody's; and (iii)
                      tax-exempt commercial paper rated at least A-2 by S&P or
                      Prime-2 by Moody's.

                             The Portfolio currently contemplates that it will
                      not invest more than 25% of its total assets (at market
                      value at the time of purchase) in municipal securities,
                      the interest on which is paid from revenues of projects
                      with similar characteristics. This restriction does not
                      apply to municipal securities in any of the following
                      categories: public housing authorities; general
                      obligations of states and localities; state and local
                      housing finance authorities or municipal utilities
                      systems.
   
                             In seeking to attain its investment objective, the
                      Portfolio may invest all or any part of its assets in
                      municipal securities that are industrial development
                      bonds.
    
   
                             Normally, the Portfolio will maintain a
                      dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of five to ten
                      years; however, under certain circumstances this average
                      weighted maturity may fall below five years. There are no
                      restrictions on the maturity of any single instrument in
                      which the Portfolio may invest. The Portfolio's annual
                      portfolio turnover rate is expected to be less than 100%
                      under normal circumstances. See also "Risk Factors."
    
 
GENERAL
INVESTMENT
POLICIES
 
                      The Portfolio may invest in variable and floating rate
                      obligations, may purchase securities on a "when-issued"
                      basis, and reserves the right to engage in transactions
                      involving standby commitments. The Portfolio may also
                      purchase other types of tax-exempt instruments as long as
                      they are of a quality equivalent to the long-term bond or
                      commercial paper ratings stated above. The Portfolio will
                      not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid
                      securities.
   
                             The taxable money market instruments in which the
                      Portfolio may invest consist of U.S. Treasury obligations;
                      obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or
                      by its agencies or instrumentalities, whether or not
                      backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
                      Government; obligations of U.S. commercial banks or
                      savings and loan institutions (not including foreign
                      branches of U.S. banks or U.S. branches of foreign banks)
                      which are members of the Federal Reserve System or Federal
                      Deposit Insurance Corporation and which have total assets
                      of $1 billion or more as shown on their last published
                      financial statements at the time of investment; and
                      repurchase agreements involving any of the foregoing
                      obligations.
    
   
                             For a description of the permitted investments and
                      ratings, see the "Description of Permitted Investments and
                      Risk Factors" and the Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
                                       4

<PAGE>   189
 
   
RISK FACTORS
    
 
   
New York Risk Factors The Portfolio's concentration in investments in New York
                      municipal securities involves greater risks than if their
                      investments were more diversified. These risks result from
                      (1) amendments to the New York Constitution and other
                      statutes that limit the taxing and spending authority of
                      New York government entities, (2) the general financial
                      condition of the State of New York, and (3) a variety of
                      New York laws and regulations that may affect, directly or
                      indirectly, New York municipal securities. The ability of
                      issuers of municipal securities to pay interest on, or
                      repay principal of, municipal securities may be impaired
                      as a result. The Portfolio's yield and share price are
                      sensitive to political and economic developments within
                      the State of New York, and to the financial condition of
                      the State, its public authorities, and political
                      subdivisions, particularly the City of New York. Both the
                      State and the City are experiencing significant financial
                      difficulties related to poor economic performance and
                      recurring deficits. The State's credit standing has been,
                      and could be further, reduced, and its ability to provide
                      assistance to its public authorities and political
                      subdivisions has been, and could be, further impaired.
                      These may have the effect of impairing the ability of the
                      issuers of New York municipal securities to pay interest
                      on, or repay the principal of, such securities. A more
                      complete description of these risks is contained in the
                      Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
Non-Diversification   In addition to the risks, described above, arising from
                      concentration, investment in the Portfolio, a
                      non-diversified mutual fund, may entail greater risk than
                      would investment in a diversified investment company
                      because the concentration in securities of relatively few
                      issuers could result in greater fluctuation in the total
                      market value of the Portfolio's holdings. Any economic,
                      political, or regulatory developments affecting the value
                      of the securities the Portfolio holds could have a greater
                      impact on the total value of the Portfolio's holdings than
                      would be the case if the portfolio securities were
                      diversified among more issuers. The Portfolio intends to
                      comply with the diversification requirements of Subchapter
                      M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
                      "Code"). In accordance with these requirements, the
                      Portfolio will not invest more than 5% of its total assets
                      in any one issuer; this limitation applies to 50% of the
                      Portfolio's total assets.
 
INVESTMENT
LIMITATIONS
 
                      The investment objective and investment limitations are
                      fundamental policies of the Portfolio. Fundamental
                      policies cannot be changed with respect to the Trust or
                      the Portfolio without the consent of the holders of a
                      majority of the Trust's or the Portfolio's outstanding
                      shares.
 
                                       5

<PAGE>   190
 
                      The Portfolio may not:
                      1. Purchase any securities which would cause more than 25%
                         of the total assets of the Portfolio, based on current
                         value at the time of such purchase, to be invested in
                         the securities of one or more issuers conducting their
                         principal business activities in the same industry,
                         provided that this limitation does not apply to
                         investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the
                         U.S. Government or its agencies and instrumentalities
                         or to investments in tax-exempt securities issued by
                         governments or political subdivisions of governments.
                      2. Borrow money except for temporary or emergency purposes
                         and then only in an amount not exceeding 10% of the
                         value of the total assets of the Portfolio. All
                         borrowings in excess of 5% of the Portfolio's total
                         assets, will be repaid before making additional
                         investments and any interest paid on such borrowings
                         will reduce the income of the Portfolio.
 
   
                      The foregoing percentage limitations will apply at the
                      time of the purchase of a security. Additional fundamental
                      investment limitations are set forth in the Statement of
                      Additional Information.
    
 
   
THE MANAGER
    
 
   
                      SEI Fund Management (the "Manager" and the "Transfer
                      Agent") provides the Trust with overall management
                      services, regulatory reporting, all necessary office
                      space, equipment, personnel and facilities, and serves as
                      institutional transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent,
                      and shareholder servicing agent.
    
   
                             For these services, the Manager is entitled to a
                      fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an
                      annual rate of .39% of the average daily net assets of the
                      Portfolio. In addition, the Manager and Adviser have
                      voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of their fees
                      proportionately in order to limit total operating expenses
                      of the Class A shares of the Portfolio to not more than
                      .55% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets
                      attributable to Class A shares, on an annualized basis.
                      Each of the Manager and the Adviser reserves the right, in
                      its sole discretion, to terminate its waiver at any time.
    
 
THE ADVISER
 
   
                      Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C. serves as the Portfolio's
                      investment adviser under an advisory agreement with the
                      Trust (the "Advisory Agreement"). Under the Advisory
                      Agreement, the Adviser invests the assets of the
                      Portfolio, and continuously reviews, supervises and
                      administers the Portfolio's investment program. The
                      Adviser is independent of the Manager and discharges its
                      responsibilities subject to the supervision of, and
                      policies set by, the Trustees of the Trust.
    
                             The Adviser is a limited liability company founded
                      as a limited partnership in 1970, and engages in
                      investment management, venture capital management and
 
                                       6

<PAGE>   191
 
   
management buyouts. WPG has been active since its founding in managing
portfolios of tax exempt securities. At September 30, 1996, total assets under
management were approximately $     billion. The principal business address of
the Adviser is One New York Plaza, New York, NY 10004.
    
   
                             S. Blake Miller, CFA, and Nancy J. Neiman act as
                      the portfolio managers for the Portfolio. Mr. Miller, an
                      Associate Principal of WPG, has been associated with WPG's
                      Tax Exempt Fixed Income group since 1988, and its
                      predecessor since 1986. Ms. Neiman, an Associate Principal
                      of WPG, has been associated with WPG's Tax Exempt Fixed
                      Income group since 1988 and its predecessor since 1985.
    
   
                             For its services to the New York Intermediate-Term
                      Municipal Portfolio, the Adviser is entitled to a fee,
                      which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual
                      rate of .18% of the combined average daily net assets of
                      the non-money market portfolios of the Trust advised by
                      the Adviser up to $150 million, and .16% of such assets in
                      excess of $150 million. Such fees are allocated daily
                      among these portfolios on the basis of their relative net
                      assets. The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive a
                      portion of its fee, as described under "The Manager." As
                      of August 31, 1996, the Portfolio had not commenced
                      operations.
    
 
   
DISTRIBUTION
AND SHAREHOLDER
SERVICING
    
 
   
                      SEI Financial Services Company (the "Distributor"), a
                      wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company ("SEI")
                      serves as the Portfolio's distributor pursuant to a
                      distribution agreement with the Trust.
    
   
                             The Portfolio has adopted a shareholder servicing
                      plan for Class A shares (the "Service Plan") under which a
                      shareholder servicing fee of up to .25% of average daily
                      net assets attributable to Class A shares will be paid to
                      the Distributor. Under the Service Plan, the Distributor
                      may perform, or may compensate other service providers for
                      performing the following shareholder and administrative
                      services; maintaining client accounts; arranging for bank
                      wires; responding to client inquiries concerning services
                      provided on investments; assisting clients in changing
                      dividend options; account designations and addresses; sub-
                      accounting; providing information on share positions to
                      clients; forwarding shareholder communications to clients;
                      processing purchase, exchange and redemption orders; and
                      processing dividend payments. Under the Service Plan, the
                      Distributor may retain as a profit any difference between
                      the fee it receives and the amount it pays to third
                      parties.
    
   
                             It is possible that an institution may offer
                      different classes of shares to its customers and thus
                      receive different compensation with respect to different
                      classes. These financial institutions may also charge
                      separate fees to their customers.
    
 
                                       7

<PAGE>   192
 
   
                             The Trust may also execute brokerage or other
                      agency transactions through the Distributor for which the
                      Distributor may receive usual and customary compensation.
    
   
                             In addition, the Distributor may, from time to time
                      in its sole discretion, institute one or more promotional
                      incentive programs, which will be paid by the Distributor
                      from its own resources. Under any such program, the
                      Distributor will provide promotional incentives, in the
                      form of cash or other compensation, including merchandise,
                      airline vouchers, trips and vacation packages, to all
                      dealers selling shares of the Portfolio. Such promotional
                      incentives will be offered uniformly to all dealers and
                      predicated upon the amount of shares of the Portfolio sold
                      by the dealer.
    
 
   
PURCHASE AND
REDEMPTION OF
SHARES
    
 
                      Financial institutions may acquire shares of the Portfolio
                      for their own account, or as a record owner on behalf of
                      fiduciary, agency or custody accounts, by placing orders
                      with the Transfer Agent. Institutions that use certain SEI
                      proprietary systems may place orders electronically
                      through those systems. State securities laws may require
                      banks and financial institutions purchasing shares for
                      their customers to register as dealers pursuant to state
                      laws. Financial institutions which purchase shares for the
                      accounts of their customers may impose separate charges on
                      these customers for account services. Financial
                      institutions may impose an earlier cut-off time for
                      receipt of purchase orders directed through them to allow
                      for processing and transmittal of these orders to the
                      Transfer Agent for effectiveness on the same day. Shares
                      of the Portfolio are offered only to residents of states
                      in which the shares are eligible for purchase.
                             Shares of the Portfolio may be purchased or
                      redeemed on days on which the New York Stock Exchange is
                      open for business ("Business Days").
   
                             Shareholders who desire to purchase shares for cash
                      must place their orders with the Transfer Agent (or its
                      authorized agent) prior to the close of trading on the New
                      York Stock Exchange (presently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on
                      any Business Day for the order to be accepted on that
                      Business Day. Cash investments must be transmitted or
                      delivered in federal funds to the wire agent on the next
                      Business Day following the date the order is placed. The
                      Trust reserves the right to reject a purchase order when
                      the Distributor determines that it is not in the best
                      interest of the Trust and/or shareholders to accept such
                      purchase order.
    
                             Purchases will be made in full and fractional
                      shares of the Portfolio calculated to three decimal
                      places. The Trust will send shareholders a statement of
                      shares owned after each transaction. The purchase price of
                      shares is the net asset
 
                                       8
<PAGE>   193
 
   
                      value next determined after a purchase order is received
                      and accepted by the Trust. The net asset value per share
                      of the Portfolio is determined by dividing the total value
                      of its investments and other assets, less any liability,
                      by the total number of outstanding shares of the
                      Portfolio. Net asset value per share is determined daily
                      as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange
                      (presently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each Business Day.
    
                             The market value of each security is obtained by
                      the Manager from an independent pricing service.
                      Securities having maturities of 60 days or less at the
                      time of purchase will be valued using the amortized cost
                      method (described in the Statement of Additional
                      Information), which approximates the securities' market
                      value. The pricing service may use a matrix system to
                      determine valuations of fixed income securities. This
                      system considers such factors as security prices, yields,
                      maturities, call features, ratings and developments
                      relating to specific securities in arriving at valuations.
                      The pricing service may also provide market quotations.
                      The procedures of the pricing service and its valuation
                      are reviewed by the officers of the Trust under the
                      general supervision of the Trustees. Portfolio securities
                      for which market quotations are available are valued at
                      the most recent quoted bid price on each Business Day.
   
                             Shareholders who desire to redeem shares of the
                      Portfolio must place their redemption orders with the
                      Transfer Agent (or its authorized agent) prior to the
                      close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (presently
                      4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on any Business Day. The
                      redemption price is the net asset value per share of the
                      Portfolio next determined after receipt by the Transfer
                      Agent of the redemption order. Payment on redemption will
                      be made as promptly as possible and, in any event, within
                      five Business Days after the redemption order is received.
    
                             Purchase and redemption orders may be placed by
                      telephone. Neither the Trust nor the Transfer Agent will
                      be responsible for any loss, liability, cost or expense
                      for acting upon wire instructions or upon telephone
                      instructions that it reasonably believes to be genuine.
                      The Trust and the Transfer Agent will each employ
                      reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
                      communicated by telephone are genuine, including requiring
                      a form of personal identification prior to acting upon
                      instructions received by telephone and recording telephone
                      instructions.
                             If market conditions are extraordinarily active, or
                      other extraordinary circumstances exist, shareholders may
                      experience difficulties placing redemption orders by
                      telephone, and may wish to consider placing orders by
                      other means.
 
PERFORMANCE
 
                      From time to time, the Portfolio may advertise yield,
                      total return and tax equivalent yield. These figures will
                      be based on historical earnings and are not intended to
                      indicate future performance.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>   194
 
                             The yield of the Portfolio refers to the annualized
                      income generated by a hypothetical investment in the
                      Portfolio over a specified 30-day period. The yield is
                      calculated by assuming that the same amount of income
                      generated by the investment during that period is
                      generated in each 30-day period over one year and is shown
                      as a percentage of the investment.
                             The total return of the Portfolio refers to the
                      average compounded rate of return to a hypothetical
                      investment for designated time periods (including, but not
                      limited to, the period from which the Portfolio commenced
                      operations through the specified date), assuming that the
                      entire investment is redeemed at the end of each period
                      and assuming the reinvestment of all dividend and capital
                      gain distributions. The total return of the Portfolio may
                      also be quoted as a dollar amount or on an aggregate
                      basis, an actual basis.
                             The tax equivalent yield is calculated by
                      determining the rate of return that would have been
                      achieved on a fully taxable investment to produce the
                      after-tax equivalent of the Portfolio's yield, assuming
                      certain tax brackets for a shareholder.
   
                             The Portfolio may periodically compare its
                      performance to that of: (i) other mutual funds tracked by
                      mutual fund rating services (such as Lipper Analytical),
                      financial and business publications and periodicals; (ii)
                      broad groups of comparable mutual funds; (iii) unmanaged
                      indices which may assume investment of dividends but
                      generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
                      management costs; or (iv) other investment alternatives.
                      The Portfolio may quote Morningstar, Inc., a service that
                      ranks mutual funds on the basis of risk-adjusted
                      performance, and Ibbotson Associates of Chicago, Illinois,
                      which provides historical returns of the capital markets
                      in the U.S. The Portfolio may use long-term performance of
                      these capital markets to demonstrate general long-term
                      risk versus reward scenarios and could include the value
                      of a hypothetical investment in any of the capital
                      markets. The Portfolio may also quote financial and
                      business publications and periodicals as they relate to
                      fund management, investment philosophy, and investment
                      techniques.
    
                             The Portfolio may quote various measures of
                      volatility and benchmark correlation in advertising and
                      may compare these measures to those of other funds.
                      Measures of volatility attempt to compare historical share
                      price fluctuations or total returns to a benchmark while
                      measures of benchmark correlation indicate how valid a
                      comparative benchmark might be. Measures of volatility and
                      correlation are calculated using averages of historical
                      data and cannot be calculated precisely.
 
TAXES
 
   
                      The following summary of federal, state and local income
                      tax consequences is based on current tax laws and
                      regulations, which may be changed by legislative, judicial
                      or administrative action. No attempt has been made to
                      present a detailed explanation of the federal, state or
                      local income tax treatment of the Portfolio or its
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   195
 
                      shareholders. Accordingly, shareholders are urged to
                      consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as
                      to federal, state and local income taxes. Additional
                      information concerning taxes is set forth in the Statement
                      of Additional Information.
 
   
Tax Status
of the Portfolio      The Portfolio is treated as a separate entity for federal
                      income tax purposes and is not combined with the Trust's
                      other portfolios. The Portfolio intends to continue to
                      qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated
                      investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal
                      Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), so as to be
                      relieved of federal income tax on net investment company
                      taxable income and net capital gain (the excess of net
                      long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss)
                      distributed to shareholders.
    
 
   
Tax Status of
Distributions         The Portfolio intends to distribute substantially all of
                      its net investment income (including net short-term
                      capital gain) to shareholders. If, at the close of each
                      quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of
                      the Portfolio's total assets consists of obligations the
                      interest on which is excludable from gross income, the
                      Portfolio may pay "exempt-interest dividends" to its
                      shareholders. Exempt-interest dividends are excludable
                      from a shareholder's gross income for federal income tax
                      purposes but may have certain collateral federal tax
                      consequences including alternative minimum tax
                      consequences. In addition, the receipt of exempt-interest
                      dividends may cause persons receiving Social Security or
                      Railroad Retirement benefits to be taxable on a portion of
                      such benefits. See the Statement of Additional
                      Information.
    
   
                             Any dividends paid out of income realized by the
                      Portfolio on taxable securities will be taxable to
                      shareholders as ordinary income (whether received in cash
                      or in additional shares) to the extent of the Portfolio's
                      earnings and profits and will not qualify for the
                      dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.
                      Distributions to shareholders of net capital gains of the
                      Portfolio also will not qualify for the dividends received
                      deduction and will be taxable to shareholders as long-term
                      capital gain, whether received in cash or additional
                      shares, and regardless of how long a shareholder has held
                      the shares.
    
                             Dividends declared by the Portfolio in October,
                      November or December of any year and payable to
                      shareholders of record on a date in any such month will be
                      deemed to have been paid by the Portfolio and received by
                      the shareholders on December 31 of that year if paid by
                      the Portfolio at any time during the following January.
                      The Portfolio intends to make sufficient distributions
                      prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability
                      for federal excise tax applicable to regulated investment
                      companies.
                             Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
                      shareholder in order to purchase or carry shares of the
                      Portfolio is not deductible for federal income tax
                      purposes. Furthermore, the Portfolio may not be an
                      appropriate investment for persons (including corporations
                      and other business entities) who are "substantial
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   196
 
                      users" (or persons related to "substantial users") of
                      facilities financed by industrial development bonds or
                      private activity bonds. Such persons should consult their
                      tax advisers before purchasing shares.

                             The Portfolio will report annually to its
                      shareholders the portion of dividends that is taxable and
                      the portion that is tax-exempt based on income received by
                      the Portfolio during the year to which the dividends
                      relate.
   
                             Each sale, exchange, or redemption of the
                      Portfolio's shares is a taxable transaction to the
                      shareholder.
    
 
State and Local Taxes The following is a general, abbreviated summary of certain
                      of the provisions of the New York tax code presently in
                      effect as they directly govern the taxation of
                      shareholders subject to New York personal income tax.
                      These provisions are subject to change by legislative or
                      administrative action, and any such change may be
                      retroactive.
                             Exempt-interest dividends paid by the Portfolio
                      that are derived from interest on Municipal Securities
                      issued by New York State and the political subdivisions or
                      any agency or instrumentality thereof or any territory or
                      possession of the United States will be exempt from New
                      York State and New York City personal income taxes, but
                      not corporate franchise taxes. Other dividends and
                      distributions from other Municipal Securities, U.S.
                      Government obligations, taxable income and capital gains
                      will not be exempt from New York State and New York City
                      taxes.
                             Shareholders should consult their tax advisers
                      concerning the state and local tax consequences of
                      investment in the Portfolio, which may differ from the
                      federal income tax consequences described above.
 
   
GENERAL INFORMATION
    
 
   
The Trust             The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
                      under a Declaration of Trust dated March 15, 1982. The
                      Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate
                      portfolios of shares and different classes of each
                      portfolio. In addition to the Portfolio, the Trust
                      consists of the following portfolios: Tax Free Portfolio,
                      Institutional Tax Free Portfolio, California Tax Exempt
                      Portfolio, Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio, Kansas Tax
                      Free Income Portfolio, Intermediate-Term Municipal
                      Portfolio, and Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolio. All
                      consideration received by the Trust for shares of any
                      portfolio and all assets of such portfolio belong to that
                      portfolio and would be subject to liabilities related
                      thereto.
    
                             The Trust pays its expenses, including fees of its
                      service providers, audit and legal expenses, expenses of
                      preparing prospectuses, proxy solicitation material and
                      reports to shareholders, costs of custodial services and
                      registering the shares under federal and state securities
                      laws, pricing, insurance expenses, litigation and other
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   197
 
                      extraordinary expenses, brokerage costs, interest charges,
                      taxes and organization expenses.
 
Trustees of the Trust The management and affairs of the Trust are supervised by
                      the Trustees under the laws of the Commonwealth of
                      Massachusetts. The Trustees have approved contracts under
                      which, as described above, certain companies provide
                      essential management services to the Trust.
 
   
Voting Rights         Each share held entitles the shareholder of record to one
                      vote. The shareholders of each portfolio or class will
                      vote separately on matters relating solely to that
                      portfolio or class, such as any distribution plan. As a
                      Massachusetts business trust, the Trust is not required to
                      hold annual meetings of shareholders, but approval will be
                      sought for certain changes in the operation of the Trust
                      and for the election of Trustees under certain
                      circumstances. In addition, a Trustee may be removed by
                      the remaining Trustees or by shareholders at a special
                      meeting called upon written request of shareholders owning
                      at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In
                      the event that such a meeting is requested the Trust will
                      provide appropriate assistance and information to the
                      shareholders requesting the meeting.
    
 
Reporting             The Trust issues unaudited financial statements
                      semi-annually and audited financial statements annually.
                      The Trust furnishes proxy statements and other reports to
                      shareholders of record.
 
   
Shareholder Inquiries Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Manager,
                      SEI Fund Management, 680 E. Swedesford Road, Wayne,
                      Pennsylvania, 19087.
    
 
Dividends             Substantially all of the net investment income (exclusive
                      of capital gains) of the Portfolio is periodically
                      declared and paid as a dividend. Shareholders of record on
                      the last record date of each period will be entitled to
                      receive the periodic dividend distribution, which is
                      generally paid on the 10th Business day of the following
                      month. If any net capital gains are realized, they will be
                      distributed by the Portfolio annually.
                             Shareholders automatically receive all income
                      dividends and capital gain distributions in additional
                      shares, unless the shareholder has elected to take such
                      payment in cash. Shareholders may change their election by
                      providing written notice to the Manager at least 15 days
                      prior to the distribution.
 
Counsel and Independent
Public Accountants    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the
                      Trust. Arthur Andersen LLP serves as the independent
                      public accountants of the Trust.
 
   
Custodian
and Wire Agent        CoreStates Bank, N.A., Broad and Chestnut Streets, P.O.
                      Box 7618, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101, serves as
                      Custodian of the Trust's assets and acts as wire agent of
                      the Trust. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other
                      assets of the Trust as required by the 1940 Act.
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   198
 
DESCRIPTION
OF PERMITTED
INVESTMENTS
AND RISK FACTORS
 
                      The following is a description of certain of the permitted
                      investments for the Portfolio, and the associated risk
                      factors:
 
   
Money Market Securities
                      Money market securities are high-quality,
                      dollar-denominated, short-term debt instruments. They
                      consist of: (i) bankers' acceptances, certificates of
                      deposits, notes and time deposits of highly-rated U.S.
                      banks; (ii) U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations
                      issued by the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S.
                      Government and (iii) repurchase agreements involving any
                      of the foregoing obligations entered into with
                      highly-rated banks and broker-dealers.
    
 
   
Municipal Securities  Municipal Securities consist of (i) debt obligations
                      issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain
                      funds to be used for various public facilities, for
                      refunding outstanding obligations, for general operating
                      expenses and for lending such funds to other public
                      institutions and facilities, and (ii) certain private
                      activity and industrial development bonds issued by or on
                      behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide
                      for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of
                      privately operated facilities.
    
                             General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing
                      power of the issuing municipality. Revenue bonds are
                      backed by the revenues of a project or facility, tolls
                      from a toll bridge, for example. Certificates of
                      participation represent an interest in an underlying
                      obligation or commitment such as an obligation issued in
                      connection with a leasing arrangement. The payment of
                      principal and interest on private activity and industrial
                      development bonds generally is dependent solely on the
                      ability of the facility's user to meet its financial
                      obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal
                      property so financed as security for such payment.
                             Municipal notes include general obligation notes,
                      tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond
                      anticipation notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand
                      notes and construction loan notes and participation
                      interests in municipal notes. Municipal bonds include
                      general obligation bonds, revenue or special obligation
                      bonds, private activity and industrial development bonds
                      and participation interests in municipal bonds.
 
   
Repurchase Agreements Repurchase agreements are arrangements by which a
                      Portfolio obtains a security and simultaneously commits to
                      return the security to the seller at an agreed upon price
                      (including principal and interest) on an agreed upon date
                      within a number of days from the date of purchase.
                      Repurchase agreements are considered loans under the 1940
                      Act.
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   199
 
   
Standby Commitments
and Puts              Securities subject to standby commitments or puts permit
                      the holder thereof to sell the securities at a fixed price
                      prior to maturity. Securities subject to a standby
                      commitment or put may be sold at any time at the current
                      market price. However, unless the standby commitment or
                      put was an integral part of the security as originally
                      issued, it may not be marketable or assignable; therefore,
                      the standby commitment or put would only have value to the
                      Portfolio owning the security to which it relates. In
                      certain cases, a premium may be paid for a standby
                      commitment or put, which premium will have the effect of
                      reducing the yield otherwise payable on the underlying
                      security. The Portfolio will limit standby commitment or
                      put transactions to institutions believed to present
                      minimal credit risk.
    
 
   
U.S. Government
Obligations           Obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury or issued or
                      guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. Government, including,
                      among others, the Federal Farm Credit Bank, the Federal
                      Housing Administration and the Small Business
                      Administration, and obligations issued or guaranteed by
                      instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, including, among
                      others, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the
                      Federal Land Banks and the U.S. Post Service. Some of
                      these securities are supported by the full faith and
                      credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., Government National
                      Mortgage Association securities), others are supported by
                      the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury (e.g.,
                      Federal Farm Credit Bank securities), while still others
                      are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality
                      (e.g., Federal National Mortgage Association securities).
                      Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities
                      of the U.S. Government may be a guarantee of payment at
                      the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a
                      default prior to maturity there might not be a market and
                      thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to
                      maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal
                      and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these
                      securities not to the value of the Fund's shares.
    
 
Variable and Floating
Rate Instruments      Certain of the obligations purchased by the Portfolio may
                      carry variable or floating rates of interest and may
                      involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature.
                      Such obligations may include variable amount master demand
                      notes. Such instruments bear interest at rates which are
                      not fixed, but which vary with changes in specified market
                      rates or indices. The interest rates on these securities
                      may be reset daily, weekly, quarterly or at some other
                      interval, and may have a floor or ceiling on interest rate
                      changes. There is a risk that the current interest rate on
                      such obligations may not accurately reflect existing
                      market interest rates. A demand instrument with a demand
                      notice period exceeding seven days may be considered
                      illiquid if there is no secondary market for such
                      security.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   200
 
   
When-Issued and Delayed
Delivery Securities   When-issued or delayed delivery transactions involve the
                      purchase of an instrument with payment and delivery taking
                      place in the future. Delivery of and payment for these
                      securities may occur a month or more after the date of the
                      purchase commitment. The Portfolio will maintain with the
                      custodian a separate account with liquid, high grade debt
                      securities or cash in an amount at least equal to these
                      commitments. The interest rate realized on these
                      securities is fixed as of the purchase date, and no
                      interest accrues to the Portfolio before settlement.
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   201
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
Annual Operating Expenses...................       2
The Trust...................................       3
Investment Objective and Policies...........       3
General Investment Policies.................       4
Risk Factors................................       5
Investment Limitations......................       5
The Manager.................................       6
The Adviser.................................       6
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing......       7
Purchase and Redemption of Shares...........       8
Performance.................................       9
Taxes.......................................      10
General Information.........................      12
Description of Permitted Investments and
  Risk Factors..............................      14
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   202
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   203
 
   
                     [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
    
<PAGE>   204
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST

   
                          MANAGER:
                          SEI FUND MANAGEMENT
    

                          DISTRIBUTOR:
                          SEI FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY

                          INVESTMENT ADVISERS AND SUB-ADVISERS:
                          INTRUST BANK, N.A.
                          MORGAN GRENFELL CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INCORPORATED
                          SEI FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
                          STANDISH, AYER & WOOD, INC.
                          WEISS, PECK & GREER L.L.C.

   
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus.  It is intended
to provide additional information regarding the activities and operations of
SEI Tax Exempt Trust (the "Trust") and should be read in conjunction with the
Trust's Prospectuses dated December 31, 1996.  Prospectuses may be obtained by
writing the Trust's distributor, SEI Financial Services Company, 680 East
Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087-1658, or by calling 1-800-342-5734.
    

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                        <C>
THE TRUST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
THE MANAGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
THE ADVISERS AND SUB-ADVISER  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
DISTRIBUTION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
PERFORMANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
TAXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
5% SHAREHOLDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
EXPERTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
FINANCIAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  S-
</TABLE>
    

   
December 31, 1996
    

SEI-F-043-08
<PAGE>   205
THE TRUST

   
SEI Tax Exempt Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company
established as a Massachusetts business trust pursuant to a Declaration of
Trust dated March 15, 1982. The Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer
separate series ("portfolios") of units of beneficial interest ("shares") and
separate classes of portfolios.  This Statement of Additional Information
relates to the following portfolios:  Tax Free, Institutional Tax Free,
California Tax Exempt, Intermediate-Term Municipal, Pennsylvania Municipal,
Pennsylvania Tax Free, Kansas Tax Free Income and New York Intermediate-Term
Municipal Portfolios (each a "Portfolio," and collectively, the "Portfolios"),
and any different classes of the Portfolios.  Except for differences between
the Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D and Class G shares of any Portfolio
pertaining to sales loads, shareholder servicing and administrative services
plans, distribution plans, transfer agency costs, voting rights and/or
dividends, each share of each Portfolio represents an equal proportionate
interest in that Portfolio with each other share of that Portfolio.
    

DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS

ALL PORTFOLIOS

   
BANKERS' ACCEPTANCES -- Bankers' acceptances are bills of exchange or time
drafts drawn on and accepted by a commercial bank.  Bankers' acceptances are
issued by corporations to finance the shipment and storage of goods.
Maturities are generally six months or less.
    

   
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT -- Certificates of deposit is an interest-bearing
instrument with a specific maturity.  They are issued by banks and savings and
loan institutions in exchange for the deposit of funds and normally can be
traded in the secondary market prior to maturity.  Certificates of deposit with
penalties for early withdrawal will be considered illiquid.
    

   
COMMERCIAL PAPER -- Commercial paper is a term used to describe unsecured
short-term promissory notes issued by banks, municipalities, corporations and
other entitites.  Maturities on these issues vary from one to 270 days.
    

   
FIXED INCOME SECURITIES -- Fixed income securities are debt obligations issued
by corporations, municipalities and other borrowers.  The market value of the
Portfolio's fixed income investments will change in response to interest rate
changes and other factors.  During periods of falling interest rates, the
values of outstanding fixed income securities generally rise.  Conversely,
during periods of rising interest rates, the values of such securities
generally decline.  Changes by recognized rating agencies in the rating of any
fixed income security and in the ability of an issuer to make payments of
interest and principal also affect the value of these investments.  Changes in
the value of portfolio securities will not necessarily affect cash income
derived from these securities, but will affect the Portfolio's net asset value.
    

   
INVESTMENT COMPANY SHARES - Each Portfolio may invest in shares of other
investment companies, to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to
certain restrictions set forth in this statement of additional information.
These investment companies typically incur fees that are separate from those
fees incurred directly by the Portfolio.  A Portfolio's purchase of such
investment company securities results in the layering of expenses, such that
shareholders would indirectly bear a proportionate share of the operating
expenses of such investment companies, including advisory fees, in addition to
paying Portfolio expenses.  Under applicable regulations, a Portfolio is
prohibited from acquiring the securities of another investment company if, as a
result of such acquisition: (1) the Portfolio owns more than 3% of the total
voting stock of the other company; (2) securities issued by any one investment
company represent more than 5% of the Portfolio's total assets; or (3)
securities (other than treasury stock) issued by all investment companies
represent more than 10% of the total assets of the Portfolio.
    




                                     S-2
<PAGE>   206
   
    

MUNICIPAL LEASES -- Each Portfolio may invest in instruments, or participations
in instruments, issued in connection with lease obligations or installment
purchase contract obligations of municipalities ("municipal lease
obligations").  Although municipal lease obligations do not constitute general
obligations of the issuing municipality, a lease obligation is ordinarily
backed by the municipality's covenant to budget for, appropriate funds for, and
make the payments due under the lease obligation.  However, certain lease
obligations contain "non-appropriation" clauses, which provide that the
municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments
in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose in the relevant
years.  Municipal lease obligations are a relatively new form of financing, and
the market for such obligations is still developing.  Municipal leases will be
treated as liquid only if they satisfy criteria set forth in guidelines
established by the Board of Trustees, and there can be no assurance that a
market will exist or continue to exist for any municipal lease obligation.

   
MUNICIPAL NOTES -- Municipal notes consist of general obligation notes, tax
anticipation notes (notes sold to finance working capital needs of the issuer
in anticipation of receiving taxes on a future date), revenue anticipation
notes (notes sold to provide needed cash prior receipt of expected non-tax
revenues from a specific source), bond anticipation notes, tax and revenue
anticipation notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand notes, and
construction loan notes.  The maturities of the instruments at the time of
issue will generally range from three months to one year.
    

   
MUNICIPAL BONDS -- Municipal bonds are debt obligations issued to obtain funds
for various public purposes.  A Portfolio may purchase private activity or
industrial development bonds if the interest paid is exempt from federal income
tax.  These bonds are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to raise
money to finance various privately-owned or -operated facilities for business
and manufacturing, housing, sports, and pollution control.  These bonds are
also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems,
ports, parking or sewage or solid waste disposal facilities, as well as certain
other categories.  The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is
dependent solely on the ability of the facility's user to meet its financial
obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed
as security for such payment.
    

   
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS -- Repurchase agreements are agreements under which
securities are acquired from a securities dealer or bank subject to resale on
an agreed upon date and at an agreed upon price which includes principal and
interest.  The Portfolio or its agent will haveactual or constructive
possession of the securities held as collateral for the repurchase agreement.
The Portfolio bears a risk of loss in the event the other party defaults on its
obligations and the Portfolio is delayed or prevented from exercising its right
to dispose of the collateral securities, or if the Portfolio realizes a loss on
the sale of the collateral securities.  The Advisers or Sub-Adviser will enter
into repurchase agreements on behalf of the Portfolio only with financial
institutions deemed to present minimal risk of bankruptcy during the term of
the agreement based on guidelines established and periodically reviewed by the
Board of Trustees.  These guidelines currently permit the Portfolios to enter
into repurchase agreements only with approved banks and primary securities
dealers, as recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which have
minimum net capital of $100 million, or with a member bank of the Federal
Reserve System.  Repurchase agreements are considered to be loans
collateralized by the underlying security.  Repurchase agreements entered into
by the Portfolios will provide that the underlying security at all times shall
have a value at least equal to 102% of the price stated in the agreement.  This
underlying security will be marked to market daily.  The Advisers or
Sub-Adviser will monitor compliance with this requirement.  Under all
repurchase agreements entered into by the Portfolios, the Custodian or its
agent must take possession of the underlying collateral.  However, if the
seller defaults, the Portfolios could realize a loss on the sale of the
underlying security to the extent the proceeds of the sale are less than the
resale price.  In addition, even though the Bankruptcy Code provides protection
for most repurchase agreements, if the seller should be involved in bankruptcy
or insolvency proceedings, the Portfolios may incur delays and costs in selling
the security and may suffer a loss of principal and interest if the Portfolios
are treated as unsecured creditors.
    





                                     S-3
<PAGE>   207
   
STANDBY COMMITMENTS-PUT TRANSACTIONS - The Portfolios reserve the right to
engage in put transactions.  The Advisers and Sub-Adviser have the authority to
purchase securities at a price which would result in a yield to maturity lower
than that generally offered by the seller at the time of purchase when the
Portfolios can simultaneously acquire the right to sell the securities back to
the seller, the issuer, or a third party (the "writer") at an agreed-upon price
at any time during a stated period or on a certain date.  Such a right is
generally denoted as a "standby commitment" or a "put."  The purpose of
engaging in transactions involving puts is to maintain flexibility and
liquidity to permit the Portfolios to meet redemptions and remain as fully
invested as possible in municipal securities.  The right to put the securities
depends on the writer's ability to pay for the securities at the time the put
is exercised.  The Portfolios would limit their put transactions to
institutions which the Adviser or Sub-Adviser believes present minimum credit
risks, and the Adviser or Sub-Adviser  would use its best efforts to initially
determine and continue to monitor the financial strength of the sellers of the
options by evaluating their financial statements and such other information as
is available in the marketplace.  It may, however, be difficult to monitor the
financial strength of the writers because adequate current financial
information may not be available.  In the event that any writer is unable to
honor a put for financial reasons, a Portfolio would be a general creditor
(i.e., on a parity with all other unsecured creditors) of the writer.
Furthermore, particular provisions of the contract between a Portfolio and the
writer may excuse the writer from repurchasing the securities; for example, a
change in the published rating of the underlying securities or any similar
event that has an adverse effect on the issuer's credit or a provision in the
contract that the put will not be exercised except in certain special cases,
for example, to maintain portfolio liquidity.  A Portfolio could, however, at
any time sell the underlying portfolio security in the open market or wait
until the portfolio security matures, at which time it should realize the full
par value of the security.
    

The securities purchased subject to a put, may be sold to third persons at any
time, even though the put is outstanding, but the put itself, unless it is an
integral part of the security as originally issued, may not be marketable or
otherwise assignable.  Therefore, the put would have value only to the
Portfolio.  Sale of the securities to third parties or lapse of time with the
put unexercised may terminate the right to put the securities.  Prior to the
expiration of any put option, a Portfolio could seek to negotiate terms for the
extension of such an option.  If such a renewal cannot be negotiated on terms
satisfactory to the Portfolio, the Portfolio could, of course, sell the
security.  The maturity of the underlying security will generally be different
from that of the put.  The Intermediate-Term Municipal, Pennsylvania Municipal
and Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolios will consider the "maturity" of a
security subject to a put to be the first date on which it has the right to
demand payment from the writer of the put although the final maturity of the
security is later than such date.

The Trust has received a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service that, to the extent it purchases securities subject to the right to put
them back to the seller in order to maintain liquidity to meet redemption
requirements, it will be treated as the owner of those securities for federal
income tax purposes.  No assurance can be given that legislative, judicial or
administrative changes may not be forthcoming which could modify the Trust's
private letter ruling.

   
TIME DEPOSITS -- Time deposits are non-negotiable receipts issued by a bank in
exchange for the deposit of funds.  Like a certificate of deposit, it earns a
specified rate of interest over a definite period of time; however, it cannot
be traded in the secondary market.  Time deposits with a withdrawal penalty are
considered to be illiquid securities.
    

WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES -- These securities involve the purchase of debt
obligations on a when-issued basis, in which case delivery and payment normally
take place within 45 days after the date of commitment to purchase.  The
Portfolios will only make commitments to purchase obligations on a when-issued
basis with the intention of actually acquiring the securities, but may sell
them before the settlement date.  The when-issued securities are subject to
market fluctuation, and no interest accrues to the purchaser during this
period.  The payment obligation and the





                                     S-4
<PAGE>   208
interest rate that will be received on the securities are each fixed at the
time the purchaser enters into the commitment.  Purchasing obligations on a
when-issued basis is a form of leveraging and can involve a risk that the
yields available in the market when the delivery takes place may actually be
higher than those obtained in the transaction itself.  In that case there could
be an unrealized loss at the time of delivery.

   
The Portfolios will establish segregated accounts with the Custodian and will
maintain liquid, high grade assets in an amount at least equal in value to the
Portfolios' commitments to purchase when-issued securities.
    


DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

MUNICIPAL NOTE RATINGS.  A Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") note rating
reflects the liquidity concerns and market access risks unique to notes.  Notes
due in 3 years or less will likely receive a note rating.  Notes maturing
beyond 3 years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating.  The following
criteria will be used in making that assessment:

     Amortization schedule (the larger the final maturity relative to other
     maturities the more likely it will be treated as a note).

     Source of Payment (the more dependent the issue is on the market for its
     refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note).

Note rating symbols are as follows:

     SP-1 Very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and interest.  Those
     issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics will be
     given a plus (+) designation.

     SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.

Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") highest rating for state and
municipal and other short-term notes is MIG-1 and VMIG-1.  Short-term municipal
securities rated MIG-1 or VMIG-1 are of the best quality.  They have strong
protection from established cash flows of funds for their servicing or from
established and broad-based access to the market for refinancing or both.
Municipal obligations rated MIG-2 and VMIG-2 are high quality.  Margins of
protection are ample although not so large as in the preceding group.

MUNICIPAL AND CORPORATE BOND RATINGS.  Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating
S&P assigns to a debt obligation.  Such a rating indicates an extremely strong
capacity to pay principal and interest.  Bonds rated AA also qualify as
high-quality debt obligations.  Capacity to pay principal and interest is very
strong, and in the majority of instances they differ from AAA issues only in
small degrees.

Bonds rated A by S&P have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and
repay principal.  Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead
to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this
category than in higher rated categories.

Bonds which are rated Aaa by Moody's are judged to be of the best quality.
They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
as "gilt edge."  Interest payments are protected by a large, or an
exceptionally stable, margin and principal is secure.  While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.





                                     S-5
<PAGE>   209
   
Bonds rated Aa by Moody's are judged by Moody's to be of high quality by all
standards.  Together with bonds rated Aaa, they comprise what are generally
known as high-grade bonds.  They are rated lower than the best bonds because
margins or protection may not be as large as in Aaa-rated securities or
fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be
other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger
than in Aaa-rated securities.
    

Bonds which are rated A by Moody's possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper-medium grade obligations.  Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be
present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.

Bonds which are rated Baa by Moody's are considered as medium-grade obligations
(i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured).  Interest
payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain
protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over
any great length of time.  Such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.

COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS.  Commercial paper rated A by S&P is regarded by S&P
as having the greatest capacity for timely payment.  Issues rated A are further
refined by use of the numbers 1+, 1, 2 and 3 to indicate the relative degree of
safety, issues rated A-1+ are those with an "overwhelming degree" of credit
protection.  Those rated A-1 reflect a "very strong" degree of safety regarding
timely payment.  Those rated A-2 reflect a "satisfactory" degree of safety
regarding timely payment.

Commercial paper issuers rated Prime-1 or Prime-2 by Moody's are judged by
Moody's to be of "superior" quality and "strong" quality, respectively, on the
basis of relative repayment capacity.

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

No Portfolio may:

1.   Borrow money except for temporary or emergency purposes and then only in
     an amount not exceeding 10% of the value of total assets.  The California
     Tax Exempt Portfolio has a fundamental policy that to the extent such
     borrowing exceeds 5% of the value of the Portfolio's total assets,
     borrowing will be done from a bank and in accordance with the requirements
     of the 1940 Act.  This borrowing provision is included solely to
     facilitate the orderly sale of portfolio securities to accommodate heavy
     redemption requests if they should occur and is not for investment
     purposes.  All borrowings of the Portfolios, in excess of 5% of its total
     assets, will be repaid before making additional investments and any
     interest paid on such borrowings will reduce income.

2.   Purchase securities of other investment companies, except that the
     Intermediate-Term Municipal, Pennsylvania Municipal, Pennsylvania Tax Free
     and Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolios may only purchase securities of
     money market funds and the New York Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio
     may purchase securities of other investment companies, in either case, as
     permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

3.   Make loans, except that any Portfolio may purchase or hold debt
     instruments in accordance with its investment objective and policies and
     may enter into repurchase agreements, provided that repurchase agreements
     maturing in more than seven days, restricted securities and other illiquid
     securities are not to exceed, in the aggregate, 10% of the Portfolio's net
     assets, except for the Intermediate-Term Municipal and New York
     Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolios, for which it cannot exceed 15% of
     the Portfolio's net assets.

4.   Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate assets except to secure temporary
     borrowings permitted by (1) above in aggregate amounts not to exceed 10%
     of the net assets of such Portfolio taken at current value at the time of
     the incurrence of such loan.





                                     S-6
<PAGE>   210
5.   Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control.

6.   Acquire more than 10% of the voting securities of any one issuer.

7.   Purchase or sell real estate, real estate limited partnership interests,
     commodities or commodities contracts including futures contracts. However,
     subject to its permitted investments, any Portfolio may invest in
     municipal securities or other obligations secured by real estate or other
     interests therein.

8.   Make short sales of securities, maintain a short position or purchase
     securities on margin, except that the Portfolio may obtain short-term
     credits as necessary for the clearance of security transactions.

9.   Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers except as it may be
     deemed an underwriter in selling a portfolio security.


10.  Issue senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) except in connection
     with permitted borrowings as described in the Prospectuses and this
     Statement of Additional Information or as permitted by rule, regulation or
     order of the SEC.

11.  Purchase or retain securities of an issuer if, to the knowledge of the
     Trust, an officer, trustee, partner or director of the Trust or any
     investment adviser of the Trust owns beneficially more than 1/2 of 1% of
     the shares or securities of such issuer and all such officers, trustees,
     partners and directors owning more than 1/2 of 1% of such shares or
     securities together own more than 5% of such shares or securities.

   
12.  Purchase securities of any company which has (with predecessors) a record
     of less than three years continuing operations (except (i) obligations
     issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or
     instrumentalities, or (ii) municipal securities which are rated by at
     least two nationally recognized municipal bond rating services or
     determined by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser to be of "high quality") if, as a
     result, more than 5% of the total assets (taken at current value) would be
     invested in such securities.
    

13.  Purchase warrants, calls, straddles, spreads or combinations thereof,
     except as permitted by its Prospectus and this Statement of Additional
     Information.

14.  Invest in interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or
     development programs. The Institutional Tax Free Portfolio, the Kansas Tax
     Free Income Portfolio and the California Tax Exempt Portfolio may not
     invest in oil, gas or mineral leases.

15.  Invest more than 25% of total assets in issues within the same state or
     similar type projects (except in specified categories).  This investment
     limitation applies to the Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio, Tax Free
     Portfolio, Institutional Tax Free Portfolio, and Pennsylvania Municipal
     Portfolio.  For the Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio, this limitation does
     not apply to the extent stated in its investment objective and policies.

The foregoing percentages will apply at the time of the purchase of a security.
These investment limitations and the investment limitations in each Prospectus
are fundamental policies of the Trust and may not be changed without
shareholder approval, except that for the Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio and
New York Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio and investment limitations 2, 4,
8, 11, 12, 13 and 14 are not fundamental and do not require shareholder
approval to be amended.  It is a fundamental policy of the Intermediate-Term
Municipal and Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolios to abide by the maturity
restrictions and to invest solely in the permitted investments described in
this Statement of Additional Information and in their respective Prospectuses.

STATE SPECIFIC DISCLOSURE





                                     S-7
<PAGE>   211
The following information constitutes only a brief summary, and is not intended
as a complete description.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL SECURITIES

The ability of issuers to pay interest on, and repay principal of, California
municipal securities ("California Municipal Securities") may be affected by (1)
amendments to the California Constitution and related statutes that limit the
taxing and spending authority of California government entities, and related
civil actions, (2) a wide variety of California laws and regulations, and (3)
the general financial condition of the State of California.

AMENDMENTS TO THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION AND RELATED STATUTES.  Certain of the
California Municipal Securities may be obligations of issuers who rely in whole
or in part on ad valorem real property taxes as a source of revenue.  On June
6, 1978, California voters approved an amendment to the California Constitution
known as Proposition 13, which added Article XIIIA to the California
Constitution.  The effect of Article XIIIA is to limit ad valorem taxes on real
property, and to restrict the ability of taxing entities to increase real
property tax revenues.  On November 7, 1978, California voters approved
Proposition 8, and on June 3, 1986, California voters approved Proposition 46,
both of which amended Article XIIIA.  Article XIIIA may require further
interpretation by both the Legislature and the courts to determine its
applicability to specific situations involving the State and local taxing
authorities.

