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<PAGE> PAGE 2
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<PAGE> PAGE 5
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<PAGE> PAGE 6
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<PAGE> PAGE 7
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<PAGE> PAGE 10
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<PAGE> PAGE 11
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<PAGE> PAGE 12
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<PAGE> PAGE 13
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<PAGE> PAGE 14
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<PAGE> PAGE 15
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SIGNATURE TAMARA L. FAGELY
TITLE TREASURER
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS, AND STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOUND ON PAGES 13 THROUGH 21 OF THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER
REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000703708
<NAME> FORTIS TAX-FREE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
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WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
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<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS, AND STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOUND ON PAGES 13 THROUGH 21 OF THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER
REPORT.
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WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
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<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS, AND STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOUND ON PAGES 13 THROUGH 21 OF THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER
REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000703708
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WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS, AND STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOUND ON PAGES 13 THROUGH 21 OF THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER
REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000703708
<NAME> FORTIS TAX-FREE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
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<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS, AND STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOUND ON PAGES 13 THROUGH 21 OF THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER
REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000703708
<NAME> FORTIS TAX-FREE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
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<NUMBER> 2
<NAME> MINNESOTA PORTFOLIO (CLASS H)
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WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS, AND STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOUND ON PAGES 13 THROUGH 20 OF THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER
REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000703708
<NAME> FORTIS TAX-FREE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
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WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS, AND STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOUND ON PAGES 13 THROUGH 20 OF THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER
REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000703708
<NAME> FORTIS TAX-FREE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
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WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS, AND STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOUND ON PAGES 13 THROUGH 20 OF THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER
REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000703708
<NAME> FORTIS TAX-FREE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
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</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS, AND STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOUND ON PAGES 13 THROUGH 20 OF THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER
REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000703708
<NAME> FORTIS TAX-FREE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
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<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-START> OCT-01-1995
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 71,897,230
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 75,707,746
<RECEIVABLES> 1,161,870
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 19,743
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 76,889,359
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 179,571
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 179,571
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 73,371,358
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 6,065,625
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 6,581,433
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (26,750)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (445,336)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 3,810,516
<NET-ASSETS> 76,709,788
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 4,647,598
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (756,322)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 3,891,276
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 685,982
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (471,072)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 4,106,186
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (3,534,046)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 269,334
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (999,377)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 214,235
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 1,841,164
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> (1,131,318)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (38,630)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 581,556
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 756,322
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 76,131,000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.72
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.56
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.04
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.56)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.76
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.93
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS, AND STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOUND ON PAGES 13 THROUGH 20 OF THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER
REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000703708
<NAME> FORTIS TAX-FREE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 1
<NAME> NATIONAL PORTFOLIO (CLASS H)
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-START> OCT-01-1995
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 71,897,230
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 75,707,746
<RECEIVABLES> 1,161,870
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 19,743
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 76,889,359
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 179,571
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 179,571
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 73,371,358
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 373,466
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 164,006
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (26,750)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (445,336)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 3,810,516
<NET-ASSETS> 76,709,788
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 4,647,598
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (756,322)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 3,891,276
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 685,982
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (471,072)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 4,106,186
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (122,710)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 260,768
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (58,950)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 7,642
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 1,841,164
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> (1,131,318)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (38,630)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 581,556
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 756,322
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 76,131,000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.71
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.45
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.04
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.45)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.75
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.93
<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
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS, AND STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOUND ON PAGES 13 THROUGH 22 OF THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER
REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000703708
<NAME> FORTIS TAX-FREE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 3
<NAME> NEW YORK PORTFOLIO (CLASS A)
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-START> OCT-01-1995
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 10,054,184
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 10,845,065
<RECEIVABLES> 208,686
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 17,588
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 11,071,339
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 22,506
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 22,506
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 10,248,390
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 9,722
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 4,490
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 4,606
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 4,956
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 790,881
<NET-ASSETS> 11,048,833
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 755,482
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (132,329)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 623,153
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 13,314
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (164,569)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 471,898
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (3,575)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (70)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 4,915
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 0
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 317
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (1,198,924)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 8,702
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (1,619)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 93,048
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 156,909
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 11,648,000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.87
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.55
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (0.13)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.55)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.02)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.72
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.34<F1>
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
<FN>
<F1>FORTIS ADVISERS HAS VOLUNTARILY UNDERTAKE TO LIMIT ANNUAL EXPENSES FOR NEW YORK
PORTFOLIO (EXCLUSIVE OF INTEREST, TAXES, BROKERAGE COMMISSION, 12B-1 FEES, AND
NON-RECURRING EXTRAORDINARY CHARGES AND EXPENSES) TO 1.09% OF AVERAGE NET
ASSETS.