OTHER RELEVANT CALIFORNIA LAWS.  A wide variety of California laws and
regulations may affect, directly or indirectly, the payment of interest on, or
the repayment of the principal of, California Municipal Securities in which the
Portfolio may invest.  The impact of such laws and regulations on particular
California Municipal Securities may vary depending upon numerous factors
including, among others, the particular type of Municipal Security involved,
the public purpose funded by the Municipal Security and the nature and extent
of insurance or other security for payment of principal and interest on the
Municipal Security.  For example, California Municipal Securities which are
payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility may be
adversely affected by California laws or regulations which make it more
difficult for the particular facility to generate revenues sufficient to pay
such interest and principal, including, among others, laws and regulations
which limit the amount of fees, rates or other charges which may be imposed for
use of the facility or which increase competition among facilities of that type
or which limit or otherwise have the effect of reducing the use of such
facilities generally, thereby reducing the revenues generated by the particular
facility.  California Municipal Securities, the payment of interest and
principal on which is insured in whole or in part by a California
governmentally created fund, may be adversely affected by California laws or
regulations which restrict the aggregate insurance proceeds available for
payment of principal and interest in the event of a default on such Municipal
Securities.

THE GENERAL FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.  Since the start of
the 1990-91 Fiscal Year, the State has faced the worst economic, fiscal, and
budget conditions since the 1930s.  Construction, manufacturing (especially
aerospace), exports and financial services, among others, have all been
severely affected.

The recession has seriously affected State tax revenues, which basically mirror
economic conditions.  It also caused increased expenditures for health and
welfare programs.  The State has been facing a structural imbalance in its
budget with the largest programs supported by the General Fund - K-12 schools
and community colleges, health and welfare, and corrections - growing at rates
significantly higher than the growth rates for the principal revenue sources of
the General Fund.  As a result, the State has experienced recurring budget
deficits.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS.  With respect to Municipal Securities issued by the
State of California and its political subdivisions, as well as certain other
governmental issuers such as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Trust cannot
predict what legislation, if any, may be proposed in the California State
Legislature as regards the California State personal income tax status of
interest on such obligations, or which proposals, if any, might be enacted.
Such proposals, if enacted, might materially adversely affect the availability
of California Municipal Securities for investment by the Portfolios and the
value of the Portfolios' investments.





                                     S-8
<PAGE>   212
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO KANSAS MUNICIPAL SECURITIES

STATE DEBT.  The State does not issue general obligation debt but has issued
certificates of participation which are subject to annual legislative
appropriation.  The State has also issued revenue bonds for the Highway and
Turnpike systems, for various Regents system higher education facilities and
for various state agency projects.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEBT.  Local government in Kansas consists of numerous
individual units.  Each unit is distinct and independent of other local units,
although they may overlap geographically.  These various local governmental
units are empowered by statute to issue general obligation and/or revenue
supported debt.  The degree to which overlapping debt exists will vary
considerably across the state and is a factor in evaluating the risk involved
in a given bond issue.  Debt can be levied by counties, cities or townships,
schools and districts (e.g., fire, sewer, rural water, drainage, etc.).  The
county treasurer is authorized to collect for and remit to the various issuers
in the county the tax receipts due.

TAX LAW CHANGES.  The State Legislature passed a statute that made all Kansas
bond issues dated after December 31, 1987 exempt from Kansas income taxes.
Prior to the passage of that statute only certain issues, primarily state and
industrial development revenue bonds were exempt from Kansas income tax.  This
change in the law has made the Kansas municipal bond market more homogenous and
deeper rather than segmented by tax status, as was the case previously.  The
change has increased the number and amount of high quality, rated issues
available in the Kansas income tax-exempt market.  The Legislature could change
the situation by reverting to a narrower base of Kansas income tax-exempt
issues, perhaps in response to budgetary constraints.  This would make it more
difficult for the Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio to invest in Kansas income
tax-exempt issues and would likely decrease the yield on the Portfolio's
subsequent purchases.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO NEW YORK MUNICIPAL SECURITIES

REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES.  New York's Governmental Funds receive a majority of
their revenues from taxes levied by the State.  Investment income, fees and
assessments, abandoned property collections, and other varied sources supply
the balance of the receipts for these Funds.  New York's major expenditures are
grants to local governments.  These grants include disbursements for
elementary, secondary and higher education, social services, drug abuse
control, and mass transportation programs.

STATE DEBT.  Under the State Constitution, the State may not, with limited
exceptions for emergencies, undertake long term borrowing (i.e., borrowing for
more than one year) unless the borrowing is authorized in a specific amount for
a single work or purpose by the Legislature and approved by the voters.  There
is no limitation on the amount of long term debt that may be so authorized and
subsequently incurred by the State.  The State may undertake short term
borrowings without voter approval (i) in the anticipation of the receipt of
taxes and revenues, by issuing tax and revenue anticipation notes, and (ii) in
anticipation of the receipt of proceeds from the sale of duly authorized but
unissued bonds, by issuing bond anticipation notes.  The State Constitution
provides that the State may guarantee the repayment of certain borrowings to
carry out designated projects by the New York State Thruway Authority, the Job
Development Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

NEW YORK CITY.  The fiscal health of the State is closely related to the fiscal
health of its localities, particularly the City, which has required and
continues to require significant financial assistance from the State.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL SECURITIES

REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES.  The Constitution of Pennsylvania provides that
operating budget appropriations may not exceed the estimated revenues and
available surplus in the fiscal year for which funds are appropriated.  Annual
budgets are enacted for the General Fund and for certain special revenue funds
which represent the majority of expenditures of the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania's Governmental Funds receive a majority of their revenues from





                                     S-9
<PAGE>   213
taxes levied by the Commonwealth.  Interest earnings, licenses and fees,
lottery ticket sales, liquor store profits, miscellaneous revenues,
augmentations and federal government grants supply the balance of the receipts
of these funds.  Revenues not required to be deposited in another fund are
deposited in the General Fund.  Pennsylvania's major expenditures include
funding for education and public health and human services.

COMMONWEALTH DEBT.  Current constitutional provisions permit Pennsylvania to
issue the following types of debt: (i) debt to suppress insurrection or
rehabilitate areas affected by disaster, (ii) electorate approved debt, (iii)
debt for capital projects subject to an aggregate debt limit of 1.75 times the
annual average tax revenues of the preceding five fiscal years and (iv) tax
anticipation notes payable in the fiscal year of issuance.  All debt except tax
anticipation notes must be amortized in substantial and regular amounts.

Pennsylvania engages in short-term borrowing to fund expenses within a fiscal
year through the sale of tax anticipation notes which must mature within the
fiscal year of issuance.  The principal amount issued, when added to that
already outstanding, may not exceed in the aggregate 20% of the revenues
estimated to accrue to the appropriate fund in the fiscal year.  The
Commonwealth is not permitted to fund deficits between fiscal years with any
form of debt.  All year-end deficit balances must be funded within the
succeeding fiscal year's budget.  Pending the issuance of bonds, Pennsylvania
may issue bond anticipation notes subject to the applicable statutory and
constitutional limitations generally imposed on bonds.  The term of such
borrowings may not exceed three years.  The Commonwealth currently has no bond
anticipation notes outstanding.

STATE-RELATED OBLIGATIONS.  Certain state-created agencies have statutory
authorization to incur debt for which legislation providing for state
appropriations to pay debt service thereon is not required.  The debt of these
agencies is supported by assets of, or revenues derived from, the various
projects financed and the debt of such agencies is not an obligation of
Pennsylvania although some of the agencies are indirectly dependent on
Commonwealth appropriations.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEBT.  Local government in Pennsylvania consists of numerous
individual units.  Each unit is distinct and independent of other local units,
although they may overlap geographically.  There is extensive general
legislation applying to local government.  Municipalities may also issue
revenue obligations without limit and without affecting their general
obligation borrowing capacity if the obligations are projected to be paid
solely from project revenues.  Municipal authorities and industrial development
authorities are also widespread in Pennsylvania.  An authority is organized by
a municipality acting singly or jointly with another municipality and is
governed by a Board appointed by the governing unit of the creating
municipality or municipalities.  Typically, authorities are established to
acquire, own and lease or operate one or more projects and to borrow money and
issue revenue bonds to finance them.


   
THE MANAGER
    

   
The Management Agreement provides that SEI Fund Management (the "Manager")
shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss
suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which the Management
Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith
or gross negligence on the part of the Manager in the performance of its duties
or from reckless disregard of its duties and obligations thereunder.
    

The continuance of the Management Agreement must be specifically approved at
least annually (i) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees or by the vote of
a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio, and (ii) by
the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to the
Management Agreement or an "interested person" (as that term is defined in the
1940 Act) of any party thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval.  The Management Agreement is terminable at
any time as to any





                                     S-10
<PAGE>   214
Portfolio without penalty by the Trustees of the Trust, by a vote of a majority
of the outstanding shares  of the Portfolio or by the Manager on not less than
30 days' nor more than 60 days' written notice.

   
The Manager, a Delaware business trust, has its principal business offices at
680 East Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087.  SEI Financial Management
Corporation ("SFM"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company
("SEI"), is the owner of all beneficial interest in the Manager.  SEI and its
subsidiaries, including the Manager, are leading providers of funds evaluation
services, trust accounting systems, and brokerage and information services to
financial institutions, institutional investors and money managers.  The
Manager and its affiliates also serve as administrator to the following other
mutual funds: The Achievement Funds Trust; The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund; The
Arbor Fund; ARK Funds; Bishop Street Funds; CoreFunds, Inc.; CrestFunds, Inc.;
CUFUND; FMB Funds, Inc.; First American Funds, Inc.; First American Investment
Funds, Inc.; First American Strategy Funds; Marquis Funds(R); Monitor Funds;
Morgan Grenfell Investment Trust; The Pillar Funds; The PBHG Funds, Inc.;
Profit Funds Investment Trust; Rembrandt Funds(R); Santa Barbara Group of
Mutual Funds, Inc.; 1784 Funds(R); SEI Asset Allocation Trust; SEI Daily Income
Trust; SEI Index Funds; SEI Institutional Investments Trust; SEI Institutional
Managed Trust; SEI International Trust; SEI Liquid Asset Trust; Stepstone
Funds; STI Classic Funds; STI Classic Variable Trust; and Turner Funds.
    

   
For the fiscal years ended August 31, 1994, 1995, and 1996 the Portfolios paid
management fees, after waivers and/or reimbursements as follows:
    


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
============================================================================================
                                    FEES PAID (000)              FEES WAIVED OR REIMBURSED
                                                                           (000)
                             ----------------------------      -----------------------------
        PORTFOLIO              1994        1995      1996        1994       1995        1996
============================================================================================
<S>                          <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>
Tax Free Portfolio           $1,128     $  991     $1,099      $  353    $  207      $  158
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Tax Free       $1,569     $1,548     $1,697      $1,482    $1,567      $1,283
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California Tax Exempt        $  145     $  486     $  581      $  334    $  330      $  305
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intermediate-Term            $  357     $  288     $  279      $  177    $  125      $   74
Municipal Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania Municipal       $  338     $  132     $  183      $  224    $  253      $  174
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania Tax Free        $    6     $   42     $   66      $   27    $   33      $   43
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kansas Tax Free Income       $   68     $   91     $  101      $   22    $    3      $    0
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York Intermediate-Term       *          *          *           *         *           *
Municipal Portfolio
============================================================================================
</TABLE>
    

*Not in operation during the period.





                                     S-11
<PAGE>   215
   
THE ADVISERS AND SUB-ADVISER
    

   
Each Advisory Agreement or Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that each Adviser or
Sub-Adviser shall not be protected against any liability to the Trust or its
shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on
its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its
obligations or duties thereunder.
    

   
The continuance of each Advisory or Sub-Advisory Agreement after the first two
(2) years must be specifically approved at least annually (i) by the vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares of that Portfolio or by the Trustees, and
(ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to such
Advisory or Sub-Advisory Agreement or "interested persons" of any party
thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval.  Each Advisory or Sub-Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically
in the event of its assignment, and is terminable at any time without penalty
by the Trustees of the Trust or, with respect to a Portfolio, by a majority of
the outstanding shares of that Portfolio, on not less than 30 days' nor more
than 60 days' written notice to the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, or by the Adviser
or Sub-Adviser on 90 days' written notice to the Trust.
    

   
For the fiscal years ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Portfolios paid
advisory fees, after waivers and/or reimbursements as follows:
    


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===================================================================================================
                                         FEES PAID (000)           FEES WAIVED OR REIMBURSED (000)
                                -----------------------------      --------------------------------
        PORTFOLIO                1994         1995       1996        1994         1995         1996
===================================================================================================
<S>                             <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
Tax Free Portfolio              $ 259        $ 129      $ 137       $   0        $   0       $   0
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Tax Free          $ 360        $ 334      $ 325       $   0        $   0       $   0
Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California Tax Exempt           $  91        $ 137      $ 151       $   0        $   0       $   0
Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intermediate-Term Municipal     $ 163        $ 131      $ 254       $  73        $  60       $   0
Portfolio+
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania Municipal          $ 233        $ 262      $ 202       $ 161        $   4       $   0
Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania Tax Free           $   4        $   8      $  12            0       $   0       $   0
Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kansas Tax Free Income          $   0        $   0      $   0       $ 180        $ 188       $ 202
Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York Intermediate-Term         *            *          *           *            *           *
Municipal Portfolio
===================================================================================================
</TABLE>
    

* Not in operation during the period.

   
+ Amounts paid for the Portfolio since April 16, 1996 were paid to SFM, who 
  paid Standish, Ayer & Wood out this advisory fee.
    

   
DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING
    





                                     S-12
<PAGE>   216
   
The Trust has adopted Distribution Plans for Class D and Class G shares of the
Portfolios (the "Plans") in accordance with the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under
the 1940 Act, which regulates circumstances under which an investment company
may directly or indirectly bear expenses relating to the distribution of its
shares.  In this regard, the Board of Trustees has determined that the Plans
and the Distribution Agreement are in the best interests of the shareholders.
Continuance of the Plans must be approved annually by a majority of the
Trustees of the Trust and by a majority of the trustees who are not "interested
persons" of the Trust as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and who have no
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of a Distribution Plan
or in any agreements related thereto ("Qualified Trustees").  The Plans require
that quarterly written reports of amounts spent under the Plans and the
purposes of such expenditures be furnished to and reviewed by the Trustees.
The Plans may not be amended to increase materially the amount which may be
spent thereunder without approval by a majority of the outstanding shares of
the Portfolio or class affected.  All material amendments of the Plans will
require approval by a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and of the
Qualified Trustees.
    

   
The Plans provide that the Trust will pay the Distributor a fee on the Class D
and Class G shares of the Portfolio.  The Distributor may use this fee for:
(i) compensation for its services in connection with distribution assistance or
provision of shareholder services or (ii) payments to financial institutions
and intermediaries such as banks, savings and loan associations, insurance
companies and investment counselors, broker-dealers and the Distributor's
affiliates and subsidiaries as compensation for services or reimbursement of
expenses incurred in connection with distribution assistance or provision of
shareholder services.
    

   
The Portfolios have also adopted shareholder servicing plans for its Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class G shares (the "Service Plans"), and Administrative
Services Plans for its Class B and Class C shares.  Under these Service and
Administrative Services Plans, the Distributor may perform, or may compensate
other service providers for performing, the following shareholder and
administrative services:  maintaining client accounts; arranging for bank
wires; responding to client inquiries concerning services provided on
investments; assisting clients in changing dividend options, account
designations and addresses; sub-accounting; providing information on share
positions to clients; forwarding shareholder communications to clients;
processing purchase, exchange and redemption orders; and processing dividend
payments.  Under the Service and Administrative Services Plans, the Distributor
may retain as a profit any difference between the fee it receives and the
amount it pays to third parties.
    

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the Portfolios paid the following
amounts pursuant to the Distribution Plans:


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===========================================================================================================
                                                Amount Paid to
                                                Third Parties                   Prospectus       Costs
                                                by Distributor                  Printing &     Associated
                           Total       Basis    of Distribution-    Sales        Mailing          with
 Portfolio/Class          Amount      Points    Related Services   Expenses       Costs       Registration
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>         <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
Tax Free Portfolio         $200,621    .06%         $     0        $149,491      $14,595        $36,535
- - Class A**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Tax          $477,463    .06%         $43,099        $328,981      $33,453        $71,930
Free Portfolio -
Class A**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    





                                     S-13
<PAGE>   217
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===========================================================================================================
                                                Amount Paid to
                                                Third Parties                   Prospectus       Costs
                                                by Distributor                  Printing &     Associated
                           Total       Basis    of Distribution-    Sales        Mailing          with
 Portfolio/Class          Amount      Points    Related Services   Expenses       Costs       Registration
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>           <C>       <C>               <C>          <C>             <C>
Institutional Tax           $66,597    .36%         $56,587          $7,557      $   789         $ 1,664
Free Portfolio -
Class B**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California Tax              $25,267    .06%      $        0         $19,087       $1,889         $ 4,291
Exempt Portfolio -
Class A**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California Tax                *          *            *                 *            *               *
Exempt Portfolio -
Class B**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California Tax                *          *            *                 *            *               *
Exempt Portfolio -
Class C**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California Tax           $1,891,757    .56%      $1,701,171        $140,169      $18,726         $31,691
Exempt Portfolio
Class G+
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Tax            $4,150    .56%       $       0          $3,105      $   371         $   674
Free Portfolio
Class C**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York                      *          *            *                 *            *               *
Intermediate-Term
Municipal Portfolio
- - Class A
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania                $57,636    .06%      $        0         $43,371       $4,462         $ 9,803
Municipal Portfolio
- - Class A**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania Tax            $15,084    .05%      $        0         $11,169       $1,274         $ 2,641
Free Portfolio**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intermediate-Term           $50,572    .05%      $        0         $39,775      $    18         $10,779
Municipal Portfolio
- - Class A**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kansas Tax Free             $12,015    .02%      $        0        $      0       $5,965          $6,050
Income Portfolio -
Class A**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kansas Tax Free               *          *            *                 *            *               *
Income Portfolio -
Class B**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    





                                     S-14
<PAGE>   218
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===========================================================================================================
                                                Amount Paid to
                                                Third Parties                   Prospectus       Costs
                                                by Distributor                  Printing &     Associated
                           Total       Basis    of Distribution-    Sales        Mailing          with
 Portfolio/Class          Amount      Points    Related Services   Expenses       Costs       Registration
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>           <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>             <C>
Tax Free Portfolio       $    527      .40%         $   429          $  79        $    5          $   14
- - Class D
===========================================================================================================
</TABLE>
    

*    Not in operation during the period.

   
**   As of March 18, 1996, the Distribution Plans for the Trust's Class A,
     Class B and Class C shares were eliminated.
    

   
+    Formerly the Class C shares; converted to Class G shares on March 18,
     1996.
    

Except to the extent that the Manager or Advisers benefitted through increased
fees from an increase in the net assets of the Trust which may have resulted in
part from the expenditures, no interested person of the Trust nor any Trustee
of the Trust who is not an interested person of the Trust had a direct or
indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plans or
related agreements.

   
For the fiscal years ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the aggregate sales
charges payable to the Distributor with respect to the Class D shares for the
Tax Free Portfolio were as follows:
    


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Aggregate Sales Charge                         Amount Retained
Year                    Payable to Distributor                          By Distributor
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                                        <C>
1994                            $21,795                                    $   508
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995                            $38,648                                     $3,468
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996                            $17,368                                     $1,614
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

   
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST
    

   
The Trustees and executive officers of the Trust and their principal
occupations for the last five years are set forth below.  Each may have held
other positions with the named companies during that period.  Unless otherwise
noted, the business address of each Trustee and executive officer is SEI Fund
Management,  680 East Swedesford Road, Wayne, Pennsylvania  19087.  Certain
trustees and officers of the Trust also serve as trustees and officers of some
or all of the following:  The Achievement Funds Trust; The Advisors' Inner
Circle Fund; The Arbor Fund; ARK Funds; Bishop Street Funds; CoreFunds, Inc.;
CrestFunds, Inc.; CUFUND; First American Funds, Inc.; First American Investment
Funds, Inc.; First American Strategy Funds, Inc.;  FMB Funds, Inc.; Insurance
Investment Products Trust; Inventor Funds, Inc.; Marquis Funds(R); Monitor
Funds;  Morgan Grenfell Investment Trust; The PBHG Funds, Inc.; The Pillar
Funds; Profit Funds Investment Trust; Rembrandt Funds(R); Santa Barbara Group
of Mutual Funds, Inc.; 1784 Funds(R); SEI Asset Allocation Trust; SEI Daily
Income Trust; SEI Index Funds; SEI Institutional Investment Trust; SEI
Institutional Managed Trust; SEI International Trust; SEI Liquid Asset Trust;
Stepstone Funds; STI Classic Funds; STI Classic Variable Trust; and Turner
Funds, open-end management investment companies managed by SEI Financial
Management Corporation and its affiliates and, with the exception of Profit
Funds Investment Trust, Rembrandtsm Funds, and Santa Barbara Group of Mutual
Funds, Inc., distributed by SEI Financial Services Company.
    





                                     S-15
<PAGE>   219
   
ROBERT A. NESHER (DOB 08/17/46) - Chairman of the Board of Trustees* - Retired
since 1994.  Executive Vice President of SEI, 1986-1994.  Director and
Executive Vice President of the Manager and the Distributor, September,
1981-1994.  Trustee of the Arbor Fund, Marquis Funds(R),Advisors' Inner Circle
Fund, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Liquid Asset Trust, SEI Daily Income
Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Index Funds, SEI Institutional Managed Trust,
SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI International Trust, Insurance
Investment Products Trust, 1784 Funds(R), Pillar Funds, Rembrandt Funds(R) and
Stepstone Funds.
    

   
WILLIAM M. DORAN  (DOB 5/26/40) - Trustee* - 2000 One Logan Square,
Philadelphia, PA 19103.  Partner, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, (law firm),
counsel to the Trust, Manager and Distributor, Director and Secretary of SEI
and Secretary of the Manager and Distributor.  Trustee of the Arbor Fund,
Marquis Funds(R), Advisors' Inner Circle Fund, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI
Liquid Asset Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Index
Funds, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust,
SEI International Trust, Insurance Investment Products Trust.
    

   
F. WENDELL GOOCH (DOB 12/03/37) - Trustee** - P.O. Box 190, Paoli, IN 47454.
President, Orange County Publishing Co., Inc., since October 1981.  Publisher
of the Paoli News and the Paoli Republican and Editor of the Paoli Republican
since January 1981; President, H & W Distribution, Inc. since July 1984.
Executive Vice President, Trust Department, Harris Trust and Savings Bank and
Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Harris Trust Company of Arizona
before January 1981.  Trustee of STI Classic Funds, SEI Asset Allocation Trust,
SEI Liquid Asset Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Index
Funds, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust,
and SEI International Trust.
    

   
FRANK E. MORRIS (DOB 12/30/23) - Trustee** - 105 Walpole Street, Dover, MA
02030.  Retired since 1990.  Peter Drucker Professor of Management, Boston
College, 1989-1990.  President, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, 1968-1988.
Trustee of The Arbor Fund, Marquis Funds(R), Advisors' Inner Circle Fund, SEI
Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Liquid Asset Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax
Exempt Trust, SEI Index Funds, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI
Institutional Investments Trust, and SEI International Trust.
    

   
JAMES M. STOREY (DOB 04/12/31) - Trustee - Partner of Dechert Price & Rhoads
from September 197 - December 1993. Trustee of the Arbor Fund, Marquis
Funds(R), Advisors' Inner Circle Fund, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Liquid
Asset Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Index Funds, SEI
Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI
International Trust, Insurance Investment Products Trust.
    

   
GEORGE J. SULLIVAN, JR. (DOB 11/13/42) - Trustee - General Partner, Teto
Partners, L.P. since 1991.  Chief Financial Officer, Noble Partners, L.P.
since1991. Treasurer and Clerk, Peak Asset Management, Inc. since 1991.
Trustee, Navigator Securities Lending Trust since 1995.  Trustee, SEI Asset
Allocation Trust, SEI Liquid Asset Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Index
Funds, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust and
SEI International Trust.
    

   
DAVID G. LEE (DOB 04/16/52) - President, Chief Executive Officer - Senior Vice
President of the Distributor since 1993.  Vice President of the Manager and
Distributor 1991-1993.  President, GW Sierra Trust Funds before 1991.
    

   
SANDRA K. ORLOW (DOB 10/18/53) - Vice President, Assistant Secretary - Vice
President and Assistant Secretary of the Manager and Distributor since 1988.
    

   
KEVIN P. ROBINS (DOB 04/15/61) - Vice President, Assistant Secretary - Senior
Vice President, General Counsel of SEI, the Administrator and Distributor since
1994.  Vice President and Assistant Secretary of SEI, theAdministrator and
Distributor, 1992-1994.  Associate, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (law firm)
1988-1992.
    





                                     S-16
<PAGE>   220
   
KATHRYN L. STANTON (DOB 11/19/58) - Vice President, Assistant Secretary -
Deputy General Counsel, Vice President and Assistant Secretary of SEI, Vice
President and Assistant Secretary of SEI, the Administrator and Distributor
since 1994.  Associate, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (law firm) 1989-1994.
    

   
JOSEPH M. LYDON (DOB 09/27/59) - Vice President, Assistant Secretary -
Director, Business Administration of Fund Resources, April 1995. Vice
President, Fund Group, Dreman Value Management, LP, President, Dreman Financial
Services, Inc. prior to 1995.
    

   
STEPHEN G. MEYER (DOB 7/12/65) - controller, Chief Financial Officer-Vice
President and Controller of SEI Corporation since 1994.  Director,
International Audit and Risk Management, SEI Corporation, 1992-1994.  Senior
Associate, Coopers and Lybrand, 1990-1992.  Internal Audit, Vanguard Group
prior to 1992.
    

   
TODD CIPPERMAN (DOB 1/14/66) - Vice President and Assistant Secretary - Vice
President and Assistant Secretary of SEI, the Manager and the Distributor since
1995.  Associate, Dewey Ballantine (law firm), (1994-1995).  Associate, Winston
& Strawn (law firm), (1991-1994).
    

   
BARBARA A. NUGENT (DOB 6/18/56) - Vice President and Assistant Secretary - Vice
President and Assistant Secretary of SEI, the Manager and Distributor since
1996.  Associate, Drinker, Biddle & Reath (law firm).  Assistant Vice
President/Administration, Delaware Service Company, Inc. (1992-1993), Assistant
Vice President - Operations, Delaware Service Company, Inc. (1988-1992).
    

   
MARC H. CAHN (DOB 6/19/57) - Vice President and Assistant Secretary - Vice
President and Assistant Secretary of SEI, the Administrator and Distributor
since 1996.  Associate General Counsel, Barclays Bank PLC (1995-1996).  ERISA
counsel, First Fidelity Bancorporation (1994-1995), Associate, Morgan, Lewis &
Bockius LLP (1989-1994).
    

   
RICHARD W. GRANT (DOB 10/25/45) - Secretary - 2000 One Logan Square,
Philadelphia, PA 19103, Partner, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (law firm),
counsel to the Trust, Manager and Distributor.
    

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

   
*    Messrs. Nesher and Doran are Trustees who may be deemed to be "interested
     persons" of the Trust as the term is defined in the 1940 Act.
    

   
**   Messrs. Gooch, Storey, Sullivan and Morris serve as members of the Audit
     Committee of the Trust.
    

The Trustees and officers of the Trust own less than 1% of the outstanding
shares of the Trust.  The Trust pays the fees for unaffiliated Trustees.

   
Compensation of officers and affiliated Trustees of the Trust is paid by the
Manager.  For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the Trust paid the
following amounts to the Trustees.
    


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==========================================================================================================
                                                   Pension or                          Total Compensation
                               Aggregate           Retirement          Estimated       from Registrant and
                           Compensation From    Benefits Accrued        Annual        Fund Complex Paid to
   Name of Person and        Registrant for      as Part of Fund     Benefits Upon      Directors for FYE
        Position              FYE 8/31/96           Expenses          Retirement             8/31/96
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                  <C>                  <C>          <C>
Richard F. Blanchard,          $  9,200             $    0               $   0        $90,000 for services
Trustee 1/                                                                            on 7 boards
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    





                                     S-17
<PAGE>   221
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==========================================================================================================
                                                   Pension or                          Total Compensation
                               Aggregate           Retirement          Estimated       from Registrant and
                           Compensation From    Benefits Accrued        Annual        Fund Complex Paid to
   Name of Person and        Registrant for      as Part of Fund     Benefits Upon      Directors for FYE
        Position              FYE 8/31/96           Expenses          Retirement             8/31/96
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>                      <C>                  <C>          <C>
William M. Doran,              $     0               $    0               $   0       $    0
Trustee
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F. Wendell Gooch,              $12,695               $    0               $   0       $90,000 for services
Trustee                                                                               on 7 boards
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frank E. Morris,               $12,695               $    0               $   0       $90,000 for services
Trustee                                                                               on 7 boards
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert A. Nesher,              $     0               $    0               $   0       $    0
Trustee
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James M. Storey 2/,            $12,695               $    0               $   0       $90,000 for services
Trustee                                                                               on 7 boards
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
George J. Sullivan,            $ 3,005               $    0               $   0       $22,500 for services
Jr., Trustee 3/                                                                       on 7 boards
==========================================================================================================
</TABLE>
    

   
1/  Deceased May 7, 1996
    

   
2/  Mr. Storey received the stated amounts as compensation for service as an
    Honorary Trustee for the Trust during the most recent fisal year.
    

   
3/  Mr. Sullivan was elected as Trustee to the Trust on July 5, 1996.
    

PERFORMANCE

From time to time, the Portfolios may advertise yield and/or total return.
These figures will be based on historical earnings and are not intended to
indicate future performance.

The current yield of the Portfolios that are money market funds is calculated
daily based upon the 7 days ending on the date of calculation ("base period").
The yield is computed by determining the net change (exclusive of capital
changes) in the value of a hypothetical pre-existing shareholder account having
a balance of one share at the beginning of the period, subtracting a
hypothetical charge reflecting deductions from shareholder accounts and
dividing such net change by the value of the account at the beginning of the
same period to obtain the base period return and multiplying the result by
(365/7).  Realized and unrealized gains and losses are not included in the
calculation of the yield.

The Portfolios compute their effective compound yield by determining the net
changes, exclusive of capital changes, in the value of a hypothetical
pre-existing account having a balance of one share at the beginning of the
period, subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting deductions from
shareholder accounts, and dividing the difference by the value of the account
at the beginning of the base period to obtain the base period return, and then
compounding the base period return by adding 1, raising the sum to a power
equal to 365 divided by 7, and subtracting 1 from the result, according to the
                                                               365/7
following formula:  Effective Yield = {(Base Period Return + 1)     } - 1.  The
current and the effective yields reflect the reinvestment of net income earned
daily on portfolio assets.





                                     S-18
<PAGE>   222
From time to time, the Intermediate-Term Municipal, Pennsylvania Municipal,
Kansas Tax Free Income and New York Intermediate-Term Portfolios may advertise
yield.  These figures will be based on historical earnings and are not intended
to indicate future performance.  The yield of these Portfolios refers to the
annualized income generated by an investment in the Portfolios over a specified
30-day period.  The yield is calculated by assuming that the income generated
by the investment during that period generated each period over one year and is
shown as a percentage of the investment.  In particular, yield will be
calculated according to the following formula:

                           6 
Yield = 2([(a-b)/(cd) + 1)]  - 1) where a = dividends and interest earned
during the period; b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursement);
c = the current daily number of shares outstanding during the period that were
entitled to receive dividends; and d = the maximum offering price per share on
the last day of the period.

Actual yields will depend on such variables as asset quality, average asset
maturity, the type of instruments a Portfolio invests in, changes in interest
rates on money market instruments, changes in the expenses of the Portfolios
and other factors.

Yields are one basis upon which investors may compare the Portfolios with other
money market funds; however, yields of other money market mutual funds and
other investment vehicles may not be comparable because of the factors set
forth above and differences in the methods used in valuing portfolio
instruments.

   
For the 7-day period ended August 31, 1996, the end of the Trust's most recent
fiscal year, the money market Portfolios' current effective and tax-equivalent
yields were as follows:
    



   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==================================================================================================================
                                                                                      7-DAY             7-DAY
                                                                   7-DAY         TAX-EQUIVALENT     TAX-EQUIVALENT
       PORTFOLIO              CLASS          7-DAY YIELD      EFFECTIVE YIELD         YIELD        EFFECTIVE YIELD
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                   <C>                 <C>             <C>                 <C>   
Tax Free Portfolio        Class A                 3.21%             3.26%            5.35%               5.43%
                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Class D                 2.87%             2.91%            4.78%               4.85%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Tax Free    Class A                 3.37%             3.43%            5.62%               5.72%
Portfolio                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Class B                 3.07%             3.12%            5.12%               5.20%
                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Class C                 2.87%             2.91%            4.78%               4.85%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California Tax Exempt     Class A                 3.22%             3.27%            6.44%               6.54%
Portfolio                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Class B                    *                 *                *                  *
                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Class C                    *                 *                *                  *
                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Class G*+               2.72%              2.76%           5.44%               5.52%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania Tax Free     Class A                 3.22%              3.27%           5.60%               5.69%
Portfolio
==================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
    


*    Not in operation during the period

   
+    Formerly the Class C shares; converted to Class G shares on March 18,
     1996.
    

   
For the 30-day period ended August 31, 1996, yields on the Portfolios other
than the money market Portfolios were as follows:
    





                                     S-19
<PAGE>   223
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==========================================================================================
                                                                              YIELD
                                                                    ----------------------
                                                                    30 DAY      30 DAY TAX
                 PORTFOLIO                          CLASS                       EQUIVALENT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>                      <C>           <C>
New York Intermediate-Term Municipal         Class A                     *           *
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio             Class A                   4.96%         8.63%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio        Class A                   4.56%         7.60%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio             Class A                   5.02          9.30%
                                             ---------------------------------------------
                                             Class B                     *           *
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

*Not in operation during the period.

From time to time, the Intermediate-Term Municipal, Pennsylvania Municipal,
Kansas Tax Free Income and New York Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolios may
advertise total return.  The total return of a Portfolio refers to the average
compounded rate of return to a hypothetical investment for designated time
periods (including, but not limited to, the period from which the Portfolio
commenced operations through the specified date), assuming that the entire
investment is redeemed at the end of each period. In particular, total return
                                                               n
will be calculated according to the following formula: P(1 + T)  = ERV, where P
= a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000; T = average annual total return; n
= number of years; and ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000
payment made at the beginning of the designated time period as of the end of
such period.

   
Based on the foregoing, the average annual total returns for the Portfolios
from inception through August 31, 1996 and for the one, five and ten year
periods ended August 31, 1996 were as follows:
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===========================================================================================================
                                                                         AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
                                                                   ----------------------------------------
                                                                    ONE       FIVE       TEN        SINCE
      PORTFOLIO                         CLASS                      YEAR       YEAR      YEAR      INCEPTION
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>                                    <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Tax Free Portfolio          Class A(1)                             3.35%      2.93%      3.95%      4.25%
                            -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Class D--Offering Price(10)            2.99%        *         *         3.11%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Tax Free      Class A(1)                             3.52%      3.20%      4.15%      4.36%
Portfolio                   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Class B(2)                             3.21%      2.89%       *         3.14%
                            -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Class C                                1.90%        *         *         3.00%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    





                                     S-20
<PAGE>   224
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===========================================================================================================
                                                                         AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
                                                                    ONE       FIVE       TEN        SINCE
        PORTFOLIO                         CLASS                    YEAR       YEAR      YEAR      INCEPTION
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>                                   <C>        <C>         <C>      <C>
California Tax Exempt       Class A(3)                            3.41%      3.01%        *        3.46%
Portfolio                   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Class B(4) (closed 7/12/95)              *          *         *           *
                            -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Class C(5)                               *          *         *           *
                            -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Class G+                              1.84%         *         *        2.83%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania Municipal      Class A(6)                            3.96%      5.90%        *        6.32%
Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania Tax Free       Class A(7)                            3.40%         *         *        3.24%
Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intermediate-Term           Class A(8)                            3.76%      5.78%        *        6.14%
Municipal Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kansas Tax Free Income      Class A(9)                            4.23%      6.55%        *        6.63%
                            -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio                   Class B                                  *          *         *           *
===========================================================================================================
</TABLE>
    


   
(1)  Commenced operations 2/1/84             (6)   Commenced operations 8/14/89
(2)  Commenced operations 10/15/90           (7)   Commenced operations 1/21/94
(3)  Commenced operations 5/14/90            (8)   Commenced operations 9/5/89
(4)  Commenced operations 1/5/94             (9)   Commenced operations 12/10/90
(5)  Commenced operations 5/11/94            (10)  Commenced operations 11/1/94
    

*    Not in operation during period.

   
+    Formerly the Class C shares; converted to Class G shares on March 18,
     1996.
    

Each Portfolio may, from time to time, compare its performance to other mutual
funds tracked by mutual fund rating services, to broad groups of comparable
mutual funds or to unmanaged indices which may assume investment of dividends
but generally do not reflect deductions for sales charges, administrative and
management costs.

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

   
Securities of the Tax Free, Institutional Tax Free, California Tax Exempt and
the Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolios will be valued by the amortized cost
method which involves valuing a security at its cost on the date of purchase
and thereafter (absent unusual circumstances) assuming a constant amortization
to maturity of any discount or premium, regardless of the impact of
fluctuations in general market rates of interest on the value of the
instrument.  While this method provides certainty in valuation, it may result
in periods during which value, as determined by this method is higher or lower
than the price the Trust would receive if it sold the instrument.  During
periods of declining interest rates, the daily yield of a Portfolio may tend to
be higher than a like computation made by a company with identical investments
utilizing a method of valuation based upon market prices and estimates of
market prices for all of its portfolio securities.  Thus, if the use of
amortized cost by a Portfolio resulted in a lower aggregate portfolio value on
a particular day, a prospective investor in a Portfolio would be able to obtain
a somewhat higher yield than would result from investment in a company
utilizing solely market values, and existing shareholders in the Portfolio
would experience a lower yield.  The converse would apply in a period of rising
interest rates.
    





                                     S-21
<PAGE>   225
   
A Portfolio's use of amortized cost valuation and the maintenance of the
Portfolio's net asset value at $1.00 are permitted by Rule 2a-7 under the 1940
Act, provided that certain conditions are met.  Under Rule 2a-7 a money market
portfolio must maintain a dollar-weighted average maturity of 90 days or less,
and not purchase any instrument having a remaining maturity of more than 397
days.  In addition, money market funds may acquire only U.S. dollar denominated
obligations that present minimal credit risks and that are "eligible
securities," which means they are:  (i) rated, at the time of investment, by at
least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (one if it is
the only organization rating such obligation) in the highest short-term rating
category or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality (a "first tier
security"), or (ii) rated according to the foregoing criteria in the second
highest short-term rating category or, if unrated, determined to be of
comparable quality ("second tier security").  The Advisers will determine that
an obligation presents minimal credit risk or that unrated instruments are of
comparable quality in accordance with guidelines established by the Trustees.
In the event a first tier security of the Tax Free Portfolio, Institutional Tax
Free Portfolio, California Tax Exempt Portfolio or the Pennsylvania Tax Free
Portfolio is downgraded below first tier security status after purchase, or the
Adviser of the of any such Portfolio becomes aware that an unrated or second
tier security has received any rating below the second highest rating category
after purchase, the Portfolio's Adviser will either dispose of the security
within five business days or the Board of Trustees will reassess whether the
security continues to present minimal credit risks.  The Board may also
delegate this responsibility to the Portfolio's Adviser with respect to the
downgrade of a first tier security.  The regulations also require the Trustees
to establish procedures which are reasonably designed to stabilize the net
asset value per unit at $1.00 for each Portfolio.  However, there is no
assurance that the Trust will be able to meet this objective.  The Trust's
procedures include the determination of the extent of deviation, if any, of
each Portfolio's current net asset value per unit calculated using available
market quotations from each Portfolio's amortized cost price per unit at such
intervals as the Trustees deem appropriate and reasonable in light of market
conditions and periodic reviews of the amount of the deviation and the methods
used to calculate such deviation.  In the event that such deviation exceeds 1/2
of 1%, the Trustees are required to consider promptly what action, if any,
should be initiated; and, if the Trustees believe that the extent of any
deviation may result in material dilution or other unfair results to
shareholders, the Trustees are required to take such corrective action as they
deem appropriate to eliminate or reduce such dilution or unfair results to the
extent reasonably practicable.  In addition, if any Portfolio incurs a
significant loss or liability, the Trustees have the authority to reduce pro
rata the number of shares of that Portfolio in each shareholder's account and
to offset each shareholder's pro rata portion of such loss or liability from
the shareholder's accrued but unpaid dividends or from future dividends.
    

   
Securities of the Intermediate-Term Municipal, Pennsylvania Municipal, Kansas
Tax Free Income and New York Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolios are valued
by the Manager pursuant to valuations provided by an independent pricing
service.  The pricing service relies primarily on prices of actual market
transactions as well as trader quotations.  However, the service may also use a
matrix system to determine valuations, which system considers such factors as
security prices, yields, maturities, call features, ratings and developments
relating to specific securities in arriving at valuations.  The procedures of
the pricing service and its valuations are reviewed by the officers of the
Trust under the general supervision of the Trustees.
    

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES

The Trust reserves the right to suspend the right of redemption and/or to
postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which
trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted, or during the existence
of an emergency (as determined by the SEC by rule or regulation) as a result of
which disposal or evaluation of the portfolio securities is not reasonably
practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may be order permit.  The
Trust also reserves the right to suspend sales of shares of a Portfolio for any
period during which the New York Stock Exchange, the Manager, a Portfolio's
Adviser, the Distributor and/or the Custodian are not open for business.

In calculating the sales charge rates applicable to current purchases of Class
D shares, members of the following affinity groups and clients of the following
broker-dealers, each of which has entered into an agreement with the
Distributor, are entitled to the following percentage-based discounts from the
otherwise applicable sales charge:





                                     S-22
<PAGE>   226

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          Date                      Date
                                                          Offer                     Offer
Name of Group             Percentage Discount             Starts                    Terminates
- -------------             -------------------             ------                    ----------
<S>                           <C>                       <C>                       <C>
Countrywide Funding Corp.     100%                      July 27, 1994             September 19, 1994
                               50%                      September 23, 1994        November 22, 1994
</TABLE>

Those members or clients who take advantage of a percentage-based reduction in
the sales charge during the offering period noted above may continue to
purchase shares at the reduced sales charge rate after the offering period
relating to each such purchaser's affinity group or broker-dealer relationship
has terminated.

Please contact the Distributor at 1-800-437-6016.

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES

Stop-Payment Requests (Money Market Portfolios only): Investors may request a
stop payment on checks by providing the Trust with a written authorization to
do so.  Oral requests will be accepted provided that the Trust promptly
receives a written authorization.  Such requests will remain in effect for six
months unless renewed or canceled.  The Trust will use its best efforts to
effect stop-payment instructions, but does not promise or guarantee that such
instructions will be effective.  Shareholders requesting stop payment will be
charged a $20 service fee per check which will be deducted from their accounts.

   
The following is a description of plans and privileges by which the sales
charges imposed on the Class D shares of the Tax Free Portfolio may be reduced.
    

RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION:  A shareholder qualifies for cumulative quantity
discounts when his new investment, together with the current market value of
all holdings of that shareholder in the Portfolios reaches a discount level.
See "Additional Information About Doing Business With Us" in the Prospectuses
for the sales charge on quantity purchases.

LETTER OF INTENT:  The reduced sales charges are also applicable to the
aggregate amount of purchases made by any such purchaser previously enumerated
within a 13-month period pursuant to a written Letter of Intent provided by the
Distributor, and not legally binding on the signer or a Portfolio which
provides for the holding in escrow by the Distributor of 5% of the total amount
intended to be purchased until such purchase is completed within the 13-month
period.  A Letter of Intent may be dated to include shares purchased up to 90
days prior to the date the Letter of Intent is signed.  The 13-month period
begins on the date of the earliest purchase.  If the intended investment is not
completed, the Manager will surrender an appropriate number of the escrowed
shares for redemption in order to realize the difference.

DISTRIBUTION INVESTMENT OPTION:  Distributions of dividends and capital gains
made by the Portfolios may be automatically invested in shares of one of the
Portfolios if shares of the Portfolio are available for sale.  Such investments
will be subject to initial investment minimums, as well as additional purchase
minimums.  A shareholder considering the Distribution Investment Option should
obtain and read the prospectus of the other Portfolios and consider the
differences in objectives and policies before making any investment.

REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE:  A shareholder who has redeemed shares of any of the
Portfolios has a one-time right to reinvest the redemption proceeds in shares
of the Portfolios at their net asset value as of the time of reinvestment.
Such a reinvestment must be made within 30 days of the redemption and is
limited to the amount of the redemption proceeds.  Although redemptions and
repurchases of shares are taxable events, a reinvestment within such 30-day
period in the same fund is considered a "wash sale" and results in the
inability to recognize currently all or a portion of a loss realized





                                     S-23
<PAGE>   227
on the original redemption for federal income tax purposes.  The investor must
notify the Transfer Agent at the time the trade is placed that the transaction
is a reinvestment.

EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE:  A shareholder may exchange the shares of these Portfolios,
for which good payment has been received, in his account at any time,
regardless of how long he has held his shares.

Each Exchange Request must be in proper form (i.e., if in writing, signed by
the record owner(s) exactly as the shares are registered; if by telephone,
proper account identification is given by the dealer or shareholder of record),
and each exchange must involve either shares having an aggregate value of at
least $1,000 or all the shares in the account.  Each exchange involves the
redemption of the shares of a Portfolio (the "Old Portfolio") to be exchanged
and the purchase at net asset value of the shares of the other portfolios (the
"New Portfolios") plus in certain cases, as disclosed in each Prospectus, any
applicable sales charge.  Any gain or loss on the redemption of the shares
exchanged is reportable on the shareholder's federal income tax return, unless
such shares were held in a tax-deferred retirement plan or other tax-exempt
account.  If the Exchange Request is received by the Distributor in writing or
by telephone on any business day prior to the redemption cut-off time specified
in each Prospectus, the exchange usually will occur on that day if all the
restrictions set forth above have been complied with at that time.  However,
payment of the redemption proceeds by the Old Portfolio, and thus the purchase
of shares of the New Portfolios, may be delayed for up to seven days if the
Portfolios determine that such delay would be in the best interest of all of
its shareholders.  Investment dealers which have satisfied criteria established
by the Portfolios may also communicate a shareholder's Exchange Request to the
Portfolios subject to the restrictions set forth above.  No  more than five
exchange requests may be made in any one telephone Exchange Request.

TAXES

   
FEDERAL INCOME TAX
    

The following discussion of federal income tax consequences is based on the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and the regulations
issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this Statement of Additional
Information.  New legislation, as well as administrative changes or court
decisions, may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and may
have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.

Each Portfolio will decide whether to distribute or retain all or part of any
net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net
short-term capital losses) in any year for reinvestment.  If any such gains are
retained, the Portfolio will pay federal income tax thereon, and, if the
Portfolio makes an election, the shareholders will include such undistributed
gains in their income and shareholders subject to tax will be able to claim
their share of the tax paid by the Portfolio as a credit against their federal
income tax liability.

A gain or loss realized by a shareholder on the sale or exchange of shares of a
Portfolio held as a capital asset will be capital gain or loss, and such gain
or loss will be long-term if the holding period for the shares exceeds one
year, and otherwise will be short-term.  Any loss realized on a sale or
exchange will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced
within the 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the
shares are disposed of.  Any loss realized by a shareholder on the disposition
of shares held 6 months or less is treated as a long-term capital loss to the
extent of any distributions of net long-term capital gains received by the
shareholder with respect to such shares or any inclusion of undistributed
capital gain with respect to such shares.

Each Portfolio will generally be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise
tax to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year at
least 98% of its ordinary income and 98% of its capital gain net income (the
excess of short- and long-term capital gains over short- and long-term capital
losses) for the one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, plus certain
other amounts.





                                     S-24
<PAGE>   228
   
Each Portfolio is required by federal law to withhold 31% of reportable
payments (which may include dividends, capital gains distributions, and
redemptions) paid individual or non-corporate to shareholders who have not
certified on the Account Registration Form or on a separate form supplied by
the Portfolio, that the Social Security or Taxpayer Identification Number
provided is correct and that the shareholder is exempt from backup withholding
or is not currently subject to backup withholding.
    

Each Portfolio within the Trust is generally treated as a separate corporation
for federal income tax purposes, and thus the provisions of the Code generally
will be applied to each Portfolio separately, rather than to the Trust as a
whole.  Net long-term and short-term capital gains, net income, and operating
expenses therefore will be determined separately for each Portfolio.

If a Portfolio fails to qualify as a regulated investment company ("RIC") for
any year, all of its income will be subject to tax at corporate rates, and its
distributions (including capital gains distributions) will be taxable as
ordinary income dividends to its shareholders, subject to the corporate
dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders.  No dividends of any
Portfolio are expected to qualify for that deduction.

   
As noted in the Prospectuses for the Portfolios, exempt-interest dividends are
excludable from a shareholder's gross income for regular federal income tax
purposes.  Exempt-interest dividends may nevertheless be subject to the
alternative minimum tax (the "Alternative Minimum Tax") imposed by Section 55
of the Code or the environmental tax (the "Environmental Tax") imposed by
Section 59A of the Code.  The Alternative Minimum Tax is imposed at the rate of
26% to 28% in the case of non-corporate taxpayers and at the rate of 20% in the
case of corporate taxpayers, to the extent it exceeds the taxpayer's regular
tax liability.  The Environmental Tax is imposed at the rate of 0.12% and
applies only to corporate taxpayers.  The Alternative Minimum Tax and the
Environmental Tax may be imposed in two circumstances.  First, exempt-interest
dividends derived from certain "private activity bonds" issued after August 7,
1986, will generally be an item of tax preference and therefore potentially
subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax for both corporate and non-corporate
taxpayers and the Environmental Tax for corporate taxpayers only.  The
Portfolios intend, when possible, to avoid investing in private activity bonds.
Second, in the case of exempt-interest dividends received by corporate
shareholders, all exempt-interest dividends, regardless of when the bonds from
which they are derived were issued or whether they are derived from private
activity bonds, will be included in the corporation's "adjusted current
earnings," as defined in Section 56(g) of the Code, in calculating the
corporation's alternative minimum taxable income for purposes of determining
the Alternative Minimum Tax and the Environmental Tax.
    