</FN>
</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS, AND STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOUND ON PAGES 13 THROUGH 22 OF THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER
REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000703708
<NAME> FORTIS TAX-FREE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 3
<NAME> NEW YORK PORTFOLIO (CLASS B)
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-START> OCT-01-1995
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 10,054,184
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 10,845,065
<RECEIVABLES> 208,686
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 17,588
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 11,071,339
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 22,506
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 22,506
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 10,248,390
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 21,570
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 17,863
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 4,606
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 4,956
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 790,881
<NET-ASSETS> 11,048,833
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 755,482
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (132,329)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 623,153
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 13,314
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (164,569)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 471,898
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (8,941)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (283)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 2,855
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 0
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 852
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (1,198,924)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 8,702
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (1,619)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 93,048
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 156,909
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 11,648,000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.84
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.47
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (0.13)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.47)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.02)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.69
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 2.09<F1>
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
<FN>
<F1>FORTIS ADVISERS HAS VOLUNTARILY UNDERTAKE TO LIMIT ANNUAL EXPENSES FOR NEW YORK
PORTFOLIO (EXCLUSIVE OF INTEREST, TAXES, BROKERAGE COMMISSION, 12B-1 FEES, AND
NON-RECURRING EXTRAORDINARY CHARGES AND EXPENSES) TO 1.09% OF AVERAGE NET
ASSETS.
</FN>
</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS, AND STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOUND ON PAGES 13 THROUGH 22 OF THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER
REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000703708
<NAME> FORTIS TAX-FREE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 3
<NAME> NEW YORK PORTFOLIO (CLASS C)
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-START> OCT-01-1995
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 10,054,184
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 10,845,065
<RECEIVABLES> 208,686
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 17,588
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 11,071,339
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 22,506
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 22,506
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 10,248,390
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 4,907
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 4,691
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 4,606
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 4,956
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 790,881
<NET-ASSETS> 11,048,833
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 755,482
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (132,329)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 623,153
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 13,314
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (164,569)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 471,898
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (2,249)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (73)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 0
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 216
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (1,198,924)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 8,702
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (1,619)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 93,048
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 156,909
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 11,648,000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.85
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.47
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (0.13)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.47)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.02)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.70
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 2.09<F1>
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
<FN>
<F1>FORTIS ADVISERS HAS VOLUNTARILY UNDERTAKE TO LIMIT ANNUAL EXPENSES FOR NEW YORK
PORTFOLIO (EXCLUSIVE OF INTEREST, TAXES, BROKERAGE COMMISSION, 12B-1 FEES, AND
NON-RECURRING EXTRAORDINARY CHARGES AND EXPENSES) TO 1.09% OF AVERAGE NET
ASSETS.