The percentage of income that constitutes "exempt-interest dividends" will be
determined for each year for the Portfolios and will be applied uniformly to
all dividends declared with respect to the Portfolios during that year.  This
percentage may differ from the actual percentage for any particular day.

Interest on indebtedness incurred by shareholders to purchase or carry shares
of the Portfolios will not be deductible for federal income tax purposes to the
extent that the Portfolios distribute exempt-interest dividends during the
taxable year.  The deduction otherwise allowable to property and casualty
insurance companies for "losses incurred" will be reduced by an amount equal to
a portion of exempt-interest dividends received or accrued during any taxable
year.  Certain foreign corporations engaged in a trade or business in the
United States will be subject to a "branch profits tax" on their "dividend
equivalent amount" for the taxable year, which will include exempt-interest
dividends.  Certain Subchapter S corporations may also be subject to taxes on
their "passive investment income," which could include exempt-interest
dividends.  Up to 85% of the Social Security benefits or railroad retirement
benefits received by an individual during any taxable year will be included in
the gross income of such individual if the individual's "modified adjusted
gross income" (which includes exempt-interest dividends) plus one-half of the
Social Security benefits or railroad retirement benefits received by such
individual during that taxable year exceeds the base amount described in
Section 86 of the Code.

Entities or persons who are "substantial users" (or persons related to
"substantial users") of facilities financed by industrial development bonds or
private activity bonds should consult their tax advisors before purchasing
shares of the





                                     S-25
<PAGE>   229
   
Portfolios.  "Substantial user" is defined generally as including a "non-exempt
person" who regularly uses in a trade or business a part of a facility financed
from the proceeds of industrial development bonds or private activity bonds.
    

   
Issuers of bonds purchased by the Portfolios (or the beneficiary of such bonds)
may have made certain representations or covenants in connection with the
issuance of such bonds to satisfy certain requirements of the Code that must be
satisfied subsequent to the issuance of such bonds.  Investors should be aware
that exempt-interest dividends derived from such bonds may become subject to
federal income taxation retroactively to the date of issuance of the bonds to
which such dividends are attributable if such representations are determined to
have been inaccurate or if the issuer of such bonds (or the beneficiary of such
bonds) fails to comply with such covenants.
    

STATE TAXES

A Portfolio is not liable for any income or franchise tax in Massachusetts if
it qualifies as a RIC for federal income tax purposes.  Depending upon
applicable state and local law, shareholders of a Portfolio may be exempt from
state and local taxes on distributions of tax-exempt interest income derived
from obligations of the state and/or municipalities in which they reside, but
shareholders may be subject to tax on income derived from obligations of other
jurisdictions.  Each Portfolio will make periodic reports to shareholders of
the source of distributions on a state-by-state basis. Shareholders should
consult their tax advisors concerning the state and local tax consequences of
investments in the Trust, which may differ from the federal income tax
consequences described above.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

   
The Trust has no obligation to deal with any dealer or group of dealers in the
execution of transactions in portfolio securities.  Subject to policies
established by the Trustees, the Advisers and Sub-Adviser are responsible for
placing orders to execute Portfolio transactions. In placing orders, it is the
Trust's policy to seek to obtain the best net results taking into account such
factors as price (including the applicable dealer spread), size, type and
difficulty of the transaction involved, the firm's general execution and
operational facilities, and the firm's risk in positioning the securities
involved. While the Advisers and Sub-Adviser generally seek reasonably
competitive spreads or commissions, the Trust will not necessarily be paying
the lowest spread or commission available. The Trust's policy of investing in
securities with short maturities will result in high portfolio turnover.  The
Trust will not purchase portfolio securities from any affiliated person acting
as a principal except in conformity with the regulations of the SEC.
    

   
The Trust does not expect to use one particular dealer, but, subject to the
Trust's policy of seeking the best net results, dealers who provide
supplemental investment research to the Advisers and Sub-Adviser may receive
orders for transactions by the Trust.  Information so received will be in
addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the
Advisers or Sub-Adviser under the Advisory or Sub-Advisory Agreements, and the
expenses of the Advisers and Sub-Adviser will not necessarily be reduced as a
result of the receipt of such supplemental information.
    

   
The money market securities in which certain of the Portfolios invest are
traded primarily in the over-the-counter market.  Bonds and debentures are
usually traded over-the-counter, but may be traded on an exchange.  Where
possible, a Portfolio's Adviser or Sub-Adviser will deal directly with the
dealers who make a market in the securities involved except in those
circumstances where better prices and execution are available elsewhere.  Such
dealers usually are acting as principal for their own account.  On occasion,
securities may be purchased directly from the issuer.  Money market securities
are generally traded on a net basis, and do not normally involve either
brokerage commissions or transfer taxes.  The cost of executing portfolio
securities transactions of the Portfolio will primarily consist of dealer
spreads and underwriting commissions.
    

It is expected that certain of the Portfolios may execute brokerage or other
agency transactions through the Distributor, a registered broker-dealer, for a
commission, in conformity with the 1940 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, and rules of the SEC.  Under these provisions, the
Distributor is permitted to receive and retain compensation for effecting
portfolio transactions for a Portfolio on an exchange if a written contract is
in effect between the Distributor





                                     S-26
<PAGE>   230
and the Trust expressly permitting the Distributor to receive and retain such
compensation.  These provisions further require that commissions paid to the
Distributor by the Trust for exchange transactions not exceed "usual and
customary" brokerage commissions.  The rules define "usual and customary"
commissions to include amounts which are "reasonable and fair compared to the
commission, fee or other remuneration received or to be received by other
brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities
being purchased or sold on a securities exchange during a comparable period of
time."  In addition, the Portfolios may direct commission business to one or
more designated broker-dealers, including the Distributor, in connection with
payment of certain of the Portfolios' expenses by such broker-dealers.  The
Trustees, including those who are not "interested persons" of the Trust, have
adopted procedures for evaluating the reasonableness of commissions paid to the
Distributor and will review these procedures periodically.

   
Since the Trust does not market its shares through intermediary brokers or
dealers, it is not the Trust's practice to allocate brokerage or principal
business on the basis of sales of its shares which may be made through such
firms. However, the Advisers and Sub-Adviser may place portfolio orders with
qualified broker-dealers who recommend the Trust to clients, and may, when a
number of brokers and dealers can provide best price and execution on a
particular transaction, consider such recommendations by a broker or dealer in
selecting among broker-dealers.
    

   
The Advisers and Sub-Adviser may, consistent with the interests of the
Portfolios, select brokers on the basis of the research services they provide
to the Adviser or Sub-Adviser.  Such services may include analysis of the
business or prospects of a company, industry or economic sector or statistical
and pricing services.  Information so received by the Advisers or Sub-Adviser
will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed
by an Adviser or Sub-Adviser under the Advisory or Sub-Advisory Agreements.  If
in the judgement of an Adviser or Sub-Adviser the Portfolios, or other accounts
managed by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, will be benefitted by supplemental
research services, the Adviser or Sub-Adviser is authorized to pay brokerage
commissions to a broker furnishing such services which are in excess of
commissions which another broker may have charged for effecting the same
transaction.  The expenses of an Adviser or Sub-Adviser will not necessarily be
reduced as a result of the receipt of such supplemental information.
    

   
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996 the Portfolios paid brokerage fees as
follows:
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==============================================================================================================================
                                                                                                                    TOTAL
                                                                                                                    BROKERAGE
                                                                    TOTAL $                         % OF TOTAL      COMMISSIONS
                                  TOTAL $ AMOUNT                    AMOUNT OF       TOTAL           BROKERAGE       PAID TO SFS
                   TOTAL $        OF BROKERAGE                      BROKERAGE       BROKERAGE       TRANSACTIONS    IN CONNECTION
                   AMOUNT OF      COMMISSIONS                       EFFECTED        COMMISSIONS     EFFECTED        WITH
                   BROKERAGE      PAID TO          TOTAL $ AMOUNT   THROUGH         PAID TO         THROUGH         REPURCHASE
                   COMMISSIONS    AFFILIATED       OF BROKERED      AFFILIATED      AFFILIATED      AFFILIATED      AGREEMENT
                   PAID           BROKERS          TRANSACTIONS     BROKERS         BROKERS         BROKERS         TRANSACTIONS
                   FOR THE YEAR   FOR THE YEAR     FOR THE YEAR     FOR THE YEAR    FOR THE YEAR    FOR THE YEAR    FOR THE YEAR
PORTFOLIO          ENDED 8/31/96  ENDED 8/31/96    ENDED 8/31/96    ENDED 8/31/96   ENDED 8/31/96   ENDED 8/31/96   ENDED 8/31/96
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>             <C>         <C>                     <C>         <C>             <C>             <C>
Tax Free               $ 0             $ 0         $1,271,181,915          $ 0         $ 0             $ 0             $ 0
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Tax      $ 0             $ 0         $2,622,150,531          $ 0         $ 0             $ 0             $ 0
Free Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    





                                     S-27
<PAGE>   231
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==============================================================================================================================
                                                                                                                 TOTAL
                                                                                                                 BROKERAGE
                                                                    TOTAL $                      % OF TOTAL      COMMISSIONS
                                  TOTAL $ AMOUNT                    AMOUNT OF    TOTAL           BROKERAGE       PAID TO SFS
                   TOTAL $        OF BROKERAGE                      BROKERAGE    BROKERAGE       TRANSACTIONS    IN CONNECTION
                   AMOUNT OF      COMMISSIONS                       EFFECTED     COMMISSIONS     EFFECTED        WITH
                   BROKERAGE      PAID TO          TOTAL $ AMOUNT   THROUGH      PAID TO         THROUGH         REPURCHASE
                   COMMISSIONS    AFFILIATED       OF BROKERED      AFFILIATED   AFFILIATED      AFFILIATED      AGREEMENT
                   PAID IN        BROKERS IN LAST  TRANSACTIONS     BROKERS IN   BROKERS FOR     BROKERS FOR     TRANSACTIONS
PORTFOLIO          LAST YEAR      YEAR             FOR LAST YEAR    LAST YEAR    LAST YEAR       LAST YEAR       FOR LAST YEAR
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>             <C>         <C>                  <C>         <C>             <C>             <C>   
California Tax         $  0            $ 0         $922,166,186         $ 0         $ 0             $ 0             $ 0
Exempt Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intermediate-Term      $  0            $ 0         $237,804,382         $ 0         $ 0             $ 0             $ 0
Municipal
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania           $  0            $ 0         $238,540,174         $ 0         $ 0             $ 0             $ 0
Municipal
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kansas Tax Free        $  0            $ 0          $64,476,842         $ 0         $ 0             $ 0             $ 0
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York                  *              *                    *           *           *               *               *
Intermediate-Term
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania Tax       $  0            $ 0         $174,412,406         $ 0         $ 0             $ 0             $ 0
Free Portfolio                                                                                                   
==============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
    


   
For the fiscal years ended August 31, 1994 and 1995, the Portfolios paid the
following brokerage commissions:
    


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===========================================================================================================
                                           TOTAL $ AMOUNT OF BROKERAGE    TOTAL $ AMOUNT OF BROKERAGE
                                           COMMISSIONS PAID IN            COMMISSIONS PAID TO AFFILIATES IN
PORTFOLIO                                                                 
                                           1995                   1994         1995                1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>                    <C>          <C>                 <C>
Tax Free Portfolio                         $ 0                    $ 0          $ 0                 $ 0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Tax Free Portfolio           $ 0                    $ 0          $ 0                 $ 0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California Tax Exempt Portfolio            $ 0                    $ 0          $ 0                 $ 0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    





                                     S-28
<PAGE>   232
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=============================================================================================================
                                             TOTAL $ AMOUNT OF BROKERAGE    TOTAL $ AMOUNT OF BROKERAGE
                                             COMMISSIONS PAID IN            COMMISSIONS PAID TO AFFILIATES IN
  PORTFOLIO                                                                 
                                             1995              1994         1995                1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                                        <C>               <C>          <C>                 <C>
  Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio      $ 0               $ 0          $ 0                 $ 0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio           $ 0               $ 0          $ 0                 $ 0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio           $ 0               $ 0          $ 0                 $ 0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  New York Intermediate-Term Portfolio         *                 *            *                   *
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolio            $ 0               $ 0          $ 0                 $ 0
=============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
    

*Not in operation during the period.

It is expected that the portfolio turnover rate will normally not exceed 100%
for any Portfolio.  A portfolio turnover rate would exceed 100% if all of its
securities, exclusive of U.S. Government securities and other securities whose
maturities at the time of acquisition are one year or less, are replaced in the
period of one year.  Turnover rates may vary from year to year and may be
affected by cash requirements for redemptions and by requirements which enable
a Portfolio to receive favorable tax treatment.

   
For each of the fiscal years ending August 31, 1995 and 1996, the portfolio
turnover rate for each of the following Portfolios was:
    



   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================
                                                                                 TURNOVER RATE
                                                                          --------------------------
                   PORTFOLIO                                              1996                 1995         
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>                  <C>
Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio                                           66%                  23%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio                                      41%                  36%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio                                           13%                  18%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio                              *                    *
====================================================================================================
</TABLE>
    

* Not in operation during the period.

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

   
The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of
shares of each Portfolio, each of which represents an equal proportionate
interest in that Portfolio. Each share upon liquidation entitles a shareholder
to a pro rata share in the net assets of that Portfolio, after taking into
account the Class D and Class G distribution expenses.  Shareholders have no
preemptive rights. The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees of the
Trust may create additional portfolios of shares or classes of portfolios.
Share certificates representing the shares will not be issued.
    





                                     S-29
<PAGE>   233
LIMITATION OF TRUSTEES' LIABILITY

The Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee shall be liable only for his
own willful defaults and, if reasonable care has been exercised in the
selection of officers, agents, employees or administrators, shall not be liable
for any neglect or wrongdoing of any such person. The Declaration of Trust also
provides that the Trust will indemnify its Trustees and officers against
liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with actual or threatened
litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the
Trust unless it is determined in the manner provided in the Declaration of
Trust that they have not acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that
their actions were in the best interests of the Trust.  However, nothing in the
Declaration of Trust shall protect or indemnify a Trustee against any liability
for his wilful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of his duties.

SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY

   
The Trust is an entity of the type commonly known as a "Massachusetts business
trust."  Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a Trust could, under
certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for the
obligations of the Trust.  Even if, however, the Trust were held to be a
partnership, the possibility of the shareholders' incurring financial loss for
that reason appears remote because the Trust's Declaration of Trust contains an
express disclaimer of shareholder liability for obligations of the Trust and
requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation
or instrument entered into or executed by or on behalf of the Trust or the
Trustees, and because, the Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification
out of the Trust property for any shareholders held personally liable for the
obligations of the Trust.
    

5% SHAREHOLDERS

   
As of December 6, 1996, the following persons were the only persons who were
record owners (or to the knowledge of the Trust, beneficial owners) of 5% or
more of the shares of the Portfolios.  The Trust believes that most of the
shares referred to below were held by the persons indicated in accounts for
their fiduciary, agency, or custodial customers.
    

TAX FREE PORTFOLIO

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                         <C>                          <C>
Naidot & Co.                                                14.08%                       53,284,900.00
c/o Bessemer Trust Company
Attn:  Peter Scully
630 Fifth Avenue, 38th Floor
New York, New York  10111-0100

Vose & Co.                                                  18.33%                       69,389,135.31
159 E. Main Street
NY/RO/TO3C
Rochester, New York  14604-1605

Smith & Co.                                                 17.59%                       66,569,005.42
c/o First Security Bank of Utah
Attn:  Rick Parr
P.O. Box 30007
Salt Lake City, Utah  84130
</TABLE>
    





                                     S-30
<PAGE>   234
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                         <C>                         <C>                    
INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO

Bank of America NT & SA                                     7.41%                        82,057,024.66
Attn:  Common Trust Funds, Unit #8329
P.O. Box 3577 Terminal Annex
Los Angeles, California  90051

First American National Bank                                 5.49%                       60,874,451.56
Attn:  Jeff Eubanks
800 First American Center
Nashville, Tennessee  37237-0801

Fifth Third Bank                                             5.03%                       55,761,952.00
Attn:  Jennifer Burrell
38 Fountain Square
Cincinnati, Ohio  45263-0001

Calhoun & Co.                                               13.36%                      148,047,986.92
c/o Comerica Bank
Attn:  Dennis Miriani
P.O. Box 1319, 7th Floor
Detroit, Michigan  48231

River Oaks Trust Company                                    14.96%                      165,706,737.00
Attn:  Trust Operations
Securities Movement & Control
P.O. Box 4886
Houston, Texas  77210-4886

Unit & Co.                                                   7.57%                       83,855,669.89
c/o US National Bank of Oregon
Attn:  Jeanene Wine
P.O. Box 3168
Portland, Oregon  97208

CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO

The Bank of California NA                                    6.32%                       28,079,566.31
Cash Management Services
475 Samsome Street, 11th Floor
Attn:  Elena Aguba
San Francisco, California  94111

Southwest Securities                                        75.10%                      333,670,816.31
Special Custodial Account for Exclusive
Benefit of Our Customers
Attn:  Cathy Reames
</TABLE>
    




                                     S-31
<PAGE>   235
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                         <C>                          <C>
P.O. Box 509002
Dallas, Texas  75250-9002

City  National Bank                                         15.20%                       67,521,249.56
Attn:  Michael Nunnelee
400 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 700
Beverly Hills, California  90210

INTERMEDIATE-TERM MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO

Transco & Company                                           10.21%                        1,496,084.61
c/o Intrust Bank, N.A.
Attn:  Pat Wills
P.O. Box 48698
Wichita, Kansas  67201

SEI Trust Company                                           37.65%                        5,518,621.47
Attn:  Jacqueline Esposito
680 E. Swedesford Road
Wayne, Pennsylvania  19087

PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO

Sheldon & Co. (Integra)                                     77.53%                        7,050,282.09
c/o National City
Attn:  Trust Mutual Funds
P.O. Box 94777, Loc 5312
Cleveland, Ohio  44101-4777

SEI Trust Company                                            6.78%                          616,189.52
Attn:  Jacqueline Esposito
680 E. Swedesford Road
Wayne, Pennsylvania  19087

Meg and Co.                                                  8.24%                          749,047.35
c/o United States National bank
Attn:  Debbie Moraca
P.O. Box 520
Johnstown, Pennsylvania  15907-0520

PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE PORTFOLIO

The Farmers Company                                          7.35%                        3,201,900.00
c/o Farmers First Bank - Lititz
Attn:  Wendy Basehoar
P.O. Box 1000
Lititz, Pennsylvania  17543-7000
</TABLE>
    





                                     S-32
<PAGE>   236
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                         <C>                          <C>
The Fulton Company                                          89.17%                       38,858,961.20
c/o Fulton Bank Trust Dept.
Attn:  Dennis Patrick
One Penn Square
Lancaster, Pennsylvania  17602-2853

KANSAS TAX FREE PORTFOLIO

Transco & Company                                           99.19%                        6,964,666.79
c/o Intrust Bank, N.A.
Attn:  Pat Wills
P.O. Box 48698
Wichita, Kansas  67201
</TABLE>
    

EXPERTS

   
The financial statements and the financial highlights included herein have 
been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants to the
extent and for the periods indicated in their reports and are included herein
in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports.
    

   
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    

   
The Trust's financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996,
including notes thereto and the report of Arthur Andersen LLP thereon, are
herein incorporated by reference.  A copy of the 1996 Annual Report must
accompany the delivery of this Statement of Additional Information.
    





                                     S-33
<PAGE>   237
                           PART C: OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 24.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS:

(a) Financial Statements
   
      (1)       Part A:  Financial Highlights
      (2)       Part B:  Report dated October 11, 1996 of independent public
                         accountants on financial statements as of August 31,
                         1996 are incorporated by reference to the Statement
                         of Additional Information.
    

                         Statements of Net Assets
                         Statements of Operations
                         Statements of Changes in Net Assets
                         Financial Highlights
                         Notes to Financial Statements

(b) Additional Exhibits
      (1)       Registrant's Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by
                reference to Registrant's Registration Statement of Form N-1A
                (File No. 2-76990) filed with the Securities and Exchange
                Commission on March 15, 1982.
      (2)       Registrant's By-Laws are incorporated herein by reference to
                Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No.
                2-76990) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
                March 15, 1982.
      (3)       Not Applicable.
      (4)       Not Applicable.
      (5)(a)    Management Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to
                Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's Registration
                Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed
                with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
      (5)(b)    Investment Advisory Agreement with Weiss, Peck and Greer
                Advisers, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post
                Effective Amendment No. 17 to Registrant's Registration
                Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed
                with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
      (5)(c)    Investment Advisory Agreement with Bessemer Trust Company is
                incorporated herein by reference to Post Effective Amendment
                No. 19 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A
                (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed with the Securities and
                Exchange Commission.
      (5)(d)    Investment Advisory Agreement with First National Bank in
                Wichita (now INTRUST Bank, NA in Wichita) is incorporated
                herein by reference to Post Effective Amendment No. 29 to
                Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No.
                2-76990) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
                December 28, 1990.
      (5)(f)    Investment Advisory Agreement with Woodbridge Capital
                Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post
                Effective Amendment No. 35 to Post Effective Amendment No. 35
                to Registrant's Registration on Form N-1A (File No.  2-76990)
                as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange
                Commission.
      (5)(g)    Investment Advisory Agreement with State Street Bank and Trust
                Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post Effective
                Amendment No. 35 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
                N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed with the Securities
                and Exchange Commission.
      (5)(h)    Schedule E dated August 5, 1992 to Management Agreement is
                incorporated herein by reference to Post Effective Amendment
                No. 32 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A
                (File No. 2-76990) filed with the Securities and Exchange
                Commission on August 17, 1992 (adding Massachusetts
                Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio).
      (5)(i)    Schedule F dated August 5, 1992 to Management Agreement is
                incorporated herein by reference to Post Effective Amendment
                No. 32 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A
                (File No. 2-76990) filed with the Securities and Exchange
                Commission on August 17, 1992 (adding Bainbridge Tax Exempt
                Portfolio).
      (5)(j)    Schedule E dated August 5, 1992 to Investment Advisory
                Agreement with Weiss, Peck & Greer Advisers, Inc. is
                incorporated herein by reference to Post Effective Amendment
                No. 32 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A
                (File No. 2-76990) filed with the Securities and Exchange
                Commission on August 17, 1992 (adding





                                 C-1
<PAGE>   238
                Bainbridge Tax Exempt Portfolio).
      (5)(k)    Schedule G, dated October 29, 1993, to Management Agreement
                (adding Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolio).
      (5)(l)    Schedule H, dated October 29, 1993, to Management Agreement
                (adding New York Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio).
      (5)(m)    Schedule I, dated October 29, 1993, to Management Agreement
                (adding California Intermediate-Term Municipal
                Portfolio).
      (5)(n)    Schedule G, dated December 10, 1993, to Investment Advisory
                Agreement with Weiss, Peck & Greer Advisers, Inc.  (adding
                Intermediate-Term Municipal, California Intermediate-Term
                Municipal, and New York Intermediate-Term Municipal
                Portfolios).
      (5)(o)    Schedule H, dated March 8, 1994, to Investment Advisory
                Agreement with Weiss, Peck & Greer Advisers, Inc. (adding
                Institutional Tax Free, Pennsylvania Tax Free, California Tax
                Exempt, Bainbridge and Tax Free Portfolios).
      (6)       Distribution Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to
                Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's Registration
                Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed
                with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
      (7)       Not Applicable.
   
      (8)       Custodian Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to
                Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 Registrant's Registration
                Statement on Form N-1A (47File No. 2-76990) as previously filed
                with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
      (9)(a)    Form of Class A Shareholder Service Plan and Agreement is
                incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
                #39 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File
                No. 2-76990) as previously filed on May 1, 1996.
      (9)(b)    Form of Class B Shareholder Service Plan and Agreement is
                incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
                #39 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File
                No. 2-76990) as previously filed on May 1, 1996.
      (9)(c)    Form of Class B Administrative Services Plan and Agreement is
                incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
                #39 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File
                No. 2-76990) as previously filed on May 1, 1996.
      (9)(d)    Form of Class C Shareholder Service Plan and Agreement is
                incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
                #39 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File
                No. 2-76990) as previously filed on May 1, 1996.
      (9)(e)    Form of Class C Administrative Services Plan and Agreement is
                incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
                #39 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File
                No. 2-76990) as previously filed on May 1, 1996.
      (9)(f)    Form of Class G Shareholder Service Plan and Agreement is
                incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
                #39 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File
                No. 2-76990) as previously filed on May 1, 1996.
    
      (10)      Opinion and Consent of Counsel is incorporated herein by
                reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's
                Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as
                previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
      (11)      Consent of Independent Public Accountants is filed herewith.
   
      (12)      Audited financial statements as of August 31, 1996, are filed
                herewith.
    
      (13)      Not Applicable.
      (14)      Not Applicable.
      (15)(a)   Distribution Plan is incorporated herein by reference to
                Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's Registration
                Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed
                with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
      (15)(b)   Distribution Plan for Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio Class B
                is Incorporated herein by reference to Post Effective Amendment
                No. 28 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A
                (File No. 2-76990) filed with the Securities and Exchange
                Commission on October 9, 1990.
      (15)(c)   Distribution Plan for ProVantage Funds shares of Tax Free,
                California Tax Exempt, Intermediate-Term Municipal,
                Massachusetts Intermediate-Term Municipal, Pennsylvania
                Municipal, Pennsylvania Tax Free, New York Intermediate-Term
                Municipal and California Intermediate-Term Municipal
                Portfolios.
      (15)(d)   Distribution Plan for Class C shares of California Tax Exempt
                Portfolio and Institutional Tax Free Portfolio is incorporated
                herein by reference to Post Effective Amendment No. 37 to Form
                N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed with the Securities
                and Exchange Commission on October 31, 1994.
      (15)(e)   Amended and Restated Class D Distribution Plan is filed
                herewith.
      (15)(f)   Class G Distribution Plan is filed herewith.
      (16)      Performance Quotation Computation is incorporated herein by
                reference to Post Effective Amendment No. 35 to Registrant's
                Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as
                previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
      (18)(a)   Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Post
                Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registrant's Registration
                Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) filed with the
                Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 1995.





                                 C-2
<PAGE>   239
      (18)(b)   Amendment No. 1 to Rule 18f-3 Plan relating to Class A, B, C, D
                and G shares is filed herewith.
      (25)      Powers of Attorney are incorporated herein by reference to Post
                Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registrant's Registration
                Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) filed with the
                Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 1995.
      (27)      Financial Data Schedules are incorporated herein by reference
                to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38, as filed on October 30,
                1995.

ITEM 25.   PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT

      None.

ITEM 26.   NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES:

   
      As of December 6, 1996:
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  NUMBER OF
 TITLE OF CLASS                                                RECORD HOLDERS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                                                                 <C>
 Units of beneficial interest, without par value
 Tax Free Portfolio, Class A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           45
 Tax Free Portfolio, Class D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            7
 Institutional Tax Free Portfolio, Class A                           80
 Institutional Tax Free Portfolio, Class B . . . . . . . .            4
 Institutional Tax Free Portfolio, Class C . . . . . . . .            4
 California Tax Exempt Portfolio, Class A  . . . . . . . .           12
 California Tax Exempt Portfolio, Class B  . . . . . . . .           n/a
 California Tax Exempt Portfolio, Class C  . . . . . . . .           n/a
 California Tax Exempt Portfolio, Class G . . . . . . . .             2
 Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio, Class A  . . . . .           109
 Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio, Class A . . . . . . . .           28
 Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio, Class A . . . . . . . .            4
 Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio, Class B . . . . . . . .           n/a
 Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolio, Class A  . . . . . . . .            8
 Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolio, Class B  . . . . . . . .           n/a
 Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolio, Class C  . . . . . . . .           n/a
 New York Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio, Class A .           n/a
</TABLE>
    

ITEM 27.   INDEMNIFICATION:

   
      Article VIII of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust filed as Exhibit 1
to the Registration Statement is incorporated by reference. Insofar as
indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be
permitted to trustees, directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or otherwise,
the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Act and, therefore, is unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by trustees, directors, officers or
controlling persons of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense
of any act, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustees, directors,
officers or controlling persons in connection with the shares being registered,
the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and  will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issues.
    





                                 C-3
<PAGE>   240
ITEM 28.   BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISERS:

      Other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial
nature in which each director or principal office of each Investment Adviser is
or has been, at any time during the last two fiscal years, engaged for his or
her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or
trustee are as follows:

      Weiss, Peck & Greer Advisers, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Weiss,
Peck & Greer, L.L.C. ("WPG"), a limited liability company which engages in
investment management, venture capital management and management buyouts for
individuals, mutual funds, corporations and other institutional clients.  The
business address of each officer is One New York Plaza, New York, NY  10004.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND POSITION WITH ADVISER                                    BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS
- ------------------------------                                    ------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>
Stephen H. Weiss  . . . . . . . . . . . .          Senior Managing Principal and Chairman of Executive
Chairman of the Board and Director                 Committee of Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C.; Director of
                                                   London Merchant Securities Services, Inc.; Trustee and
                                                   Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cornell University

Melville Straus . . . . . . . . . . . . .          Principal and member of Executive Committee, Weiss, Peck &
President and Director                             Greer, L.L.C.; President of Tudor Fund and WPG Growth Fund;
                                                   Chairman of the Board of Governing Trustees of American
                                                   Ballet Theater; Trustee of Independent Curators, Inc.

Roger J. Weiss  . . . . . . . . . . . . .          Senior Managing Principal and Member of Executive
Executive Vice President                           Committee, Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C.; Chairman of WPG
and Director                                       Fund, Tudor Fund, WPG Growth Fund, and Weiss, Peck & Greer
                                                   Funds Trust; Board of Trustees Fellow of Cornell University

Francis H. Powers . . . . . . . . . . . .          Principal, Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C.; Executive Vice
Vice President and Secretary                       President and Treasurer of WPG Fund, Tudor Fund, Growth
                                                   Fund, and Weiss, Peck & Greer Funds Trust; Trustee and
                                                   Treasurer of Staten Island Academy and a member of the
                                                   Board of Trustees and Finance Committee of St. Vincent's
                                                   Hospital, Staten Island

Ronald M. Hoffner . . . . . . . . . . . .          Principal, Chief Financial Officer; Weiss, Peck & Greer,
Treasurer                                          L.L.C.; member of the American Institute of Certified
                                                   Public Accountants.
</TABLE>


Standish, Ayer & Wood, Inc.

   
      The principal address of Standish, Ayer & Wood, Inc. is One Financial
Center, Suite 26, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.  Standish, Ayer & Wood, Inc. is
an investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act.
    

      The list required by this Item 28 of officers and directors of Standish,
Ayer & Wood, Inc., together with information as to any other business
profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such
officers and directors during the past two years is incorporated by reference
to Schedules A and D of Form ADV filed by Standish, Ayer & Wood, Inc. to the
Advisers Act (SEC File no. 801-584).

Morgan Grenfell Capital Management Incorporated ("MGCM") is a wholly-owned
U.S.-based subsidiary of Morgan Grenfell Asset Management ("MGAM").  MGAM is
located at 20 Finsbury Circus, London EC2 M1NB, England, and is 100% owned by
the Morgan Grenfell Group, PLC, which was acquired by Deutsche Bank AG in 1990.
The business address of each officer of MGCM is 885 Third Avenue, 32nd Floor,
New York, New York 10022.





                                 C-4
<PAGE>   241

<TABLE>
     <S>                                                <C>
     Michael Bullock . . . . . . . . . . . . .          Director, Morgan Grenfell Asset Management; Director,
       Chairman and Director                            Morgan Grenfell Investment Services.

     James Edward Minnick  . . . . . . . . . .          Director, Morgan Grenfell Asset Management; Director,
       Director and President                           Morgan Grenfell Investment Services.

     Robert Edward Kern, Jr. . . . . . . . . .          Director, Morgan Grenfell Asset Management.
       Executive Vice President

     David Westover Baldt  . . . . . . . . . .          Director, Morgan Grenfell Asset Management, Ltd.
       Director and Executive Vice President

     Timothy Charles Vile  . . . . . . . . . .          --
       Portfolio Manager

     Gary William Bartlett . . . . . . . . . .          --
       Portfolio Manager

     Karen Ann Rogers  . . . . . . . . . . . .          --
       Portfolio Manager

     Neil Patrick Jenkins  . . . . . . . . . .          Vice President, Morgan Grenfell Investment Trust
       Director and Portfolio Manager

     Mark Gerard Arthus  . . . . . . . . . . .          --
       Director of Administration

     Gerald Shaw Frey  . . . . . . . . . . . .          --
       Portfolio Manager

     David Alfred Baratta  . . . . . . . . . .          --
       Portfolio Manager

     Audrey Mary Theresa Jones . . . . . . . .          --
       Portfolio Manager

     Thomas John Flaherty  . . . . . . . . . .          --
       Portfolio Manager

     Warren Spencer Davis, III . . . . . . . .
       Portfolio Manager
</TABLE>


INTRUST Bank, NA in Wichita is a majority-owned subsidiary of INTRUST Financial
Corporation a bank holding company.  The business address of each officer is
105 North Main, Box One, Wichita, Kansas 67201.

<TABLE>
     <S>                                                <C>
     C.Q. Chandler . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, INTRUST
       Chairman of the Board and                        Financial Corporation
       Chief Executive Officer

     William D. Bunten . . . . . . . . . . . .          Vice Chairman of the Board, INTRUST Financial Corporation
       President

     C.Q. Chandler IV  . . . . . . . . . . . .          President, INTRUST Financial Corporation
       Vice Chairman

     J.V. Lentell  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          not applicable
      Vice Chairman

     C. Robert Buford  . . . . . . . . . . . .          President, Zenith Drilling Corporation
       Director

     Frank L. Carney . . . . . . . . . . . . .          Vice Chairman, TURBOCHEF, INC.
       Director

     F.L. Carson, Jr.  . . . . . . . . . . . .          Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Mulvane
       Director                                         State Bank (Mulvane, Kansas)

     Richard Chance  . . . . . . . . . . . . .          President and Chief Executive Chance Industries, Inc.
       Director

     George T. Chandler  . . . . . . . . . . .          Chairman, First National Bank in Pratt (Pratt, Kansas)
       Director
</TABLE>





                                 C-5
<PAGE>   242


   
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                <C>
     Jamie B. Coulter  . . . . . . . . . . . .          President, Coulter Enterprises
       Director

     R.L. Darmon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          Financial Consultant
       Director

     Charles W. Dieker . . . . . . . . . . . .          Director
       Executive Vice President, Beech
       Aircraft Corp. (Retired)
     
     W.J. Easton, Jr.  . . . . . . . . . . . .          President, Easton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
       Director

     Martin K. Eby, Jr.  . . . . . . . . . . .          Chairman of the Board, Martin K. Eby Construction Co., Inc.
       Director

     Eric T. Knorr . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Dulaney
       Director                                         Johnston and Priest Insurance

     Charles G. Koch . . . . . . . . . . . . .          Chairman, Koch Industries, Inc.
       Director

     Paul A. Seymour, Jr.  . . . . . . . . . .          Business Consultant
       Director

     Donald C. Slawson . . . . . . . . . . . .          President, Slawson Companies
       Director

     John T. Stewart III . . . . . . . . . . .          President and Chief Executive Officer, GBC Precision Corp.
       Director

     Patrick H. Thiessen . . . . . . . . . . .          General Manager, Western Division, Flour Milling Division,
       Director                                         Cargill, Inc. (Retired)
</TABLE>
    


Item 29.  Principal Underwriters:

   
(a)   Furnish the name of each investment company (other than the Registrant)
      for which each principal underwriter currently distributing the
      securities of the Registrant also acts as a principal underwriter,
      distributor or investment adviser.
    

      Registrant's distributor, SEI Financial Services Company ("SFS"), acts as
      distributor for:

   
<TABLE>
      <S>                                               <C>
      SEI Daily Income Trust                            July 15, 1982
      SEI Liquid Asset Trust                            November 29, 1982
      SEI Tax Exempt Trust                              December 3, 1982
      SEI Index Funds                                   July 10, 1985
      SEI Institutional Managed Trust                   January 22, 1987
      SEI International Trust                           August 30, 1988
      Stepstone Funds                                   January 30, 1991
      The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund                   November 14, 1991
      The Pillar Funds                                  February 28, 1992
      CUFUND                                            May 1, 1992
      STI Classic Funds                                 May 29, 1992
      CoreFunds, Inc.                                   October 30, 1992
      First American Funds, Inc.                        November 1, 1992
      First American Investment Funds, Inc.             November 1, 1992
      The Arbor Fund                                    January 28, 1993
      1784 Funds(R)                                     June 1, 1993
      The PBHG Funds, Inc.                              July 16, 1993
      Marquis Funds(R)                                  August 17, 1993
      Morgan Grenfell Investment Trust                  January 3, 1994
      The Achievement Funds Trust                       December 27, 1994
      Bishop Street Funds                               January 27, 1995
</TABLE>
    





                                 C-6
<PAGE>   243
   
<TABLE>
      <S>                                               <C>
      CrestFunds, Inc.                                  March 1, 1995
      STI Classic Variable Trust                        August 18, 1995
      ARK Funds                                         November 1, 1995
      Monitor Funds                                     January 11, 1996
      FMB Funds, Inc.                                   March 1, 1996
      SEI Asset Allocation Trust                        April 1, 1996
      Turner Funds                                      April 30, 1996
      SEI Institutional Investments Trust               June 14, 1996
      First American Strategy Funds, Inc.               October 1, 1996
</TABLE>
    

      SFS provides numerous financial services to investment managers, pension
      plan sponsors, and bank trust departments.  These services include
      portfolio evaluation, performance measurement and consulting services
      ("Funds Evaluation") and automated execution, clearing and settlement of
      securities transactions ("MarketLink").

(b)   Furnish the Information required by the following table with respect to
each director, officer or partner of each principal underwriter named in the
answer to Item 21 of Part B.  Unless otherwise noted, the business address of
each director or officer is 680 East Swedesford Road, Wayne, PA 19087.

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          Position and Office                                        Positions and Offices
Name                      with Underwriter                                           with Registrant
- ----                      ----------------                                           ---------------
<S>                                                                           <C>
Alfred P. West, Jr.       Director, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer                        --
Henry H. Greer            Director, President & Chief Operating Officer                       --
Carmen V. Romeo           Director, Executive Vice President & Treasurer                      --
Gilbert L. Beebower       Executive Vice President                                            --
Richard B. Lieb           Executive Vice President, President-Investment
                            Services Division                                                 --
Leo J. Dolan, Jr.         Senior Vice President                                               --
Carl A. Guarino           Senior Vice President                                               --
Jerome Hickey             Senior Vice President                                               --
Larry Hutchison           Senior Vice President                                               --
Steven Kramer             Senior Vice President                                               --
David G. Lee              Senior Vice President                               President & Chief Executive Officer
William Madden            Senior Vice President                                               --
Jack May                  Senior Vice President                                               --
A. Keith McDowell         Senior Vice President                                               --
Dennis J. McGonigle       Senior Vice President                                               --
Hartland J. McKeown       Senior Vice President                                               --
Barbara J. Moore          Senior Vice President                                               --
James V. Morris           Senior Vice President                                               --
Steven Onofrio            Senior Vice President                                               --
Kevin P. Robins           Senior Vice President, General Counsel &            Vice President & Assistant Secretary
                            Secretary
Robert Wagner             Senior Vice President                                               --
Patrick K. Walsh          Senior Vice President                                               --
Kenneth Zimmer            Senior Vice President                                               --
Robert Aller              Vice President                                                      --
Marc H. Cahn              Vice President & Assistant Secretary                Vice President & Assistant Secretary
Gordon W. Carpenter       Vice President                                                      --
Todd Cipperman            Vice President & Assistant Secretary                Vice President & Assistant Secretary
Robert Crudup             Vice President & Managing Director                                  --
Ed Daly                   Vice President                                                      --
Jeff Drennen              Vice President                                                      --
</TABLE>
    





                                 C-7
<PAGE>   244
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          Position and Office                                        Positions and Offices
Name                      with Underwriter                                           with Registrant
- ----                      ----------------                                           ---------------
<S>                       <C>                                                 <C>
Mick Duncan               Vice President and Team Leader                                      --
Vic Galef                 Vice President & Managing Director                                  --
Kathy Heilig              Vice President                                                      --
Michael Kantor            Vice President                                                      --
Samuel King               Vice President                                                      --
Kim Kirk                  Vice President & Managing Director                                  --
Donald H. Korytowski      Vice President                                                      --
John Krzeminski           Vice President & Managing Director                                  --
Robert S. Ludwig          Vice President and Team Leader                                      --
Vicki Malloy              Vice President and Team Leader                                      --
Carolyn McLaurin          Vice President & Managing Director                                  --
W. Kelso Morrill          Vice President                                                      --
Barbara A. Nugent         Vice President & Assistant Secretary                Vice President & Assistant Secretary
Sandra K. Orlow           Vice President & Assistant Secretary                Vice President & Assistant Secretary
Donald Pepin              Vice President & Managing Director                                  --
Larry Pokora              Vice President                                                      --
Kim Rainey                Vice President                                                      --
Paul Sachs                Vice President                                                      --
Mark Samuels              Vice President & Managing Director                                  --
Steve Smith               Vice President                                                      --
Daniel Spaventa           Vice President                                                      --
Kathryn L. Stanton        Vice President & Assistant Secretary                Vice President & Assistant Secretary
Wayne M. Withrow          Vice President & Managing Director                                  --
William Zawaski           Vice President                                                      --
James Dougherty           Director of Brokerage Services                                      --
</TABLE>
    


Item 30.   Location of Accounts and Records:

   Books or other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the
   Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"), and the rules
   promulgated thereunder, are maintained as follows:

   (a)  With respect to Rules 31a-1(a); 31a-1(b)(1); (2)(a) and (b); (3); (6);
   (8); (12); and 31a-1(d), the required books and records are maintained at
   the offices of Registrant's Custodians:

          CoreStates Bank, N.A.                      First Fidelity Bank, NA
          Broad and Chestnut Street                  New Jersey
          P.O. Box 7618                              765 Broad Street
          Philadelphia, PA  19101                    Newark, NJ 07101

(b)/(c)  With respect to Rules 31a-1(a); 31a-1(b)(1); 31a-1(b)(4); (2)(C) and
(D); (4); (5); (6); (8); (9); (10); (11); and 31a-1(f), the required books and
records are maintained at the offices of Registrant's Manager:

                     SEI Financial Management Corporation
                     680 E. Swedesford Road
                     Wayne, PA 19087





                                 C-8
<PAGE>   245
   (c)  With respect to Rules 31a-1(b)(5), (6), (9) and (10) and 31a-1(f), the
   required books and records are maintained at the principal offices of the
   Registrant's Advisers:

   Weiss, Peck & Greer Advisers, Inc.      Morgan Grenfell Capital Management
   One New York Plaza                      Incorporated
   New York, NY  10004                     885 Third Avenue, 32nd Floor
                                           New York, NY  19102

   INTRUST Bank, NA in Wichita             Standish, Ayer & Wood, Inc.
   105 North Main Street                   One Financial Center, Suite 26
   Box One                                 Boston, MA 02111
   Wichita, KS  67201

Item 31.   Management Services:   None

Item 32.   Undertakings:

   
   Registrant hereby undertakes to file a Post-Effective Amendment to this
Registration Statement, containing reasonably current financial statements that
need not be certified, within four to six months from the later of the
effective date of the New York Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio or, with
respect to such Portfolio's the commencement of operations.
    

   Registrant hereby undertakes that whenever Shareholders meeting the
requirements of Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act inform the Board of Trustees of
their desire to communicate with Shareholders of the Trust, the Trustees will
inform such Shareholders as to the approximate number of Shareholders of record
and the approximate costs of mailing or afford said Shareholders access to a
list of Shareholders.

   Registrant undertakes to call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of
voting upon the question of the removal of a Trustee(s) when requested in
writing to do so by the holders of at least 10% of Registrant's outstanding
shares and in connection with each meeting to comply with the provisions of
Section 16(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 Act relating to shareholder
communications.

   Registrant undertakes to furnish, upon request and without charge, to each
person to whom a prospectus is delivered, a copy of the Registrant's latest
annual report to shareholders, when such annual report is issued containing
information called for by Item 5A of Form N-1A.





                                 C-9
<PAGE>   246
                                     NOTICE

   A copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of SEI Tax Exempt Trust is
on file with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and
notice is hereby given that this Registration Statement has been executed on
behalf of the Trust by an officer of the Trust as an officer and by its
Trustees as trustees and not individually and the obligations of or arising out
of this Registration Statement are not binding upon any of the Trustees,
officers, or Shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and
property of the Trust.





                                 C-10
<PAGE>   247
                                  SIGNATURES

   
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it
meets all of the requirements for the effectiveness of this Registration
Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly
caused this Amendment to Registration Statement No. 2-76990 to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Wayne,
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the  20th  day of December, 1996.
    


                                           SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST

   
                                           By:     /s/ David G. Lee            
                                               --------------------------------
                                                   David G. Lee, President
    



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective
Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following
persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>                                                        <C>        
             *                                              Trustee                                   December   20  , 1996
- ------------------------------------------                                                                     ------      
George J. Sullivan, Jr.