</FN>
</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS, AND STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOUND ON PAGES 13 THROUGH 22 OF THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER
REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000703708
<NAME> FORTIS TAX-FREE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 3
<NAME> NEW YORK PORTFOLIO (CLASS E)
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-START> OCT-01-1995
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 10,054,184
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 10,845,065
<RECEIVABLES> 208,686
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 17,588
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 11,071,339
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 22,506
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 22,506
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 10,248,390
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 974,172
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 1,092,955
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 4,606
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 4,956
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 790,881
<NET-ASSETS> 11,048,833
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 755,482
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (132,329)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 623,153
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 13,314
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (164,569)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 471,898
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (597,909)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (16,521)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 18,463
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (181,528)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 44,282
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (1,198,924)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 8,702
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (1,619)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 93,048
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 156,909
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 11,648,000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.87
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.58
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (0.13)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.58)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.02)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.72
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.09<F1>
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
<FN>
<F1>FORTIS ADVISERS HAS VOLUNTARILY UNDERTAKE TO LIMIT ANNUAL EXPENSES FOR NEW YORK
PORTFOLIO (EXCLUSIVE OF INTEREST, TAXES, BROKERAGE COMMISSION, 12B-1 FEES, AND
NON-RECURRING EXTRAORDINARY CHARGES AND EXPENSES) TO 1.09% OF AVERAGE NET
ASSETS.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS, AND STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOUND ON PAGES 13 THROUGH 22 OF THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER
REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000703708
<NAME> FORTIS TAX-FREE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 3
<NAME> NEW YORK PORTFOLIO (CLASS H)
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-START> OCT-01-1995
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 10,054,184
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 10,845,065
<RECEIVABLES> 208,686
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 17,588
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 11,071,339
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 22,506
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 22,506
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 10,248,390
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 20,307
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 6,684
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 4,606
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 4,956
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 790,881
<NET-ASSETS> 11,048,833
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 755,482
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (132,329)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 623,153
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 13,314
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (164,569)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 471,898
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (4,254)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (113)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 13,492
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 0
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 131
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (1,198,924)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 8,702
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (1,619)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 93,048
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 156,909
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 11,648,000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.83
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.48
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (0.13)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.47)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.02)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.69
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 2.09<F1>
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
<FN>
<F1>FORTIS ADVISERS HAS VOLUNTARILY UNDERTAKE TO LIMIT ANNUAL EXPENSES FOR NEW YORK
PORTFOLIO (EXCLUSIVE OF INTEREST, TAXES, BROKERAGE COMMISSION, 12B-1 FEES, AND
NON-RECURRING EXTRAORDINARY CHARGES AND EXPENSES) TO 1.09% OF AVERAGE NET
ASSETS.
</FN>
</TABLE>
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
4200 Norwest Center
90 South Seventh Street
Minneapolis MN 55402
Independent Auditors' Report on Internal Accounting
Control
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Fortis Tax-Free Portfolios, Inc.:
In planning and performing our audits of the financial
statements of National Portfolio, Minnesota Portfolio,
and New York Portfolio (portfolios within Fortis Tax-
Free Portfolios, Inc.) for the year ended September 30,
1996, we considered their internal control structure,
including procedures for safeguarding securities, in
order to determine our auditing procedures for the
purpose of expressing our opinion on the financial
statements and to comply with the requirements of Form
N-SAR, not to provide assurance on the internal control
structure.
The management of the Company is responsible for
establishing and maintaining an internal control
structure. In fulfilling this responsibility, estimates
and judgments by management are required to assess the
expected benefits and related costs of internal control
structure policies and procedures. Two of the
objectives of an internal control structure are to
provide management with reasonable, but not absolute,
assurance that assets are safeguarded against loss from
unauthorized use or disposition and that transactions
are executed in accordance with management's
authorization and recorded properly to permit the
preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
Because of inherent limitations in any internal control
structure, errors or irregularities may occur and not
be detected. Also, projection of any evaluation of the
structure to future periods is subject to the risk that
it may become inadequate because of changes in
conditions of that the effectiveness of the design and
operation may deteriorate.
Our consideration of the internal control structure
would not necessarily disclose all matters in the
internal control structure that might be material
weaknesses under standards established by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A material
weakness is a condition in which the design or
operation of the specific internal control structure
elements does not reduce to a relatively low level the
risk that errors or irregularities in amounts that
would be material in relation to the financial
statements being audited may occur and not be detected
within a timely period by employees in the normal
course of performing their assigned functions. However,
we noted no matters involving the internal control
structure, including procedures for safeguarding
securities, that we consider to be material weaknesses
as defined above as of September 30, 1996.
This report is intended solely for the information and
use of management and the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
/s/
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Minneapolis Minnesota
November 8, 1996