             *                                              Trustee                                   December   20   , 1996
- ------------------------------------------                                                                     -------      
William M. Doran

             *                                              Trustee                                   December   20   , 1996
- ------------------------------------------                                                                     -------      
F. Wendell Gooch

             *                                              Trustee                                   December   20   , 1996
- ------------------------------------------                                                                     -------      
Frank E. Morris

             *                                              Trustee                                   December   20   , 1996
- ------------------------------------------                                                                     -------      
Robert A. Nesher

             *                                              Trustee                                   December   20   , 1996
- ------------------------------------------                                                                     -------      
James M. Storey

  /s/ David G. Lee                         President & Chief Executive                                December   20   , 1996
- ---------------------------------            Officer                                                           -------      
David G. Lee                                         

  /s/ Stephen G. Meyer                     Controller & Assistant                                     December   20   , 1996
- -----------------------------                Secretary                                                         -------      
Stephen G. Meyer                                      

*By:     /s/  David G. Lee                        
      --------------------------------------------
          David G. Lee, Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
    






<PAGE>   248
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>
EX-99.B1         Registrant's Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Registrant's Registration Statement of
                 Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 1982.
EX-99.B2         Registrant's By-Laws are incorporated herein by reference to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File
                 No. 2-76990) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 1982.
EX-99.B3         Not Applicable.
EX-99.B4         Not Applicable.
EX-99.B5a        Management Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's
                 Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange
                 Commission.
EX-99.B5b        Investment Advisory Agreement with Weiss, Peck and Greer Advisers, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post
                 Effective Amendment No. 17 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously
                 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
EX-99.B5c        Investment Advisory Agreement with Bessemer Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post Effective
                 Amendment No. 19 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed with
                 the Securities and Exchange Commission.
EX-99.B5d        Investment Advisory Agreement with First National Bank in Wichita (now INTRUST Bank, NA in Wichita) is incorporated
                 herein by reference to Post Effective Amendment No. 29 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File
                 No. 2-76990) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 28, 1990.
EX-99.B5f        Investment Advisory Agreement with Woodbridge Capital Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post
                 Effective Amendment No. 35 to Post Effective Amendment No. 35 to Registrant's Registration on Form N-1A (File No.
                 2-76990) as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
EX-99.B5g        Investment Advisory Agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post
                 Effective Amendment No. 35 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously
                 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
EX-99.B5h        Schedule E dated August 5, 1992 to Management Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post Effective
                 Amendment No. 32 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) filed with the Securities
                 and Exchange Commission on August 17, 1992 (adding Massachusetts Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio).
EX-99.B5i        Schedule F dated August 5, 1992 to Management Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post Effective
                 Amendment No. 32 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) filed with the Securities
                 and Exchange Commission on August 17, 1992 (adding Bainbridge Tax Exempt Portfolio).
EX-99.B5j        Schedule E dated August 5, 1992 to Investment Advisory Agreement with Weiss, Peck & Greer Advisers, Inc. is
                 incorporated herein by reference to Post Effective Amendment No. 32 to Registrant's Registration Statement on
                 Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 17, 1992 (adding
                 Bainbridge Tax Exempt Portfolio).
EX-99.B5k        Schedule G, dated October 29, 1993, to Management Agreement (adding Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolio).
EX-99.B5l        Schedule H, dated October 29, 1993, to Management Agreement (adding New York Intermediate-Term Municipal
                 Portfolio).
EX-99.B5m        Schedule I, dated October 29, 1993, to Management Agreement (adding California Intermediate-Term Municipal
                 Portfolio).
EX-99.B5n        Schedule G, dated December 10, 1993, to Investment Advisory Agreement with Weiss, Peck & Greer Advisers, Inc.
                 (adding Intermediate-Term Municipal, California Intermediate-Term Municipal, and New York Intermediate-Term
                 Municipal Portfolios).
EX-99.B5o        Schedule H, dated March 8, 1994, to Investment Advisory Agreement with Weiss, Peck & Greer Advisers, Inc. (adding
                 Institutional Tax Free, Pennsylvania Tax Free, California Tax Exempt, Bainbridge and Tax Free Portfolios).
</TABLE>
    






<PAGE>   249
   
<TABLE>
<S>              <C>
EX-99.B6         Distribution Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's
                 Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange
                 Commission.
EX-99.B7         Not Applicable.
EX-99.B8         Custodian Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 Registrant's Registration
                 Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
EX-99.B9a        Form of Class A Shareholder Service Plan and Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective
                 Amendment #39 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed on May 1,
                 1996.
EX-99.B9b        Form of Class B Shareholder Service Plan and Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective
                 Amendment #39 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed on May 1,
                 1996.
EX-99.B9c        Form of Class B Administrative Services Plan and Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective
                 Amendment #39 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed on May 1, 
                 1996.
EX-99.B9d        Form of Class C Shareholder Service Plan and Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective
                 Amendment #39 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed on May 1,
                 1996.
EX-99.B9e        Form of Class C Administrative Services Plan and Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective
                 Amendment #39 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed on May 1, 
                 1996.
EX-99.B9f        Form of Class G Shareholder Service Plan and Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective
                 Amendment #39 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed on May 1,
                 1996.
EX-99.B10        Opinion and Consent of Counsel is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's
                 Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange
                 Commission.
EX-99.B11        Consent of Independent Public Accountants is filed herewith.
EX-99.B12        Financial statements are filed herewith.
EX-99.B13        Not Applicable.
EX-99.B14        Not Applicable.
EX-99.B15a       Distribution Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's Registration
                 Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
EX-99.B15b       Distribution Plan for Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio Class B is Incorporated herein by reference to Post
                 Effective Amendment No. 28 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) filed with the
                 Securities and Exchange Commission on October 9, 1990.
EX-99.B15c       Distribution Plan for ProVantage Funds shares of Tax Free, California Tax Exempt, Intermediate-Term Municipal,
                 Massachusetts Intermediate-Term Municipal, Pennsylvania Municipal, Pennsylvania Tax Free, New York
                 Intermediate-Term Municipal and California Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolios.
EX-99.B15d       Distribution Plan for Class C shares of California Tax Exempt Portfolio and Institutional Tax Free Portfolio is
                 incorporated herein by reference to Post Effective Amendment No. 37 to Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously
                 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 1994.
EX-99.B15e       Amended and Restated Class D Distribution Plan is filed herewith.
EX-99.B15f       Class G Distribution Plan is filed herewith.
EX-99.B16        Performance Quotation Computation is incorporated herein by reference to Post Effective Amendment No. 35 to
                 Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) as previously filed with the Securities and
                 Exchange Commission.
EX-99.B18a       Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Post Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registrant's Registration
                 Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 1995.
EX-99.B18b       Amendment No. 1 to Rule 18f-3 Plan relating to Class A, B, C, D and G shares is filed herewith.
EX-99.B25        Powers of Attorney are incorporated herein by reference to Post Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registrant's
                 Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-76990) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October
                 30, 1995.
EX-99.B27.1a     Tax Free Portfolio Class A
EX-99.B27.1b     Tax Free Portfolio Class D
EX-99.B27.2a     Institutional Tax Free Portfolio Class A
EX-99.B27.2b     Institutional Tax Free Portfolio Class B
EX-99.B27.2c     Institutional Tax Free Portfolio Class C
EX-99.B27.3a     California Tax Exempt Portfolio Class A
EX-99.B27.3b     California Tax Exempt Portfolio Class G
EX-99.B27.4a     Intermediate Term Municipal Portfolio Class A
EX-99.B27.5      Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Portfolio
EX-99.B27.6      Pennsylvania Tax Free Money Market Portfolio Class A
EX-99.B27.7      Kansas Tax Free Portfolio
</TABLE>
    







<PAGE>   1
                                                               EXHIBIT 99.B5(p)



                      ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

                 THIS ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), dated
as of May 31, 1996, is made by and between SEI Financial Management Corporation
("Transferor"), and SEI Fund Management ("Transferee"), with reference to the
following Recitals.

                 A.       Transferor serves as the administrator to several
facilities of mutual funds pursuant to certain administration agreements with
such funds;

                 B.       Transferor has agreed to sell, transfer and deliver
to Transferee certain of its assets relating to its mutual fund administration
business, including the mutual fund administration agreements identified on
Exhibit A hereto; and

                 C.       Transferee has agreed that at the time of the
transfer of such assets, it will assume all of Transferor's liabilities arising
out of such administration agreements.

                 NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions of
the Agreement and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which
is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereto
agree as follows:

                 1.       Transferor hereby grants, sells, conveys, transfers
and delivers to Transferee all of Transferor's right, title and interest in and
to the assets described in Schedule I attached hereto, including, without
limitation, all of its contracts, licenses and other documents or instruments
by which Transferor is bound and which are assumed hereby.

                 2.       Transferee hereby assumes and agrees to perform or to
pay or discharge the obligations and liabilities of Transferor described on
Schedule II hereto.

                 3.       Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed
to confer any rights or benefits upon any person not a party to the Agreement.
This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the
successors and assigns of the respective parties.  This Agreement shall be
governed and interpreted in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania without reference to the conflicts of laws principles of such
state.
<PAGE>   2
                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this
instrument to be duly executed as of the date first set forth above.


Attest:                                     SEI Financial Management Corporation
                                            
                                            
         [sig]                              By:          [sig]
- ---------------------------------              --------------------------------
                                                Name:
                                                Title:
                                            
                                            
Attest:                                     SEI Fund Management
                                            
                                            
         [sig]                              By:          [sig]
- ---------------------------------              --------------------------------
                                                Name:
                                                Title:
<PAGE>   3

                                SCHEDULE I & II


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 AGREEMENT TYPE             BETWEEN SFM AND:                         DATE OF AGREEMENT          EXPIRATION DATE
 <S>                        <C>                                      <C>                        <C>
 Management Agreement       SEI Liquid Asset Trust (formerly         October 31, 1986           March 31, 1997
                            TrustFunds Liquid Asset Trust)
 
 Management Agreement       SEI Tax Exempt Trust (formerly           May 23, 1986               March 31, 1997
                            TrustFunds Tax Exempt Trust)

 Management Agreement       SEI Daily Income Trust (formerly         May 23, 1986               March 31, 1997
                            Cash+Plus Trust)

 Management Agreement       SEI Index Funds, on behalf of the Bond   January 20, 1986           March 31, 1997
                            Index Portfolio (formerly TrustFunds
                            Equity Index Funds)
 
 Management Agreement       SEI Index Funds, on behalf of the S&P    July 25, 1986              March 31, 1997
                            500 Portfolio (formerly TrustFunds
                            Index Funds)

 Management Agreement       SEI Institutional Managed Trust          January 22, 1987           March 31, 1997
                            (formerly TrustFunds Institutional
                            Managed Trust)
 
 Management Agreement       SEI International Trust (formerly SEI    August 30, 1988            March 31, 1997
                            Wealth Management Trust)

 Administration Agreement   Insurance Investment Products Trust      December 30, 1994          March 31, 1997

 Administration Agreement   SEI Asset Allocation Trust               April 1, 1996              March 31, 1997
</TABLE>







<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 99.B11


                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS





As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report
dated October 11, 1996, on the August 31, 1996 financial statements of SEI Tax
Exempt Trust, included in the Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A of SEI Tax-Exempt Trust (File No. 2-76990),
and to all references to our Firm included in or made part of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 40 to Registration Statement File No. 2-76990.



                                        \s\ Arthur Andersen LLP



Philadelphia, PA
 December 20, 1996


<PAGE>   1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
================================================================================


TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST:

We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets of the Tax Free,
California Tax Exempt, Institutional Tax Free, Pennsylvania Tax Free,
Intermediate-Term Municipal, Pennsylvania Municipal and Kansas Tax Free Income
Portfolios of SEI Tax Exempt Trust as of August 31, 1996 and the related
statements of operations, statements of changes in net assets, and financial
highlights for the periods presented. We have also audited the statement of
operations of the Bainbridge Tax Exempt Portfolio of SEI Tax Exempt Trust for
the period ended December 15, 1995, and the related statement of changes in net
assets and financial highlights for the periods presented. These financial
statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and financial highlights 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 and financial
highlights are free of material misstatment. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting hte amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
August 31, 1996, by correspondence with the custodians. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, 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 and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the
Tax-Free, California Tax Exempt, Institutional Tax Free, Pennsylvania Tax Free,
Intermediate-Term Municipal, Pennsylvania Municipal and Kansas Tax Free Income
Portfolios of SEI Tax Exempt Trust as of August 31, 1996, the results of their
operations, changes in their net assets, and financial highlights for the
periods presented, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Philadelphia, PA
October 11, 1996
<PAGE>   2

STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996



TAX FREE PORTFOLIO

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
MUNICIPAL BONDS -- 104.1%
ALABAMA -- 0.6%
   Tuscaloosa Industrial
     Development Board,
     Industrial Development
     Revenue, Field Container
     Corporation, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                    $1,950           $1,950
                                                                          ------
ARKANSAS -- 0.3%
   Little Rock Unified
     School District, TRAN
     3.850%, 12/30/96                                     1,000            1,000
                                                                          ------
ARIZONA -- 1.5%
   Chandler Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Parsons Municipal Series
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 09/15/96                                     3,900            3,900
   Tucson Industrial Development
     Authority, Tucson City Center
     Parking, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.625%, 09/07/96                                     1,250            1,250
                                                                          ------
                                                                           5,150
                                                                          ------
CALIFORNIA -- 2.5%
   California School Cash
     Reserve Program Authority,
     Pool, Ser A, RAN
     4.750%, 07/02/97                                     5,000            5,036
   California State, Ser
     96-97, RAN
     4.500%, 06/30/97                                     2,500            2,511
   Western Placer, USD, TRAN
     4.700%, 09/05/96                                     1,000            1,000
                                                                          ------
                                                                           8,547
                                                                          ------
COLORADO -- 3.6%
   Colorado Housing Finance
     Authority, Multi-Family
     Housing, Woodstream Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                     2,500            2,500
   Colorado Housing Finance
     Authority, Multi-Family
     Housing, Cambray Park,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                     2,900            2,900

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Colorado Housing Finance
     Authority, Multi-Family
     Housing, Grants Plaza
     Project 91-A, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.525%, 09/07/96                                    $1,500           $1,500
   Denver City & County,
     Multi-Family Housing,
     Ogden Residence Project, Ser 85,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.950%, 09/01/96                                     2,965            2,965
   Fraser Industrial Development
     Revenue, Safeway Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 12/01/96                                     1,785            1,785
   Jefferson County Industrial
     Development Revenue,
     Southwest Medpro Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                        550             550
                                                                          ------
                                                                          12,200
                                                                          ------
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA -- 1.9%
   District of Columbia, Washington,
     Ser B-1, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.950%, 09/07/96                                        600             600
   District of Columbia, Washington,
     Ser B-2, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.950%, 09/07/96                                      5,300           5,300
   District of Columbia, Washington,
     Ser B-3, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.950%, 09/07/96                                        500             500
                                                                          ------
                                                                           6,400
                                                                          ------
FLORIDA -- 3.9%
   Boca Raton Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Parking Garage, Ser 84-A,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.875%, 09/07/96                                      3,125           3,125
   Florida Housing Finance Agency,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.850%, 09/07/96                                      2,300           2,300
   Florida Housing Finance Authority,
     Sarasota Beneva Place, Ser C,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.525%, 09/07/96                                      4,955           4,955
   Halifax Hospital Medical Center,
     Ser 96, TAN (C)
     3.800%, 04/15/97                                      2,000           2,001
</TABLE>



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

7
<PAGE>   3


STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996



TAX FREE PORTFOLIO--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Pasco County Housing Facility
     Authority, Multi-Family
     Housing, Carlton Arms/
     Magnolia Valley, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.625%, 09/07/96                                   $ 1,000          $ 1,000
                                                                         -------
                                                                          13,381
                                                                         -------
GEORGIA -- 3.6%
   Dekalb County, Development
     Authority Revenue, Dart
     Container Project, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.850%, 09/07/96                                     1,000            1,000
   DeKalb County, Multi-Family
     Housing, Wood Terrace
     Apartments Project, Ser 95,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.450%, 09/07/96                                       400              400
   Fulton County Development
     Authority, Robert W. Woodruff
     Arts Center,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                     3,500            3,500
   Gordon Industrial Development
     Authority, Federal Paper Board
     Incorporated Project, Ser 92,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                     2,000            2,000
   Newton, Industrial Development
     Revenue, H.B. Fuller Project,
     Ser 84, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 09/07/96                                     3,100            3,100
   Richmond County, Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Federal Paper Board Company
     Project, Ser 92,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                     1,000            1,000
   Rome City, Ser 96, TAN, G.O. 
     3.270%, 12/31/96                                     1,150            1,150
                                                                         -------
                                                                          12,150
                                                                         -------
ILLINOIS -- 7.0%
   Chicago O'Hare International
     Airport, American Airlines,
     Ser A, VRDN, RB (A)
     (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/01/96                                       600              600
   Chicago Park District, Ser A, TAW
     5.000%, 10/30/96                                     1,000            1,002
   Chicago, Multi-Family Housing
     Authority, Waveland Project B,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)(C)
     3.450%, 09/07/96                                     6,100            6,100


<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
East Peoria, Multi-Family
  Housing Revenue, Radnor
  East Project, VRDN, RB (A)
  (B) (C) 3.750%, 09/07/96                               $1,720           $1,720
Hoffman Estates, Park District,
  G.O. 4.000%, 12/01/96                                   1,815            1,815
Illinois State Development
  Financial Authority, Dart
  Container Project, VRDN,
  RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.548%, 09/07/96                                        1,300            1,300
   Illinois State Financial
     Development Authority,
     Diamond Star Motors Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.850%, 09/01/96                                     1,900            1,900
   Peoria Economic Development,
     North Point Shopping Center
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 12/01/96                                     2,395            2,395
   Skokie, Industrial Development
     Authority, Fashion Square
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.875%, 09/07/96                                     2,800            2,800
   Springfield, Community
     Improvement Revenue,
     Kent Family Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                     1,000            1,000
   St. Clair County, Industrial
     Building Authority,
     Winchester Apartments Project,
     Ser 94, VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.900%, 09/07/96                                     3,000            3,000
                                                                          ------
                                                                          23,632
                                                                          ------
INDIANA -- 8.6%
   Bartholomew Consolidated
     Schools, TAW
     4.000%, 12/31/96                                     1,738            1,739
   East Chicago, School City TAW
     4.000%, 12/31/96                                     3,000            3,002
   Gary Environmental Improvement,
     US Steel, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 01/15/97                                     9,800            9,800
   Hamilton Southeastern
     Independent Schools,
     Consolidated School
     Building, BAN
     3.900%, 12/31/96                                       750              751
</TABLE>



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

8

<PAGE>   4




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Indiana Development Finance
     Authority, Industrial
     Development Revenue,
     Goodwill Industries Center
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                   $ 1,400          $ 1,400
   Indiana Health Facilities Finance
     Authority, Lutherwood Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                     1,000            1,000
   Lake County, Calumet Township,
     Ser 95, G.O. 
     5.000%, 01/15/97                                     1,750            1,759
   Michigan City, TAW
     3.900%, 12/31/96                                     1,100            1,100
   Portage Township Schools, TAW
     4.150%, 12/31/96                                     1,350            1,352
   Portage, Economic Development
     Revenue, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 09/07/96                                       780              780
   South Bend Community School
     District, G.O. 
     3.850%, 01/15/97                                       570              570
   Tri-Creek School District, TAW
     4.000%, 12/31/96                                     1,100            1,101
   Valpariso Community School
     District, TAW
     4.100%, 12/31/96                                     3,500            3,504
   Whitko Community School
     District, TAW
     4.000%, 12/31/96                                     1,490            1,491
                                                                         -------
                                                                          29,349
                                                                         -------
KANSAS -- 0.2%
   Salina, Central Mall Dillard,
     Ser 84, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                       495              495
   Shawnee County, Ser 96-1, BAN
     4.800%, 03/01/97                                       280              280
                                                                         -------
                                                                             775
                                                                         -------
LOUISIANA -- 0.6%
   Ascension Parish, Pollution
     Control Revenue, BASF
     Wyandotte Corporation,
     VRDN, RB, (A) (B) (C)
     3.850%, 09/01/96                                     1,600            1,600
   Louisiana State Public Facilities
     Authority, Willis Knighton
     Medical Project, VRDN, RB
     AMBAC Insured (A) (B)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                       600              600
                                                                         -------
                                                                           2,200
                                                                         -------


<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
MAINE -- 0.6% Maine State, TAN,
     G.O. 4.500%, 06/27/97                               $2,000           $2,010
                                                                          ------
MARYLAND -- 5.2%
   Baltimore County, G.O., TECP
     3.500%, 10/02/96 (C)                                 2,000            2,000
   Howard County Multi-Family
     Housing, Sherwood Crossing
     Limited, Ser A, VRDN, RB,
     G.O. (A) (B)
     3.750%, 06/01/97                                     1,500            1,500
   Maryland State Health & Higher
     Education Facilities Authority,
     Kennedy Krieger, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                       400              400
   Maryland State Health & Higher
     Education Facilities Authority,
     Pooled Loan Program, Ser B,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.450%, 09/07/96                                      8,100           8,100
   Montgomery County, Multi-Family
     Housing Opportunities,
     Community Housing,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 09/07/96                                      5,000           5,000
   Prince Georges County Housing
     Authority, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.525%, 09/07/96                                        625             625
                                                                          ------
                                                                          17,625
                                                                          ------
MICHIGAN -- 1.0%
   Sterling Heights Economic
     Development, Sterling Shopping
     Center, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                        500             500
   University of Michigan, University
     Revenue, Ser A, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B)
     3.850%, 09/01/96                                        800             800
   Wayne County, Sewer
     System, TECP (B) (C)
     3.650%, 09/27/96                                      2,000           2,000
                                                                          ------
                                                                           3,300
                                                                          ------
MINNESOTA -- 3.2%
   Bloomington Commercial
     Development Revenue, Park
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.770%, 09/07/96                                      3,150           3,150

</TABLE>

9


<PAGE>   5


STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996



TAX FREE PORTFOLIO--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Golden Valley Industrial
     Development Revenue, Graco
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                    $ 1,620         $ 1,620
   Minneapolis, Highway
     Improvement, VRDN,
     G.O. (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                      3,500           3,500
   Minnesota Housing Finance
     Agency, Single Family Mortgage,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 12/12/96                                      1,575           1,575
   Minnesota School Districts,
     Tax & Aid Anticipation
     Borrowing Program 1996, Ser B, COP
     4.500%, 09/09/97                                        900             906
                                                                         -------
                                                                          10,751
                                                                         -------
MISSOURI -- 1.8%
   Kansas City Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Baptist Health System, Ser A,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                      5,975           5,975
                                                                         -------
NEVADA -- 2.8%
   Henderson, Public Improvement
     Trust, Multi-Family Housing,
     Pueblo Verde I & II-B Apartment
     Project, #1071, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                      9,500           9,500
                                                                         -------
NEW HAMPSHIRE -- 0.3%
   New Hampshire Higher Education
     & Health Facility Authority,
     Dartmouth College, RB (A) (B)
     3.800%, 06/01/97                                      1,080           1,080
                                                                         -------
NEW JERSEY -- 0.9%
   New Jersey Economic
     Development Authority,
     Cincinnati Gear Company,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 10/01/96                                      1,405           1,405
   New Jersey State, G.O.,
     Pre-Refunded @ 101 (D)
     7.200%, 04/15/97                                      1,500           1,547
                                                                         -------
                                                                           2,952
                                                                         -------

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
NEW MEXICO -- 0.6%
   Albuquerque Industrial
     Development Revenue,
     Plastech Project, Ser 94-B,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                    $2,155           $2,155
                                                                          ------
NEW YORK -- 2.3%
   Nassau County, Ser A, RAN
     4.000%, 03/05/97                                     2,500            2,508
   North Hempstead, BAN
     4.250%, 05/29/97                                     2,000            2,006
   North Hempstead, Ser B, BAN
     3.850%, 02/27/97                                     1,000            1,002
   Ontario County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Seneca Foods, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.850%, 09/07/96                                     2,185            2,185
                                                                          ------
                                                                           7,701
                                                                          ------
NORTH CAROLINA -- 0.9%
   Beafort Industrial Facility,
     Pollution Control Revenue,
     Texas Gulf Corporation,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                     3,000            3,000
                                                                          ------
NORTH DAKOTA -- 0.6%
   Fargo, Commercial Development
     Revenue, Cass Oil Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                     2,200            2,200
                                                                          ------
OHIO -- 3.5%
   Brecksville-Broadview Heights
     School District, Ohio School
     Improvement, Ser 96, BAN
     3.900%, 01/17/97                                     1,000            1,001
   Cincinnati & Hamilton County
     Port Authority, CEI Realty
     Project, VRDN, G.O. (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 11/01/96                                       105              105
   Cleveland Waterworks Revenue,
     First Mortgage Improvement,
     Ser E, VRDN, RB,
     MBIA Insured,
     Pre-Refunded @ 101 (A) (D)
     7.625%, 01/01/97                                       485              501
   Highland County Industrial
     Development Revenue,
     Lancaster Colony Corporation,
     VRDN, RB (A) (C)
     3.150%, 09/07/96                                     1,000            1,000
</TABLE>



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

10
<PAGE>   6




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Montgomery County Economic
     Development Revenue, Wayne
     Town Center, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 10/01/96                                    $ 1,045         $ 1,045
   North Olmsted, BAN
     4.600%, 12/19/96                                      5,000           5,007
   Summit County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     SGS Tool Project, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 11/01/96                                        190             190
   Summit County Industrial
     Development Revenue,
     Arlington Plaza Project,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.150%, 09/07/96                                      2,285           2,285
   Toledo, Industrial Development
     Revenue, Countymark Cooperative
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                        900             900
                                                                         -------
                                                                          12,034
                                                                         -------
OKLAHOMA -- 4.4%
   Bartlesville Development Authority,
     Heritage Villa Nursing Center,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                      3,000           3,000
   Oklahoma County Industrial
     Development Authority, Baptist
     General Convention, Ser 89,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.850%, 09/01/96                                      2,500           2,500
   Oklahoma State Water Reserve Board
     State Loan Program Revenue, RB
     (A) (B)
     3.700%, 03/03/97                                      3,500           3,500
   Tulsa County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Healthcare Revenue, Laureate
     Psychiatric Project, RB (A) (B)
     3.850%, 12/15/96                                      3,500           3,500
   Tulsa Parking Authority,
     Refunding First Mortgage
     Williams Project 84, Ser A,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 11/15/96                                      2,310           2,310
                                                                         -------
                                                                          14,810
                                                                         -------
OREGON -- 0.8%
   Port of Portland, Public Grain
     Elevator, Columbia Grain,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                      2,565           2,565
                                                                         -------

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
PENNSYLVANIA -- 19.2%
   Allegheny County Education
     Building Authority, University
     of Pittsburgh Project, Ser 85-B,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.300%, 09/07/96                                     $  950          $  950
   Allegheny County Hospital
     Development Authority, Ser 88-D,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                        600             600
   Berks County Industrial
     Development Authority, Rilsaw
     Industrial Project, Elf Aquitaine,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.625%, 09/07/96                                      2,400           2,400
   Bucks County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Edgcomb Metals Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                      3,955           3,955
   Clarion County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Specialized Development
     Meritcare, MTC Project, Ser A,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                      1,000           1,000
   Cumberland County Municipal
     Authority, United Methodist
     Homes Aging Project, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.680%, 09/07/96                                      2,000           2,000
   Delaware County Airport Facility,
     Airport Facility Revenue, UPS
     Project, Ser 85, VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.650%, 09/07/96                                      1,500           1,500
   Delaware County Industrial
     Development Authority, British
     Petroleum Project, Ser 95,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                        600             600
   Delaware County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Scott Paper Project, Ser A,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                      1,000           1,000
   Emmaus General Authority
     Revenue, Subseries D-8,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                      7,000           7,000
   Langhorne Hospital Revenue
     Authority, Franciscan Health
     Systems Project, Ser C, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 09/07/96                                      1,300           1,300
  Finance Project, Ser F, VRDN,
  RB, AMBAC Insured (A) (B)
  3.350%, 09/07/96                                        1,000            1,000
Schuylkill County, Industrial
  Development Authority,
  Gilberton Power Project,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.500%, 09/07/96                                        1,200            1,200
Schuylkill County, Industrial
  Development Authority,
  Northeastern Power Project,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.850%, 09/01/96                                        3,100            3,100
Schuylkill County, Industrial
  Development Authority,
  Westwood Energy Project,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.950%, 09/01/96                                        2,900            2,900
Scranton-Lackawana, Health &
  Welfare Authority, University
  of Scranton Project, VRDN,
  RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.650%, 11/01/96                                          575              575
Shenango Valley Osteopathic
  Hospital Authority, Shenango
  Valley Medical Center, RB,
  Pre-Refunded  @ 102 (D)
  7.875%, 04/01/97                                        1,755            1,831
Temple University, University
  Funding, Ser 96, RAN
  4.625%, 05/20/97                                          500              503
York General Authority,
  Pooled Financing Revenue,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.500%, 09/07/96                                        5,000            5,000
                                                                         -------
                                                                          65,325
                                                                         -------
</TABLE>



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

12

<PAGE>   7
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996



TAX FREE PORTFOLIO--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         FACE
                                                      AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>               <C>    
  Montgomery County Higher
    Education & Health Facility
    Authority, Higher Education
    & Loan, Ser 96-A,
    VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.650%, 09/07/96                                       $6,000           $6,000
  Moon Township Industrial
    Development Revenue,
    Executive Office Project,
    Ser 91-A, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.550%, 09/07/96                                          800              800
  North Umberland County,
    Industrial Development
    Authority, Atlas Development,
    VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.550%, 09/07/96                                        1,025            1,025
  Northeastern Hospital &
    Education Authority, Allhealth
    Pooled Financing Program,
    VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.600%, 09/07/96                                        3,500            3,500
  Pennsylvania Higher Education
    Facility, Thomas Jefferson
    University, Ser B, VRDN,
    RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.700%, 02/26/97                                        1,000            1,000
  Pennsylvania Higher Education
    Facility, Thomas Jefferson
    University, Ser C, VRDN,
    RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.700%, 01/01/97                                        1,500            1,500
  Pennsylvania Higher Education
    Facility, Allegheny College
    Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.500%, 09/07/96                                        1,000            1,000
  Pennsylvania Higher Education
    Facility, Carnegie Mellon
    University Project, Ser C,
    VRDN, RB (A) (B)
    3.750%, 09/01/96                                        2,500            2,500
  Pennsylvania State Turnpike
    Commission, Turnpike
    Revenue, Ser A, RB,
    Pre-Refunded @ 102 (D)
    7.875%, 12/01/96                                        2,000            2,061
  Philadelphia Industrial
    Development Authority,
    Multi-Family Housing,
    Harbor View Towers Project,
    VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.800%, 09/07/96                                          280              280

<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         FACE
                                                      AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
  Philadelphia Redevelopment
    Authority, Pennsylvania
    School For The Deaf,
    VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.700%, 09/07/96                                      $ 2,000          $ 2,000
  Philadelphia School
    District, TRAN
    4.500%, 06/30/97                                        1,500            1,507
  Philadelphia, Ser A, TRAN
    4.500%, 06/30/97                                        3,025            3,038
  Sayre Health Care Facilities
    Authority, Pennsylvania VHA
    Capital Finance Project, Ser A,
    VRDN, RB, AMBAC
    Insured (A) (B)
    3.350%, 09/07/96                                          700              700
  Sayre Health Care Facilities
    Authority, Pennsylvania Capital VHA
    Finance Project, Ser F, VRDN,
    RB, AMBAC Insured (A) (B)
    3.350%, 09/07/96                                        1,000            1,000
  Schuylkill County, Industrial
    Development Authority,
    Gilberton Power Project,
    VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.500%, 09/07/96                                        1,200            1,200
  Schuylkill County, Industrial
    Development Authority,
    Northeastern Power Project,
    VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.850%, 09/01/96                                        3,100            3,100
  Schuylkill County, Industrial
    Development Authority,
    Westwood Energy Project,
    VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.950%, 09/01/96                                        2,900            2,900
  Scranton-Lackawana, Health &
    Welfare Authority, University
    of Scranton Project, VRDN,
    RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.650%, 11/01/96                                          575              575
  Shenango Valley Osteopathic
    Hospital Authority, Shenango
    Valley Medical Center, RB,
    Pre-Refunded  @ 102 (D)
    7.875%, 04/01/97                                        1,755            1,831
  Temple University, University
    Funding, Ser 96, RAN
    4.625%, 05/20/97                                          500              503
  York General Authority,
    Pooled Financing Revenue,
    VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.500%, 09/07/96                                        5,000            5,000
                                                                           -------
                                                                            65,325
                                                                           -------
</TABLE>



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

12

<PAGE>   8
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
SOUTH CAROLINA -- 1.5%
   Florence County Industrial
     Development Revenue,
     La-Z-Boy Chair Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.671%, 09/07/96                                   $ 5,000          $ 5,000
                                                                         -------
TENNESSEE -- 0.9%
   Greenville Industrial Development
     Revenue, Pet Inc. Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                     3,000            3,000
                                                                         -------
TEXAS -- 3.5%
   Brazo River, Hoffman-Laroche
     Project, Ser 85, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.525%, 09/07/96                                     1,000            1,000
   Harris County, Multi-Family
     Housing, Arbor II Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.950%, 10/01/96                                     1,000            1,000
   Harris County, Multi-Family
     Housing, Glenhollow Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.775%, 09/07/96                                     2,300            2,300
   Houston Health Facilities
     Development Authority,
     Corporate Revenue, Memorial
     Northwest Pavillion,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 09/07/96                                       845              845
   Texas State, TECP
     3.700%, 02/05/97                                     4,000            4,000
   Trinity River, Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Trinity River Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.525%, 09/07/96                                     2,900            2,900
                                                                         -------
                                                                          12,045
                                                                         -------
UTAH -- 3.7%
   Castle Dale Industrial
     Development Revenue,
     Safeway Project, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.850%, 02/01/97                                     1,475            1,475


<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Nephi Industrial Development
     Authority, Safeway Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.350%, 09/01/96                                   $ 1,260          $ 1,260
   Salt Lake City, Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Devereaux Partners Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                     5,000            5,000
   Salt Lake City, Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Park View Plaza Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.720%, 09/07/96                                     3,625            3,625
   Tremonton City Industrial
     Development Revenue,
     Safeway Project, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 12/01/96                                     1,075            1,075
                                                                         -------
                                                                          12,435
                                                                         -------
VERMONT -- 1.7%
   Vermont State Student Assistance
     Student Loan Bonds, Ser 85,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                     5,825            5,825
                                                                         -------
VIRGINIA -- 2.7%
   Fairfax County, Multi-Family
     Housing Revenue, Chase
     Commons Project, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.625%, 09/07/96                                     5,000            5,000
   Henrico County, Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Hermitage Project, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.900%, 09/01/96                                     2,100            2,100
   Stafford County, Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Safeway Project, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 12/01/96                                     2,095            2,095
                                                                         -------
                                                                           9,195
                                                                         -------
WASHINGTON -- 0.2%
   Washington State, Ser 86-D, G.O.,
     Pre-Refunded @ 100 (D)
     7.800%, 09/01/96                                       800              800
</TABLE>

13
<PAGE>   9


STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


TAX FREE PORTFOLIO--CONCLUDED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
WEST VIRGINIA -- 2.9%
   Keyser Industrial Development
     Revenue, Keyser Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                   $ 2,050          $ 2,050
   West Virginia State Hospital
     Finance Authority, Hospital
     Revenue, VHA Mid-Atlantic,
     Ser B, VRDN, RB,
     AMBAC Insured (A) (B)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                     1,600            1,600
   West Virginia State Hospital
     Finance Authority, Hospital
     Revenue, VHA Mid-Atlantic,
     Ser F, VRDN, RB,
     AMBAC Insured (A) (B)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                     5,700            5,700
   West Virginia State Hospital
     Finance Authority, St. Joseph's
     Hospital Project, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                       500              500
                                                                         -------
                                                                           9,850
                                                                         -------
WISCONSIN -- 4.6%
   Beaver Dam, USD, TRAN
     4.140%, 08/27/97                                     1,000            1,000
   Burlington Area School District,
     TRAN
     4.220%, 08/29/97                                     1,000            1,002
   Kettle-Moraine School District,
     TRAN
     4.010%, 08/22/97                                     1,150            1,150
   LaCrosse Industrial Development
     Revenue, LaCrosse Properties,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                     5,355            5,355
   Mayville Area School
     District, BAN
     3.500%, 11/01/96                                     1,640            1,640
   Mount Horeb Area School
     District, BAN
     3.500%, 11/01/96                                     1,750            1,750
   Village of Menomonee, Industrial
     Development Revenue,
     Maysteel Corporation
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.630%, 09/07/96                                     1,900            1,900
   Watertown, USD, TRAN
     3.975%, 10/25/96                                     2,000            2,000
                                                                         -------
                                                                          15,797
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
Total Municipal Bonds
   (Cost $353,664)                                                    $ 353,664
                                                                      ---------
Total Investments -- 104.1%
   (Cost $353,664)                                                      353,664
                                                                      ---------
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET -- (4.1%)                             (13,752)
                                                                      ---------

NET ASSETS:
Portfolio Shares of Class A (unlimited
authorization -- no par value) based on
   340,065,680 outstanding shares of
   beneficial interest                                                  339,921
Portfolio Shares of Class D (unlimited
authorization -- no par value) based on
   5,951 outstanding shares of
   beneficial interest                                                        6
Undistributed Net Investment Income                                           3
Accumulated Net Realized Loss on
   Investments                                                              (18)
                                                                      ---------
Total Net Assets--100.0%                                              $ 339,912
                                                                      =========
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and
   Redemption Price Per Share-- Class A                               $    1.00
                                                                      =========
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and
   Redemption Price Per Share-- Class D                               $    1.00
                                                                      =========
</TABLE>


AMBAC AMERICAN MUNICIPAL BOND ASSURANCE CORPORATION 
BAN   BOND ANTICIPATION NOTE
COP   CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION 
GO    GENERAL OBLIGATION
MBIA  MUNICIPAL BOND INVESTORS ASSURANCE 
RAN   REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTE 
RB    REVENUE BOND SER SERIES 
TAN   TAX ANTICIPATION NOTE 
TAW   TAX ANTICIPATION WARRANT 
TECP  TAX EXEMPT COMMERCIAL PAPER 
TRAN  TAX & REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTE 
UPS   UNITED PARCEL SERVICE 
USD   UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 
VRDN  VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTE 
(A) FLOATING RATE SECURITY--THE RATE REFLECTED ON THE STATEMENT OF 
    NET ASSETS IS THE RATE IN EFFECT ON AUGUST 31, 1996.
(B) PUT AND DEMAND FEATURE--THE MATURITY DATE REPORTED ON THE STATEMENT OF NET
    ASSETS IS THE LESSER OF THE MATURITY DATE OR THE PUT DATE. 
(C) SECURITIES ARE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH A LETTER OF CREDIT FROM A MAJOR 
    COMMERCIAL BANK OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION. 
(D) PRE-REFUNDED SECURITY--THE MATURITY DATE SHOWN IS THE PRE-REFUNDED DATE.



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

14
<PAGE>   10



CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
MUNICIPAL BONDS -- 104.2%
CALIFORNIA -- 104.2%
   Association of Bay Area
     Governments, Lucille Salter
     Packard Project, VRDN, RB,
     AMBAC Insured (A) (B)
     3.300%, 09/07/96                                     $1,100          $1,100
   Butte County, Office of
     Education, TRAN
     4.750%, 09/12/96                                      5,000           5,001
   California Education Facility
     Authority, Point Nazarene
     College, VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.250%, 09/07/96                                      4,000           4,000
   California Education Facility
     Authority, Stanford University,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.200%, 09/07/96                                      5,055           5,055
   California Health Facilities
     Finance Authority, Catholic
     Health Care, Ser A, VRDN,
     RB, MBIA Insured (A) (B)
     3.250%, 09/07/96                                      3,100           3,100
   California Health Facilities
     Finance Authority, Catholic
     Health Care, Ser B, VRDN,
     RB, MBIA Insured (A) (B)
     3.250%, 09/07/96                                      2,000           2,000
   California Health Facilities
     Finance Authority, Catholic
     Health Care, Ser C, VRDN,
     RB, MBIA Insured (A) (B)
     3.250%, 09/07/96                                      1,600           1,600
   California Health Facilities Finance
     Authority, Kaiser Permanente,
     Ser 93-A, VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.150%, 09/07/96                                      4,200           4,200
   California Health Facilities
     Finance Authority, Kaiser
     Permanente, Ser 93-B, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B)
     3.150%, 09/07/96                                      2,000           2,000
   California Health Facilities Finance
     Authority, Memorial Health
     Services, VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.150%, 09/07/96                                      2,300           2,300
   California Health Facilities Finance
     Authority, Santa Barbara Cottage,
     Ser B, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.150%, 09/07/96                                      2,900           2,900
   California Health Facilities Finance
     Authority, Scripps Memorial
     Hospital, Ser 91-B, VRDN, RB,
     MBIA Insured (A) (B)
     3.350%, 09/07/96                                      1,800           1,800

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   California Health Facilities
     Finance Authority, Sutter
     Health Facility, Ser 96-B, VRDN,
     RB, AMBAC Insured (A) (B)
     3.650%, 09/01/96                                  $ 5,600           $ 5,600
   California Pollution Control
     Finance Authority, Chevron
     USA Project, RB (A) (B)
     3.700%, 09/07/96                                    3,200             3,200
   California Pollution Control
     Finance Authority, Pacific
     Gas & Electric, TECP (C)
     3.500%, 09/09/96                                    3,500             3,500
     3.550%, 10/23/96                                    3,500             3,500
   California School Cash Reserve
     Program Authority, Pool
     Ser A, RAN, G.O.
     4.750%, 07/02/97                                    5,000             5,036
   California State Economic
     Development Financing
     Authority, KQED Inc. Project,
     VRDN, RB, (A) (B) (C)
     3.350%, 09/07/96                                    4,800             4,800
   California State Community
     Development Authority,
     North California Retirement,
     VRDN, RB, (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                   18,000            18,000
   California State Community
     Development Authority,
     St. Joseph Health System,
     VRDN, COP, (A) (B)
     3.150%, 09/07/96                                    7,300             7,300
   California State Housing Finance
     Authority, Multi-Family
     Housing Revenue, Oakbrook
     Ridge Apartments, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B)
     3.300%, 09/07/96                                    4,830             4,830
   California State,
     Ser 96-97, RAN
     4.500%, 06/30/97                                    3,500             3,515
   City of Corona, Multi-Family
     Housing, County Hills
     Apartment Project, Ser 95-B,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.300%, 09/07/96                                    6,955             6,955
   Compton, COP, Capital Improvement
     Project, Pre-Refunded @ 102 (D)
     8.000%, 09/01/96                                      430               439
</TABLE>


15



<PAGE>   11


STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
  Contra Costa County, Multi-
    Family Mortgage Revenue,
    VRDN, RB (A) (B)
    3.900%, 09/07/96                                    $ 3,500          $ 3,500
  Contra Costa County, Multi-
    Family Housing, Delta Square
    Project, Ser A, VRDN,
    RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.400%, 09/07/96                                      3,400            3,400
  Contra Costa, TRAN
    4.500%, 06/30/97                                      5,000            5,028
  Corona Redevelopment Agency,
    Crown Point Project, Ser 85,
    RB (A) (B) (C)
    4.000%, 05/01/97                                      7,740            7,740
  Downey Civic Center Project,
    COP, MBIA Insured
    4.000%, 02/01/97                                        280              280
  Dry Creek, Joint Elementry
    School District #1, Special Tax,
    G.O., CGIC Insured
    4.200%, 09/01/96                                        365              365
  Escondido, Multi-Family Housing
    Project, Heritage House Project,
    VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.550%, 09/07/96                                      7,250            7,250
  Fairfield County, TRAN
    4.750%, 06/30/97                                      2,275            2,288
  Folsom Cordova, USD, TRAN
    4.750%, 10/18/96                                      6,500            6,506
  Folsom Public Finance Authority,
    Ser B, RB, Pre-Refunded
    @ 103 (D)
    7.900%, 10/01/96                                      1,000            1,033
  Fontana, Gaf Tax Exempt Bond
    Grantor Trust, Ser GA-7,
    VRDN, (A) (B) (C)
    3.650%, 09/07/96                                      6,325            6,325
  Irvine Ranch Water District, Ser B,
    VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.700%, 09/01/96                                     15,900           15,900
  Irwindale Industrial Development
    Revenue, Toys "R" Us Project,
    VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.625%, 09/07/96                                        500              500
  Kern County, Panama-Buena
    Vista Union School District,
    VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.600%, 09/07/96                                      9,000            9,000
  Kern County, Public Facilities
    Project, Ser D, VRDN,
    RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.250%, 09/07/96                                      2,500            2,500

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
  Livermore Housing Authority,
    Multi-Family Housing,
    Refunding-Housing-Richards
    Manor A, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.550%, 09/07/96                                   $ 7,370           $ 7,370
  Long Beach Housing Authority,
    Channel Point Apartments,
    Ser A , VRDN, RB, (A) (B) (C)
    3.550%, 09/07/96                                     2,500             2,500
  Los Angeles, USD, Ser A, TRAN
    4.500%, 06/30/97                                     5,350             5,380
  Los Angeles County, Metropolitan
    Transportation Commission,
    TECP (C)
    3.600%, 12/05/96                                     4,000             4,000
  Los Angeles County, Pension
    Obligation, Ser A, VRDN, G.O.,
    AMBAC Insured (A) (B)
    3.200%, 09/07/96                                     7,300             7,300
  Los Angeles County, Pension
    Obligation, Ser B, VRDN, G.O.,
    AMBAC Insured (A) (B)
    3.200%, 09/07/96                                     1,000             1,000
  Los Angeles County, Pension
    Obligation, Ser C, VRDN, G.O.,
    AMBAC Insured (A) (B)
    3.200%, 09/07/96                                     5,000             5,000
  Los Angeles County, Community
    Redevelopment Agency,
    Willowbrook Project, VRDN,
    RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.450%, 09/07/96                                     1,600             1,600
  Los Angeles Department of
    Water & Power, Electric Plant
    Revenue, RB
    9.000%, 01/15/97                                       500               511
  Los Angeles Redevelopment
    Agency, Baldwin Hills Public
    Park, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.450%, 09/07/96                                       600               600
  Los Angeles Multi-Family Housing
    Revenue, Ser K, VRDN,
    RB (A) (B) (C)
    3.350%, 09/07/96                                    16,500            16,500
  Los Angeles Department of
    Airports, Airport Revenue,
    Ser B, RB, Pre-Refunded
    @ 102 (D)
    7.300%, 05/01/97                                     1,500             1,563
  Lucia Mar, USD # 87, Facilities
    Financing Project, RB,
    Pre-Refunded @ 102 (D)
    8.300%, 05/01/97                                       500               525
  Modesto, High School & City
    School District, VRDN,
    COP (A) (B) (C)
    3.400%, 09/07/96                                     2,880             2,880
</TABLE>



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

16
<PAGE>   12




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Monterey County, Finance
     Authority Revenue, Reclamation
     & Distribution Program,
     Ser 95-A, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                    $5,000           $5,000
   Monterey Regional Waste
     Management Authority,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                     3,500            3,500
   Moulton Niguel Water District,
     Improvement District # 6, Ser 1,
     RB, Pre-Refunded @ 102 (D)
     7.875%, 02/01/97                                     2,500            2,594
   New Haven, USD, RB, TRAN
     4.500%, 07/01/97                                     3,625            3,638
   Oakland, Revenue Assessment
     Bay Area Government, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                     2,275            2,275
   Ontario, TRAN
     4.500%, 06/30/97                                     6,495            6,521
   Orange County, Apartment
     Development Revenue, Radnor/
     Aragon Corporation Project-D,
     RB, (A) (B) (C)
     3.525%, 09/07/96                                     3,400            3,400
   Oxnard Redevelopment Agency,
     Channel Islands Business,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.775%, 09/07/96                                     4,685            4,685
   Palm Springs Community
     Redevelopment Agency,
     Headquarters Hotel-1, VRDN,
     COP (A) (B) (C)
     3.450%, 09/07/96                                     2,070            2,070
   Palm Springs Community
     Redevelopment Agency,
     Headquarters Hotel-4, VRDN,
     COP (A) (B) (C)
     3.450%, 09/07/96                                     2,800            2,800
   Palm Springs Community
     Redevelopment Agency,
     Headquarters Hotel-6, VRDN,
     COP (A) (B) (C)
     3.450%, 09/07/96                                       900              900
   Pasadena Historical Rehabilitation,
     Dodsworth Building Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.250%, 09/07/96                                     3,900            3,900
   Placer County, Loomis Union
     Elementary School District,
     TRAN
     4.450%, 09/04/97                                     1,170            1,176

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Placer County, Placer County
     Office of Education, TRAN
     4.450%, 09/04/97                                   $   475          $   477
   Placer County, Roseville City
     School District, TRAN
     4.450%, 09/04/97                                     1,350            1,357
   Placer County, Roseville Joint
     Union High School District,
     TRAN
     4.450%, 09/04/97                                       850              854
   Placer County, TRAN
     4.450%, 09/04/97                                     1,660            1,668
   Pomona Public Finance Authority,
     Southwest Pomona, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                     2,200            2,200
   Redlands Redevelopment Agency,
     Parking Lease, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.720%, 09/07/96                                     4,610            4,610
   Redlands Redevelopment
     Refunding Project, Ser A,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.720%, 09/07/96                                    11,120           11,120
   Riverside County, Ser B, G.O.,
     TRAN (C)
     3.200%, 06/30/97                                     3,000            3,000
   Riverside County, Industrial
     Development Advanced
     Business Forms Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                     1,950            1,950
   Roseville, Joint Union High School
     District, VRDN, COP (A) (B) (C)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                     3,485            3,485
   Sacramento City Financing
     Authority, Gas Tax, Ser A, RB,
     AMBAC Insured
     6.500%, 12/01/96                                       535              539
   Sacramento County, TRAN
     4.750%, 10/04/96                                     1,500            1,501
   Sacramento Municipal Utility
     District, Electric Revenue, Ser S,
     RB, Pre-Refunded @ 102 (D)
     6.625%, 02/01/97                                     1,000            1,034
   San Bernardino County, County
     Center Refunding Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.300%, 09/07/96                                     6,200            6,200
   San Bernardino County, Glen Helen
     Blockbuster, Ser E,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                     4,340            4,340
</TABLE>

17
<PAGE>   13


STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO--CONCLUDED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   San Bernardino County,
     Industrial Development
     Authority, Sandpiper
     Investments Project, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 09/07/96                                    $3,400           $3,400
   San Bernardino County, Multi-
     Family Housing Revenue,
     Alta Loma Heritage Project,
     Ser A, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                     1,264            1,264
   San Bernardino County, Multi-
     Family Housing Revenue,
     Gold West Apartments, Ser A,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                       500              500
   San Bernardino Industrial
     Development Revenue, Gate
     City Beverage District, VRDN, 
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 09/07/96                                       515              515
   San Bernardino County, Multi-
     Family Revenue, VRDN,
     RB, (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                     4,300            4,300
   San Diego County, Water Authority
     Revenue Center, Ser A, RB,
     Pre-Refunded @102  (D)
     7.000%, 05/01/97                                       225              234
   San Diego Multi-Family Housing
     Revenue, LA Cima Apartments
     Project, Ser K, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.250%, 09/07/96                                     1,550            1,550
   San Diego Water Authority, Water
     Revenue, Ser A, COP,
     Pre-Refunded @ 102 (D)
     7.300%, 05/01/97                                     1,900            1,981
   San Dimas Multi-Family Housing
     Revenue, Ser 88-A, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.570%, 09/07/96                                     5,670            5,670
   San Francisco, City & County, TRAN
     4.750%, 09/19/96                                     1,000            1,000
   San Jose, USD, Santa Clara
     County, TRAN
     4.500%, 08/05/97                                     3,000            3,015
   San Jose Finance Authority,
     Hayes Mansion Improvement
     Project B, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                     1,545            1,545
   San Marcos Industrial Development
     Authority, Amistar Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 09/07/96                                     4,500            4,500

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Santa Ana Housing Authority,
     Harbor Points Apartments,
     Ser 95-A, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.250%, 09/07/96                                   $ 2,650          $ 2,650
   Santa Clara, Electric Revenue,
     Ser A, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.300%, 09/07/96                                       860              860
   Santa Rosa, Wastewater Revenue,
     Subregional Wastewater Project A,
     RB, FGIC Insured
     4.000%, 09/01/96                                       890              890
   Simi Valley Multi-Family Housing,
     Lincoln Wood Ranch, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.450%, 09/07/96                                     9,700            9,700
   Simi Valley Public Finance
     Authority, Lease Revenue,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.300%, 09/07/96                                     9,000            9,000
   Simi Valley, West End Community
     Development Project,
     RB, Pre-Refunded @ 102 (D)
     7.550%, 09/01/96                                       500              510
   Solano County, USD, TRAN
     4.500%, 11/01/96                                     5,000            5,005
   Sonoma County, TRAN
     4.250%, 11/01/96                                     1,000            1,002
   Sonoma Valley, USD, TRAN
     4.500%, 07/03/97                                     3,000            3,014
   South California Public Power
     Authority, Transmission Project,
     Ser 91, RB, AMBAC
     Insured (A) (B)
     3.200%, 09/07/96                                     6,800            6,800
   Tracy, Hospital Revenue, Tracy
     Community Memorial Hospital,
     Ser A, RB, Pre-Refunded @ 102 (D)
     8.625%, 01/01/97                                     3,000            3,107
   University of California, Various
     Capital Projects, Ser B, COP,
     MBIA Insured
     3.950%, 09/01/96                                     1,000            1,000
   Upland Community Redevelopment
     Agency, Multi-Family Housing
     Revenue, Northwoods Project,
     Ser B, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.900%, 09/07/96                                     2,300            2,300
   Vacaville Multi-Family Housing,
     Quail Run Apartments, Ser 88-A,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.300%, 09/07/96                                    10,100           10,100
   Visalia Convention Center,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                       100              100
</TABLE>



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

18

<PAGE>   14
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Visalia Convention Center,
     VRDN, COP (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                 $   9,475        $   9,475
                                                                       ---------
Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $411,856)                                                          411,856
                                                                       ---------
Total Investments -- 104.2%
   (Cost $411,856)                                                       411,856
                                                                       ---------
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET -- (4.2%)                              (16,443)
                                                                       ---------

NET ASSETS:
Portfolio Shares of Class A (unlimited
   authorization -- no par value)
   based on 44,720,592 outstanding
   shares of beneficial interest                                          44,721
Portfolio Shares of Class G (unlimited
   authorization -- no par value) based on
   350,731,620 outstanding shares
   of beneficial interest                                                350,731
Overdistributed Net Investment Income                                        (34)
Accumulated Net Realized Loss
   on Investments                                                             (5)
                                                                       ---------
 Total Net Assets--100.0%                                              $ 395,413
                                                                       =========
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and
   Redemption Price Per Share--Class A                                 $    1.00
                                                                       =========
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and
   Redemption Price Per Share--Class G                                 $    1.00
                                                                       =========
</TABLE>

AMBAC AMERICAN MUNICIPAL BOND ASSURANCE CORPORATION 
CGIC  CAPITAL GUARANTY INSURANCE CORPORATION 
COP   CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION 
FGIC  FINANCIAL GUARANTY INSURANCE CORPORATION 
GO    GENERAL OBLIGATION 
MBIA  MUNICIPAL BOND INVESTORS ASSURANCE 
RAN   REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTE 
RB    REVENUE BOND 
SER   SERIES 
TECP  TAX EXEMPT COMMERCIAL PAPER 
TRAN  TAX & REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTE 
USD   UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 
VRDN  VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTE
(A) FLOATING RATE SECURITY--THE RATE REFLECTED ON THE STATEMENT OF 
    NET ASSETS IS THE RATE IN EFFECT ON AUGUST 31, 1996.
(B) PUT AND DEMAND FEATURE--THE MATURITY DATE REPORTED ON THE 
    STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS IS THE LESSER OF THE MATURITY DATE 
    OR THE PUT DATE. 
(C) SECURITIES ARE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH A LETTER OF CREDIT 
    FROM A MAJOR COMMERCIAL BANK OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION. 
(D) PRE-REFUNDED SECURITY--THE MATURITY DATE SHOWN IS THE PRE-REFUNDED DATE.


INSTITUTIONAL TAX
FREE PORTFOLIO


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
MUNICIPAL BONDS -- 103.4%
ALABAMA -- 1.9%
   Birmingham Historical Reservation
     Authority, Tutwiler Hotel Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 09/07/96                                    $ 5,480         $ 5,480
   Birmingham Medical Clinic
     Revenue, St. Martins In The
     Pines Project, Ser 89, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                      3,375           3,375
   Mobile Industrial Development,
     IB Chemical Company,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                      1,350           1,350
   Montgomery BMC Special Care
     Facilities Finance Authority,
     Baptist Medical Center, Ser A,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.450%, 09/07/96                                      5,000           5,000
   Russelville Industrial Development
     Revenue, Clark Pulley Project,
     Ser 94, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                      1,675           1,675
                                                                         -------
                                                                          16,880
                                                                         -------
ALASKA -- 0.5%
   Alaska Industrial Development
     Export Authority, Safeway
     Incorporated Project, RB
     (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 12/01/96                                      4,580           4,580
                                                                         -------
ARIZONA -- 0.2%
   Maricopa County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     McLane Company Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.900%, 09/07/96                                        870             870
   Pinal County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Pollution Control Project,
     VRDN, RB  (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/01/96                                        300             300
   Tucson Industrial Development
     Authority, Tucson City Center
     Parking, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.625%, 09/07/96                                        900             900
                                                                         -------
                                                                           2,070
</TABLE>

19
<PAGE>   15


STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
ARKANSAS -- 1.6%
   Little Rock Southwest Hospital,
     Ser 88, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.450%, 09/07/96                                   $ 7,300          $ 7,300
   Little Rock USD, TRAN
     3.850%, 12/30/96                                     3,000            3,000
   Pine Bluff Industrial Development
     Revenue, Camden Wire Project,
     VRDN, RB, (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                     3,700            3,700
                                                                         -------
                                                                          14,000
                                                                         -------
CALIFORNIA -- 3.7%
   California School Cash Reserve
     Pool, Ser A, RAN
     4.750%, 07/02/97                                    10,000           10,072
   California State, Ser 96-97,
     RAN
     4.500%, 06/30/97                                     6,000            6,025
   Placer Union High School
     District, TRAN
     4.700%, 09/05/96                                     3,000            3,000
   Redlands Redevelopment
     Agency, Parking Lease,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.720%, 09/07/96                                     1,900            1,900
   Redlands Redevelopment
     Refunding Project, Ser A,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.720%, 09/07/96                                     8,880            8,880
   Rocklin USD, TRAN
     4.700%, 09/05/96                                     2,000            2,000
                                                                         -------
                                                                          31,877
                                                                         -------
COLORADO -- 1.7%
   Colorado Housing Finance
     Authority, Multi-Family
     Housing, Grants Plaza Project
     91-A, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.525%, 09/07/96                                       875              875
   Colorado State Health Facilities
     Authority, Rocky Mountain
     Project, VRDN, RB, (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                     2,000            2,000
   Denver City & County Multi-
     Family Housing, Ogden
     Residence Project, VRDN,
     Ser 85-B, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.950%, 09/01/96                                     5,485            5,485
   Denver City & County
     Revenue, Children's Hospital
     Association Project, Ser B,
     Pre-Refunded @ 101,
     FGIC Insured (D)
     8.000%, 10/01/96                                     1,350            1,368

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Englewood Industrial
     Development Revenue,
     Safeway Incorporated Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 12/01/96                                   $ 3,050          $ 3,050
   Idaho Springs Industrial
     Development Revenue, Safeway
     Incorporated Project, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 12/01/96                                     2,230            2,230
                                                                         -------
                                                                          15,008
                                                                         -------
DELAWARE -- 0.1%
   Delaware Economic Development
     Authority, Commercial
     Development, Congoleum
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 09/07/96                                     1,000            1,000
                                                                         -------
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA -- 0.3%
   District of Columbia,  Washington,
     Ser B-1, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.950%, 09/01/96                                     2,500            2,500
                                                                         -------
FLORIDA -- 4.1%
   Boca Raton Industrial Development
     Revenue, Parking Garage Project,
     Ser 84-A, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.875%, 09/07/96                                     7,950            7,950
   Brevard County Housing Finance
     Authority, Park Village &
     Malobar Lakes Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                       900              900
   Broward County Multi-Family
     Housing, Parkview Partnership,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                     5,525            5,525
   Broward County Housing Finance
     Authority, Multi-Family Housing
     Revenue, Landings Inverray
     Apartments Project, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                     1,000            1,000
   Florida Housing Finance Authority,
     Multi-Family Housing, Kings
     County Project, Ser D, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.525%, 09/07/96                                     1,000            1,000
   Florida Housing Finance Agency,
     Multi-Family Housing, Lakeside
     South Association, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.525%, 09/07/96                                     2,000            2,000
</TABLE>



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

20
<PAGE>   16




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Florida Housing Finance
     Authority, Sarasota Beneva
     Place Association, Ser C,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.525%, 09/07/96                                   $ 3,645          $ 3,645
   Florida Housing Finance
     Authority, Ser 84, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.850%, 09/07/96                                     1,900            1,900
   Halifax Hospital Medical
     Center, Ser 96, TAN
     3.800%, 04/15/97                                     6,000            6,002
   Jacksonville Hospital Finance
     Authority, University Medical
     Center, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                       800              800
   Jacksonville Industrial
     Development, University of
     Florida Health Science Center,
     Ser 89, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 09/07/96                                     1,000            1,000
   Jacksonville University Hospital
     Center Project,VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                       400              400
   Orange County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Orlando International Drive
     Partnership Project, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 09/07/96                                     1,700            1,700
   Pasco City Housing Finance
     Authority, Multi-Family
     Housing, Carlton Arms of
     Magnolin Valley, Ser 85,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.625%, 09/07/96                                     2,000            2,000
                                                                         -------
                                                                          35,822
                                                                         -------
GEORGIA -- 6.9%
   Athens Multi-Family Housing,
     Georgian Apartments,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.775%, 09/07/96                                     1,400            1,400
   Cobb County Multi-Family
     Housing, Tibairen Associates
     Project, Ser 85-D, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                     8,600            8,600
   DeKalb County Industrial
     Development Revenue,
     Weyerhaeuser County Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.548%, 09/07/96                                     3,500            3,500

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   DeKalb County Multi-Family
     Housing Revenue, Camden
     Brook Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.450%, 09/07/96                                  $   500           $   500
   DeKalb County Multi-Family
     Housing, Terrace Club Project,
     Ser 93-B, VRDN, RB
     (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                    4,430             4,430
   DeKalb County Multi-Family
     Housing, Wood Terrace
     Apartments Project, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B)
     3.450%, 09/07/96                                   13,400            13,400
   Downtown Athens Housing
     Development Authority,
     Georgian Apartments
     Association, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.900%, 09/07/96                                    1,000             1,000
   Evans County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Sherman Utilities Structures,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 12/01/96                                      400               400
   Federal Paper Board Company,
     Tax-Exempt Bond Grantor
     Trust, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.900%, 09/07/96                                    7,200             7,200
   Glynn-Brunswick Memorial
     Hospital Authority, Georgia
     Southeast Georgia Project,
     VRDN, RB, MBIA
     Insured (A) (B) (C)
     3.350%, 09/07/96                                      500               500
   Gwinnett Housing Authority,
     Multi-Family Housing Revenue,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.450%, 09/07/96                                    1,000             1,000
   Jefferson & Twiggs County
     Pollution Control, Nord Kaolin
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                    1,220             1,220
   Marietta Housing Finance
     Authority, Multi-Family
     Housing, Franklin Walk
     Apartments Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.525%, 09/07/96                                    5,240             5,240
   Rome, Ser 96, TAN, G.O. 
     3.270%, 12/31/96                                    3,000             3,000
   Roswell Multi-Family Housing
     Revenue, Belcourt Limited
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                    9,000             9,000
                                                                         -------
                                                                          60,390
                                                                         -------
</TABLE>

21
<PAGE>   17


STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
ILLINOIS -- 6.1%
   Chicago O'Hare International
     Airport, American Airlines,
     Ser A, VRDN, RB (A)
     (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/01/96                                     $ 1,500           $ 1,500
   Chicago O'Hare International
     Airport, American Airlines,
     Ser D, VRDN, RB (A)
     (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/01/96                                       1,000             1,000
   Chicago Tender Notes, Ser C (C)
     3.700%, 11/25/96                                      10,000            10,000
   Chicago Multi-Family Housing,
     Waveland Association Project,
     Ser A, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.450%, 09/07/96                                       8,400             8,400
   Chicago Multi-Family Housing,
     Waveland Association Project,
     Ser B, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.450%, 09/07/96                                         825               825
   Hazel Crest Hospital Facilities
     Refunding & Improvement,
     South Suburban Project,
     Pre-Refunded @ 102, RB (D)
     9.125%, 07/01/97                                         300               319
   Illinois Development Finance
     Authority, Pollution Control
     Revenue, Commonwealth Edison
     Project, Ser A, VRDN, RB,
     AMBAC Insured (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                       9,300             9,300
   Illinois State Health Facility
     Authority, Lutheran Institution,
     Ser C, VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                       1,000             1,000
   Illinois State Industrial
     Development, Miyano Machinery,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     4.000%, 09/07/96                                       4,250             4,250
   Kave, Cook, & Dupage Counties
     School District, Ser #46, G.O.,
     FGIC Insured
     6.300%, 01/01/97                                       1,000             1,010
   Northwest Mutual Life Tax Exempt
     Mortgage Trust, Illinois,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     4.500%, 02/15/97                                         485               485
   Orland Hills Mortgage Authority,
     Multi-Family Housing, Ser 88-A,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                       1,400             1,400
   Paxton Industrial Development
     Authority, Merck & Aircoil,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.900%, 09/07/96                                         900               900

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Saint Clair Industrial Building
     Authority, Winchester
     Apartments Project, Ser 94,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.900%, 09/07/96                                   $ 8,000          $ 8,000
   Springfield Multi-Family Housing,
     Oak Center Limited Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                     4,900            4,900
                                                                         -------
                                                                          53,289
                                                                         -------
INDIANA -- 5.0%
   Bartholomew Consolidated
     Schools, TAW
     4.000%, 12/31/96                                     6,417            6,422
   Beach Grove, TAW
     3.850%, 12/31/96                                     1,400            1,400
   East Chicago School City, TAW
     4.000%, 12/31/96                                     7,500            7,505
   Fort Wayne, Ser 83, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.625%, 09/07/96                                     4,750            4,750
   GAF Tax Exempt Bond Grantor
     Trust, Indiana, Ser A,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     4.050%, 09/07/96                                     2,520            2,520
   Gary Indiana, Environmental
     Improvement, United States
     Steel Corporation,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 09/07/96                                     3,000            3,000
   Kokomo Center Township, TAW
     4.250%, 12/31/96                                     4,963            4,969
   Merrillville Community School
     Corporation, TAW
     4.000%, 12/31/96                                     3,650            3,652
   Michigan City Economic
     Development, Marley Company
     Project, Ser 84, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.625%, 09/07/96                                     1,525            1,525
   Michigan City Economic
     Development, Marley Company
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.625%, 09/07/96                                     1,225            1,225
   Michigan City, TAW
     3.900%, 12/31/96                                     3,000            3,001
   Northwest Mutual Life Tax Exempt
     Mortgage Trust, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     4.500%, 02/15/97                                        55               55
   South Bend Community School
     Corporation, G.O.
     3.850%, 01/15/97                                     1,500            1,500
   Westfield-Washington School, TAW
     4.000%, 12/31/96                                     1,500            1,501
                                                                         -------
                                                                          43,025
                                                                         -------
</TABLE>

THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

22
<PAGE>   18
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
KANSAS -- 0.9%
   Merriam Municipal Temporary
     Notes, Ser A, G.O. 
     4.150%, 06/01/97                                    $2,100           $2,102
   Merriam Municipal Temporary
     Notes, Ser B, G.O. 
     4.150%, 06/01/97                                     2,640            2,643
   Shawnee County, Ser 96-1,
     BAN, Callable 07/01/96 @ 100
     4.800%, 03/01/97                                       415              415
   Topeka Multi-Family Housing
     Revenue, Ser 85, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                       870              870
   Wichita Pollution Control, CIC
     Industries Incorporated,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.875%, 09/07/96                                     1,590            1,590
                                                                          ------
                                                                           7,620
                                                                          ------
KENTUCKY -- 0.6%
   Covington Industrial Building
     Revenue, Atkins & Pearce
     Incorporated, Ser 95,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                     1,770            1,770
   Georgetown Educational
     Institution Improvement,
     Georgetown College Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                     2,000            2,000
   Newport City Multi-Family
     Housing Revenue, Hannaford
     Project, (A) (B)
     3.750%, 12/01/96                                     1,785            1,785
                                                                          ------
                                                                           5,555
                                                                          ------
LOUISIANA -- 0.7%
   Louisiana Water  Project, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                     3,000            3,000
   New Orleans Industrial
     Development Bond, Spectrum
     Control Technology Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                     2,000            2,000
   South Louisiana Port Common
     Marine Term Revenue Refunding,
     Occidental Petroleum Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                     1,000            1,000
                                                                          ------
                                                                           6,000
                                                                          ------

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
MAINE -- 0.2%
   Portland Industrial Development
     Revenue, W.W. Grainger Project,
     Ser 85, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.800%, 09/07/96                                    $ 1,315         $ 1,315
                                                                         -------
MARYLAND -- 4.9%
   Annapolis Forest Gemini Facilities,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                      2,450           2,450
   Baltimore County, TECP (C)
     3.500%, 10/02/96                                      6,000           6,000
   Baltimore County Pollution Control
     Revenue, Baltimore Gas and
     Electric Project, TECP
     3.550%, 10/03/96                                      6,000           6,000
   Baltimore Industrial Development
     Refunding Revenue, Field
     Container Corporation, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                      1,200           1,200
   Howard County Maryland Multi-
     Family Housing Authority,
     Sherwood Crossing Limited
     Project, Ser A (A)
     3.750%, 06/01/97                                      2,500           2,500
   Hyattsville Industrial Development
     Revenue, Refunding Safeway
     Project, RB (A) (C)
     3.650%, 12/02/96                                      2,465           2,465
   Maryland State Health & Higher
     Education Facilities Authority,
     Greater Baltimore Medical,
     VRDN, RB  (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                      1,000           1,000
   Maryland State Health & Higher
     Education Facilities Authority,
     North Arundel Project, Ser B,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                      2,000           2,000
   Maryland State Health & Higher
     Education Facilities Authority,
     Pooled Loan Program, Ser B,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.450%, 09/07/96                                      5,000           5,000
   Montgomery County Multi-
     Family Housing Opportunities,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.650%, 09/07/96                                     13,000          13,000
   Prince George County Housing
     Authority, Laurel Oxford Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.525%, 09/07/96                                        925             925
                                                                         -------
                                                                          42,540
</TABLE>

23
<PAGE>   19


STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
MICHIGAN -- 1.5%
   Benton Harbor School District,
     Student Aid Anticipation Notes
     4.000%, 03/31/97                                   $ 2,600          $ 2,601
   Birmingham Economic
     Development Corporation,
     Brown Street Project, Ser 83,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.875%, 09/07/96                                     1,195            1,195
   Detroit Downtown Development
     Authority, Millender Center
     Program Project, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                     1,000            1,000
   McDonalds Tax-Exempt Mortgage
     Trust #1, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     4.250%, 02/15/97                                       533              533
   Michigan State Job Development
     Authority, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 09/07/96                                     1,300            1,300
   Michigan State Job Development
     Authority, Pollution Control
     Revenue, Ser 85, Mazda Motor
     Manufacturing Corporation #384,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 09/07/96                                       825              825
   Michigan State Strategic Fund
     Limited Obligation, Freezer
     Services of Michigan, Ser 93,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                       870              870
   Northwest Mutual Life Tax-Exempt
     Mortgage Trust, Michigan,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     4.500%, 02/15/97                                       135              135
   University of Michigan Hospital,
     Ser A, VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.850%, 09/01/96                                     4,300            4,300
                                                                         -------
                                                                          12,759
                                                                         -------
MINNESOTA -- 7.1%
   Bloomington Commercial
     Development, ATS II Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.795%, 09/07/96                                     4,125            4,125
   Bloomington Multi-Family
     Housing, Revenue Refunding,
     Hampshire Apartments Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.620%, 09/07/96                                    15,000           15,000

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
Brooklyn Center Development
  Project, Brookdale Office Park,
  Ser 84, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.620%, 09/07/96                                     $ 2,860           $ 2,860
Minneapolis, Ser A, VRDN,
  RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.500%, 09/07/96                                      17,700            17,700
Minneapolis, Various Purpose,
  Ser 95-B, VRDN,
  G.O. (A) (B) (C)
  3.500%, 09/07/96                                       2,050             2,050
Minneapolis, VRDN,
  G.O. (A) (B) (C)
  3.500%, 09/07/96                                       6,500             6,500
Minnesota School District Credit
  Enhancement, Tax & Aid
  Anticipation Borrowing Program,
  Ser 96-B, COP
  4.500%, 09/09/97                                       1,700             1,711
New Brighton Commercial
  Development Revenue, Business
  Center, VRDN, RB (A) (B)
  3.770%, 09/07/96                                       2,810             2,810
New Brighton Commercial
  Development Revenue,
  Venture I Project, Ser A,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B)
  3.770%, 09/07/96                                       1,740             1,740
Plymouth Industrial Development
  Revenue, Banner Engineering
  Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.650%, 09/07/96                                       1,800             1,800
Plymouth Refunding Revenue,
  Woodland Village Project,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.650%, 09/07/96                                       1,580             1,580
Saint Paul Housing &
  Redevelopment Authority,
  Lutheran Social Service Project,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.650%, 09/07/96                                         790               790
Saint Paul Housing &
  Redevelopment Authority,
  Multi-Family Housing,
  Kendrick Housing Project,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  4.950%, 09/07/96                                       3,360             3,360
                                                                         -------
                                                                          62,026
                                                                         -------
</TABLE>


THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

24
<PAGE>   20
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
MISSISSIPPI -- 0.3%
   Desoto County Industrial
     Development Revenue,
     American Soap Company
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     4.867%, 09/07/96                                    $ 2,400         $ 2,400
                                                                         -------
MISSOURI -- 4.1%
   Howell County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Safeway Incorporated Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.850%, 02/01/97                                      4,015           4,015
   Macon City Industrial
     Development Authority, Health
     Care Realty Macon Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                      1,640           1,640
   Missouri State Health &
     Educational Facilities Authority,
     Health Care Project, VRDN,
     RB, MBIA Insured (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                     18,400          18,400
   Saint Louis County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Riverport Associates Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 09/07/96                                      2,900           2,900
   Saint Louis County Industrial
     Development Authority, Schnuck
     Markets Kirkwood Incorporated,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.625%, 09/07/96                                      3,350           3,350
   St. Louis Grantor Trust #1,
     Ser 96-A, COP (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 09/07/96                                      3,000           3,000
   West Plains Industrial
     Development Authority, West
     Plains Manor Project, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                      2,200           2,200
                                                                         -------
                                                                          35,505
                                                                         -------
MONTANA -- 0.4%
   Great Falls Industrial Development
     Revenue, Safeway Incorporated
     Project (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 12/01/96                                      2,210           2,210

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Montana State Board of Investments,
     Municipal Finance Consolidation
     Act, Intercap Revolving Project,
     Ser 94, G.O. (A) (B)
     3.350%, 03/01/97                                     $1,000          $1,000
                                                                          ------
                                                                           3,210
                                                                          ------
NEBRASKA -- 0.0%
   Northwest Mutual Life Tax
     Exempt Mortgage Trust,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     4.500%, 02/15/97                                         44              44
                                                                          ------
NEVADA -- 0.2%
   Henderson Public Improvement
     Trust, Multi-Family Housing,
     Pueblo Verde I+II Apartment
     Project, Ser 95-A/95-B #1071,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                      1,900           1,900
                                                                          ------
NEW HAMPSHIRE -- 0.7%
   New Hampshire Education &
     Health Facilities Authority,
     Dartmouth Education Loan
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.800%, 06/01/97                                      1,015           1,015
   New Hampshire Higher Education
     & Health Facilities, Dartmouth
     College, Mandatory
     Put 06/01/97 @ 100 (A) (B)
     3.750%, 06/01/97                                      2,500           2,500
   New Hampshire State Housing
     Finance Authority, Hampshire
     Estates MHJ Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                      2,500           2,500
                                                                          ------
                                                                           6,015
                                                                          ------
NEW JERSEY -- 0.4%
   New Jersey State, G.O.,
     Pre-Refunded @ 101 (D)
     7.200%, 04/15/97                                      3,500           3,610
   Northwest Mutual Life Tax
     Exempt Mortgage Trust,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     4.500%, 02/15/97                                        243             243
                                                                          ------
                                                                           3,853
                                                                          ------
NEW MEXICO -- 0.6%
   Albuquerque Metropolitan
     Redevelopment, Springer Square
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.900%, 09/07/96                                      3,000           3,000
</TABLE>

25
<PAGE>   21


STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Dona Ana County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Foamex Products Incorporated
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                   $ 2,100          $ 2,100
                                                                         -------
                                                                           5,100
                                                                         -------
NEW YORK -- 3.6%
   Monroe County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Rochester District Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.450%, 09/07/96                                     2,200            2,200
   Nassau County, Ser A, RAN
     4.000%, 03/05/97                                     9,500            9,530
   Nassau Library System
     Project, RAN
     4.000%, 12/30/96                                     1,200            1,201
   New York State Job Development
     Authority, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 09/07/96                                     1,610            1,610
   New York State Power
     Authority, TECP (C)
     3.500%, 09/09/96                                     1,000            1,000
   North Hempstead, BAN
     4.250%, 05/29/97                                     5,000            5,014
   North Hempstead, Ser B, BAN
     3.850%, 02/27/97                                     2,500            2,504
   Ontario County Industrial
     Development Authority, Seneca
     Foods Project, Ser 92,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.850%, 09/01/97                                     3,000            3,000
   Wayne County Industrial
     Development Authority, Seneca
     Foods Project, Ser 92,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.850%, 09/07/96                                     5,060            5,060
                                                                         -------
                                                                          31,119
                                                                         -------
NORTH CAROLINA -- 2.5%
   North Carolina Medical Care
     Community, Hospital Revenue,
     Pooled Finance Project, Ser A,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                    19,400           19,400
   Winston Salem, VRDN,
     COP (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                     2,000            2,000
                                                                         -------
                                                                          21,400

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
NORTH DAKOTA -- 0.1%
   Fargo Kelly Inn, Fargo Project,
     Ser 93, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                    $ 1,225         $ 1,225
                                                                         -------
OHIO -- 4.4%
   Brecksville-Broadview Heights
     School District, Ohio School
     Improvement, Ser 96, BAN
     3.900%, 01/17/97                                      2,500           2,503
   Cleveland Waterworks Revenue,
     Ser E, RB, Pre-Refunded @ 102,
     MBIA Insured (D)
     7.750%, 01/01/97                                      1,250           1,291
   Franklin County Industrial
     Development Revenue, Leveque
     & Associates Project, RB, (A) (C)
     3.650%, 12/01/96                                      1,445           1,445
   Highland County Industrial
     Development Revenue, Lancaster
     Colony Corporation, VRDN,
     RB (A) (C)
     3.150%, 09/01/96                                      2,000           2,000
   Marion County, Hospital Revenue,
     Pooled Lease Program, Ser 91,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                      2,650           2,650
   McDonalds Tax-Exempt Mortgage
     Trust #1, VRDN, RB, Mandatory
     (A) (B) (C)
     4.250%, 02/15/97                                      2,489           2,489
   Montgomery County Educational
     Development Authority, ND
     Motels Project, Mandatory
     (A) (B) (C)
     3.800%, 12/15/96                                      1,650           1,650
   North Olmsted, BAN
     4.600%, 12/19/96                                     16,250          16,274
   Ohio Higher Education Facility
     Commission, Ashland University
     Project, Ser 95, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                      2,820           2,820
   Scioto County Healthcare Facilities
     Revenue, Hillview Retirement
     Project, (A) (B)
     3.650%, 12/01/96                                      1,930           1,930
   Stark County Healthcare Facilities,
     Canton Christian Home Project,
     VRDN, RB, (A) (B) (C)
     3.150%, 09/01/96                                      1,380           1,380
</TABLE>

THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

26
<PAGE>   22
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Stark County Healthcare Facilities,
     Canton Christian Home Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.350%, 09/15/96                                    $ 1,615         $ 1,615
                                                                         -------
                                                                          38,047
                                                                         -------
OKLAHOMA -- 4.5%
   Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
     University, Ser 65, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 09/07/96                                      7,500           7,500
   Oklahoma City, University City
     Project, Ser 85, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 09/07/96                                        400             400
   Oklahoma County Industrial
     Development Authority, Baptist
     General Convention Project,
     Ser 89, VRDN, RB, Optional Put
     09/01/96 @ 100 (A) (B) (C)
     3.850%, 09/01/96                                      6,225           6,225
   Oklahoma Mid-West Tax-Exempt
     Mortgage Bond Trust,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                        263             263
   Oklahoma State Water Revenue
     Board, State Loan Program
     Revenue, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 03/03/97                                     10,000          10,000
   Tulsa County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Healthcare Revenue Laureate
     Psychiatric Project, RB (A)
     3.850%, 12/15/96                                      8,500           8,500
   Tulsa Parking Authority,
     Refunding First Mortgage
     Williams Project 84, Ser A,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 11/15/96                                      3,000           3,000
   Tulsa Public Facilities Authority,
     Capital Improvement Project,
     Ser 87-B, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.800%, 11/15/96                                      2,910           2,910
                                                                         -------
                                                                          38,798
                                                                         -------
OREGON -- 0.7%
   Lane County Industrial
     Development Revenue,
     Weyerhaeuser Project,
     VRDN, RB  (A) (B)
     3.548%, 09/07/96                                      1,000           1,000
   Port of Portland, Public Grain
     Elevator Columbia,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                      4,945           4,945
                                                                         -------
                                                                           5,945
                                                                         -------

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
PENNSYLVANIA -- 14.0%
   Allegheny County Hospital
     Development Authority
     Revenue, South Hills Health
     System Project, Ser B (A) (B) (C)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                    $ 1,850         $ 1,850
   Allegheny County, Hospital
     Development Presbyterian
     University, Ser B-1, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/01/96                                        200             200
   Bucks County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Edgecomb Metals Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                      1,600           1,600
   Chester County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     The Woods Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                      1,200           1,200
   Cumberland County Municipal
     Authority, United Methodist
     Homes Aging Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.620%, 09/07/96                                      3,735           3,735
   Delaware County, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                      3,500           3,500
   Delaware County Industrial
     Development Authority, British
     Petroleum Project, Ser 95,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/01/96                                        700             700
   Delaware County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     United Parcel Services Project,
     Ser 85, VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.650%, 09/01/96                                      2,000           2,000
   Delaware Valley, Regional
     Government Finance, Ser A,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                     11,100          11,100
   Emmaus General Authority,
     Local Government, Ser B,
     Goldman FGIC Insured,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                        900             900
   Emmaus General Authority,
     Local Government, Ser G-7,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                        200             200
   Emmaus General Authority,
     Local Government, Ser H-5 ,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                        600             600
</TABLE>

27
<PAGE>   23


STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================

SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
Emmaus General Authority,
  Sub Ser B-11, VRDN,
  RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.600%, 09/07/96                                      $10,000          $10,000
Emmaus General Authority,
  Sub Ser D-8, VRDN,
  RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.600%, 09/07/96                                        3,000            3,000
Erie County, Senior Living Services
  Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.550%, 09/07/96                                        1,930            1,930
Langhorne Hospital Revenue
  Authority, Franciscan Health
  Systems Project, Ser C, VRDN,
  RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.650%, 09/01/96                                        1,520            1,520
McCandless Industrial
  Development Authority,
  Bradford Foundation Project,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.550%, 09/07/96                                        1,730            1,730
McDonalds Tax-Exempt Mortgage
  Trust, Pennsylvania #1,
  VRDN, RB (A) (C)
  4.250%, 02/15/97                                          533              533
Montgomery County Higher
  Education & Health Authority,
  Hospital Revenue, VRDN, RB,
  AMBAC Insured (A) (B)
  3.350%, 09/07/96                                        2,300            2,300
Montgomery County Higher
  Education & Health Authority,
  Hospital Revenue,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.650%, 09/07/96                                       20,000           20,000
Montgomery County, Industrial
  Development Authority, Ikea
  Property Project, VRDN,
  RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.550%, 09/07/96                                        3,300            3,300
Montgomery County, Industrial
  Development Authority,
  Plymouth Woods Project,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.550%, 09/07/96                                        4,500            4,500
Northeastern Hospital &
  Education Authority, Allhealth
  Pooled Finance  Program,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.600%, 09/07/96                                        5,000            5,000
Northwest Mutual Life Tax-Exempt
  Mortgage Trust,VRDN,
  RB, (A) (B) (C)
  4.500%, 02/15/97                                           99               99

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
Pennsylvania Higher Education
  Facilities Authority, Thomas
  Jefferson University, Ser B,
  VRDN, RB, Put 02/26/97
  @ 100 (A) (B) (C)
  3.700%, 02/26/97                                       $1,000           $1,000
Pennsylvania Higher Education
  Facilities Authority, Thomas
  Jefferson University, Ser C,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.700%, 02/26/97                                        3,000            3,000
Pennsylvania Hospital & Higher
  Education Facility, Children's
  Hospital Project, VRDN,
  RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.750%, 09/01/96                                        1,000            1,000
Pennsylvania Intergovernmental
  Authority, Special Tax Revenue,
  Philadelphia  Funding Program,
  FGIC Insured
  5.000%, 06/15/97                                        2,700            2,727
Pennsylvania State Higher
  Education Facility, Carnegie
  Mellon University Project,
  Ser C, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.750%, 09/01/96                                          500              500
Philadelphia Redevelopment
  Authority, Pennsylvania
  School For The Deaf, VRDN,
  RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.700%, 09/07/96                                        1,095            1,095
Philadelphia School
  District, TRAN
  4.500%, 06/30/97                                        3,000            3,015
Philadelphia, Ser A, TRAN
  4.500%, 06/30/97                                        6,000            6,026
Schuykill County, VRDN,
  RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.950%, 09/01/96                                          200              200
Schuylkill County Industrial
  Development Authority,
  Northeastern Power Project,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.850%, 09/01/96                                        1,000            1,000
Shenango Valley Osteopathic
  Hospital Authority, Shenango
  Valley Medical Center Project,
  Pre-Refunded @ 102 (D)
  7.875%, 04/01/97                                        3,900            4,069
Temple University of The
  Commonwealth, University
  Funding Project, Ser 96, RB
  4.625%, 05/20/97                                        1,000            1,006
</TABLE>

THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

28
<PAGE>   24




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Warren County, Warren General
     Hospital Project, Ser 94-B,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                  $    400         $    400
   York County Industrial
     Development, New Edgecomb
     Corporation Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                     1,300            1,300
   York General Authority Pooled
     Revenue, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                    14,000           14,000
                                                                        --------
                                                                         121,835
                                                                        --------
SOUTH CAROLINA -- 2.6%
   Charleston Center Tax Exempt
     Bond Grantor Trust #1,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.900%, 02/01/97                                     7,263            7,263
   Charleston Center Tax-Exempt
     Mortgage Bond Grantor Trust #2
     (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 11/01/96                                     4,000            4,000
   Charleston Center Tax-Exempt
     Bond Grantor Trust #4,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 12/01/96                                     7,267            7,267
   Charleston Center Tax-Exempt
     Bond Grantor Trust #5,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.150%, 09/01/96                                     4,035            4,035
                                                                        --------
                                                                          22,565
                                                                        --------
SOUTH DAKOTA -- 0.2%
   Watertown Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Ramkota Project, Ser 93,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                     1,315            1,315
                                                                        --------
TENNESSEE -- 1.0%
   GAF Tax-Exempt Bond Grantor
     Trust, Ser A, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     4.100%, 09/07/96                                     4,480            4,480
   Nashville Metropolitan
     Government, Toys "R" Us Project,
     Ser 84, VRDN, RB (A)
     (B) (C)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                     1,030            1,030
   Shelby County Health Education
     Housing, Metropolitan
     Government Industrial
     Development, Rhodes College,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.850%, 09/07/96                                     3,000            3,000
                                                                        --------
                                                                           8,510
                                                                        --------

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
TEXAS -- 4.4%
   Arlington Industrial Development
     Revenue, Dallas-Fort Worth
     Newspaper, Ser 85,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.900%, 09/07/96                                    $ 6,200         $ 6,200
   Brazo River, Hoffman-Laroche
     Project, Ser 85,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.525%, 09/07/96                                      1,000           1,000
   Corpus Christi Industrial
     Development Committee,
     Texas-Air Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.850%, 02/01/97                                      4,800           4,800
   Harris County Housing Finance
     Authority, Multi-Family Housing,
     Arbor II Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.950%, 09/07/96                                      2,070           2,070
   Harris County Multi-Family
     Housing, Glenhollow Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.775%, 09/07/96                                      1,900           1,900
   Harris County Multi-Family
     Housing, Greenhouse Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.775%, 09/07/96                                      2,400           2,400
   Nacogdocles Health Finance
     Development Committee,
     South Central Health Services
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                      3,000           3,000
   North Carolina National Bank
     Tax-Exempt Trust, Texas,
     Ser 90-B, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     4.125%, 09/07/96                                      3,865           3,865
   Texas State, TECP
     3.700%, 02/05/97                                     11,000          11,000
   Trinity River Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Trinity River Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.525%, 09/07/96                                      2,000           2,000
                                                                         -------
                                                                          38,235
                                                                         -------
UTAH -- 0.4%
   Northwest Mutual Life Tax-Exempt
     Mortgage Trust,
     VRDN, RB, (A) (B) (C)
     4.500%, 02/15/97                                        113             113
</TABLE>

29
<PAGE>   25


STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO--CONCLUDED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Salt Lake City Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Deveraux Partners Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                     $2,500          $2,500
   Salt Lake City Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Park View Plaza Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.720%, 09/07/96                                      1,275           1,275
                                                                          ------
                                                                           3,888
                                                                          ------
VIRGINIA -- 0.7%
   Henrico County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Hermitage Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.900%, 09/01/96                                      2,600           2,600
   Northwest Mutual Life
     Tax-Exempt Mortgage Trust,
     VRDN, RB, (A) (B) (C)
     4.500%, 02/15/97                                         77              77
   Norfolk Industrial Development
     Authority, Toys "R" Us Project,
     Ser 84, VRDN, RB, (A) (B) (C)
     3.625%, 09/07/96                                      1,425           1,425
   Virginia State Housing
     Development Authority,
     AHC Services Corporation, Ser A,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                      2,100           2,100
                                                                          ------
                                                                           6,202
                                                                          ------
WASHINGTON -- 1.7%
   Kent Economic Development
     Revenue, Northwest Aluminum
     Products, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.950%, 09/07/96                                      1,600           1,600
   Redmond Public Corporation
     Industrial Development Revenue,
     Integrated Circuit Project,
     Ser 88, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.820%, 09/07/96                                        620             620
   Washington State Housing Finance
     Commission, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 09/07/96                                      5,550           5,550
   Washington State Housing Finance
     Community, Nonprofit Housing
     YMCA, Snobonish County Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/01/96                                      3,250           3,250
   Washington State Housing Finance
     Community, Pioneer Human
     Services Project, Ser 91,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                      1,855           1,855

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Washington State Student Loan
     Finance Association Project,
     Second Series, VRDN,
     RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 09/07/96                                  $ 1,605           $ 1,605
                                                                         -------
                                                                          14,480
                                                                         -------
WEST VIRGINIA -- 1.9%
   Charleston Building Community
     Parking Facility, Charleston
     Town Center,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                   10,920            10,920
   Charleston Community Parking
     Facility Revenue,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                      400               400
   Parkersburg Industrial
     Development Revenue,
     B-H Associates Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.775%, 09/07/96                                    3,500             3,500
   West Virginia State Hospital
     Financing Authority, VHA
     Mid-Atlantic/Cap Project,
     Ser G, VRDN, RB,
     AMBAC Insured (A) (B)
     3.400%, 09/07/96                                    1,500             1,500
                                                                         -------
                                                                          16,320
                                                                         -------
WISCONSIN -- 5.4%
   Beaver Dam USD, TRAN
     4.140%, 08/27/97                                    3,000             3,001
   Burlington Area School
     District, TRAN
     4.220%, 08/29/97                                    3,000             3,005
   Eau Claire Area School
     District, TRAN
     4.015%, 09/23/96                                   11,000            11,000
   Hartford Industrial Development
     Revenue, IC Products Company
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 09/07/96                                    5,000             5,000
   Kettle - Moraine School
     District, TRAN
     4.010%, 08/22/97                                    3,200             3,200
   Mayville Area School
     District, BAN
     3.500%, 11/01/96                                    5,000             5,000
   Mount Horeb Area School
     District, BAN
     3.500%, 11/01/96                                    3,750             3,750
</TABLE>

THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

30
<PAGE>   26




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Northwest Mutual Life
     Tax-Exempt Mortgage Trust,
     VRDN, RB, (A) (B) (C)
     4.500%, 02/15/97                                 $     118        $     118
   Village of Menomonee Industrial
     Development Revenue,
     Maysteel Corporation,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.630%, 09/07/96                                     3,000            3,000
   Wausau Industrial Development
     Revenue, Venture Partnership
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                    10,000           10,000
                                                                       ---------
                                                                          47,074
                                                                       ---------
WYOMING -- 0.6%
   Cheyenne County Revenue
     Refunding, Holiday Inn Project,
     VRDN (A) (B) (C)
     3.700%, 10/01/96                                     1,355            1,355
   Evanston Industrial Development
     Revenue, Safeway Project,
     Optional Put 12/01/96
     @ 100 (A) (B) (C)
     3.650%, 12/01/96                                     3,700            3,700
   Northwest Mutual Life
     Tax-Exempt Mortgage
     Trust, VRDN, RB, (A) (B) (C)
     4.500%, 02/15/97                                        85               86
                                                                       ---------
                                                                           5,141
                                                                       ---------
Total Municipal Bonds
   (Cost $898,382)                                                       898,382
                                                                       ---------
Total Investments -- 103.4%
   (Cost $898,382)                                                       898,382
                                                                       ---------
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET -- (3.4%)                              (29,630)
                                                                       ---------

NET ASSETS:
Portfolio Shares of Class A (unlimited
   authorization -- no par value) based
   on 835,524,839 outstanding shares of
   beneficial interest                                                   835,356
Portfolio Shares of Class B (unlimited
   authorization -- no par value) based
   on 14,150,080 outstanding shares of
   beneficial interest                                                    14,150
Portfolio Shares of Class C (unlimited
   authorization -- no par value) based
   on 19,205,806 outstanding shares of
   beneficial interest                                                    19,206
Undistributed Net Investment Income                                            4
Accumulated Net Realized Gain
   on Investments                                                             36
                                                                       ---------
Total Net Assets--100.0%                                               $ 868,752
                                                                       =========
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>   
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and
   Redemption Price Per Share-- Class A                $ 1.00
                                                     ========
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and
   Redemption Price Per Share-- Class B                $ 1.00
                                                     ========
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and
   Redemption Price Per Share-- Class C                $ 1.00
                                                     ========
</TABLE>
                                                     
AMBAC AMERICAN MUNICIPAL BOND ASSURANCE CORPORATION 
BAN   BOND ANTICIPATION NOTE
COP   CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION 
FGIC  FINANCIAL GUARANTY INSURANCE CORPORATION

GO    GENERAL OBLIGATION 
MBIA  MUNICIPAL BOND INVESTOR ASSURANCE 
RAN   REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTE 
RB    REVENUE BOND 
SER   SERIES 
TAN   TAX ANTICIPATION NOTE 
TAW   TAX ANTICIPATION WARRANT
TECP  TAX EXEMPT COMMERCIAL PAPER 
TRAN  TAX & REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTE 
USD   UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 
VRDN  VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTE 
(A) FLOATING RATE SECURITY--THE RATE REFLECTED ON THE STATEMENT OF 
    NET ASSETS IS THE RATE IN EFFECT ON AUGUST 31, 1996.
(B) PUT AND DEMAND FEATURE--THE MATURITY DATE REPORTED ON THE 
    STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS IS THE LESSER OF THE MATURITY DATE OR THE PUT DATE.
(C) SECURITIES ARE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH A LETTER OF CREDIT FROM A 
    MAJOR COMMERCIAL BANK OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION. 
(D) PRE-REFUNDED SECURITY--THE MATURITY DATE SHOWN IS THE PRE-REFUNDED DATE.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PENNSYLVANIA TAX
FREE PORTFOLIO
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
MUNICIPAL BONDS -- 103.9%
PENNSYLVANIA -- 103.9%
   Allegheny County Hospital
     Development Authority,
     Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh,
     Ser 85 B, VRDN, RB,
     MBIA Insured (A) (B)
     3.350%, 09/07/96                                     $  200          $  200
   Allegheny County Education
     Building Authority, University
     of Pittsburgh Project, Ser 85 B,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.300%, 09/07/96                                        850             850
   Allegheny County Hospital
     Development Authority,
     Children's Hospital, Ser B,
     VRDN, RB, MBIA Insured (A) (B)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                      1,000           1,000
</TABLE>

31
<PAGE>   27


STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE PORTFOLIO--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
Athens Area School District, TRAN
  4.100%, 06/30/97                                       $  800           $  800
Beaver County Industrial
  Development Authority,
  Pollution Control Revenue,
  Ser C, TECP (C)
  3.500%, 10/24/96                                        1,000            1,000
Berks County Industrial
  Development Authority, Rilsaw
  Industrial Project, Elf Aquitaine,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.625%, 09/07/96                                          900              900
Bucks County Industrial
  Development Authority,
  Edgecomb Metals Project,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.400%, 09/07/96                                        1,275            1,275
Bucks County Industrial
  Development Authority,
  USX Project, VRDN, RB (B) (C)
  3.550%, 11/01/96                                        1,000            1,000
Butler County Industrial
  Development Authority,
  Pennzoil Project, VRDN,
  RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.850%, 09/07/96                                          600              600
Chartiers Valley Industrial &
  Commercial Development
  Authority, Commercial
  Development Revenue, Parkay
  Center West Project A,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.700%, 09/07/96                                        1,250            1,250
Chester County Hospital Authority,
  Paoli Memorial Hospital Project,
  RB, Pre-Refunded @ 102 (D)
  7.625%, 10/01/96                                          400              409
Chester County Health & Education
  Facilities Authority, Barclay
  Friends Project, Ser A,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.500%, 09/07/96                                          500              500
Cumberland Valley School
  District, Ser A, G.O 
  6.150%, 09/01/97                                           95               97
Cumberland Valley School
  District, Ser B, G.O 
  5.750%, 09/01/97                                          385              392
Delaware County Airport Facility,
  Airport Facility Revenue, Ser 85,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.650%, 09/01/96                                          600              600

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
Delaware County Industrial
  Development Authority, British
  Petroleum Project, Ser 95,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B)
  3.750%, 09/01/96                                       $1,000           $1,000
Delaware County Industrial
  Development Authority, Scott
  Paper Project, Ser A,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B)
  3.400%, 09/07/96                                        1,000            1,000
Delaware Valley Regional
  Finance Authority, Local
  Government Revenue, Ser D,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.500%, 09/07/96                                          100              100
Delaware Valley Regional Finance
  Authority, Local Government
  Revenue, Ser B,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.500%, 09/07/96                                        1,000            1,000
East Penn School District
  Authority, Ser A, G.O.,
  FGIC Insured (C)
  3.500%, 09/01/96                                          255              255
Emmaus General Authority,
  Local Government, Ser B,
  Goldman FGIC Insured (A) (B)
  3.550%, 09/07/96                                        1,500            1,500
Emmaus General Authority,
  Revenue Credit Enhancement,
  RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.550%, 09/07/96                                          500              500
Johnsonburg Area School District,
  Elk County, G.O., FSA Insured
  4.000%, 04/01/97                                          135              135
Lancaster Higher Education
  Authority, Franklin & Marshall
  Project, Ser 95, VRDN, RB (A) (B)
  3.700%, 09/07/96                                          575              575
Lancaster, Ser A, G.O., FGIC Insured
  3.400%, 10/01/96                                          300              300
Lebanon County Industrial
  Development Authority,
  Aluminum Company of America
  Project, Ser 92, VRDN, RB (A) (B)
  3.550%, 09/07/96                                        2,020            2,020
Lehigh County Water Authority,
  VRDN, RB, FGIC Insured (A) (B)
  3.350%, 09/07/96                                          835              835
Montgomery County, PECO
  Energy Project, TECP (C)
  3.550%, 09/10/96                                        1,200            1,200
</TABLE>




THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

32
<PAGE>   28




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
Montgomery County Higher
  Education & Health Authority,
  Holy Redeemer Hospital, VRDN,
  RB, AMBAC Insured, (A) (B)
  3.350%, 09/07/96                                       $  900           $  900
Montgomery County Higher
  Education & Health Facility
  Authority, Higher Education
  & Loan, Ser 96-A, VRDN,
  RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.650%, 09/07/96                                        1,700            1,700
Montgomery County Industrial
  Development Authority, Ikea
  Property Project, VRDN,
  RB (A) (B)
  3.550%, 09/07/96                                        1,500            1,500
Montgomery County Industrial
  Development Authority, Valley
  Square Project, VRDN,
  RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.450%, 09/07/96                                          755              755
Montgomery County Higher
  Education & Health Authority,
  Frankford Hospital Project, RB,
  Pre-Refunded @ 102 (D)
  7.875%, 01/01/97                                          600              620
Mount Carmel School District,
  Unlimited Tax G.O.,
  AMBAC Insured
  3.300%, 10/15/96                                          230              230
North Umberland County
  Industrial Development Authority,
  Atlas Development Association,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.550%, 09/07/96                                          100              100
Northeastern Hospital & Education
  Authority, Allhealth Pooled
  Financing Program,
  VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.600%, 09/07/96                                        1,850            1,850
Pennsylvania Higher Education
  Facilities, Thomas Jefferson
  University, Ser B, RB, (A) (B) (C)
  3.700%, 02/26/97                                        1,750            1,750
Pennsylvania Intergovernmental
  Authority, Special Tax Revenue,
  Philadelphia Funding Program,
  RB, FGIC Insured
  5.000%, 06/15/97                                          300              303
Pennsylvania State Higher
  Education Facility, Allegheny
  College Project, VRDN,
  RB (A) (B) (C)
  3.500%, 09/07/96                                        1,800            1,800

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Philadelphia Industrial
     Development Authority, Multi-
     Family Housing, Harbor View
     Towers Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.800%, 09/07/96                                    $ 1,065         $ 1,065
   Philadelphia School District, TRAN
     4.500%, 06/30/97                                      1,250           1,256
   Philadelphia Redevelopment
     Authority, Rivers Edge Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.850%, 09/07/96                                        500             500
   Philadelphia, TRAN
     4.500%, 06/30/97                                      1,000           1,004
   Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh,
     Ser 89-A,VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.300%, 09/07/96                                        500             500
   Sayre Health Facilities Authority
     Revenue, VHR Pennsylvania
     Capital Financing Project, Ser D,
     VRDN, RB, AMBAC
     Insured (A) (B)
     3.350%, 09/07/96                                        200             200
   Schuylkill County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Gilberton Power Project,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                      1,000           1,000
   Scranton Lackawana Health &
     Welfare Authority, University
     of Scranton Project, RB (B) (C)
     3.650%, 11/01/96                                        685             685
   Shaler Township, TRAN
     3.810%, 12/31/96                                        800             801
   Temple University, University
     Funding, Ser 96, RB
     4.625%, 05/20/97                                      1,000           1,006
   Warren County Hospital
     Authority, Warren General
     Hospital Project, Ser 94-B,
     VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.550%, 09/07/96                                      1,500           1,500
   West York School District
     Authority, TRAN
     4.375%, 06/30/97                                        534             535
   York General Authority, Pooled
     Revenue, VRDN, RB (A) (B) (C)
     3.500%, 09/07/96                                      1,800           1,800
                                                                         -------
Total Municipal Bonds
   (Cost $44,653)                                                         44,653
                                                                         -------
</TABLE>

33
<PAGE>   29


STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE PORTFOLIO--CONCLUDED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                    <C>    
Total Investments -- 103.9%
   (Cost $44,653)                                                      $ 44,653
                                                                       --------
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET-- (3.9%)                               (1,682)
                                                                       --------

NET ASSETS:
Portfolio Shares of Class A (unlimited authorization
   -- no par value) based on
   42,985,216 outstanding shares of
   beneficial interest                                                   42,985
Accumulated Net Realized Loss
   on Investments                                                           (14)
                                                                       --------
Total Net Assets--100.0%                                               $ 42,971
                                                                       ========
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and
   Redemption Price Per Share-- Class A                                $   1.00
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>

AMBAC AMERICAN MUNICIPAL BOND ASSURANCE CORPORATION
FGIC  FINANCIAL GUARANTY INSURANCE CORPORATION 
FSA   FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE 
GO    GENERAL OBLIGATION
MBIA  MUNICIPAL BOND INVESTORS ASSURANCE 
RB    REVENUE BOND SER SERIES 
TECP  TAX EXEMPT COMMERCIAL PAPER 
TRAN  TAX & REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTE
VRDN  VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTE 
(A) FLOATING RATE SECURITY--THE RATE REFLECTED ON THE STATEMENT OF
    NET ASSETS IS THE RATE IN EFFECT ON AUGUST 31, 1996.
(B) PUT AND DEMAND FEATURE--THE MATURITY DATE REPORTED ON THE 
    STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS IS THE LESSER OF THE MATURITY DATE OR THE 
    PUT DATE. 
(C) SECURITIES ARE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH A LETTER OF CREDIT FROM A 
    MAJOR COMMERCIAL BANK OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION. 
(D) PRE-REFUNDED SECURITY--THE MATURITY DATE SHOWN IS THE
    PRE-REFUNDED DATE.

INTERMEDIATE-TERM MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
MUNICIPAL BONDS -- 99.9%
ALABAMA -- 1.2%
   Alabama State Private Colleges
     & Tuskegee University Project,
     RB, Asset Guaranty
     5.700%, 09/01/10                                     $  825          $  798
     5.700%, 09/01/11                                        870             840
                                                                          ------
                                                                           1,638
                                                                          ------
ALASKA -- 2.8%
   Anchorage Electric Utility,
     RB, MBIA Insured
     8.000%, 12/01/06                                      1,775           2,150
     8.000%, 12/01/07                                      1,310           1,595
                                                                          ------
                                                                           3,745
                                                                          ------
ARIZONA -- 0.6% Tempe, G.O 
     8.000%, 07/01/01                                        735             837
                                                                          ------
ARKANSAS -- 0.2%
   Little Rock Capital Improvement
     Refunding Bonds, Ser 95-A,
     RB, Callable 02/01/00 @ 100
     5.950%, 02/01/12                                        305             307
                                                                          ------
CALIFORNIA -- 17.1%
   Anaheim Public Finance
     Authority, Electric Utility
     Project, RB, MBIA Insured,
     Callable 04/01/03 @ 102
     5.400%, 10/01/08                                      2,000           1,982
   California Education Facility
     Authority, University of San
     Francisco, RB, MBIA Insured
     6.000%, 10/01/08                                      1,000           1,057
   California Health Facilities
     Finance Authority, Sisters of
     Providence, RB
     5.500%, 10/01/05                                      1,100           1,107
   California Housing Finance
     Agency, RB, MBIA Insured
     5.300%, 08/01/14                                        500             490
   California Housing Finance
     Authority, RB, MBIA Insured,
     Callable 08/01/04 @ 102
     7.250%, 08/01/17                                      1,250           1,322
   California State Health Facilities
     Summit Medical Center, Ser A,
     RB, FSA Insured
     5.250%, 05/01/04                                      1,500           1,504
   California Statewide Communities
     Development Authority, San
     Gabriel Valley-A, COP
     6.000%, 09/01/06                                      1,000           1,019
</TABLE>

34
<PAGE>   30




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
   Elk Grove, Unified School
     District, G.O., AMBAC Insured
     6.500%, 12/01/07                                   $ 1,000          $ 1,105
   Irvine Special Assessment
     District 89-10, VRDN,
     G.O. (A) (B) (E)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                                       100              100
   Los Angeles County Public
     Leasing, RB
     5.125%, 09/01/08                                     1,380            1,335
   Los Angeles Department of
     Water & Power, RB
     9.000%, 10/15/02                                     2,000            2,432
   Modesto Irrigation, RB,
     MBIA Insured
     5.150%, 10/01/04                                     2,000            2,028
   Mojave Water Agency, G.O.,
     FGIC Insured, Callable
     09/01/06 @ 102
     5.600%, 09/01/12                                     1,000              990
   Oakland Health Facilities
     Authority, Childrens
     Hospital Project, RB
     5.000%, 07/01/01                                     1,175            1,179
   Orange County Transportation
     Authority, Sales Tax Revenue,
     First Ser-Measure M, RB
     5.400%, 02/15/00                                     1,000            1,020
   Orange County, Water District
     Project B, COP,
     VRDN (A) (B)
     3.600%, 09/07/96                                       200              200
   Orange County, COP, MBIA
     Insured, Callable 7/1/06 @ 102
     5.800%, 07/01/16                                     1,000              984
   Riverside Electric, RB,
     Callable 10/01/01 @ 102
     6.600%, 10/01/05                                     1,000            1,069
   University of California,
     Board of Regents, RB
     6.500%, 09/01/02                                     1,995            2,122
                                                                         -------
                                                                          23,045
                                                                         -------
COLORADO -- 2.6%
   Colorado Health Facilities
     Authority, RB
     6.250%, 02/01/04                                     1,500            1,526
   Colorado Student Loan, RB (E)
     6.100%, 09/01/02                                     1,845            1,910
                                                                         -------
                                                                           3,436
                                                                         -------
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       FACE
                                                    AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>    
CONNECTICUT -- 0.4%
   Connecticut State, Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Pollution Control Revenue,
     Frito-Lay/Pepsi Project, RB
     6.375%, 07/01/04                                     $  560          $  571
                                                                          ------
DELAWARE -- 0.4%
   Wilmington Hospital, VRDN,
     RB (A) (E)
     3.700%, 09/07/96                                        500             500
                                                                          ------
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA -- 3.3%
   District of Columbia Hospital
     Revenue, Washington Hospital
     Center, RB, MBIA Insured,
     Callable 08/05/02 @ 102
     7.000%, 08/15/05                                      1,500           1,646
   District of Columbia, Ser A, G.O 
     5.125%, 06/01/99                                      1,000             990
   District of Columbia, Ser A-3, G.O 
     4.250%, 06/01/97                                      1,790           1,776
                                                                          ------
                                                                           4,412
                                                                          ------
FLORIDA -- 3.8%
   Florida Housing Finance
     Authority, Capital Appreciation,
     Single Family Mortgage, RB
     5.500%, 07/15/16                                      2,000             215
   Florida State Finance Department,
     Environmental-Preservation
     Department, RB, AMBAC Insured,
     Callable 07/01/05 @ 101
     5.500%, 07/01/07                                      1,000           1,019
   Hillsborough County Utility
     Authority, RB, MBIA Insured (D)
     9.750%, 12/01/03                                      1,425           1,733
   Orlando & Orange County
     Expressway Authority, Florida
     Expressway Revenue, Linked
     Security, RB, FGIC Insured
     5.097%, 07/01/04                                      2,200           2,181
                                                                           -----
                                                                           5,148
                                                                           -----
GEORGIA -- 0.9%
   Gwinette County, G.O.,
     9.500%, 02/01/02                                      1,000           1,200
                                                                           -----
IDAHO -- 0.1%
   Power County, Pollution Control
     Revenue, FMC Corporation
     Project, VRDN, RB (A) (E)
     3.850%, 09/07/96                                        100             100
                                                                           -----
</TABLE>

35
<PAGE>   31
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


INTERMEDIATE-TERM MUNICIPAL--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>           <C>

ILLINOIS -- 9.0%
   Chicago Equipment Notes,
     G.O., AMBAC Insured
     5.600%, 01/01/06               $  2,000      $  2,035
   Cook County, G.O., MBIA Insured
     7.250%, 11/01/07                  2,000         2,277
   Illinois Hospital Facilities,
     Metropolitan Pier & State
     Exposition Authority, McCormick
     Plaza Convention, RB
     6.250%, 07/01/17                    450           435
   Illinois Housing Development
     Authority RB,
     Callable 2/1/06 @ 102
     5.650%, 02/01/16                  1,390         1,366
   Illinois State Health Facility
     Authority, RB, MBIA Insured
     7.900%, 08/15/03                    597           617
   Illinois State, G.O., Callable
     08/01/99 @ 102
     6.375%, 08/01/00                  1,000         1,051
   Kane & DeKalb County, Unified
     School District #301, G.O.,
     AMBAC Insured
     6.300%, 12/01/04                  2,640         2,871
   McClean County Public Building 
     Commission, Lease Receipts, 
     Law & Justice Center, G.O.
     7.300%, 11/01/02                  1,280         1,434
                                                  --------
                                                    12,086
                                                  --------
INDIANA -- 1.3%
   Indiana State Health Facilities, RB
     7.100%, 09/01/00                  1,555         1,691
   Rockport Pollution Control
     Revenue, Aep Generating
     Company, Project B, VRDN,
     RB, AMBAC Insured (A)
     3.850%, 09/07/96                    100           100
                                                  --------
                                                     1,791
                                                  --------
KENTUCKY -- 1.2%
   Kentucky State Turnpike Authority,
     Ser A, RB
     8.500%, 07/01/04                    410           424
   Kentucky State Turnpike Authority,
     TRAN, AMBAC Insured
     5.500%, 07/01/06                  1,200         1,225
                                                  --------
                                                     1,649
                                                  --------
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>

LOUISIANA -- 1.8%
   Louisiana State Housing Finance
     Agency, RB, MBIA Insured
     5.125%, 12/01/10                 $  500        $  491
   Louisiana State Recovery District
     Sales Tax, RB, FGIC Insured,
     VRDN (A)
     3.850%, 09/01/96                    400           400
   Louisiana State Ser A, G.O.,
     Callable 08/01/97 @ 102
     7.000%, 08/01/02                  1,500         1,568
                                                  --------
                                                     2,459
                                                  --------
MASSACHUSETTS -- 13.2%
   Commonwealth of Massachusetts
     VRDN, RB (A) (B)
     3.650%, 09/07/96                  1,800         1,800
   Holyoke G.O.
     5.500%, 06/15/03                  1,640         1,679
   Lowell, G.O., FSA Insured,
     Callable 02/15/01 @ 103
     8.300%, 02/15/05                  1,855         2,124
   Massachusetts State Health &
     Education Facilities Authority, RB
     5.500%, 07/01/01                  1,325         1,307
   Massachusetts Bay
     Transportation Authority,
     RB,Callable 3/1/06 @ 101
     5.625%, 03/01/26                  2,000         1,882
   Massachusetts Bay Transportation
     Authority, General
     Transportation System, G.O.
     7.000%, 03/01/07                  3,000         3,405
   Massachusetts Municipal
     Wholesale Electric Company,
     Ser A, RB, Mandatory
     Redemption @100 (B)                                 
     8.750%, 07/01/98                      5             5
     8.750%, 01/01/99                      5             5
     8.750%, 07/01/99                      5             5
     8.750%, 07/01/00                      5             6
     8.750%, 01/01/02                      5             6
     8.750%, 07/01/02                      5             6
     8.750%, 01/01/03                      5             6
     8.750%, 07/01/03                      5             6
     8.750%, 01/01/04                      5             6
     8.750%, 07/01/04                     10            12
     8.750%, 07/01/05                      5             6
   Massachusetts Single Family
     Housing, Ser 14, RB,
     Callable 06/01/00 @ 102
     7.600%, 12/01/14                  1,000         1,071
</TABLE>



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

36
<PAGE>   32
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>           <C>
   Massachusetts State, G.O., Ser B
     6.250%, 07/01/02               $  1,155      $  1,236
   Massachusetts State Water
     Resource Authority, Ser B, RB
     5.250%, 03/01/13                  1,000           926
   New England Education Loan
     Marketing, RB
     5.800%, 03/01/02                  1,175         1,212
   Springfield G.O.,  AMBAC Insured
     6.375%, 08/01/04                  1,000         1,079
                                                  --------
                                                    17,790
                                                  --------
MICHIGAN -- 1.2%
   Greater Detroit Resource
     Recovery, RB, AMBAC Insured
     5.500%, 12/13/03                  1,525         1,563
                                                  --------
MISSISSIPPI -- 1.2%
   Mississippi State Capital
     Improvement, Ser A, G.O.,
     Callable 08/01/03 @ 100
     5.100%, 08/01/07                  1,685         1,658
                                                  --------
NEW MEXICO -- 1.7%
   New Mexico Mortgage Finance
     Authority, Single Family
     Mortgage, RB
     Callable 07/01/02 @ 102 (E)
     6.850%, 07/01/10                  1,325         1,378
   Santa Fe, Saint Vincent's Hospital
     Project, RB, FGIC Insured,
     Pre-Refunded @ 100 (C)
     7.500%, 07/01/02                    785           888
                                                  --------
                                                     2,266
                                                  --------
NEW YORK -- 6.7%
   New York State Dormitory
     Authority, RB,
     Callable 5/15/03 @ 102,
     6.000%, 05/15/22                  1,200         1,156
   New York State Dormitory
     Authority, Rosewell Park, RB
     5.500%, 07/01/03                  1,000           996
   New York State Local Government
     Assistance, G.O., Callable
     4/01/02 @ 100
     5.500%, 04/01/22                  1,500         1,395
   New York State Medical Care
     Facility Finance Agency,
     Adult Day Care, RB
     5.350%, 11/15/05                    825           819

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>
   New York State Medical Care
     Facility Finance Agency,
     Ser C, RB, FHA Insured
     5.200%, 08/15/05                 $  615        $  620
   New York State Urban
     Development Authority,
     Correctional Facilities, Ser G, RB,
     Callable 01/01/00 @ 102
     7.100%, 01/01/03                  2,500         2,669
   New York State Urban
     Development, G.O.
     6.250%, 01/01/09                  1,325         1,352
                                                  --------
                                                     9,007
                                                  --------
OHIO -- 0.6%
   Hamilton County
     Health System, RB, VRDN (A)
     3.750%, 09/07/96                    800           800
                                                  --------
OKLAHOMA -- 3.0%
   Central Oklahoma Transportation
     & Parking Authority, RB (D)
     6.000%, 07/01/03                    170           173
   McAlester Public Works Authority,
     RB, FSA Insured
     8.100%, 12/01/08                    875         1,049
   Oklahoma State Industrial
     Development Authority, Integris
     Health, RB, AMBAC Insured
     5.250%, 08/15/06                  1,255         1,236
   Tulsa Industrial Development
     Authority, St Johns Medical
     Center, RB (D)
     6.875%, 01/01/02                    500           536
   Tulsa Port Industrial
     Development, RB
     5.350%, 09/01/06                  1,000           995
                                                  --------
                                                     3,989
                                                  --------
PENNSYLVANIA -- 2.1%
   Easton Joint School
     Authority, RB (D)
     5.350%, 04/15/02                    290           298
   Pennsylvania State Health
     Services Allegheny/Delaware
     Valley, RB, MBIA Insured
     5.500%, 11/15/08                  2,000         2,000
   Westmoreland County Municipal
     Authority, Special Obligation (D)
     9.125%, 07/01/10                    500           594
                                                  --------
                                                     2,892
                                                  --------
</TABLE>


37
<PAGE>   33
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


INTERMEDIATE-TERM MUNICIPAL--CONCLUDED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                 <C>            <C>
SOUTH CAROLINA -- 1.8%
   South Carolina Jobs Economic
     Development Authority,
     St. Francis Hospital, VRDN (A)
     3.700%, 09/07/96                 $  100        $  100
   South Carolina Public Service
     Authority, Electric Improvement
     Revenue, Ser B, RB,
     Callable 07/01/01 @ 102
     6.700%, 07/01/02                  1,220         1,318
   Spartanburg County, School
     District #5, COP, MBIA Insured
     5.400%, 07/01/08                  1,000           970
                                                  --------
                                                     2,388
                                                  --------
SOUTH DAKOTA -- 1.7%
   South Dakota Health & Educational
     Facilities Authority, RB MBIA
     Insured Callable 7/1/06 @ 102
     6.000%, 07/01/08                  1,025         1,066
   South Dakota Housing Authority,
     Ser A, RB
     5.500%, 05/01/10                  1,000         1,002
   South Dakota Student Loan
     Assistance Corporation, Ser A, RB
     7.000%, 08/01/98                    180           185
                                                  --------
                                                     2,253
                                                  --------
TEXAS -- 10.0%
   Austin Independent School
     District, RB (D)
     9.000%, 07/01/99                    645           721
   Austin Utility Systems, Ser 92-B,
     RB, Callable 11/15/98 @ 102
     7.250%, 11/15/03                  1,175         1,251
     7.750%, 11/15/08                    600           654
   Fort Worth Water & Sewer
     Authority, RB
     5.250%, 02/15/06                  1,360         1,362
   Harris County, G.O.                                  
    10.000%, 10/01/00                  1,850         2,204
     7.000%, 10/01/01                  2,000         2,197
   Lone Star Airport Improvement
     Authority, VRDN, RB (A) (E)
     3.700%, 09/07/96                    700           700
   Plano, G.O.
     5.625%, 09/01/06                  1,020         1,056
   Texas Municipal Power Agency,
     RB, MBIA Insured
     5.500%, 09/01/10                  1,000           994

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>           <C>
   Texas State Water Development
     Board State Revolving Funds --
     Senior Lien
     5.250%, 07/15/17               $  2,500      $  2,316
                                                  --------
                                                    13,455
                                                  --------
UTAH -- 0.9%
   Salt Lake City Airport, RB,
     FGIC Insured
     7.400%, 06/01/00                  1,100         1,154
                                                  --------
VIRGINIA -- 0.5%
   Virginia Housing, Multi-Family
     Housing, RB
     5.250%, 05/01/03                    685           694
                                                  --------
WASHINGTON -- 3.8%
   Clark County, Public Utility
     District # 001, RB, FGIC Insured
     6.000%, 01/01/04                  2,525         2,645
   Grant County, Public Utility
     District #2, RB
     5.625%, 01/01/07                  2,470         2,495
                                                  --------
                                                     5,140
                                                  --------
WISCONSIN -- 4.0%
   Wisconsin Housing & Economic
     Development Authority, Home
     Ownership, Ser 1, RB,
     FHA Insured, Callable
     07/01/02 @ 102
     6.600%, 09/01/07                  1,300         1,350
   Wisconsin Public Power, RB,
     Pre-Refunded @ 102,
     AMBAC Insured (C)
     6.875%, 07/01/01                  2,000         2,210
   Wisconsin State, Clean Water
     Revenue, Ser 1, RB
     6.875%, 06/01/11                  1,640         1,833
                                                  --------
                                                     5,393
                                                  --------
WYOMING -- 0.8%
   Wyoming Student Loan
     Corporation, RB
     6.250%, 12/01/99                  1,000         1,035
                                                  --------
Total Municipal Bonds
   (Cost $134,570)                                 134,401
                                                  --------
Total Investments -- 99.9%
   (Cost $134,570)                                 134,401
                                                  --------
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET -- 0.1%              162
                                                  --------
</TABLE>


THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

38
<PAGE>   34
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>   
NET ASSETS:
Portfolio Shares of Class A (unlimited 
   authorization -- no par value) based
   on 12,870,920 outstanding shares of
   beneficial interest                            $135,894
Undistributed Net Investment Income                      2
Accumulated Net Realized Loss
   on Investments                                   (1,164)
Net Unrealized Depreciation on Investments            (169)
                                                  --------
Total Net Assets--100.0%                          $134,563
                                                  ========
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and
   Redemption Price Per Share-- Class A            $ 10.45
                                                  ========
</TABLE>
                                                  
AMBAC    AMERICAN MUNICIPAL BOND ASSURANCE CORPORATION
COP      CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION
FGIC     FINANCIAL GUARANTY INSURANCE CORPORATION
FHA      FEDERAL HOUSING AGENCY
FSA      FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE
GO       GENERAL OBLIGATION
MBIA     MUNICIPAL BOND INVESTORS ASSURANCE
RB       REVENUE BOND
SER      SERIES
TRAN     TAX & REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTE
VRDN     VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTE
(A) FLOATING RATE SECURITY--THE RATE REFLECTED ON THE STATEMENT OF 
    NET ASSETS IS THE RATE IN EFFECT ON AUGUST 31, 1996. 
(B) MANDATORY REDEMPTION--THE MATURITY DATE REPORTED ON THE 
    STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS IS THE MANDATORY REDEMPTION DATE.
(C) PRE-REFUNDED SECURITY--THE MATURITY DATE REPORTED ON THE STATEMENT 
    OF NET ASSETS IS THE PRE-REFUNDED DATE. 
(D) SECURITY IS ESCROWED TO MATURITY 
(E) SECURITY IS HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH A LETTER OF CREDIT FROM A MAJOR
    COMMERCIAL BANK OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION.

PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO

<TABLE>
<S>                                   <C>           <C>
MUNICIPAL BONDS -- 99.0%
PENNSYLVANIA -- 99.0%
   Allegheny County Hospital
     Development Authority,
     Allegheny General
     Hospital, RB (C)
     6.750%, 05/01/04                  $  10         $  10
   Allegheny County Redevelopment
     Authority, Home Improvement, RB
     6.700%, 08/01/99                    485           500
   Allegheny County Hospital
     Development Authority,
     Allegheny General, RB (C)
     7.250%, 07/01/03                    185           194

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>
   Allegheny County Hospital
     Development Authority, Children's
     Hospital of Pittsburgh, Ser 91,
     RB, MBIA Insured
     6.600%, 07/01/01                 $1,000        $1,064
   Allegheny County Hospital
     Development Authority, Magee
     Women's Hospital, Ser 93,
     RB, FGIC Insured
     5.200%, 10/01/05                  1,000         1,000
   Allegheny County Hospital
     Development Authority, Mercy
     Hospital of Pittsburgh, AMT
     RB, BIGI Insured
     6.875%, 10/01/99                  1,000         1,022
   Allegheny County Hospital
     Development Authority,
     Montefiore Hospital, RB (C)
     6.875%, 07/01/09                    520           555
   Allegheny County Hospital
     Development Authority,
     St. Margaret Memorial
     Hospital, RB (C)
     6.750%, 07/01/10                    475           510
   Allegheny County Industrial
     Development Authority, Home
     Improvement Project, RB
     6.700%, 02/01/99                    800           822
   Allegheny County Industrial
     Development Authority, RB, AMT (B)
     6.000%, 10/01/04                    150           150
   Allentown Hospital Authority,
     Sacred Heart Project, RB (C)
     8.000%, 03/01/09                    105           120
   Allentown Hospital Authority,
     Sacred Heart Hospital of
     Allentown, Ser A, RB
     6.500%, 11/15/08                  1,200         1,211
   Altoona Area School District
     Authority, Blair County,
     Pennsylvania School Revenue,
     Ser 78, RB, Pre-Refunded @ 100 (A)
     6.500%, 07/01/06                    155           165
   Altoona School District, RB (C)
     6.250%, 01/01/03                     10            10
   Baldwin Whitehall School
     Building Revenue, RB (C)
     6.625%, 11/15/02                    105           110
   Beaver County Housing Authority,
     First Mortgage Guaranteed, 
     Section 8, RB, MBIA Insured, 
     Callable 03/19/97 @ 100
     7.875%, 07/01/99                    345           343
</TABLE>


39
<PAGE>   35
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO--CONTINUED

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>
   Bensalem Township Water &
     Sewer Authority, RB (C)
     6.750%, 12/01/14                $    75       $    84
   Blair County Hospital
     Authority, RB (C)
     6.900%, 07/01/08                    570           602
   Borough of Tarentum, Pennsylvania
     Guaranteed Electric Revenue
     Bond, Ser 93-A, RB, Asset
     Guaranty Insured
     5.500%, 09/01/08                    645           630
   Bucks County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Grandview Hospital, Ser 91,
     RB, AMBAC Insured (C)
     6.600%, 07/01/01                    250           269
   Bucks County Redevelopment
     Authority, Mortgage Revenue,
     Warminster Heights, Section 8-A,
     Ser 92-A, RB, FHA Insured,
     Callable 02/01/02 @ 100
     6.250%, 08/01/02                    315           325
   Bucks County Redevelopment
     Authority, Mortgage Revenue,
     Warminster Heights, Section 8,
     Ser 92-A, RB, FHA Insured
     5.750%, 08/01/97                     50            50
   Bucks County Industrial
     Development Authority
     Revenue, RB (C)
     8.750%, 09/01/04                     15            17
   Butler Area Sewer Authority, RB,
     Pre-Refunded @ 100 (A)
     7.250%, 01/01/04                     75            83
   Cambria County Hospital
     Authority, Conemaugh Valley
     Memorial Hospital, RB (C)
     7.625%, 09/01/11                    235           275
   Chartiers Valley Industrial
     Development Authority, Colonial
     Building, RB, Mandatory
     Put 12/01/97 @ 100 (B) (D)
     5.625%, 12/01/97                    690           691
   Chester County Hospital
     Authority, Paoli Memorial
     Hospital, RB (C)
     5.500%, 02/01/03                    105           104
   Chester County, Pennsylvania
     Health & Education Authority,
     RB, Ser 96-B, (B) (D)
     4.900%, 08/01/99                  2,575         2,575
   City of Aliquippa, Beaver County,
     RB, Asset Guaranty Insured
     8.250%, 09/15/01                  1,220         1,295

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>            <C>
   Cresswell Heights, Joint Water
     Authority Revenue, RB (C)
     7.375%, 03/01/07                $    95        $  103
   Dauphin County General
     School Authority, RB,
     Mandatory Put 06/01/98 @100
     6.000%, 06/01/26                     50            49
   Dauphin County General School
     Authority, G.O., Mandatory
     Put 06/01/04 @ 100 (D)
     6.700%, 06/01/04                  1,220         1,299
   Dauphin County General
     Authority, Phoenixville Hospital,
     Hapsco Group Incorporated,
     Ser 92-A, RB, FGIC Insured
     5.900%, 07/01/05                    845           882
   Dauphin County General School
     Authority, Penncrest School
     Project, RB, Mandatory
     Put 06/01/03 @ 100 (D)
     6.600%, 06/01/26                    915           974
   Delaware County Authority,
     Villanova University, RB (C)
     9.625%, 08/01/02                    165           187
   Delaware County Hospital
     Authority, Chester Crozer, RB (C)
     7.250%, 12/15/10                    115           123
   Delaware County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Resource-Recovery Project, RB (B)
     8.100%, 12/01/13                    405           420
   Delaware County, Pennsylvania
     Industrial Development Authority,
     Resource Recovery Project,
     Ser A, RB, Callable
     12/01/96 @ 103.50 (C)
     7.900%, 12/01/05                     25            26
   Delaware County, Pennsylvania
     Industrial Development Authority,
     Resource Recovery Project,
     Ser A, RB,  Callable
     12/01/96 @ 103.50 (C)
     7.650%, 12/01/01                     20            21
   Delaware River Port Authority, RB (C)
     6.000%, 01/15/10                     90            92
   Delaware River Port Authority,
     PA & NJ River Bridges
     Revenue, RB (B) (C)
     6.500%, 01/15/11                    265           277
   Derry Township Sanitation Sewer
     Authority, RB (C)
     6.250%, 08/01/12                     65            67
</TABLE>



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

40
<PAGE>   36
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>
   East Marlboro Township Sewer
     Authority, Guaranteed Sewer
     Revenue, RB
     5.200%, 12/01/01                $    55       $    55
     5.300%, 12/01/02                    200           198
   Economy Municipal Authority,
     Sewer Revenue, RB,
     Callable 12/15/99 @100
     6.000%, 12/15/03                     55            56
   Erie County Hospital Authority,
     RB (C)
     6.750%, 07/01/11                    320           344
   Erie County Hospital Authority,
     Hamot Health Systems, RB,
     AMBAC Insured
     6.700%, 02/15/02                    500           539
   Fayette County Hospital Authority,
     Uniontown Hospital, RB,
     Connie Lee Insured
     4.850%, 06/15/01                  1,000           988
     5.000%, 06/15/02                    300           296
     5.100%, 06/15/03                  1,065         1,053
     5.200%, 06/15/04                    100            98
     5.300%, 06/15/05                  1,000           984
   Fort Le Boeuf School District,
     Ser 93-A, G.O., MBIA Insured
     5.150%, 01/01/02                    500           510
   Fox Chapel Sanitation Sewer
     Authority, RB
     5.900%, 05/01/05                    275           274
   Franklin Hospital, Pennsylvania
     State, Special Obligation, RB (C)
     7.125%, 10/01/08                     20            21
   Greene County Industrial
     Development Authority, Pollution
     Control Revenue, Monogahela
     Power-Hatfield Ferry, Ser A, RB
     6.300%, 02/01/02                    865           869
   Hampton Township, G.O.
     6.300%, 06/01/02                    775           822
   Harrisburg Authority, Lease
     Revenue, RB, Cross Over
     Pre-Refunded @ 101,
     CGIC Insured (A)
     6.250%, 06/01/01                  1,000         1,059
   Hopewell Township, Guaranteed
     Sewer Revenue, RB,
     Callable 11/01/03 @ 100
     5.800%, 11/01/08                    815           768
   Jefferson County Municipal
     Authority Revenue, RB,
     MBIA Insured (C)
     7.000%, 12/01/02                     20            21

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)      VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>          <C> 
   Jersey Shore Area School District,
     G.O., MBIA Insured (C)
     9.375%, 03/01/03                $    95      $    109
   Lehigh County Community
     College, School Lease, RB
     5.750%, 01/15/02                  1,285         1,287
   Lehigh County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Strawbridge Project, RB (C)
     7.200%, 12/15/01                  1,150         1,235
   Lehigh County General Purpose
     Authority, Muhlenberg Medical
     Center Project, RB (C)
     7.000%, 07/01/04                     20            21
   Luzerne County, Ser 91, G.O.,
     FGIC Insured
     6.800%, 09/15/02                    500           543
   Lycoming County Authority,
     Hospital Revenue, Williamsport
     Hospital, RB, Connie Lee Insured
     5.250%, 11/15/06                  1,300         1,279
   Lycoming County Hospital
     Authority, RB (C)
     5.750%, 07/01/02                    125           125
   McCandless Township Sanitation
     Authority, Sewer Revenue, RB (C)
     6.750%, 11/15/05                     85            92
   Montgomery County Higher
     Education & Health Authority,
     Abington Memorial Hospital,
     Ser 91-A, RB, AMBAC Insured
     6.200%, 06/01/00                    800           841
   Montgomery County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Ecri Project, RB
     6.850%, 06/01/13                  2,165         2,124
   Montgomery County, G.O. (C)
     9.000%, 08/15/04                    165           185
   Moon School District, School
     Building Revenue, RB,
     MBIA Insured (C)
     6.375%, 11/15/98                     40            40
   Moon Transportation Authority,
     Pre-Refunded @100, RB (A) (C)
     9.000%, 02/01/98                     10            11
   Mount Lebanon Hospital
     Authority, RB (C)
     7.000%, 07/01/06                    185           197
   Norristown Area School District,
     Ser 91, Bank Qualified, G.O.,
     Pre-Refunded @ 100 (A)
     6.650%, 09/01/01                    100           108
</TABLE>


41
<PAGE>   37
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO--CONTINUED

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>
   Northampton County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Moravian Hall Square Project,
     Ser A, RB, Asset Guaranty Insured
     5.000%, 07/01/05                $   575       $   554
     5.000%, 07/01/06                    560           532
     5.250%, 07/01/08                    595           566
     5.350%, 07/01/10                  1,470         1,384
   Northeast Allegheny County, RB (C)
     6.000%, 05/01/02                     60            61
   Northeast Hospital Authority, RB (C)
     6.375%, 09/01/07                     60            61
   Northeastern Hospital, Hospital
     Revenue Authority, RB (C)
     7.000%, 06/01/06                    210           223
   Pennsylvania Housing Finance
     Authority, RB (C)
     7.750%, 12/01/07                     45            50
   Pennsylvania Higher Education
     Authority, Ser 95, RB,
     Asset Guaranty Insured (C)
     4.750%, 09/15/02                    270           264
     4.850%, 09/15/03                    250           244
     4.950%, 09/15/04                    515           501
     5.150%, 09/15/06                    345           334
   Pennsylvania Higher Education
     Facilities Authority,
     Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
     Ser E, RB, MBIA Insured
     6.450%, 06/15/01                    400           428
   Pennsylvania Higher Education
     Facilities Authority, Hahnemann
     University Project, Ser-91, RB,
     MBIA Insured                                        
     6.400%, 07/01/01                    570           611
     Pre-Refunded 07/01/01 @ 102 (A)
     6.600%, 07/01/01                    535           586
   Pennsylvania Higher Education
     Facilities Authority, Philadelphia
     College of Pharmacy, Ser A,
     RB, MBIA Insured,
     Pre-Refunded @ 101 (A)
     6.750%, 09/01/98                    500           529
   Pennsylvania Housing Finance
     Agency, RB, AMT,
     Callable 10/01/00 @ 102
     7.800%, 10/01/20                    100           105
   Pennsylvania Housing Finance
     Agency, Rental Housing,
     Ser 91, RB, Callable 07/01/03
     @ 102, FNMA Collateral
     5.450%, 07/01/06                  2,000         2,010

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>
   Pennsylvania Housing Finance
     Agency, Single Family
     Mortgage, Ser 92-33, RB
     5.700%, 04/01/98                $   330       $   332
   Pennsylvania State Higher
     Education, Philadelphia
     College of Textiles & Science,
     Ser 96, RB
     5.900%, 04/01/02                    225           226
     6.050%, 04/01/03                    240           242
     6.150%, 04/01/04                    250           252
     6.250%, 04/01/05                    265           268
     6.350%, 04/01/06                    285           288
     6.450%, 04/01/07                    295           299
     6.550%, 04/01/08                    320           325
     6.600%, 04/01/09                    340           345
   Pennsylvania State Higher
     Education Facilities Authority,
     College & University Revenue,
     Tenth Series, RB (C)
     6.900%, 07/01/07                     75            80
   Pennsylvania State Higher
     Education Facilities, Drexel
     University, RB,
     6.375%, 05/01/17                  1,450         1,434
   Pennsylvania State Higher
     Education, College &
     University, RB (C)
     9.375%, 07/01/10                    120           145
   Pennsylvania State Higher
     Education, Student Loan,
     Ser A, RB, AMT,
     AMBAC Insured
     7.050%, 10/01/16                  3,500         3,645
   Pennsylvania State Higher
     Education, Student Loan,
     Ser C, RB, AMT,
     AMBAC Insured
     7.150%, 09/01/21                    500           522
   Pennsylvania State Housing
     Finance Authority, Single
     Family Mortgage, Ser N, RB,
     Callable 10/01/97 @ 102
     7.500%, 10/01/99                    200           204
   Peters Township School District,
     G.O., MBIA Insured,
     Callable 11/15/02 @ 100 (C)
     0.00%, 11/15/07                     100            54
</TABLE>



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

42
<PAGE>   38
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)      VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>           <C>
   Philadelphia Gas Works Revenue,
     Fourteenth Series, RB, FSA Insured,
     Callable 07/01/03 @ 102
     6.250%, 07/01/08               $  1,000      $  1,076
   Philadelphia Hospital & Higher
     Education Authority, Presbyterian
     Medical Center, RB (C)
     6.100%, 12/01/03                    410           435
   Philadelphia Hospital & Higher
     Education Facilities, Philadelphia
     MR Project, RB
     5.500%, 08/01/01                  1,175         1,160
   Philadelphia Hospital, Graduate
     Hospital Project, RB (C)
     7.000%, 07/01/10                    335           359
   Philadelphia Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Convention Project, PGH
     Development Corporation,
     Ser 89, RB, AMBAC Insured (C)
     7.000%, 07/01/99                    885           925
   Philadelphia Industrial
     Development Authority,
     National Board of Medical
     Examiners Project, RB,
     Callable 05/01/02 @ 102
     6.750%, 05/01/12                    950         1,008
   Philadelphia Municipal Authority,
     Justice Lease Revenue, Ser B,
     RB, FGIC Insured
     6.700%, 11/15/01                  1,000         1,088
   Philadelphia Municipal Authority,
     Services Building Lease Rental
     Revenue, Ser 90, RB,
     FSA Insured
     6.900%, 03/15/99                  1,000         1,056
   Philadelphia Hospital & Higher
     Education Facilities Authority,
     St. Agnes Medical Center, RB,
     MBIA Insured
     4.900%, 07/01/04                    820           810
   Philadelphia Redevelopment
     Authority, Home Improvement
     Loan, Ser 95-A, RB, AMT
     5.100%, 06/01/01                    140           139
     5.100%, 12/01/01                    110           109
     5.250%, 06/01/02                    200           198
     5.250%, 12/01/02                    220           218
     5.400%, 06/01/03                    160           158
     5.400%, 12/01/03                    185           183
     5.550%, 06/01/04                     65            64
     5.650%, 12/01/05                     70            69
     6.100%, 12/01/10                  1,000           984

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>
   Philadelphia Redevelopment
     Authority, West Philadelphia
     Project, RB, FNMA Collateral
     6.750%, 05/15/04                 $  765        $  797
   Philadelphia School District,
     Ser 91-B, G.O., MBIA Insured
     7.000%, 07/01/05                    250           276
   Philadelphia United Hospitals
     Project, RB, Pre-Refunded @ 100 (A)
     10.875%, 07/01/05                   660           859
   Philadelphia Water & Sewer
     Authority, Ser 10, RB (C)
     7.350%, 09/01/04                  5,485         6,150
   Pittsburgh Parking Authority,
     Ser 92-A, RB, FGIC Insured,
     Callable 12/14/04 @ 100
     5.750%, 12/01/05                    500           518
   Pittsburgh, G.O., FGIC Insured
     7.000%, 03/01/01                    775           800
   Pittsburgh Stadium Authority,
     Lease Revenue, RB (C)
     6.500%, 04/01/11                    815           849
   Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment
     Authority Mortgage Revenue,
     Ser 96-C, RB, AMT
     5.700%, 10/01/05                    240           239
   Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment
     Authority Mortgage Revenue,
     Ser 96-D, RB
     5.900%, 04/01/08                    285           284
     5.900%, 10/01/08                    290           289
     6.000%, 10/01/09                    310           310
     6.100%, 10/01/10                    330           330
   Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment
     Authority, Home Improvement
     Loans, RB, Callable 08/14/03 @ 100
     7.125%, 08/01/04                    835           859
   Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment
     Authority, Mortgage Revenue,
     Ser A, RB, AMT
     5.000%, 10/01/02                     70            68
     5.100%, 10/01/03                     70            68
     5.750%, 10/01/10                     55            53
   Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment
     Authority, Ser A, RB, AMT
     5.300%, 04/01/05                     75            72
     5.400%, 04/01/06                     80            77
     5.400%, 10/01/06                     80            76
     5.500%, 04/01/07                     85            81
     5.500%, 10/01/07                     85            81
     5.600%, 04/01/08                     90            86
     5.700%, 04/01/09                     90            86
     5.700%, 10/01/09                     95            90
</TABLE>


43
<PAGE>   39
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO--CONCLUDED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>
   Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment
     Authority, Ser B, RB,
     Callable 04/01/03 @ 100
     6.700%, 04/01/10                $    40       $    40
   Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment
     Authority, Ser B, RB
     5.700%, 10/01/11                    110           104
   Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment
     Center, Triangle Tax Increment,
     Ser A, RB (B)                                       
     5.125%, 06/01/00                  1,175         1,157
     5.750%, 12/01/06                  1,980         1,896
   Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment
     Center, Triangle Tax Increment,
     Ser B, RB (B)
     5.750%, 03/15/06                  1,185         1,138
   Pittsburgh, RB, Pre-Refunded
     @ 102, FGIC Insured (A)
     7.000%, 03/01/97                    100           103
   Potter County  Hospital Authority,
     Charles Cole Memorial, RB,
     Asset Guaranty Insured
     4.750%, 08/01/99                    260           258
     4.850%, 06/01/00                    270           268
     5.100%, 08/01/02                    290           287
     5.200%, 08/01/03                    245           242
     5.400%, 08/01/04                    325           321
     5.400%, 08/01/05                    320           316
     5.500%, 08/01/06                    160           157
   Pottsville Hospital Authority,
     Pottsville Hospital &
     Warner Clinic, RB
     6.400%, 07/01/03                    930           927
   Quakertown Pennsylvania
     Hospital Authority, Quakertown
     Community Hospital, RB (C)
     7.125%, 01/01/11                     10            11
   Sayre Health Facilities Authority,
     Guthrie Health Care,
     Ser 91-A, RB, AMBAC Insured
     6.800%, 03/01/03                  1,000         1,086
   Scranton Lackawanna Health &
     Welfare Authority, Community
     Medical Center, RB, FGIC Insured
     6.900%, 07/01/98                    500           522
     7.000%, 07/01/99                    250           266
   Scranton Lackawanna Health &
     Welfare Authority, Moses Taylor
     Hospital, RB (C)
     6.625%, 07/01/09                    485           509

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>
   Scranton Lackawanna Health &
     Welfare Authority, RB, BIGI Insured
     7.250%, 07/01/99                 $  790       $   841
   Scranton Lackawana Health &
     Welfare Allied Services,
     Rehabilitation Hospital, RB,
     Callable 07/01/04 @ 102
     7.125%, 07/15/05                  1,500         1,524
   Shaler School District, RB (C)
     6.250%, 04/15/08                     50            52
   Shaler Township, G.O. (C)
     6.400%, 08/01/01                     30            31
   South Side Area School
     District, Ser 91, G.O.,
     AMBAC Insured,
     Pre-Refunded @ 100 (A)
     6.550%, 04/15/98                    260           269
   Southeastern Greene
     School District, G.O. (C)
     9.375%, 07/01/03                     60            70
   University Area Joint Authority,
     Sewer Revenue, Ser 90, RB,
     MBIA Insured,
     Pre-Refunded @ 101 (A)
     7.000%, 09/01/00                    750           815
   Upper Allegheny Joint Sanitation
     Authority, RB, AMBAC Insured (C)
     9.000%, 09/01/00                     10            11
   Washington County Authority,
     Municipal Facilities Lease
     Revenue, Pooled Capital,
     Ser C, Subseries C-1A, RB,
     AMBAC Insured,
     Pre-Refunded @ 100 (A)
     7.000%, 06/15/00                    400           435
   Washington County Hospital
     Authority, Shadyside Hospital
     Project, Ser 92, RB,
     AMBAC Insured
     5.875%, 12/15/04                  1,000         1,052
   Westmoreland County Industrial
     Development Authority, Henry
     Clay Frick Hospital, RB
     7.000%, 12/01/05                    830           832
   Westmoreland County Industrial
     Development Authority, Hospital
     Revenue, Ser 92-A, RB,
     AMBAC Insured
     5.900%, 07/01/05                    595           614
   Westmoreland County Industrial
     Development Authority,
     Hospital Revenue, Ser 99-A,
     AMBAC Insured
     5.800%, 07/01/04                    565           583
</TABLE>



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

44
<PAGE>   40
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>
   Windber Area Authority, Hospital
     Revenue, RB, FHA Insured
     5.900%, 02/01/10                 $  355       $   363
   Wyoming County Hospital
     Authority, RB (C)
     7.400%, 01/01/05                     45            48
   Wyoming County Hospital Authority,
     Tyler Memorial, RB (C)
     7.400%, 01/01/05                     60            63
   York County Hospital Authority,
     Lutheran Social Services, RB
     5.400%, 04/01/04                    500           486
     5.600%, 04/01/05                    500           485
     5.800%, 04/01/06                    500           484
                                                  --------
Total Municipal Bonds
   (Cost $96,024)                                   96,265
                                                  --------
Total Investments -- 99.0%
   (Cost $96,024)                                   96,265
                                                  --------
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET-- 1.0%               963
                                                  --------

NET ASSETS:
Portfolio Shares of Class A (unlimited 
authorization -- no par value) based on
   9,275,192 outstanding shares of
   beneficial interest                              95,265
Undistributed Net Investment Income                      1
Accumulated Net Realized Gain
   on Investments                                    1,721
Net Unrealized Appreciation
   on Investments                                      241
                                                  --------
Total Net Assets--100.0%                           $97,228
                                                  ========
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and
   Redemption Price Per Share-- Class A            $ 10.48
                                                  ========
</TABLE>
                                                  
AMBAC     AMERICAN MUNICIPAL BOND ASSURANCE CORPORATION
AMT       ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX
BIGI      BOND INVESTORS GUARANTY INSURANCE CORPORATION
CGIC      CAPITAL GUARANTY INSURANCE CORPORATION
FGIC      FINANCIAL GUARANTY INSURANCE CORPORATION
FHA       FEDERAL HOUSING AGENCY
FNMA      FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION
FSA       FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE
GO        GENERAL OBLIGATION
MBIA      MUNICIPAL BOND INVESTORS ASSURANCE
RB        REVENUE BOND
SER       SERIES
(A) PRE-REFUNDED SECURITY--THE MATURITY DATE REPORTED ON THE 
    STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS IS THE PRE-REFUNDED DATE. 
(B) SECURITY IS HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH A LETTER OF CREDIT FROM 
    A MAJOR COMMERCIAL BANK OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION. 
(C) SECURITY IS ESCROWED TO MATURITY. 
(D) PUT AND DEMAND FEATURE -- THE MATURITY DATE REPORTED ON THE STATEMENT 
    OF NET ASSETS IS THE LESSER OF THE MATURITY DATE OR THE PUT DATE.


KANSAS TAX FREE
INCOME PORTFOLIO

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>
MUNICIPAL BONDS -- 98.4%
KANSAS -- 95.9%
   Anderson County, USD #365
     Garnett, Ser 91, G.O.,
     AMBAC Insured
     6.400%, 09/01/05                 $  250        $  263
     6.500%, 09/01/06                    250           264
   Arkansas City, G.O.
     3.800%, 12/01/99                    285           271
   Belleville Electric & Gas,
     Ser A, RB
     5.000%, 12/01/98                    150           151
     5.500%, 12/01/02                    175           180
     5.700%, 12/01/04                    150           155
   Bourbon County, G.O.
     5.500%, 09/01/09                    195           194
   Bourbon County, USD # 234,
     Fort Scott , Ser B, G.O.
     5.625%, 09/01/11                    285           280
   Bourbon County, USD # 234,
     G.O., Callable 09/01/06 @ 100
     5.600%, 09/01/10                    215           212
   Butler County, Bank Qualified,
     G.O., CGIC Insured
     4.150%, 10/01/01                    250           241
     4.300%, 10/01/02                    250           241
   Chanute Electric Light Water &
     Gas, RB, MBIA Insured
     Pre-Refunded @ 100 (A)
     6.900%, 11/01/05                    600           633
   Cherokee County, USD #499, G.O.,
     AMBAC Insured
     5.800%, 10/01/09                    200           204
     5.900%, 10/01/10                    215           220
     5.950%, 10/01/11                    225           230
   Clay County, Clay Center, Ser 92,
     Bank Qualified, G.O.
     5.300%, 04/01/00                    250           255
     5.400%, 04/01/01                    250           254
   Clay County, Ser 94-B, G.O.
     6.200%, 10/01/15                    250           253
   Coffeyville Water and Sewer, Ser 93,
     RB, AMBAC Insured
     4.600%, 10/01/04                    465           446
     4.700%, 10/01/05                    490           469
   Coffeyville, COP
     5.875%, 10/01/14                    250           250
   Cowley County, USD #470, G.O.,
     Callable 12/01/06 @ 100
     5.450%, 12/01/12                    500           493
   Cowley County, USD #465 School
     Improvement Bonds, Winfields,
     Ser 91, G.O.
     6.000%, 11/01/97                    250           255
</TABLE>


45
<PAGE>   41
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


KANSAS TAX FREE INCOME PORTFOLIO--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>            <C>
   Decatur County, Ser 92, Bank
     Qualified, G.O.
     6.000%, 09/01/01                 $  250        $  260
   Dickinson County, Abilene School
     District, Ser 92, Bank
     Qualified, G.O.
     5.400%, 04/01/01                    265           267
     5.600%, 04/01/03                    300           300
   Dodge City, Pollution Control
     Revenue, Excel Project, RB
     6.625%, 05/01/05                    700           760
   Dodge, USD #443, Ford County,
     G.O., CGIC Insured
     4.700%, 03/01/07                    180           167
     4.800%, 03/01/08                    360           337
     5.000%, 03/01/14                    250           228
   Douglas County, USD #497, 
     Ser 93-A, G.O.
     4.500%, 09/01/02                    250           246
   Douglas County, USD #497,
     Ser A, G.O.
     5.400%, 09/01/15                    600           574
   Emporia Sewer System, Ser 90,
     RB, Pre-Refunded @ 100.50 (A)
     7.100%, 06/01/04                    300           316
   Emporia, Ser B, G.O.
     5.150%, 09/01/00                    155           158
     5.250%, 09/01/01                    165           170
     6.000%, 09/01/06                    175           182
   Finney County, Garden City
     Project, Ser 91, G.O.
     5.700%, 10/01/98                    500           505
   Finney County, USD #457, G.O.
     5.500%, 10/01/99                    185           190
     5.550%, 10/01/00                    250           258
   Ford County, Single Family
     Mortgage Ser A, RB
     7.900%, 08/01/10                    325           341
   Garden City, Ser B, G.O.,
     MBIA Insured
     4.900%, 11/01/99                    250           254
     5.450%, 11/01/04                    250           259
   Garden City, Water & Sewer, RB
     6.500%, 11/01/00                    125           134
     6.750%, 11/01/03                    125           134
   Gardner County, G.O.
     5.300%, 09/01/11                    330           323
   Gardner Electric Utility, Ser 92, RB
     7.000%, 11/01/09                    500           523
   Gove County, G.O., AMBAC Insured,
     Callable 10/01/01 @ 101
     5.150%, 04/01/12                    560           523

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>
   Gray County,USD #102, G.O.
     6.000%, 09/01/04                 $  100        $  104
     6.200%, 09/01/06                    125           131
     6.800%, 09/01/15                    250           261
   Great Bend, Ser B, G.O., FGIC Insured
     5.900%, 09/01/98                    250           250
   Great Bend, Ser B, G.O.,
     Pre-Refunded @ 100 (A)
     6.300%, 09/01/02                    250           250
   Halstead Hospital, Active
     Sinking Fund, RB
     6.750%, 10/01/06                    255           274
   Hays, Ser A, G.O., FGIC Insured,
     Callable 09/01/03 @ 100
     5.150%, 09/01/09                    250           241
     5.250%, 09/01/10                    250           246
   Hays, Internal Improvement,
     Ser A, G.O.
     5.200%, 09/01/01                    105           108
     5.300%, 09/01/02                    110           112
     5.500%, 09/01/04                    120           122
   Hays, Water & Sewer, Ser 92,
     Bank Qualified, RB,
     AMBAC Insured
     5.600%, 09/01/99                    100           103
     5.800%, 09/01/00                    100           104
     6.200%, 09/01/03                    100           106
     6.400%, 09/01/05                    180           191
   Hayes Water & Sewer System, RB
     5.200%, 09/01/11                    260           247
   Holton, Electrical Systems,
     Ser 92-A, RB
     6.400%, 12/01/06                    150           161
     6.500%, 12/01/07                    150           161
   Hutchinson, Ser A, RB
     5.450%, 10/01/14                    125           121
     5.500%, 10/01/15                    135           130
   Hutchinson, Single Family
     Mortgage, Ser 92, RB
     6.500%, 12/01/09                    175           182
   Hutchinson, Water & Sewer,
     Ser 93, RB, AMBAC Insured
     6.850%, 12/01/05                    150           168
     5.000%, 12/01/11                    225           210
   Jackson County, Holton School 
     Boards USD #336, Ser 92, 
     Bank Qualified, G.O.
     6.200%, 10/01/07                    205           219
     6.300%, 10/01/08                    125           134
   Jefferson County, USD #340,
     G.O., CGIC Insured
     6.000%, 09/01/06                    300           317
     6.100%, 09/01/07                    320           338
     6.200%, 09/01/08                    330           348
</TABLE>



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

46
<PAGE>   42
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>
   Johnson County, Blue Valley
     Recreation Commission,
     COP, Ser 91, G.O.
     6.000%, 10/01/97                 $  250      $    253
   Johnson County, G.O.
     6.800%, 09/01/99                  1,000         1,068
   Johnson County, Internal
     Improvement, Ser A, G.O.
     5.600%, 09/01/03                    200           209
   Johnson County, USD #229
     Blue Valley, Ser A, G.O.,
     Pre-Refunded @ 100 (A)
     6.500%, 10/01/12                    300           323
   Johnson County, USD #233
     Olathe, Ser 89-B, G.O.,
     Pre-Refunded @ 100 (A)
     7.000%, 03/01/03                    500           534
     7.000%, 09/01/03                    500           534
   Johnson County, USD #233,
     G.O., AMBAC Insured
     5.950%, 09/01/05                    500           524
   Johnson County, Water
     District #001, Ser 90-A, RB
     6.800%, 06/01/99                    250           264
     6.900%, 12/01/00                    250           272
     5.125%, 12/01/08                    250           245
     5.250%, 12/01/15                    500           463
     6.100%, 12/01/16                    250           253
   Junction City, Industrial
     Development, F.W. Woolworth, RB
     7.250%, 11/01/98                    190           191
   Junction City, Ser 00, Bank
     Qualified, G.O., AMBAC Insured
     6.200%, 09/01/06                    515           534
   Junction City, Water, Ser A, RB
     4.900%, 04/01/01                    205           206
     4.900%, 10/01/01                    210           211
   Kansas City, Community
     College Center, G.O., MBIA Insured
     6.000%, 05/15/10                    205           216
     6.125%, 05/15/11                    215           228
     6.125%, 05/15/12                    230           244
   Kansas City, Improvement Project,
     Ser B, MBIA Insured
     5.375%, 09/01/10                  1,500         1,487
   Kansas City, Sisters of Charity
     Health Hospital, RB
     4.850%, 08/01/97                    250           251
   Kansas City, Special Obligation (B)
     5.500%, 02/15/99                    500           514

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)    VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>          <C>
   Kansas Rural Water Finance
     Authority, Revenue District # 13,
     Ser F, RB, Callable 06/01/01 @ 100
     5.900%, 06/01/11                 $  400        $  403
   Kansas Water Pollution Control
     Callable 05/01/03 @ 102
     5.750%, 05/01/14                    370           375
   Kansas State Department of
     Transportation Highway, RB
     5.000%, 03/01/04                    250           252
   Kansas State Department of
     Transportation Highway, Ser 92,
     RB, Pre-Refunded @ 102 (A)
     6.125%, 03/01/03                    500           536
     6.500%, 03/01/08                    750           818
   Kansas State Development
     Finance Authority, RB
     Callable 05/01/04 @ 101
     5.200%, 05/01/07                    120           121
     5.400%, 05/01/09                    135           136
     5.450%, 05/01/10                    100           101
     5.500%, 05/01/11                    100           101
     5.550%, 05/01/12                    100           101
   Kansas State Development
     Finance Authority, Storemont
     Vail Health Care, Ser F, RB,
     MBIA Insured
     5.800%, 11/15/16                    500           491
   Kansas State Development Finance
     Authority, Storemont
   Vail Health
     Care, Ser G, RB, MBIA Insured
     5.750%, 11/15/10                    500           500
   Kansas State Development Finance
     Authority, Department of
     Corrections El Dorado Project L,
     RB, MBIA Insured
     5.625%, 02/01/03                    250           255
   Kansas State Development Finance
     Authority, Kansas Board Regents
     Wichita, RB, AMBAC Insured
     5.125%, 06/01/06                    250           247
   Kansas State Development Finance
     Authority, Water Pollution
     Control, G.O.
     4.450%, 05/01/01                    355           358
   Kansas State Pollution Control, RB
     5.450%, 04/01/06                    500           499
   Kingman, Electric Utility &
     Distribution System, RB
     5.500%, 09/01/08                    250           243
   Kingman, Water & Sewer, Utility &
     Distribution System, RB
     6.125%, 09/01/15                    250           255
</TABLE>


47
<PAGE>   43
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


KANSAS TAX FREE INCOME PORTFOLIO--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>           <C>
   Lawrence Hospital, RB
     4.850%, 07/01/97               $    250      $    250
   Lawrence Water & Sewer
     System, RB
     5.300%, 11/01/07                    315           313
     5.700%, 11/01/11                    395           392
   Lawrence, G.O.
     5.100%, 09/01/01                    220           223
   Lawrence, Ser 91-L, G.O.
     5.600%, 09/01/98                    175           180
   Leavenworth County, USD #449,
     Ser A, Bank Qualified, G.O.
     6.300%, 09/01/09                    150           152
     6.400%, 09/01/10                    160           163
     6.500%, 09/01/12                    125           128
     6.500%, 09/01/13                    100           102
   Leavenworth, Ser 91-A,
     Bank Qualified, G.O.
     5.700%, 09/01/97                    160           160
   Leavenworth, Ser B, G.O.
     5.050%, 09/01/00                    210           212
   Leawood, Ser 92-A, G.O.
     5.000%, 09/01/00                    300           305
     5.200%, 09/01/01                    250           255
     6.000%, 09/01/08                    135           141
   Leawood, Unlimited Tax, Ser B, G.O.
     5.000%, 09/01/10                    400           377
   Lindsborg Electric & Waterworks
     System, Callable 10/01/05 @ 100
     5.300%, 10/01/07                    105           105
     5.600%, 10/01/09                    120           120
   Lindsborg Electric & Waterworks
     System, RB
     5.000%, 10/01/05                    100           100
   Lindsborg Temp Nts. Ser A, G.O.
     Callable 06/01/97 @ 100
     4.750%, 06/01/98                    280           280
   Lyon County, Hospital Revenue,
     Ser 94, RB
     5.200%, 02/01/02                    115           111
     5.200%, 08/01/02                    250           240
     5.300%, 02/01/03                    100            96
   Lyon County, USD #253 Emponia, RB
     6.250%, 10/01/08                    250           262
   Manhattan, Unlimited Tax,
     Ser 89, G.O.
     5.850%, 11/01/02                    250           262
     6.300%, 11/01/11                    100           103
     6.300%, 11/01/12                    105           109
   Marion County, USD #411, RB
     5.300%, 04/01/13                    660           629

<CAPTION>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>
   McPherson County, USD #400 
     Smoky Valley, G.O., FGIC Insured, 
     Callable 12/01/05 @ 100
     5.200%, 12/01/10                 $  250        $  243
     5.250%, 12/01/12                    250           241
   McPherson, Electric Utility, RB,
     AMBAC Insured
     5.550%, 03/01/09                    550           548
   McPherson, Electric Utility-Capital
     Appreciation, RB, AMBAC Insured
     0.000%, 03/01/10                    520           209
   McPherson, Refunding &
     Improvement, Ser 115, G.O.
     5.000%, 11/01/06                    500           488
   Meade Industrial Development,
     Dekalb Agresearch Project, RB
     6.500%, 10/01/06                  1,000         1,103
   Miami County, USD #367, Ser A, G.O.
     5.850%, 09/01/13                    550           558
   Miami County, USD #368 Paola,
     Ser 92, G.O., AMBAC Insured
     6.500%, 12/01/05                    500           533
   Miami County, USD #416 Louisburg,
     Ser 92, G.O., AMBAC Insured
     6.000%, 09/01/02                    250           261
   Nemaha County, USD #441,
     Ser 92, G.O., AMBAC Insured
     5.400%, 03/01/02                    250           254
     5.750%, 03/01/07                    250           254
   Neosho County, USD #413, G.O.
     5.650%, 09/01/01                    260           270
   Newton, Waste Water Treatment
     System, Ser 92, Bank
     Qualified, RB
     5.750%, 03/01/99                    110           113
     6.000%, 03/01/00                    115           119
     6.200%, 03/01/01                    120           126
     6.400%, 03/01/02                    130           138
   Olathe & Labette County, GNMA
     Collateral Mortgage, Senior
     Ser 91-B, RB
     7.150%, 02/01/15                     55            58
   Olathe, Multi-Family Housing,
     Deerfield Apartments,
     Ser 94-A, RB
     5.500%, 06/01/04                    435           443
   Olathe, Sewer Improvement,
     Ser 84, G.O.
     4.600%, 10/01/99                    275           276
</TABLE>



THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.


48
<PAGE>   44
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>
   Osborne, Ser 92, Bank
     Qualified, G.O.
     5.500%, 12/01/01                 $  135        $  137
     5.600%, 12/01/02                    140           141
     5.700%, 12/01/03                    150           151
     5.800%, 12/01/04                    155           156
   Ottawa, Waterworks & Electric
     Systems, Ser 91, RB,
     MBIA Insured
     6.150%, 12/01/00                    250           264
     6.250%, 12/01/01                    250           267
   Pawnee County, G.O., CGIC Insured
     5.100%, 09/01/04                    255           257
   Phillip County, USD #325, G.O.
     5.200%, 09/01/03                    100           102
     5.600%, 09/01/07                    155           158
   Pittsburg, Water & Sewer
     Systems, Ser 91-A, RB
     6.400%, 09/01/03                    105           111
     6.500%, 09/01/04                    110           116
   Pottawatomie County, USD #320
     Wamego, Ser 90, G.O.,
     AMBAC Insured
     6.600%, 10/01/02                    500           539
   Pratt, Electrical System, Ser 92,
     RB, AMBAC Insured
     6.600%, 11/01/07                    250           276
     6.000%, 11/01/12                    250           254
   Reno County, G.O.
     6.250%, 08/01/00                    685           706
   Reno County, Single Family
     Mortgage, Ser B, RB,
     Callable 09/01/01 @ 103
     8.700%, 09/01/11                    205           219
   Riley County Hospital, Ser A, RB
     4.750%, 09/01/98                    110           110
     5.000%, 09/01/99                    165           165
     5.150%, 09/01/00                    100           100
   Riley County, Ser 92,
     Bank Qualified, G.O.
     5.000%, 11/01/98                    335           338
   Riley County, Ser B, G.O.
     6.100%, 09/01/06                    110           116
     6.200%, 09/01/07                    110           117
     6.300%, 09/01/08                    110           117
     6.400%, 09/01/09                    110           117
   Salina County, Sales Tax, RB
     3.700%, 12/01/96                    100           100
   Salina, Internal Improvement
     Bonds, Ser P-240, G.O.
     4.900%, 10/01/96                    125           125
     5.500%, 10/01/99                    100           103

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>
   Salina, Water & Sewer, RB,
     MBIA Insured
     5.000%, 09/01/07                 $  330        $  315
   Salina, Water & Sewer, RB
     6.700%, 10/01/99                    250           257
     6.750%, 10/01/00                    250           256
     6.850%, 10/01/02                    250           256
   Scott City, Water System, Ser A,
     Bank Qualified, G.O.
     5.250%, 09/01/04                    130           129
     5.400%, 09/01/05                    140           139
     5.600%, 09/01/06                    140           139
     5.700%, 09/01/07                    150           150
     5.800%, 09/01/08                    145           145
   Scott County, USD #466, Ser 93, G.O.
     5.375%, 09/01/06                    685           676
   Sedgwick & Shawnee County,
     GNMA Collateral Mortgage,
     Senior Ser 91-A, RB
     7.300%, 12/01/12                    610           640
   Sedgwick & Shawnee County,
     Single Family Housing, RB
     8.050%, 05/01/14                    440           489
   Sedgwick & Shawnee County,
     Single Family Mortgage, RB,
     Callable 11/01/04 @ 103
     7.800%, 05/01/14                    185           200
   Sedgwick & Shawnee County,
     Single Family Mortgage, RB
     5.250%, 11/01/04                    145           147
   Sedgwick County, Airport Facilities,
     Beech Aircraft, Ser 93, RB
     5.625%, 03/01/99                  1,000         1,026
   Sedgwick County, Ser B, G.O.
     4.050%, 08/01/98                    250           249
   Sedgwick County, USD #262,
     Valley Center, G.O.
     0.000%, 11/01/98                    100            91
   Sedgwick Temp Notes, Ser B,
     G.O. Callable 06/01/97 @ 100
     4.750%, 06/15/98                    250           250
   Seward County, Ser B, G.O.,
     AMBAC Insured
     6.000%, 08/15/08                    250           254
     6.000%, 08/15/13                    250           254
   Seward County, Single Family
     Mortgage, Ser B, RB
     8.000%, 05/01/11                    395           420
   Seward County, USD# 480, RB,
     Ser 92, MBIA Insured
     5.000%, 12/01/00                    500           503
</TABLE>


49
<PAGE>   45
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996


KANSAS TAX FREE INCOME PORTFOLIO--CONCLUDED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)     VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>
   Shawnee County, Ser B, G.O.,
     Callable 09/01/03 @100
     5.500%, 09/01/09                 $  250        $  250
     5.500%, 09/01/11                    250           248
   Shawnee County, Health Care
     Facilities, G.O., Callable
     08/15/05 @ 100
     5.150%, 08/15/10                    500           472
   Shawnee County, Ser 92-C, G.O.
     5.600%, 09/01/04                    500           513
   Shawnee County, Sisters Charity
     Leavenworth, RB
     4.700%, 12/01/04                    230           223
     5.000%, 12/01/10                    360           330
   Shawnee County, USD #345 
     Seaman, G.O.
     7.200%, 09/01/98                    250           263
     5.750%, 09/01/98                    250           252
   Shawnee County, USD #437
     Auburn-Washburn, Ser 92,
     G.O., FGIC Insured
     6.250%, 03/01/03                    700           748
   Sumner County, Bridge
     Improvement Bonds, Ser 92,
     G.O., AMBAC Insured
     6.000%, 11/01/04                    435           457
     6.000%, 11/01/05                    250           263
   Thomas County, USD #315, 
     Ser 93, G.O.
     4.200%, 09/01/01                    150           145
     4.300%, 09/01/02                    160           154
     4.400%, 09/01/03                    165           159
     4.600%, 09/01/04                    175           168
   Topeka Hospital, Storemont
     Vail Project, Ser 90-B, RB
     6.750%, 11/15/00                    500           540
   Topeka, Ser C, G.O.
     5.500%, 08/15/05                    250           253
   Wellington Electric & Water,
     Bank Qualified, RB,
     AMBAC Insured
     7.050%, 05/01/06                    250           284
     6.250%, 05/01/12                    250           258
   Wichita, Hospital Facility,
     St. Joseph Rehabilitation
     Center, RB (B)
     6.000%, 07/01/04                  1,245         1,301
   Wichita, Single Family Mortgage,
     Ser B, RB, Callable 07/01/98 @ 100
     7.100%, 09/01/09                    380           394
   Wichita, Kansas, Multi-Family
     Housing, RB
     5.900%, 12/01/16                    660           648

<CAPTION>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FACE
                                  AMOUNT (000)  VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>
   Wichita, Water & Sewer
     Improvement, Ser B, RB,
     FGIC Insured
     5.600%, 10/01/05                 $  750      $    762
   Winfield, Sales Tax, RB, Callable
     09/01/03 @ 100
     5.100%, 09/01/06                    100            98
     5.250%, 09/01/07                    100            98
     5.400%, 09/01/08                    100            97
   Wyandotte County, G.O.
     7.000%, 09/01/05                    415           435
   Wyandotte County, USD #203
     Piper, G.O.
     5.750%, 09/01/03                    140           142
     5.900%, 09/01/04                    295           298
     6.600%, 09/01/13                    500           507

                                                  --------
                                                    69,090
                                                  --------
GUAM -- 1.1%
   Guam Government Highway
     Bonds, Ser A, G.O., CGIC Insured
     5.100%, 05/01/97                    250           252
     5.500%, 05/01/99                    200           206
     6.300%, 05/01/12                    100           105
   Guam Government, Ser A, G.O.
     5.900%, 09/01/05                    250           250
                                                  --------
                                                       813
                                                  --------
PUERTO RICO -- 1.4%
   Puerto Rico Commonwealth
     Highway and Transportation
     Authority, RB
     5.000%, 07/01/02                    500           502
   Puerto Rico Public Buildings,
     Series I, RB, Callable
     07/01/99 @ 100
     6.000%, 07/01/12                    500           498
                                                  --------
                                                     1,000
                                                  --------
Total Municipal Bonds
   (Cost $69,752)                                   70,903
                                                  --------

CASH EQUIVALENT -- 2.1%
   Dreyfus Tax Exempt
     Money Market Fund                 1,512         1,512
                                                  --------
Total Cash Equivalent
   (Cost $1,512)                                     1,512
                                                  --------
Total Investments -- 100.5%
   (Cost $71,264)                                   72,415
                                                  --------
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET-- (0.5%)            (349)
                                                  --------
</TABLE>


50
<PAGE>   46
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                VALUE (000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>
NET ASSETS:
Portfolio Shares of Class A (unlimited 
  authorization -- no par value) based on
  6,857,687 outstanding shares of
  beneficial interest                              $70,596
Undistributed Net Investment Income                    322
Accumulated Net Realized Loss
   on Investments                                       (3)
Net Unrealized Appreciation on Investments           1,151
                                                  --------
Total Net Assets--100.0%                           $72,066
                                                  ========
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and
   Redemption Price Per Share-- Class A            $ 10.51
                                                  ========
</TABLE>

                                                     
AMBAC    AMERICAN MUNICIPAL BOND ASSURANCE CORPORATION
CGIC     CAPITAL GUARANTY INSURANCE CORPORATION
COP      CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION
FGIC     FINANCIAL GUARANTY INSURANCE COMPANY
GNMA     GOVERNMENT NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION
GO       GENERAL OBLIGATION
MBIA     MUNICIPAL BOND INVESTORS ASSURANCE
RB       REVENUE BOND
SER      SERIES
USD      UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
(A) PRE-REFUNDED SECURITY--THE MATURITY DATE REPORTED ON THE 
    STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS IS THE PRE-REFUNDED DATE.
(B) SECURITY IS ESCROWED TO MATURITY

51
<PAGE>   47
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (000)
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                 ---------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------
                                            CALIFORNIA   BAINBRIDGE                            INTERMEDIATE-                KANSAS
                                               TAX          TAX      INSTITUTION PENNSYLVANIA     TERM       PENNSYLVANIA  TAX FREE
                                 TAX FREE     EXEMPT      EXEMPT      TAX FREE     TAX FREE      MUNICIPAL     MUNICIPAL    INCOME
                                 PORTFOLIO  PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO(2)  PORTFOLIO    PORTFOLIO    PORTFOLIO      PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO
                                 ---------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------
<S>                               <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
   Interest Income                $ 13,091   $ 13,944    $  1,592     $ 31,291     $  1,120     $  5,589      $  5,726     $  3,720
                                  --------   --------    --------     --------     --------     --------      --------     --------
EXPENSES: 
   Management Fees                   1,257        886         148        2,980          110          353           357          101
   Waiver of Management Fees          (158)      (305)        (82)      (1,282)         (43)         (74)         (172)        --
   Investment Advisory Fees            137        151          16          325           12          254           204          202
   Waiver of Investment 
     Advisory Fees                    --         --          --           --           --           --              (2)        (202)
   Custodian/Wire Agent Fees            47         52           9          107            4           20            16           11
   Professional Fees                    39         44           2           85            5           13            12            9
   Pricing Fees                          6          7           1           14         --              2             3            2
   Registration Fees                    37         36          12           74            3           11            10            6
   Trustee Fees                         11         11           1           25            1            3             3            2
   Distribution Fees (1)               150      1,860        --            439           11           41            43         --
   Printing Fees                        37         30           1           43            3         --              12            7
   Amortization of Deferred
     Organizational Costs             --         --            13         --           --           --            --              2
   Insurance Fees                        5          5           2           11         --              1             2            1
   Other Expenses                        3          3        --              8         --              1             1         --
                                  --------   --------    --------     --------     --------     --------      --------     --------
   Total Expenses                    1,571      2,780         123        2,829          106          625           489          141
                                  --------   --------    --------     --------     --------     --------      --------     --------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME               11,520     11,164       1,469       28,462        1,014        4,964         5,237        3,579
                                  --------   --------    --------     --------     --------     --------      --------     --------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED
   GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
   Net Realized Gain (Loss)
     on Investments                     18         (5)         27           39          (14)       1,014         2,349          132
   Net Change in Unrealized
     Depreciation of Investments      --          --          --           --           --        (1,920)       (3,618)        (903)
                                  --------   --------    --------     --------     --------     --------      --------     --------
   Net Realized and Unrealized
     Gain (Loss) on Investments         18         (5)         27           39          (14)        (906)       (1,269)        (771)
                                  --------   --------    --------     --------     --------     --------      --------     --------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
   RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS      $ 11,538   $ 11,159    $  1,496     $ 28,501     $  1,000     $  4,058      $  3,968     $  2,808
                                  ========   ========    ========     ========     ========     ========      ========     ========
</TABLE>



 1 INCLUDES CLASS SPECIFIC DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING EXPENSES. 
 2 THE BAINBRIDGE TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO CLOSED ON DECEMBER 15, 1995 

AMOUNTS DESIGNATED AS "--" ARE EITHER $0 OR HAVE BEEN ROUNDED TO $0.


THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

52 & 53
<PAGE>   48
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (000)
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         --------------------   ------------------   -------------------  ---------------------
                                                                                          BAINBRIDGE           INSTITUTIONAL   
                                                 TAX               CALIFORNIA                TAX                   TAX         
                                                 FREE              TAX EXEMPT               EXEMPT                 FREE        
                                               PORTFOLIO              PORTFOLIO           PORTFOLIO1            PORTFOLIO      
                                         ---------------------  -------------------  -------------------  ---------------------
                                           1996        1995       1996       1995       1996     1995        1996       1995   
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ----------
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES:
<S>                                      <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>      
Net Investment Income                    $   11,520 $   11,420  $  11,164  $ 10,554   $  1,469  $  5,952  $   28,462  $ 31,315 

   Net Realized Gain (Loss) from 
     Security Transactions                       18         (5)        (5)       --         27         4          39        (4)
   Net Change in Unrealized 
     Appreciation (Depreciation)
     of Investment Securities                    --         --        --         --         --       --          --          --
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ----------
   Net Increase in Net Assets 
     Resulting from Operations               11,538     11,415     11,159    10,554      1,496    5,956       28,501     31,311
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ----------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
   Net Investment Income
     Class A                                (11,513)   (11,398)    (1,471)  (1,158)    (1,502)    (5,950)    (27,624)   (30,581)
     Class B                                     --         --         --     (170)        --         --        (596)      (724)
     Class C                                     --         --         --       --         --         --        (248)        -- 
     Class D                                     (4)       (23)        --       --         --         --          --         -- 
     Class G(2)                                  --         --     (9,727)  (9,226)        --         --          --         -- 
   Net Capital Gains
     Class A                                     --         --         --       (1)        --          --         --         -- 
     Class B                                     --         --         --       --         --          --         --         -- 
     Class C                                     --         --         --       --         --          --         --         -- 
     Class D                                     --         --         --       --         --          --         --         -- 
     Class G(2)                                  --         --         --       (8)        --          --         --         -- 
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ---------- 
      Total Distributions                   (11,517)   (11,421)   (11,198)  (10,563)    (1,502)   (5,950)    (28,468)   (31,305)
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ---------- 
TRANSACTIONS:
   Class A:
     Proceeds from Shares Issued          1,426,417  1,502,741    232,581   193,641     29,983   256,460   4,958,411  5,130,777 
     Reinvestment of Cash Distributions         357         74         55         8         --        --         776      1,645 
     Cost of Shares Redeemed             (1,464,041)(1,483,956)  (218,860) (194,711)  (179,210) (268,046) (4,912,703)(5,179,065)
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ---------- 
      Total Class A Share Transactions      (37,267)    18,859     13,776    (1,062)  (149,227)  (11,586)     46,484    (46,643)
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ---------- 
   Class B(2):
     Proceeds from Shares Issued                 --        --          --    41,150         --        --      69,063     77,163 
     Reinvestment of Cash Distributions          --        --          --        --         --        --          58         69 
     Cost of Shares Redeemed                     --         --         --   (44,406)        --        --     (70,053)   (83,875)
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ---------- 
      Total Class B Share Transactions           --         --         --    (3,256)        --        --        (932)    (6,643)
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ---------- 
   Class C:
     Proceeds from Shares Issued                 --         --         --        --         --        --      82,543         -- 
     Reinvestment of Cash Distributions          --         --         --        --         --        --          --         -- 
     Cost of Shares Redeemed                     --         --         --        --         --        --     (63,337)        -- 
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ---------- 
      Total Class C Share Transactions           --         --         --        --         --        --      19,206         -- 
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ---------- 
   Class D(3):
     Proceeds from Shares Issued              1,615      4,827         --        --         --        --          --         -- 
     Reinvestment of Cash Distributions          --         --         --        --         --        --          --         -- 
     Cost of Shares Redeemed                 (1,881)    (4,555)        --        --         --        --          --         -- 
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ---------- 
      Total Class D Share Transactions         (266)       272         --        --         --        --          --         -- 
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ---------- 
   Class G(4):
     Proceeds from Shares Issued                 --         --    744,985   675,735         --        --          --         -- 
     Reinvestment of Cash Distributions          --         --      8,087     6,682         --        --          --         -- 
     Cost of Shares Redeemed                     --         --   (730,352) (672,528)        --        --          --         -- 
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ---------- 
      Total Class G Share Transactions           --         --     22,720     9,889         --        --          --         -- 
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ---------- 
   Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 
      from Share Transactions               (37,533)    19,131     36,496     5,571   (149,227)  (11,586)     64,758    (53,286)
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ---------- 
      Total Increase (Decrease) 
         in Net Assets                      (37,512)    19,125     36,457     5,562   (149,233)  (11,580)     64,791    (53,280)
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ---------- 
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                      <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of period                      377,424    358,299    358,956   353,394    149,233   160,813     803,961    857,241 
                                         ---------- ----------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  ---------- ---------- 
   End of period                         $  339,912 $  377,424  $ 395,413 $ 358,956  $      -- $ 149,233  $  868,752 $  803,961 
                                         ========== ==========  ========= =========  ========= =========  ========== ========== 
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------
                                             PENNSYLVANIA         INTERMEDIATE-                               KANSAS
                                                 TAX                  TERM             PENNSYLVANIA          TAX FREE
                                                 FREE               MUNICIPAL            MUNICIPAL            INCOME
                                               PORTFOLIO            PORTFOLIO            PORTFOLIO           PORTFOLIO
                                          -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------
                                            1996      1995       1996      1995      1996       1995       1996       1995
                                          --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES:
<S>                                       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>     
Net Investment Income                     $   1,014  $    733   $  4,964  $  5,258   $  5,237 $   5,733  $   3,579  $  3,420

   Net Realized Gain (Loss) from 
     Security Transactions                      (14)       (1)     1,014    (1,478)     2,349      (311)       132      (121)
   Net Change in Unrealized 
     Appreciation (Depreciation)
     of Investment Securities                    --       --      (1,920)    3,053     (3,618)    1,299       (903)    1,095
                                          --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------
   Net Increase in Net Assets 
     Resulting from Operations                1,000       732      4,058     6,833      3,968     6,721      2,808     4,394
                                          --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
   Net Investment Income
     Class A                                 (1,013)     (733)    (5,335)   (5,340)    (5,686)   (5,837)    (3,544)   (3,407)
     Class B                                     --        --         --        --         --        --         --        --
     Class C                                     --        --         --        --         --        --         --        --
     Class D                                     --        --        (17)      (41)        --        --         --        --
     Class G(2)                                  --        --         --        --         --        --         --        --
   Net Capital Gains
     Class A                                     --        --         --       (15)        --        (4)        --        --
     Class B                                     --        --         --        --         --        --         --        --
     Class C                                     --        --         --        --         --        --         --        --
     Class D                                     --        --         --        --         --        --         --        --
     Class G(2)                                  --        --         --        --         --        --         --        --
                                          --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------
      Total Distributions                    (1,013)     (733)    (5,352)   (5,396)    (5,686)   (5,841)    (3,544)   (3,407)
                                          --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------
TRANSACTIONS:
   Class A:
     Proceeds from Shares Issued            209,781   126,868     73,397    41,823     14,469     9,245     18,206    10,341
     Reinvestment of Cash Distributions          60        14      1,360     1,102        171       153         --        --
     Cost of Shares Redeemed               (192,915) (119,535)   (34,549)  (76,186)   (19,788)  (31,265)   (11,238)   (7,840)
                                          --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------
      Total Class A Share Transactions       16,926     7,347     40,208   (33,261)    (5,148)  (21,867)     6,968     2,501
                                          --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------
   Class B(2):
     Proceeds from Shares Issued                 --        --         --        --         --        --         --        --
     Reinvestment of Cash Distributions          --        --         --        --         --        --         --        --
     Cost of Shares Redeemed                     --        --         --        --         --        --         --        --
                                          --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------
      Total Class B Share Transactions           --        --         --        --         --        --         --        --
                                          --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------
   Class C:
     Proceeds from Shares Issued                  --        --         --        --         --        --         --       --
     Reinvestment of Cash Distributions           --        --         --        --         --        --         --       --
     Cost of Shares Redeemed                      --        --         --        --         --        --         --       --
                                           --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- --------
      Total Class C Share Transactions            --        --         --        --         --        --         --       --
                                           --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- --------
   Class D(3):
     Proceeds from Shares Issued                 --        --          1        26         --        --         --        --
     Reinvestment of Cash Distributions          --        --         11        37         --        --         --        --
     Cost of Shares Redeemed                     --        --       (586)     (630)        --        --         --        --
                                          --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------
      Total Class D Share Transactions           --        --       (574)     (567)        --        --         --        --
                                          --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------
   Class G(4):
     Proceeds from Shares Issued                 --        --        --         --         --        --         --        --
     Reinvestment of Cash Distributions          --        --        --         --         --        --         --        --
     Cost of Shares Redeemed                     --        --        --         --         --        --         --        --
                                          --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------
      Total Class G Share Transactions           --        --        --         --         --        --         --        --
                                          --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------
   Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 
      from Share Transactions                16,926     7,347     39,634   (33,828)    (5,148)  (21,867)     6,968     2,501
                                          --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------
      Total Increase (Decrease) 
         in Net Assets                       16,913     7,346     38,340   (32,391)    (6,866)  (20,987)     6,232     3,488
                                          --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------
NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of period                       26,058    18,712     96,223   128,614    104,094   125,081     65,834    62,346
                                          --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------  --------- ---------
   End of period                          $  42,971 $  26,058  $ 134,563 $  96,223  $  97,228 $ 104,094  $  72,066 $  65,834
                                          ========= =========  ========= =========  ========= =========  ========= =========
</TABLE>

   1 THE BAINBRIDGE TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO CLOSED ON DECEMBER 15, 1995
   2 ON JULY 12, 1995, CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO CLASS B CLOSED.
   3 ON JUNE 30, 1996, INTERMEDIATE-TERM MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO CLASS D CLOSED.
   4 ON MAY 1, 1996, THE CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO CLASS C SHARES WERE
     REDESIGNATED CLASS G SHARES.

   AMOUNTS DESIGNATED AS "--" ARE EITHER $0 OR HAVE BEEN ROUNDED TO $0.

THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

54 & 55
<PAGE>   49
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST


FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                NET REALIZED    
                   INVESTMENT                                       AND         
            NET    ACTIVITIES         DISTRIBUTIONS              UNREALIZED     
           ASSET   ---------- -------------------------------  GAIN (LOSS) ON   
           VALUE,     NET        NET        NET                  INVESTMENTS    
         BEGINNING INVESTMENT INVESTMENT REALIZED    TOTAL       AND CAPITAL    
         OF PERIOD   INCOME    INCOME      GAIN  DISTRIBUTIONS  TRANSACTIONS    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------
TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- ------------------
  CLASS A
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
  <S>       <C>     <C>      <C>           <C>     <C>               <C>       
  1996      $1.00   $0.033   $(0.033)      --      $(0.033)          --         
  1995       1.00    0.034    (0.034)      --       (0.034)          --         
  1994       1.00    0.022    (0.022)      --       (0.022)          --         
  1993       1.00    0.022    (0.023)      --       (0.023)          --         
  1992       1.00    0.033    (0.033)      --       (0.033)          --         
  1991       1.00    0.047    (0.047)      --       (0.047)          --         
  1990 (1)   1.00    0.032    (0.032)      --       (0.032)          --         
<CAPTION>
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,:
  <S>       <C>     <C>      <C>           <C>     <C>               <C>       
  1990      $1.00   $0.059   $(0.059)      --      $(0.059)          --         
  1989       1.00    0.049    (0.049)      --       (0.049)          --         
  1988       1.00    0.042    (0.042)      --       (0.042)          --         
  1987       1.00    0.041    (0.041)      --       (0.041)          --         
  1986       1.00    0.051    (0.051)      --       (0.051)          --         
  1985       1.00    0.058    (0.058)      --       (0.058)          --         
<CAPTION>
  CLASS D
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
  <S>       <C>     <C>      <C>           <C>     <C>               <C>       
  1996      $1.00   $0.030   $(0.030)      --      $(0.030)          --         
  1995(2)    1.00    0.026    (0.026)      --       (0.026)          --         

<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------
CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------------

  CLASS A
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
  <S>       <C>     <C>      <C>          <C>     <C>               <C>       
  1996      $1.00   $0.034   $(0.034)     --      $(0.034)          --          
  1995       1.00    0.033    (0.033)     --       (0.033)          --          
  1994       1.00    0.023    (0.023)     --       (0.023)          --          
  1993       1.00    0.024    (0.024)     --       (0.024)          --          
  1992       1.00    0.034    (0.034)     --       (0.034)          --          
  1991       1.00    0.047    (0.047)     --       (0.047)          --          
  1990 (3)   1.00    0.016    (0.016)     --       (0.016)          --          
<CAPTION>
  CLASS G***
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
  <S>       <C>     <C>      <C>          <C>     <C>               <C>       
  1996      $1.00   $0.028   $(0.028)     --      $(0.028)          --          
  1995       1.00    0.029    (0.029)     --       (0.029)          --          
  1994(4)    1.00    0.006    (0.006)     --       (0.006)          --          

<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------
BAINBRIDGE TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------------

  CLASS A
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
  <S>       <C>     <C>      <C>         <C>     <C>               <C>       
  1996(5)   $1.00   $0.011   $(0.011)    --      $(0.011)          --           
  1995       1.00    0.036    (0.036)    --       (0.036)          --           
  1994       1.00    0.025    (0.025)    --       (0.025)          --           
  1993(6)    1.00    0.019    (0.019)    --       (0.019)          --           
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                              RATIO OF
                                                                                NET
                                                        RATIO                INVESTMENT
                                                     OF EXPENSES   RATIO OF   INCOME TO
                                                      TO AVERAGE     NET       AVERAGE
               NET                NET      RATIO OF   NET ASSETS  INVESTMENT  NET ASSETS
           ASSET VALUE,        ASSETS,END  EXPENSES   EXCLUDING    INCOME TO   EXCLUDING   PORTFOLIO
               END      TOTAL  OF PERIOD  TO AVERAGE    FEE        AVERAGE       FEE        TURNOVER
            OF PERIOD   RETURN   (000)    NET ASSETS   WAIVERS    NET ASSETS   WAIVERS       RATE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------
TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- ------------------
  CLASS A
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
  <S>          <C>       <C>     <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>  
  1996         $1.00     3.35%   $339,906     0.45%      0.50%       3.30%       3.25%         --
  1995          1.00     3.48%    377,152     0.45%      0.51%       3.43%       3.37%         --
  1994          1.00     2.20%    358,299     0.45%      0.53%       2.17%       2.09%         --
  1993          1.00     2.29%    414,975     0.45%      0.53%       2.24%       2.16%         --
  1992          1.00     3.32%    293,982     0.45%      0.55%       3.30%       3.20%         --
  1991          1.00     4.81%    343,300     0.37%      0.55%       4.70%       4.52%         --
  1990(1)       1.00     3.20%+   356,814     0.45%*     0.56%*      5.46%*      5.35%*        --
<CAPTION>
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,:
  <S>          <C>       <C>     <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>  
  1990         $1.00     5.97%   $464,389     0.54%      0.59%       5.90%       5.85%         --
  1989          1.00     4.98%    790,629     0.46%      0.58%       4.90        4.78%         --
  1988          1.00     4.34%    938,484     0.53%      0.54%       4.20%       4.19%         --
  1987          1.00     4.31%  1,143,083     0.56%      0.56%       4.10%       4.10%         --
  1986          1.00     5.21%    503,891     0.57%      0.57%       5.10%       5.10%         --
  1985          1.00     5.86%    263,325     0.58%      0.60%       5.80%       5.78%         --
<CAPTION>
  CLASS D
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
  <S>          <C>       <C>     <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>  
  1996         $1.00     2.99%   $      6     0.80%      0.88%       3.18%       3.10%         --
  1995(2)       1.00     2.68%+       272     0.80%*     0.86%*      3.13%*      3.07%*        --

<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------
CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------------

  CLASS A
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
  <S>          <C>       <C>     <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>  
  1996         $1.00     3.41%   $ 44,729      0.28%    0.36%        3.33%       3.25%         --
  1995          1.00     3.49%     30,921      0.28%    0.42%        3.43%       3.29%         --
  1994          1.00     2.32%     32,015      0.27%    0.38%        2.28%       2.17%         --
  1993          1.00     2.41%    540,285      0.28%    0.37%        2.37%       2.28%         --
  1992          1.00     3.44%    445,936      0.28%    0.38%        3.34%       3.24%         --
  1991          1.00     4.92%    376,653      0.28%    0.40%        4.74%       4.62%         --
  1990 (3)      1.00     1.81%+   275,095      0.28%    0.51%        5.27%       5.04%         --
<CAPTION>
  CLASS G***
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
  <S>          <C>       <C>     <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>  
  1996         $1.00     2.90%   $350,684      0.78%    0.86%        2.84%       2.76%         --
  1995          1.00     2.97%    328,035      0.78%    0.93%        2.93%       2.78%         --
  1994(4)       1.00     2.14%*   318,122      0.67%*   0.87%*       2.06%*      1.86%*        --

<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------
BAINBRIDGE TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------------

  CLASS A
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
  <S>        <C>         <C>     <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>  
  1996(5)     $1.00       3.14%*        --     0.30%    0.50%        3.56%       3.36%        --
  1995         1.00       3.69%   $149,233     0.30%    0.46%        3.62%       3.46%        --
  1994         1.00       2.52%    160,813     0.30%    0.47%        2.49%       2.32%        --
  1993(6)      1.00       1.95%+   160,058     0.30%*   0.48%*       2.39%*      2.21%*       --
</TABLE>

THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

56
<PAGE>   50
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                
                                                                   NET REALIZED    
                      INVESTMENT                                       AND         
               NET    ACTIVITIES         DISTRIBUTIONS              UNREALIZED     
              ASSET   ---------- -------------------------------  GAIN (LOSS) ON   
              VALUE,     NET        NET        NET                  INVESTMENTS    
            BEGINNING INVESTMENT INVESTMENT REALIZED    TOTAL       AND CAPITAL    
            OF PERIOD   INCOME    INCOME      GAIN  DISTRIBUTIONS  TRANSACTIONS    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


- --------------------------------
INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------

  CLASS A
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
<S>          <C>      <C>       <C>           <C>   <C>                <C>       
  1996        $1.00    $0.035    $(0.035)      --    $(0.035)           --      
  1995         1.00     0.036     (0.036)      --     (0.036)           --      
  1994         1.00     0.025     (0.025)      --     (0.025)           --      
  1993         1.00     0.026     (0.026)      --     (0.026)           --      
  1992         1.00     0.036     (0.036)      --     (0.036)           --      
  1991         1.00     0.049     (0.049)      --     (0.049)           --      
  1990(1)      1.00     0.033     (0.033)      --     (0.033)           --      
<CAPTION>
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,:
<S>          <C>      <C>       <C>           <C>   <C>                <C>       
  1990        $1.00    $0.059    $(0.059)      --    $(0.059)           --      
  1989         1.00     0.048     (0.048)      --     (0.048)           --      
  1988         1.00     0.042     (0.042)      --     (0.042)           --      
  1987         1.00     0.041     (0.041)      --     (0.041)           --      
  1986         1.00     0.050     (0.050)      --     (0.050)           --      
  1985         1.00     0.056     (0.056)      --     (0.056)           --      
  CLASS B
<CAPTION>
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
<S>          <C>      <C>       <C>           <C>   <C>                <C>       
  1996        $1.00    $0.032    $(0.032)      --    $(0.032)           --      
  1995         1.00     0.033     (0.033)      --     (0.033)           --      
  1994         1.00     0.022     (0.022)      --     (0.022)           --      
  1993         1.00     0.023     (0.023)      --     (0.023)           --      
  1992         1.00     0.033     (0.033)      --     (0.033)           --      
  1991(7)      1.00     0.038     (0.038)      --     (0.038)           --      
  CLASS C
<CAPTION>
  FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,:
<S>          <C>      <C>       <C>           <C>   <C>                <C>       
  1996(8)     $1.00    $0.029    $(0.029)      --    $(0.029)           --      

<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------
PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------------

  CLASS A
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
<S>          <C>      <C>       <C>           <C>   <C>                <C>       
  1996        $1.00    $0.034    $(0.034)      --    $(0.034)           --      
  1995         1.00     0.035     (0.035)      --     (0.035)           --      
  1994(9)      1.00     0.014     (0.014)      --     (0.014)           --      


<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------
INTERMEDIATE-TERM MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------------------

  CLASS A
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
<S>          <C>      <C>       <C>         <C>     <C>              <C>       
  1996       $10.59    $0.49     $(0.53)       --    $(0.53)         $(0.10) 
  1995        10.36     0.52      (0.52)       --     (0.52)           0.23  
  1994        10.84     0.49      (0.49)    $(0.06)   (0.55)          (0.42) 
  1993        10.49     0.49      (0.50)     (0.02)   (0.52)           0.38  
  1992        10.20     0.56      (0.54)     (0.01)   (0.55)           0.28  
  1991         9.98     0.61      (0.63)       --     (0.63)           0.24  
  1990(1      10.01     0.38      (0.37)       --     (0.37)          (0.04) 
<CAPTION>
  FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,:
<S>          <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>             <C>       
  1990(1)    $10.00    $0.21     $(0.16)   $(0.002)  $(0.16)         $(0.04) 
  CLASS D
<CAPTION>
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
<S>          <C>      <C>       <C>         <C>      <C>             <C>       
  1996(14)   $10.59    $0.38     $(0.41)       --    $(0.41)         $(0.10) 
  1995        10.36     0.48      (0.48)       --     (0.48)           0.23  
  1994(11)**  10.90     0.45      (0.42)    $(0.06)   (0.48)          (0.51) 

<CAPTION>
                                                                              RATIO OF
                                                                                NET
                                                        RATIO                INVESTMENT
                                                     OF EXPENSES   RATIO OF   INCOME TO
                                                      TO AVERAGE     NET       AVERAGE
               NET                NET      RATIO OF   NET ASSETS  INVESTMENT  NET ASSETS
           ASSET VALUE,        ASSETS,END  EXPENSES   EXCLUDING    INCOME TO   EXCLUDING   PORTFOLIO
               END      TOTAL  OF PERIOD  TO AVERAGE    FEE        AVERAGE       FEE        TURNOVER
            OF PERIOD   RETURN   (000)    NET ASSETS   WAIVERS    NET ASSETS   WAIVERS       RATE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------
INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------

  CLASS A
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
<S>           <C>     <C>     <C>            <C>      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C> 
  1996         $1.00   3.52%   $835,388       0.33%    0.49%        3.46%        3.30%        --
  1995          1.00   3.70%    788,877       0.33%    0.52%        3.64%        3.45%        --
  1994          1.00   2.51%    835,516       0.33%    0.50%        2.48%        2.31%        --
  1993          1.00   2.59%    763,040       0.33%    0.49%        2.55%        2.39%        --
  1992          1.00   3.66%    623,689       0.33%    0.51%        3.54%        3.36%        --
  1991          1.00   5.20%    448,390       0.33%    0.53%        4.91%        4.71%        --
  1990(1)       1.00   3.32%+   226,658       0.33%*   0.56%*       5.64%*       5.41%*       --
<CAPTION>
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,: 
<S>           <C>     <C>     <C>            <C>      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C> 
  1990         $1.00   6.11%   $177,342       0.52%    0.60%        5.90%        5.82%        --
  1989          1.00   5.05%     99,774       0.55%    0.57%        4.80%        4.78%        --
  1988          1.00   4.28%    223,653       0.55%    0.56%        4.20%        4.19%        --
  1987          1.00   4.23%    255,147       0.55%    0.56%        4.10%        4.09%        --
  1986          1.00   5.11%    198,761       0.57%    0.57%        5.00%        5.00%        --
  1985          1.00   5.71%    162,676       0.57%    0.59%        5.60%         5.58%       --
  CLASS B
<CAPTION>
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
<S>           <C>     <C>     <C>            <C>      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C> 
  1996         $1.00   3.21%   $ 14,156       0.63%    0.80%        3.16%         2.99%       --
  1995          1.00   3.39%     15,084       0.63%    0.82%        3.32%         3.13%       --
  1994          1.00   2.21%     21,725       0.63%    0.81%        2.31%         2.13%       --
  1993          1.00   2.29%      3,040       0.63%    0.79%        2.22%         2.06%       --
  1992          1.00   3.35%        686       0.63%    0.81%        3.22%         3.04%       --
  1991(7)       1.00   3.89%+     1,515       0.63%*   0.84%*       4.34%*        4.13%*      --
<CAPTION>
  CLASS C
  FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,:
<S>           <C>     <C>     <C>            <C>      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C> 
  1996(8)      $1.00  $2.92%+  $ 19,208       0.83%*   0.96%*       2.89%*        2.76%*      --


<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------
PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------------

  CLASS A
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
<S>           <C>     <C>     <C>            <C>      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C> 
  1996         $1.00   3.40%   $ 42,971       0.35%    0.49%        3.33%         3.19%      --
  1995          1.00   3.60%     26,058       0.35%    0.51%        3.54%         3.38%      --
  1994(9)       1.00   2.37%*    18,712       0.35%*   0.65%*       2.37%*        2.07%*     --


<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------
INTERMEDIATE-TERM MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO
- -------------------------------------

  CLASS A
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
<S>           <C>     <C>     <C>            <C>      <C>          <C>          <C>     <C> 
  1996        $10.45   3.76%  $134,563        0.59%   0.66%         4.66%         4.59%   40.66%
  1995         10.59   7.53%    95,675        0.55%   0.72%         4.96%         4.79%   36.05%
  1994         10.36   0.65%   127,509        0.53%   0.71%         4.65%         4.47%   58.39%
  1993         10.84   8.62%   122,649        0.55%   0.69%         4.79%         4.65%   63.04%
  1992         10.49   8.56%    63,210        0.55%   0.71%         5.56%         5.40%   61.56%
  1991         10.20   8.82%    36,699        0.55%   0.78%         6.18%         5.95%  111.82%
  1990(1        9.98   3.44%+   12,781        0.55%*  0.90%*        6.63%*        6.28%*  63.45%
  FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,:
  1990(1)     $10.01   1.72%+ $  9,106        0.56%*  1.36%*        5.80%*        5.00%* 352.00%
<CAPTION>
  CLASS D
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
<S>           <C>     <C>     <C>            <C>      <C>          <C>          <C>      <C> 
  1996(14)    $10.46   3.22%*      --         0.98%   1.08%         4.26%         4.16%   40.66%
  1995         10.59   7.11%  $   548         0.95%   1.12%         4.57%         4.40%   36.05%
  1994(11)**   10.36  (0.93%)*  1,105         0.93%*  1.07%*        4.34%*        4.20%*  58.39%
</TABLE>

57
<PAGE>   51
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)
================================================================================

SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST


FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                   NET REALIZED    
                      INVESTMENT                                       AND         
               NET    ACTIVITIES         DISTRIBUTIONS              UNREALIZED     
              ASSET   ---------- -------------------------------  GAIN (LOSS) ON   
              VALUE,     NET        NET        NET                  INVESTMENTS    
            BEGINNING INVESTMENT INVESTMENT REALIZED    TOTAL       AND CAPITAL    
            OF PERIOD   INCOME    INCOME      GAIN  DISTRIBUTIONS  TRANSACTIONS    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------
PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------

  CLASS A
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
<S>         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>            <C>     
  1996       $10.66    $0.55     $(0.59)       --     $(0.59)        $(0.14) 
  1995        10.52     0.55      (0.55)       --      (0.55)          0.14  
  1994        10.94     0.53      (0.53)       --      (0.53)         (0.42) 
  1993        10.59     0.55      (0.55)   $ (0.01)    (0.56)          0.36  
  1992        10.29     0.57      (0.57)     (0.01)    (0.58)          0.31  
  1991         9.95     0.60      (0.60)    (0.003)    (0.60)          0.34  
  1990(1)      9.98     0.34      (0.34)       --      (0.34)         (0.03) 
<CAPTION>
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,:
<S>         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>            <C>     
  1990(12)   $10.00    $0.28     $(0.23)   $(0.001)   $(0.23)        $(0.07) 

<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------
KANSAS TAX FREE INCOME PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------

  CLASS A
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
<S>         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>            <C>     
  1996       $10.63    $0.56     $(0.56)       --     $(0.56)        $(0.12) 
  1995        10.47     0.57      (0.57)       --      (0.57)          0.16  
  1994        10.91     0.57      (0.57)    $(0.02)    (0.59)         (0.42) 
  1993        10.50     0.58      (0.58)     (0.05)    (0.63)          0.46  
  1992        10.13     0.60      (0.59)     (0.01)    (0.60)          0.37  
  1991(13)    10.00     0.42      (0.37)       --      (0.37)          0.08  


<CAPTION>
                                                                                
                                                                              RATIO OF
                                                                                NET
                                                        RATIO                INVESTMENT
                                                     OF EXPENSES   RATIO OF   INCOME TO
                                                      TO AVERAGE     NET       AVERAGE
               NET                NET      RATIO OF   NET ASSETS  INVESTMENT  NET ASSETS
           ASSET VALUE,        ASSETS,END  EXPENSES   EXCLUDING    INCOME TO   EXCLUDING   PORTFOLIO
               END      TOTAL  OF PERIOD  TO AVERAGE    FEE        AVERAGE       FEE        TURNOVER
            OF PERIOD   RETURN   (000)    NET ASSETS   WAIVERS    NET ASSETS   WAIVERS       RATE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------
PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------

  CLASS A
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
  <S>       <C>        <C>     <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>   
  1996      $10.48     3.96%   $ 97,228     0.48%      0.65%        5.15%       4.98%       65.75%
  1995       10.66     6.81%    104,094     0.48%      0.72%        5.21%       4.97%       22.62%
  1994       10.52     1.14%    125,081     0.47%      0.71%        4.90%       4.66%       25.13%
  1993       10.94     8.91%    153,808     0.48%      0.70%        5.15%       4.93%       15.26%
  1992       10.59     8.89%    114,461     0.48%      0.72%        5.52%       5.28%       10.54%
  1991       10.29     9.80%     83,054     0.50%      0.73%        5.98%       5.75%       19.17%
  1990(1)     9.95     3.12%+    64,531     0.60%*     0.80%*       5.88%*      5.68%*      20.35%
<CAPTION>
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,:
  <S>       <C>        <C>     <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>   
  1990(12)   $9.98     2.11%+  $ 53,042     0.60%*     0.86%*       6.05%*      5.79%*      10.00%


<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KANSAS TAX FREE INCOME PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  CLASS A
  FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,:
<S>        <C>       <C>     <C>           <C>       <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>
  1996      $10.51     4.23%  $ 72,066      0.21%     0.51%         5.31%       5.01%       12.71%
  1995       10.63     7.23%    65,834      0.21%     0.51%         5.47%       5.17%       17.60%
  1994       10.47     1.41%    62,346      0.21%     0.54%         5.36%       5.03%       10.57%
  1993       10.91    10.38%    58,197      0.21%     0.51%         5.56%       5.26%       23.04%
  1992       10.50     9.78%    45,609      0.22%     0.52%         5.87%       5.57%       12.69%
  1991(13)   10.13     5.12%+   29,242      0.31%*    0.61%*        5.85%*      5.55%*      21.82%
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<S> <C>

 *  ANNUALIZED.
**  TOTAL RETURN DOES NOT REFLECT THE SALES CHARGE ON THE CLASS D. *** ON MAY 1,
    1996, CLASS C SHARES WERE REDESIGNATED CLASS G SHARES.
 +  RETURN IS FOR THE PERIOD INDICATED AND HAS NOT BEEN ANNUALIZED.
 1  IN AUGUST 1990, THE TRUSTEES CHANGED THE FISCAL YEAR END OF THE TRUST FROM JANUARY 31 TO AUGUST 31.
 2  THE TAX FREE PORTFOLIO--CLASS D COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON NOVEMBER 1, 1994.
 3  THE CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO--CLASS A COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON MAY 14, 1990.
 4  THE CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO--CLASS C COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON MAY 11, 1994.
 5  THE BAINBRIDGE TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO--CLASS A CLOSED ON DECEMBER 15, 1995.
 6  THE BAINBRIDGE TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO--CLASS A COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON NOVEMBER 9, 1992.
 7  THE INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO--CLASS B COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON OCTOBER 15, 1990.
 8  THE INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE PORTFOLIO--CLASS C COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON SEPTEMBER 11, 1995.
 9  THE PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE PORTFOLIO--CLASS A COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON JANUARY 21, 1994.
10  THE INTERMEDIATE-TERM MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO--CLASS A COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON SEPTEMBER 5, 1989.
11  THE INTERMEDIATE-TERM MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO--CLASS D COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON SEPTEMBER 28, 1993.
12  THE PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO--CLASS A COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON AUGUST 14, 1989.
13  THE KANSAS TAX FREE INCOME PORTFOLIO--CLASS A COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON DECEMBER 10, 1990.
14  THE INTERMEDIATE-TERM MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO CLASS D CLOSED ON JUNE 30, 1996.

</TABLE>


    AMOUNTS DESIGNATED AS "--" ARE EITHER $0 OR HAVE BEEN ROUNDED TO $0. 
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

58
<PAGE>   52
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
================================================================================

SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996

1.    ORGANIZATION
SEI Tax Exempt Trust (the "Trust"), was organized as a Massachusetts business
trust under a Declaration of Trust dated March 15, 1982.
     The Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, as an open-end management investment company with nine portfolios: the
Tax Free Portfolio, the California Tax Exempt Portfolio, the Institutional Tax
Free Portfolio, the Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolio (collectively "the Money
Market Portfolios"), the Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio, the Pennsylvania
Municipal Portfolio, the Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio, the California
Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio and the New York Intermediate-Term
Municipal Portfolio (collectively "the Fixed Income Portfolios"). The California
Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio and the New York Intermediate-Term
Municipal Portfolio had not commenced operations as of August 31, 1996. The
Trust is registered to offer five classes of shares: Class A, Class B, Class C,
Class D and Class G. The Portfolios' prospectus provides a description of each
Portfolio's investment objectives, policies and strategies. The assets of each
portfolio are segregated and a shareholder's interest is limited to the
portfolio in which shares are held.
     On December 15, 1995, the Bainbridge Tax Exempt Portfolio closed and all of
the outstanding shares of the Portfolio were redeemed. SEI Financial Management
Corporation voluntarily agreed to bear the costs associated with the liquidation
of the Portfolio which approximated $13,000 and included the amount of
unamortized organizational expenses.

2.    SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the
Portfolios.
     SECURITY VALUATION -- Investment securities of each Money Market Portfolio
are stated at amortized cost which approximates market value. Under this
valuation method, purchase discounts and premiums on securities are accreted and
amortized ratably to maturity.
     The market value for each security for each Fixed Income Portfolio is
obtained from an independent pricing service. Debt obligations exceeding sixty
days to maturity for which market quotations are readily available are valued at
the most recently quoted bid price. Debt obligations with sixty days or less
remaining until maturity may be valued at their amortized cost.
     FEDERAL INCOME TAXES -- It is each Portfolio's intention to continue to 
qualify as a regulated investment company and to distribute all of its taxable 
income. Accordingly, no provision for Federal income taxes is required in the 
accompanying financial statements.
     NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE -- The net asset value per share of each
Portfolio is calculated on each business day. In general, it is computed by
dividing the assets of each Portfolio, less its liabilities, by the number of
outstanding shares of the Portfolio. The maximum offering price per share for
the Class D shares of the Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio is equal to the
net asset value per share plus a sales load of 3.50%. The Intermediate-Term
Municipal Portfolio Class D closed on June 30, 1996.
     CLASSES -- Class-specific expenses are borne by that class. Income,
expenses, and realized and unrealized gains/losses are allocated to the
respective class on the basis of relative net asset value each day.
     SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME -- Security transactions are
accounted for on the trade date of the security purchase or sale. Costs used in
determining net realized capital gains and losses on the sale of investment
securities are those of the specific securities sold. Interest income is
recognized on the accrual basis. Purchase discounts and premiums on securities
held by the Fixed Income Portfolios are accreted and amortized to maturity using
the scientific interest method, which approximates the effective interest
method.
     USES OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- The
preparation of financial statements, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported

59
<PAGE>   53
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
================================================================================

SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996

amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
     DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- Distributions from net investment income
are declared on a daily basis and are payable on the first business day of the
following month for the Tax Free, the California Tax Exempt, the Institutional
Tax Free, the Pennsylvania Tax Free, the Intermediate-Term Municipal, and
the Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolios. Distributions from net investment income 
are declared each month and paid on the tenth day of the following month for the
Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio. Any net realized capital gain on sales of
securities after capital loss carryovers is distributed to the shareholders of
the Portfolios at least annually.


3.    TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The Trust and SEI Fund Management (the "Manager") are parties to a Management
Agreement dated May 23, 1986, under which the manager provides management,
administrative and shareholder services to the Portfolios for an annual fee of
 .36% each of the average daily net assets of the Tax Free, Institutional Tax
Free and Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolios, .23% of the average daily net asset
value of the California Tax Exempt Portfolio, .24% of the average daily net
asset value of the Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio, .35% each of the
average daily net asset value of the Pennsylvania Municipal and .15% of the
average daily net asset value of the Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio. However,
the Manager has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of its fee so that total
expenses of each Portfolio will not exceed certain annual expense limitations.
     For the period September 1, 1995 to April 30, 1996, SEI Financial Services
Company ("SFS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI Corporation and a registered 
broker-dealer, acted as the distributor of the shares of the Trust under 
distribution plans which provide for the Trust to reimburse SFS for certain 
distribution-related expenses incurred by SFS.
     Effective May 1, 1996, SFS (the "Distributor") continued to act as the 
distributor of the shares of the Trust under new Distribution Agreements. The 
Trust has adopted plans under which firms, including the Distributor, that 
provide shareholder and administrative services may receive compensation 
thereof. The Class A, Class B, Class C and Class G shareholder servicing plans 
(the "Shareholder Servicing Plans") provide for servicing fees payable to the 
Distributor of up to .25% of the average daily net assets attributable to that 
particular class. For Class A and Class G, no such fees were levied since the 
inception of the plan. Such fees may be levied in the future when the Portfolios
are operating below their voluntary expense caps. In addition to the Shareholder
Servicing Plans, the Class B and Class C shares have adopted administrative 
services plans that provide for administrative service fees payable to the 
Distributor of up to .05% and .25%, receptively, of the average daily nets 
assets attributable to that class. The Trust has adopted a distribution for its 
Class D and Class G shares pursuant to which a 12b-1 fee of up to .25% and .50%,
respectively, of the average daily net assets attributable to that particular 
class of Class D and Class G shares will be paid to the Distributor. This 
payment may be used to compensate financial institutions that provide 
distribution-related services to their customers. Under each of the plans 
adopted by the Trust, the Distributor may retain as a profit any difference 
between the fee it receives and the amount it pays to third parties.
     Certain officers of the Trust are also officers and/or Directors of the
Manager. The Trust pays each unaffiliated Trustee an annual fee for attendance
at quarterly, interim and committee meetings. Compensation of officers and
affiliated Trustees is paid by the Manager.

4.    INVESTMENT ADVISORY
Weiss, Peck, & Greer L.L.C. ("WPG") act as the Investment Adviser on behalf of
the Tax Free, the California Tax Exempt, the Institutional Tax Free and the
Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolios. For its services, WPG receives a monthly fee
equal to an annual rate of .05% of the combined daily net assets up to $500
million, .04% on the next $500 million

60
<PAGE>   54
and .03% of such assets in excess of $1 billion of the Tax Free, the California 
Tax Exempt, the Institutional Tax Free and the Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolios.
Prior to January 1, 1996, WPG also served as the Investment Adviser on behalf of
the Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio. For the period January 1, 1996 to 
April 15, 1996, Standish Ayer & Wood ("SAW") acted as the Investment Adviser on 
behalf of the Intermediate-Term Municipal Bond Portfolio. Commencing April 16, 
1996, SEI Financial Management Corporation ("SFM") was appointed as the 
Investment Adviser of the Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio. For its 
services, SFM is entitled to a fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, 
at an annual rate of .33% of the Portfolios average daily net assets. 
Sub-Advisory services are provided to SFM for Intermediate-Term Municipal 
Portfolio by SAW pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement dated April 16, 1996. 
Under the terms of such agreement, SAW is entitled to receive a fee from SFM. 
For its services, SAW receives a monthly fee equal to an annual rate of .18% of 
the daily net assets up to $125 million and .15% of such assets in excess of 
$125 million. SFM is responsible for the supervision of, and payment of fees 
to, SAW in connection with their services.
     Morgan Grenfell Capital Management Incorporated ("MGCM") acts as the
Investment Adviser of the Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio. For its services,
MGCM receives a monthly fee equal to an annual rate of .20% of the average daily
net assets of the Portfolio.
     Under an Investment Advisory Agreement dated December 7, 1990, INTRUST
Bank, N.A. in Wichita serves as the Investment Adviser on behalf of the Kansas
Tax Free Income Portfolio. For its services INTRUST Bank is entitled to receive
a monthly fee equal to an annual rate of .30% of the average daily net assets of
the Portfolio. INTRUST Bank has voluntarily agreed to waive the full amount of
their fee in order to limit operating expenses. The Manager has voluntarily
agreed to waive a portion of its fee in order to limit operating expenses of the
Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio.

5.    INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
The cost of security purchases and the proceeds from the sale of securities,
other than short-term investments for the year ended August 31, 1996, were as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           INTERMEDIATE-                     KANSAS
                               TERM       PENNSYLVANIA      TAX FREE
                             MUNICIPAL      MUNICIPAL        INCOME
                             PORTFOLIO      PORTFOLIO       PORTFOLIO
                               (000)          (000)           (000)
                            ----------      ----------     ----------
<S>                          <C>            <C>           <C>
Purchases                     $77,347        $64,232        $15,060
Sales                          40,710         69,195          8,345
</TABLE>


     Subsequent to October 31, 1995, the Portfolios recognized net capital
losses for tax purposes that have been deferred and can be used to offset future
capital gains at August 31, 1997. The Portfolios also had capital loss
carryforwards at August 31, 1996, as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    CAPITAL
                     LOSS
                   CARRYOVER
                   AUGUST 31,      EXPIRES       EXPIRES         EXPIRES
PORTFOLIO             1996           2002          2003            2004
- --------         --------------   ----------    ----------      ----------
<S>              <C>              <C>          <C>             <C>
Tax Free
   Portfolio      $    17,501      $17,408      $      93       $      --
Intermediate-
   Term
   Municipal
   Portfolio        1,163,939         --          927,882         236,057
Pennsylvania
   Municipal
   Portfolio           --             --            --              --
Pennsylvania
   Tax Free
   Portfolio           --             --            --              --
Kansas Tax
   Free
   Income
   Portfolio            3,335         --            3,335           --
</TABLE>


61
<PAGE>   55
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
================================================================================

SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    POST                       CAPITAL LOSS
                 OCTOBER 31,                     UTILIZED
                    1995              NET       DURING THE
                  DEFERRED          CAPITAL       CURRENT            WASH
PORTFOLIO          LOSSES           LOSSES         YEAR              SALES
- --------        --------------   ------------   -----------     --------------
<S>              <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>
Tax Free
   Portfolio      $     --        $   17,501     $ 13,466         $      --
Intermediate-
   Term
   Municipal
   Portfolio            --         1,163,939         --                  --
Pennsylvania
   Municipal 
   Portfolio            --             --         330,838            14,228
Pennsylvania
   Tax Free
   Portfolio        13,628             --            --                  --
Kansas Tax
   Free
   Income
   Portfolio            --             3,335       14,967                --
</TABLE>


     For tax purposes, the losses in the Portfolios can be carried forward for a
maximum of eight years to offset any net realized capital gains.
     The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation on securities in which there
was an excess of market value over cost, the aggregate gross unrealized
depreciation on securities in which there was an excess of cost over market
value and the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at August 31, 1996, for
each Portfolio are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              INTERMEDIATE-                    KANSAS
                                 TERM         PENNSYLVANIA    TAX FREE
                               MUNICIPAL       MUNICIPAL       INCOME
                               PORTFOLIO       PORTFOLIO      PORTFOLIO
                                 (000)           (000)          (000)
                               ----------      ----------    ----------
<S>                            <C>             <C>            <C>
Aggregate gross unrealized
   appreciation                 $  969           $1,316        $1,652
Aggregate gross unrealized
   depreciation                  1,138            1,075           501
                                ------           ------        ------
Net unrealized appreciation
   (depreciation)               $ (169)          $  241        $1,151
                                ======           ======        ======
</TABLE>



6.    LINE OF CREDIT
The Portfolios have a bank line of credit. Borrowings under the line of credit
are secured by investment securities of the Portfolios equal to 112% of such
borrowings which may not exceed 10% of the Portfolios' total assets.

7.    CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
The Portfolios invest in debt instruments of municipal issuers. The issuers'
abilities to meet their obligations may be affected by economic developments in
a specific state or region.
     The Trust invests in securities which include revenue bonds, tax exempt
commercial paper, tax and revenue anticipation notes, and general obligation
bonds. At August 31, 1996, the percentage of portfolio investments by each
revenue source were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       CALIFORNIA
                                          TAX FREE     TAX EXEMPT
                                          PORTFOLIO     PORTFOLIO
                                         ----------    ----------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>
Revenue Bonds:
   Education Revenue                        10.3%          7.0%
   Health Care Facilities                    9.7%          9.2%
   Housing Facilities                       14.2%         24.5%
   Industrial Development                   22.1%          5.0%
   Lease Rental Bonds                        0.0%          0.7%
   Pollution Control                         1.5%          3.3%
   Public Facility                           4.7%          6.7%
   Resource Recovery                         1.2%          0.0%
   Transportation                            2.7%          2.5%
   Utility Revenue                           1.9%          8.8%
General Obligation                           8.9%          9.1%
Tax Exempt Commercial Paper                  0.0%          0.0%
Anticipation Notes:                                      
   Bond                                      3.6%          0.0%
   Revenue                                   0.9%          0.9%
   Tax                                       4.9%          0.0%
   Tax & Revenue                             2.1%         10.4%
Other                                       11.3%         11.9%
                                           ------        ------
     Total                                 100.0%        100.0%
</TABLE>


62
<PAGE>   56
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           INTERMEDIATE-
                             INSTITUTIONAL  PENNSYLVANIA       TERM
                               TAX FREE       TAX FREE       MUNICIPAL
                               PORTFOLIO      PORTFOLIO      PORTFOLIO
                               ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                             <C>           <C>           <C>
Revenue Bonds:
   Education Revenue              6.7%           19.3%         10.9%
   Health Care Facilities        11.2%           15.6%         12.2%
   Housing Facilities            16.6%            3.5%          9.0%
   Industrial Development        19.2%           19.5%          3.1%
   Lease Rental Bonds             0.0%            0.0%          0.0%
   Pollution Control              2.2%            8.1%          0.9%
   Public Facility                4.1%            0.2%          2.6%
   Resource Recovery              0.0%            0.0%          1.5%
   Transportation                 1.0%            1.3%          9.1%
   Utility Revenue                1.1%            4.1%         23.3%
General Obligation                6.2%            3.2%         27.4%
Tax Exempt Commercial Paper       0.0%            0.0%          0.0%
Anticipation Notes:                                           
   Bond                           4.2%            0.0%          0.0%
   Revenue                        0.9%            2.3%          0.0%
   Tax                            4.4%            2.8%          0.0%
   Tax & Revenue                  3.9%            5.8%          0.0%
Other                            18.3%           14.3%          0.0%
                                ------          ------        ------
     Total                      100.0%          100.0%        100.0%
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                KANSAS
                                             PENNSYLVANI       TAX FREE
                                               MUNICIPAL        INCOME
                                               PORTFOLIO       PORTFOLIO
                                              -----------     -----------
<S>                                          <C>             <C>
Revenue Bonds:
   Education Revenue                             22.0%            2.0%
   Health Care Facilities                        27.5%            6.8%
   Housing Facilities                            11.4%            5.8%
   Industrial Development                        17.6%            3.3%
   Lease Rental Bonds                             1.1%            3.4%
   Pollution Control                              0.0%            1.4%
   Public Facility                                2.5%            4.8%
   Resource Recovery                              0.1%            3.3%
   Transportation                                 0.4%            1.4%
   Utility Revenue                               10.9%           16.8%
General Obligation                                5.4%           52.9%
Tax Exempt Commercial Paper                       0.0%            0.0%
Anticipation Notes:                                            
   Bond                                           0.0%            0.0%
   Revenue                                        0.0%            0.0%
   Tax                                            0.0%            0.0%
   Tax & Revenue                                  0.0%            0.0%
Other                                             1.1%            2.9%
                                                ------          ------
     Total                                      100.0%          100.0%
</TABLE>


     Many municipalities insure their obligations with insurance underwritten by
insurance companies which undertake to pay a holder, when due, the interest and
principal amount of an obligation if the issuer defaults on its obligation.
Although bond insurance reduces the risk of loss due to default by an issuer,
there is no assurance that the insurance company will meet its obligations.
Also, some of the securities have credit enhancements (letters of credit or
guarantees issued by third party domestic or foreign banks or other
institutions). At August 31, 1996, the percentage of the Portfolios' investments
that were insured and the percentage of the Portfolios' investments that had
credit enhancements were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 CREDIT
                                               INSURED        ENHANCEMENTS
                                               --------       ------------
<S>                                             <C>             <C>
Tax Free Portfolio                               21.0%           52.8%
California Tax Exempt Portfolio                  24.7%           53.9%
Institutional Tax Free Portfolio                 23.1%           51.2%
Pennsylvania Tax Free Portfolio                  26.1%           49.2%
Intermediate-Term                                        
   Municipal Portfolio                           46.6%            1.3%
Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio                 45.3%            5.8%
Kansas Tax Free Income Portfolio                 33.7%            0.0%
</TABLE>


8.    SHAREHOLDER VOTING RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
I. At a special meeting of shareholders held on September 28, 1995, shareholders
   of the Pennsylvania Municipal Portfolio (the "Portfolio") of SEI Tax Exempt 
   Trust (the "Trust") voted to approve the selection of Morgan Grenfell Capital
   Management Incorporated ("Morgan Grenfell") as investment adviser to the
   Portfolio and the investment advisory agreement between the Trust and Morgan
   Grenfell. The proposal and the results of the shareholder meeting are set 
   forth below.
    1. Proposal to approve Morgan Grenfell as investment adviser of the 
       Portfolio and to approve the new investment advisory agreement relating 
       to the Portfolio between the Trust and Morgan Grenfell.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Shares Voted
                              --------------
                          <S>           <C>

                          For            8,955,686
                          Against               71
                          Abstain           29,339
</TABLE>

    There were no broker non-votes submitted and no other proposals voted on 
at such meeting.

63
<PAGE>   57
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
================================================================================

SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996

    

II. At a special meeting of shareholders held on April 16, 1996, shareholders of
    the Intermediate-Term Municipal Portfolio (the "Portfolio") voted on a 
    series of proposals. The proposals and the results of the shareholder 
    meeting are set forth below.

    1. Authorize the Trust's Board of Trustees to appoint additional or 
       replacement sub-advisers recommended by SEI Financial Management 
       Corporation ("SFM") for the Portfolio's Shareholders of the contacts 
       pursuant to which such sub-advisers serve.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Shares Voted
                              --------------
                        <S>             <C>

                          For            4,660,163
                          Against          261,182
                          Abstain            3,199
</TABLE>


    2. Approve the selection of SFM as the investment adviser for the 
       Portfolio, and to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement between 
       the Trust, on behalf of the Portfolio, and SFM.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Shares Voted
                              --------------
                        <S>            <C>

                         For            4,178,187
                         Against          743,158
                         Abstain            3,199
</TABLE>


    3. Approve the selection of Standish, Ayer & Wood, Inc. ("SAW") as an 
       investment sub-adviser for the Portfolio, and to approve the form of 
       investment sub-advisory agreement between SFM and SAW.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Shares Voted
                              --------------
                        <S>            <C>

                         For            4,776,803
                         Against          139,371
                         Abstain            8,381
</TABLE>


There were no broker non-votes submitted and no other proposals voted on at 
     such meeting. 

III. At a special meeting of shareholders held on August 14, 1996, 
     shareholders of the SEI Tax Exempt Trust (the "Trust") voted to approve the
     selection of the Trust's Board of Trustees. The proposal and the results of
     the shareholder meeting are set forth below.

     1. Election of Trustees

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          
                                       SHARES VOTED    
          TRUSTEE                          "FOR"       
          -------                      -------------   
        <S>                           <C>
          Robert A. Nesher             1,321,644,859   
          Frank E. Morris              1,432,333,985   
          William M. Doran             1,321,356,731   
          F. Wendell Gooch             1,321,333,985   
          James M. Storcy              1,321,333,985   
          George J. Sullivan, Jr.      1,321,333,985   
</TABLE>

    There were no broker non-votes submitted and no other proposals voted on 
at such meeting.


64
<PAGE>   58
                     This page is left intentionally blank.
65
<PAGE>   59
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)
================================================================================
SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST -- AUGUST 31, 1996



9.    SHARE TRANSACTIONS (000):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                      ---------------------   ---------------------   ---------------------   --------------------- 
                                                                                           BAINBRIDGE              INSTITUTIONAL    
                                              TAX                 CALIFORNIA                  TAX                      TAX          
                                              FREE                TAX EXEMPT                EXEMPT                     FREE         
                                           PORTFOLIO               PORTFOLIO               PORTFOLIO1               PORTFOLIO       
                                      ---------------------   ---------------------   ---------------------   --------------------- 
                                        1996        1995        1996        1995        1996        1995        1996        1995    
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------- 

 
SHARES ISSUED AND REDEEMED:
   Class A:
<S>                                   <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>       
  Shares Issued                       1,426,417   1,502,741     232,581     193,641      29,983     256,460   4,958,411   5,130,777 
  Shares Issued in Lieu 
    of Cash Distributions                   357          74          55           8          --          --         776       1,645 
  Shares Redeemed                     1,464,041) (1,483,956)   (218,860)   (194,711)   (179,210)   (268,046) (4,912,703) (5,179,065)
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------- 
   Total Class A Transactions           (37,267)     18,859      13,776      (1,062)   (149,227)    (11,586)     46,484     (46,643)
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------- 
Class B(2):
  Shares Issued                              --          --          --      41,150          --          --      69,063      77,163 
  Shares Issued in Lieu 
    of Cash Distributions                    --          --          --          --          --          --          58          69 
  Shares Redeemed                            --          --          --     (44,406)         --          --     (70,053)    (83,875)
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------- 
   Total Class B Transactions                --          --          --      (3,256)         --          --        (932)     (6,643)
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------- 
Class C:
  Shares Issued                              --          --          --          --          --          --      82,543          -- 
  Shares Issued in Lieu 
    of Cash Distributions                    --          --          --          --          --          --          --          -- 
   Shares Redeemed                           --          --          --          --          --          --     (63,337)         -- 
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------- 
   Total Class C Transactions                --          --          --          --          --          --      19,206          -- 
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------- 
Class D(3):
  Shares Issued                           1,615       4,827          --          --          --          --          --          -- 
  Shares Issued in Lieu 
     of Cash Distributions                   --          --          --          --          --          --          --          -- 
  Shares Redeemed                        (1,881)     (4,555)         --          --          --          --          --          -- 
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------- 
   Total Class D Transactions              (266)        272          --          --          --          --          --          -- 
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------- 
Class G(4):
  Shares Issued                              --          --     744,985     675,735          --          --          --          -- 
  Shares Issued in Lieu 
    of Cash Distributions                    --          --       8,087       6,682          --          --          --          -- 
  Shares Redeemed                            --          --    (730,352)   (672,528)         --          --          --          -- 
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------- 
   Total Class G Transactions                --          --      22,720       9,889          --          --          --          -- 
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------- 
Increase (Decrease) in Capital Shares   (37,533)     19,131      36,496       5,571    (149,227)    (11,586)     64,758     (53,286)
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   --------- 
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      ---------------------   ---------------------   ---------------------   ---------------------
                                            PENNSYLVANIA            INTERMEDIATE-                                       KANSAS
                                                TAX                    TERM                 PENNSYLVANIA              TAX FREE
                                                FREE                  MUNICIPAL                MUNICIPAL                INCOME
                                             PORTFOLIO               PORTFOLIO                PORTFOLIO               PORTFOLIO
                                      ---------------------   ---------------------   ---------------------   ---------------------
                                        1996        1995        1996        1995         1996        1995         1996       1995
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------

 
SHARES ISSUED AND REDEEMED:
   Class A:
<S>                                     <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>       <C>           <C>
  Shares Issued                         209,781     126,868       6,976       4,110       1,365         889       1,719         994
  Shares Issued in Lieu 
    of Cash Distributions                    60          14         129         108          16          15          --          --
  Shares Redeemed                      (192,915)   (119,535)     (3,269)     (7,494)     (1,869)     (3,027)     (1,057)       (754)
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
   Total Class A Transactions            16,926       7,347       3,836      (3,276)       (488)     (2,123)        662         240
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Class B(2):
  Shares Issued                              --          --          --          --          --          --          --          --
  Shares Issued in Lieu 
    of Cash Distributions                    --          --          --          --          --          --          --          --
  Shares Redeemed                            --          --          --          --          --          --          --          --
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
   Total Class B Transactions                --          --          --          --          --          --          --          --
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Class C:
  Shares Issued                              --          --          --          --          --          --          --          --
  Shares Issued in Lieu 
    of Cash Distributions                    --          --          --          --          --          --          --          --
   Shares Redeemed                           --          --          --          --          --          --          --          --
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
   Total Class C Transactions                --          --          --          --          --          --          --          --
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Class D(3):
  Shares Issued                              --          --          --           2          --          --          --          --
  Shares Issued in Lieu 
     of Cash Distributions                   --          --           1           5          --          --          --          --
  Shares Redeemed                            --          --         (53)        (61)         --          --          --          --
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
   Total Class D Transactions                --          --         (52)        (54)         --          --          --          --
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Class G(4):
  Shares Issued                              --          --          --          --          --          --          --          --
  Shares Issued in Lieu 
    of Cash Distributions                    --          --          --          --          --          --          --          --
  Shares Redeemed                            --          --          --          --          --          --          --          --
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
   Total Class G Transactions                --          --          --          --          --          --          --          --
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Increase (Decrease) in Capital Shares    16,926       7,347       3,784      (3,330)       (488)     (2,123)        662         240
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
</TABLE>

 

1 THE BAINBRIDGE TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO CLOSED ON DECEMBER 15, 1995 
2 ON JULY 12, 1995, CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO CLASS B CLOSED.
3 ON JUNE 30, 1996, INTERMEDIATE-TERM MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO CLASS D CLOSED.
4 ON MAY 1, 1996, THE CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT PORTFOLIO CLASS C SHARES WERE
REDESIGNATED TO CLASS G SHARES.
 

   AMOUNTS DESIGNATED AS "--" ARE EITHER $0 OR HAVE BEEN ROUNDED TO $0.

66 & 67

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 99.B25


                           SEI ASSET ALLOCATION TRUST
                             SEI LIQUID ASSET TRUST
                             SEI DAILY INCOME TRUST
                              SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
                                SEI INDEX FUNDS
                        SEI INSTITUTIONAL MANAGED TRUST
                      SEI INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENTS TRUST
                            SEI INTERNATIONAL TRUST

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


                 KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned
trustee and/or officer of the above referenced funds (the "Trusts"), each a
business trust organized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
hereby constitutes and appoints David G. Lee and Kevin P. Robins, and each of
them singly, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign for him or her and in his or
her name, place and stead, and in the capacity indicated below, to sign any or
all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to each Trust's
Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the provisions of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Act of 1933, each such Act as amended,
and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, acting alone, full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or
her hand and seal as of the date set forth below.



     /s/ STEPHEN G. MEYER                                 Date:  10-16-96      
- ---------------------------------------------                  -------------
Stephen G. Meyer
Controller and Chief Financial Officer
<PAGE>   2
                           SEI ASSET ALLOCATION TRUST
                             SEI LIQUID ASSET TRUST
                             SEI DAILY INCOME TRUST
                              SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
                                SEI INDEX FUNDS
                        SEI INSTITUTIONAL MANAGED TRUST
                      SEI INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENTS TRUST
                            SEI INTERNATIONAL TRUST

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


                 KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned
trustee and/or officer of the above referenced funds (the "Trusts"), each a
business trust organized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
hereby constitutes and appoints David G. Lee and Kevin P. Robins, and each of
them singly, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign for him or her and in his or
her name, place and stead, and in the capacity indicated below, to sign any or
all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to each Trust's
Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the provisions of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Act of 1933, each such Act as amended,
and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, acting alone, full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or
her hand and seal as of the date set forth below.



    /s/ FRANK E. MORRIS                                  Date:  [illegible]
- -------------------------------------------                   -----------------
Frank E. Morris                                             
Trustee                                                     
<PAGE>   3
                           SEI ASSET ALLOCATION TRUST
                             SEI LIQUID ASSET TRUST
                             SEI DAILY INCOME TRUST
                              SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
                                SEI INDEX FUNDS
                        SEI INSTITUTIONAL MANAGED TRUST
                      SEI INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENTS TRUST
                            SEI INTERNATIONAL TRUST

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


                 KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned
trustee and/or officer of the above referenced funds (the "Trusts"), each a
business trust organized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
hereby constitutes and appoints David G. Lee and Kevin P. Robins, and each of
them singly, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign for him or her and in his or
her name, place and stead, and in the capacity indicated below, to sign any or
all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to each Trust's
Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the provisions of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Act of 1933, each such Act as amended,
and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, acting alone, full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or
her hand and seal as of the date set forth below.



  /s/ GEORGE J. SULLIVAN, JR.                      Date:  Oct. 16, 1996  
- ---------------------------------------------           -------------------
George J. Sullivan, Jr.
Trustee
<PAGE>   4
                           SEI ASSET ALLOCATION TRUST
                             SEI LIQUID ASSET TRUST
                             SEI DAILY INCOME TRUST
                              SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
                                SEI INDEX FUNDS
                        SEI INSTITUTIONAL MANAGED TRUST
                      SEI INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENTS TRUST
                            SEI INTERNATIONAL TRUST

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


                 KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned
trustee and/or officer of the above referenced funds (the "Trusts"), each a
business trust organized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
hereby constitutes and appoints David G. Lee and Kevin P. Robins, and each of
them singly, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign for him or her and in his or
her name, place and stead, and in the capacity indicated below, to sign any or
all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to each Trust's
Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the provisions of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Act of 1933, each such Act as amended,
and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, acting alone, full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or
her hand and seal as of the date set forth below.



  /s/ F. WENDELL GOOCH                        Date:   10-18-96             
- -------------------------------------              ----------------
F. Wendell Gooch
Trustee
<PAGE>   5
                           SEI ASSET ALLOCATION TRUST
                             SEI LIQUID ASSET TRUST
                             SEI DAILY INCOME TRUST
                              SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
                                SEI INDEX FUNDS
                        SEI INSTITUTIONAL MANAGED TRUST
                      SEI INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENTS TRUST
                            SEI INTERNATIONAL TRUST

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


                 KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned
trustee and/or officer of the above referenced funds (the "Trusts"), each a
business trust organized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
hereby constitutes and appoints David G. Lee and Kevin P. Robins, and each of
them singly, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign for him or her and in his or
her name, place and stead, and in the capacity indicated below, to sign any or
all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to each Trust's
Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the provisions of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Act of 1933, each such Act as amended,
and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, acting alone, full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or
her hand and seal as of the date set forth below.



  /s/ ROBERT A. NESHER                           Date:    10-15-96       
- --------------------------------------                -------------------
Robert A. Nesher
Trustee
<PAGE>   6

                           SEI ASSET ALLOCATION TRUST
                             SEI LIQUID ASSET TRUST
                             SEI DAILY INCOME TRUST
                              SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
                                SEI INDEX FUNDS
                        SEI INSTITUTIONAL MANAGED TRUST
                      SEI INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENTS TRUST
                            SEI INTERNATIONAL TRUST

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


                 KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned
trustee and/or officer of the above referenced funds (the "Trusts"), each a
business trust organized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
hereby constitutes and appoints David G. Lee and Kevin P. Robins, and each of
them singly, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign for him or her and in his or
her name, place and stead, and in the capacity indicated below, to sign any or
all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to each Trust's
Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the provisions of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Act of 1933, each such Act as amended,
and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, acting alone, full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or
her hand and seal as of the date set forth below.



  /s/ JAMES M. STOREY                              Date:
- --------------------------------------                  -------------------
James M. Storey
Trustee
<PAGE>   7

                           SEI ASSET ALLOCATION TRUST
                             SEI LIQUID ASSET TRUST
                             SEI DAILY INCOME TRUST
                              SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
                                SEI INDEX FUNDS
                        SEI INSTITUTIONAL MANAGED TRUST
                      SEI INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENTS TRUST
                            SEI INTERNATIONAL TRUST

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


                 KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned
trustee and/or officer of the above referenced funds (the "Trusts"), each a
business trust organized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
hereby constitutes and appoints David G. Lee and Kevin P. Robins, and each of
them singly, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign for him or her and in his or
her name, place and stead, and in the capacity indicated below, to sign any or
all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to each Trust's
Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the provisions of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Act of 1933, each such Act as amended,
and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, acting alone, full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or
her hand and seal as of the date set forth below.



    /s/ WILLIAM M. DORAN                              Date:   10-16-96       
- ----------------------------------------                   ------------------
William M. Doran
Trustee
<PAGE>   8
                           SEI ASSET ALLOCATION TRUST
                             SEI LIQUID ASSET TRUST
                             SEI DAILY INCOME TRUST
                              SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
                                SEI INDEX FUNDS
                        SEI INSTITUTIONAL MANAGED TRUST
                      SEI INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENTS TRUST
                            SEI INTERNATIONAL TRUST

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


                 KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned
trustee and/or officer of the above referenced funds (the "Trusts"), each a
business trust organized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
hereby constitutes and appoints Todd C. Cipperman and Kevin P. Robins, and each
of them singly, his or her true and lawful attorney-in- fact and agent with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign for him or her and in
his or her name, place and stead, and in the capacity indicated below, to sign
any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to each Trust's
Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the provisions of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Act of 1933, each such Act as amended,
and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, acting alone, full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or
her hand and seal as of the date set forth below.



   /s/  DAVID G. LEE                                   Date:    10/23/96
- -------------------------------------------                 -------------------
David G. Lee
President, Chief Executive Officer



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000701817
<NAME> SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 010
   <NAME> TAX FREE MONEY MARKET CLASS A
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          353,664
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         353,664
<RECEIVABLES>                                    2,500
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       2
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 356,166
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                         4,406
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       11,848
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             16,254
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                       339,927
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          340,066
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                          377,333
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            3
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                           (18)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   339,912
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                               13,091
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 (1,571)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         11,520
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            18
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           11,538
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                     (11,513)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      1,426,417
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                (1,464,041)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                357
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                        (37,242)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                         (36)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                              137
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  1,729
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           348,788
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .033
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.033)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .45
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000701817
<NAME> SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 011
   <NAME> TAX FREE MONEY MARKET CLASS D
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          353,664
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         353,664
<RECEIVABLES>                                    2,500
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       2
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 356,166
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                         4,406
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       11,848
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             16,254
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                       339,927
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                6
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                              272
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            3
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                           (18)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   339,912
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                               13,091
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 (1,571)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         11,520
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            18
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           11,538
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                          (4)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                          1,615
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    (1,881)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          11,268
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                         (36)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                              137
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  1,729
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           348,788
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .059
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.059)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .80
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000701817
<NAME> SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 020
   <NAME> INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE MONEY MARKET CLASS A
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          898,382
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         898,382
<RECEIVABLES>                                    6,570
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                     253
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 905,205
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        11,711
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       24,742
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             36,453
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                       868,712
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          835,525
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                          789,040
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            4
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                             36
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   868,752
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                               31,291
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 (2,829)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         28,462
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            39
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           28,501
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                     (27,624)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      4,958,411
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                (4,912,703)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                776
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          47,361
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                             10
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                          (3)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                              325
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  4,111
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           826,883
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .035
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.035)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .33
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000701817
<NAME> SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 021
   <NAME> INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE MONEY MARKET CLASS B
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          898,382
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         898,382
<RECEIVABLES>                                    6,570
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                     253
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 905,205
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        11,711
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       24,742
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             36,453
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                       868,712
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           14,150
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           15,082
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            4
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                             36
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   868,752
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                               31,291
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 (2,829)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         28,462
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            39
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           28,501
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                        (596)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                         69,063
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   (70,053)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                 58
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          26,973
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                             10
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                          (3)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                              325
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  4,111
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           826,883
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .032
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.032)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .63
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000701817
<NAME> SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 022
   <NAME> INSTITUTIONAL TAX FREE MONEY MARKET CLASS C
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          898,382
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         898,382
<RECEIVABLES>                                    6,570
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                     253
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 905,205
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        11,711
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       24,742
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             36,453
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                       868,712
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           19,206
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            4
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                             36
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   868,752
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                               31,291
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 (2,829)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         28,462
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            39
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           28,501
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                        (248)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                         82,543
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   (63,337)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          47,459
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                             10
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                          (3)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                              325
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  4,111
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           826,883
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .029
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.029)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .83
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000701817
<NAME> SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 030
   <NAME> CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT CLASS A
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          411,856
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         411,856
<RECEIVABLES>                                    2,741
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      49
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 414,646
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                         5,532
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       13,701
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             19,233
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                       395,452
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           44,721
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           30,945
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                            (34)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                            (5)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   395,413
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                               13,944
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 (2,780)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         11,164
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                           (5)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           11,159
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (1,471)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        232,581
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (218,860)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                 55
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          23,464
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                              151
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  3,085
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           385,080
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .034
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.034)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .28
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000701817
<NAME> SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 032
   <NAME> CALIFORNIA TAX EXEMPT CLASS G
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          411,856
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         411,856
<RECEIVABLES>                                    2,741
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      49
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 414,646
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                         5,532
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       13,701
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             19,233
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                       395,452
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          350,732
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                          328,012
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                            (34)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                            (5)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   395,413
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                               13,944
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 (2,780)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         11,164
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                           (5)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           11,159
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (9,727)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        744,985
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (730,352)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                              8,087
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          24,152
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                              151
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  3,085
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           385,080
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .028
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.028)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .78
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000701817
<NAME> SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 040
   <NAME> INTERMEDIATE TERM MUNICIPAL BOND CLASS A
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          134,570
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         134,401
<RECEIVABLES>                                    2,407
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      31
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                66
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 136,905
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                         1,519
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                          823
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              2,342
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                       135,894
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           12,871
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                            9,035
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            2
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        (1,164)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                         (169)
<NET-ASSETS>                                   134,563
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                5,589
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   (625)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          4,964
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         1,014
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      (1,920)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            4,058
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (5,335)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                          6,976
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    (3,269)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                129
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          38,931
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                            390
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                      (2,178)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                              254
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                    699
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           106,525
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            10.59
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .49
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          (.10)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.53)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.45
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .59
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000701817
<NAME> SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 041
   <NAME> 
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          134,570
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         134,401
<RECEIVABLES>                                    2,407
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      31
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                66
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 136,905
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                         1,519
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                          823
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              2,342
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                       135,894
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                               52
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            2
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        (1,164)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                         (169)
<NET-ASSETS>                                   134,563
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                5,589
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   (625)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          4,964
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         1,014
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      (1,920)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            4,058
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                         (17)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                       (53)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  1
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                            390
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                      (2,178)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                              254
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                    699
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           106,525
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            10.59
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .38
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          (.10)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.41)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.46
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .98
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000701817
<NAME> SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 050
   <NAME> PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL BOND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           96,024
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          96,265
<RECEIVABLES>                                    1,667
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      22
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                31
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  97,985
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                            28
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                          729
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                757
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        95,265
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                            9,275
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                            9,763
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            1
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                          1,721
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                           241
<NET-ASSETS>                                    97,228
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                5,726
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   (489)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          5,237
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         2,349
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      (3,618)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            3,968
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (5,686)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                          1,365
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    (1,869)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                 16
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         (6,866)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                            450
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                        (628)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                              204
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                    663
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           101,687
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            10.66
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .55
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          (.14)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.59)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.48
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .48
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000701817
<NAME> SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 060
   <NAME> PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE MONEY MARKET CLASS A
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           44,653
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          44,653
<RECEIVABLES>                                      242
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       6
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  44,901
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                           488
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        1,442
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              1,930
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        42,985
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           42,985
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           26,059
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                           (14)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    42,971
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                1,120
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   (106)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          1,014
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                          (14)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            1,000
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (1,013)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        209,781
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (192,915)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                 60
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          16,913
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                            (1)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                               12
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                    149
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            30,428
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .034
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.034)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .35
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000701817
<NAME> SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 070
   <NAME> KANSAS TAX FREE
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           71,264
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          72,415
<RECEIVABLES>                                    1,496
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      25
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  73,936
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                         1,824
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           46
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              1,870
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        70,596
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                            6,858
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                            6,196
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                          322
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                            (3)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                         1,151
<NET-ASSETS>                                    72,066
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                3,720
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   (141)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          3,579
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                           132
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                        (903)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            2,808
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (3,544)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                          1,719
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    (1,057)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                           6,232
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                            287
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                        (135)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                              202
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                    343
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            67,427
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            10.63
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .56
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          (.12)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.56)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.51
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .21
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000701817
<NAME> SEI TAX EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 090
   <NAME> BAINBRIDGE
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                0
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                               0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                       0
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                            0
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                  0
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                          149,227
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                         0
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                1,592
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   (123)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          1,469
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            27
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            1,496
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (1,502)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                         29,983
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (179,210)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       (149,223)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              2
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            4
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                               16
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                    205
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           142,497
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .011
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.011)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .30
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission