Filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 27, 1996.
File No. 2-84021
File No. 811-3749
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
Post-Effective Amendment No. 18
--
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Amendment No. 19
--
Scudder State Tax Free Trust
----------------------------
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110-4103
----------------------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (617) 295-2567
Thomas F. McDonough
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.
Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110-4103
----------------------------------------------
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective
immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
-----
X on March 1, 1996 pursuant to paragraph (b)
-----
60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
-----
pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
-----
75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
-----
on ____ pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of Rule 485
-----
If appropriate, check the following:
this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date
----- for a previously filed post-effective amendment
The Registrant has filed a declaration registering an indefinite amount of
securities pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended. The Registrant has filed the notice required by Rule 24f-2 for its most
recent fiscal year ended October 31, 1995 on December 28, 1995.
<PAGE>
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
SCUDDER NEW YORK TAX FREE MONEY FUND
AND
SCUDDER NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND
Items Required By Form N-1A
---------------------------
PART A
- ------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item No. Item Caption Prospectus Caption
-------- ------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1. Cover Page COVER PAGE
2. Synopsis EXPENSE INFORMATION
3. Condensed Financial FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Information
4. General Description of SCUDDER NEW YORK TAX FREE MONEY FUND-- Investment objectives
Registrant and policies
SCUDDER NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND -- Investment objective and
policies
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT POLICIES AND INVESTMENTS
FUND ORGANIZATION
5. Management of the Fund A MESSAGE FROM SCUDDER'S CHAIRMAN
FUND ORGANIZATION--Investment adviser, Transfer agent
SHAREHOLDER BENEFITS--A team approach to investing
5A. Management's Discussion of NOT APPLICABLE
Fund Performance
6. Capital Stock and Other DISTRIBUTION AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION--Dividends and Capital
Securities Gains Distributions
FUND ORGANIZATION
TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Tax information
SHAREHOLDER BENEFITS--SAIL (Scudder Automated Information Line),
Dividend reinvestment plan, T.D.D. service for the hearing
impaired
HOW TO CONTACT SCUDDER
7. Purchase of Securities Being PURCHASES
Offered TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Purchasing shares
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
FUND ORGANIZATION -- Underwriter
8. Redemption or Repurchase EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Redeeming shares
9. Pending Legal Proceedings NOT APPLICABLE
Cross Reference - Page 1
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
SCUDDER NEW YORK TAX FREE MONEY FUND
AND
SCUDDER NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND
(continued)
PART B
- ------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Caption in Statement of
Item No. Item Caption Additional Information
-------- ------------ -----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
10. Cover Page COVER PAGE
11. Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS
12. General Information and History FUND ORGANIZATION
13. Investment Objectives and THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Policies PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
14. Management of the Fund TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
REMUNERATION
15. Control Persons and Principal TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Holders of Securities
16. Investment Advisory and Other INVESTMENT ADVISER
Services ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--Experts, Other Information
17. Brokerage Allocation PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
18. Capital Stock and Other FUND ORGANIZATION
Securities
19. Purchase, Redemption and PURCHASES
Pricing of Securities Being EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
Offered FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUNDS--Dividend and Capital
Gain Distribution Options
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS
NET ASSET VALUE
20. Tax Status TAXES
21. Underwriters DISTRIBUTOR
22. Calculation of Performance PERFORMANCE AND OTHER INFORMATION
Information
23. Financial Statements FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
</TABLE>
Cross Reference - Page 2
<PAGE>
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
SCUDDER OHIO TAX FREE FUND
Items Required By Form N-1A
---------------------------
PART A
- ------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item No. Item Caption Prospectus Caption
-------- ------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1. Cover Page COVER PAGE
2. Synopsis EXPENSE INFORMATION
3. Condensed Financial Information FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
4. General Description of INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Registrant ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT POLICIES AND INVESTMENTS
FUND ORGANIZATION
5. Management of the Fund A MESSAGE FROM SCUDDER'S CHAIRMAN
FUND ORGANIZATION--Investment adviser, Transfer agent
SHAREHOLDER BENEFITS--A team approach to investing
5A. Management's Discussion of Fund NOT APPLICABLE
Performance
6. Capital Stock and Other DISTRIBUTION AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION--Dividends and capital
Securities gains distributions
FUND ORGANIZATION
TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Tax information
SHAREHOLDER BENEFITS--SAIL (Scudder Automated Information Line),
Dividend reinvestment plan, T.D.D. service for the hearing
impaired
HOW TO CONTACT SCUDDER
7. Purchase of Securities Being PURCHASES
Offered TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Purchasing shares
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
FUND ORGANIZATION--Underwriter
8. Redemption or Repurchase EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Redeeming shares
9. Pending Legal Proceedings NOT APPLICABLE
Cross Reference - Page 3
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
SCUDDER OHIO TAX FREE FUND
(continued)
PART B
- ------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Caption in Statement of
Item No. Item Caption Additional Information
-------- ------------ -----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
10. Cover Page COVER PAGE
11. Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS
12. General Information and History FUND ORGANIZATION
13. Investment Objectives and THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Policies PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
14. Management of the Fund TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
REMUNERATION
15. Control Persons and Principal TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Holders of Securities
16. Investment Advisory and Other INVESTMENT ADVISER
Services ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--Experts, Other Information
17. Brokerage Allocation PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
18. Capital Stock and Other FUND ORGANIZATION
Securities
19. Purchase, Redemption and PURCHASES
Pricing of Securities Being EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
Offered FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND--Dividend and Capital
Gain Distribution Options
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS
NET ASSET VALUE
20. Tax Status TAXES
21. Underwriters DISTRIBUTOR
22. Calculation of Performance PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Information
23. Financial Statements FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
</TABLE>
Cross Reference - Page 4
<PAGE>
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
SCUDDER PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE FUND
Items Required By Form N-1A
---------------------------
PART A
- ------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item No. Item Caption Prospectus Caption
-------- ------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1. Cover Page COVER PAGE
2. Synopsis EXPENSE INFORMATION
3. Condensed Financial FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Information
4. General Description of INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Registrant ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT POLICIES AND INVESTMENTS
FUND ORGANIZATION
5. Management of the Fund A MESSAGE FROM SCUDDER'S CHAIRMAN
FUND ORGANIZATION--Investment adviser, transfer agent
SHAREHOLDER BENEFITS--A team approach to investing
5A. Management's Discussion of NOT APPLICABLE
Fund Performance
6. Capital Stock and Other DISTRIBUTION AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION--Dividends and capital
Securities gains distributions
FUND ORGANIZATION
TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Tax information
SHAREHOLDER BENEFITS--SAIL (Scudder Automated Information Line),
Dividend reinvestment plan, T.D.D. service for the hearing
impaired
HOW TO CONTACT SCUDDER
7. Purchase of Securities Being PURCHASES
Offered TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Purchasing shares
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
FUND ORGANIZATION--Underwriter
8. Redemption or Repurchase EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Redeeming shares
9. Pending Legal Proceedings NOT APPLICABLE
</TABLE>
Cross Reference - Page 5
<PAGE>
SCUDDER PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE FUND
(continued)
PART B
- ------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Caption in Statement of
Item No. Item Caption Additional Information
-------- ------------ -----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
10. Cover Page COVER PAGE
11. Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS
12. General Information and History FUND ORGANIZATION
13. Investment Objectives and THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Policies PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
14. Management of the Fund TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
REMUNERATION
15. Control Persons and Principal TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Holders of Securities
16. Investment Advisory and Other INVESTMENT ADVISER
Services ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--Experts, Other Information
17. Brokerage Allocation PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
18. Capital Stock and Other FUND ORGANIZATION
Securities
19. Purchase, Redemption and PURCHASES
Pricing of Securities Being EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
Offered FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND--Dividend and Capital
Gain Distribution Options
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS
NET ASSET VALUE
20. Tax Status TAXES
21. Underwriters DISTRIBUTOR
22. Calculation of Performance Data PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
23. Financial Statements FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
</TABLE>
Cross Reference - Page 6
<PAGE>
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS TAX FREE FUND
Items Required By Form N-1A
PART A
- ------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item No. Item Caption Prospectus Caption
-------- ------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1. Cover Page COVER PAGE
2. Synopsis EXPENSE INFORMATION
3. Condensed Financial FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Information
4. General Description of INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Registrant ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT POLICIES AND INVESTMENTS
FUND ORGANIZATION
5. Management of the Fund A MESSAGE FROM SCUDDER'S CHAIRMAN
FUND ORGANIZATION--Investment adviser, Transfer agent
SHAREHOLDER BENEFITS--A team approach to investing
5A. Management's Discussion of NOT APPLICABLE
Fund Performance
6. Capital Stock and Other DISTRIBUTION AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION--Dividends and capital
Securities gains distributions
FUND ORGANIZATION
TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Tax information
SHAREHOLDER BENEFITS--SAIL (Scudder Automated Information
Line), Dividend reinvestment plan, T.D.D. service for the
hearing impaired
HOW TO CONTACT SCUDDER
7. Purchase of Securities Being PURCHASES
Offered TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Purchasing shares
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
FUND ORGANIZATION -- Underwriter
8. Redemption or Repurchase EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Redeeming shares
9. Pending Legal Proceedings NOT APPLICABLE
</TABLE>
Cross Reference - Page 7
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS TAX FREE FUND
(continued)
PART B
- ------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Caption in Statement of
Item No. Item Caption Additional Information
-------- ------------ -----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
10. Cover Page COVER PAGE
11. Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS
12. General Information and History FUND ORGANIZATION
13. Investment Objectives and THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Policies PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
14. Management of the Fund TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
REMUNERATION
15. Control Persons and Principal TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Holders of Securities
16. Investment Advisory and Other INVESTMENT ADVISER
Services ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--Experts, Other Information
17. Brokerage Allocation PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
18. Capital Stock and Other FUND ORGANIZATION
Securities
19. Purchase, Redemption and PURCHASES
Pricing of Securities Being EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
Offered FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND--Dividend and Capital
Gain Distribution Options
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS
NET ASSET VALUE
20. Tax Status TAXES
21. Underwriters DISTRIBUTOR
22. Calculation of Performance PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Information
23. Financial Statements FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
</TABLE>
Cross Reference - Page 8
<PAGE>
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED TERM TAX FREE FUND
Items Required By Form N-1A
PART A
- ------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item No. Item Caption Prospectus Caption
-------- ------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1. Cover Page COVER PAGE
2. Synopsis EXPENSE INFORMATION
3. Condensed Financial FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Information
4. General Description of INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Registrant ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT POLICIES AND INVESTMENTS
FUND ORGANIZATION
5. Management of the Fund A MESSAGE FROM SCUDDER'S CHAIRMAN
FUND ORGANIZATION--Investment adviser, Transfer agent
SHAREHOLDER BENEFITS--A team approach to investing
5A. Management's Discussion of NOT APPLICABLE
Fund Performance
6. Capital Stock and Other DISTRIBUTION AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION--Dividends and capital
Securities gains distributions
FUND ORGANIZATION
TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Tax information
SHAREHOLDER BENEFITS--SAIL (Scudder Automated Information Line),
Dividend reinvestment plan, T.D.D. service for the hearing
impaired
HOW TO CONTACT SCUDDER
7. Purchase of Securities Being PURCHASES
Offered TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Purchasing shares
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
FUND ORGANIZATION--Underwriter
8. Redemption or Repurchase EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Redeeming shares
9. Pending Legal Proceedings NOT APPLICABLE
</TABLE>
Cross Reference - Page 9
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED TERM TAX FREE FUND
(continued)
PART B
- ------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Caption in Statement of
Item No. Item Caption Additional Information
-------- ------------ -----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
10. Cover Page COVER PAGE
11. Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS
12. General Information and History FUND ORGANIZATION
13. Investment Objectives and THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Policies PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
14. Management of the Fund TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
REMUNERATION
15. Control Persons and Principal TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Holders of Securities
16. Investment Advisory and Other INVESTMENT ADVISER
Services ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--Experts, Other Information
17. Brokerage Allocation PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
18. Capital Stock and Other FUND ORGANIZATION
Securities
19. Purchase, Redemption and PURCHASES
Pricing of Securities Being EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
Offered FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND--Dividend and Capital
Gain Distribution Options
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS
NET ASSET VALUE
20. Tax Status TAXES
21. Underwriters DISTRIBUTOR
22. Calculation of Performance PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Information
23. Financial Statements FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
</TABLE>
Cross Reference - Page 10
<PAGE>
This combined prospectus sets forth concisely the information about Scudder
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund and Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free
Fund, each a series of Scudder State Tax Free Trust, an open-end management
investment company, that a prospective investor should know before investing.
Please retain it for future reference.
If you require more detailed information, a Statement of Additional Information
for the Funds dated March 1, 1996, as amended from time to time, may be obtained
without charge by writing Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Two International
Place, Boston, MA 02110-4103 or calling 1-800-225-2470. The Statement, which is
incorporated by reference into this prospectus, has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
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.
Contents - see page 6
Scudder Massachusetts
Limited Term Tax Free Fund
- -------------------------------------
Scudder Massachusetts
Tax Free Fund
Prospectus
March 1, 1996
Two pure no-load(TM) (no sales charges) mutual funds which seek to provide
double tax-free income, exempt from both Massachusetts state personal income and
regular federal income tax.
<PAGE>
Expense information
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund
How to compare a Scudder pure no-load(TM) fund
This information is designed to help you understand the various costs and
expenses of investing in Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund (the
"Fund"). By reviewing this table and those in other mutual funds' prospectuses,
you can compare the Fund's fees and expenses with those of other funds. With
Scudder's pure no-load(TM) funds, you pay no commissions to purchase or redeem
shares, or to exchange from one fund to another. As a result, all of your
investment goes to work for you.
1) Shareholder transaction expenses: Expenses charged directly to your
individual account in the Fund for various transactions.
Sales commissions to purchase shares (sales load) NONE
Commissions to reinvest dividends NONE
Redemption fees NONE*
Fees to exchange shares NONE
2) Annual Fund operating expenses: Expenses paid by the Fund before it
distributes its net investment income, expressed as a percentage of the
Fund's average daily net assets for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995.
Investment management fee (after waiver) 0.05%**
12b-1 fees NONE
Other expenses (after reimbursement) 0.70%**
-------
Total Fund operating expenses 0.75%**
=======
Example
Based on the level of total Fund operating expenses listed above, the total
expenses relating to a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return and
redemption at the end of each period, are listed below. Investors do not pay
these expenses directly; they are paid by the Fund before it distributes its net
investment income to shareholders. (As noted above, the Fund has no redemption
fees of any kind.)
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------ ------- ------- --------
$8 $24 $42 $93
See "Fund organization--Investment adviser" for further information about the
investment management fee. This example assumes reinvestment of all dividends
and distributions and that the percentage amounts listed under "Annual Fund
operating expenses" remain the same each year. This example should not be
considered a representation of past or future expenses or return. Actual Fund
expenses and return vary from year to year and may be higher or lower than those
shown.
* You may redeem by writing or calling the Fund or by Write-A-Check. If you
wish to receive your redemption proceeds via wire, there is a $5 wire
service fee. For additional information, please refer to "Transaction
information--Redeeming shares."
** Until July 31, 1996, the Adviser has agreed to reimburse Fund operating
expenses and waive a portion of its fee to the extent necessary so that the
total annualized expenses of the Fund do not exceed 0.75% of average daily
net assets. If the Adviser had not agreed to reimburse operating expenses
and waive a portion of its fee so that the total annualized expenses of the
Fund did not exceed 0% from November 1, 1994 to February 28, 1995, 0.25%
from March 1, 1995 to July 31, 1995 and 0.50% from August 1, 1995 to
October 31, 1995, Fund expenses would have been: investment management fee
0.60%, other expenses 0.60% and total operating expenses 1.20% for the
fiscal year ended October 31, 1995. To the extent that expenses fall below
0.75% during the fiscal year, the Adviser reserves the right to recoup,
during the fiscal year incurred, amounts reimbursed or waived during the
period, but only to the extent that the Fund's expenses do not exceed
0.75%.
2
<PAGE>
Expense information
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund
How to compare a Scudder pure no-load(TM) fund
This information is designed to help you understand the various costs and
expenses of investing in Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund (the "Fund"). By
reviewing this table and those in other mutual funds' prospectuses, you can
compare the Fund's fees and expenses with those of other funds. With Scudder's
pure no-load(TM) funds, you pay no commissions to purchase or redeem shares, or
to exchange from one fund to another. As a result, all of your investment goes
to work for you.
1) Shareholder transaction expenses: Expenses charged directly to your
individual account in the Fund for various transactions.
Sales commissions to purchase shares (sales load) NONE
Commissions to reinvest dividends NONE
Redemption fees NONE*
Fees to exchange shares NONE
2) Annual Fund operating expenses: Expenses paid by the Fund before it
distributes its net investment income, expressed as a percentage of the
Fund's average daily net assets for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1995.
Investment management fee 0.60%**
12b-1 fees NONE
Other expenses 0.17%
-----
Total Fund operating expenses 0.77%**
=====
Example
Based on the level of total Fund operating expenses listed above, the total
expenses relating to a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return and
redemption at the end of each period, are listed below. Investors do not pay
these expenses directly; they are paid by the Fund before it distributes its net
investment income to shareholders. (As noted above, the Fund has no redemption
fees of any kind.)
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
------ ------- ------- --------
$8 $25 $43 $95
See "Fund organization--Investment adviser" for further information about the
investment management fee. This example assumes reinvestment of all dividends
and distributions and that the percentage amounts listed under "Annual Fund
operating expenses" remain the same each year. This example should not be
considered a representation of past or future expenses or return. Actual Fund
expenses and return vary from year to year and may be higher or lower than those
shown.
* You may redeem by writing or calling the Fund. If you wish to receive your
redemption proceeds via wire, there is a $5 wire service fee. For
additional information, please refer to "Transaction information--Redeeming
shares."
** The Adviser waived a portion of its fee so that the Fund's total operating
expenses did not exceed: 0.25% of average daily net assets from April 1,
1994 to July 31, 1994, 0.50% from August 1, 1994 to December 31, 1994, and
0.75% from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 1995. The above table shows what
the fees and expenses would have been if the Adviser had not agreed to
waive a portion of its fee. Actual expenses for the fiscal year ended March
31, 1995, with waiver, equaled 0.75% of average daily net assets.
3
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund
The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the financial
statements.
If you would like more detailed information concerning the Fund's performance, a
complete portfolio listing and audited financial statements are available in the
Fund's Annual Report dated October 31, 1995 and may be obtained without charge
by writing or calling Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
FEBRUARY 15, 1994
YEAR ENDED (COMMENCEMENT
OCTOBER 31, OF OPERATIONS) TO
1995 OCTOBER 31, 1994
----------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period ........................... $11.64 $12.00
------ ------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (a) ................................... .54 .36
------ ------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions ................................... .38 (.36)
------ ------
Total from investment operations ............................ .92 .00
------ ------
Less distributions from net investment income ............... (.54) (.36)
------ ------
Net asset value, end of period ................................. $12.02 $11.64
====== ======
TOTAL RETURN (%) (b) ........................................... 8.08 0.00**
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) ......................... 55 36
Ratio of operating expenses, net to average
daily net assets (%) (a)...................................... .24 --
Ratio of net investment income to average daily net assets (%).. 4.56 4.45*
Portfolio turnover rate (%) .................................... 27.4 26.3*
(a) Reflects a per share amount of expenses, exclusive of
management fees, reimbursed by the Adviser of .......... $ .01 $ .04
Reflects a per share amount of management fee and other
fees not imposed by the Adviser of ..................... $ .07 $ .07
Operating expense ratio including expenses reimbursed,
management fee and other expenses not imposed (%) ...... .92 1.44*
(b) Total returns are higher due to maintenance of the Fund's expenses.
<FN>
* Annualized
** Not annualized
</FN>
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund
The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the audited financial
statements. If you would like more detailed information concerning the Fund's
performance, a complete portfolio listing and audited financial statements are
available in the Fund's Annual Report dated March 31, 1995 and may be obtained
without charge by writing or calling Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS
ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, YEARS ENDED MARCH 31,
1995 --------------------------------------------------------------
(UNAUDITED) 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989
------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of
period ........................... $13.33 $13.16 $13.61 $12.81 $12.44 $12.25 $12.23 $12.28
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (a) ........ .36 .74 .81 .84 .81 .83 .82 .81
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investment
transactions ................... .30 .18 (.33) .96 .46 .19 .13 .22
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total from investment operations.... .66 .92 .48 1.80 1.27 1.02 .95 1.03
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Less distributions:
From net investment income ....... (.36) (.74) (.81) (.84) (.81) (.83) (.82) (.88)
From net realized gains on
investment transactions ....... -- -- (.08) (.16) (.09) -- (.11)(b) (.20)
In excess of net realized gains... -- (.01) (.04) -- -- -- -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total distributions ................ (.36) (.75) (.93) (1.00) (.90) (.83) (.93) (1.08)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net asset value, end of period ..... $13.63 $13.33 $13.16 $13.61 $12.81 $12.44 $12.25 $12.23
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
TOTAL RETURN (%) (c) ............... 4.97** 7.37 3.37 14.59 10.46 8.60 7.89 9.50
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period
($ millions) ..................... 306 296 332 267 120 67 46 31
Ratio of operating expenses, net
to average daily net
assets (%) (a) ................... .75* .47 .07 -- .48 .60 .60 .51
Ratio of net investment income to
average daily net assets (%) ..... 5.26* 5.73 5.80 6.36 6.38 6.72 6.60 7.23
Portfolio turnover rate (%) ........ 20.6* 10.2 17.0 29.6 23.2 27.1 45.5 110.5
(a) Reflects a per share amount
of expenses, exclusive of
management fees,
reimbursed by the
Adviser of ..................... $ -- $ -- $ .01 $ .02 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ .01
Reflects a per share amount
of management fees and
other fees not imposed of ...... $ -- $ .04 $ .09 $ .08 $ .05 $ .06 $ .07 $ .07
Operating expense ratio
including expenses
reimbursed, management
fee and other expenses
not imposed (%) ................ .77* .77 .77 .83 .93 1.05 1.16 1.20
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
MAY 28, 1987
(COMMENCEMENT
OF OPERATIONS) TO
MARCH 31,
1988
-----------------
<S> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of
period ........................... $12.00
------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (a) ........ .69
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investment
transactions ................... .21
------
Total from investment operations ... .90
------
Less distributions:
From net investment income ....... (.62)
From net realized gains on
investment transactions ....... --
In excess of net realized gains... --
------
Total distributions ................ (.62)
------
Net asset value, end of period ..... $12.28
======
TOTAL RETURN (%) (c) ............... 7.73**
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period
($ millions) ..................... 16
Ratio of operating expenses, net
to average daily net
assets (%) (a) ................... .50*
Ratio of net investment income to
average daily net assets (%) ..... 7.55*
Portfolio turnover rate (%) ........ 95.9*
(a) Reflects a per share amount
of expenses, exclusive of
management fees,
reimbursed by the
Adviser of ..................... $ .10
Reflects a per share amount
of management fees and
other fees not imposed of ...... $ .05
Operating expense ratio
including expenses
reimbursed, management
fee and other expenses
not imposed (%) ................ 2.25*
</TABLE>
(b) Includes $.01 per share distributions in excess of realized gains pursuant
to Internal Revenue Code Section 4982.
(c) Total returns are higher due to maintenance of the Fund's expenses.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
5
<PAGE>
A message from Scudder's chairman
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc., investment adviser to the Scudder Family of
Funds, was founded in 1919. We offered America's first no-load mutual fund in
1928. Today, we manage in excess of $100 billion for many private accounts and
over 50 mutual fund portfolios. We manage the mutual funds in a special program
for the American Association of Retired Persons, as well as the fund options
available through Scudder Horizon Plan, a tax-advantaged variable annuity. We
also advise The Japan Fund and nine closed-end funds that invest in countries
around the world.
The Scudder Family of Funds is designed to make investing easy and less costly.
It includes money market, tax free, income and growth funds as well as IRAs,
401(k)s, Keoghs and other retirement plans.
Services available to all shareholders include toll-free access to the
professional service representatives of Scudder Investor Relations, easy
exchange among funds, shareholder reports, informative newsletters and the
walk-in convenience of Scudder Funds Centers.
All Scudder mutual funds are pure no-load(TM). This means you pay no commissions
to purchase or redeem your shares or to exchange from one fund to another. There
are no "12b-1" fees either, which many other funds now charge to support their
marketing efforts. All of your investment goes to work for you. We look forward
to welcoming you as a shareholder.
/s/Daniel Pierce
The Funds
- - seek to provide double tax-free income exempt from both Massachusetts
personal and regular federal income tax
- - active portfolio management by Scudder's professional team of credit
analysts and municipal bond market experts
- - dividends declared daily and paid monthly
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund
- - average portfolio maturity limited to between one and five years
- - invests primarily in shorter-term, investment-grade municipal securities
- - free checkwriting
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund
- - invests primarily in long-term investment-grade municipal securities
Contents
Investment objectives and policies 7
Summary of important features 9
Tax-exempt vs. taxable income 9
Why invest in these Funds? 10
Additional information about policies and investments 11
Purchases 14
Exchanges and redemptions 15
Distribution and performance information 18
Fund organization 19
Transaction information 21
Shareholder benefits 24
Trustees and Officers 26
Investment products and services 27
How to contact Scudder Back cover
6
<PAGE>
Investment objectives and policies
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund and Scudder Massachusetts Tax
Free Fund (the "Funds"), each a non-diversified series of Scudder State Tax Free
Trust, are pure no load(TM) funds designed for Massachusetts residents seeking
income exempt from both state and regular federal income tax. Because these
Funds are intended for investors subject to Massachusetts personal income tax,
they may not be appropriate for all investors and are not available in all
states.
The two Funds have different investment objectives and characteristics. Their
two prospectuses are presented together so you can understand their important
differences and decide which Fund or combination of the two is most suitable for
your investment needs.
Except as otherwise indicated, each Fund's investment objective and policies are
not fundamental and may be changed without a vote of shareholders. Shareholders
will receive written notice of any changes in either Fund's objective. If there
is a change in investment objective, shareholders should consider whether that
Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of their then current financial
position and needs. There can be no assurance that either Fund's objective will
be met.
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term
Tax Free Fund
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund seeks a higher and more stable
level of income than normally provided by tax-free money market investments, yet
more price stability than investments in intermediate- and long-term municipal
bonds.
The Fund's objective is to provide as high a level of income exempt from
Massachusetts state personal income and regular federal income tax as is
consistent with a high degree of price stability. The dollar-weighted average
effective maturity of the Fund's portfolio will range between one and five
years. Within this limitation, Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund
may not purchase individual securities with effective maturities greater than 10
years at the time of purchase or issuance, whichever is later.
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund seeks a higher level of income than normally
provided by tax-free money market or tax-free short-term investments. Typically,
however, it will experience less price stability than Scudder Massachusetts
Limited Term Tax Free Fund because the investments will be principally in
municipal securities with long-term maturities (i.e., more than 10 years).
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund has the flexibility, however, to invest in
Massachusetts municipal securities with short- and medium-term maturities as
well.
Quality standards of both Funds
Normally, at least 75% of the municipal securities purchased by each Fund will
be investment-grade quality which are those rated Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or AAA, AA, A or BBB by Standard & Poor's
("S&P") or Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch"), or if unrated, judged by the
Fund's investment adviser, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (the "Adviser"), to be
of equivalent quality. This limit notwithstanding, Scudder Massachusetts Limited
Term Tax Free Fund will, under normal conditions, invest at least 50% of its
total assets in fixed-income securities rated A or better by Moody's, S&P or
Fitch or unrated securities judged by the Adviser to be of equivalent quality at
the time of purchase. To the extent the Fund invests in higher-grade securities,
it will be unable to avail itself of opportunities for higher income which may
be available with lower-grade investments. Securities in these three top rating
categories are judged by the Adviser to have an adequate if not strong capacity
to repay principal and pay interest.
7
<PAGE>
Investment objectives and policies (cont'd)
Each Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in fixed-income securities
rated below investment-grade; that is, rated below Baa by Moody's or below BBB
by S&P or Fitch, or in unrated securities of equivalent quality as determined by
the Adviser. The Funds may not invest in fixed-income securities rated below B
by Moody's, S&P or Fitch, or their equivalent.
During the year ended March 31, 1995, the average monthly dollar-weighted market
value of the bonds in Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund's portfolio were as
follows: 29% rated AAA, 7% AA, 52% A and 12% BBB. During the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1995, the average monthly dollar-weighted market value of the bonds
in Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund's portfolio were as follows:
____% rated AAA, ____% AA, ____% A, and ____% BBB. The bonds are rated by
Moody's, S&P or Fitch, or of equivalent quality as determined by the Adviser.
High quality bonds, those within the two highest of the quality rating
categories, characteristically have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. Medium-grade bonds, those within the next two such categories, are
defined as having adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. In
addition, certain medium-grade bonds are considered to have speculative
characteristics. While some lower-grade bonds (so-called "junk bonds") have
produced higher yields in the past than investment-grade bonds, they are
considered to be predominantly speculative and, therefore, carry greater risk.
The Funds' investments must also meet credit standards applied by the Adviser.
Should the rating of a portfolio security be downgraded after being purchased by
either Fund, the Adviser will determine whether it is in the best interest of
that Fund to retain or dispose of the security.
Investments of both Funds
It is a fundamental policy, which may not be changed without a vote of
shareholders, that each Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in
municipal securities of issuers located in Massachusetts and other qualifying
issuers (including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam). It is the
opinion of bond counsel, rendered on the date of issuance, that income from
these obligations is exempt from both Massachusetts personal income tax and
regular federal income tax ("Massachusetts municipal securities"). These
securities include municipal bonds, which meet longer-term capital needs and
generally have maturities of more than one year when issued. Municipal bonds
include general obligation bonds, which are secured by the issuer's pledge of
its faith, credit and taxing power for payment of principal and interest, and
revenue bonds, which may be issued to finance projects owned or used by either
private or public entities and which include bonds issued to finance industrial
enterprises and pollution control facilities. Each Fund may invest in other
municipal securities such as variable rate demand instruments, as well as
municipal notes of issuers located in Massachusetts and other qualifying
issuers, which are generally used to provide short-term capital needs and have
maturities of one year or less. Municipal notes include tax anticipation notes,
revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes and construction loan notes.
For federal income tax purposes, the income earned from municipal securities may
be entirely tax-free, taxable or subject to only the alternative minimum tax.
Under normal market conditions, each Fund expects 100% of its portfolio
securities to consist of Massachusetts municipal securities. However, if
defensive considerations or an unusual disparity between after-tax income on
taxable and municipal securities makes it advisable, up to 20% of a Fund's
assets may be held in cash or invested in short-term taxable investments,
including U.S. Government obligations and money market instruments and, in the
8
<PAGE>
Summary of important features
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment objectives
and characteristics Investments Maturity Quality Dividends
Scudder o prices expected to o focus on o primarily o 75% of o declared
Massachusetts fluctuate moderately investment- shorter-term investments rated daily and
Limited Term with changes in grade bonds, average within top four paid monthly
Tax Free Fund interest rates Massachusetts maturity quality ratings, o option to
o income exempt from municipal between one including 50% receive in
both Massachusetts securities and five years within top three, cash or
state personal income or judged to be reinvest in
tax and regular of comparable additional
federal income tax quality shares
Scudder o prices will fluctuate o focus on o primarily o 75% of o declared
Massachusetts with changes in investment- long-term investments rated daily and
Tax Free Fund interest rates grade bonds, within top four paid monthly
o income exempt from Massachusetts generally with quality ratings o option to
both Massachusetts municipal maturities of or judged to be receive in
state personal income securities more than ten of comparable cash or
tax and regular years quality reinvest in
federal income tax additional
shares
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Tax-exempt vs. taxable income
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax Free Yields and Corresponding Taxable Equivalents. The table below shows
Massachusetts taxpayers what an investor would have to earn from a comparable
taxable investment to equal Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund's
or Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund's double tax-free yield.
Today many investors may find that federal tax and Massachusetts personal income
tax rates make either Fund an attractive alternative to investments paying
taxable income.
TO EQUAL HYPOTHETICAL TAX-FREE YIELDS OF 5%, 7%
COMBINED AND 9%, A TAXABLE INVESTMENT WOULD HAVE TO EARN*:
1996 TAXABLE INCOME: MARGINAL TAX RATE: 5% 7% 9%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDIVIDUAL
-----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 24,000-58,150 36.64% 7.89% 11.05% 14.20%
58,151-121,300 39.28 8.23 11.53 14.82
121,301-263,750 43.68 8.88 12.43 15.98
OVER 263,750 46.85 9.41 13.17 16.93
JOINT RETURN
-----------------------------------------
$ 40,100-96,900 36.64% 7.89% 11.05% 14.20%
96,901-147,700 39.28 8.23 11.53 14.82
147,701-263,750 43.68 8.88 12.43 15.98
OVER 263,750 46.85 9.41 13.17 16.93
* These illustrations assume a marginal federal income tax rate of 28% to 39.6% and that the federal alternative
minimum tax is not applicable. Upper income individuals may be subject to an effective federal income tax rate in
excess of the applicable marginal rate as a result of the phase-out of personal exemptions and itemized deductions
made permanent by the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. Individuals subject to these phase-out provisions would
have to invest in taxable securities with a yield in excess of those shown
on the table in order to achieve an after-tax yield equivalent to the yield
on a comparable tax-exempt security.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
Investment objectives and policies (cont'd)
case of Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund, repurchase agreements.
Each Fund may temporarily invest more than 20% of its net assets in taxable
securities during periods which, in the Adviser's opinion, require a defensive
position.
Each Fund may also invest up to 20% of its total assets in municipal securities
the interest income from which is taxable or subject to the alternative minimum
tax ("AMT" bonds). Fund distributions from interest on certain municipal
securities subject to the alternative minimum tax, such as private activity
bonds, will be a preference item for purposes of calculating individual and
corporate alternative minimum taxes, depending upon investors' particular
situations. In addition, state and local taxes may apply, depending upon your
state and local tax laws.
Each Fund may invest in third party puts, and when-issued or forward delivery
securities, which may involve certain expenses and risks, including credit
risks. Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund may also enter into repurchase
agreements, reverse repurchase agreements and stand-by commitments which may
involve certain expenses and risks, including credit risks. None of these
securities and techniques is expected to comprise a major portion of the Funds'
investments. In addition, each Fund may purchase indexed securities and may
engage in strategic transactions. See "Additional information about policies and
investments" for more information about certain of these investment techniques.
Each Fund purchases securities that it believes are attractive and competitive
values in terms of quality, yield and the relationship of current price to
maturity value. However, recognizing the dynamics of municipal obligation prices
in response to changes in general economic conditions, fiscal and monetary
policies, interest rate levels and market forces such as supply and demand for
various issues, the Adviser, subject to the Trustees' supervision, performs
credit analysis and manages each Fund's portfolio continuously, attempting to
take advantage of opportunities to improve total return, which is a combination
of income and principal performance over the long term.
Why invest in these Funds?
The Funds are professionally managed portfolios consisting primarily of
investment-grade municipal securities. The Adviser believes that investment
results can be enhanced by active professional management. Professional
management distinguishes the Funds from unit investment trusts, which cannot be
actively managed.
Tax-free income
As illustrated by the chart on the preceding page, depending on your tax bracket
and individual situation, you may earn a substantially higher after-tax return
from these Funds than from comparable investments that pay income subject to
both Massachusetts personal income tax and regular federal income tax. For
example, if your regular federal marginal tax rate is 36% and your Massachusetts
tax rate is 12%, your effective combined marginal tax rate is 43.68% when
adjusted for the deductibility of state taxes. This means, for example, you
would need to earn a taxable return of 9.36% to receive after-tax income equal
to the 5.27% tax-free yield provided by Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund for
the 30-day period ended March 31, 1995, or earn a taxable return of 7.40% to
receive after-tax income equal to the 4.17% tax-free yield provided by Scudder
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund for the 30-day period ended October 31,
1995. In other words, it would be necessary to earn $1,775 from a taxable
10
<PAGE>
investment to equal $1,000 of tax-free income you receive from either Fund. The
yield levels of tax-free and taxable investments continually change. Before
investing in a Fund, you should compare its yield to the after-tax yield you
would receive from a comparable investment paying taxable income. For up-to-date
yield information on the Funds, shareholders can call SAIL, Scudder Automated
Information Line, for toll-free information at any time.
Investment characteristics
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund is managed for current income,
liquidity and a relatively high degree of price stability. For the investor who
can tolerate more price volatility, Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free
Fund can be used as an alternative to a tax-free money market fund. While a
tax-free money fund is managed for total price stability, it generally offers
lower and less stable yields than a short-term municipal bond fund. Further,
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund may appeal to investors
concerned about market volatility or the possibility of rising interest rates,
and so are willing to accept somewhat lower yields than normally provided by a
longer-term bond fund in exchange for greater price stability. Some investors
may view Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund as a tax-free
alternative to a bank certificate of deposit ("CD"). While an investment in
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund is not federally insured and
there is no guarantee of price stability, an investment in the Fund--unlike a
CD--is not locked away for any period, may be redeemed at any time without
incurring early withdrawal penalties and may provide a higher after-tax yield.
Investors may choose Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund as an alternative or
complement to tax-free money market or tax-free shorter-term investments.
Although shareholders will be assuming the possibility of greater price
fluctuation, they will typically be receiving a higher yield than normally
provided by tax-free income funds with relatively short maturities. Investors in
either Fund will also benefit from the convenience, cost-savings and
professional management of a mutual fund free of sales commissions. Scudder,
Stevens & Clark, Inc. has been researching and managing fixed-income investments
since 1929 and currently oversees more than $50 billion in bonds, including $11
billion in municipal securities. Further, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. serves
as investment manager to 13 tax-free mutual funds with assets exceeding $2
billion as of December 31, 1995. In addition, each Fund offers all the benefits
of the Scudder Family of Funds. Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. manages a diverse
family of pure no-load(TM) funds and provides a wide range of services to help
investors meet their investment needs. Please refer to "Investment products and
services" for additional information.
Additional information about policies and investments
Investment restrictions
Each Fund has adopted certain fundamental policies which may not be changed
without a vote of shareholders and which are designed to reduce the Funds'
investment risk.
Each Fund may not borrow money except as a temporary measure for extraordinary
or emergency purposes or, in the case of Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund, in
connection with reverse repurchase agreements.
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund may not make loans except
through the lending of portfolio securities, the purchase of debt securities or
through repurchase agreements. Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund may not make
loans except through the purchase of debt obligations or through repurchase
agreements.
Each Fund may invest more than 25% of its assets in industrial development or
other private activity bonds. For purposes of each Fund's investment limitation
regarding concentration of investments in any one industry, all such bonds
11
<PAGE>
Additional information about policies and investments (cont'd)
ultimately payable by companies within the same industry will be considered as
if they were issued by issuers in the same industry.
In addition, as a matter of nonfundamental policy, Scudder Massachusetts Tax
Free Fund may not invest more than 10% of its total assets, in the aggregate, in
repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days, restricted securities or
securities which are not readily marketable. Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term
Tax Free Fund may invest more than 10% of its total assets in restricted
securities.
Each Fund also may not invest more than 25% of its assets in Massachusetts
municipal securities which are secured by revenues from health facilities, toll
roads, ports and airports, or colleges and universities. The Funds do not expect
to invest in non-publicly offered securities.
A complete description of these and other policies and restrictions is contained
under "Investment Restrictions" in the Funds' Statement of Additional
Information.
Investing in Massachusetts
Each Fund is more susceptible to factors adversely affecting issuers of
Massachusetts municipal securities than is a comparable municipal bond fund that
does not emphasize these issuers to this degree. Throughout much of the 1980s,
the Commonwealth had a strong economy which was evidenced by low unemployment
and high personal income growth as compared to national trends. Economic growth
in the Commonwealth has slowed since 1988. All sectors of the economy have
experienced job losses, including high technology, construction and financial
industries. In addition, the economy has experienced shifts in employment from
labor-intensive manufacturing industries to technology and service-based
industries. After declining since 1989, total Massachusetts employment showed
positive annual growth in 1993 and 1994. Employment in 1993 and 1994 increased
in all sectors, except manufacturing which has experienced declines in each year
since 1985. The unemployment rate for the Commonwealth as of January, 1996 was
5.2%, compared to a national rate of 5.8%. Per capita personal income growth has
slowed in recent years, after several years during which the per capita personal
income growth rate in Massachusetts was among the highest in the nation. In
1994, however, per capita personal income grew at a rate higher than the
national average. Per capita personal income in Massachusetts is still one of
the highest in the nation. For additional information about the Massachusetts
economy, see the Funds' Statement of Additional Information dated March 1, 1996.
When-issued securities
Each Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or forward delivery basis,
for payment and delivery at a later date. The price and yield are generally
fixed on the date of commitment to purchase. During the period between purchase
and settlement, no interest accrues to the Fund. At the time of settlement, the
market value of the security may be more or less than the purchase price.
Repurchase agreements
As a means of earning taxable income for periods as short as overnight, Scudder
Massachusetts Tax Free Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with selected
banks and broker/dealers. Under a repurchase agreement, the Fund acquires
securities, subject to the seller's agreement to repurchase at a specified time
and price. Income from repurchase agreements will be taxable when distributed to
shareholders.
Stand-by commitments
To facilitate liquidity, Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund may enter into
"stand-by commitments" permitting it to resell municipal securities to the
original seller at a specified price. Stand-by commitments generally involve no
12
<PAGE>
cost to the Fund, and any costs would be, in any event, limited to no more than
0.50% of the value of the total assets of the Fund. Any such costs may, however,
reduce yield.
Third party puts
Each Fund may purchase long-term fixed rate bonds that have been coupled with an
option granted by a third party financial institution allowing the Funds at
specified intervals to tender (or "put") its bonds to the institution and
receive the face value thereof. These third party puts are available in several
different forms, may be represented by custodial receipts or trust certificates
and may be combined with other features such as interest rate swaps.
Variable rate demand instruments
Each Fund may purchase variable rate demand instruments that are tax-exempt
municipal obligations providing for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate
paid on the instrument according to changes in interest rates generally.
These instruments also permit the Funds to demand payment of the unpaid
principal balance plus accrued interest upon a specified number of days' notice
to the issuer or its agent.
Municipal lease obligations
Each Fund may invest in municipal lease obligations and participation interests
in such obligations. These obligations, which may take the form of a lease, an
installment purchase contract or a conditional sales contract, are issued by
state and local governments and authorities to acquire land and a wide variety
of equipment and facilities. Generally, the Funds will not hold such obligations
directly, but will purchase a certificate of participation or other
participation interest in a municipal obligation from a bank or other financial
intermediary. A participation interest gives the Funds a proportionate interest
in the underlying obligation.
Indexed securities
Each Fund may invest in indexed securities, the value of which is linked to
currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial indicators
("reference instruments"). The interest rate or (unlike most fixed-income
securities) the principal amount payable at maturity of an indexed security may
be increased or decreased, depending on changes in the value of the reference
instrument.
Strategic Transactions and derivatives
Each Fund may, but is not required to, utilize various other investment
strategies as described below to hedge various market risks (such as interest
rates and broad or specific market movements), to manage the effective maturity
or duration of each Fund's portfolio, or to enhance potential gain. These
strategies may be executed through the use of derivative contracts. Such
strategies are generally accepted as a part of modern portfolio management and
are regularly utilized by many mutual funds and other institutional investors.
Techniques and instruments may change over time as new instruments and
strategies are developed or regulatory changes occur.
In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, the Funds may purchase
and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on
securities, fixed-income indices and other financial instruments, purchase and
sell financial futures contracts and options thereon, and enter into various
interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or collars (collectively,
all the above are called "Strategic Transactions"). Strategic Transactions may
be used without limit (except to the extent that 80% of each Fund's net assets
are required to be invested in tax-exempt Massachusetts municipal securities,
and as limited by each Fund's other investment restrictions) to attempt to
protect against possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to
be purchased for each Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets
fluctuations, to protect each Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its
portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of
(Continued on page 16)
13
<PAGE>
Purchases
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Opening Minimum initial investment: $1,000; IRAs $500
an account Group retirement plans (401(k), 403(b), etc.) have similar or lower minimums. See appropriate
plan literature.
o By Mail Send your completed and signed application and check
Make checks
payable to "The
Scudder Funds."
by regular mail to: or by express, registered,
or certified mail to:
The Scudder Funds Scudder Shareholder
P.O. Box 2291 Services Center
Boston, MA 42 Longwater Drive
02107-2291 Norwell, MA
02061-1612
o By Wire Please see Transaction information--Purchasing shares--
By wire following these tables for details, including the ABA
wire transfer number. Then call 1-800-225-5163 for instructions.
o In Person Visit one of our Funds Centers to complete your application with the help
of a Scudder representative. Funds Center locations are listed under
Shareholder benefits.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchasing Minimum additional investment: $100; IRAs $50
additional shares Group retirement plans (401(k), 403(b), etc.) have similar or lower minimums. See appropriate
plan literature.
Make checks o By Mail Send a check with a Scudder investment slip, or with a letter of
payable to "The instruction including your account number and the
Scudder Funds." complete Fund name, to the appropriate address listed above.
o By Wire Please see Transaction information--Purchasing shares--
By wire following these tables for details, including the
ABA wire transfer number.
o In Person Visit one of our Funds Centers to make an additional
investment in your Scudder fund account. Funds Center locations are
listed under Shareholder benefits.
o By Telephone Please see Transaction information--Purchasing shares-- By
AutoBuy or By telephone order for more details.
o By Automatic You may arrange to make investments on a regular basis
Investment Plan through automatic deductions from your bank checking account.
($50 minimum) Please call 1-800-225-5163 for more information and an
enrollment form.
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE>
Exchanges and redemptions
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Exchanging
shares Minimum investments: $1,000 to establish a new
account; $100 to exchange among existing accounts
o By Telephone To speak with a service representative, call 1-800-225-5163 from
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. eastern time or to access SAIL(TM), Scudder's Automated
Information Line, call 1-800-343-2890 (24 hours a day).
o By Mail Print or type your instructions and include:
or Fax - the name of the Fund and the account number you are exchanging from;
- your name(s) and address as they appear on your account;
- the dollar amount or number of shares you wish to exchange;
- the name of the Fund you are exchanging into; and
- your signature(s) as it appears on your account and a daytime telephone
number.
Send your instructions
by regular mail to: or by express, registered, or by fax to:
or certified mail to:
The Scudder Funds Scudder Shareholder Services 1-800-821-6234
P.O. Box 2291 Center
Boston, MA 02107-2291 42 Longwater Drive
Norwell, MA
02061-1612
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redeeming
shares o By Telephone To speak with a service representative, call 1-800-225-5163 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
eastern time or to access SAIL(TM), Scudder's Automated Information Line,
call 1-800-343-2890 (24 hours a day). You may have redemption proceeds sent to your
predesignated bank account, or redemption proceeds of up to $50,000 sent to your
address of record.
o By "Write- For Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund, you may redeem shares by
A-Check" writing checks against your account balance as often as you like for at
least $100, but not more than $5,000,000.
o By Mail Send your instructions for redemption to the appropriate address or fax number
or Fax above and include:
- the name of the Fund and account number you are redeeming from;
- your name(s) and address as they appear on your account;
- the dollar amount or number of shares you wish to redeem; and
- your signature(s) as it appears on your account and a daytime telephone number.
A signature guarantee is required for redemptions over $50,000. See Transaction
information--Redeeming shares following these tables.
o By Automatic You may arrange to receive automatic cash payments periodically. Call
Withdrawal Plan 1-800-225-5163 for more information and an enrollment form.
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
Additional information about policies and investments (cont'd)
(Continued from page 13)
such securities for investment purposes, to manage the effective maturity or
duration of each Fund's portfolio, or to establish a position in the derivatives
markets as a temporary substitute for purchasing or selling particular
securities.
Some Strategic Transactions may also be used to enhance potential gain although
no more than 5% of each Fund's assets will be committed to Strategic
Transactions entered into for non-hedging purposes. Any or all of these
investment techniques may be used at any time and in any combination, and there
is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather than
another, as use of any Strategic Transaction is a function of numerous variables
including market conditions. The ability of the Funds to utilize these Strategic
Transactions successfully will depend on the Adviser's ability to predict
pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. Each Fund will comply with
applicable regulatory requirements when implementing these strategies,
techniques and instruments. Strategic Transactions involving financial futures
and options thereon will be purchased, sold or entered into only for bona fide
hedging, risk management or portfolio management purposes and not for
speculative purposes. Please refer to "Risk factors--Strategic Transactions and
derivatives" for more information.
Risk factors
The Funds' risks are determined by the nature of the securities held and the
portfolio management strategies used by the Adviser. The following are
descriptions of certain risks related to the investments and techniques that the
Funds may use from time to time.
Non-diversified investment company. As "non-diversified" investment companies,
each Fund may invest a greater proportion of their assets in the securities of a
smaller number of issuers. The investment of a large percentage of each Fund's
assets in the securities of a small number of issuers may cause a Fund's share
price to fluctuate more than that of a diversified investment company.
Investing in Massachusetts. If either Massachusetts or any of its local
governmental entities or public instrumentalities were to be unable to meet its
financial obligations, the income derived by the Funds, their net asset value or
liquidity and the ability to preserve or realize appreciation of the Funds'
capital could be adversely affected.
The persistence of serious financial difficulties could adversely affect the
market value and marketability of, or result in default in payment on,
outstanding municipal securities. Beginning in fiscal 1987 through fiscal 1991,
the Commonwealth experienced operating deficits and lower than anticipated tax
revenues resulting in an extended period of serious financial difficulties. In
fiscal 1992, tax revenues exceeded official estimates, expenditures were cut and
revenues grew by only 0.7%. However, despite the recession, the Commonwealth
ended fiscal 1992 with a $312.3 million operating surplus and a positive fund
balance of $549.4 million, when combined with the prior year surplus
attributable to the deficit bonds. The Commonwealth ended both fiscal 1993 and
fiscal 1994 with surpluses of $13.1 million and $26.8 million, respectively, and
positive aggregate ending fund balances in budgeted operating funds of $562.5
million and approximately $589.3 million, respectively. Fiscal 1995 resulted in
expenditures of approximately $16.8 billion (unaudited). The fiscal 1996 budget
calls for approximately $17 billion in expenditures.
As of the date of this prospectus, the Commonwealth's general obligation bonds
are rated A+ by S&P and A1 by Moody's. From time to time, the rating agencies
may change their ratings in response to budgetary matters or other economic
16
<PAGE>
indicators. Massachusetts local governmental entities are subject to certain
limitations on their taxing power that could affect their ability or the ability
of the Commonwealth to meet their respective financial obligations. See
"Investing in Massachusetts" in the Funds' Statement of Additional Information
for further details about the risks of investing in Massachusetts municipal
securities.
Lower-grade debt securities. While each Fund invests 75% of its assets in
investment-grade securities, each may invest a portion of its assets in
lower-grade securities rated below Baa by Moody's or below BBB by S&P or Fitch.
Securities rated below investment-grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds"
and involve greater price volatility and higher degrees of speculation with
respect to the payment of principal and interest than higher quality
fixed-income securities. The market prices of such lower-rated debt securities
may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty. In
addition, the trading market for these securities is generally less liquid than
for higher rated securities and a Fund may have difficulty disposing of these
securities at the time it wishes to. The lack of a liquid secondary market for
certain securities may also make it more difficult for a Fund to obtain accurate
market quotations for purposes of valuing its portfolio and calculating its net
asset value.
Third party puts. In connection with a third party put, the financial
institution granting the option does not provide credit enhancement, and
typically if there is a default on or significant downgrading of the bond or a
loss of its tax-exempt status, the put option will terminate automatically and
the risk to the Funds will be that of holding a long-term bond.
Municipal lease obligations. Municipal lease obligations and participation
interests in such obligations frequently have risks distinct from those
associated with general obligation or revenue bonds. Municipal lease obligations
are not secured by the governmental issuer's credit, and if funds are not
appropriated for lease payments, the lease may terminate, with the possibility
of default on the lease obligation and significant loss to the Funds. Although
"non-appropriation" obligations are secured by the leased property, disposition
of that property in the event of foreclosure might prove difficult, time
consuming and costly. In addition, the tax treatment of such obligations in the
event of non-appropriation is unclear. In evaluating the credit quality of a
municipal lease obligation that is unrated, the Adviser will consider a number
of factors including the likelihood that the governmental issuer will
discontinue appropriating funding for the leased property.
Illiquid investments. The absence of a trading market can make it difficult to
ascertain a market value for illiquid investments. Disposing of illiquid
investments may involve time-consuming negotiation and legal expenses, and it
may be difficult or impossible for a Fund to sell them promptly at an acceptable
price.
Indexed securities. Indexed securities may be positively or negatively indexed,
so that appreciation of the reference instrument may produce an increase or a
decrease in the interest rate or value at maturity of the security. In addition,
the change in the interest rate or value at maturity of the security may be some
multiple of the change in the value of the reference instrument. Thus, in
addition to the credit risk of the security's issuer, a Fund will bear the
market risk of the reference instrument.
Strategic Transactions and derivatives. Strategic Transactions, including
derivative contracts, have risks associated with them including possible default
by the other party to the transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the
Adviser's view as to certain market movements is incorrect, the risk that the
use of such Strategic Transactions could result in losses greater than if they
17
<PAGE>
Additional information about policies and investments (cont'd)
had not been used. Use of put and call options may result in losses to a Fund,
force the purchase or sale of portfolio securities at inopportune times or for
prices higher than (in the case of put options) or lower than (in the case of
call options) current market values, limit the amount of appreciation a Fund can
realize on its investments or cause a Fund to hold a security it might otherwise
sell.
The use of options and futures transactions entails certain other risks. In
particular, the variable degree of correlation between price movements of
futures contracts and price movements in the related portfolio position of a
Fund creates the possibility that losses on the hedging instrument may be
greater than gains in the value of a Fund's position. In addition, futures and
options markets may not be liquid in all circumstances and certain
over-the-counter options may have no markets. As a result, in certain markets, a
Fund might not be able to close out a transaction without incurring substantial
losses, if at all. Although the use of futures contracts and options
transactions for hedging should tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a
decline in the value of the hedged position, at the same time they tend to limit
any potential gain which might result from an increase in value of such
position. Finally, the daily variation margin requirements for futures contracts
would create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than would purchases of
options, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium.
Losses resulting from the use of Strategic Transactions would reduce net asset
value, and possibly income, and such losses can be greater than if the Strategic
Transactions had not been utilized. The Strategic Transactions that each Fund
may use and some of their risks are described more fully in the Funds' Statement
of Additional Information.
Distribution and performance information
Dividends and capital gains distributions
The Funds' dividends from net investment income are declared daily and
distributed monthly. The Funds intend to distribute net realized capital gains
after utilization of capital loss carryforwards, if any, in November or December
to prevent application of federal excise tax, although an additional
distribution may be made within three months of each Fund's fiscal year end, if
necessary. Any dividends or capital gains distributions declared in October,
November or December with a record date in such a month and paid during the
following January will be treated by shareholders for federal income tax
purposes as if received on December 31 of the calendar year declared. According
to preference, shareholders may receive distributions in cash or have them
reinvested in additional shares of the Funds.
Distributions derived from interest on Massachusetts municipal securities are
not subject to regular federal income taxes, except for the possible
applicability of the federal alternative minimum tax. For federal income tax
purposes, a portion of the Funds' income may be taxable to shareholders as
ordinary income. Long-term capital gains distributions, if any, are taxable as
long-term capital gains for federal income tax purposes, regardless of the
length of time shareholders have owned their shares. Short-term capital gains
and any other taxable income distributions are taxable as ordinary income.
Distributions of tax-exempt income are taken into consideration in computing the
portion, if any, of Social Security and railroad retirement benefits subject to
federal and, in some cases, state taxes.
Under Massachusetts law, dividends paid by the Funds are exempt from
Massachusetts personal income tax for individuals who reside in Massachusetts to
the extent such dividends are exempt from regular federal income tax and are
18
<PAGE>
identified by the Funds as derived from interest payments on Massachusetts
municipal securities and certain other qualifying securities (including Puerto
Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam). Long-term capital gains distributions
are taxable as long-term capital gains, except such distributions which the
Funds identify as derived from the sale of certain Massachusetts obligations
which are exempt from Massachusetts personal income tax. These obligations,
which are few in number, are those issued pursuant to legislation which
specifically exempts gain on their sale from Massachusetts income taxation.
The Funds expect to ordinarily provide income that is 100% free from
Massachusetts personal income tax and regular federal income tax. However, gains
from certain Strategic Transactions are taxable.
Some of the Funds' interest income may be treated as a tax preference item that
may subject an individual investor to liability (or increased liability) under
the federal alternative minimum tax, depending upon an investor's particular
situation. However, at least 80% of each Fund's net assets will normally be
invested in Massachusetts municipal securities whose interest income is not
treated as a tax preference item under the individual alternative minimum tax.
Tax-exempt income may also subject a corporate investor to liability (or
increased liability) under the corporate alternative minimum tax.
Each Fund sends detailed tax information to shareholders about the amount and
type of their distributions by January 31 of the following year.
Performance information
From time to time, quotations of each Fund's performance may be included in
advertisements, sales literature, or shareholder reports. All performance
figures are historical, show the performance of a hypothetical investment and
are not intended to indicate future performance. The "SEC yield" of a Fund is an
annualized expression of the net income generated by a Fund over a specified
30-day (one month) period, as a percentage of a Fund's share price on the last
day of that period. This yield is calculated according to methods required by
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and therefore may not equate
to the level of income paid to shareholders. A Fund's "tax-equivalent yield" is
calculated by determining the rate of return that would have to be achieved on a
fully taxable investment to produce the after-tax equivalent of a Fund's yield,
assuming certain tax brackets for a Fund shareholder. Yields are expressed as
annualized percentages. "Total return" is the change in value of an investment
in a Fund for a specified period. The "average annual total return" of a Fund is
the average annual compound rate of return of an investment in a Fund assuming
the investment has been held for one year, five years and the life of the Fund
as of a stated ending date. (If a Fund has not been in operation for at least
ten years, the life of the Fund is used where applicable.) "Cumulative total
return" represents the cumulative change in value of an investment in a Fund for
various periods. All types of total return calculations assume that all
dividends and capital gains distributions during the period were reinvested in
shares of a Fund. Performance will vary based upon, among other things, changes
in market conditions and the level of each Fund's expenses.
Fund organization
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund and Scudder Massachusetts Tax
Free Fund are series of Scudder State Tax Free Trust (the "Trust"), an open-end
management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "1940 Act"). The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
in May 1983.
19
<PAGE>
Fund organization (cont'd)
The Funds' activities are supervised by the Trust's Board of Trustees.
Shareholders have one vote for each share held on matters on which they are
entitled to vote. The Trust is not required to hold, and has no current
intention of holding annual shareholder meetings, although special meetings may
be called for purposes such as electing or removing Trustees, changing
fundamental investment policies or approving an investment management contract.
Shareholders will be assisted in communicating with other shareholders in
connection with removing a Trustee as if Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act were
applicable.
The prospectuses of both Funds are combined in this prospectus. Each Fund offers
only its own shares, yet it is possible that a Fund might become liable for a
misstatement or omission in the prospectus of the other Fund. The Trustees of
the Trust have considered this and approved the use of a combined prospectus.
Investment adviser
Each Fund retains the investment management firm of Scudder, Stevens & Clark,
Inc., a Delaware corporation, to manage the Fund's daily investment and business
affairs subject to the policies established by the Board of Trustees. The
Trustees have overall responsibility for the management of the Funds under
Massachusetts law.
The Adviser receives monthly an investment management fee for its services equal
to 0.60% of each Fund's average daily net assets on an annual basis.
From November 1, 1994 through February 28, 1995 the Adviser maintained the total
annualized expenses for Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund at 0%,
0.25% from March 1, 1995 to July 31, 1995 and 0.50% from August 1, 1995 to
October 31, 1995. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995, the Adviser
received an investment management fee of 0.05% of the Fund's average daily net
assets on an annualized basis.
The Adviser continued to maintain the total annualized expenses through February
29, 1996 at 0.50% and has agreed to maintain the total annualized expenses for
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund at 0.75% of the average daily
net assets of the Fund until July 31, 1996.
The Adviser maintained the total annualized expenses for Scudder Massachusetts
Tax Free Fund at 0.25% of average daily net assets from April 1, 1994 to July
31, 1994; 0.50% from August 1, 1994 to December 31, 1994 and 0.75% from January
1, 1995 to March 31, 1995. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1995, the Adviser
received an investment management fee of 0.30% of the Fund's average daily net
assets on an annualized basis. The Adviser continued to maintain the annualized
expenses for Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund at 0.75% of the average daily
net assets of the Fund until December 31, 1995.
All of a Fund's expenses are paid out of gross investment income. Shareholders
pay no direct charges or fees for investment services.
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. is located at Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts.
Transfer agent
Scudder Service Corporation, P.O. Box 2291, Boston, Massachusetts 02107-2291, a
subsidiary of the Adviser, is the transfer, shareholder servicing and
dividend-paying agent for the Funds.
Underwriter
Scudder Investor Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the Adviser, is the Funds'
principal underwriter. Scudder Investor Services, Inc. confirms, as agent, all
purchases of shares of each Fund. Scudder Investor Relations is a telephone
information service provided by Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
20
<PAGE>
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company is the Funds' custodian.
Fund accounting agent
Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation, a subsidiary of the Adviser, is responsible
for determining the daily net asset value per share and maintaining the general
accounting records of the Funds.
Transaction information
Purchasing shares
Purchases are executed at the next calculated net asset value per share after
the Funds' transfer agent receives the purchase request in good order. Purchases
are made in full and fractional shares. (See "Share price.")
By check. If you purchase shares with a check that does not clear, your purchase
will be canceled and you will be subject to any losses or fees incurred in the
transaction. Checks must be drawn on or payable through a U.S. bank. If you
purchase shares by check and redeem them within seven business days of purchase,
a Fund may hold redemption proceeds until the purchase check has cleared. If you
purchase shares by federal funds wire, you may avoid this delay. Redemption or
exchange requests by telephone or by "Write-A-Check," in the case of Scudder
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund, prior to the expiration of the
seven-day period will not be accepted.
By wire. To open a new account by wire, first call Scudder at 1-800-225-5163 to
obtain an account number. A representative will instruct you to send a
completed, signed application to the transfer agent. Accounts cannot be opened
without a completed, signed application and a Scudder fund account number.
Contact your bank to arrange a wire transfer to:
The Scudder Funds
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Boston, MA 02101
ABA Number 011000028
DDA Account 9903-5552
Your wire instructions must also include:
- -- the name of the fund in which the money is to be invested,
- -- the account number of the fund, and
- -- the name(s) of the account holder(s).
The account will be established once the application and money order are
received in good order.
You may also make additional investments of $100 or more to your existing
account by wire.
By exchange. Your new account will have the same registration and address as
your existing account.
The exchange requirements for corporations, other organizations, trusts,
fiduciaries, agents, institutional investors and retirement plans may be
different from those for regular accounts. Please call 1-800-225-5163 for more
information, including information about the transfer of special account
features.
You can also make exchanges among your Scudder fund accounts on SAIL, the
Scudder Automated Information Line, by calling 1-800-343-2890.
By "AutoBuy." If you elected "AutoBuy" for your account, you can call toll-free
to purchase shares. The money will be automatically transferred from your
predesignated bank checking account. Your bank must be a member of the Automated
Clearing House for you to use this service. If you did not elect "AutoBuy," call
1-800-225-5163 for more information.
To purchase additional shares, call 1-800-225-5163. Purchases must be for at
least $250 but not more than $250,000. Proceeds in the amount of your purchase
will be transferred from your bank checking account in two or three business
days following your call. For requests
21
<PAGE>
Transaction information (cont'd)
received by the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the
"Exchange"), shares will be purchased at the net asset value per share
calculated at the close of trading on the day of your call. "AutoBuy" requests
received after the close of regular trading on the Exchange will begin their
processing and be purchased at the net asset value calculated the following
business day.
If you purchase shares by "AutoBuy" and redeem them within seven days of the
purchase, the Fund may hold the redemption proceeds for a period of up to seven
business days. If you purchase shares and there are insufficient funds in your
bank account, the purchase will be canceled and you will be subject to any
losses or fees incurred in the transaction. "AutoBuy" transactions are not
available for Scudder IRA accounts and most other retirement plan accounts.
Redeeming shares
The Funds allow you to redeem shares (i.e., sell them back to each Fund) without
redemption fees.
By telephone. This is the quickest and easiest way to sell Fund shares. If you
elected telephone redemption to your bank on your application, you can call to
request that federal funds be sent to your authorized bank account. If you did
not elect telephone redemption to your bank on your application, call
1-800-225-5163 for more information.
Redemption proceeds will be wired to your bank unless otherwise requested. If
your bank cannot receive federal reserve wires, redemption proceeds will be
mailed to your bank. There will be a $5 charge for all wire redemptions.
You can also make redemptions from your Scudder fund account on SAIL, by calling
1-800-343-2890.
If you open an account by wire, you cannot redeem shares by telephone until the
Funds' transfer agent has received your completed and signed application.
In the event that you are unable to reach the Funds by telephone, you should
write to the Funds; see "How to contact Scudder" for the address.
By "AutoSell." If you elected "AutoSell" for your account, you can call
toll-free to redeem shares. The money will be automatically transferred to your
predesignated bank checking account. Your bank must be a member of the Automated
Clearing House for you to use this service. If you did not elect "AutoSell,"
call 1-800-225-5163 for more information.
To redeem shares, call 1-800-225-5163. Redemptions must be for at least $250.
Proceeds in the amount of your redemption will be transferred to your bank
checking account in two or three business days following your call. For requests
received by the close of regular trading on the Exchange, shares will be
redeemed at the net asset value per share calculated at the close of trading on
the day of your call. "AutoSell" requests received after the close of regular
trading on the Exchange will begin their processing and be redeemed at the net
asset value calculated the following business day.
"AutoSell" transactions are not available for Scudder IRA accounts and most
other retirement plan accounts.
By "Write-A-Check." You may redeem shares of Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term
Tax Free Fund by writing checks against your account balance for at least $100.
Your Fund investments will continue to earn dividends until your check is
presented to the Fund for payment.
Checks will be returned by the Fund's transfer agent if there are insufficient
shares to meet the withdrawal amount. You should not attempt to close an account
by check because the exact balance at the time the check clears will not be
known when the check is written.
Signature guarantees. For your protection and to prevent fraudulent redemptions,
on written redemption requests in excess of $50,000 we require an original
22
<PAGE>
signature and an original signature guarantee for each person in whose name the
account is registered. (Each Fund reserves the right, however, to require a
signature guarantee for all redemptions.) You can obtain a signature guarantee
from most banks, credit unions or savings associations, or from broker/dealers,
municipal securities broker/dealers, government securities broker/dealers,
national securities exchanges, registered securities associations or clearing
agencies deemed eligible by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Signature
guarantees by notaries public are not acceptable. Redemption requirements for
corporations, other organizations, trusts, fiduciaries, agents, institutional
investors and retirement plans may be different from those for regular accounts.
For more information, please call 1-800-225-5163.
Telephone transactions
Shareholders automatically receive the ability to exchange by telephone and the
right to redeem by telephone up to $50,000 to their address of record.
Shareholders also may, by telephone, request that redemption proceeds be sent to
a predesignated bank account. Each Fund uses procedures designed to give
reasonable assurance that telephone instructions are genuine, including
recording telephone calls, testing a caller's identity and sending written
confirmation of telephone transactions. If a Fund does not follow such
procedures, it may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
telephone instructions. Each Fund will not be liable for acting upon
instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably believes to be
genuine.
Share price
Purchases and redemptions, including exchanges, are made at net asset value.
Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation determines the net asset value per share for
each Fund as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange, normally 4 p.m.
eastern time, on each day the Exchange is open for trading. Net asset value per
share is calculated by dividing the value of total Fund assets, less all
liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding.
Processing time
All purchase and redemption requests must be received in good order by the
Funds' transfer agent. Those requests received by the close of regular trading
on the Exchange are executed at the net asset value per share calculated at the
close of trading that day. Purchase and redemption requests received after the
close of regular trading on the Exchange will be executed the following business
day. Purchases made by federal funds wire before noon eastern time will begin
earning income that day; all other purchases received before the close of
regular trading on the Exchange will begin earning income the next business day.
Redeemed shares will earn income on the day on which the redemption request is
executed.
If you wish to make a purchase of $500,000 or more, you should notify Scudder
Investor Relations by calling 1-800-225-5163.
Each Fund will normally send redemption proceeds within one business day
following the redemption request, but may take up to seven business days (or
longer in the case of shares recently purchased by check).
Short-term trading
Purchases and sales should be made for long-term investment purposes only. The
Funds and Scudder Investor Services, Inc. each reserve the right to restrict
purchases of a Fund's shares (including exchanges) when a pattern of frequent
purchases and sales made in response to short-term fluctuations in a Fund's
share price appears evident.
Tax information
A redemption of shares, including an exchange into another Scudder fund, is a
sale of shares and may result in a gain or loss for income tax purposes.
23
<PAGE>
Transaction information (cont'd)
Tax identification number
Be sure to complete the Tax Identification Number section of the Fund's
application when you open an account. Federal tax law requires a Fund to
withhold 31% of taxable dividends, capital gains distributions and redemption
and exchange proceeds from accounts (other than those of certain exempt payees)
without a certified Social Security or tax identification number and certain
other certified information or upon notification from the IRS or a broker that
withholding is required. Each Fund reserves the right to reject new account
applications without a certified Social Security or tax identification number.
Each Fund also reserves the right, following 30 days' notice, to redeem all
shares in accounts without a certified Social Security or tax identification
number. A shareholder may avoid involuntary redemption by providing the Fund
with a tax identification number during the 30-day notice period.
Minimum balances
Shareholders should maintain a share balance worth at least $1,000, which amount
may be changed by the Board of Trustees. Scudder retirement plans have similar
or lower minimum share balance requirements. Each Fund reserves the right,
following 60 days' written notice to shareholders, to redeem all shares in sub-
minimum accounts, including accounts of new investors, where a reduction in
value has occurred due to a redemption or exchange out of the account.
Reductions in value that result solely from market activity will not trigger an
involuntary redemption. Each Fund will mail the proceeds of the redeemed account
to the shareholder. The shareholder may restore the share balance to $1,000 or
more during the 60-day notice period and must maintain it at no lower than that
minimum to avoid involuntary redemption.
Third party transactions
If purchases and redemptions of Fund shares are arranged and settlement is made
at an investor's election through a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., other than Scudder Investor Services, Inc., that
member may, at its discretion, charge a fee for that service.
Shareholder benefits
Experienced professional management
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc., one of the nation's most experienced investment
management firms, actively manages your Scudder fund investment. Professional
management is an important advantage for investors who do not have the time or
expertise to invest directly in individual securities.
A team approach to investing
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund and Scudder Massachusetts Tax
Free Fund are each managed by a team of Scudder investment professionals who
each play an important role in the Funds' management process. Team members work
together to develop investment strategies and select securities for the Funds'
portfolios. They are supported by Scudder's large staff of economists, research
analysts, traders and other investment specialists. We believe our team approach
benefits Fund investors by bringing together many disciplines and leveraging
Scudder's extensive resources.
Philip G. Condon, Lead Portfolio Manager of each Fund, joined Scudder in 1983
and has 15 years of experience in municipal investing and portfolio management.
Mr. Condon has had responsibility for Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax
Free Fund since its inception in 1994 and since 1989 for Scudder Massachusetts
Tax Free Fund. Kathleen A. Meany, Portfolio Manager of each Fund, has worked on
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund since it was introduced and
24
<PAGE>
since 1988 for Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund. Ms. Meany joined Scudder in
1988 and has 18 years of municipal investment and portfolio management
experience.
SAIL(TM)--Scudder Automated Information Line
For personalized account information including fund prices, yields and account
balances, to perform transactions in existing Scudder fund accounts, or to
obtain information on any Scudder fund, shareholders can call Scudder's
Automated Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-343-2890, 24 hours a day. During
periods of extreme economic or market changes, or other conditions, it may be
difficult for you to effect telephone transactions in your account. In such an
event you should write to the Fund; please see "How to contact Scudder" for the
address.
Investment flexibility
Scudder offers toll-free telephone exchange between funds at current net asset
value. You can move your investments among money market, income, growth,
tax-free and growth and income funds with a simple toll-free call or, if you
prefer, by sending your instructions through the mail or by fax. Telephone and
fax redemptions and exchanges are subject to termination and their terms are
subject to change at any time by the Fund or the transfer agent. In some cases,
the transfer agent or Scudder Investor Services, Inc. may impose additional
conditions on telephone transactions.
Dividend reinvestment plan
You may have dividends and distributions automatically reinvested in additional
Fund shares. Please call 1-800-225-5163 to request this feature.
Shareholder statements
You receive a detailed account statement every time you purchase or redeem
shares. All of your statements should be retained to help you keep track of
account activity and the cost of shares for tax purposes.
Shareholder reports
In addition to account statements, you receive periodic shareholder reports
highlighting relevant information, including investment results and a review of
portfolio changes.
To reduce the volume of mail you receive, only one copy of most Fund reports,
such as the Fund's Annual Report, may be mailed to your household (same surname,
same address). Please call 1-800-225-5163 if you wish to receive additional
shareholder reports.
Newsletters
Four times a year, Scudder sends you Perspectives, an informative newsletter
covering economic and investment developments, service enhancements and other
topics of interest to Scudder fund investors.
Scudder Funds Centers
As a convenience to shareholders who like to conduct business in person, Scudder
Investor Services, Inc. maintains Funds Centers in Boca Raton, Boston, Chicago,
Cincinnati, Los Angeles, New York, Portland (OR), San Diego, San Francisco and
Scottsdale.
T.D.D. service for the hearing impaired
Scudder's full range of investor information and shareholder services is
available to hearing impaired investors through a toll-free T.D.D. (Telephone
Device for the Deaf) service. If you have access to a T.D.D., call
1-800-543-7916 for investment information or specific account questions and
transactions.
25
<PAGE>
Scudder tax-advantaged retirement plans
Scudder offers a variety of tax-advantaged retirement plans for individuals,
businesses and non-profit organizations. These flexible plans are designed for
use with the Scudder Family of Funds (except Scudder tax-free funds, which are
inappropriate for such plans). Scudder Funds offer a broad range of investment
objectives and can be used to seek almost any investment goal. Using Scudder's
retirement plans can help shareholders save on current taxes while building
their retirement savings.
o Scudder No-Fee IRA
o 401(k) Plans
o Profit Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans (Keogh Plans)
o 403(b) Plans
o SEP-IRA
o Scudder Horizon Plan (a variable annuity)
Scudder Trust Company (an affiliate of the Adviser) is Trustee or Custodian for
some of these plans and is paid an annual fee for some of the above retirement
plans. For information about establishing a Scudder No-Fee IRA, SEP-IRA, Profit
Sharing Plan, Money Purchase Pension Plan or a Scudder Horizon Plan, please call
1-800-225-2470. For information about 401(k)s or 403(b)s, please call
1-800-323-6105. To effect transactions in existing IRA, SEP-IRA, Profit Sharing
or Pension Plan accounts, call 1-800-225-5163.
The variable annuity contract is provided by Charter National Life Insurance
Company (in New York State, Intramerica Life Insurance Company [S 1802]). The
contract is offered by Scudder Insurance Agency, Inc. (in New York State, Nevada
and Montana, Scudder Insurance Agency of New York, Inc.). CNL, Inc. is the
Principal Underwriter. Scudder Horizon Plan is not available in all states.
Trustees and Officers
David S. Lee*
President and Trustee
Henry P. Becton, Jr.
Trustee; President and General Manager, WGBH Educational Foundation
Dawn-Marie Driscoll
Trustee; Attorney and Corporate Director
Peter B. Freeman
Trustee; Corporate Director and Trustee
Dudley H. Ladd*
Trustee
Wesley W. Marple, Jr.
Trustee; Professor of Business Administration, Northeastern University
College of Business Administration
Juris Padegs*
Trustee
Daniel Pierce*
Trustee
Jean C. Tempel
Trustee; General Partner, TL Ventures
Donald C. Carleton*
Vice President
Philip G. Condon*
Vice President
Jerard K. Hartman*
Vice President
Thomas W. Joseph*
Vice President
Jeremy L. Ragus*
Vice President
Rebecca Wilson*
Vice President
Thomas F. McDonough*
Vice President and Secretary
Pamela A. McGrath*
Vice President and Treasurer
Edward J. O'Connell*
Vice President and Assistant Treasurer
Coleen Downs Dinneen*
Assistant Secretary
* Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.
26
<PAGE>
Investment products and services
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
The Scudder Family of Funds Income
Money market Scudder Emerging Markets Income Fund
Scudder Cash Investment Trust Scudder Global Bond Fund
Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund Scudder GNMA Fund
Tax free money market+ Scudder Income Fund
Scudder Tax Free Money Fund Scudder International Bond Fund
Scudder California Tax Free Money Fund* Scudder Short Term Bond Fund
Scudder New York Tax Free Money Fund* Scudder Zero Coupon 2000 Fund
Tax free+ Growth
Scudder California Tax Free Fund* Scudder Capital Growth Fund
Scudder High Yield Tax Free Fund Scudder Development Fund
Scudder Limited Term Tax Free Fund Scudder Global Fund
Scudder Managed Municipal Bonds Scudder Global Small Company Fund
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund* Scudder Gold Fund
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund* Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund
Scudder Medium Term Tax Free Fund Scudder International Fund
Scudder New York Tax Free Fund* Scudder Latin America Fund
Scudder Ohio Tax Free Fund* Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund
Scudder Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund* Scudder Quality Growth Fund
Growth and Income Scudder Small Company Value Fund
Scudder Balanced Fund Scudder Value Fund
Scudder Growth and Income Fund The Japan Fund
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retirement Plans and Tax-Advantaged Investments
IRAs 403(b) Plans
Keogh Plans SEP-IRAs
Scudder Horizon Plan*+++ (a variable annuity) Profit Sharing and
401(k) Plans Money Purchase Pension Plans
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Closed-end Funds#
The Argentina Fund, Inc. Scudder New Europe Fund, Inc.
The Brazil Fund, Inc. Scudder World Income Opportunities Fund, Inc.
The First Iberian Fund, Inc.
The Korea Fund, Inc. Institutional Cash Management
The Latin America Dollar Income Fund, Inc. Scudder Institutional Fund, Inc.
Montgomery Street Income Securities, Inc. Scudder Fund, Inc.
Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc. Scudder Treasurers Trust(TM)++
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
For complete information on any of the above Scudder funds, including
management fees and expenses, call or write for a free prospectus. Read it
carefully before you invest or send money. +A portion of the income from the
tax-free funds may be subject to federal, state and local taxes. *Not available
in all states. +++A no-load variable annuity contract provided by Charter
National Life Insurance Company and its affiliate, offered by Scudder's
insurance agencies, 1-800-225-2470. #These funds, advised by Scudder, Stevens &
Clark, Inc., are traded on various stock exchanges. ++For information on
Scudder Treasurers Trust(TM), an institutional cash management service that
utilizes certain portfolios of Scudder Fund, Inc. ($100,000 minimum), call:
1-800-541-7703.
27
<PAGE>
How to contact Scudder
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<C> <C> <C>
Account Service and Information: Please address all correspondence to:
For existing account Scudder Investor The Scudder Funds
service and transactions Relations P.O. Box 2291
1-800-225-5163 Boston, Massachusetts
02107-2291
For personalized Scudder Automated
information about your Information Line
Scudder accounts; (SAIL)
exchanges and 1-800-343-2890
redemptions; or
information on any
Scudder fund
Investment Information: Or Stop by a Scudder Funds Center:
To receive information Scudder Investor Many shareholders enjoy the personal, one-on-one
about the Scudder funds, Relations service of the Scudder Funds Centers. Check for a
for additional applications 1-800-225-2470 Funds Center near you--they can be found in the
and prospectuses, or for following cities:
investment questions
For establishing 401(k) and Scudder Defined Boca Raton New York
403(b) plans Contribution Boston Portland, OR
Services Chicago San Diego
1-800-323-6105 Cincinnati San Francisco
Los Angeles Scottsdale
For information on Scudder Treasurers Trust(TM), an For information on Scudder Institutional Funds*,
institutional cash management service for funds designed to meet the broad investment
corporations, non-profit organizations and trusts which management and service needs of banks and
utilizes certain portfolios of Scudder Fund, Inc.* other institutions, call: 1-800-854-8525.
($100,000 minimum), call: 1-800-541-7703.
Scudder Investor Relations and Scudder Funds Centers are services provided
through Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Distributor.
* Contact Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Distributor, to receive a
prospectus with more complete information, including management fees and
expenses. Please read it carefully before you invest or send money.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED TERM TAX FREE FUND
and
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS TAX FREE FUND
Two Pure No-Load(TM) (No Sales Charges) Mutual Funds
Specializing in the Management
of Massachusetts Municipal
Security Portfolios
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
March 1, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This combined Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus
and should be read in conjunction with the combined prospectus of Scudder
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund and Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund
dated March 1, 1996, as amended from time to time, a copy of which may be
obtained without charge by writing to Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Two
International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-4103.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES..........................................................................1
General Investment Objective and Policies of Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund................1
General Investment Objective and Policies of Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund.............................2
Municipal Obligations........................................................................................2
Management Strategies........................................................................................5
Special Considerations.......................................................................................6
Trustees' Power to Change Objective and Policies............................................................19
Investment Restrictions.....................................................................................19
PURCHASES............................................................................................................23
Additional Information About Opening an Account.............................................................23
Checks......................................................................................................23
Wire Transfer of Federal Funds..............................................................................23
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments by AutoBuy.......................................24
Share Price.................................................................................................24
Share Certificates..........................................................................................24
Other Information...........................................................................................24
EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS............................................................................................25
Exchanges...................................................................................................25
Redemption by Telephone.....................................................................................26
Redemption By AutoSell......................................................................................26
Redemption by Mail or Fax...................................................................................27
Redemption by Write-a-Check.................................................................................27
Other Information...........................................................................................27
FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND............................................................................28
The Pure No-Load(TM) Concept................................................................................28
Dividend and Capital Gain Distribution Options..............................................................29
Scudder Funds Centers.......................................................................................29
Reports to Shareholders.....................................................................................29
Transaction Summaries.......................................................................................29
THE SCUDDER FAMILY OF FUNDS..........................................................................................29
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS................................................................................................33
Automatic Withdrawal Plan...................................................................................33
Cash Management System - Group Sub-Accounting Plan for Trust Accounts, Nominees and Corporations............33
Automatic Investment Plan...................................................................................34
Uniform Transfers/Gifts to Minors Act.......................................................................34
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS............................................................................34
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION..............................................................................................35
Average Annual Total Return.................................................................................35
Cumulative Total Return.....................................................................................35
Total Return................................................................................................36
Yield.......................................................................................................36
Tax-Equivalent Yield........................................................................................36
Comparison of Portfolio Performance.........................................................................37
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUNDS............................................................................................40
INVESTMENT ADVISER...................................................................................................41
Personal Investments by Employees of the Adviser............................................................44
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Page
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS................................................................................................44
REMUNERATION.........................................................................................................46
DISTRIBUTOR..........................................................................................................47
TAXES................................................................................................................48
Federal Taxation............................................................................................48
State Taxation..............................................................................................51
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS...............................................................................................52
Brokerage Commissions.......................................................................................52
Portfolio Turnover..........................................................................................53
NET ASSET VALUE......................................................................................................53
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...............................................................................................54
Experts.....................................................................................................54
Shareholder Indemnification.................................................................................54
Ratings of Municipal Obligations............................................................................54
Commercial Paper Ratings....................................................................................55
Glossary....................................................................................................56
Other Information...........................................................................................56
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.................................................................................................57
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund........................................................................57
Massachusetts Tax Free Fund.....................................................................................57
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE>
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
(See "Investment objective and policies" and
"Additional information about policies and
investments" in the Funds' prospectus.)
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund and Scudder
Massachusetts Tax Free Fund (each a "Fund," collectively the "Funds") are series
of Scudder State Tax Free Trust (the "Trust"). The Trust is a pure no-load(TM)
open-end management investment company presently consisting of six series.
General Investment Objective and Policies of Scudder Massachusetts Limited
Term Tax Free Fund
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund ("Massachusetts
Limited Term Tax Free Fund") seeks to provide Massachusetts taxpayers with as
high a level of income exempt from Massachusetts personal income tax and regular
federal income tax, as is consistent with a high degree of price stability
through a professionally managed portfolio consisting primarily of investment
grade municipal securities. In pursuit of its objective, the Fund expects to
invest at least 75% of its assets in Massachusetts municipal securities that are
rated Baa or better by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), BBB or
better by Standard and Poor's ("S&P"), or Fitch Investors Service, Inc.
("Fitch"), or in securities considered to be of equivalent quality. There can be
no assurance that the objective of the Fund will be achieved or that all income
to shareholders which is exempt from regular federal income taxes will be exempt
from state income or local taxes or that income exempt from regular federal
income tax will be exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax.
The Fund's portfolio consists primarily of obligations issued by
municipalities located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and other qualifying
issuers (including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam) whose interest
payments, if distributed to Massachusetts residents, would be exempt, in the
opinion of bond counsel rendered on the date of issuance, from Massachusetts
personal income as well as regular federal income taxes. Because the Fund is
intended for investors subject to Massachusetts personal income tax and federal
income tax it may not be appropriate for all investors and is not available in
all states. As described below in "Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund's
Investments," the Fund may also invest in taxable obligations.
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund's Investments As a matter of
fundamental policy, which cannot be changed without the approval of a majority
of the Fund's outstanding voting securities (as defined below under "Investment
Restrictions"), at least 80% of the net assets of the Fund will be normally
invested in municipal obligations the income from which is, in the opinion of
bond counsel rendered on the date of issuance, exempt from regular federal and
Massachusetts personal income taxes ("Massachusetts municipal securities")
except that the Fund may temporarily invest more than 20% of its net assets in
securities the income from which may be subject to regular federal and
Massachusetts personal income taxes during periods which, in the opinion of the
Funds' investment adviser, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (the "Adviser"),
require a temporary defensive position for the protection of shareholders. The
Fund may also invest in when-issued or forward delivery securities and strategic
transactions (as defined below). Investors should be aware that shares of the
Fund do not represent a complete investment program.
Normally, at least 80% of the Fund's net assets will be invested in
securities whose interest income is not treated as a tax preference item under
the individual alternative minimum tax. Furthermore, all of the Fund's portfolio
obligations, including short-term obligations, will be (a) rated at the time of
purchase within the six highest quality ratings categories assigned by Moody's,
S&P or Fitch, (b) if not rated, judged at the time of purchase by the Adviser,
to be of a quality comparable to the six highest quality ratings categories of
Moody's, S&P or Fitch and to be readily marketable, or (c) issued or guaranteed
by the U.S. Government. Should the rating of a portfolio security be downgraded,
the Adviser will determine whether it is in the best interest of the Fund to
retain or dispose of the security.
When, in the opinion of the Adviser, defensive considerations or an
unusual disparity between the after-tax income on taxable investments and
comparable Massachusetts municipal securities make it advisable to do so, up to
20% of the Fund's net assets may be held in cash or invested in short-term
taxable investments such as (1) U.S. Treasury notes, bills and bonds; (2)
obligations of agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government; and (3)
money market instruments, such as domestic bank certificates of deposit, finance
company and corporate commercial paper, and banker's acceptances.
<PAGE>
General Investment Objective and Policies of Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund ("Massachusetts Tax Free Fund")
seeks to provide Massachusetts taxpayers with income exempt from Massachusetts
personal income tax and regular federal income tax through a professionally
managed portfolio consisting primarily of investment grade municipal securities.
In pursuit of its objective, the Fund expects to invest principally in
Massachusetts municipal securities that are rated A or better by Moody's, S&P or
Fitch. There can be no assurance that the objective of the Fund will be achieved
or that all income to shareholders which is exempt from regular federal income
taxes will be exempt from state income or local taxes or that income exempt from
regular federal income tax will be exempt from the federal alternative minimum
tax.
The Fund's portfolio consists primarily of obligations issued by
municipalities located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and other qualifying
issuers (including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam) whose interest
payments, if distributed to Massachusetts residents, would be exempt, in the
opinion of bond counsel rendered on the date of issuance, from Massachusetts
state personal income as well as regular federal income taxes. Because the Fund
is intended for investors subject to Massachusetts personal income tax and
federal income tax it may not be appropriate for all investors and is not
available in all states. As described below in "Massachusetts Tax Free Fund's
Investments," the Fund may also invest in taxable obligations.
Massachusetts Tax Free Fund's Investments As a matter of fundamental policy,
which cannot be changed without the approval of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities (as defined below under "Investment
Restrictions"), at least 80% of the net assets of the Fund will be invested in
municipal obligations the income from which, in the opinion of bond counsel
rendered on the date of issuance, is exempt from regular federal and
Massachusetts state personal income taxes ("Massachusetts municipal securities")
except that the Fund may temporarily invest more than 20% of its net assets in
securities the income from which may be subject to regular federal and
Massachusetts state income taxes during periods which, in the opinion of the
Adviser, require a temporary defensive position for the protection of
shareholders. The Fund may also invest in when-issued or forward delivery
securities, enter into repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and
strategic transactions (as defined below). Investors should be aware that shares
of the Fund do not represent a complete investment program.
Normally, at least 80% of the Fund's net assets will be invested in
securities whose interest income is not treated as a tax preference item under
the individual alternative minimum tax. Furthermore, all of the Fund's portfolio
obligations, including short-term obligations, will be (a) rated at the time of
purchase within the six highest grades assigned by Moody's, S&P or Fitch, (b) if
not rated, judged at the time of purchase by the Adviser, to be of a quality
comparable to the six highest ratings of Moody's, S&P or Fitch and to be readily
marketable, or (c) issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government. Should the
rating of a portfolio security be downgraded, the Adviser will determine whether
it is in the best interest of the Fund to retain or dispose of the security.
When, in the opinion of the Adviser, defensive considerations or an
unusual disparity between the after-tax income on taxable investments and
comparable Massachusetts municipal securities make it advisable to do so, up to
20% of the Fund's net assets may be held in cash or invested in short-term
taxable investments such as (1) U.S. Treasury notes, bills and bonds; (2)
obligations of agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government; and (3)
money market instruments, such as domestic bank certificates of deposit, finance
company and corporate commercial paper, and banker's acceptances.
Municipal Obligations
Municipal obligations are issued by or on behalf of states,
territories and possessions of the United States and their political
subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities to obtain funds for various public
purposes. The interest on most of these obligations is generally exempt from
regular federal income tax in the hands of most individual investors, although
it may be subject to the individual and corporate alternative minimum tax.
Interest on municipal obligations issued by Massachusetts issuers is generally
exempt from Massachusetts personal income tax. The two principal classifications
of municipal obligations are "notes" and "bonds."
1. Municipal Notes. Municipal notes are generally used to provide for
short-term capital needs and generally have maturities of one year or less.
Municipal notes include: tax anticipation notes; revenue anticipation notes;
bond anticipation notes; and construction loan notes.
2
<PAGE>
Tax anticipation notes are sold to finance working capital needs of
municipalities. They are generally payable from specific tax revenues expected
to be received at a future date. Tax anticipation notes and revenue anticipation
notes are generally issued in anticipation of various seasonal revenues such as
income, sales, use, and business taxes. Revenue anticipation notes are issued in
expectation of receipt of other types of revenue such as federal revenues
available under the Federal Revenue Sharing Program. Bond anticipation notes are
sold to provide interim financing. These notes are generally issued in
anticipation of long-term financing in the market. In most cases, such financing
provides for the repayment of the notes. Construction loan notes are sold to
provide construction financing. After the projects are successfully completed
and accepted, many projects receive permanent financing through the Federal
Housing Administration under "Fannie Mae" (the Federal National Mortgage
Association) or "Ginnie Mae" (the Government National Mortgage Association).
There are, of course, a number of other types of notes issued for different
purposes and secured differently from those described above.
2. Municipal Bonds. Municipal bonds, which meet longer term capital
needs and generally have maturities of more than one year when issued, have two
principal classifications: "general obligation" bonds and "revenue" bonds.
Issuers of general obligation bonds include states, counties, cities,
towns and regional districts. The proceeds of these obligations are used to fund
a wide range of public projects including the construction or improvement of
schools, highways and roads, water and sewer systems and a variety of other
public purposes. The basic security of general obligation bonds is the issuer's
pledge of its faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of principal and
interest. The taxes that can be levied for the payment of debt service may be
limited or unlimited as to rate or amount or special assessments.
The principal security for a revenue bond is generally the net revenues
derived from a particular facility or group of facilities or, in some cases,
from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source. Revenue
bonds have been issued to fund a wide variety of capital projects including:
electric, gas, water and sewer systems; highways, bridges and tunnels; port and
airport facilities; colleges and universities; and hospitals. Although the
principal security behind these bonds varies widely, many provide additional
security in the form of a debt service reserve fund whose monies may also be
used to make principal and interest payments on the issuer's obligations.
Housing finance authorities have a wide range of security including partially or
fully insured, rent subsidized and/or collateralized mortgages, and/or the net
revenues from housing or other public projects. In addition to a debt service
reserve fund, some authorities provide further security in the form of a state's
ability (without obligation) to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve
fund. Lease rental revenue bonds issued by a state or local authority for
capital projects are secured by annual lease rental payments from the state or
locality to the authority sufficient to cover debt service on the authority's
obligations.
Industrial development and pollution control bonds, although nominally
issued by municipal authorities, are generally not secured by the taxing power
of the municipality but are secured by the revenues of the authority derived
from payments by the industrial user. Under federal tax legislation, certain
types of Industrial Development Bonds and Pollution Control Bonds may no longer
be issued on a tax-exempt basis, although previously-issued bonds of these types
and certain refundings of such bonds are not affected. Each Fund may invest more
than 25% of its assets in industrial development or other private activity
bonds, subject to each Fund's fundamental investment policies, and also subject
to each Fund's current intention not to invest in municipal securities whose
investment income is taxable or subject to each Fund's 20% limitation on
investing in AMT bonds. For the purposes of each Fund's investment limitation
regarding concentration of investments in any one industry, industrial
development or other private activity bonds ultimately payable by companies
within the same industry will be considered as if they were issued by issuers in
the same industry.
3. Other Municipal Obligations. There is, in addition, a variety of
hybrid and special types of municipal obligations as well as numerous
differences in the security of municipal obligations both within and between the
two principal classifications above.
Each Fund may purchase variable rate demand instruments that are
tax-exempt municipal obligations providing for a periodic adjustment in the
interest rate paid on the instrument according to changes in interest rates
generally. These instruments also permit a Fund to demand payment of the unpaid
3
<PAGE>
principal balance plus accrued interest upon a specified number of days' notice
to the issuer or its agent. The demand feature may be backed by a bank letter of
credit or guarantee issued with respect to such instrument. Each Fund intends to
exercise the demand only (1) upon a default under the terms of the municipal
obligation, (2) as needed to provide liquidity to a Fund, or (3) to maintain an
investment grade investment portfolio. A bank that issues a repurchase
commitment may receive a fee from a Fund for this arrangement. The issuer of a
variable rate demand instrument may have a corresponding right to prepay in its
discretion the outstanding principal of the instrument plus accrued interest
upon notice comparable to that required for the holder to demand payment.
The variable rate demand instruments that a Fund may purchase are
payable on demand on not more than thirty calendar days' notice. The terms of
the instruments provide that interest rates are adjustable at intervals ranging
from daily up to six months, and the adjustments are based upon the prime rate
of a bank or other appropriate interest rate adjustment index as provided in the
respective instruments. A Fund will determine the variable rate demand
instruments that it will purchase in accordance with procedures approved by the
Trustees to minimize credit risks. The Adviser may determine that an unrated
variable rate demand instrument meets a Fund's quality criteria by reason of
being backed by a letter of credit or guarantee issued by a bank that meets the
quality criteria for a Fund. Thus, either the credit of the issuer of the
municipal obligation or the guarantor bank or both will meet the quality
standards of a Fund. The Adviser will reevaluate each unrated variable rate
demand instrument held by a Fund on a quarterly basis to determine that it
continues to meet a Fund's quality criteria.
The value of the underlying variable rate demand instruments may change
with changes in interest rates generally, but the variable rate nature of these
instruments should minimize changes in value due to interest rate fluctuations.
Accordingly, as interest rates decrease or increase, the potential for capital
gain and the risk of capital loss on the disposition of portfolio securities are
less than would be the case with the comparable portfolio of fixed income
securities. A Fund may purchase variable rate demand instruments on which stated
minimum or maximum rates, or maximum rates set by state law, limit the degree to
which interest on such variable rate demand instruments may fluctuate; to the
extent it does, increases or decreases in value of such variable rate demand
notes may be somewhat greater than would be the case without such limits.
Because the adjustment of interest rates on the variable rate demand instruments
is made in relation to movements of the applicable rate adjustment index, the
variable rate demand instruments are not comparable to long-term fixed interest
rate securities. Accordingly, interest rates on the variable rate demand
instruments may be higher or lower than current market rates for fixed rate
obligations of comparable quality with similar final maturities.
The maturity of the variable rate demand instrument held by a Fund will
ordinarily be deemed to be the longer of (1) the notice period required before a
Fund is entitled to receive payment of the principal amount of the instrument or
(2) the period remaining until the instrument's next interest rate adjustment.
4. General Considerations. An entire issue of municipal obligations may
be purchased by one or a small number of institutional investors such as either
Fund. Thus, the issue may not be said to be publicly offered. Unlike securities
which must be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 prior to offer and
sale unless an exemption from such registration is available, municipal
obligations which are not publicly offered may nevertheless be readily
marketable. A secondary market exists for municipal obligations which were not
publicly offered initially.
Obligations purchased for a Fund are subject to the limitations on
holdings of securities which are not readily marketable contained in a Fund's
investment restrictions. The Adviser determines whether a municipal obligation
is readily marketable based on whether it may be sold in a reasonable time
consistent with the customs of the municipal markets (usually seven days) at a
price (or interest rate) which accurately reflects its value. In addition,
Stand-by Commitments and demand obligations also enhance marketability.
For the purpose of a Fund's investment restrictions, the identification
of the "issuer" of municipal obligations which are not general obligation bonds
is made by the Adviser on the basis of the characteristics of the obligation as
described above, the most significant of which is the source of funds for the
payment of principal of and interest on such obligations.
Each Fund expects that it will not invest more than 25% of its total
assets in municipal obligations the security of which is derived from any one of
the following categories: hospitals and health facilities; turnpikes and toll
roads; ports and airports; or colleges and universities. Each Fund may invest
4
<PAGE>
more than 25% of its total assets in municipal obligations of one or more of the
following types: public housing authorities; general obligations of states and
localities; lease rental obligations of states and local authorities; state and
local housing finance authorities; municipal utilities systems; bonds that are
secured or backed by the Treasury or other U.S. Government guaranteed
securities; or industrial development and pollution control bonds. There could
be economic, business or political developments, which might affect all
municipal obligations of a similar type. However, each Fund believes that the
most important consideration affecting risk is the quality of particular issues
of municipal obligations, rather than factors affecting all, or broad classes
of, municipal obligations.
Each Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in fixed-income
securities rated below investment grade, that is, below Baa by Moody's, or below
BBB by S&P or Fitch, or in unrated securities considered to be of equivalent
quality. Moody's considers bonds it rates Baa to have speculative elements as
well as investment-grade characteristics. Each Fund may not invest in
fixed-income securities rated below B by Moody's, S&P or Fitch, or their
equivalent. Securities rated below BBB are commonly referred to as "junk bonds"
and involve greater price volatility and higher degrees of speculation with
respect to the payment of principal and interest than higher-quality
fixed-income securities. In addition, the trading market for these securities is
generally less liquid than for higher-rated securities and the Funds may have
difficulty disposing of these securities at the time they wish to do so. The
lack of a liquid secondary market for certain securities may also make it more
difficult for the Funds to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of
valuing their portfolios and calculating their net asset values.
Issuers of junk bonds may be highly leveraged and may not have
available to them more traditional methods of financing. Therefore, the risks
associated with acquiring the securities of such issuers generally are greater
than is the case with higher rated securities. For example, during an economic
downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, issuers of high yield
securities may be more likely to experience financial stress, especially if such
issuers are highly leveraged. In addition, the market for high yield municipal
securities is relatively new and has not weathered a major economic recession,
and it is unknown what effects such a recession might have on such securities.
During such a period, such issuers may not have sufficient revenues to meet
their interest payment obligations. The issuer's ability to service its debt
obligations also may be adversely affected by specific issuer developments, or
the issuer's inability to meet specific projected business forecasts, or the
unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due to default by the
issuer is significantly greater for the holders of junk bonds because such
securities may be unsecured and may be subordinated to other creditors of the
issuer.
It is expected that a significant portion of the junk bonds acquired by
a Fund will be purchased upon issuance, which may involve special risks because
the securities so acquired are new issues. In such instances a Fund may be a
substantial purchaser of the issue and therefore have the opportunity to
participate in structuring the terms of the offering. Although this may enable a
Fund to seek to protect itself against certain of such risks, the considerations
discussed herein would nevertheless remain applicable.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, which may not be based on
fundamental analysis, also may decrease the value and liquidity of junk bonds,
particularly in a thinly traded market. Factors adversely affecting the market
value of such securities are likely to affect adversely a Fund's net asset
value. In addition, a Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent that it
is required to seek recovery upon a default on a portfolio holding or
participate in the restructuring of the obligation.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995, the average monthly
dollar-weighted market value of the bonds in Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free
Fund's portfolio were as follows: ___% rated AAA, ___% AA, ___% A and ___% BBB.
The bonds are rated by Moody's, S&P or Fitch, or of equivalent quality as
determined by the Adviser.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1995, the average monthly
dollar-weighted market value of the bonds in Massachusetts Tax Free Fund's
portfolio were as follows: 29% rated AAA, 7% AA, 52% A and 12% BBB. The bonds
are rated by Moody's, S&P or Fitch, or of equivalent quality as determined by
the Adviser.
Management Strategies
In pursuit of its investment objective, each Fund purchases securities
that it believes are attractive and competitive values in terms of quality,
yield, and the relationship of current price to maturity value. However,
recognizing the dynamics of municipal obligation prices in response to changes
5
<PAGE>
in general economic conditions, fiscal and monetary policies, interest rate
levels and market forces such as supply and demand for various issues, the
Adviser, subject to the Trustees' review, performs credit analysis and manages
each Fund's portfolio continuously, attempting to take advantage of
opportunities to improve total return, which is a combination of income and
principal performance over the long term. The primary strategies employed in the
management of each Fund's portfolio are:
Emphasis on Credit Analysis. As indicated above, each Fund's portfolio will be
invested in municipal obligations rated within, or judged by the Funds' Adviser
to be of a quality comparable to, the six highest quality ratings categories of
Moody's, S&P or Fitch, or in U.S. Government obligations. The ratings assigned
by Moody's, S&P or Fitch represent their opinions as to the quality of the
securities which they undertake to rate. It should be emphasized, however, that
ratings are relative and are not absolute standards of quality. Furthermore,
even within this segment of the municipal obligation market, relative credit
standing and market perceptions thereof may shift. Therefore, the Adviser
believes that it should review continuously the quality of municipal
obligations.
The Adviser has over many years developed an experienced staff to
assign its own quality ratings which are considered in making value judgments
and in arriving at purchase or sale decisions. Through the discipline of this
procedure the Adviser attempts to discern variations in credit ratings of the
published services and to anticipate changes in credit ratings.
Variations of Maturity. In an attempt to capitalize on the differences in total
return from municipal obligations of differing maturities, maturities may be
varied according to the structure and level of interest rates, and the Adviser's
expectations of changes therein. To the extent that a Fund invests in short-term
maturities, capital volatility will be reduced.
Emphasis on Relative Valuation. The interest rate (and hence price)
relationships between different categories of municipal obligations of the same
or generally similar maturity tend to change constantly in reaction to broad
swings in interest rates and factors affecting relative supply and demand. These
disparities in yield relationships may afford opportunities to implement a
flexible policy of trading a Fund's holdings in order to invest in more
attractive market sectors or specific issues.
Market Trading Opportunities. In pursuit of the above each Fund may engage in
short-term trading (selling securities held for brief periods of time, usually
less than three months) if the Adviser believes that such transactions, net of
costs, would further the attainment of a Fund's objective. The needs of
different classes of lenders and borrowers and their changing preferences and
circumstances have in the past caused market dislocations unrelated to
fundamental creditworthiness and trends in interest rates which have presented
market trading opportunities. There can be no assurance that such dislocations
will occur in the future or that a Fund will be able to take advantage of them.
Each Fund will limit its voluntary short-term trading to the extent such
limitation is necessary for it to qualify as a "regulated investment company"
under the Internal Revenue Code.
Special Considerations
Income Level and Credit Risk. Yield on municipal obligations depends on a
variety of factors, including money market conditions, municipal bond market
conditions, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation
and the quality of the issue. Because each Fund holds primarily investment grade
municipal obligations, the income earned on shares of a Fund will tend to be
less than it might be on a portfolio emphasizing lower quality securities;
investment grade securities, however, may include securities with some
speculative characteristics. Municipal obligations are subject to the provisions
of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of
creditors, such as the federal bankruptcy laws, and laws, if any, which may be
enacted by Congress or state legislatures extending the time for payment of
principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement
of such obligations or upon municipalities to levy taxes. There is also the
possibility that as a result of litigation or other conditions the power or
ability of any one or more issuers to pay when due principal of and interest on
its or their municipal obligations may be materially affected. Each Fund may
invest in municipal securities rated B by S&P, Fitch or Moody's although it
intends to invest principally in securities rated in higher grades. Although
each Fund's quality standards are designed to reduce the credit risk of
investing in a Fund, that risk cannot be entirely eliminated. Shares of a Fund
are not insured by any agency of Massachusetts or of the U.S. Government.
6
<PAGE>
Investing in Massachusetts. The following information as to certain
Massachusetts risk factors is given to investors in view of each Fund's policy
of concentrating its investments in Massachusetts issuers. Such information
constitutes only a brief summary, does not purport to be a complete description
and is based on information from official statements relating to securities
offerings of Massachusetts issuers and other sources believed to be reliable. No
independent verification has been made of the following information.
State Economy. Throughout much of the 1980's, the Commonwealth had a
strong economy which was evidenced by low unemployment and high personal income
growth as compared to national trends. Economic growth in the Commonwealth has
slowed since 1988. All sectors of the economy have experienced job losses,
including the high technology, construction and financial industries. In
addition, the economy has experienced shifts in employment from labor-intensive
manufacturing industries to technology and service-based industries. The
unemployment rate for the Commonwealth as of June 1995 was 5.6% compared to a
national average of 5.8%. Comparisons between 1994 data and data for earlier
years are not advisable, due to the Current Population survey redesign. As of
August 31, 1995 the unemployment compensation trust fund was running a surplus
of $523.9 million. Per capita personal income has grown at a rate lower than the
national average in recent years, but is still one of the highest in the nation.
Moreover, Commonwealth spending exceeded revenues in each of the five
fiscal years commencing fiscal 1987. In particular, from 1987 to 1990, spending
in five major expenditure categories--Medicaid, debt service, public assistance,
group health insurance and transit subsidies--grew at rates in excess of the
rate of inflation for the comparable period. In addition, the Commonwealth's tax
revenues during this period repeatedly failed to meet official forecasts. For
the budgeted funds, operating losses in fiscal 1987 and 1988, of $349 million
and $370 million, respectively, were covered by surpluses carried forward from
prior years. The operating losses in fiscal 1989 and 1990, which totaled $672
million and $1.251 billion, respectively, were covered primarily through deficit
borrowings. During that period, operating fund balances declined from a budget
surplus of $1.072 billion in fiscal 1987 to a deficit of $1.104 billion for the
fiscal year ending 1990.
For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1991, total operating revenues of
the Commonwealth increased by 13.5% over the prior year, to $13.878 billion.
This increase was due chiefly to state tax increases enacted in July, 1990 and
to a substantial federal reimbursement for uncompensated patient care under the
Medicaid program. 1991 expenditures also increased over the prior year to
$13.899 billion resulting in an operating loss in the amount of $21.2 million.
However, after applying the opening fund balances created from proceeds of the
borrowing that financed the fiscal 1990 deficit, no deficit borrowing was
required to close-out fiscal 1991.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1992, the budgeted operating funds
ended with an excess of revenues and other sources over expenditures and other
uses of $312.3 million and with a surplus of $549.4 million, when such excess is
added to the fund balances carried forward from fiscal 1991.
The budgeted operating funds of the Commonwealth ended fiscal 1993 with
a surplus of revenues and other sources over expenditures and other uses of
$13.1 million and aggregate ending fund balances in the budgeted operating funds
of the Commonwealth of approximately $562.5 million. Budgeted revenues and other
sources for fiscal 1993 totaled approximately $14.710 billion, including tax
revenues of $9.930 billion. Total revenues and other sources increased by
approximately 6.9% from fiscal 1992 to 1993, while tax revenues increased by
4.7% for the same period. In July 1992, tax revenues had been estimated to be
approximately $9.685 billion for fiscal 1993. This amount was subsequently
revised during fiscal 1993 to $9.940 billion.
Commonwealth budgeted expenditures and other uses in fiscal 1993
totaled approximately $14.696 billion, which is $1.280 billion or approximately
9.6% higher than fiscal 1992 expenditures and other uses. Fiscal 1993 budgeted
expenditures were $23 million lower than the initial July 1992 estimates of
fiscal 1993 budgeted expenditures.
As of June 30, 1993, after payment of all Local Aid and retirement of
short-term debt, the Commonwealth showed a year-end cash position of
approximately $622.2 million, as compared to a projected position of $485.1
million.
Recent Financial Results. The budgeted operating funds of the
Commonwealth ended fiscal 1994 with a surplus of revenues and other sources over
expenditures and other uses of $26.8 million and aggregate ending fund balances
in the budgeted operating funds of the Commonwealth of approximately $589.3
7
<PAGE>
million. Budgeted revenues and other sources for fiscal 1994 totaled
approximately $15.550 billion, including tax revenues of $10.607 billion, $87
million below the Department of Revenue's fiscal 1994 tax revenue estimate of
$10.694 billion. Total revenues and other sources increased by approximately
5.7% from fiscal 1993 to fiscal 1994 while tax revenues increased by 6.8% for
the same period.
Commonwealth budgeted expenditures and other uses in fiscal 1994
totaled $15.523 billion, which is $826.5 million or approximately 5.6% higher
than fiscal 1993 budgeted expenditures and other uses.
As of June 30, 1994, the Commonwealth showed a year-end cash position
of approximately $757 million, as compared to a projected position of $599
million.
Since 1989, S&P and Moody's have lowered their ratings of the
Commonwealth's general obligation bonds from AA+ and Aa, respectively, to BBB
and Baa, respectively. In March 1992, S&P placed the Commonwealth's general
obligation and related guaranteed bond ratings on CreditWatch with positive
implications, citing such factors as continued progress towards balanced
financial operations and reduced short-term borrowing as the basis for the
positive forecast. As of the date hereof, the Commonwealth's general obligation
bonds are rated A+ by S&P and A1 by Moody's. From time to time, the rating
agencies may further change their ratings.
State Budget. Budgeted revenues and other sources, including non-tax
revenues, collected in fiscal 1995 were approximately $16.392 billion. Budgeted
expenditures and other uses of funds in fiscal 1995 were approximately $16.259
billion, approximately $736 million, or 4.7%, above fiscal 1994 budgeted
expenditures and uses of $15.523 billion. In December, 1994, the Governor signed
into law legislation modifying the capital gains tax by phasing out the tax for
assets held longer than six years and increasing the non-tax status threshold
for personal income tax purposes. The capital gains tax change went into effect
January 1, 1996 and, therefore, did not affect fiscal 1995 tax revenues and may
have only a minor effect on fiscal 1996 tax revenues.
On June 21, 1995, the Governor signed a $16.8 billion budget for the
1996 fiscal year, which when coupled with supplemental appropriations totaled
approximately $16.85 billion. When signed, the fiscal 1996 budget marked the
sixth consecutive year that the budget had been balanced without new taxes or
deficit borrowing. The Executive Office for Administration and Finance projects
that fiscal 1996 spending will total approximately $16.998 billion.
The fiscal 1996 budget is based on numerous spending and revenue
estimates, the achievement of which cannot be assured.
Debt Limits and Outstanding Debt. Growth of tax revenues in the
Commonwealth is limited by law. Tax revenues in each of fiscal years 1988 to
1992 were lower than the limits set by law. In addition, during each of the
fiscal years 1989 through 1991, the official tax revenue forecasts made at the
beginning of the year proved to be substantially more optimistic than the actual
results. The fiscal 1992 budget initially was based on the joint revenue
estimate of $8.292 billion, a 7% decrease from 1991, while actual tax revenues
were $9.484 billion, a 5.4% increase over fiscal 1991. The fiscal 1993 budget
initially was based on the joint revenue estimate of $9.685 billion, an increase
of 2.1% over 1992. The actual 1993 tax revenues were $9.930 billion, a 4.7%
increase over 1992. On May 13, 1993, the tax revenue forecast of the Chairman of
the House and Senate Ways and Means Committee and the Secretary for
Administration and Finance for fiscal 1994 was $10.540 billion, an increase of
6.1% over 1993. Actual fiscal 1994 tax revenues were $10.607 billion, a 6.8%
increase over fiscal 1993.
In May, 1994, the chairpersons of the House and Senate Ways and Means
Committee and the Secretary for Administration and Finance jointly endorsed an
estimate of tax revenues for fiscal 1994 of $11.328 billion, an increase of $634
million, or 5.9%, from then expected tax revenues for fiscal 1994 of $10.694
billion. The fiscal 1995 budget was based upon this tax revenue estimate, less
$19.3 million of tax cuts signed by the Governor in the fiscal 1995 budget.
Fiscal 1995 tax revenue collections were approximately $11.163 billion. Fiscal
1996 tax revenue collections are projected to be approximately $11.653 billion.
Effective July 1, 1990, limitations were placed on the amount of direct
bonds the Commonwealth may have outstanding in a fiscal year, and the amount of
the total appropriation in any fiscal year that may be expended for payment of
principal of and interest on general obligation debt of the Commonwealth was
limited to 10 percent of such appropriation. Bonds in the aggregate principal
amount of $1.399 billion issued in October and December, 1990, under Chapter 151
8
<PAGE>
of the Acts of 1990 to meet the fiscal 1990 deficit are excluded from the
computation of these limitations, and principal of and interest on such bonds
are to be repaid from up to 15% of the Commonwealth's income receipts and tax
receipts in each year that such principal or interest is payable.
Furthermore, certain of the Commonwealth's cities and towns have at
times experienced serious financial difficulties which have adversely affected
their credit standing. For example, due in large part to prior year cutbacks,
the City of Chelsea was forced into receivership in September 1991. The
recurrence of such financial difficulties, or financial difficulties of the
Commonwealth, could adversely affect the market values and marketability, or
result in default in payment on, outstanding obligations issued by the
Commonwealth or its public authorities or municipalities. In addition, recent
developments regarding the Massachusetts statutes which limit the taxing
authority of the Commonwealth or certain Massachusetts governmental entities may
impair the ability of issuers of some Massachusetts obligations to maintain debt
service on their obligations.
The Commonwealth currently has three types of bonds and notes
outstanding: general obligation debt, dedicated income tax debt and special
obligation debt. Dedicated income tax debt consists of general obligation bonds
or notes issued pursuant to Chapter 151 of the Acts of 1990, to which a portion
of the Commonwealth's income tax receipts is dedicated for the payment of debt
service. Special obligation revenue debt consists of special obligation revenue
bonds ("Special Obligation Bonds") issued under Section 20 of Chapter 29 of the
Massachusetts General Laws (the "Special Obligation Act") which may be secured
by all or a portion of the revenues credited to the Commonwealth's Highway Fund.
The Commonwealth has issued Special Obligation Bonds secured by a pledge of two
cents of the Commonwealth's 21-cent gasoline tax. Certain independent
authorities and agencies within the Commonwealth are statutorily authorized to
issue debt for which the Commonwealth is either directly, in whole or in part,
or indirectly liable. The Commonwealth's liabilities with respect to these bonds
and notes are classified as either (i) Commonwealth supported debt; (ii)
Commonwealth guaranteed debt; or (iii) indirect obligations. Indirect
obligations consist of (i) obligations of the Commonwealth to fund capital
reserve funds pledged to certain Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency bonds,
(ii) the obligation of the Commonwealth, acting through the Higher Education
Coordinating Council ("HECC"), to fund debt service, solely from moneys
otherwise appropriated to HECC, on certain community college program bonds
issued by the Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, (iii)
the obligation of the Commonwealth, acting through the Executive Office of
Public Safety ("EOPS"), to fund debt service from amounts appropriated by the
Legislature to EOPS, on certificates of participation issued to finance the new
Plymouth County Correctional Facility, and (iv) the obligation of the
Commonwealth to make lease payments from amounts appropriated by the Legislature
with respect to the Massachusetts Information Technology Center under
construction in Chelsea, Massachusetts. In addition, the Commonwealth has
liabilities under certain tax-exempt capital leases. Guaranteed debt consists of
certain liabilities arising out of the Commonwealth's guarantees of the bonds of
local housing authorities and the four higher education building authorities and
certain bonds of the town of Mashpee. Commonwealth supported debt of the
Commonwealth arises from statutory requirements for payments by the Commonwealth
with respect to debt service of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
(including the Boston Metropolitan District), the Massachusetts Convention
Center Authority, the Massachusetts Government Land Bank, the Steamship
Authority and certain regional transit authorities. Hence, the Commonwealth's
fiscal condition could adversely affect the market values and marketability of,
or result in default in payment on, obligations of certain authorities and
agencies.
Local Governments. Proposition 2 1/2, an initiative petition adopted by
the voters of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on November 4, 1980, constrains
levels of property taxation and limits the charges and fees imposed on cities
and towns by certain governmental entities, including county governments. At the
time Proposition 2 1/2 was enacted, many cities and towns had property tax
levels in excess of the limit and were therefore required to roll back property
taxes with a concurrent loss of revenues. While many communities have responded
to the limits of Proposition 2 1/2 through statutorily permitted overrides and
exclusions (such as exclusion of debt service on specific bonds and notes),
Proposition 2 1/2 has and will continue to restrain significantly the ability of
cities and towns to pay for local services, including certain debt service. To
mitigate the impact of Proposition 2 1/2 on local programs and services since
1980, the Commonwealth has increased payments to its cities, towns and regional
school districts.
Direct Local Aid decreased from $2.937 billion in fiscal 1990 to $2.360
billion in fiscal 1992; increased to $2.547 billion in fiscal 1993 and increased
to $2.727 billion in fiscal 1994. Fiscal 1995 expenditures for direct Local Aid
were $2.976 billion, which is an increase of approximately 9.1% above the fiscal
1994 level. It is estimated that fiscal 1996 expenditures for direct Local Aid
will be $3.242 billion, which is an increase of approximately 8.9% above the
9
<PAGE>
fiscal 1995 level. The additional amount of indirect Local Aid provided over and
above direct Local Aid was approximately $2.069 billion in fiscal 1994. Local
aid payments explicitly remain subject to annual appropriation, and fiscal 1992,
1993, 1994 and 1995 appropriations for local aid did not meet, and fiscal 1996
appropriations for local aid do not meet, the levels set forth in the initiative
law. Reductions in, failure to fund or delays in the payment of local aid may
create financial difficulties for certain municipalities or other local
government entities.
In fiscal 1992, Medicaid accounted for more than half of the
Commonwealth's appropriations for health care. It was the largest item in the
Commonwealth's budget and has been one of the fastest growing budget items. The
Executive Office for Administration and Finance has estimated that Comptroller's
Preliminary Financial Report for fiscal 1995 indicates that Medicaid
expenditures were approximately $3.399 billion. Substantial Medicaid
expenditures in recent years have been provided through supplemental
appropriations because program requirements consistently exceeded initial
appropriations. The large Medicaid expenditure increases experienced in recent
years have been driven by several forces, including rising health care costs in
general and, in particular, forces affecting the aggregate cost of long-term
care for the elderly. Medicaid costs in the long-term care area increased from
$1.158 billion in fiscal 1990 to approximately $1.499 billion in fiscal 1994.
For fiscal 1996, no supplemental Medicaid appropriations are currently expected
to be necessary. The future burdens of long-term care on Medicaid expenditures
are expected to continue to be high.
Pension Liabilities. The aggregate unfunded actuarial liabilities of
the pension systems of the Commonwealth and the unfunded liability of the
Commonwealth related to state employees' and teachers' retirement systems and
the Boston teachers' retirement system and of costs of living increases are
significant--estimated to be approximately $9.651 billion as of January 1, 1993,
on the basis of certain actuarial assumptions. No assurance can be given that
these assumptions will be realized. The legislature adopted a comprehensive
pension bill addressing the issue in January 1988, which requires the
Commonwealth, beginning in fiscal year 1989, to fund future pension liabilities
currently and amortize the Commonwealth's unfunded liabilities over 40 years in
accordance with funding schedules prepared by the Secretary of Administration
and Finance and approved by the legislature. As of December 31, 1994, the
Commonwealth's state pension reserve was approximately $4.925 billion.
When-Issued Securities. Each Fund may purchase securities offered on a
"when-issued" or "forward delivery" basis. When so offered, the price, which is
generally expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time the commitment to
purchase is made, but delivery and payment for the when-issued or forward
delivery securities take place at a later date. During the period between
purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the purchaser to the issuer and
no interest accrues to the purchaser. To the extent that assets of a Fund are
not invested prior to the settlement of a purchase of securities, a Fund will
earn no income; however, it is intended that a Fund will be fully invested to
the extent practicable and subject to the policies stated herein. When-issued or
forward delivery purchases are negotiated directly with the other party, and are
not traded on an exchange. While when-issued or forward delivery securities may
be sold prior to the settlement date, it is intended that a Fund will purchase
such securities with the purpose of actually acquiring them unless a sale
appears desirable for investment reasons. At the time a Fund makes the
commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued or forward delivery basis, it
will record the transaction and reflect the value of the security in determining
its net asset value. Each Fund does not believe that a Fund's net asset value or
income will be adversely affected by its purchase of securities on a when-issued
or forward delivery basis. Each Fund will not enter into such transactions for
leverage purposes.
Stand-by Commitments. Massachusetts Tax Free Fund, subject to the receipt of any
required regulatory authorization, may acquire "stand-by commitments," which
will enable the Fund to improve its portfolio liquidity by making available same
day settlements on portfolio sales (and thus facilitate the payment of same day
payments of redemption proceeds in federal funds). The Fund may enter into such
transactions subject to the limitations in the rules under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"). A stand-by commitment is a right acquired
by the Fund, when it purchases a municipal obligation from a broker, dealer or
other financial institution ("seller"), to sell up to the same principal amount
of such securities back to the seller, at the Fund's option, at a specified
price. Stand-by commitments are also known as "puts." The Fund's investment
policies permit the acquisition of stand-by commitments solely to facilitate
portfolio liquidity. The exercise by the Fund of a stand-by commitment is
subject to the ability of the other party to fulfill its contractual commitment.
Stand-by commitments acquired by the Fund will have the following
features: (1) they will be in writing and will be physically held by the Fund's
custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company; (2) the Fund's rights to
10
<PAGE>
exercise them will be unconditional and unqualified; (3) they will be entered
into only with sellers which in the Adviser's opinion present a minimal risk of
default; (4) although stand-by commitments will not be transferable, municipal
obligations purchased subject to such commitments may be sold to a third party
at any time, even though the commitment is outstanding; and (5) their exercise
price will be (i) the Fund's acquisition cost (excluding the cost, if any, of
the stand-by commitment) of the municipal obligations which are subject to the
commitment (excluding any accrued interest which the Fund paid on their
acquisition), less any amortized market premium or plus any amortized market or
original issue discount during the period the Fund owned the securities, plus
(ii) all interest accrued on the securities since the last interest payment
date. The Fund expects to refrain from exercising a stand-by commitment in the
event that the amount receivable upon exercise of the stand-by commitment is
significantly greater than the then current market value of the underlying
municipal obligations, determined as described below under "Net Asset Value," in
order to avoid imposing a loss on a seller and thus jeopardizing the Fund's
business relationship with that seller.
The Fund expects that stand-by commitments generally will be available
without the payment of any direct or indirect consideration. However, if
necessary or advisable, the Fund will pay for stand-by commitments, either
separately in cash or by paying a higher price for portfolio securities which
are acquired subject to the commitments. As a matter of policy, the total amount
"paid" by the Fund in either manner for outstanding stand-by commitments will
not exceed 1/2 of 1% of the value of the total assets of the Fund calculated
immediately after any stand-by commitment is acquired. If the Fund pays
additional consideration for a stand-by commitment, the yield on the security to
which the stand-by commitment relates will, in effect, be lower than if the Fund
had not acquired such stand-by commitment.
It is difficult to evaluate the likelihood of use or the potential
benefit of a stand-by commitment. Therefore, it is expected that the Trustees
will determine that stand-by commitments ordinarily have a "fair value" of zero,
regardless of whether any direct or indirect consideration was paid. However, if
the market price of the security subject to the stand-by commitment is less than
the exercise price of the stand-by commitment, such security will ordinarily be
valued at such exercise price. Where the Fund has paid for a stand-by
commitment, its cost will be reflected as unrealized depreciation for the period
during which the commitment is held.
Management understands that the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS")
has issued a revenue ruling to the effect that, under specified circumstances, a
registered investment company will be the owner of tax-exempt municipal
obligations acquired subject to a put option. The IRS has also issued private
letter rulings to certain taxpayers (which do not serve as precedent for other
taxpayers) to the effect that tax-exempt interest received by a regulated
investment company with respect to such obligations will be tax-exempt in the
hands of the company and may be distributed to its shareholders as
exempt-interest dividends. The IRS has subsequently announced that it will not
ordinarily issue advance ruling letters as to the identity of the true owner of
property in cases involving the sale of securities or participation interests
therein if the purchaser has the right to cause the security, or the
participation interest therein, to be purchased by either the seller or a third
party. The Fund intends to take the position that it is the owner of any
municipal obligations acquired subject to a stand-by commitment and that
tax-exempt interest earned with respect to such municipal obligations will be
tax-exempt in its hands. There is no assurance that the IRS will agree with such
position in any particular case. There is no assurance that stand-by commitments
will be available to the Fund nor has the Fund assumed that such commitments
would continue to be available under all market conditions.
Third Party Puts. Each Fund may also purchase long-term fixed rate bonds that
have been coupled with an option granted by a third party financial institution
allowing a Fund at specified intervals to tender (or "put") the bonds to the
institution and receive the face value thereof (plus accrued interest). These
third party puts are available in several different forms, may be represented by
custodial receipts or trust certificates and may be combined with other features
such as interest rate swaps. A Fund receives a short-term rate of interest
(which is periodically reset), and the interest rate differential between that
rate and the fixed rate on the bond is retained by the financial institution.
The financial institution granting the option does not provide credit
enhancement, and in the event that there is a default in the payment of
principal or interest or downgrading of a bond to below investment grade or a
loss of its tax-exempt status, the put option will terminate automatically and
the risk to a Fund will be that of holding a long-term bond. A Fund may be
assessed "tender fees" for each tender period at a rate equal to the difference
between the bond's fixed coupon rate and the rate, as determined by a
remarketing or similar agent, that would cause the bond coupled with the option
to trade at par on the date of such determination.
These bonds coupled with puts may present the same tax issues as are
associated with Stand-By Commitments discussed above. Each Fund intends to take
the position that it is the owner of any municipal obligation acquired subject
11
<PAGE>
to a third-party put, and that tax-exempt interest earned with respect to such
municipal obligations will be tax-exempt in its hands. There is no assurance
that the IRS will agree with such position in any particular case. Additionally,
the federal income tax treatment of certain other aspects of these investments,
including the treatment of tender fees and swap payments, in relation to various
regulated investment company tax provisions is unclear. However, the Adviser
intends to manage a Fund's portfolio in a manner designed to minimize any
adverse impact from these investments.
Municipal Lease Obligations and Participation Interests. A municipal lease
obligation may take the form of a lease, installment purchase contract or
conditional sales contract which is issued by a state or local government and
authorities to acquire land, equipment and facilities. Income from such
obligations is generally exempt from state and local taxes in the state of
issuance. Municipal lease obligations frequently involve special risks not
normally associated with general obligations or revenue bonds. Leases and
installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for
title in the leased asset to pass eventually to the governmental issuer) have
evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment
without meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance
of debt. The debt issuance limitations are deemed to be inapplicable because of
the inclusion in many leases or contracts of "non-appropriation" clauses that
relieve the governmental issuer of any obligation to make future payments under
the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purpose by the
appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. In addition,
such leases or contracts may be subject to the temporary abatement of payments
in the event the issuer is prevented from maintaining occupancy of the leased
premises or utilizing the leased equipment. Although the obligations may be
secured by the leased equipment or facilities, the disposition of the property
in the event of nonappropriation or foreclosure might prove difficult, time
consuming and costly, and result in a delay in recovery or the failure to fully
recover a Fund's original investment.
Participation interests represent undivided interests in municipal
leases, installment purchase contracts, conditional sales contracts or other
instruments. These are typically issued by a trust or other entity which has
received an assignment of the payments to be made by the state or political
subdivision under such leases or contracts.
Certain municipal lease obligations and participation interests may be
deemed illiquid for the purpose of a Fund's limitation on investments in
illiquid securities. Other municipal lease obligations and participation
interests acquired by a Fund may be determined by the Adviser to be liquid
securities for the purpose of such limitation. In determining the liquidity of
municipal lease obligations and participation interests, the Adviser will
consider a variety of factors including: (1) the willingness of dealers to bid
for the security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the
obligation and the number of other potential buyers; (3) the frequency of trades
or quotes for the obligation; and (4) the nature of the marketplace trades. In
addition, the Adviser will consider factors unique to particular lease
obligations and participation interests affecting the marketability thereof.
These include the general creditworthiness of the issuer, the importance to the
issuer of the property covered by the lease and the likelihood that the
marketability of the obligation will be maintained throughout the time the
obligation is held by a Fund.
Each Fund may purchase participation interests in municipal lease
obligations held by a commercial bank or other financial institution. Such
participations provide a Fund with the right to a pro rata undivided interest in
the underlying municipal lease obligations. In addition, such participations
generally provide a Fund with the right to demand payment, on not more than
seven days' notice, of all or any part of such Fund's participation interest in
the underlying municipal lease obligation, plus accrued interest. Each Fund will
only invest in such participations if, in the opinion of bond counsel, counsel
for the issuers of such participations or counsel selected by the Adviser, the
interest from such participations is exempt from regular federal income tax and
Massachusetts state income tax.
Illiquid Securities. Each Fund may occasionally purchase securities other than
in the open market. While such purchases may often offer attractive
opportunities for investment not otherwise available on the open market, the
securities so purchased are often "restricted securities" or "not readily
marketable," i.e., securities which cannot be sold to the public without
registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or the
availability of an exemption from registration (such as Rules 144 or 144A) or
because they are subject to other legal or contractual delays in or restrictions
on resale.
Generally speaking, restricted securities may be sold only to qualified
institutional buyers, or in a privately negotiated transaction to a limited
number of purchasers, or in limited quantities after they have been held for a
specified period of time and other conditions are met pursuant to an exemption
12
<PAGE>
from registration, or in a public offering for which a registration statement is
in effect under the 1933 Act. A Fund may be deemed to be an "underwriter" for
purposes of the 1933 Act when selling restricted securities to the public, and
in such event the Fund may be liable to purchasers of such securities if the
registration statement prepared by the issuer, or the prospectus forming a part
of it, is materially inaccurate or misleading.
Repurchase Agreements. Massachusetts Tax Free Fund may enter into repurchase
agreements with any member bank of the Federal Reserve System or any
broker-dealer which is recognized as a reporting government securities dealer if
the creditworthiness has been determined by the Adviser to be at least equal to
that of issuers of commercial paper rated within the two highest quality ratings
categories assigned by Moody's, S&P or Fitch.
A repurchase agreement provides a means for the Fund to earn taxable
income on funds for periods as short as overnight. It is an arrangement under
which the purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires a security ("Obligation") and the
seller agrees, at the time of sale, to repurchase the Obligation at a specified
time and price. Securities subject to a repurchase agreement are held in a
segregated account and the value of such securities kept at least equal to the
repurchase price on a daily basis. The repurchase price may be higher than the
purchase price, the difference being income to the Fund, or the purchase and
repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to the
Fund together with the repurchase price on the date of repurchase. In either
case, the income to the Fund (which is taxable) is unrelated to the interest
rate on the Obligation itself. Obligations will be held by the Custodian or in
the Federal Reserve Book Entry system.
For purposes of the 1940 Act, a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a
loan from the Fund to the seller of the Obligation subject to the repurchase
agreement and is therefore subject to the Fund's investment restriction
applicable to loans. It is not clear whether a court would consider the
Obligation purchased by the Fund subject to a repurchase agreement as being
owned by the Fund or as being collateral for a loan by the Fund to the seller.
In the event of the commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with
respect to the seller of the Obligation before repurchase of the Obligation
under a repurchase agreement, the Fund may encounter delay and incur costs
before being able to sell the security. Delays may involve loss of interest or
decline in price of the Obligation. If the court characterizes the transaction
as a loan and the Fund has not perfected a security interest in the Obligation,
the Fund may be required to return the Obligation to the seller's estate and be
treated as an unsecured creditor of the seller. As an unsecured creditor, the
Fund would be at risk of losing some or all of the principal and income involved
in the transaction. As with any unsecured debt obligation purchased for the
Fund, the Adviser seeks to minimize the risk of loss through repurchase
agreements by analyzing the creditworthiness of the obligor, in this case the
seller of the Obligation. Apart from the risk of bankruptcy or insolvency
proceedings, there is also the risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the
Obligation, in which case the Fund may incur a loss if the proceeds to the Fund
of the sale to a third party are less than the repurchase price. However, if the
market value of the Obligation subject to the repurchase agreement becomes less
than the repurchase price (including interest), the Fund will direct the seller
of the Obligation to deliver additional securities so that the market value of
all securities subject to the repurchase agreement will equal or exceed the
repurchase price. It is possible that the Fund will be unsuccessful in seeking
to enforce the seller's contractual obligation to deliver additional securities.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. Massachusetts Tax Free Fund may enter into
"reverse repurchase agreements," which are repurchase agreements in which the
Fund, as the seller of the securities, agrees to repurchase them at an agreed
time and price. The Fund will maintain a segregated account, as described under
"Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts" in connection with outstanding
reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements are deemed to be
borrowings subject to the Fund's investment restrictions applicable to that
activity. The Fund will enter into a reverse repurchase agreement only when the
Adviser believes that the interest income to be earned from the investment of
the proceeds of the transaction will be greater than the interest expense of the
transaction. There is no current intention to invest more than 5% of the Fund's
net assets in reverse repurchase agreements.
Indexed Securities. Each Fund may invest in indexed securities, the value of
which is linked to currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices or other
financial indicators ("reference instruments"). Most indexed securities have
maturities of three years or less.
Indexed securities differ from other types of debt securities in which
a Fund may invest in several respects. First, the interest rate or, unlike other
debt securities, the principal amount payable at maturity of an indexed security
may vary based on changes in one or more specified reference instruments, such
13
<PAGE>
as an interest rate compared with a fixed interest rate or the currency exchange
rates between two currencies (neither of which need be the currency in which the
instrument is denominated). The reference instrument need not be related to the
terms of the indexed security. For example, the principal amount of a U.S.
dollar denominated indexed security may vary based on the exchange rate of two
foreign currencies. An indexed security may be positively or negatively indexed;
that is, its value may increase or decrease if the value of the reference
instrument increases. Further, the change in the principal amount payable or the
interest rate of an indexed security may be a multiple of the percentage change
(positive or negative) in the value of the underlying reference instrument(s).
Investment in indexed securities involves certain risks. In addition to
the credit risk of the security's issuer and the normal risks of price changes
in response to changes in interest rates, the principal amount of indexed
securities may decrease as a result of changes in the value of reference
instruments. Further, in the case of certain indexed securities in which the
interest rate is linked to a reference instrument, the interest rate may be
reduced to zero, and any further declines in the value of the security may then
reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Finally, indexed securities may
be more volatile than the reference instruments underlying indexed securities.
Strategic Transactions and Derivatives. Each Fund may, but is not required to,
utilize various other investment strategies as described below to hedge various
market risks (such as interest rates and broad or specific market movements), to
manage the effective maturity or duration of a Fund's portfolio, or to enhance
potential gain. These strategies may be executed through the use of derivative
contracts. Such strategies are generally accepted as a part of modern portfolio
management and are regularly utilized by many mutual funds and other
institutional investors. Techniques and instruments may change over time as new
instruments and strategies are developed or regulatory changes occur.
In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, a Fund may
purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on
securities, fixed-income indices and other financial instruments, purchase and
sell financial futures contracts and options thereon, and enter into various
interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or collars (collectively,
all the above are called "Strategic Transactions"). Strategic Transactions may
be used without limit (except to the extent that 80% of each Fund's net assets
are required to be invested in tax-exempt Massachusetts municipal securities,
and as limited by each Fund's other investment restrictions) to attempt to
protect against possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to
be purchased for a Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets
fluctuations, to protect a Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its portfolio
securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment purposes,
to manage the effective maturity or duration of a Fund's portfolio, or to
establish a position in the derivatives markets as a temporary substitute for
purchasing or selling particular securities. Some Strategic Transactions may
also be used to enhance potential gain although no more than 5% of a Fund's
assets will be committed to Strategic Transactions entered into for non-hedging
purposes. Any or all of these investment techniques may be used at any time and
in any combination, and there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of
one technique rather than another, as use of any Strategic Transaction is a
function of numerous variables including market conditions. The ability of a
Fund to utilize these Strategic Transactions successfully will depend on the
Adviser's ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be
assured. Each Fund will comply with applicable regulatory requirements when
implementing these strategies, techniques and instruments. Strategic
Transactions involving financial futures and options thereon will be purchased,
sold or entered into only for bona fide hedging, risk management or portfolio
management purposes and not for speculative purposes.
Strategic Transactions, including derivative contracts, have risks
associated with them including possible default by the other party to the
transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the Adviser's view as to certain
market movements is incorrect, the risk that the use of such Strategic
Transactions could result in losses greater than if they had not been used. Use
of put and call options may result in losses to a Fund, force the sale or
purchase of portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices higher than
(in the case of put options) or lower than (in the case of call options) current
market values, limit the amount of appreciation a Fund can realize on its
investments or cause a Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. The use
of options and futures transactions entails certain other risks. In particular,
the variable degree of correlation between price movements of futures contracts
and price movements in the related portfolio position of a Fund creates the
possibility that losses on the hedging instrument may be greater than gains in
the value of that Fund's position. In addition, futures and options markets may
not be liquid in all circumstances and certain over-the-counter options may have
no markets. As a result, in certain markets, a Fund might not be able to close
out a transaction without incurring substantial losses, if at all. Although the
use of futures and options transactions for hedging should tend to minimize the
risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged position, at the same
14
<PAGE>
time they tend to limit any potential gain which might result from an increase
in value of such position. Finally, the daily variation margin requirements for
futures contracts would create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than
would purchases of options, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the
initial premium. Losses resulting from the use of Strategic Transactions would
reduce net asset value, and possibly income, and such losses can be greater than
if the Strategic Transactions had not been utilized.
General Characteristics of Options. Put options and call options typically have
similar structural characteristics and operational mechanics regardless of the
underlying instrument on which they are purchased or sold. Thus, the following
general discussion relates to each of the particular types of options discussed
in greater detail below. In addition, many Strategic Transactions involving
options require segregation of Fund assets in special accounts, as described
below under "Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts."
A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a
premium, the right to sell, and the writer the obligation to buy, the underlying
security, commodity, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise price.
For instance, a Fund's purchase of a put option on a security might be designed
to protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some cases, a
similar instrument) against a substantial decline in the market value by giving
a Fund the right to sell such instrument at the option exercise price. A call
option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the option the right
to buy, and the seller the obligation to sell, the underlying instrument at the
exercise price. A Fund's purchase of a call option on a security, financial
future, index, currency or other instrument might be intended to protect a Fund
against an increase in the price of the underlying instrument that it intends to
purchase in the future by fixing the price at which it may purchase such
instrument. An American style put or call option may be exercised at any time
during the option period while a European style put or call option may be
exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior thereto. The Fund
is authorized to purchase and sell exchange listed options and over-the-counter
options ("OTC options"). Exchange listed options are issued by a regulated
intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), which guarantees
the performance of the obligations of the parties to such options. The
discussion below uses the OCC as an example, but is also applicable to other
financial intermediaries.
With certain exceptions, OCC issued and exchange listed options
generally settle by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency,
although in the future cash settlement may become available. Index options and
Eurodollar instruments are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which the
option is "in-the-money" (i.e., where the value of the underlying instrument
exceeds, in the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put
option, the exercise price of the option) at the time the option is exercised.
Frequently, rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument
through the process of exercising the option, listed options are closed by
entering into offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in
ownership of the new option.
Each Fund's ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller
of an OCC or exchange listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the
liquidity of the option market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a
liquid option market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in
certain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii)
trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to
particular classes or series of options or underlying securities including
reaching daily price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations of the
OCC or an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or OCC to
handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more exchanges to
discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options),
in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange would cease
to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange would generally continue
to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the hours
during which the underlying financial instruments are traded. To the extent that
the option markets close before the markets for the underlying financial
instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in the
underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets.
OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial
institutions or other parties ("Counterparties") through direct bilateral
agreement with the Counterparty. In contrast to exchange listed options, which
generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, all the terms of an
OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term, exercise price,
premium, guarantees and security, are set by negotiation of the parties. A Fund
will only sell OTC options that are subject to a buy-back provision permitting a
15
<PAGE>
Fund to require the Counterparty to sell the option back to a Fund at a formula
price within seven days. A Fund expects generally to enter into OTC options that
have cash settlement provisions, although it is not required to do so.
Unless the parties provide for it, there is no central clearing or
guaranty function in an OTC option. As a result, if the Counterparty fails to
make or take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument underlying
an OTC option it has entered into with a Fund or fails to make a cash settlement
payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, a Fund will lose any
premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the
transaction. Accordingly, the Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of each
such Counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the Counterparty's
credit to determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC option will be
satisfied. A Fund will engage in OTC option transactions only with U.S.
government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
as "primary dealers", or broker dealers, domestic or foreign banks or other
financial institutions which have received (or the guarantors of the obligation
of which have received) a short-term credit rating of A-1 from S&P or P-1 from
Moody's or an equivalent rating from any other nationally recognized statistical
rating organization ("NRSRO") or are determined to be of equivalent credit
quality by the Adviser. The staff of the SEC currently takes the position that
OTC options purchased by a Fund, and portfolio securities "covering" the amount
of a Fund's obligation pursuant to an OTC option sold by it (the cost of the
sell-back plus the in-the-money amount, if any) are illiquid, and are subject to
a Fund's limitation on investing no more than 10% of its assets in illiquid
securities.
If a Fund sells a call option, the premium that it receives may serve
as a partial hedge, to the extent of the option premium, against a decrease in
the value of the underlying securities or instruments in its portfolio or will
increase a Fund's income. The sale of put options can also provide income.
Each Fund may purchase and sell call options on securities including
U.S. Treasury and agency securities, municipal obligations, mortgage-backed
securities and Eurodollar instruments that are traded on U.S. and foreign
securities exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets, and on securities
indices and futures contracts. All calls sold by a Fund must be "covered" (i.e.,
a Fund must own the securities or futures contract subject to the call) or must
meet the asset segregation requirements described below as long as the call is
outstanding. Even though a Fund will receive the option premium to help protect
it against loss, a call sold by a Fund exposes a Fund during the term of the
option to possible loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the market
price of the underlying security or instrument and may require a Fund to hold a
security or instrument which it might otherwise have sold.
Each Fund may purchase and sell put options on securities including
U.S. Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, municipal
obligations and Eurodollar instruments (whether or not it holds the above
securities in its portfolio) and on securities indices and futures contracts
other than futures on individual corporate debt and individual equity
securities. Each Fund will not sell put options if, as a result, more than 50%
of such Fund's assets would be required to be segregated to cover its potential
obligations under such put options other than those with respect to futures and
options thereon. In selling put options, there is a risk that a Fund may be
required to buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous price above the
market price.
General Characteristics of Futures. Each Fund may enter into financial futures
contracts or purchase or sell put and call options on such futures as a hedge
against anticipated interest rate or fixed-income market changes, for duration
management and for risk management purposes. Futures are generally bought and
sold on the commodities exchanges where they are listed with payment of initial
and variation margin as described below. The sale of a futures contract creates
a firm obligation by a Fund, as seller, to deliver to the buyer the specific
type of financial instrument called for in the contract at a specific future
time for a specified price (or, with respect to index futures and Eurodollar
instruments, the net cash amount). Options on futures contracts are similar to
options on securities except that an option on a futures contract gives the
purchaser the right in return for the premium paid to assume a position in a
futures contract and obligates the seller to deliver such position.
Each Fund's use of financial futures and options thereon will in all
cases be consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and in particular
the rules and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and will
be entered into only for bona fide hedging, risk management (including duration
management) or other portfolio management purposes. Typically, maintaining a
futures contract or selling an option thereon requires a Fund to deposit with a
financial intermediary as security for its obligations an amount of cash or
other specified assets (initial margin) which initially is typically 1% to 10%
of the face amount of the contract (but may be higher in some circumstances).
Additional cash or assets (variation margin) may be required to be deposited
16
<PAGE>
thereafter on a daily basis as the mark to market value of the contract
fluctuates. The purchase of options on financial futures involves payment of a
premium for the option without any further obligation on the part of a Fund. If
a Fund exercises an option on a futures contract it will be obligated to post
initial margin (and potential subsequent variation margin) for the resulting
futures position just as it would for any position. Futures contracts and
options thereon are generally settled by entering into an offsetting transaction
but there can be no assurance that the position can be offset prior to
settlement at an advantageous price, nor that delivery will occur.
Each Fund will not enter into a futures contract or related option
(except for closing transactions) if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the
amount of its initial margin and premiums on open futures contracts and options
thereon would exceed 5% of a Fund's total assets (taken at current value);
however, in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time of the
purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in calculating the 5%
limitation. The segregation requirements with respect to futures contracts and
options thereon are described below.
Options on Securities Indices and Other Financial Indices. Each Fund also may
purchase and sell call and put options on securities indices and other financial
indices and in so doing can achieve many of the same objectives it would achieve
through the sale or purchase of options on individual securities or other
instruments. Options on securities indices and other financial indices are
similar to options on a security or other instrument except that, rather than
settling by physical delivery of the underlying instrument, they settle by cash
settlement, i.e., an option on an index gives the holder the right to receive,
upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the index
upon which the option is based exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than,
in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option (except if, in the case
of an OTC option, physical delivery is specified). This amount of cash is equal
to the excess of the closing price of the index over the exercise price of the
option, which also may be multiplied by a formula value. The seller of the
option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of
this amount. The gain or loss on an option on an index depends on price
movements in the instruments making up the market, market segment, industry or
other composite on which the underlying index is based, rather than price
movements in individual securities, as is the case with respect to options on
securities.
Combined Transactions. Each Fund may enter into multiple transactions, including
multiple options transactions, multiple futures transactions and multiple
interest rate transactions and any combination of futures, options and interest
rate transactions ("component" transactions), instead of a single Strategic
Transaction, as part of a single or combined strategy when, in the opinion of
the Adviser, it is in the best interests of a Fund to do so. A combined
transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of
its component transactions. Although combined transactions are normally entered
into based on the Adviser's judgment that the combined strategies will reduce
risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management
goal, it is possible that the combination will instead increase such risks or
hinder achievement of the portfolio management objective.
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars. Among the Strategic Transactions into which a
Fund may enter are interest rate and index swaps and the purchase or sale of
related caps, floors and collars. Each Fund expects to enter into these
transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment
or portion of its portfolio, as a duration management technique or to protect
against any increase in the price of securities a Fund anticipates purchasing at
a later date. Each Fund intends to use these transactions as hedges and not as
speculative investments and will not sell interest rate caps or floors where it
does not own securities or other instruments providing the income stream a Fund
may be obligated to pay. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with
another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g.,
an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments with respect to a
notional amount of principal. An index swap is an agreement to swap cash flows
on a notional amount based on changes in the values of the reference indices.
The purchase of a cap entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional
principal amount from the party selling such cap to the extent that a specified
index exceeds a predetermined interest rate or amount. The purchase of a floor
entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from
the party selling such floor to the extent that a specified index falls below a
predetermined interest rate or amount. A collar is a combination of a cap and a
floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest
rates or values.
Each Fund will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two
payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates
specified in the instrument, with a Fund receiving or paying, as the case may
be, only the net amount of the two payments. Inasmuch as these swaps, caps,
17
<PAGE>
floors and collars are entered into for good faith hedging purposes, the Adviser
and each Fund believe such obligations do not constitute senior securities under
the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to its
borrowing restrictions. Each Fund will not enter into any swap, cap, floor or
collar transaction unless, at the time of entering into such transaction, the
unsecured long-term debt of the Counterparty, combined with any credit
enhancements, is rated at least A by S&P or Moody's or has an equivalent rating
from an NRSRO or is determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the
Adviser. If there is a default by the Counterparty, a Fund may have contractual
remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. The swap market
has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and
investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing
standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become
relatively liquid. Caps, floors and collars are more recent innovations for
which standardized documentation has not yet been fully developed and,
accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
Eurodollar Instruments. Each Fund may make investments in Eurodollar
instruments. Eurodollar instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated futures
contracts or options thereon which are linked to the London Interbank Offered
Rate ("LIBOR"), although foreign currency-denominated instruments are available
from time to time. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a
fixed rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for
borrowings. Each Fund might use Eurodollar futures contracts and options thereon
to hedge against changes in LIBOR, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed
income instruments are linked.
Risks of Strategic Transactions Outside the U.S. When conducted outside the
U.S., Strategic Transactions may not be regulated as rigorously as in the U.S.,
may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to
the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign
securities, currencies and other instruments. The value of such positions also
could be adversely affected by: (i) other complex foreign political, legal and
economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the U.S. of data on which to
make trading decisions, (iii) delays in a Fund's ability to act upon economic
events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the U.S., (iv)
the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and
margin requirements than in the U.S., and (v) lower trading volume and
liquidity.
Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts. Many Strategic Transactions, in
addition to other requirements, require that the Fund segregate liquid high
grade assets with its custodian to the extent Fund obligations are not otherwise
"covered" through ownership of the underlying security or financial instrument.
In general, either the full amount of any obligation by the Fund to pay or
deliver securities or assets must be covered at all times by the securities,
instruments or currency required to be delivered, or, subject to any regulatory
restrictions, an amount of cash or liquid high grade securities at least equal
to the current amount of the obligation must be segregated with the custodian.
The segregated assets cannot be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are
substituted in their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. For
example, a call option written by a Fund will require that Fund to hold the
securities subject to the call (or securities convertible into the needed
securities without additional consideration) or to segregate liquid high-grade
securities sufficient to purchase and deliver the securities if the call is
exercised. A call option sold by a Fund on an index will require that Fund to
own portfolio securities which correlate with the index or to segregate liquid
high grade assets equal to the excess of the index value over the exercise price
on a current basis. A put option written by a Fund requires that Fund to
segregate liquid, high grade assets equal to the exercise price.
OTC options entered into by a Fund, including those on securities,
financial instruments or indices and OCC issued and exchange listed index
options, will generally provide for cash settlement. As a result, when a Fund
sells these instruments it will only segregate an amount of assets equal to its
accrued net obligations, as there is no requirement for payment or delivery of
amounts in excess of the net amount. These amounts will equal 100% of the
exercise price in the case of a non cash-settled put, the same as an OCC
guaranteed listed option sold by a Fund, or the in-the-money amount plus any
sell-back formula amount in the case of a cash-settled put or call. In addition,
when a Fund sells a call option on an index at a time when the in-the-money
amount exceeds the exercise price, that Fund will segregate, until the option
expires or is closed out, cash or cash equivalents equal in value to such
excess. OCC issued and exchange listed options sold by a Fund other than those
above generally settle with physical delivery, and that Fund will segregate an
amount of assets equal to the full value of the option. OTC options settling
with physical delivery, or with an election of either physical delivery or cash
settlement, will be treated the same as other options settling with physical
delivery.
In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon, a Fund must
deposit initial margin and possible daily variation margin in addition to
segregating assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide
18
<PAGE>
securities or currencies, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an
index-based futures contract. Such assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents,
liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets.
With respect to swaps, a Fund will accrue the net amount of the excess,
if any, of its obligations over its entitlements with respect to each swap on a
daily basis and will segregate an amount of cash or liquid high grade securities
having a value equal to the accrued excess. Caps, floors and collars require
segregation of assets with a value equal to a Fund's net obligation, if any.
Strategic Transactions may be covered by other means when consistent
with applicable regulatory policies. Each Fund may also enter into offsetting
transactions so that its combined position, coupled with any segregated assets,
equals its net outstanding obligation in related options and Strategic
Transactions. For example, a Fund could purchase a put option if the strike
price of that option is the same or higher than the strike price of a put option
sold by that Fund. Moreover, instead of segregating assets if a Fund held a
futures or forward contract, it could purchase a put option on the same futures
or forward contract with a strike price as high or higher than the price of the
contract held. Other Strategic Transactions may also be offset in combinations.
If the offsetting transaction terminates at the time of or after the primary
transaction no segregation is required, but if it terminates prior to such time,
assets equal to any remaining obligation would need to be segregated.
Each Fund's activities involving Strategic Transactions may be limited
by the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code for
qualification as a regulated investment company. (See "TAXES.")
Trustees' Power to Change Objective and Policies
Except as specifically stated to the contrary, the objective and
policies stated above may be changed by the Trustees without a vote of the
shareholders.
Investment Restrictions
Unless specified to the contrary, the following restrictions may not be
changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities
of that Fund which, under the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder and as used in
this Statement of Additional Information, means the lesser of (1) 67% of the
shares of a Fund present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of a Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than
50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Any investment restrictions herein
which involve a maximum percentage of securities or assets shall not be
considered to be violated unless an excess over the percentage occurs
immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition or encumbrance of securities
or assets of, or borrowings by, the Fund.
As a matter of fundamental policy, Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free
Fund may not:
1. invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer;
2. borrow money except from banks as a temporary measure for
extraordinary or emergency purposes (the Fund is required to
maintain asset coverage (including borrowings) of 300% for all
borrowings) and no purchases of securities will be made while
such borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund's assets;
3. purchase and sell real estate (though it may invest in securities
of companies which deal in real estate and in other permitted
investments secured by real estate) or physical commodities or
physical commodities contracts;
4. act as underwriter of the securities issued by others, except to
the extent that the purchase of securities in accordance with its
investment objective and policies directly from the issuer
thereof and the later disposition thereof may be deemed to be
underwriting;
5. issue senior securities, except as appropriate to evidence
indebtedness which the Fund is permitted to incur pursuant to
investment restriction (2) and except for shares of any other
series which may have been or may be hereafter established by the
Trustees;
19
<PAGE>
6. with respect to 50% of the value of the total assets of the Fund,
invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of any one
issuer, except U.S. Government securities; and
7. purchase (i) pollution control and industrial development bonds
or (ii) securities which are not municipal obligations if the
purchase would cause more than 25% in the aggregate of the market
value of the total assets of the Fund at the time of such
purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers
having their principal business activities in the same industry.
8. make loans to other persons, except (a) loans of portfolio
securities, and (b) to the extent the entry into repurchase
agreements and the purchase of debt securities in accordance with
its investment objectives and investment policies may be deemed
to be loans.
As a matter of fundamental policy, Massachusetts Tax Free Fund may not:
1. invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer;
2. borrow money except from banks or pursuant to reverse repurchase
agreements as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency
purposes (the Fund is required to maintain asset coverage
(including borrowings) of 300% for all borrowings) and no
purchases of securities will be made while such borrowings exceed
5% of the Fund's assets;
3. purchase and sell real estate (though it may invest in securities
of companies which deal in real estate and in other permitted
investments secured by real estate) or commodities or commodities
contracts, except futures contracts, including but not limited to
contracts for the future delivery of securities and contracts
based on securities indices;
4. act as underwriter of the securities issued by others, except to
the extent that the purchase of securities in accordance with its
investment objective and policies directly from the issuer
thereof and the later disposition thereof may be deemed to be
underwriting;
5. make loans to other persons, except to the extent that the
purchase of debt obligations in accordance with its investment
objective and policies and the entry into repurchase agreements
may be deemed to be loans. The purchase of all of a publicly
offered issue of debt obligations or all or a portion of
non-publicly offered debt obligations may be deemed the making of
a loan for this purpose, but, although not a policy which may be
changed only by a vote of the shareholders, management expects
that such securities would seldom exceed 25% of the net assets of
the Fund;
6. issue senior securities, except as appropriate to evidence
indebtedness which the Fund is permitted to incur pursuant to
investment restriction (2) and except for shares of any
additional series which may be established by the Trustees;
7. with respect to 50% of the total assets of the Fund, purchase the
securities of any issuer if such purchase would cause more than
10% of the voting securities of such issuer to be held by the
Fund;
8. with respect to 50% of the total assets of the Fund, invest more
than 5% of its total assets in securities of any one issuer,
except U.S. Government securities; and
9. purchase (i) pollution control and industrial development bonds
or (ii) securities which are not municipal obligations if the
purchase would cause more than 25% in the aggregate of the market
value of the total assets of the Fund at the time of such
purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers
having their principal business activities in the same industry.
20
<PAGE>
As a matter of non-fundamental policy, Massachusetts Limited Term Tax
Free Fund may not:
(i) purchase or sell interests in oil, gas or other mineral leases or
exploration or development programs (although it may invest in
municipal obligations and other permitted investments of issuers
which own or invest in such interests);
(ii) purchase warrants, unless attached to other securities in which
it is permitted to invest;
(iii)purchase or retain securities of any open-end investment company
or securities of closed-end investment companies except by
purchase in the open market where no commission or profit to a
sponsor or dealer results from such purchases, or except when
such purchase, though not made in the open market, is part of a
plan of merger, consolidation, reorganization or acquisition of
assets; in any event the Fund may not purchase more than 3% of
the outstanding voting securities of another investment company,
may not invest more than 5% of its assets in another investment
company, and may not invest more than 10% of its assets in other
investment companies;
(iv) participate on a joint or a joint and several basis in any
trading account in securities, but may for the purpose of
possibly achieving better net results on portfolio transactions
or lower brokerage commission rates join with other investment
company and client accounts advised by the Adviser in the
purchase or sale of debt obligations;
(v) purchase securities on margin or make short sales unless, by
virtue of its ownership of other securities, it has the right to
obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities
sold and, if the right is conditional, the sale is made upon the
same conditions;
(vi) purchase securities of any issuer with a record of less than
three years continuous operation, including predecessors, except
(a) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or
its agencies or instrumentalities or (b) municipal obligations
(including securities issued by state agencies, cities and towns)
which are rated by at least one nationally recognized municipal
obligations rating service, if such purchase would cause the
Fund's investments in all such issuers to exceed 5% of the Fund's
total assets taken at market value;
(vii)purchase restricted securities (for these purposes restricted
security means a security with a legal or contractual restriction
on resale in the principal market in which the security is
traded) if, as a result thereof, more than 10% of the value of
the Fund's total assets would be invested in restricted
securities;
(viii) buy options on securities or financial instruments, unless the
aggregate premiums paid on all such options held by the Fund at
any time do not exceed 20% of the value of its net assets; or
sell put options on securities if, as a result, the aggregate
value of the obligations underlying such put options would exceed
50% of the Fund's net assets; and
(ix) enter into futures contracts or purchase options thereon unless
immediately after the purchase, the value of the aggregate
initial margin with respect to all futures contracts entered into
on behalf of the Fund and the premiums paid for options on
futures contracts does not exceed 5% of the fair market value of
the Fund's total assets; provided, however, that in the case of
an option that is in-the-money at the time of purchase, the
in-the-money amount may be excluded in computing the 5% limit.
(x) make securities loans if the value of such securities loaned
exceeds 30% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the time
any loan is made; all loans of portfolio securities will be fully
collateralized and marked to market daily. The Fund has no
current intention of making loans of portfolio securities that
would amount to greater than 5% of the Fund's total assets;
(xi) purchase or retain securities of an issuer any of whose officers,
directors, trustees or security holders is an officer or Trustee
of the Fund or a member, officer, director or trustee of the
investment adviser of the Fund if one or more of such individuals
owns beneficially more than one-half
21
<PAGE>
of one percent (1/2 of 1%) of the shares or securities or both
(taken at market value) of such issuer and such individuals
owning more than one-half of one percent (1/2 or 1%) of such
shares or securities together own beneficially more than 5% of
such shares or securities or both;
(xii) purchase or sell real estate limited partnership interests.
As a matter of non-fundamental policy, Massachusetts Tax Free Fund may
not:
(i) purchase or sell interests in oil, gas or other mineral
exploration or development programs (although it may invest in
municipal obligations and other permitted investments of issuers
which own or invest in such interests);
(ii) purchase warrants, unless attached to other securities in which
it is permitted to invest;
(iii)invest in the securities of other investment companies, or
except by purchase in the open market when no commission or
profit to a sponsor or dealer results from such purchase other
than the customary broker's commission, or except when such
purchase, though not made on the open market, is part of a plan
of merger or consolidation;
(iv) enter into repurchase agreements or purchase any securities if,
as a result thereof, more than 10% of the total assets of the
Fund (taken at market value) would be, in the aggregate, subject
to repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days and
invested in restricted securities or securities which are not
readily marketable;
(v) participate on a joint or a joint and several basis in any
trading account in securities, but may for the purpose of
possibly achieving better net results on portfolio transactions
or lower brokerage commission rates join with other investment
company and client accounts advised by the Adviser in the
purchase or sale of debt obligations;
(vi) purchase securities on margin or make short sales unless, by
virtue of its ownership of other securities, it has the right to
obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities
sold and, if the right is conditional, the sale is made upon the
same conditions;
(vii)purchase securities of any issuer with a record of less than
three years continuous operation, including predecessors, except
(a) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or
its agencies or instrumentalities or (b) municipal obligations of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (including securities issued by
state agencies, cities and towns) which are rated by at least one
nationally recognized municipal obligations rating service, if
such purchase would cause the Fund's investments in all such
issuers to exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets taken at market
value;
(viii) purchase restricted securities (for these purposes restricted
security means a security with a legal or contractual restriction
on resale in the principal market in which the security is
traded), repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days
and securities which are not readily marketable if as a result
more than 10% of the Fund's net assets (valued at market at
purchase) would be invested in such securities;
(ix) purchase restricted securities if, as a result thereof, more than
10% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be invested in
restricted securities;
(x) buy options on securities or financial instruments, unless the
aggregate premiums paid on all such options held by the Fund at
any time do not exceed 20% of the value of its net assets; or
sell put options on securities if, as a result, the aggregate
value of the obligations underlying such put options would exceed
50% of the Fund's net assets; and
(xi) enter into futures contracts or purchase options thereon unless
immediately after the purchase, the value of the aggregate
initial margin with respect to all futures contracts entered into
on behalf of the Fund and the premiums paid for
22
<PAGE>
options on futures contracts does not exceed 5% of the fair
market value of the Fund's total assets; provided, however, that
in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time of
purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in computing
the 5% limit.
Each Fund has no current intention of engaging in any borrowing,
lending of portfolio securities or investing in closed-end investment companies.
PURCHASES
(See "Purchases" and "Transaction
information" in the Funds' prospectus.)
Additional Information About Opening an Account
Shareholders of other Scudder funds who have submitted an account
application and have a certified tax identification number, clients having a
regular investment counsel account with the Adviser or its affiliates and
members of their immediate families, officers and employees of the Adviser or of
any affiliated organization and their immediate families, members of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), and banks may
open an account by wire. These investors must call 1-800-225-5163 to get an
account number. During the call, the investor will be asked to indicate the Fund
name, amount to be wired ($1,000 minimum), name of the bank or trust company
from which the wire will be sent, the exact registration of the new account, the
tax identification or Social Security number, address and telephone number. The
investor must then call his bank to arrange a wire transfer to The Scudder
Funds, State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston, MA 02110, ABA Number
011000028, DDA Account Number: 9903-5552. The investor must give the Scudder
fund name, account name and the new account number. Finally, the investor must
send a completed and signed application to the Fund promptly.
Checks
A certified check is not necessary, but checks are only accepted
subject to collection at full face value in U.S. funds and must be drawn on, or
payable through, a U.S. bank.
If shares of a Fund are purchased by a check which proves to be
uncollectible, that Fund reserves the right to cancel the purchase immediately
and the purchaser will be responsible for any loss incurred by the Fund or the
principal underwriter by reason of such cancellation. If the purchaser is a
shareholder, a Fund will have the authority, as agent of the shareholder, to
redeem shares in the account in order to reimburse that Fund or the principal
underwriter for the loss incurred. Investors whose orders have been canceled may
be prohibited from or restricted in placing future orders in any of the Scudder
funds.
Wire Transfer of Federal Funds
To purchase shares of a Fund and obtain the same day dividend you must
have your bank forward federal funds by wire transfer and provide the required
account information so as to be available to a Fund prior to twelve o'clock noon
eastern time on that day. If you wish to make a purchase of $500,000 or more you
should notify the Fund's transfer agent, Scudder Service Corporation (the
"Transfer Agent") of such a purchase by calling 1-800-225-5163. If either the
federal funds or the account information is received after twelve o'clock noon
eastern time, but both the funds and the information are made available before
the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange")
(normally 4 p.m. eastern time) on any business day, shares will be purchased at
net asset value determined on that day but will not receive the dividend; in
such cases, dividends commence on the next business day.
To obtain the net asset value determined as of the close of regular
trading on the Exchange on a selected day, your bank must forward federal funds
by wire transfer and provide the required account information so as to be
available to a Fund prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange
(normally 4 p.m. eastern time).
The bank sending an investor's federal funds by bank wire may charge
for the service. Presently Scudder Investor Services, Inc. (the "Distributor")
pays a fee for receipt by the Funds' custodian, State Street Bank and Trust
Company (the "Custodian") of "wired funds," but the right to charge investors
for this service is reserved.
23
<PAGE>
Boston banks are presently closed on certain holidays although the
Exchange may be open. These holidays include Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (the
3rd Monday in January), Columbus Day (the 2nd Monday in October) and Veterans'
Day (November 11). Investors are not able to purchase shares by wiring federal
funds on such holidays because the Custodian is not open to receive such federal
funds on behalf of a Fund.
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments by AutoBuy
Shareholders, whose predesignated bank account of record is a member of
the Automated Clearing House Network (ACH) and who have elected to participate
in the AutoBuy program, may purchase shares of a Fund by telephone. Through this
service shareholders may purchase up to $250,000 but not less than $250. To
purchase shares by AutoBuy, shareholders should call before 4 p.m. eastern time.
Proceeds in the amount of your purchase will be transferred from your bank
checking account two or three business days following your call. For requests
received by the close of regular trading on the Exchange, shares will be
purchased at the net asset value per share calculated at the close of trading on
the day of your call. AutoBuy requests received after the close of regular
trading on the Exchange will begin their processing and be purchased at the net
asset value calculated the following business day. If you purchase shares by
AutoBuy and redeem them within seven days of the purchase, the Fund may hold the
redemption proceeds for a period of up to seven business days. If you purchase
shares and there are insufficient funds in your bank account the purchase will
be canceled and you will be subject to any losses or fees incurred in the
transaction. Auto Buy transactions are not available for Scudder IRA accounts
and most other retirement plan accounts.
In order to request purchases by AutoBuy, shareholders must have
completed and returned to the Transfer Agent the application, including the
designation of a bank account from which the purchase payment will be debited.
New investors wishing to establish AutoBuy may so indicate on the application.
Existing shareholders who wish to add AutoBuy to their account may do so by
completing an AutoBuy Enrollment Form. After sending in an enrollment form
shareholders should allow for 15 days for this service to be available.
The Funds employ procedures, including recording telephone calls,
testing a caller's identity, and sending written confirmation of telephone
transactions, designed to give reasonable assurance that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine, and to discourage fraud. To the extent
that a Fund does not follow such procedures, it may be liable for losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. The Funds will not be liable
for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that they reasonably
believe to be genuine.
Share Price
Purchases will be filled without sales charge at the net asset value
next computed after receipt of the purchase order in good order. Net asset value
normally will be computed once a day, as of the close of regular trading on each
day when the Exchange is open for trading. Orders received after the close of
regular trading on the Exchange will receive the next business day's net asset
value. If the order has been placed by a member of the NASD, other than the
Distributor, it is the responsibility of that member broker, rather than a Fund,
to forward the purchase order to the Transfer Agent in Boston by the close of
regular trading on the Exchange.
Share Certificates
Due to the desire of the Corporation's management to afford ease of
redemption, certificates will not be issued to indicate ownership in the Funds.
Share certificates now in a shareholder's possession may be sent to the Transfer
Agent for cancellation and credit to such shareholder's account. Shareholders
who prefer may hold the certificates in their possession until they wish to
exchange or redeem such shares.
Other Information
If purchases or redemptions of Fund shares are arranged and settlement
is made at the investor's election through a member of the NASD, other than the
Distributor, that member may, at its discretion, charge a fee for that service.
The Trustees, Distributor and the Funds' principal underwriter, each has the
right to limit the amount of purchases by and to refuse to sell to any person
and each may suspend or terminate the offering of shares of a Fund at any time.
24
<PAGE>
The "Tax Identification Number" section of the application must be
completed when opening an account. Applications and purchase orders without a
certified tax identification number and certain other certified information
(e.g., from exempt organizations certification of exempt status) will be
returned to the investor.
A Fund may issue shares at net asset value in connection with any
merger or consolidation with, or acquisition of, the assets of any investment
company (or series thereof) or personal holding company, subject to the
requirements of the 1940 Act.
EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
(See "Exchanges and redemptions" and "Transaction information" in
the Funds' prospectus.)
Exchanges
Exchanges are comprised of a redemption from one Scudder fund and a
purchase into another Scudder fund. The purchase side of the exchange either may
be an additional investment into an existing account or may involve opening a
new account in the other fund. When an exchange involves a new account, the new
account is established with the same registration, tax identification number,
address, telephone redemption option, "Scudder Automated Information Line"
(SAIL) transaction authorization and dividend option as the existing account.
Other features will not carry over automatically to the new account. Exchanges
to a new fund account must be for a minimum of $1,000. When an exchange
represents an additional investment into an existing account, the account
receiving the exchange proceeds must have identical registration, address, and
account options/features as the account of origin. Exchanges into an existing
account must be for $100 or more. If the account receiving the exchange proceeds
is to be different in any respect, the exchange request must be in writing and
must contain an original signature guarantee as described under "Transaction
Information--Redeeming shares--Signature guarantees" in the Fund's prospectus.
Exchange orders received before the close of regular trading on the
Exchange on any business day ordinarily will be executed at the respective net
asset values determined on that day. Exchange orders received after the close of
regular trading on the Exchange will be executed on the following business day.
Investors may also request, at no extra charge, to have exchanges
automatically executed on a predetermined schedule from one Scudder Fund to an
existing account in another Scudder Fund, at current net asset value, through
Scudder's Automatic Exchange Program. Exchanges must be for a minimum of $50.
Shareholders may add this free feature over the telephone or in writing.
Automatic Exchanges will continue until the shareholder requests by telephone or
in writing to have the feature removed, or until the originating account is
depleted. The Trust and the Transfer Agent each reserves the right to suspend or
terminate the privilege of the Automatic Exchange Program at any time.
No commission is charged to the shareholder for any exchange described
above. An exchange into another Scudder fund is a redemption of shares, and
therefore may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder, and
the proceeds of such an exchange may be subject to backup withholding. (See
"TAXES.")
Investors currently receive the exchange privilege, including exchange
by telephone, automatically without having to elect it. Each Fund employs
procedures, including recording telephone calls, testing a caller's identity,
and sending written confirmation of telephone transactions, designed to give
reasonable assurance that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine,
and to discourage fraud. To the extent that a Fund does not follow such
procedures, it may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
telephone instructions. Each Fund will not be liable for acting upon
instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably believes to be
genuine. Each Fund and the Transfer Agent each reserves the right to suspend or
terminate the privilege of exchanging by telephone or fax at any time.
The Scudder funds into which investors may make an exchange are listed
under "THE SCUDDER FAMILY OF FUNDS" herein. Before making an exchange,
shareholders should obtain from the Distributor a prospectus of the Scudder fund
into which the exchange is being contemplated.
25
<PAGE>
Redemption by Telephone
Shareholders currently receive the right to redeem by telephone up to
$50,000 to their address of record automatically, without having to elect it.
Shareholders may also request by telephone to have the proceeds mailed or wired
to their predesignated bank account. In order to request redemptions by
telephone, shareholders must have completed and returned to the Transfer Agent
the application, including the designation of a bank account to which the
redemption proceeds are to be sent.
(a) NEW INVESTORS wishing to establish telephone redemption to a
predesignated bank account must complete the appropriate
section on the application.
(b) EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS who wish to establish telephone
redemption to a predesignated bank account or who want to
change the bank account previously designated to receive
redemption payments should either return a Telephone
Redemption Option Form (available upon request) or send a
letter identifying the account and specifying the exact
information to be changed. The letter must be signed exactly
as the shareholder's name(s) appears on the account. An
original signature and an original signature guarantee are
required for each person in whose name the account is
registered.
If a request for redemption to a shareholder's bank account is made by
telephone or fax, payment will be by Federal Reserve bank wire to the bank
account designated on the application, unless a request is made that the
redemption check be mailed to the designated bank account. There will be a $5
charge for all wire redemptions.
Note: Investors designating a savings bank to receive their
telephone redemption proceeds are advised that if the savings
bank is not a participant in the Federal Reserve System,
redemption proceeds must be wired through a commercial bank
which is a correspondent of the savings bank. As this may
delay receipt by the shareholder's account, it is suggested
that investors wishing to use a savings bank discuss wire
procedures with their bank and submit any special wire
transfer information with the telephone redemption
authorization. If appropriate wire information is not
supplied, redemption proceeds will be mailed to the designated
bank.
Each Fund employs procedures, including recording telephone calls,
testing a caller's identity, and sending written confirmation of telephone
transactions, designed to give reasonable assurance that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine, and to discourage fraud. To the extent
that a Fund does not follow such procedures, it may be liable for losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. Each Fund will not be liable
for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably
believes to be genuine.
Redemption requests by telephone (technically a repurchase by agreement
between a Fund and the shareholder) of shares purchased by check will not be
accepted until the purchase check has cleared which may take up to seven
business days.
Redemption By AutoSell
Shareholders, whose predesignated bank account of record is a member of
the Automated Clearing House Network (ACH) and have elected to participate in
the AutoSell program may sell shares of a Fund by telephone. To sell shares by
AutoSell, shareholders should call before 4 p.m. eastern time. Redemptions must
be for at least $250. Proceeds in the amount of your redemption will be
transferred to your bank checking account in two or three business days
following your call. For requests received by the close of regular trading on
the Exchange, shares will be redeemed at the net asset value per share
calculated at the close of trading on the day of your call. AutoSell requests
received after the close of regular trading on the Exchange will begin their
processing and be redeemed at the net asset value calculated the following
business day. AutoSell transactions are not available for Scudder IRA accounts
and most other retirement plan accounts.
In order to request redemptions by AutoSell, shareholders must have
completed and returned to the Transfer Agent the application, including the
designation of a bank account from which the purchase payment will be debited.
New investors wishing to establish AutoSell may so indicate on the application.
Existing shareholders who wish to add AutoSell to their account may do so by
completing an AutoSell Enrollment Form. After sending in an enrollment form,
shareholders should allow for 15 days for this service to be available.
26
<PAGE>
The Funds employ procedures, including recording telephone calls,
testing a caller's identity, and sending written confirmation of telephone
transactions, designed to give reasonable assurance that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine, and to discourage fraud. To the extent
that a Fund does not follow such procedures, it may be liable for losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. The Funds will not be liable
for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that they reasonably
believe to be genuine.
Redemption by Mail or Fax
Any existing share certificates representing shares being redeemed must
accompany a request for redemption and be duly endorsed or accompanied by a
proper stock assignment form with signatures guaranteed as explained in the
Funds' prospectus.
In order to ensure proper authorization before redeeming shares, the
Transfer Agent may request additional documents such as, but not restricted to,
stock powers, trust instruments, certificates of death, appointments as
executor, certificates of corporate authority and waivers of tax (required in
some states when settling estates).
It is suggested that shareholders holding share certificates or shares
registered in other than individual names contact the Transfer Agent prior to
any redemptions to ensure that all necessary documents accompany the request.
When shares are held in the name of a corporation, trust, fiduciary agent,
attorney or partnership, the Transfer Agent requires, in addition to the stock
power, certified evidence of authority to sign. These procedures are for the
protection of shareholders and should be followed to ensure prompt payment.
Redemption requests must not be conditional as to date or price of the
redemption. Proceeds of a redemption will be sent within five business days
after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a request for redemption that complies
with the above requirements. Delays of more than seven days of payment for
shares tendered for repurchase or redemption may result, but only until the
purchase check has cleared.
Redemption by Write-a-Check
All new investors and existing shareholders of Massachusetts Limited
Term Tax Free Fund who apply to State Street Bank and Trust Company for checks
may use them to pay any person, provided that each check is for at least $100
and not more than $5 million. By using the checks, the shareholder will receive
daily dividend credit on his or her shares until the check has cleared the
banking system. Investors who purchased shares by check may write checks against
those shares only after they have been on a Fund's book for seven business days.
Shareholders who use this service may also use other redemption procedures. The
Fund pays the bank charges for this service. However, each Fund will review the
cost of operation periodically and reserve the right to determine if direct
charges to the persons who avail themselves of this service would be
appropriate. The Fund, Scudder Service Corporation and State Street Bank and
Trust Company reserve the right at any time to suspend or terminate the
"Write-a-Check" procedure.
Other Information
If a shareholder redeems all shares in the account after the record
date of a dividend, the shareholder will receive, in addition to the net asset
value thereof, all declared but unpaid dividends thereon. The value of shares
redeemed or repurchased may be more or less than a shareholder's cost depending
upon the net asset value at the time of redemption or repurchase. Each Fund does
not impose a redemption or repurchase charge, although a wire charge may be
applicable for redemption proceeds wired to an investor's bank account.
Redemptions of shares, including redemptions undertaken to effect an exchange
for shares of another Scudder fund, may result in tax consequences (gain or
loss) to the shareholder and the proceeds of such redemptions may be subject to
backup withholding (see "TAXES").
Shareholders who wish to redeem shares from Special Plan Accounts
should contact the employer, trustee or custodian of the Plan for the
requirements.
The determination of net asset value may be suspended at times and a
shareholder's right to redeem shares and to receive payment therefore may be
suspended at times (a) during which the Exchange is closed, other than customary
weekend and holiday closings, (b) during which trading on the Exchange is
restricted for any reason, (c) during which an emergency exists as a result of
which disposal by a Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable
or it is not reasonably practicable for a Fund fairly to determine the value of
its net assets, or (d) the SEC may by order permit such a suspension for the
27
<PAGE>
protection of the Trust's shareholders; provided that applicable rules and
regulations of the SEC (or any succeeding governmental authority) shall govern
as to whether the conditions prescribed in (b) or (c) exist.
If transactions at any time reduce a shareholder's account balance in a
Fund to below $1,000 in value, that Fund may notify the shareholder that, unless
the account balance is brought up to at least $1,000, the Fund will redeem all
shares, close the account and send redemption proceeds to the shareholder. The
shareholder has sixty days to bring the account balance up to $1,000 before any
action will be taken by the Fund. (This policy applies to accounts of new
shareholders, but does not apply to certain Special Plan Accounts.)
FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND
The Pure No-Load(TM) Concept
Investors are encouraged to be aware of the full ramifications of
mutual fund fee structures, and of how Scudder distinguishes its funds from the
vast majority of mutual funds available today. The primary distinction is
between load and no-load funds.
Load funds generally are defined as mutual funds that charge a fee for
the sale and distribution of fund shares. There are three types of loads:
front-end loads, back-end loads, and asset-based 12b-1 fees. 12b-1 fees are
distribution-related fees charged against fund assets and are distinct from
service fees, which are charged for personal services and/or maintenance of
shareholder accounts. Asset-based sales charges and service fees are typically
paid pursuant to distribution plans adopted under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
A front-end load is a sales charge, which can be as high as 8.50% of
the amount invested. A back-end load is a contingent deferred sales charge,
which can be as high as 8.50% of either the amount invested or redeemed. The
maximum front-end or back-end load varies, and depends upon whether or not a
fund also charges a 12b-1 fee and/or a service fee or offers investors various
sales-related services such as dividend reinvestment. The maximum charge for a
12b-1 fee is 0.75% of a fund's average annual net assets, and the maximum charge
for a service fee is 0.25% of a fund's average annual net assets.
A no-load fund does not charge a front-end or back-end load, but can
charge a small 12b-1 fee and/or service fee against fund assets. Under the
National Association of Securities Dealers Rules of Fair Practice, a mutual fund
can call itself a "no-load" fund only if the 12b-1 fee and/or service fee does
not exceed 0.25% of a fund's average annual net assets.
Because Scudder funds do not pay any asset-based sales charges or
service fees, Scudder developed and trademarked the phrase pure no-load(TM) to
distinguish Scudder funds from other no-load mutual funds. Scudder pioneered the
no-load concept when it created the nation's first no-load fund in 1928, and
later developed the nation's first family of no-load mutual funds.
The following chart shows the potential long-term advantage of
investing $10,000 in a Scudder pure no-load fund over investing the same amount
in a load fund that collects an 8.50% front-end load, a load fund that collects
only a 0.75% 12b-1 and/or service fee, and a no-load fund charging only a 0.25%
12b-1 and/or service fee. The hypothetical figures in the chart show the value
of an account assuming a constant 10% rate of return over the time periods
indicated and reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
======================== ---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ======================
Scudder No-Load Fund with
YEARS Pure No-Load(TM)Fund 8.50% Load Fund Load Fund with 0.75% 0.25% 12b-1 Fee
12b-1 Fee
======================== ---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ======================
10 $25,937 $23,733 $24,222 $25,354
======================== ---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ======================
15 41,772 38,222 37,698 40,371
======================== ====================== ====================== ====================== ======================
20 67,275 61,557 58,672 64,282
======================== ====================== ====================== ====================== ======================
</TABLE>
28
<PAGE>
Investors are encouraged to review the fee tables on pages 2 and 3 of
the Funds' prospectus for more specific information about the rates at which
management fees and other expenses are assessed.
Dividend and Capital Gain Distribution Options
Investors have freedom to choose whether to receive cash or to reinvest
any dividends from net investment income or distributions from realized capital
gains in additional shares of a Fund. A change of instructions for the method of
payment must be received by the Transfer Agent at least five days prior to a
dividend record date. Shareholders may change their dividend option either by
calling 1-800-225-5163 or by sending written instructions to the Transfer Agent.
See "How to contact Scudder" in the prospectus for the address. Please include
your account number with your written request.
Reinvestment is usually made at the closing net asset value determined
on the business day following the record date. Investors may leave standing
instructions with the Transfer Agent designating their option for either
reinvestment or cash distribution of any income dividends or capital gains
distributions. If no election is made, dividends and distributions will be
invested in additional shares of the Fund.
Investors may also have dividends and distributions automatically
deposited to their predesignated bank account through Scudder's
DistributionsDirect Program. Shareholders who elect to participate in the
DistributionsDirect Program, and whose predesignated checking account of record
is with a member bank of the Automated Clearing House Network (ACH) can have
income and capital gains distributions automatically deposited to their personal
bank account usually within three business days after a Fund pays its
distribution. A DistributionsDirect request form can be obtained by calling
1-800-225-5163. Confirmation statements will be mailed to shareholders as
notification that distributions have been deposited.
Investors choosing to participate in Scudder's Automatic Withdrawal
Plan must reinvest any dividends or capital gains.
Scudder Funds Centers
Investors may visit any of the Centers maintained by the Distributor
listed in the Funds' prospectus. The Centers are designed to provide individuals
with services during any business day. Investors may pick up literature or find
assistance with opening an account, adding monies or special options to existing
accounts, making exchanges within the Scudder Family of Funds, redeeming shares
or opening retirement plans. Checks should not be mailed to the Centers but
should be mailed to "The Scudder Funds" at the address listed under "How to
contact Scudder" in the Prospectus.
Reports to Shareholders
Each Fund issues to shareholders semiannual financial statements
(audited annually by independent accountants), including a list of investments
held and statements of assets and liabilities, operations, changes in net assets
and supplementary information for each Fund.
Transaction Summaries
Annual summaries of all transactions in each Fund account are available
to shareholders. The summaries may be obtained by calling 1-800-225-5163.
THE SCUDDER FAMILY OF FUNDS
(See "Investment products and services" in the Fund's
prospectus.)
The Scudder Family of Funds is America's first family of mutual funds
and the nation's oldest family of no-load mutual funds. To assist investors in
choosing a Scudder fund, descriptions of the Scudder funds' objectives follow.
Initial purchases in each Scudder fund must be at least $1,000 or $500 in the
case of IRAs. Subsequent purchases must be for $100 or more. Minimum investments
for special plan accounts may be lower.
29
<PAGE>
MONEY MARKET
Scudder Cash Investment Trust ("SCIT") seeks to maintain the stability
of capital, and consistent therewith, to maintain the liquidity of
capital and to provide current income through investment in a
supervised portfolio of short-term debt securities. SCIT intends to
seek to maintain a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share,
although in certain circumstances this may not be possible.
Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund seeks to provide safety, liquidity and
stability of capital and consistent therewith to provide current income
through investment in a supervised portfolio of U.S. Government and
U.S. Government guaranteed obligations with maturities of not more than
762 calendar days. The Fund intends to seek to maintain a constant net
asset value of $1.00 per share, although in certain circumstances this
may not be possible.
INCOME
Scudder Emerging Markets Income Fund seeks to provide high current
income and, secondarily, long-term capital appreciation through
investments primarily in high-yielding debt securities issued in
emerging markets.
Scudder Global Bond Fund seeks to provide total return with an emphasis
on current income by investing primarily in high-grade bonds
denominated in foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. As a secondary
objective, the Fund will seek capital appreciation.
Scudder GNMA Fund seeks to provide investors with high current income
from a portfolio of high-quality GNMA securities.
Scudder Income Fund seeks to earn a high level of income consistent
with the prudent investment of capital through a flexible investment
program emphasizing high-grade bonds.
Scudder International Bond Fund seeks to provide income from a
portfolio of high-grade bonds denominated in foreign currencies. As a
secondary objective, the Fund seeks protection and possible enhancement
of principal value by actively managing currency, bond market and
maturity exposure and by security selection.
Scudder Short Term Bond Fund seeks to provide a higher and more stable
level of income than is normally provided by money market investments,
and more price stability than investments in intermediate- and
long-term bonds.
Scudder Zero Coupon 2000 Fund seeks to provide as high an investment
return over a selected period as is consistent with the minimization of
reinvestment risks through investments primarily in zero coupon
securities.
TAX FREE MONEY MARKET
Scudder Tax Free Money Fund ("STFMF") is designed to provide investors
with income exempt from regular federal income tax while seeking
stability of principal. STFMF seeks to maintain a constant net asset
value of $1.00 per share, although in certain circumstances this may
not be possible.
Scudder California Tax Free Money Fund* is designed to provide
California taxpayers income exempt from California state and regular
federal income taxes, and seeks stability of capital and the
maintenance of a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share, although
in certain circumstances this may not be possible.
- --------------------------------------
* These funds are not available for sale in all states. For information,
contact Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
30
<PAGE>
Scudder New York Tax Free Money Fund* is designed to provide New York
taxpayers income exempt from New York state, New York City and regular
federal income taxes, and seeks stability of capital and the
maintenance of a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share, although
in certain circumstances this may not be possible.
TAX FREE
Scudder High Yield Tax Free Fund seeks to provide high income which is
exempt from regular federal income tax by investing in investment-grade
municipal securities.
Scudder Limited Term Tax Free Fund seeks to provide as high a level of
income exempt from regular federal income tax as is consistent with a
high degree of principal stability.
Scudder Managed Municipal Bonds seeks to provide income which is exempt
from regular federal income tax primarily through investments in
long-term municipal securities with an emphasis on high quality.
Scudder Medium Term Tax Free Fund seeks to provide a high level of
income free from regular federal income taxes and to limit principal
fluctuation by investing in high-grade municipal securities of
intermediate maturities.
Scudder California Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide income exempt from
both California and regular federal income taxes through the
professional and efficient management of a portfolio consisting of
California state, municipal and local government obligations.
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide as
high a level of income exempt from Massachusetts personal and regular
federal income tax as is consistent with a high degree of principal
stability.
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide income exempt
from both Massachusetts and regular federal income taxes through the
professional and efficient management of a portfolio consisting of
Massachusetts state, municipal and local government obligations.
Scudder New York Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide income exempt from New
York state, New York City and regular federal income taxes through the
professional and efficient management of a portfolio consisting of
investments in New York state, municipal and local government
obligations.
Scudder Ohio Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide income exempt from both
Ohio and regular federal income taxes through the professional and
efficient management of a portfolio consisting of Ohio state, municipal
and local government obligations.
Scudder Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide income exempt from
both Pennsylvania and regular federal income taxes through a portfolio
consisting of Pennsylvania state, municipal and local government
obligations.
GROWTH AND INCOME
Scudder Balanced Fund seeks to provide a balance of growth and income,
as well as long-term preservation of capital, from a diversified
portfolio of equity and fixed income securities.
Scudder Growth and Income Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of
capital, current income, and growth of income through a portfolio
invested primarily in common stocks and convertible securities by
companies which offer the prospect of growth of earnings while paying
current dividends.
- --------------------------------------
* These funds are not available for sale in all states. For information,
contact Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
31
<PAGE>
GROWTH
Scudder Capital Growth Fund seeks to maximize long-term growth of
capital through a broad and flexible investment program emphasizing
common stocks.
Scudder Development Fund seeks to achieve long-term growth of capital
primarily through investments in marketable securities, principally
common stocks, of relatively small or little-known companies which in
the opinion of management have promise of expanding their size and
profitability or of gaining increased market recognition for their
securities, or both.
Scudder Global Fund seeks long-term growth of capital primarily through
a diversified portfolio of marketable equity securities selected on a
worldwide basis. It may also invest in debt securities of U.S.
and foreign issuers. Income is an incidental consideration.
Scudder Global Small Company Fund seeks above-average capital
appreciation over the long term by investing primarily in the equity
securities of small companies located throughout the world.
Scudder Gold Fund seeks maximum return (principal change and income)
consistent with investing in a portfolio of gold-related equity
securities and gold.
Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of capital
through investments primarily in the equity securities of European
companies.
Scudder International Fund seeks long-term growth of capital through
investment principally in a diversified portfolio of marketable equity
securities selected primarily to permit participation in non-U.S.
companies and economies with prospects for growth. It also invests in
fixed-income securities of foreign governments and companies, with a
view toward total investment return.
Scudder Latin America Fund seeks to provide long-term capital
appreciation through investment primarily in the securities of Latin
American issuers.
Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund seeks long-term growth of capital
through investment primarily in the equity securities of Pacific Basin
companies, excluding Japan.
Scudder Quality Growth Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of
capital through investment primarily in the equity securities of
seasoned, financially strong U.S. growth companies.
Scudder Small Company Value Fund invests for long-term growth of
capital by seeking out undervalued stocks of small U.S. companies.
Scudder Value Fund seeks long-term growth of capital through investment
in undervalued equity securities.
The Japan Fund, Inc. seeks capital appreciation through investment in
Japanese securities, primarily in common stocks of Japanese companies.
The net asset values of most Scudder Funds can be found daily in the
"Mutual Funds" section of The Wall Street Journal under "Scudder Funds," and in
other leading newspapers throughout the country. Investors will notice the net
asset value and offering price are the same, reflecting the fact that no sales
commission or "load" is charged on the sale of shares of the Scudder Funds. The
latest seven-day yields for the money-market funds can be found every Monday and
Thursday in the "Money-Market Funds" section of The Wall Street Journal. This
information also may be obtained by calling the Scudder Automated Information
Line (SAIL) at 1-800-343-2890.
The Scudder Family of Funds offers many conveniences and services,
including: active professional investment management; broad and diversified
investment portfolios; pure no-load funds with no commissions to purchase or
redeem shares or Rule 12b-1 distribution fees; individual attention from a
32
<PAGE>
service representative of Scudder Investor Relations; easy telephone exchanges
into other Scudder funds; shares redeemable at net asset value at any time.
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS
(See "Scudder tax-advantaged retirement plans," "Purchases--By
Automatic Investment Plan" and "Exchanges and redemptions--By
Automatic Withdrawal Plan" in the Funds' prospectus.)
Detailed information on any Scudder investment plan, including the
applicable charges, minimum investment requirements and disclosures made
pursuant to Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") requirements, may be obtained
by contacting Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110-4103 or by calling toll free, 1-800-225-2470. It is
advisable for an investor considering the funding of the investment plans
described below to consult with an attorney or other investment or tax adviser
with respect to the suitability requirements and tax aspects thereof.
Shares of each Fund may also be a permitted investment under profit
sharing and pension plans and IRA's other than those offered by the Funds'
distributor depending on the provisions of the relevant plan or IRA.
None of the plans assures a profit or guarantees protection against
depreciation, especially in declining markets.
Automatic Withdrawal Plan
Non-retirement plan shareholders who currently own or purchase $10,000
or more of shares of a Fund may establish an Automatic Withdrawal Plan. The
investor can then receive monthly, quarterly or periodic redemptions from his or
her account for any designated amount of $50 or more. Payments are mailed at the
end of each month. The check amounts may be based on the redemption of a fixed
dollar amount, fixed share amount, percent of account value or declining
balance. The Plan provides for income dividends and capital gains distributions,
if any, to be reinvested in additional shares. Shares are then liquidated as
necessary to provide for withdrawal payments. Since the withdrawals are in
amounts selected by the investor and have no relationship to yield or income,
payments received cannot be considered as yield or income on the investment and
the resulting liquidations may deplete or possibly extinguish the initial
investment. Requests for increases in withdrawal amounts or to change payee must
be submitted in writing, signed exactly as the account is registered and contain
signature guarantee(s) as described under "Transaction information--Redeeming
shares--Signature guarantees" in the Funds' prospectus. Any such requests must
be received by the Funds' transfer agent by the 15th of the month in which such
change is to take effect. An Automatic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any
time by the shareholder, the Trust or its agent on written notice, and will be
terminated when all shares of a Fund under the Plan have been liquidated or upon
receipt by the Trust of notice of death of the shareholder.
An Automatic Withdrawal Plan request form can be obtained by calling
1-800-225-5163.
Cash Management System - Group Sub-Accounting Plan
for Trust Accounts, Nominees and Corporations
To minimize record-keeping by fiduciaries and corporations,
arrangements have been made with the Transfer Agent to offer a convenient group
sub-accounting and dividend payment system to bank trust departments and others.
Debt obligations of banks which utilize the Cash Management System are not given
any preference in the acquisition of investments for a Fund or Portfolio.
In its discretion, a Fund may accept minimum initial investments of
less than $1,000 (per Portfolio) as part of a continuous group purchase plan by
fiduciaries and others (e.g., brokers, bank trust departments, employee benefit
plans) provided that the average single account in any one Fund or Portfolio in
the group purchase plan will be $1,000 or more. A Fund may also wire all
redemption proceeds where the group maintains a single designated bank account.
33
<PAGE>
Shareholders who withdraw from the group purchase plan through which
they were permitted to initiate accounts under $1,000 will be subject to the
minimum account restrictions described under "EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS--Other
Information."
Automatic Investment Plan
Shareholders may arrange to make periodic investments through automatic
deductions from checking accounts by completing the appropriate form and
providing the necessary documentation to establish this service. The minimum
investment is $50.
The Automatic Investment Plan involves an investment strategy called
dollar cost averaging. Dollar cost averaging is a method of investing whereby a
specific dollar amount is invested at regular intervals. By investing the same
dollar amount each period, when shares are priced low the investor will purchase
more shares than when the share price is higher. Over a period of time this
investment approach may allow the investor to reduce the average price of the
shares purchased. However, this investment approach does not assure a profit or
protect against loss. This type of investment program may be suitable for
various investment goals such as, but not limited to, college planning or saving
for a home.
Uniform Transfers/Gifts to Minors Act
Grandparents, parents or other donors may set up custodian accounts for
minors. The minimum initial investment is $1,000 unless the donor agrees to
continue to make regular share purchases for the account through Scudder's
Automatic Investment Plan. In this case, the minimum initial investment is $500.
The Trust reserves the right, after notice has been given to the
shareholder and custodian, to redeem and close a shareholder's account in the
event that regular investments to the account cease before the $1,000 minimum is
reached.
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS
(See "Distribution and performance
information--Dividends and capital gains
distributions" in the Fund's prospectus.)
Each Fund will follow the practice of distributing substantially all,
and in no event less than 90%, of its taxable and tax-exempt net investment
income (defined under "ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--Glossary") and any excess of net
realized short-term capital gains over net realized long-term capital losses.
Each Fund may follow the practice of distributing the entire excess of net
realized long-term capital gains over net realized short-term capital losses.
However, if it appears to be in the best interest of a Fund and its
shareholders, a Fund may retain all or part of such gain for reinvestment.
Dividends will be declared daily and distributions of net investment
income will be made monthly. Any dividend declared in October, November, or
December with a record date in such a month and paid during the following
January will be treated by shareholders for federal income tax purposes as if
received on December 31 of the calendar year declared. Distributions of net
short-term and net long-term capital gains realized during each fiscal year, if
any, will be made annually within three months after the end of each Fund's
fiscal year end. An additional distribution may also be made (or treated as
made) in November or December if necessary to avoid the excise tax enacted by
the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (See "TAXES," below). Both types of distributions
will be made in shares of a Fund and confirmations will be mailed to each
shareholder unless a shareholder has elected to receive cash, in which case a
check will be sent.
Each distribution is accompanied by a brief explanation of the form and
character of the distribution. The characterization of distributions on such
correspondence may differ from the characterization for federal tax purposes. In
January of each year each Fund issues to each shareholder a statement of the
federal income tax status of all distributions, including a statement of the
percentage of the prior calendar year's distributions which a Fund has
designated as tax-exempt and the percentage of such tax-exempt distributions
treated as a tax-preference item for purposes of the alternative minimum tax.
34
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
(See "Distribution and performance information--Performance
information" in the Funds' prospectus.)
From time to time, quotations of the Funds' performance may be included
in advertisements, sales literature or reports to shareholders or prospective
investors. These performance figures may be calculated in the following manner:
Average Annual Total Return
Average annual total return is the average annual compound rate of
return for one year, five years and for the life of a Fund, ended on the last
day of a recent calendar quarter. Average annual total return quotations reflect
changes in the price of a Fund's shares and assume that all dividends and
capital gains distributions during the respective periods were reinvested in
Fund shares. Average annual total return is calculated by finding the average
annual compound rates of return of a hypothetical investment, over such periods,
according to the following formula (average annual total return is then
expressed as a percentage):
T = (ERV/P)^1/n - 1
Where:
T = average annual total return
P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value: ERV is the value,
at the end of the applicable period, of a
hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the
beginning of the applicable period.
The average annual total return of Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term
Tax Free Fund for the one year period ended October 31, 1995, and life of the
Fund(1) are 8.08% and 4.66%, respectively.
The average annual total return of Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund
for the one and five year periods ended March 31, 1995, and life of the Fund(2)
are 7.37%, 8.82%, and 8.83%, respectively.
(1) For the period beginning February 15, 1994.
(2) For the period beginning May 28, 1987.
If the Adviser had not maintained Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term
Tax Free Fund expenses and had imposed a full management fee, the average annual
total return for the one year period and life of the Fund would have been lower.
If the Adviser had not maintained Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund expenses
and had imposed a full management fee, the average annual total return for the
one and five year periods, and life of the Fund would have been lower.
Cumulative Total Return
Cumulative total return is the cumulative rate of return on a
hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 for a specified period. Cumulative
total return quotations reflect the change in the price of the Fund's shares and
assume that all dividends and capital gains distributions during the period were
reinvested in Fund shares. Cumulative total return is calculated by finding the
cumulative rates of return of a hypothetical investment over such period,
according to the following formula (cumulative total return is then expressed as
a percentage):
C = (ERV/P) - 1
Where:
C = Cumulative Total Return
P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000
ERV = ending redeemable value: ERV is the value,
at the end of the applicable period, of a
hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the
beginning of the applicable period.
35
<PAGE>
As of October 31, 1995 the cumulative total return of Massachusetts
Limited Term Tax Free Fund for the one year period and life of the Fund(1) was
8.08%. If the Adviser had not maintained Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free
Fund expenses and had imposed a full management fee, the cumulative total return
for the one year period and life of Fund would have been lower.
(1) For the period beginning February 15, 1994 (commencement of
operations).
The cumulative total return of Massachusetts Tax Free Fund for the one
and five year periods ended March 31, 1995, and life of the Fund(2) were 7.37%,
52.58%, and 94.18%, respectively. If the Adviser had not maintained
Massachusetts Tax Free Fund expenses and had imposed a full management fee, the
cumulative total return for the one and five year periods, and life of the Fund
would have been lower.
(2) For the period beginning May 28, 1987.
Total Return
Total return is the rate of return on an investment for a specified
period of time calculated in the same manner as cumulative total return.
Yield
Yield is the net annualized SEC yield based on a specified 30-day (or
one month) period assuming a semiannual compounding of income. Yield is
calculated by dividing the net investment income per share earned during the
period by the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period,
according to the following formula:
YIELD = 2[((a-b)/cd + 1)^6-1]
Where:
a = dividends and interest earned during the period including the
amortization of market premium or accretion of market discount.
b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements).
c = the average daily number of shares outstanding during the
period that were entitled to receive dividends.
d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the
period.
The 30-day net-annualized SEC yield of Massachusetts Limited Term Tax
Free Fund for the period ended October 31, 1995 was 4.17%.
The 30-day net-annualized SEC yield of Massachusetts Tax Free Fund for
the period ended March 31, 1995 was 5.27%.
Tax-Equivalent Yield
Tax-Equivalent Yield is the net annualized taxable yield needed to
produce a specified tax-exempt yield at a given tax rate based on a specified 30
day (or one month) period assuming semiannual compounding of income.
Tax-equivalent yield is calculated by dividing that portion of the Fund's yield
(as computed in the yield description above) which is tax-exempt by one minus a
stated income tax rate and adding the product to that portion, if any, of the
yield of the Fund that is not tax-exempt. Thus, taxpayers with a federal tax
rate of 36% and an effective combined marginal tax rate of 43.68% would need to
earn a taxable yield of 7.40% to receive after-tax income equal to the 4.17%
tax-free yield of Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund for the 30-day period
ended October 31, 1995. Taxpayers with a federal tax rate of 36% and an
effective combined marginal tax rate of 43.68% would need to earn a taxable
yield of 9.36% to receive after-tax income equal to the 5.27% tax-free yield of
Massachusetts Tax Free Fund for the 30-day period ended on March 31, 1995.
36
<PAGE>
Quotations of each Fund's performance are historical, show the
performance of a hypothetical investment and are not intended to indicate future
performance. Performance of a Fund will vary based on changes in market
conditions and the level of each Fund's expenses. An investor's shares, when
redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Investors should be aware that the principal of each Fund is not
insured.
Comparison of Portfolio Performance
A comparison of the quoted non-standard performance offered for various
investments is valid only if performance is calculated in the same manner. Since
there are different methods of calculating performance, investors should
consider the effects of the methods used to calculate performance when comparing
performance of a Fund with performance quoted with respect to other investment
companies or types of investments.
In connection with communicating its performance to current or
prospective shareholders, a Fund also may compare these figures to the
performance of unmanaged indices which may assume reinvestment of dividends or
interest but generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
management costs. Examples include, but are not limited to the Dow Jones
Industrial Average, the Consumer Price Index, Standard & Poor's 500 Composite
Stock Price Index (S&P 500), the NASDAQ OTC Composite Index, the NASDAQ
Industrials Index, the Russell 2000 Index, and statistics published by the Small
Business Administration.
From time to time, in advertising and marketing literature, a Fund's
performance may be compared to the performance of broad groups of mutual funds
with similar investment goals, as tracked by independent organizations such as,
Investment Company Data, Inc. ("ICD"), Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
("Lipper"), CDA Investment Technologies, Inc. ("CDA"), Morningstar, Inc., Value
Line Mutual Fund Survey and other independent organizations. When these
organizations' tracking results are used, a Fund will be compared to the
appropriate fund category, that is, by fund objective and portfolio holdings, or
to the appropriate volatility grouping, where volatility is a measure of a
fund's risk. For instance, a Scudder growth fund will be compared to funds in
the growth fund category; a Scudder income fund will be compared to funds in the
income fund category; and so on. Scudder funds (except for money market funds)
may also be compared to funds with similar volatility, as measured statistically
by independent organizations.
From time to time, in marketing and other Fund literature, Trustees and
officers of the Funds, the Funds' portfolio manager, or members of the portfolio
management team may be depicted and quoted to give prospective and current
shareholders a better sense of the outlook and approach of those who manage the
Funds. In addition, the amount of assets that the Adviser has under management
in various geographical areas may be quoted in advertising and marketing
materials.
The Funds may be advertised as an investment choice in Scudder's
college planning program. The description may contain illustrations of projected
future college costs based on assumed rates of inflation and examples of
hypothetical fund performance, calculated as described above.
Statistical and other information, as provided by the Social Security
Administration, may be used in marketing materials pertaining to retirement
planning in order to estimate future payouts of social security benefits.
Estimates may be used on demographic and economic data.
Marketing and other Fund literature may include a description of the
potential risks and rewards associated with an investment in the Funds. The
description may include a "risk/return spectrum" which compares the Funds to
other Scudder funds or broad categories of funds, such as money market, bond or
equity funds, in terms of potential risks and returns. Money market funds are
designed to maintain a constant $1.00 share price and have a fluctuating yield.
Share price, yield and total return of a bond fund will fluctuate. The share
price and return of an equity fund also will fluctuate. The description may also
compare the Funds to bank products, such as certificates of deposit. Unlike
mutual funds, certificates of deposit are insured up to $100,000 by the U.S.
government and offer a fixed rate of return.
37
<PAGE>
Because bank products guarantee the principal value of an investment
and money market funds seek stability of principal, these investments are
considered to be less risky than investments in either bond or equity funds,
which may involve the loss of principal. However, all long-term investments,
including investments in bank products, may be subject to inflation risk, which
is the risk of erosion of the value of an investment as prices increase over a
long time period. The risks/returns associated with an investment in bond or
equity funds depend upon many factors. For bond funds these factors include, but
are not limited to, a fund's overall investment objective, the average portfolio
maturity, credit quality of the securities held, and interest rate movements.
For equity funds, factors include a fund's overall investment objective, the
types of equity securities held and the financial position of the issuers of the
securities. The risks/returns associated with an investment in international
bond or equity funds also will depend upon currency exchange rate fluctuation.
A risk/return spectrum generally will position the various investment
categories in the following order: bank products, money market funds, bond funds
and equity funds. Shorter-term bond funds generally are considered less risky
and offer the potential for less return than longer-term bond funds. The same is
true of domestic bond funds relative to international bond funds, and bond funds
that purchase higher quality securities relative to bond funds that purchase
lower quality securities. Growth and income equity funds are generally
considered to be less risky and offer the potential for less return than growth
funds. In addition, international equity funds usually are considered more risky
than domestic equity funds but generally offer the potential for greater return.
Risk/return spectrums also may depict funds that invest in both
domestic and foreign securities or a combination of bond and equity securities.
Scudder's Theme: Build Create Provide Marketing and fund literature may refer to
Scudder's theme: "Build Create Provide." This theme intends to encapsulate the
composition of a sound investment philosophy, one through which Scudder can help
provide investors appropriate avenues for pursuing dreams. Individuals recognize
the need to build investment plans that are suitable and directed at achieving
one's financial goals. The desired result from planning and a long-term
commitment to it is the ability to build wealth over time. While there are no
guarantees in the pursuit of wealth through investing, Scudder believes that a
sound investment plan can enhance one's ability to achieve financial goals that
are clearly defined and appropriately approached. Wealth, while a relative term,
may be defined as the freedom to provide for those interests which you hold most
important -- your family, future, and/or your community.
Evaluation of Fund performance or other relevant statistical
information made by independent sources may also be used in advertisements
concerning the Funds, including reprints of, or selections from, editorials or
articles about these Funds. Sources for Fund performance information and
articles about the Funds include the following:
American Association of Individual Investors' Journal, a monthly publication of
the AAII that includes articles on investment analysis techniques.
Asian Wall Street Journal, a weekly Asian newspaper that often reviews U.S.
mutual funds investing internationally.
Banxquote, an on-line source of national averages for leading money market and
bank CD interest rates, published on a weekly basis by Masterfund, Inc. of
Wilmington, Delaware.
Barron's, a Dow Jones and Company, Inc. business and financial weekly that
periodically reviews mutual fund performance data.
Business Week, a national business weekly that periodically reports the
performance rankings and ratings of a variety of mutual funds investing abroad.
CDA Investment Technologies, Inc., an organization which provides performance
and ranking information through examining the dollar results of hypothetical
mutual fund investments and comparing these results against appropriate market
indices.
Consumer Digest, a monthly business/financial magazine that includes a "Money
Watch" section featuring financial news.
38
<PAGE>
Financial Times, Europe's business newspaper, which features from time to time
articles on international or country-specific funds.
Financial World, a general business/financial magazine that includes a "Market
Watch" department reporting on activities in the mutual fund industry.
Forbes, a national business publication that from time to time reports the
performance of specific investment companies in the mutual fund industry.
Fortune, a national business publication that periodically rates the performance
of a variety of mutual funds.
The Frank Russell Company, a West-Coast investment management firm that
periodically evaluates international stock markets and compares foreign equity
market performance to U.S. stock market performance.
Global Investor, a European publication that periodically reviews the
performance of U.S. mutual funds investing internationally.
IBC/Donoghue's Money Fund Report, a weekly publication of the Donoghue
Organization, Inc., of Holliston, Massachusetts, reporting on the performance of
the nation's money market funds, summarizing money market fund activity and
including certain averages as performance benchmarks, specifically "Donoghue's
Money Fund Average," and "Donoghue's Government Money Fund Average."
Ibbotson Associates, Inc., a company specializing in investment research and
data.
Investment Company Data, Inc., an independent organization which provides
performance ranking information for broad classes of mutual funds.
Investor's Daily, a daily newspaper that features financial, economic, and
business news.
Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly investment advisory publication
that periodically features the performance of a variety of securities.
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.'s Mutual Fund Performance Analysis, a weekly
publication of industry-wide mutual fund averages by type of fund.
Money, a monthly magazine that from time to time features both specific funds
and the mutual fund industry as a whole.
Morgan Stanley International, an integrated investment banking firm that
compiles statistical information.
Mutual Fund Values, a biweekly Morningstar, Inc. publication that provides
ratings of mutual funds based on fund performance, risk and portfolio
characteristics.
The New York Times, a nationally distributed newspaper which regularly covers
financial news.
The No-Load Fund Investor, a monthly newsletter, published by Sheldon Jacobs,
that includes mutual fund performance data and recommendations for the mutual
fund investor.
No-Load Fund*X, a monthly newsletter, published by DAL Investment Company, Inc.,
that reports on mutual fund performance, rates funds and discusses investment
strategies for the mutual fund investor.
Personal Investing News, a monthly news publication that often reports on
investment opportunities and market conditions.
Personal Investor, a monthly investment advisory publication that includes a
"Mutual Funds Outlook" section reporting on mutual fund performance measures,
yields, indices and portfolio holdings.
39
<PAGE>
Smart Money, a national personal finance magazine published monthly by Dow Jones
and Company, Inc. and The Hearst Corporation. Focus is placed on ideas for
investing, spending and saving.
Success, a monthly magazine targeted to the world of entrepreneurs and growing
business, often featuring mutual fund performance data.
United Mutual Fund Selector, a semi-monthly investment newsletter, published by
Babson United Investment Advisors, that includes mutual fund performance data
and reviews of mutual fund portfolios and investment strategies.
USA Today, a leading national daily newspaper.
U.S. News and World Report, a national business weekly that periodically reports
mutual fund performance data.
Value Line Mutual Fund Survey, an independent organization that provides
biweekly performance and other information on mutual funds.
The Wall Street Journal, a Dow Jones and Company, Inc. national newspaper which
regularly covers financial news.
Wiesenberger Investment Companies Services, an annual compendium of information
about mutual funds and other investment companies, including comparative data on
funds' backgrounds, management policies, salient features, management results,
income and dividend records and price ranges.
Working Woman, a monthly publication that features a "Financial Workshop"
section reporting on the mutual fund/financial industry.
Worth, a national publication put out 10 times per year by Capital Publishing
Company, a subsidiary of Fidelity Investments. Focus is placed on personal
financial journalism.
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUNDS
(See "Fund organization" in the Funds'
prospectus.)
Each Fund is a series of Scudder State Tax Free Trust. The Trust is a
Massachusetts business trust established under a Declaration of Trust dated May
25, 1983. Such Declaration of Trust was amended and restated on December 8,
1987. Its authorized capital consists of an unlimited number of shares of
beneficial interest of $0.01 par value. The shares are currently divided into
six series. The other series of the Trust are: Scudder New York Tax Free Fund,
Scudder New York Tax Free Money Fund, Scudder Ohio Tax Free Fund and Scudder
Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund. The Trustees have the authority to issue more series
of shares and to designate the relative rights and preferences as between the
different series. Each share of each Fund has equal rights with each other share
of that Fund as to voting, dividends and liquidation. Shareholders have one vote
for each share held on matters on which they are entitled to vote. All shares
issued and outstanding will be fully paid and non-assessable by the Trust, and
redeemable as described in this Statement of Additional Information and in the
Funds' prospectus.
The assets of the Trust received for the issue or sale of the shares of
each series and all income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof, subject only
to the rights of creditors, are specifically allocated to such series and
constitute the underlying assets of such series. The underlying assets of each
series are segregated on the books of account, and are to be charged with the
liabilities in respect to such series and with its equitable share of the
general liabilities of the Trust, as determined by the Trustees. Expenses with
respect to any two or more series are to be allocated in proportion to the asset
value of the respective series except where allocations of direct expenses can
otherwise be fairly made. The officers of the Trust, subject to the general
supervision of the Trustees, have the power to determine which liabilities are
allocable to a given series, or which are general or allocable to two or more
series. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of the Trust or any
series, the holders of the shares of any series are entitled to receive as a
class the underlying assets of such shares available for distribution to
shareholders.
40
<PAGE>
Shares of the Trust entitle their holders to one vote per share;
however, separate votes are taken by each series on matters affecting an
individual series. For example, a change in investment policy for a series would
be voted upon only by shareholders of the series involved. Additionally,
approval of the investment advisory agreement is a matter to be determined
separately by each series. Approval by the shareholders of one series is
effective as to that series whether or not enough votes are received from the
shareholders of the other series to approve such agreement as to the other
series.
The Declaration of Trust provides that obligations of the Trust are not
binding upon the Trustees individually but only upon the property of the Trust,
that the Trustees and officers will not be liable for errors of judgment or
mistakes of fact or law, and that the Trust will indemnify its Trustees and
officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with litigation
in which they may be involved because of their offices with the Trust except if
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
protects or indemnifies a Trustee or officer against any liability to which he
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of their
office.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
(See "Fund organization--Investment adviser" in the
Funds' prospectus.)
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc., an investment counsel firm, acts as
investment adviser to each Fund. This organization is one of the most
experienced investment management firms in the United States. It was established
as a partnership in 1919 and pioneered the practice of providing investment
counsel to individual clients on a fee basis. In 1928 it introduced the first
no-load mutual fund to the public. In 1953, the Adviser introduced Scudder
International Fund, the first mutual fund registered with the SEC in the U.S.
investing internationally in several foreign countries. The firm reorganized
from a partnership to a corporation on June 28, 1985.
The principal source of the Adviser's income is professional fees
received from providing continuous investment advice, and the firm derives no
income from brokerage or underwriting of securities. Today, it provides
investment counsel for many individuals and institutions, including insurance
companies, colleges, industrial corporations, and financial and banking
organizations. In addition, it manages Montgomery Street Income Securities,
Inc., Scudder California Tax Free Trust, Scudder Cash Investment Trust, Scudder
Equity Trust, Scudder Fund, Inc., Scudder Funds Trust, Scudder Global Fund,
Inc., Scudder GNMA Fund, Scudder Portfolio Trust, Scudder Institutional Fund,
Inc., Scudder International Fund, Inc., Scudder Investment Trust, Scudder
Municipal Trust, Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc., Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc.,
Scudder New Europe Fund, Inc., Scudder Securities Trust, Scudder State Tax Free
Trust, Scudder Tax Free Money Fund, Scudder Tax Free Trust, Scudder U.S.
Treasury Money Fund, Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund, Scudder World Income
Opportunities Fund, Inc., The Argentina Fund, Inc., The Brazil Fund, Inc., The
First Iberian Fund, Inc., The Korea Fund, Inc., The Japan Fund, Inc. and The
Latin America Dollar Income Fund, Inc. Some of the foregoing companies or trusts
have two or more series.
The Adviser also provides investment advisory services to the mutual
funds which comprise the AARP Investment Program from Scudder. The AARP
Investment Program from Scudder has assets over $11 billion and includes the
AARP Growth Trust, AARP Income Trust, AARP Tax Free Income Trust and AARP Cash
Investment Funds.
In selecting the securities in which each Fund may invest, the
conclusions and investment decisions of the Adviser with respect to a Fund are
based primarily on the analyses of its own research department. The Adviser
receives published reports and statistical compilations of the issuers
themselves, as well as analyses from brokers and dealers who may execute
portfolio transactions for the Adviser's clients. However, the Adviser regards
this information and material as an adjunct to its own research activities.
Certain investments may be appropriate for a Fund and also for other
clients advised by the Adviser. Investment decisions for a Fund and other
clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives
and after consideration of such factors as their current holdings, availability
of cash for investment and the size of their investments generally. Frequently,
a particular security may be bought or sold for only one client or in different
amounts and at different times for more than one but less than all clients.
41
<PAGE>
Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one
or more other clients are selling the security. In addition, purchases or sales
of the same security may be made for two or more clients on the same day. In
such event, such transactions will be allocated among the clients in a manner
believed by the Adviser to be equitable to each. In some cases, this procedure
could have an adverse effect on the price or amount of the securities purchased
or sold by a Fund. Purchase and sale orders for a Fund may be combined with
those of other clients of the Adviser in the interest of achieving the most
favorable net results to a Fund.
The Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund, and the Adviser was approved by the
Trustees on December 14, 1993 and by the Fund's sole shareholder on February 10,
1994. The Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of
Massachusetts Tax Free Fund, and the Adviser was last approved by the Trustees
on August 8, 1995 and by the Fund's shareholders on December 8, 1987. The
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund Investment Advisory Agreement dated
February 15, 1994 and the Massachusetts Tax Free Fund Investment Advisory
Agreement dated June 1, 1987 (collectively, the "Agreements") will continue in
effect until September 30, 1996 and from year to year thereafter only if their
continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of those Trustees who
are not parties to such Agreements or interested persons of the Adviser or the
Trust cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval and either by vote of a majority of the Trustees or a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of each Fund. The Agreements may be terminated at
any time without payment of penalty by either party on sixty days' written
notice, and automatically terminates in the event of its assignment.
Under each Agreement, the Adviser regularly provides a Fund with
investment research, advice and supervision and furnishes continuously an
investment program consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and
policies. The Adviser determines what securities shall be purchased for the
Fund's portfolio, what securities shall be held or sold by the Fund, and what
portion of the Fund's assets shall be held uninvested, subject always to the
provisions of the Trust's Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, the 1940 Act, the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and to the Fund's investment objective, policies
and restrictions, and subject further to such policies and instructions as the
Trustees of the Trust may from time to time establish. The Adviser also advises
and assists the officers of the Trust in taking such steps as are necessary or
appropriate to carry out the decisions of its Trustees and the appropriate
committees of the Trustees regarding the conduct of the business of each Fund.
The Adviser pays the compensation and expenses of all affiliated
Trustees and executive employees of the Trust and makes available, without
expense to the Trust, the services of such Advisers, Directors, Officers, and
employees as may duly be elected officers or Trustees of the Trust, subject to
their individual consent to serve and to any limitations imposed by law, and
provides the Fund's office space and facilities and provides investment
advisory, research and statistical facilities and all clerical services relating
to research, statistical and investment work.
For these services, Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund pays the
Adviser a monthly fee of 0.60 of 1% (approximately 0.60 of 1% on an annual
basis) of the average daily net assets of the Fund. Massachusetts Tax Free Fund
pays the Adviser a monthly fee of 0.60 of 1% of the average daily net assets of
the Fund.
The Agreements provide that if a Fund's expenses, exclusive of taxes,
interest, and extraordinary expenses, exceed specified limits, such excess, up
to the amount of the management fee, will be paid by the Adviser. The Adviser
retains the ability to be repaid by a Fund if expenses fall below the specified
limit prior to the end of the fiscal year. These expense limitation arrangements
can decrease a Fund's expenses and improve its performance. For the period
February 15, 1994 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1994, these
agreements resulted in Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund incurring no
investment management fee. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995, pursuant
to these agreements, the investment management fee incurred by Massachusetts
Limited Term Tax Free Fund was $25,208. Had the Adviser imposed the management
fee for the period February 15, 1994 (commencement of operations) to October 31,
1994 and for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995, the investment management
fee would have equaled $95,975 and $297,710, respectively. For the fiscal year
ended October 31, 1995 for Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund, the amount
to be reimbursed by the Adviser equaled $39,388.
The Adviser has agreed to maintain the annualized expenses of
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund at not more than 0.75% of the average
daily net assets of the Fund until July 31, 1996.
42
<PAGE>
The Agreements provide that if a Fund's expenses, exclusive of taxes,
interest, and extraordinary expenses, exceed specified limits, such excess, up
to the amount of the management fee, will be paid by the Adviser. The Adviser
retains the ability to be repaid by a Fund if expenses fall below the specified
limit prior to the end of the fiscal year. These expense limitation arrangements
can decrease a Fund's expenses and improve its performance. For the fiscal years
ended March 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, pursuant to these agreements, the
investment management fees incurred by Massachusetts Tax Free Fund were $0,
$85,149 and $925,856, respectively. Had the Adviser imposed a full investment
management fee for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, the
investment management fees would have equaled $1,146,901, $2,042,707 and
$1,853,862, respectively. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1995 for
Massachusetts Tax Free Fund, the amount not imposed by the Adviser equaled
$928,006.
The Adviser continued to maintain the annualized expenses of
Massachusetts Tax Free Fund at not more than 0.75% of the average daily net
assets of the Fund until December 31, 1995.
Under the Agreements each Fund is responsible for all of its other
expenses, including organization expenses; clerical salaries; fees and expenses
incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations;
brokers' commissions; payment for portfolio pricing services to a pricing agent,
if any; legal, auditing or accounting expenses; taxes or governmental fees; the
fees and expenses of the Transfer Agent; the cost of preparing share
certificates and any other expenses, including clerical expense, of issuance,
redemption or repurchase of shares of beneficial interest; the expenses of and
fees for registering or qualifying securities for sale; the fees and expenses of
the Trustees of the Trust who are not affiliated with the Adviser; the cost of
preparing and distributing reports and notices to shareholders; and the fees or
disbursements of custodians. The Trust is also responsible for its expenses
incurred in connection with litigation, proceedings and claims and the legal
obligation it may have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect
thereto.
Each Agreement further provides that as between each Fund and the
Adviser each Fund will be responsible for all expenses, including clerical
expense, of offer, sale, underwriting and distribution of a Fund's shares only
so long as a Fund employs a principal underwriter to act as the distributor of a
Fund's shares pursuant to an underwriting agreement which provides that the
underwriter will assume such expenses. The Trust's underwriting agreement
provides that the principal underwriter shall pay all expenses of offer and sale
of a Fund's shares except the expenses of preparation and filing of registration
statements under the Securities Act of 1933 and under state securities laws,
issue and transfer taxes, if any, and a portion of the prospectuses used by a
Fund. In the event that a Fund ceases to employ a principal underwriter to act
as the distributor of a Fund's shares, the expenses of distributing a Fund's
shares will be borne by the Adviser unless a Fund shall have adopted a plan
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act providing that a Fund shall be
responsible for some or all of such distribution expenses.
Each Agreement requires the Adviser to return to a Fund all or a
portion of advances of its management fee to the extent annual expenses of a
Fund (including the management fee stated above) exceed the limitations
prescribed by any state in which a Fund's shares are offered for sale.
Management has been advised that, while most states have eliminated expense
limitations the lowest such limitation is currently 2 1/2% of average daily net
assets up to $30 million, 2% of the next $70 million of average daily net assets
and 1 1/2% of average daily net assets in excess of that amount. Certain
expenses such as brokerage commissions, taxes, extraordinary expenses and
interest are excluded from such limitations. Any such fee advance required to be
returned to a Fund will be returned as promptly as practicable after the end of
each Fund's fiscal year. However, no fee payment will be made to the Adviser
during any fiscal year which will cause year-to-date expenses to exceed the
cumulative pro rata expense limitation at the time of such payment. The
amortization of organizational costs is described herein under "ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION--Other Information."
Each Agreement also provides that the Trust and either Fund may use any
name derived from the name "Scudder, Stevens & Clark" only as long as each
Agreement or any extension, renewal or amendment thereof remains in effect.
In reviewing the terms of each Agreement and in discussions with the
Adviser concerning the Agreement, Trustees who are not "interested persons" of
the Adviser are represented by independent counsel at that Fund's expense.
Each Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for any
error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by a Fund in
43
<PAGE>
connection with matters to which the Agreement relates, except a loss resulting
from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the
Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by the
Adviser of its obligations and duties under the Agreement.
Officers and employees of the Adviser from time to time may have
transactions with various banks, including the Custodian bank. It is the
Adviser's opinion that the terms and conditions of those transactions which have
occurred were not influenced by existing or potential custodial or other Trust
relationships.
None of the Trustees or officers of the Trust may have dealings with
either Fund as principals in the purchase or sale of securities, except as
individual subscribers to or holders of shares of such Fund.
Personal Investments by Employees of the Adviser
Employees of the Adviser are permitted to make personal securities
transactions, subject to requirements and restrictions set forth in the
Adviser's Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics contains provisions and
requirements designed to identify and address certain conflicts of interest
between personal investment activities and the interests of investment advisory
clients such as the Funds. Among other things, the Code of Ethics, which
generally complies with standards recommended by the Investment Company
Institute's Advisory Group on Personal Investing, prohibits certain types of
transactions absent prior approval, imposes time periods during which personal
transactions may not be made in certain securities, and requires the submission
of duplicate broker confirmations and monthly reporting of securities
transactions. Additional restrictions apply to portfolio managers, traders,
research analysts and others involved in the investment advisory process.
Exceptions to these and other provisions of the Code of Ethics may be granted in
particular circumstances after review by appropriate personnel.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Position with
Underwriter,
Name Position Principal Scudder Investor
and Address with Trust Occupation** Services, Inc.
- ----------- ---------- ------------ ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
David S. Lee*+@ President and Managing Director of Scudder, President, Assistant
Trustee Stevens & Clark, Inc. Treasurer and Director
Henry P. Becton, Jr. Trustee President and General Manager, --
WGBH WGBH Educational Foundation
125 Western Avenue
Allston, MA
Dawn-Marie Driscoll Trustee Attorney & Corporate Director; --
5760 Flamingo Drive Partner, Palmer & Dodge from
Cape Coral, FL 1988 to 1990
Peter B. Freeman@ Trustee Corporate Director and Trustee --
100 Alumni Avenue
Providence, RI
Dudley H. Ladd*+ Trustee Managing Director of Scudder, Senior Vice President
Stevens & Clark, Inc. and Director
Wesley W. Marple, Jr.@ Trustee Professor of Business --
413 Hayden Hall Administration, Northeastern
360 Huntington Avenue University College of Business
Boston, MA Administration
Juris Padegs*# Trustee Managing Director of Scudder, Vice President and
44
<PAGE>
Position with
Underwriter,
Name Position Principal Scudder Investor
and Address with Trust Occupation** Services, Inc.
- ----------- ---------- ------------ ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Stevens & Clark, Inc. Director
Daniel Pierce*+@ Trustee Chairman of the Board and Vice President,
Managing Director of Scudder, Director and Assistant
Stevens & Clark, Inc. Treasurer
Jean C. Tempel Trustee General Partner, --
Ten Post Office Square TL Ventures
Suite 1325
Boston, MA
Donald C. Carleton+ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder, --
Stevens & Clark, Inc.
Philip G. Condon+ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder, --
Stevens & Clark, Inc.
Jerard K. Hartman# Vice President Managing Director of Scudder, --
Stevens & Clark, Inc.
Thomas W. Joseph+ Vice President Principal of Scudder, Stevens & Vice President,
Clark, Inc. Director, Treasurer and
Assistant Clerk
Jeremy L. Ragus+ Vice President Principal of Scudder, Stevens & --
Clark, Inc.
Rebecca Wilson+ Vice President Assistant Vice President of --
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.
Thomas F. McDonough+ Vice President and Principal of Scudder, Stevens & Clerk
Secretary Clark, Inc.
Pamela A. McGrath+ Vice President and Managing Director of Scudder, --
Treasurer Stevens & Clark, Inc.
Edward J. O'Connell# Vice President and Principal of Scudder, Stevens & Assistant Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer Clark, Inc.
Coleen Downs Dinneen+ Assistant Secretary Vice President of Scudder, Assistant Clerk
Stevens & Clark, Inc.
</TABLE>
* Messrs. Lee, Ladd, Padegs and Pierce are considered by the Trust and
its counsel to be Trustees who are "interested persons" of the Adviser
or of each Fund within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended.
** Unless otherwise stated, all officers and Trustees have been associated
with their respective companies for more than five years but not
necessarily in the same capacity.
+ Address: Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
# Address: 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154
@ Messrs. Lee, Freeman, Marple and Pierce are members of the Executive
Committee of each Fund, which has the power to declare dividends from
ordinary income and distributions of realized capital gains to the same
extent as the Board is so empowered.
45
<PAGE>
The Trustees and officers of the Trust may also serve in similar
capacities with other Scudder Funds.
As of January 31, 1996 all Trustees and officers of the Trust as a
group owned beneficially (as that term is defined in Section 13(d) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) less than 1% of the shares of Massachusetts
Limited Term Tax Free Fund outstanding on such date.
As of January 31, 1996 all Trustees and officers of the Trust as a
group owned beneficially (as that term is defined in Section 13(d) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) less than 1% of the shares of Massachusetts Tax
Free Fund outstanding on such date.
As of January 31, 1996 Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. owned in the
aggregate, by or on behalf of accounts for which it acts as investment adviser,
425,033 shares or 8.93% of the outstanding shares of Massachusetts Limited Term
Tax Free Fund. Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. may be deemed to be the beneficial
owner of such shares but disclaims any beneficial ownership in such shares.
As of January 31, 1996 Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. owned in the
aggregate, by or on behalf of accounts for which it acts as investment adviser,
2,215,504 shares or 9.59% of the outstanding shares of Massachusetts Tax Free
Fund. Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of
such shares but disclaims any beneficial ownership in such shares.
As of January 31, 1996, 350,789 shares in the aggregate, 7.37% of the
outstanding shares of Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund, were
held in the name of John W. Childs, 421 Heath Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02167.
As of January 31, 1996, 2,326,887 shares in the aggregate, 10.08% of
the outstanding shares of Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund, were held in the
nominees of Fiduciary Trust Company. Fiduciary Trust Company may be deemed to be
the beneficial owner of certain of these shares, but disclaims any beneficial
ownership therein.
To the best of the Trust's knowledge, as of January 31, 1996 no person
owned beneficially more than 5% of either Fund's outstanding shares, except as
stated above.
REMUNERATION
Several of the officers and Trustees of the Trust may be officers of
the Adviser, Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Scudder Service Corporation or
Scudder Trust Company and participate in fees paid by either Fund. Each Fund
pays no direct remuneration to any officer of the Trust. However, each of the
Trustees who is not affiliated with the Adviser will be paid by the Trust. Each
of these unaffiliated Trustees receives an annual Trustee's fee of $12,000 from
the Trust allocated equally among the series of the Trust and fees of $300 from
the Trust allocated equally among the series of the Trust for each attended
Trustees' meeting, audit committee meeting or meeting held for the purpose of
considering arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser. Each unaffiliated
Trustee also receives $100 per committee meeting, other than those set forth
above. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995 such fees totaled $12,831 for
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund, and for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1995, such fees totaled $15,138 for Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free
Fund.
The following Compensation Table provides, in tabular form, the following data:
Column (1): all Trustees who receive compensation from the Trust.
Column (2): aggregate compensation received by a Trustee from all the series of
the Trust.
Columns (3) and (4): pension or retirement benefits accrued or proposed be paid
by the Trust. Scudder State Tax Free Trust does not pay its Trustees such
benefits.
Column (5): total compensation received by a Trustee from the Trust,
plus compensation received from all funds for which a Trustee serves in a fund
complex. The total number of funds from which a Trustee receives such
compensation is also provided.
46
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Compensation Table
for the year ended December 31, 1995
===================== ============================== ==================== ===================== =========================
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Pension or Total Compensation From
Retirement Estimated Annual Scudder State Tax Free
Name of Person, Aggregate Compensation from Benefits Accrued Benefits Upon Trust and Fund Complex
Position Scudder State Tax Free Trust* As Part of Fund Retirement Paid to Trustee
Expenses
===================== ============================== ==================== ===================== =========================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Henry P. Becton, Jr., $15,800 N/A N/A $82,800
Trustee (15 funds)
Dawn-Marie Driscoll, $16,100 N/A N/A $92,800
Trustee (16 funds)
Peter B. Freeman, $16,100 N/A N/A $126,750
Trustee (31 funds)
Wesley W. Marple, Jr., $16,100 N/A N/A $93,100
Trustee (15 funds)
Jean C. Tempel, $16,100 N/A N/A $92,200
Trustee (15 funds)
</TABLE>
* Scudder State Tax Free Trust consists of six Funds: Scudder Massachusetts
Limited Term Tax Free Fund, Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund, Scudder
New York Tax Free Money Fund, Scudder New York Tax Free Fund, Scudder Ohio
Tax Free Fund and Scudder Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund.
DISTRIBUTOR
The Trust has an underwriting agreement with Scudder Investor Services,
Inc. (the "Distributor"), a Massachusetts corporation, which is a subsidiary of
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc., a Delaware corporation. The Trust's underwriting
agreement dated June 1, 1987 will remain in effect until September 30, 1995, and
from year to year thereafter only if its continuance is approved annually by a
majority of the members of the Board of Trustees who are not parties to such
agreement or interested persons of any such party and either by vote of a
majority of the Board of Trustees or a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Trust. The underwriting agreement was last approved by the
Trustees on August 8, 1995.
Under the underwriting agreement, the Trust is responsible for the
payment of all fees and expenses in connection with the preparation and filing
with the SEC of the Trust's registration statement and prospectus and any
amendments and supplements thereto; the registration and qualification of shares
for sale in the various states, including registering the Trust as a broker or
dealer; the fees and expenses of preparing, printing and mailing prospectuses
annually to existing shareholders (see below for expenses relating to
prospectuses paid by the Distributor), notices, proxy statements, reports or
other communications to shareholders of the Trust; the cost of printing and
mailing confirmations of purchases of shares and the prospectuses accompanying
such confirmations; any issuance taxes and/or any initial transfer taxes; a
portion of shareholder toll-free telephone charges and expenses of shareholder
service representatives; the cost of wiring funds for share purchases and
redemptions (unless paid by the shareholder who initiates the transaction); the
cost of printing and postage of business reply envelopes; and a portion of the
cost of computer terminals used by both the Trust and the Distributor.
The Distributor will pay for printing and distributing prospectuses or
reports prepared for its use in connection with the offering of each Fund's
shares to the public and preparing, printing and mailing any other literature or
advertising in connection with the offering of shares of a Fund to the public.
The Distributor will pay all fees and expenses in connection with its
qualification and registration as a broker or dealer under federal and state
laws, a portion of the cost of toll-free telephone service and expenses of
shareholder service representatives, a portion of the cost of computer
terminals, and expenses of any activity which is primarily intended to result in
the sale of shares issued by a Fund, unless a Rule 12b-1 plan is in effect which
47
<PAGE>
provides that each Fund shall bear some or all of such expenses.
Note: Although each Fund does not currently have a 12b-1 Plan and the
Trustees have no current intention of adopting one, either Fund would
also pay those fees and expenses permitted to be paid or assumed by
such Fund pursuant to a 12b-1 Plan, if any, were such a plan adopted by
a Fund, notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary in the
underwriting agreement.
As agent the Distributor currently offers shares of each Fund on a
continuous basis to investors in all states in which shares of a Fund may from
time to time be registered or where permitted by applicable law. The
underwriting agreement provides that the Distributor accepts orders for shares
at net asset value as no sales commission or load is charged to the investor.
The Distributor has made no firm commitment to acquire shares of a Fund.
TAXES
(See "Transaction information--Tax information, Tax identification
number" and "Distribution and performance information--Dividends
and capital gains distributions" in the Funds' prospectus.)
Shareholders should consult their tax advisers about the application of
the provisions of tax law described in this Statement of Additional Information
in light of their particular tax situation.
Certain political events, including federal elections and future
amendments to federal income tax laws, may affect the desirability of investing
in either Fund.
Federal Taxation
Each fund within the Trust will be separate for investment and
accounting purposes, and will be treated as a separate taxable entity for
federal income tax purposes. Each Fund has elected to be treated as a separate
regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 as amended (the "Code") and has qualified as such. Each Fund intends to
continue to qualify in each taxable year as required under the Code in order to
avoid payment of federal income tax at the fund level.
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company, each Fund must
meet certain requirements regarding the source of its income and the
diversification of its assets and must also derive less than 30% of its gross
income in each taxable year from certain types of investments (such as
securities, options and financial futures) held for less than three months.
Legislation currently pending before the U.S. Congress would repeal this
requirement. However, it is impossible to predict whether this legislation will
become law and, if it is so enacted, what form it will eventually take.
As a regulated investment company qualifying under Subchapter M of the
Code, each Fund is required to distribute to its shareholders at least 90
percent of its taxable net investment income (including net short-term capital
gain in excess of net long-term capital loss) and at least 90 percent of its
tax-exempt net investment income and is not subject to federal income tax to the
extent that it distributes annually all of its taxable net investment income and
net realized capital gains in accordance with the timing requirements of the
Code. Each Fund intends to distribute at least annually substantially all, and
in no event less than 90%, of its taxable and tax-exempt net investment income
and net realized capital gains.
If any net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized
short-term capital losses are retained by a Fund for reinvestment, requiring
federal income taxes to be paid thereon by a Fund, the Fund will elect to treat
such capital gains as having been distributed to shareholders. As a result, each
shareholder will report such capital gains as long-term capital gains, will be
able to claim his share of federal income taxes paid by a Fund on such gains as
a credit against his own federal income tax liability, and will be entitled to
increase the adjusted tax basis of his Fund shares by the difference between his
pro rata share of such gains and his tax credit.
Each Fund is subject to a 4% non-deductible excise tax on amounts
required to be but not distributed under a prescribed formula. The formula
requires payment to shareholders during a calendar year of distributions
representing at least 98% of a Fund's taxable ordinary income for the calendar
48
<PAGE>
year, at least 98% of the excess of its capital gains over capital losses
realized during the one-year period ending October 31 during such year, and all
ordinary income and capital gains for prior years that were not previously
distributed. Each Fund has adjusted its distribution policies to minimize any
adverse impact from this tax or eliminate its application.
Net investment income is made up of dividends and interest, less
expenses. Net realized capital gains for a fiscal year are computed by taking
into account any capital loss carryforward or post-October loss of a fund.
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund and Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund
intend to offset realized capital gains by using their capital loss
carryforwards before distributing any gains. In addition, Scudder Massachusetts
Tax Free Fund intends to offset realized capital gains by using its post-October
loss before distributing gains. As of March 31, 1995, Scudder Massachusetts Tax
Free Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of approximately $1,437,000 which
may be applied against realized capital gains of each succeeding year until
fully utilized or until March 31, 2003, the expiration date, whichever occurs
first. In addition, Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund, from November 1, 1994
through March 31, 1995, incurred approximately $651,000 of net realized capital
losses which the Fund intends to elect to defer and treat as arising in the year
ended March 31, 1996 as permitted by tax regulations. As of October 31, 1995,
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund had a net capital loss
carryforward of approximately $26,000, which may be applied against realized
capital gains of each succeeding year until fully utilized or until October 31,
2002, the expiration date, whichever occurs first.
Distributions of taxable net investment income and the excess of net
short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss are taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income.
Subchapter M of the Code permits the character of tax-exempt interest
distributed by a regulated investment company to flow through as tax-exempt
interest to its shareholders, provided that at least 50% of the value of its
assets at the end of each quarter of its taxable year is invested in state,
municipal and other obligations the interest on which is excluded from gross
income under Section 103(a) of the Code. Each Fund intends to satisfy this 50%
requirement in order to permit its distributions of tax-exempt interest to be
treated as such for federal income tax purposes in the hands of its
shareholders. Distributions to shareholders of tax-exempt interest earned by a
Fund for the taxable year are therefore not expected to be subject to regular
federal income tax, although they may be subject to the individual and corporate
alternative minimum taxes described below. Discount from certain stripped
tax-exempt obligations or their coupons, however, may be taxable.
The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 requires that market discount
recognized on a tax-exempt bond is taxable as ordinary income. This rule applies
only for disposals of bonds purchased after April 30, 1993. A market discount
bond is a bond acquired in the secondary market at a price below its redemption
value. Under prior law, the treatment of market discount as ordinary income did
not apply to tax-exempt obligations. Instead, realized market discount on
tax-exempt obligations was treated as capital gain. Under the new law, gain on
the disposition of a tax-exempt obligation or any other market discount bond
that is acquired for a price less than its principal amount will be treated as
ordinary income (instead of capital gain) to the extent of accrued market
discount.
Since no portion of either Fund's income will be comprised of dividends
from domestic corporations, none of the income distributions of a Fund will be
eligible for the dividends-received deduction available for certain taxable
dividends received by corporations.
Any short-term capital loss realized upon the redemption of shares
within six months of the date of their purchase will be disallowed to the extent
of any tax-exempt dividends received with respect to such shares, although the
period may be reduced under Treasury regulations to be prescribed. All or a
portion of a loss realized upon the redemption of shares may be disallowed to
the extent shares are repurchased (including shares acquired by means of
reinvested dividends) within 30 days before or after such redemption.
Distributions of the excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain,
regardless of the length of time the shares of a Fund have been held by such
shareholders. Such distributions to corporate shareholders of a Fund are not
eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Any loss realized upon the
redemption of shares within six months from the date of their purchase will be
treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as
distributions of long-term capital gain during such six-month period with
respect to such shares.
49
<PAGE>
Distributions derived from interest which is exempt from regular
federal income tax may subject corporate shareholders to, or increase their
liability under, the corporate alternative minimum tax. A portion of such
distributions may constitute a tax preference item for individual shareholders
and may subject them to, or increase their liability under the 26% individual
alternative minimum tax, but normally no more than 20% of a Fund's net assets
will be invested in securities the interest on which is such a tax preference
item for individuals.
Distributions of taxable net investment income and net realized capital
gains will be taxable as described above, whether received in shares or in cash.
Shareholders electing to receive distributions in the form of additional shares
will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each share so received
equal to the net asset value of a share on the reinvestment date.
Each distribution is accompanied by a brief explanation of the form and
character of the distribution. In January of each year, each Fund issues to its
shareholders a statement of the Federal income tax status of all distributions.
All distributions of taxable or tax-exempt net investment income and net
realized capital gain, whether received in shares or in cash, must be reported
by each shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Dividends or
capital gains distributions declared and payable to shareholders of record on a
specified date in October, November or December, if any, will be deemed to have
been received by shareholders in December if paid during January of the
following year. Shareholders are also required to report tax-exempt interest.
Redemptions of shares, including exchanges for shares of another Scudder fund,
may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder and are also
subject to these reporting requirements.
Interest which is tax-exempt for federal income tax purposes is
included as income for purposes of determining the amount of social security or
railroad retirement benefits subject to tax.
Interest on indebtedness incurred by shareholders to purchase or carry
shares of a Fund will not be deductible for federal income tax purposes. Under
rules used by the IRS to determine when borrowed funds are used for the purpose
of purchasing or carrying particular assets, the purchase of shares may be
considered to have been made with borrowed funds even though the borrowed funds
are not directly traceable to the purchase of shares.
Section 147(a) of the Code prohibits exemption from taxation of
interest on certain governmental obligations to persons who are "substantial
users" (or persons related thereto) of facilities financed by such obligations.
Neither Fund has undertaken any investigation as to the users of the facilities
financed by bonds in such Fund's portfolio.
Distributions by each Fund result in a reduction in the net asset value
of a Fund's shares. Should a distribution reduce the net asset value below a
shareholder's cost basis, such distribution would nevertheless be taxable to the
shareholder, to the extent it is derived from other than tax-exempt interest, as
ordinary income or capital gain as described above, even though, from an
investment standpoint, it may constitute a partial return of capital. In
particular, investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares just
prior to a distribution. The price of shares purchased at that time includes the
amount of the forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing just prior to a
distribution will then receive a partial return of capital upon the
distribution, which, to the extent it is derived from other than tax-exempt
interest, will nevertheless be taxable to them.
All futures contracts entered into by a Fund and all listed nonequity
options written or purchased by a Fund (including options on futures contracts
and options on securities indices) will be governed by Section 1256 of the Code.
Absent a tax election to the contrary, gain or loss attributable to the lapse,
exercise or closing out of any such position generally will be treated as 60%
long-term and 40% short-term, and on the last trading day of a Fund's fiscal
year, all outstanding Section 1256 positions will be marked to market (i.e.
treated as if such positions were closed out at their closing price on such
day), with any resulting gain or loss recognized as 60% long-term and 40%
short-term. Under certain circumstances, entry into a futures contract to sell a
security may constitute a short sale for federal income tax purposes, causing an
adjustment in the holding period of the underlying security or a substantially
identical security in a Fund's portfolio.
Positions of each Fund which consist of at least one debt security not
governed by Section 1256 and at least one futures contract or nonequity option
governed by Section 1256 which substantially diminishes a Fund's risk of loss
with respect to such debt security will be treated as a "mixed straddle." Mixed
straddles are subject to the straddle rules of Section 1092 of the Code, the
50
<PAGE>
operation of which may cause deferral of losses, adjustments in the holding
periods of securities and conversion of short-term capital losses into long-term
capital losses. Certain tax elections, however, exist for them which reduce or
eliminate the operation of these rules. Each Fund will monitor its transactions
in options and futures and may make certain tax elections in order to mitigate
the operation of these rules and prevent disqualification of a Fund as a
regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes.
Under the federal income tax law, each Fund will be required to report
to the IRS all distributions of taxable income and capital gains as well as
gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except in the
case of certain exempt shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of
Section 3406 of the Code, distributions of taxable income and capital gains and
proceeds from the redemption or exchange of the shares of a regulated investment
company are generally subject to withholding of federal income tax at the rate
of 31% in the case of nonexempt shareholders who fail to furnish the investment
company with their taxpayer identification numbers and with required
certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law. Under a
special exception, distributions of taxable income and capital gains of a Fund
will not be subject to backup withholding if a Fund reasonably estimates that at
least 95% of all of its distributions will consist of tax-exempt interest.
However, in this case, the proceeds from the redemption or exchange of shares
may be subject to backup withholding. Withholding may also be required if a Fund
is notified by the IRS or a broker that the taxpayer identification number
furnished by the shareholder is incorrect or that the shareholder has previously
failed to report interest or dividend income. If the withholding provisions are
applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or
reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be
withheld.
The foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax law relates solely
to the application of that law to U.S. persons, i.e., U.S. citizens and
residents and U.S. domestic corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates. Each
shareholder who is not a U.S. person should consider the U.S. and foreign tax
consequences of ownership of shares of each Fund, including the possibility that
such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or
at a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on amounts constituting
ordinary income received by him or her.
State Taxation
The Trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust, and neither
the Trust nor either Fund is liable for any income or franchise tax in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, provided that each Fund qualifies as a regulated
investment company.
Individual shareholders of a Fund resident in Massachusetts will not be
subject to Massachusetts personal income tax on distributions received from a
Fund to the extent such distributions constitute either (1) exempt-interest
dividends under Section 852(b)(5) of the Code which a Fund properly identifies
as consisting of interest on tax-exempt obligations of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts for its political subdivisions or any agency or instrumentality of
the foregoing, or (2) dividends which a Fund properly identifies as attributable
to interest on tax-exempt obligations of the United States and instrumentalities
or obligations issued by the Governments of Puerto Rico, The Virgin Islands and
Guam.
Other distributions from either Fund, including those derived from
taxable interest income and long-term and short-term capital gains, generally
will not be exempt from Massachusetts personal income taxation except for
distributions which qualify as capital gain dividends under Section 852(b)(3) of
the Code, and are properly identified by a Fund as attributable to the sale of
certain Massachusetts obligations issued pursuant to legislation which
specifically exempts capital gain on the sale of such obligations from
Massachusetts income taxation.
Fund distributions will not be excluded from net income, and shares of
either Fund will not be excluded from the net worth of intangible property
corporations, for purposes of computing the Massachusetts corporate excise tax.
Shares of either Fund will not be subject to Massachusetts local
property taxes.
51
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Brokerage Commissions
To the maximum extent feasible, the Adviser places orders for portfolio
transactions for each Fund through the Distributor, which in turn places orders
on behalf of a Fund with issuers, underwriters or other brokers and dealers. The
Distributor receives no commissions, fees or other remuneration from either Fund
for this service.
Allocation of brokerage is supervised by the Adviser.
Each Fund's purchases and sales of portfolio securities are generally
placed by the Adviser with primary market makers for these securities on a net
basis, without any brokerage commission being paid by a Fund. Trading does,
however, involve transaction costs. Transactions with dealers serving as primary
market makers reflect the spread between the bid and asked prices. Purchases of
underwritten issues may be made which will involve an underwriting fee paid to
the underwriter.
The primary objective of the Adviser in placing orders for the purchase
and sale of securities for each Fund's portfolio is to obtain the most favorable
net results taking into account such factors as price, commission (negotiable in
the case of U.S. national securities exchange transactions), where applicable,
size of order, difficulty of execution and skill required of the executing
broker/dealer. The Adviser seeks to evaluate the overall reasonableness of
brokerage commissions paid (to the extent applicable) through the familiarity of
the Distributor with commissions charged on comparable transactions, as well as
by comparing commissions paid by a Fund to reported commissions paid by others.
The Adviser reviews on a routine basis commission rates, execution and
settlement services performed, making internal and external comparisons.
When it can be done consistently with the policy of obtaining the most
favorable net results, it is the Adviser's practice to place such orders with
brokers and dealers who supply market quotations to Scudder Fund Accounting
Corporation for appraisal purposes, or who supply research, market and
statistical information to a Fund. The term "research, market and statistical
information" includes advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of
investing in, purchasing or selling securities; the availability of securities
or purchasers or sellers of securities; and analyses and reports concerning
issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy
and the performance of accounts. The Adviser is not authorized when placing
portfolio transactions for a Fund to pay a brokerage commission (to the extent
applicable) in excess of that which another broker might have charged for
executing the same transaction on account of the receipt of research, market or
statistical information, although it may do so in seeking to obtain the most
favorable net results with respect to a particular transaction. The Adviser will
not place orders with brokers or dealers on the basis that a broker or dealer
has or has not sold shares of a Fund. In effecting transactions in
over-the-counter securities, orders are placed with the principal market makers
for the security being traded unless, after exercising care, it appears that
more favorable results are available otherwise.
The Adviser may place brokerage transactions through the Custodian and
a credit against the Custodian fee due to State Street Bank and Trust Company
equal to one-half of the commission on any such transaction will be given.
Except for implementing the policy stated above, there is no intention to place
portfolio transactions with particular brokers or dealers or groups thereof.
Although certain research, market and statistical information from
brokers and dealers can be useful to a Fund and to the Adviser, it is the
opinion of the Adviser that such information will only supplement the Adviser's
own research effort, since the information must still be analyzed, weighed, and
reviewed by the Adviser's staff. Such information may be useful to the Adviser
in providing services to clients other than a Fund and not all such information
is used by the Adviser in connection with a Fund. Conversely, such information
provided to the Adviser by brokers and dealers through whom other clients of the
Adviser effect securities transactions may be useful to the Adviser in providing
services to a Fund.
The Trustees intend to review from time to time whether the recapture
for the benefit of a Fund of some portion of the brokerage commissions or
similar fees paid by a Fund on portfolio transactions is legally permissible and
advisable.
52
<PAGE>
Portfolio Turnover
Each Fund's average annual portfolio turnover rate is the ratio of the
lesser of sales or purchases to the monthly average value of the portfolio
securities owned during the year, excluding all securities with maturities or
expiration date at the time of acquisition of one year or less. A higher rate
involves greater brokerage transaction expenses to a Fund and may result in the
realization of net capital gains, which would be taxable to shareholders when
distributed. Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund's annualized portfolio
turnover rate for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1994 and 1995 were 26.3% and
27.4%, respectively. Massachusetts Tax Free Fund's portfolio turnover rate for
the fiscal periods ended March 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 were 29.6%, 17.0% and
10.2%, respectively. Purchases and sales are made for a Fund's portfolio
whenever necessary in management's opinion, to meet a Fund's objective.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of shares of each Fund is computed as of the close
of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") on each day
the Exchange is open for trading. The Exchange is scheduled to be closed on the
following holidays: New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Net asset value per
share is determined by dividing the value of the total assets of a Fund, less
all liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding.
An exchange-traded equity security is valued at its most recent sale
price. Lacking any sales, the security is valued at the calculated mean between
the most recent bid quotation and the most recent asked quotation (the
"Calculated Mean"). Lacking a Calculated Mean, the security is valued at the
most recent bid quotation. An equity security which is traded on the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation ("NASDAQ") system is
valued at its most recent sale price. Lacking any sales, the security is valued
at the high or "inside" bid quotation. The value of an equity security not
quoted on the NASDAQ System, but traded in another over-the-counter market, is
its most recent sale price. Lacking any sales, the security is valued at the
Calculated Mean. Lacking a Calculated Mean, the security is valued at the most
recent bid quotation.
Debt securities, other than short-term securities, are valued at prices
supplied by each Fund's pricing agent(s) which reflect broker/dealer supplied
valuations and electronic data processing techniques. Short-term securities with
remaining maturities of sixty days or less are valued by the amortized cost
method, which the Board believes approximates market value. If it is not
possible to value a particular debt security pursuant to these valuation
methods, the value of such security is the most recent bid quotation supplied by
a bona fide marketmaker. If it is not possible to value a particular debt
security pursuant to the above methods, the Adviser may calculate the price of
that debt security, subject to limitations established by the Board.
An exchange traded options contract on securities, currencies, futures
and other financial instruments is valued at its most recent sale price on such
exchange. Lacking any sales, the options contract is valued at the Calculated
Mean. Lacking any Calculated Mean, the options contract is valued at the most
recent bid quotation in the case of a purchased options contract, or the most
recent asked quotation in the case of a written options contract. An options
contract on securities, currencies and other financial instruments traded
over-the-counter is valued at the most recent bid quotation in the case of a
purchased options contract and at the most recent asked quotation in the case of
a written options contract. Futures contracts are valued at the most recent
settlement price. Foreign currency exchange forward contracts are valued at the
value of the underlying currency at the prevailing exchange rate.
If a security is traded on more than one exchange, or upon one or more
exchanges and in the over-the-counter market, quotations are taken from the
market in which the security is traded most extensively.
If, in the opinion of a Fund's Valuation Committee, the value of a
portfolio asset as determined in accordance with these procedures does not
represent the fair market value of the portfolio asset, the value of the
portfolio asset is taken to be an amount which, in the opinion of the Valuation
Committee, represents fair market value on the basis of all available
information. The value of other portfolio holdings owned by a Fund is determined
in a manner which, in the discretion of the Valuation Committee most fairly
reflects fair market value of the property on the valuation date.
53
<PAGE>
Following the valuations of securities or other portfolio assets in
terms of the currency in which the market quotation used is expressed ("Local
Currency"), the value of these portfolio assets in terms of U.S. dollars is
calculated by converting the Local Currency into U.S. dollars at the prevailing
currency exchange rate on the valuation date.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Experts
The financial highlights in this Statement of Additional Information
has been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., One Post Office Square, Boston, MA
02109, independent accountants, and is included in this Statement of Additional
Information in reliance upon the accompanying report of said firm, which report
is given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
Shareholder Indemnification
The Trust is an organization of the type commonly known as a
"Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a
trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners
for the obligations of the trust. The Declaration of Trust contains an express
disclaimer of shareholder liability in connection with a Fund's property or the
acts, obligations or affairs of the Trust. The Declaration of Trust also
provides for indemnification out of a Fund's property of any shareholder held
personally liable for the claims and liabilities to which a shareholder may
become subject by reason of being or having been a shareholder. Thus, the risk
of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is
limited to circumstances in which a Fund itself would be unable to meet its
obligations.
Ratings of Municipal Obligations
The six highest quality ratings categories of Moody's for municipal
bonds are Aaa, Aa, A, Baa, Ba and B. Bonds rated Aaa are judged by Moody's to be
of the best quality. Bonds rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group, they comprise what are generally known
as high-grade bonds. Together with securities rated A and Baa, they comprise
investment grade securities. Moody's states that Aa bonds are rated lower than
the best bonds because margins of protection or other elements make long-term
risks appear somewhat larger than for Aaa municipal bonds. Municipal bonds which
are rated A by Moody's possess many favorable investment attributes and are
considered "upper medium grade obligations." Factors giving security to
principal and interest of A rated municipal bonds are considered adequate, but
elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in
the future. Securities rated Baa are considered medium grade, with factors
giving security to principal and interest adequate at present but may be
unreliable over any period of time. Such bonds have speculative elements as well
as investment-grade characteristics. Securities rated Ba or below by Moody's are
considered below investment grade, with factors giving security to principal and
interest inadequate and potentially unreliable over any period of time. Bonds
which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment.
Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of
the contract over any long period of time may be small. Such securities are
commonly referred to as "junk" bonds and as such they carry a high margin of
risk.
Moody's ratings for municipal notes and other short-term loans are
designated Moody's Investment Grade (MIG). This distinction is in recognition of
the differences between short-term and long-term credit risk. Loans bearing the
designation MIG-1 are of the best quality, enjoying strong protection by
establishing cash flows of funds for their servicing or by established and
broad-based access to the market for refinancing, or both. Loans bearing the
designation MIG-2 are of high quality, with margins of protection ample although
not as large as in the preceding group.
The six highest quality ratings categories of S&P for municipal bonds
are AAA (Prime), AA (High-grade), A (Good-grade), BBB (Investment-grade) and BB
or B (Below investment-grade). Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned
by S&P to a municipal obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal
is extremely strong. Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest
and repay principal and differ from the highest rated issues only in a small
degree. Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay principal and interest,
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions. Bonds rated BBB have an adequate capacity
to pay interest and to repay principal. Adverse economic conditions or changing
54
<PAGE>
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and
repay principal for bonds of this category than for bonds of higher rated
categories. Securities rated BB or below by S&P are considered below investment
grade, with factors giving security to principal and interest inadequate and
potentially unreliable over any period of time. Debt rated B has a greater
vulnerability to default but currently has the capacity to meet interest
payments and principal repayments. Adverse business, financial, or economic
conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay
principal. Such securities are commonly referred to as "junk" bonds and as such
they carry a high margin of risk.
S&P's top ratings categories for municipal notes are SP-1 and SP-2. The
designation SP-1 indicates a very strong capacity to pay principal and interest.
A "+" is added for those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety
characteristics. An "SP-2" designation indicates a satisfactory capacity to pay
principal and interest.
The six highest quality ratings categories of Fitch for municipal bonds
are AAA, AA, A, BBB, BB and B. Bonds rated AAA are considered to be investment
grade and of the highest credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong
ability to pay interest and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by
reasonably foreseeable events. Bonds rated AA are considered to be investment
grade and of very high credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal is very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated
'AAA'. Because bonds rated in the 'AAA' and 'AA' categories are not
significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of
these issuers is generally rated 'F-1+'. Bonds rated A are considered to be
investment grade and of high credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay
interest and repay principal is considered to be strong, but may be more
vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances than
bonds with higher rates. Bonds rated BBB are considered to be investment grade
and of satisfactory credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic
conditions and circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse effects
on these bonds, and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the
ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds
with higher ratings. Securities rated BB or below by Fitch are considered below
investment grade, with factors giving security to principal and interest
inadequate and potentially unreliable over any period of time. Such securities
are commonly referred to as "junk" bonds and as such they carry a high margin of
risk.
Commercial Paper Ratings
Commercial paper rated A-1 or better by S&P has the following
characteristics: liquidity ratios are adequate to meet cash requirements;
long-term senior debt is rated "A" or better, although in some cases "BBB"
credits may be allowed; the issuer has access to at least two additional
channels of borrowing; and basic earnings and cash flow have an upward trend
with allowance made for unusual circumstances. Typically, the issuer's industry
is well established and the issuer has a strong position within the industry.
The reliability and quality of management are unquestioned.
The rating Prime-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by
Moody's. Among the factors considered by Moody's in assigning ratings are the
following: (1) evaluation of the management of the issuer; (2) economic
evaluation of the issuer's industry or industries and an appraisal of
speculative-type risks which may be inherent in certain areas; (3) evaluation of
the issuer's products in relation to competition and customer acceptance; (4)
liquidity; (5) amount and quality of long-term debt; (6) trend of earnings over
a period of ten years; (7) financial strength of a parent company and the
relationships which exist with the issuer; and (8) recognition by the management
of obligations which may be present or may arise as a result of public interest
questions and preparations to meet such obligations.
The rating F-1+ is the highest rating assigned by Fitch. Among the
factors considered by Fitch in assigning this rating are: (1) the issuer's
liquidity; (2) its standing in the industry; (3) the size of its debt; (4) its
ability to service its debt; (5) its profitability; (6) its return on equity;
(7) its alternative sources of financing; and (8) its ability to access the
capital markets. Analysis of the relative strength or weakness of these factors
and others determines whether an issuer's commercial paper is rated F-1+.
Relative strength or weakness of the above factors determine how the
issuer's commercial paper is rated within the above categories.
55
<PAGE>
Glossary
1. Bond
A contract by an issuer (borrower) to repay the owner of the contract
(lender) the face amount of the bond on a specified date (maturity
date) and to pay a stated rate of interest until maturity. Interest is
generally paid semi-annually in amounts equal to one half the annual
interest rate.
2. Debt Obligation
A general term which includes fixed income and variable rate
securities, obligations issued at a discount and other types of
securities which evidence a debt.
3. Discount and Premium
A discount (premium) bond is a bond selling in the market at a price
lower (higher) than its face value. The amount of the market discount
(premium) is the difference between market price and face value.
4. Maturity
The date on which the principal amount of a debt obligation comes due
by the terms of the instrument.
5. Municipal Obligation
Obligations issued by or on behalf of states, territories and
possessions of the United States, their political subdivisions,
agencies and instrumentalities and the District of Columbia and other
issuers, the interest from which is, at the time of issuance in the
opinion of bond counsel for the issuers, exempt from federal income
tax.
6. Net Asset Value Per Share
The value of each share of the Fund for purposes of sales and
redemptions.
7. Net Investment Income
The net investment income of a Fund is comprised of its interest
income, including amortizations of original issue discounts, less
amortizations of premiums and expenses paid or accrued computed under
GAAP.
Other Information
The CUSIP number of Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund is
811209105.
The CUSIP number of Massachusetts Tax Free Fund is 811184-30-8.
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund has a fiscal year ending on
October 31.
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund has a fiscal year ending on March
31.
Portfolio securities of the Funds are held separately, pursuant to a
custodian agreement, by the Funds' Custodian, State Street Bank and
Trust Company.
The firm of Willkie Farr & Gallagher of New York is counsel for the
Trust.
The name "Scudder State Tax Free Trust" is the designation of the
Trustees for the time being under an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust
dated December 8, 1987, as amended from time to time, and all persons dealing
with a Fund must look solely to the property of that Fund for the enforcement of
56
<PAGE>
any claims against that Fund as neither the Trustees, officers, agents or
shareholders assume any personal liability for obligations entered into on
behalf of a Fund. No Fund of the Trust is liable for the obligations of any
other Fund. Upon the initial purchase of shares, the shareholder agrees to be
bound by the Trust's Declaration of Trust, as amended from time to time. The
Declaration of Trust of the Trust is on file at the Massachusetts Secretary of
State's Office in Boston, Massachusetts. All persons dealing with a Fund must
look only to the assets of such Fund for the enforcement of any claims against
such Fund as no other series of the Trust assumes any liabilities for
obligations entered into on behalf of that Fund.
Costs of $29,959 incurred by Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund
in conjunction with its organization are amortized over five years beginning
December 31, 1993.
Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation ("SFAC"), Two International Place,
Boston, Massachusetts, 02110-4103, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser,
computes net asset value per share for each Fund. Each Fund pays SFAC an annual
fee equal to 0.024% of the first $150 million of average daily net assets,
0.0070% of such assets in excess of $150 million, 0.004% of such assets in
excess of $1 billion, plus holding and transaction charges for this service. The
fee incurred by Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund to SFAC for the fiscal
year ended October 31, 1995 was $24,000, the fee not imposed was $12,000. For
the fiscal year ended March 31, 1995, the amount charged to Scudder
Massachusetts Tax Free Fund by SFAC amounted to $21,946, of which $4,865 is
unpaid at March 31, 1995.
Scudder Service Corporation ("Service Corporation"), P.O. Box 2291,
Boston, Massachusetts 02107-2291, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, is
the transfer and dividend-paying agent. Service Corporation also serves as
shareholder service agent. Each Fund pays Service Corporation an annual fee of
$25.00 for each account maintained for a shareholder. The fee incurred by
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund to Service Corporation for the fiscal
year ended October 31, 1995 was $23,065, the fee not imposed was $10,314. The
fee incurred by Massachusetts Tax Free Fund to Service Corporation for the year
ended March 31, 1995 amounted to $204,820, of which $15,546 is unpaid at March
31, 1995.
The Funds' prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information omit
certain information contained in the Registration Statement which the Trust has
filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933 and reference is hereby made
to the Registration Statement for further information with respect to each Fund
and the securities offered hereby. This Registration Statement is available for
inspection by the public at the SEC in Washington, D.C.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund
The financial statements, including the investment portfolio, of
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund, together with Financial Highlights and
notes to financial statements are incorporated by reference and attached hereto
in the Annual Report to the Shareholders of the Fund dated October 31, 1995, and
are hereby deemed to be a part of this Statement of Additional Information.
Massachusetts Tax Free Fund
The financial statements, including the investment portfolio, of
Massachusetts Tax Free Fund, together with Financial Highlights and notes to
financial statements are incorporated by reference and attached hereto in the
Semiannual Report to the Shareholders of the Fund dated September 30, 1995, and
are hereby deemed to be a part of this Statement of Additional Information.
57
<PAGE>
This information must be preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.
Portfolio changes should not be considered recommendations for action by
individual investors.
105-6-125
MIS41A
Scudder
Massachusetts
Limited Term
Tax Free Fund
Annual Report
October 31, 1995
* For investors seeking double-tax-free income, exempt from both
Massachusetts and regular federal income taxes consistent with a high
degree of principal stability.
* A pure no-load(TM) fund with no commissions to buy, sell, or exchange
shares.
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED TERM TAX FREE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
2 In Brief
3 Letter from the Fund's President
4 Performance Update
5 Portfolio Summary
6 Portfolio Management Discussion
9 Investment Portfolio
12 Financial Statements
15 Financial Highlights
16 Notes to Financial Statements
19 Report of Independent Accountants
20 Tax Information
21 Officers and Trustees
22 Investment Products
and Services
23 How to Contact
Scudder
IN BRIEF
* Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund provided shareholders with
a 30-day net annualized SEC yield of 4.17% on October 31, 1995, equivalent
to a 7.85% taxable yield for shareholders subject to the 46.85% combined
federal and state income tax rate.
BAR CHART: 30-Day Yields as of October 31, 1995
CHART DATA:
Scudder
Massachusetts Taxable IBC/Donoghue's
Limited Term Tax Equivalent Taxable Money
Free Fund Yield Fund Average
- --------- ---------- --------------
4.17% 7.85% 5.22%
* The Fund returned 8.08% for the 12-month period ended October 31, 1995,
well above the 7.43% average return of the 36 short-term state municipal
debt funds tracked by Lipper Analytical Services.
2
<PAGE>
LETTER FROM THE FUND'S PRESIDENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Shareholders,
In our semiannual report dated April 30 we wondered whether we had seen the
highs in interest rates after their persistent rise in 1994. The answer turned
out to be "yes," for the most part. As the U.S. economy slowed and inflation
remained quiescent during the first quarter of 1995 and beyond, the Federal
Reserve permitted short-term interest rates to ease downward, cutting the
federal funds rate by 0.25% in July.
Throughout 1995, investors have been anticipating an economic slowdown, but
for most of the year, corporate profits have remained healthy, and consumers
have responded to lower short-term rates by borrowing and spending more. But we
believe consumers' increasingly high debt burdens will eventually force them to
tighten their belts. The current expansion cycle is extremely mature, and we
expect a slowdown sometime in the second half of 1996.
What does this mean for tax-exempt fund investors? A slower economy is
generally good for bonds. Of course, it's possible that we could see some
increases in interest rates over the short term if the economy doesn't slow down
sufficiently. But since the economy is extremely interest-rate sensitive it
should respond quickly to any rate changes, allowing rates to move back to
current levels. Importantly, the relationship between supply and demand for
municipal bonds remains in the tax-exempt investor's favor as the supply of
bonds continues to shrink, placing upward pressure on prices.
As always, your portfolio managers will continue to focus their efforts on
fundamental economic research and security selection as a means of generating
high current income and attractive total returns. Please call a Scudder Investor
Relations representative if you have questions about your Fund. Page 23 provides
more information on how to contact Scudder. Thank you for choosing Scudder
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund to help meet your investment needs.
Sincerely,
/s/David S. Lee
David S. Lee
President,
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund
3
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED TERM TAX FREE FUND
PERFORMANCE UPDATE as of October 31, 1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund
- ------------------------------------------------
Total Return
Period Growth --------------
Ended of Average
10/31/95 $10,000 Cumulative Annual
- -------- ------- ---------- ------
1 Year $10,808 8.08% 8.08%
Life of
Fund* $10,808 8.08% 4.66%
LB Municipal Bond Index (3 year)
- --------------------------------------
Total Return
Period Growth --------------
Ended of Average
10/31/95 $10,000 Cumulative Annual
- -------- ------- ---------- ------
1 Year $10,801 8.01% 8.01%
Life of
Fund* $10,801 8.62% 5.09%
*The Fund commenced operations on February 15, 1994.
Index comparisons begin February 28, 1994.
A chart in the form of a line graph appears here,
illustrating the Growth of a $10,000 Investment.
The data points from the graph are as follows:
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund
Year Amount
- ----------------------
2/94* $10,000
4/94 $ 9,912
7/94 $10,071
10/94 $10,030
1/95 $10,150
4/95 $10,414
7/95 $10,677
10/95 $10,840
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index (3 year)
Year Amount
- ----------------------
2/94* $10,000
4/94 $ 9,938
7/94 $10,070
10/94 $10,056
1/95 $10,165
4/95 $10,399
7/95 $10,695
10/95 $10,862
The 3-year Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged,
market-value-weighted measure of the short-term municipal bond
market and includes bonds with maturities of two to three years.
Index returns assume reinvested dividends and, unlike Fund
returns, do not reflect any fees or expenses.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
RETURNS AND PER SHARE INFORMATION
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
A chart in the form of a bar graph appears here,
illustrating the Fund Total Return (%) and Index Total
Return (%) with the exact data points listed in the table
below.
YEARLY PERIODS ENDED OCTOBER 31
1994* 1995
-----------------
Net Asset Value... $11.64 $12.02
Income Dividends.. $ .36 $ .54
Fund Total
Return (%)........ .00 8.08
Index Total
Return (%)........ .56 8.01
All performance is historical, assumes reinvestment of all dividends and
capital gains, and is not indicative of future results.
Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so an investor's
shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than when purchased.
If the Adviser had not maintained the Fund's expenses, the total return
for the one year and life of Fund periods would have been lower.
4
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO SUMMARY as of October 31, 1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVERSIFICATION
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hospital/Health 32%
General Obligation 30%
Electric Utility 12% The Fund continues to hold
Housing Finance several types of Massachusetts
Authority 6% general obligation bonds,
Higher Education 5% which offer attractive value,
Pollution Control 5% high overall quality, and
Resource Recovery 5% relative stability.
Water/Sewer 2%
Miscellaneous Municipal 3%
----
100%
====
A graph in the form of a pie chart appears here,
illustrating the exact data points in the above table.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUALITY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA 76% Overall credit quality remains
AA 9% high, with 93% of the bonds
A 8% in the Fund's portfolio rated A
BBB 7% or better.
----
100%
====
Weighted average quality: AA
A graph in the form of a pie chart appears here,
illustrating the exact data points in the above table.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
EFFECTIVE MATURITY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 1 year 20% We have emphasized bonds with
1 - 5 years 27% five- to 10-year maturities
5 - 10 years 53% because they offer attractive
---- after-tax yields and total
100% return potential.
====
Weighted average effective maturity: 5 years
A graph in the form of a pie chart appears here,
illustrating the exact data points in the above table.
For more complete details about the Fund's Investment Portfolio,
see page 9.
5
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED TERM TAX FREE FUND
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Shareholders,
Over the past 12 months, as yields of short- to intermediate-term municipal
bonds fell anywhere from 0.65 to 0.95 percentage points, Scudder Massachusetts
Limited Term Tax Free Fund turned in strong overall performance, more than
making up for 1994's difficult fixed-income environment. The Fund's twin
objectives are to seek higher tax-free income than is typically available from
tax-free money market investments, and less price fluctuation than
higher-yielding, longer-term tax-free bonds.
For shareholders subject to the 46.85% maximum combined federal and
Massachusetts income tax rate, the Fund's 30-day net annualized SEC yield of
4.17% as of October 31, 1995, translated into a 7.85% yield on a taxable
equivalent basis, higher than current yields provided by comparable taxable
investments. The Fund's tax-equivalent yield compares favorably with the 5.46%
average yield of 2 1/2-year Massachusetts bank certificates of deposit as of
October 31, 1995. Of course, unlike fixed-rate CDs, which are FDIC-insured up to
certain limits, the Fund's yield and share price fluctuate, and principal
investments in the Fund are not insured.
As the graph below shows, the Fund continues to exhibit a relatively low
degree of share price volatility, although the decline in interest rates during
the Fund's fiscal year resulted in modest price appreciation.
LINE CHART:
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund vs.
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index
(monthly percentage price change
12 months through October 31, 1995)
CHART DATA:
Scudder Massachusetts Lehman Brothers
Limited Term Tax Free Municipal Bond
Fund Index
- --------------------- ---------------
- -0.0068 -0.0227
- -0.0112 -0.0231
0.0052 0.0168
0.0026 0.0235
0.0103 0.0241
0.006 0.0066
0.0008 -0.0036
0.01 0.03
- -0.002 -0.01
0.003 0.005
0.003 0.008
- -0.003 0.002
0.005 0.01
6
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the 12 months ended October 31, the Fund's net asset value increased
$0.38 to $12.02 per share and the Fund provided $0.54 per share in income
distributions, contributing to a total return of 8.08%. Scudder Massachusetts
Limited Term Tax Free Fund's total return compares favorably with the 7.43%
average return of the 36 mutual funds with similar investment objectives tracked
by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
A Gradual Rate Decline
In our April 1995 semiannual report we observed that the Federal Reserve's
series of inflation-fighting short-term interest rate increases from February
1994 to February 1995 seemed to be working effectively. Many municipal market
participants became convinced of this back in November of 1994, and yields of
tax-exempt bonds began a gradual decline that has continued through the end of
October 1995. We also noted in our last report that we were emphasizing both
ends of the Fund's limited maturity range: the shortest maturities for safety
and the longest maturities (maximum of 10 years) for higher yields and possible
capital appreciation. We are continuing this strategy because bonds with five-
to 10-year maturities currently offer the most attractive after-tax yield and
total return potential of any maturities in which the Fund is permitted to
invest.
The Fund continues to hold several types of Massachusetts general
obligation (G.O.) bonds. These bonds offer attractive value, high overall
quality, and relative stability. In addition, we hold a large percentage of
pre-refunded (also known as escrow and collateral) bonds in the Fund's
portfolio. Bonds are pre-refunded when issuers sell new debt at lower prevailing
rates and use the proceeds to establish an escrow account designated to retire
the original bonds on their future call dates. These bonds offer the highest
quality available in the municipal marketplace, yet they are typically priced
lower than similar bonds of slightly lower quality. The Fund's overall credit
quality remains high, with 93% of the bonds in its portfolio rated A or better.
Massachusetts Economic Outlook Still Favorable
Massachusetts is enjoying yet another year of its economic expansion
following the recession of 1990-1992. Even so, Governor Weld's budget for the
state's 1996 fiscal year is conservative, with a projected revenue increase of
only 3.6% over 1995 levels and a meager 2.6% rise in expenditures. The state's
recent economic success has been based in part on continued diversification
7
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED TERM TAX FREE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
among its traditional manufacturing, high technology, and service industries.
The decade-long decline in the state's manufacturing sector appears to have
turned around; Massachusetts manufacturers posted employment gains in 1994.
Consumer spending remains an important component of growth. Massachusetts' per
capita income levels are 18% higher than the national average, with an overall
ranking of fourth in the United States. State debt, though high, is manageable
given the state's wealth. Overall, Massachusetts' economic climate is generally
favorable for bond issuers and investors.
Some Closing Thoughts
This year's lower interest rates helped pave the way for continued economic
expansion and low inflation. However, we believe a slowdown is likely, led by
consumers who will eventually curtail their spending under pressure from
increasing debt burdens. Consequently, our longer-term outlook for bonds is
positive, and we believe Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund's
portfolio is well positioned to continue to capture attractive federal and state
tax-free yields while maintaining relative price stability.
In the short term, as investors recognize the currently high relative
after-tax value of municipals versus similar investments, we expect tax-free
bonds to make some gains. Going forward, we intend to maintain a conservative
strategy which includes a prudent average maturity, broad diversification, and
high credit quality. We will continue to search for value by balancing the
maturity characteristics, credit quality, and income potential of tax-exempt
bond investments for Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund.
Sincerely,
Your Portfolio Management Team
/s/Philip G. Condon /s/Kathleen A. Meany
Philip G. Condon Kathleen A. Meany
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund:
A Team Approach to Investing
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund is run by a team of
Scudder investment professionals who each play an important role in the Fund's
management process. Team members work together to develop investment strategies
and select securities for the Fund. They are supported by Scudder's large staff
of economists, research analysts, traders, and other investment specialists who
work in Scudder's offices across the United States and abroad. We believe our
team approach benefits Fund investors by bringing together many disciplines and
leveraging Scudder's extensive resources.
Philip G. Condon, Lead Portfolio Manager, joined Scudder in 1983 and has 15
years of experience as a portfolio manager and in municipal research. Phil has
managed Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund since its inception and
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund since 1989. Kathleen A. Meany, Portfolio
Manager, joined Scudder in 1988 and has 18 years of municipal sales and
portfolio management experience. Kathleen has managed Scudder Massachusetts
Limited Term Tax Free Fund since its inception and Scudder Massachusetts Tax
Free Fund since 1988.
8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO as of October 31, 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
Unaudited
-------------
Principal Credit Market
Amount ($) Rating (b) Value ($)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18.3% SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MASSACHUSETTS Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority,
Series B, 4.75%, 9/6/96 . . . . . . . . 5,000,000 SP1 5,034,750
Massachusetts General Obligation, Dedicated
Income Tax, Series B, Daily Demand Note,
3.7%, 12/1/97* . . . . . . . . . . . 2,200,000 AA 2,200,000
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities
Authority, Brigham & Women's Hospital,
Series A, Weekly Demand Note, 3.75%, 7/1/17* . 900,000 AA 900,000
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities
Authority, Series C, Daily Demand Note, 3.65%,
7/1/05* (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . 100,000 A1+ 100,000
Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Resource
Recovery, Ogden Haverhill Project, Weekly
Demand Note, 3.7%, 12/1/06* . . . . . . . 1,600,000 MIG1 1,600,000
-----------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS
(Cost $9,830,617) . . . . . . . . . . 9,834,750
-----------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
81.7% INTERMEDIATE-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MASSACHUSETTS Lowell, MA, General Obligation, 8.3%, 2/15/05,
Prerefunded 2/15/01** . . . . . . . . . 1,635,000 AAA 1,966,136
Massachusetts Educational Loan Authority, Issue E,
Series A, 6.7%, 1/1/02 (c) . . . . . . . 470,000 AAA 511,130
Massachusetts General Obligation:
Series A, 5.25%, 2/1/01 (c) . . . . . . . 3,000,000 AAA 3,096,870
Series A, 5.2%, 6/1/04 . . . . . . . . . 1,000,000 AA 1,025,700
Series C, 7.5%, 12/1/07, Prerefunded 12/1/00** . 750,000 AAA 867,600
Series C, 7%, 12/1/10, Prerefunded 12/1/00** . 275,000 AAA 307,502
Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities
Authority:
Berkshire Health System, Series D, 5.3%,
10/1/03 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,350,000 AAA 1,397,560
Central Massachusetts Medical Center, Series B,
6%, 7/1/02 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . 500,000 AAA 536,795
Daughters of Charity, Series D, 4.9%, 7/1/00 . 850,000 AA 853,459
Daughters of Charity, Carney Hospital, 7.5%,
7/1/05, Prerefunded 7/1/00** . . . . . . 1,000,000 AAA 1,146,650
Medical Academic and Scientific, Series A:
5.9%, 1/1/00 . . . . . . . . . . . 500,000 A 513,860
6%, 1/1/01 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000,000 A 1,033,010
6.1%, 1/1/02 . . . . . . . . . . . 500,000 A 518,610
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
9
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED TERM TAX FREE FUND
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
Unaudited
-------------
Principal Credit Market
Amount ($) Rating (b) Value ($)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
St. Joseph's Hospital, Series C, 9.5%, 10/1/20,
Prerefunded 10/1/99** ........................ 3,375,000 AAA 3,904,099
Valley Regional Health System, Series C, HIBI
Insured, 5.3%, 7/1/00 ........................ 1,500,000 AAA 1,546,725
Wheaton College, Series B, 7.2%, 7/1/09,
Prerefunded 7/1/99** ......................... 590,000 AAA 658,800
Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency Multi-Family
Housing Project, 1988 Series A, 8.7%, 4/1/14,
Prerefunded 4/1/98** ......................... 1,495,000 AAA 1,690,411
Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency Revenue,
Housing Project:
Series A, 5.2%, 10/1/00 ...................... 575,000 A 589,139
Series B, 4.05%, 12/1/95 (c) ................. 1,000,000 AAA 999,090
Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency:
Cape Cod Health Systems, Series 1990, 8.5%,
11/15/20, Prerefunded 11/15/00** ............. 2,150,000 AAA 2,578,431
Leominister Hospital, Series 1989A, 8.625%,
8/1/09, Prerefunded 8/1/99** ................. 2,000,000 AAA 2,325,900
Milton Academy, Revenue Refunding, Series A,
7.25%, 9/1/19, Prerefunded 9/1/99** (c) ...... 700,000 AAA 785,687
Resource Recovery, North Andover Solid Waste,
Series A:
6.15%, 7/1/02 .............................. 750,000 BBB 768,428
6.3%, 7/1/05 ............................... 2,750,000 BBB 2,856,563
Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric
Company, Power Supply System Revenue:
Series A, 5%, 7/1/05 (c) ..................... 5,000,000 AAA 5,014,850
Series B, 6.3%, 7/1/00 ....................... 345,000 A 368,460
Series B, 6.375%, 7/1/01 ..................... 1,000,000 A 1,079,310
Massachusetts Water Resource Authority, Series A,
6.75%, 7/15/12, Prerefunded 7/15/02** .......... 1,000,000 AAA 1,140,620
Nantucket, MA, General Obligation, 6.25%, 12/1/02. 250,000 A 273,105
Southeastern Massachusetts University Building,
Series A, 5.5%, 5/1/04 (c) ..................... 1,010,000 AAA 1,060,308
PUERTO RICO Puerto Rico Public Building Authority, 6.75%,
7/1/04 (c) ..................................... 2,250,000 AAA 2,588,895
-----------
TOTAL INTERMEDIATE-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS
(Cost $42,859,447) ............................. 44,003,703
-----------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO -- 100.0%
(Cost $52,690,064) (a) ......................... 53,838,453
===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
10
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
(a) The cost for federal income tax purposes was $52,701,671. At October 31, 1995, net unrealized
appreciation for all securities was $1,136,782. This consisted of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation
for all securities in which there was an excess of market value over tax cost of $1,137,503 and aggregate
gross unrealized depreciation for all investment securities in which there was an excess of tax cost over
market value of $721.
(b) All of the securities held have been determined to be of appropriate credit quality as required by the
Fund's investment objectives. Credit ratings are either Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch Investors Service, Inc.
(c) Bond is insured by one of these companies: AMBAC or MBIA.
* Floating rate and monthly, weekly, or daily demand notes are securities whose yields vary with a
designated market index or market rate, such as the coupon-equivalent of the Treasury bill rate. Variable
rate demand notes are securities whose yields are periodically reset at levels that are generally
comparable to tax-exempt commercial paper. These securities are payable on demand within seven
calendar days and normally incorporate an irrevocable letter of credit or line of credit from a major bank.
These notes are carried, for purposes of calculating average weighted maturity, at the longer of the period
remaining until the next rate change or to the extent of the demand period.
** Prerefunded: Bonds which are prerefunded are collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities which are held
in escrow and are used to pay principal and interest on tax-exempt issue and to retire the bonds in full
at the earliest refunding date.
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
11
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED TERM TAX FREE FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
OCTOBER 31, 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Investments, at market (identified cost $52,690,064)
(Note A) ....................................... $ 53,838,453
Cash ................................................... 60,452
Receivables:
Investments sold ............................... 905,800
Interest ....................................... 829,622
Fund shares sold ............................... 23,636
Due from Adviser (Note C) ...................... 39,388
Deferred organization expenses (Note A) ................ 18,516
Total assets ................................... 55,715,867
------------
LIABILITIES
Payables:
Dividends ..................................... $ 66,822
Fund shares redeemed .......................... 29,124
Accrued management fee (Note C) ............... 25,208
Other accrued expenses (Note C) ............... 101,550
----------
Total liabilities ............................. 222,704
------------
Net assets, at market value ........................... $ 55,493,163
============
NET ASSETS
Net assets consist of:
Unrealized appreciation on investments ........ $ 1,148,389
Accumulated net realized loss ................. (36,881)
Shares of beneficial interest ................. 46,152
Additional paid-in capital .................... 54,335,503
------------
Net assets, at market value ........................... $ 55,493,163
============
NET ASSET VALUE, offering and redemption price per
share ($55,493,163 -:- 4,615,167 outstanding
shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value,
unlimited number of shares authorized) ........ $12.02
======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
12
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,387,385
Expenses:
Management fee (Note C) . . . . . . . . . . . $ 25,208
Custodian and accounting fees (Note C) . . . . . . 40,461
Services to shareholders (Note C) . . . . . . . 26,579
Trustees' fees (Note C) . . . . . . . . . . . 12,831
Auditing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,896
Reports to shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . 11,588
State registration . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,753
Federal registration . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,171
Amortization of organization expense (Note A) . . . 5,364
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,416
----------
Total expenses before reimbursement from Adviser . . 160,267
Reimbursement of expenses from Adviser (Note C) . . . (39,388)
----------
Expenses, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120,879
-----------
Net investment income . . . . . . . . . . . 2,266,506
-----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON
INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Net realized gain from investments . . . . . . . 52,320
Net unrealized appreciation on investments during
the period . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,598,035
-----------
Net gain on investments . . . . . . . . . . . 1,650,355
-----------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS . $ 3,916,861
===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
13
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED TERM TAX FREE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD
FEBRUARY 15, 1994
YEAR ENDED (COMMENCEMENT
OCTOBER 31, OF OPERATIONS) TO
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS 1995 OCTOBER 31, 1994
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operations:
Net investment income . . . . . . . . $ 2,266,506 $ 709,232
Net realized gain (loss) on investments . . 52,320 (89,201)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on investments during the period . . . 1,598,035 (449,646)
---------- -----------
Net increase in net assets resulting
from operations . . . . . . . . . 3,916,861 170,385
---------- -----------
Distributions to shareholders from net
investment income ($.54 and $.36
per share, respectively) . . . . . . (2,266,506) (709,232)
---------- -----------
Fund share transactions:
Proceeds from shares sold . . . . . . . 51,219,003 45,335,631
Net asset value of shares issued to
shareholders in reinvestment of
distributions . . . . . . . . . . 1,558,937 540,042
Cost of shares redeemed . . . . . . . (34,483,113) (9,790,045)
----------- -----------
Net increase in net assets from Fund share
transactions . . . . . . . . . . 18,294,827 36,085,628
----------- -----------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS . . . . . . . . 19,945,182 35,546,781
Net assets at beginning of period . . . . 35,547,981 1,200
----------- -----------
NET ASSETS AT END OF PERIOD . . . . . . $55,493,163 $35,547,981
=========== ===========
OTHER INFORMATION
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN FUND SHARES
Shares outstanding at beginning of period . . 3,052,899 100
----------- -----------
Shares sold . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,365,476 3,839,448
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions . . . . 131,715 45,947
Shares redeemed . . . . . . . . . . (2,934,923) (832,596)
----------- -----------
Net increase in Fund shares . . . . . . 1,562,268 3,052,799
----------- -----------
Shares outstanding at end of period . . . . 4,615,167 3,052,899
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompany notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
14
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FOLLOWING TABLE INCLUDES SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD AND OTHER PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
DERIVED FROM THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
FEBRUARY 15, 1994
YEAR ENDED (COMMENCEMENT
OCTOBER 31, OF OPERATIONS) TO
1995 OCTOBER 31, 1994
----------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period ........................... $11.64 $12.00
------ ------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (a) ................................... .54 .36
------ ------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investment transactions ................................... .38 (.36)
------ ------
Total from investment operations ............................ .92 .00
------ ------
Less distributions from net investment income ............... (.54) (.36)
------ ------
Net asset value, end of period ................................. $12.02 $11.64
====== ======
TOTAL RETURN (%) (b) ........................................... 8.08 0.00**
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) ......................... 55 36
Ratio of operating expenses, net to average
daily net assets (%) (a)...................................... .24 --
Ratio of net investment income to average daily net assets (%).. 4.56 4.45*
Portfolio turnover rate (%) .................................... 27.4 26.3*
(a) Reflects a per share amount of expenses, exclusive of
management fees, reimbursed by the Adviser of .......... $ .01 $ .04
Reflects a per share amount of management fee and other
fees not imposed by the Adviser of ..................... $ .07 $ .07
Operating expense ratio including expenses reimbursed,
management fee and other expenses not imposed (%) ...... .92 1.44*
(b) Total returns are higher due to maintenance of the Fund's expenses.
<FN>
* Annualized
* * Not annualized
</FN>
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED TERM TAX FREE FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund (the "Fund") is a
non-diversified series of Scudder State Tax Free Trust, a Massachusetts
business trust (the "Trust"), which is registered under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company. There
are currently six series in the Trust. The policies described below are
followed consistently by the Fund in the preparation of its financial
statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
SECURITY VALUATION. Portfolio debt securities with remaining maturities greater
than sixty days are valued by pricing agents approved by the officers of the
Fund, which quotations reflect broker/dealer-supplied valuations and electronic
data processing techniques. If the pricing agents are unable to provide such
quotations, the most recent bid quotation supplied by a bona fide market maker
shall be used. Short-term investments having a maturity of sixty days or less
are valued at amortized cost. All other debt securities are valued at their
fair value as determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee of the
Trustees.
AMORTIZATION AND ACCRETION. All premiums and original issue discounts are
amortized/accreted for both tax and financial reporting purposes.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES. The Fund's policy is to comply with the requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code which are applicable to regulated investment
companies and to distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income to its
shareholders. The Fund accordingly paid no federal income taxes and no
provision for federal income taxes was required.
At October 31, 1995, the Fund had a net tax basis capital loss carryforward
of approximately $26,000, which may be applied against any realized net taxable
capital gains of each succeeding year until fully utilized or until October
31, 2002, whichever occurs first.
DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME AND GAINS. All of the net investment income of the Fund
is declared as a dividend to shareholders of record as of the close of business
each day and is paid to shareholders monthly. During any particular year, net
realized gains from investment transactions, in excess of available capital
loss carryforwards, would be taxable to the Fund if not distributed and,
therefore, will be distributed to
16
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
shareholders. An additional distribution may be made to the extent necessary
to avoid the payment of a four percent federal excise tax.
The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains
distributions are determined annually in accordance with federal tax
regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. As
a result, net investment income (loss) and net realized gain (loss) on
investment transactions for a reporting period may differ significantly from
distributions during such period. Accordingly, the Fund may periodically make
reclassifications among certain of its capital accounts without impacting the
net asset value of the Fund.
The Fund uses the specific identification method for determining realized gain
or loss on investments for both financial and federal income tax reporting
purposes.
ORGANIZATION COST. Costs incurred by the Fund in connection with its
organization and initial registration of shares have been deferred and are
being amortized on a straight-line basis over a five-year period.
OTHER. Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis.
Distributions of net realized gains to shareholders are recorded on the
ex-dividend date. Interest income is accrued pro rata to the earlier of call
or maturity.
B. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the year ended October 31, 1995, purchases and sales of investments
(excluding short-term) aggregated $33,928,600 and $9,975,136, respectively.
C. RELATED PARTIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under the Investment Management Agreement (the "Agreement") with Scudder,
Stevens & Clark, Inc. (the "Adviser"), the Fund agrees to pay the Adviser a fee
equal to an annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund's average daily net assets,
computed and accrued daily and payable monthly. As manager of the assets of the
Fund, the Adviser directs the investments of the Fund in accordance with its
investment objectives, policies, and restrictions. The Adviser determines the
securities, instruments, and other contracts relating to investments to be
purchased, sold or entered into by the Fund. In addition to portfolio
management services, the Adviser provides certain administrative services in
accordance with the Agreement. The Agreement also
17
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED TERM TAX FREE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
provides that if the Fund's expenses, exclusive of taxes, interest, and
extraordinary expenses, exceed specified limits, such excess, up to the amount
of the management fee, will be paid by the Adviser. For the period November 1,
1994 to February 28, 1995 the Adviser agreed not to impose all of its
management fee and to maintain the annualized expenses of the Fund at not more
than 0.00% of average daily net assets. For the period March 1, 1995 to July
31, 1995 the Adviser agreed to maintain the annualized expenses at 0.25% of
average daily net assets. Effective August 1, 1995, the Adviser agreed to
maintain the annualized expenses at 0.50% of average daily net assets until
February 29, 1996. For the year ended October 31, 1995, the Adviser did not
impose a portion of its fee amounting to $272,502 and the fee imposed
aggregated $25,208. Further, due to the limitation of such Agreement, the
Adviser's reimbursement payable for the year ended October 31, 1995 amounted to
$39,388.
Scudder Service Corporation ("SSC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser,
is the transfer, dividend paying and shareholder service agent for the Fund.
For the year ended October 31, 1995, SSC did not impose a portion of its fee
amounting to $10,314 and the fee imposed aggregated $23,065.
Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation ("SFAC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Adviser, is responsible for determining the daily net asset value per share and
maintaining the portfolio and general accounting records of the Fund. For the
year ended October 31, 1995, SFAC did not impose a portion of its fee amounting
to $12,000 and the fee imposed aggregated $24,000.
The Trust pays each Trustee not affiliated with the Adviser $12,000 annually,
divided equally among the series of the Trust, plus specified amounts for
attended board and committee meetings. For the year ended October 31, 1995,
Trustees' fees aggregated $12,831.
18
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO THE TRUSTEES OF SCUDDER STATE TAX FREE TRUST AND TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED TERM TAX FREE FUND:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Scudder
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund, including the investment portfolio,
as of October 31, 1995, and the related statement of operations for the year
then ended, the statements of changes in net assets, and the financial
highlights for the year then ended and for the period February 15, 1994
(commencement of operations) to October 31, 1994. These financial statements
and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund'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 misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities
owned as of October 31, 1995, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers.
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
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund as of October 31, 1995, the
results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net
assets and the financial highlights for the year then ended and for the period
February 15, 1994 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1994 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Boston, Massachusetts COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
December 4, 1995
19
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED TERM TAX FREE FUND
TAX INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Of the dividends paid by the Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund
from net investment income for the taxable year ended October 31, 1995, 100%
constituted exempt interest dividends for regular federal income tax and
Massachusetts state income tax purposes.
Please consult a tax adviser if you have any questions about federal or state
income tax laws, or on how to prepare your tax returns. If you have specific
questions about your Scudder Fund account, please call a Scudder Investor
Relations Representative at 1-800-225-5163.
20
<PAGE>
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
David S. Lee*
President and Trustee
Henry P. Becton, Jr.
Trustee; President and General Manager, WGBH Educational Foundation
Dawn-Marie Driscoll
Trustee; Attorney and Corporate Director
Peter B. Freeman
Trustee; Corporate Director and Trustee
Dudley H. Ladd*
Trustee
Wesley W. Marple, Jr.
Trustee; Professor of Business Administration, Northeastern University
Juris Padegs*
Trustee
Daniel Pierce*
Trustee
Jean C. Tempel
Trustee; General Partner, TL Ventures
Donald C. Carleton*
Vice President
Jerard K. Hartman*
Vice President
Thomas W. Joseph*
Vice President
Thomas F. McDonough*
Vice President and Secretary
Pamela A. McGrath*
Vice President and Treasurer
Edward J. O'Connell*
Vice President and Assistant Treasurer
Coleen Downs Dinneen*
Assistant Secretary
*Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.
21
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
The Scudder Family of Funds
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Money Market Income
Scudder Cash Investment Trust Scudder Emerging Markets Income Fund
Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund Scudder GNMA Fund
Tax Free Money Market+ Scudder Income Fund
Scudder Tax Free Money Fund Scudder International Bond Fund
Scudder California Tax Free Money Fund* Scudder Short Term Bond Fund
Scudder New York Tax Free Money Fund* Scudder Short Term Global Income Fund
Tax Free+ Scudder Zero Coupon 2000 Fund
Scudder California Tax Free Fund* Growth
Scudder High Yield Tax Free Fund Scudder Capital Growth Fund
Scudder Limited Term Tax Free Fund Scudder Development Fund
Scudder Managed Municipal Bonds Scudder Global Fund
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund* Scudder Global Small Company Fund
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund* Scudder Gold Fund
Scudder Medium Term Tax Free Fund Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund
Scudder New York Tax Free Fund* Scudder International Fund
Scudder Ohio Tax Free Fund* Scudder Latin America Fund
Scudder Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund* Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund
Growth and Income Scudder Quality Growth Fund
Scudder Balanced Fund Scudder Small Company Value Fund
Scudder Growth and Income Fund Scudder Value Fund
The Japan Fund
Retirement Plans and Tax-Advantaged Investments
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IRAs 403(b) Plans
Keogh Plans SEP-IRAs
Scudder Horizon Plan+++* (a variable annuity) Profit Sharing and Money Purchase
401(k) Plans Pension Plans
Closed-End Funds#
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Argentina Fund, Inc. The Latin America Dollar Income Fund, Inc.
The Brazil Fund, Inc. Montgomery Street Income Securities, Inc.
The First Iberian Fund, Inc. Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc.
The Korea Fund, Inc. Scudder New Europe Fund, Inc.
Scudder World Income
Opportunities Fund, Inc.
Institutional Cash Management
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Institutional Fund, Inc. Scudder Treasurers Trust(TM)++
Scudder Fund, Inc.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For complete information on any of the above Scudder funds, including management fees and expenses, call or write
for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before you invest or send money. +A portion of the income from the
tax-free funds may be subject to federal, state, and local taxes. *Not available in all states. +++A no-load
variable annuity contract provided by Charter National Life Insurance Company and its affiliate, offered by
Scudder's insurance agencies, 1-800-225-2470. #These funds, advised by Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. are traded
on various stock exchanges. ++For information on Scudder Treasurers Trust,(TM) an institutional cash management
service that utilizes certain portfolios of Scudder Fund, Inc. ($100,000 minimum), call 1-800-541-7703.
</TABLE>
22
<PAGE>
HOW TO CONTACT SCUDDER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Account Service and Information
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
For existing account service and transactions
SCUDDER INVESTOR RELATIONS
1-800-225-5163
For personalized information about your Scudder accounts;
exchanges and redemptions; or information on any Scudder fund
SCUDDER AUTOMATED INFORMATION LINE (SAIL)
1-800-343-2890
Investment Information
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To receive information about the Scudder funds, for additional
applications and prospectuses, or for investment questions
SCUDDER INVESTOR RELATIONS
1-800-225-2470
For establishing 401(k) and 403(b) plans
SCUDDER DEFINED CONTRIBUTION SERVICES
1-800-323-6105
Please address all correspondence to
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE SCUDDER FUNDS
P.O. BOX 2291
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
02107-2291
Or stop by a Scudder Funds Center
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many shareholders enjoy the personal, one-on-one service of the
Scudder Funds Centers. Check for a Funds Center near you--they can
be found in the following cities:
Boca Raton New York
Boston Portland, OR
Chicago San Diego
Cincinnati San Francisco
Los Angeles Scottsdale
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For information on Scudder For information on Scudder
Treasurers Trust,(TM) an institutional Institutional Funds,* funds
cash management service for designed to meet the broad
corporations, non-profit investment management and
organizations and trusts that uses service needs of banks and
certain portfolios of Scudder Fund, other institutions, call
Inc.* ($100,000 minimum), call 1-800-854-8525.
1-800-541-7703.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Investor Relations and Scudder Funds Centers are services provided through Scudder Investor
Services, Inc., Distributor.
* Contact Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Distributor, to receive a prospectus with more complete
information, including management fees and expenses. Please read it carefully before you invest or send
money.
</TABLE>
23
<PAGE>
Celebrating Over 75 Years of Serving Investors
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Establish ed in 1919 by Theodore Scudder, Sidney Stevens, and F. Haven
Clark, Scudder, Stevens & Clark was the first independent investment counsel
firm in the United States. Since its birth, Scudder's pioneering spirit and
commitment to professional long- term investment management have helped shape
the investment industry. In 1928, we introduced the nation's first no-load
mutual fund. Today we offer 37 pure no load(TM) funds, including the first
international mutual fund offered to U.S. investors.
Over the years, Scudder's global investment perspective and dedication to
research and fundamental investment disciplines have helped us become one of the
largest and most respected investment managers in the world. Though times have
changed since our beginnings, we remain committed to our long-standing
principles: managing money with integrity and distinction; keeping the interests
of our clients first; providing access to investments and markets that may not
be easily available to individuals; and making investing as simple and
convenient as possible through friendly, comprehensive service.
<PAGE>
This information must be preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.
Portfolio changes should not be considered recommendations for action by
individual investors.
Scudder
Massachusetts
Tax Free Fund
Semiannual Report
September 30, 1995
* For investors seeking double tax-free income exempt from both Massachusetts
and regular federal income taxes.
* A pure no-load(TM) fund with no commissions to buy, sell, or exchange
shares.
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS TAX FREE FUND
CONTENTS
2 In Brief
3 Letter from the Fund's President
4 Performance Update
5 Portfolio Summary
6 Portfolio Management Discussion
10 Investment Portfolio
15 Financial Statements
18 Financial Highlights
19 Notes to Financial Statements
25 Officers and Trustees
26 Investment Products and Services
27 How to Contact Scudder
IN BRIEF
* For the six-month period ended September 30, 1995, Scudder Massachusetts
Tax Free Fund posted a total return of 4.97%, outpacing the 4.25% average
return of the 48 Massachusetts tax-free funds tracked by Lipper Analytical
Services.
* As of September 30, 1995, the Fund's 30-day net annualized SEC yield was
4.98%, equivalent to a 9.37% taxable yield for Massachusetts investors
subject to the 46.85% combined federal and state income tax rate.
30-Day Yield on September 30, 1995
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Taxable yield needed to equal
Free Fund the Fund's yield
4.98% 9.37%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* For the three-, four-, and five-year periods ended September 30, 1995,
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund continued to rank number one among
comparable funds tracked by Lipper. Page 6 contains additional information
concerning the Fund's rankings.
2
<PAGE>
LETTER FROM THE FUND'S PRESIDENT
Dear Shareholders,
In our March 31 annual report we wondered whether we had seen the highs
in interest rates after their persistent rise in 1994. The answer turned out to
be "yes," for the most part. As the U.S. economy slowed and inflation remained
quiescent during the first quarter of 1995 and beyond, the Federal Reserve
permitted short-term interest rates to ease downward, cutting the federal funds
rate by 0.25% in July. Intermediate-term rates followed, and eventually even
long-term yields declined.
Throughout 1995, investors have been anticipating an economic slowdown,
but for now economic indicators are turning up, corporate profits remain
healthy, and consumers have responded to lower short-term rates by borrowing and
spending more. We believe consumers will fuel this reacceleration of U.S.
economic activity until their increasingly high debt burdens force them to
tighten their budgetary belts. The current economic expansion cycle is extremely
mature, and we expect a slowdown sometime in the second half of 1996.
What does this mean for tax-exempt fund investors? It's possible that
the pickup in economic activity could lead to some increases in interest rates
over the short term. But since the economy is extremely interest-rate sensitive
it should respond quickly to any rate changes. When the economy begins to slow
down, rates should move back down also. Most importantly, the relationship
between supply and demand for municipal bonds should work in the tax-exempt
investor's favor as the supply of bonds continues to shrink, placing upward
pressure on prices.
As always, your portfolio managers will continue to focus their efforts
on fundamental research and security selection as a means of generating high
current income and attractive total returns. Please call a Scudder Investor
Relations representative if you have questions about your Fund. Page 27 provides
more information on how to contact Scudder. Thank you for choosing Scudder
Massachusetts Tax Free Fund to help meet your investment needs.
Sincerely,
/S/David S. Lee
David S. Lee
President,
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund
3
<PAGE>
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund
Performance Update as of September 30, 1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Growth of a $10,000 Investment
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund
- ----------------------------------------
Total Return
Period Growth --------------
Ended of Average
9/30/95 $10,000 Cumulative Annual
- ------- ------- ---------- ------
1 Year $11,112 11.12% 11.12%
5 Year $15,761 57.61% 9.53%
Life of
Fund* $20,384 103.84% 8.91%
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index
- --------------------------------------
Total Return
Period Growth --------------
Ended of Average
9/30/95 $10,000 Cumulative Annual
- -------- ------- ---------- ------
1 Year $11,118 11.18% 11.18%
5 Year $15,289 52.89% 8.86%
Life of
Fund* $20,124 101.24% 8.75%
*The Fund commenced operations on May 28, 1987.
Index comparisons begin on May 31, 1987.
A chart in the form of a line graph appears here,
illustrating the Growth of a $10,000 Investment.
The data points from the graph are as follows:
Yearly periods ended September 30
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund
Year Amount
- ----------------------
5/31/87 $10,000
87 $ 9,871
88 $11,353
89 $12,349
90 $12,933
91 $14,660
92 $16,432
93 $18,981
94 $18,344
95 $20,384
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index
Year Amount
- ----------------------
5/31/87 $10,000
87 $10,038
88 $11,341
89 $12,325
90 $13,163
91 $14,899
92 $16,456
93 $18,553
94 $18,100
95 $20,124
The unmanaged Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index is a market
value-weighted measure of municipal bonds issued across the United
States. Index issues have a credit rating of at least Baa and a
maturity of at least two years. Index returns assume reinvestment
of dividends and, unlike Fund returns, do not reflect any fees or
expenses.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Returns and Per Share Information
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
A chart in the form of a bar graph appears here,
illustrating the Fund Total Return (%) and Index Total
Return (%) with the exact data points listed in the table
below.
Yearly periods ended September 30
- -----------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1987* 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value... $11.60 $12.30 $12.30 $12.03 $12.74 $13.28 $14.24 $12.95 $13.63
Income Dividends.. $ .25 $ .81 $ .85 $ .82 $ .82 $ .83 $ .84 $ .78 $ .72
Capital Gains
and Other
Distributions..... $ -- $ .10 $ .19 $ .02 $ .04 $ .12 $ .18 $ .04 $ --
Fund Total
Return (%)........ -1.29 15.01 8.77 4.73 13.35 12.09 15.51 -3.36 11.12
Index Total
Return (%)........ .38 12.98 8.68 6.80 13.19 10.45 12.74 -2.44 11.18
</TABLE>
All performance is historical, assumes reinvestment of all dividends and
capital gains, and is not indicative of future results.
Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so an investor's
shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than when purchased.
If the Adviser had not temporarily capped expenses, the average annual
total return for the Fund for the one year, five year, and life of Fund
periods would have been lower.
4
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Portfolio Summary as of September 30, 1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diversification
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hospital/Health 21%
General Obligation 18%
Water/Sewer Revenue 16%
Electric Utility The Fund's focus on hospital and
Revenue 13% healthcare bonds reflects our belief
State Agency/Lease 9% that carefully selected holdings in
Higher Education 6% this area should provide attractive
Housing Finance returns.
Authority 6%
Student Loans 3%
Miscellaneous Municipal 8%
----
100%
====
A graph in the form of a pie chart appears here,
illustrating the exact data points in the above table.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quality
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA 30%
AA 5% Portfolio quality remains high,
A 56% with 91% of the Fund's portfolio
BBB 6% rated A or better.
Not Rated 3%
----
100%
====
Weighted average quality: A
A graph in the form of a pie chart appears here,
illustrating the exact data points in the above table.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective Maturity
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 1 year 1% During the semiannual period we
1 - 5 years 4% sold intermediate-maturity bonds
5 - 10 years 47% that had become overvalued and
10 - 20 years 40% purchased several longer-maturity
20 years or greater 8% issues.
----
100%
====
Weighted average effective maturity: 11 years
A graph in the form of a pie chart appears here,
illustrating the exact data points in the above table.
For more complete details about the Fund's Investment Portfolio,
see page 10.
5
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS TAX FREE FUND
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION
Dear Shareholders,
In a falling interest rate environment in which municipals lagged Treasury
securities, Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund continued its run of good
performance. As the economy continued on a slow-growth, low-inflation track,
Treasury yields fell anywhere from 0.80 to 1.00 percentage point during the
six-month period ended September 30, while municipal yields declined only 0.10
to 0.65 percentage point. (Municipals tend to lag Treasuries during the initial
portion of a rally because Treasuries enjoy higher volume and a more active
market.) We are pleased to report that Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund
posted a 4.97% total return for the period, outpacing the 4.25% average return
for its peer group of 48 Massachusetts tax free funds, according to Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc. Contributing to the Fund's favorable total return were
a $0.30 increase in net asset value per share to $13.63 on September 30, and
distributions totalling $0.36 per share in tax-free income.
Top Performance Over Time for
Scudder Massachusetts
Tax Free Fund
(Lipper rankings for periods
through September 30, 1995)
-----------------------------------------------------
Period Rank Number of Funds
Six months 4 of 48
One year 3 of 44
Two years 2 of 31
Three years 1 of 23
Four years 1 of 20
Five years 1 of 18
-----------------------------------------------------
Rankings are based on historical total returns, although the Fund's main
objective is income. Rankings for the Fund reflect the effect of an expense
limitation since the Fund's inception. Had the Fund's expenses not been limited,
total returns would have been lower. Past performance does not guarantee future
results.
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund's 30-day net annualized SEC yield
was 4.98% at the close of the semiannual period. For investors subject to the
46.85% maximum combined federal and state income tax rate, the Fund's yield was
equal to a 9.37% taxable yield, significantly higher than current yields
provided by comparable taxable investments.
The Fund continues its run of impressive performance, ranking number
one among all Massachusetts tax-exempt funds tracked by Lipper for the three-,
four-, and five-year periods ended September 30, 1995, and number two for the
two-year period.
Though many investors are reluctant to invest in bonds -- municipal,
Treasury, or corporate -- after their disappointing returns in 1994, bonds have
provided strong returns thus far in 1995. The Lehman Brothers Aggregate
(taxable) and Municipal Bond Indices, for example, have returned 13.63% and
12.80%, respectively, for the year to date. In the current environment of
declining interest rates, and with prospects good for continued modest rate
declines, bonds have attractive price appreciation potential. In addition,
municipal bonds currently offer higher "real yields," on average, than their
taxable counterparts (the current yield minus the inflation rate equals the real
yield).
6
<PAGE>
After-Tax Advantage: 30-Year AAA Municipal
Bonds vs. 30-Year Treasury Bonds
as of 9/30/95
--------------------------------------------
Municipal Bonds Treasury Bonds
5.85% 4.29%
--------------------------------------------
Graph assumes Treasury bonds taxed at a 36% rate.
Intermediate Maturities Performed Well
Historically, yields of municipal bonds across the maturity spectrum
have tended to move together. As a result, observers have been able to determine
whether the municipal market is, at a given point in time, overpriced, neutrally
priced, or underpriced. But in the six months ended September 30, tax-exempt
yields have spread out. At the close of the period, short-term municipal bond
yields were relatively low and therefore the bonds overpriced, intermediate
maturity bond yields and prices were neutral, and many long-term municipals
provided relatively high yields and attractive prices.
Intermediate-maturity municipal bonds provided solid price appreciation
during this period, we believe, because they experienced strong relative demand
from two high-volume classes of investors --individuals and property/casualty
insurance companies. Longer-maturity bonds suffered from lack of demand because
many investors were unwilling to commit to maturities of 20 years or more, given
their uncertainty over the long-term direction of interest rates.
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund has held a substantial number of
intermediate-maturity bonds for some time, and these holdings generally have
performed well. During the six-month period, our near-term strategy was twofold:
to identify and sell any intermediate-term bonds that in our judgment had become
overpriced, and to purchase several tax-free bonds with longer maturities.
Because longer maturities are currently inexpensive versus the rest of the
municipal market and especially versus Treasuries, we believe selective
purchases of these bonds offer the Fund the opportunity to capture higher yields
and potential capital appreciation. The Fund's extension of maturity is modest,
7
<PAGE>
however. As of September 30, bonds with maturities greater than 20 years
represented only 8% of the Fund's portfolio holdings.
Despite our purchases of several longer-maturity bonds, the Fund's
average effective maturity actually declined from 12 to approximately 11 years
during the period, as many other bonds the portfolio held drew one year closer
to maturity. Portfolio quality remains high, with 91% of the Fund's portfolio
rated A or better as of September 30. And the Fund continues to seek a broad
selection of Massachusetts municipals: At the close of the period, the Fund's
top three sectors were hospital and healthcare bonds, Massachusetts general
obligation bonds and water and sewer revenue bonds. Despite some recent
pressures on healthcare institutions, we believe that with ongoing research and
careful security selection, hospital and healthcare bonds will continue to
provide the Fund's portfolio with attractive returns over the long term.
Longer-Term Strategy Unchanged
The Fund seeks to provide investors with a competitive level of
tax-exempt income while also emphasizing total return. We pursue these
objectives by concentrating on three broad categories of Massachusetts municipal
bonds:
* Noncallable bonds, which an issuer cannot redeem before the maturity date.
When interest rates fall, bond issuers tend to reduce their borrowing
expenses by redeeming "callable" existing bonds and issuing new securities
that pay lower interest rates. Noncallable bonds provide a relatively
stable stream of income and solid price appreciation potential over time.
* Steeply discounted callable bonds, which are unlikely to be redeemed
prematurely because of their discounted prices.
* "Cushion" bonds. We balance the Fund's long-maturity bonds by purchasing
so-called cushion bonds -- bonds with high coupons that compensate for the
fact that they can be redeemed by their issuers in a relatively short time.
Massachusetts Economic Outlook Still Favorable
Massachusetts is enjoying yet another year of economic expansion following
the recession of 1990-1992. Even so, Governor Weld's budget for the state's 1996
fiscal year is conservative, with a projected revenue increase of only 3.6% over
8
<PAGE>
1995 levels and a meager 2.6% rise in expenditures. The state's recent economic
success has been based in part on continued diversification among its
traditional manufacturing, high technology, and service industries. The
decade-long decline in the state's manufacturing sector appears to have turned
around, with manufacturers posting employment gains in 1994. Consumer spending
remains an important component of growth. Massachusetts' per capita income
levels are 18% higher than the national average, with an overall ranking of
fourth in the United States. State debt levels, though high, are manageable
given the state's wealth. Overall, Massachusetts' economic climate is favorable
for bond issuers and investors alike.
Some Closing Thoughts
As stated in this report's introductory letter from Fund President
David Lee, we believe that a reduction in consumer spending will eventually keep
the economy on a moderate-growth track. In the short term, as investors
recognize the after-tax value of municipals versus similar investments, we
expect tax-free bonds to make some gains. However, because this year's lower
interest rates have helped pave the way for a late-cycle spurt in economic
growth, inflation as well as interest rates may blip upward in the months ahead.
Any increase in interest rates will be modest, in our view, and should reverse
itself as the U.S. economy begins to slow down in the latter part of 1996.
Consequently, our longer-term outlook for bonds is positive. We believe Scudder
Massachusetts Tax Free Fund's portfolio is well positioned to capture both
attractive yields and price appreciation.
Sincerely,
Your Portfolio Management Team
/s/Philip G. Condon /s/Kathleen A. Meany
Philip G. Condon Kathleen A. Meany
9
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS TAX FREE FUND
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO as of September 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Credit Market
Amount ($) Rating (c) Value ($)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
0.4% SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS
Boston, MA, Water and Sewer Commission,
Series A, Weekly Demand Note, 4.1%, 11/1/15* ............ 100,000 MIG1 100,000
Massachusetts General Obligation, Dedicated Income
Tax, Series B, Daily Demand Note,
4.6%, 12/1/97* .......................................... 1,000,000 MIG1 1,000,000
---------
Total Short-term Municipal Investments
(Cost $1,100,000) ....................................... 1,100,000
---------
99.6% LONG-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS
Boston, MA, General Obligation, Series A,
6.5%, 7/1/12 (d) ........................................ 2,320,000 AAA 2,470,916
Boston, MA, Industrial Development Authority,
Springhouse Project, 9.25%, 7/1/25 ...................... 1,000,000 NR 1,014,750
Chicopee, MA, Electric System Revenue, ETM,
7.125%, 1/1/17** ........................................ 1,210,000 AAA 1,437,480
Dedham-Westwood, MA, Water District,
General Obligation, 5%, 10/15/08 (d) .................... 1,035,000 AAA 998,423
Haverhill, MA, Unlimited Tax, General Obligation,
Series A, 7%, 6/15/12 (d) ............................... 600,000 AAA 658,554
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority:
Certificate of Participation, 7.75%, 1/15/06 ............ 1,000,000 A 1,131,170
General Transportation System:
Series A, 5.4%, 3/1/07 ................................ 13,325,000 A 13,313,008
Series A, 5.5%, 3/1/12 ................................ 3,000,000 A 2,936,400
Series B, 6.2%, 3/1/16 ................................ 2,100,000 A 2,180,430
Series C, 6.1%, 3/1/13 ................................ 1,250,000 A 1,300,462
Massachusetts General Obligation:
Consolidated Loan, Series A, 7.5%, 6/1/04 ............... 12,400,000 A 14,625,428
Hynes Convention Center, Zero Coupon, 9/1/04 ............ 2,000,000 A 1,275,000
Series A, 5.25%, 2/1/08 ................................. 1,375,000 A 1,352,835
Series A, 6.5%, 6/1/08 .................................. 5,500,000 A 5,924,380
Series B, 6.5%, 8/1/08 .................................. 5,400,000 A 5,992,164
Series C, Zero Coupon, 12/1/04 .......................... 8,415,000 A 5,373,651
Series 1993 C, 5%, 8/1/07 ............................... 5,000,000 A 4,864,600
Massachusetts Health & Educational
Facilities Authority:
Anna Jaques Hospital, Series B, 6.875%, 10/1/12 ....... 2,000,000 BBB 2,022,000
Berkshire Health Systems, Series D, 5.6%,
10/1/08 (d) ........................................... 1,760,000 AAA 1,793,880
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
10
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Credit Market
Amount ($) Rating (c) Value ($)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Series B,
7.25%, 7/1/07 (b) ...................................... 10,000,000 A 10,884,700
Community College Program, Series A, Connie
Lee Insured, 6.5%, 10/1/09 ............................. 1,000,000 AAA 1,072,460
Cooley Dickson Hospital Inc., 7.125%, 11/15/18 ........... 2,150,000 NR 2,093,950
Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Series F,
6%, 12/1/15 (d) ........................................ 2,500,000 AAA 2,493,925
Deaconess Hospital, Series B, 6.625%, 4/1/12 (d) ......... 2,000,000 AAA 2,135,780
Faulkner Hospital, Series C, 6%, 7/1/13 .................. 2,650,000 BBB 2,482,175
Massachusetts General Hospital:
Series B, 5.375%, 7/1/11 (d) ........................... 5,625,000 AAA 5,418,956
Series F, 6.25%, 7/1/12 (d) ............................ 3,500,000 AAA 3,705,625
Medical Academic and Scientific,
Series A, 6.5%, 1/1/09 ................................. 5,000,000 A 5,119,550
Medical Center of Central Massachusetts,
Series A, 7%, 7/1/12 (d) ............................... 3,600,000 AAA 3,962,484
Newton-Wellesley Hospital:
Series D, 7%, 7/1/15 (d) ............................... 1,500,000 AAA 1,637,700
Series E, 5.9%, 7/1/11 (d) ............................. 3,015,000 AAA 3,058,084
Northeastern University:
Series E, 6.4%, 10/1/07 (d) ............................ 1,000,000 AAA 1,087,960
Series E, 6.5%, 10/1/12 (d) ............................ 450,000 AAA 476,375
St. Luke's Hospital New Bedford, Series C,
Yield Curve Notes, 7.12%, 8/15/10 (d)*** ............... 3,400,000 AAA 3,255,500
South Shore Hospital, 6.5%, 7/1/10 (d) ................... 2,500,000 AAA 2,671,575
Stonehill College, Series E, 6.55%, 7/1/12 (d) ........... 5,000,000 AAA 5,306,800
Tufts University, Series C, 7.4%, 8/1/18 ................. 530,000 A 585,072
Wellesley College:
Series D, 5.1%, 7/1/09 ................................. 1,800,000 AA 1,732,662
Series D, 5.3%, 7/1/14 ................................. 2,000,000 AA 1,895,140
Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency:
Housing Project Refunding Revenue:
Series A, 6.3%, 10/1/13 .................................. 7,000,000 A 7,014,700
Series A, 6.375%, 4/1/21 ................................. 4,000,000 A 3,997,440
Series B, 6.05%, 12/1/09 (d) ............................. 3,000,000 AAA 3,047,400
Residential Development, Series C, 6.875%,
11/15/11 ................................................. 10,250,000 AAA 10,796,838
Single-Family Mortgage Revenue:
Series 2, 8.25%, 6/1/14 .................................. 260,000 AA 271,864
Series 3, 7.875%, 6/1/14 ................................. 4,000,000 AA 4,180,960
Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency:
First Mortgage, Evanswood Bethzatha, Series A,
7.875%, 1/15/20 .......................................... 1,000,000 NR 1,025,740
Holy Cross College, Issue II, 6.375%, 11/1/09 .............. 1,000,000 A 1,064,060
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
11
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS TAX FREE FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Credit Market
Amount ($) Rating (c) Value ($)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Massachusetts Biomedial Research Corp.,
Series A, Zero Coupon:
8/1/00 ........................................ 2,860,000 A 2,280,936
8/1/01 ........................................ 3,650,000 A 2,763,853
8/1/02 (b) .................................... 3,650,000 A 2,617,707
Milton Academy, Revenue Refunding,
Series B, 5.25%:
9/1/09 (d) .................................... 870,000 AAA 853,957
9/1/13 (d) .................................... 1,160,000 AAA 1,084,507
Museum of Science:
4.9%, 11/1/06 (d) ............................. 480,000 AAA 473,918
5%, 11/1/07 (d) ............................... 1,000,000 AAA 976,020
Pollution Control Revenue:
Boston Edison Company, Series A,
5.75%, 2/1/14 ................................. 2,000,000 BBB 1,868,800
Eastern Edison Company Project,
5.875%, 8/1/08 ................................ 2,250,000 BBB 2,232,788
Provider Lease Program, Series 1988 A-1,
8.4%, 7/15/08 ................................. 1,930,000 NR 2,030,051
Resource Recovery, North Andover Solid Waste,
Series A, 6.3%, 7/1/05 ........................ 6,500,000 BBB 6,660,875
Solid Waste Disposal Revenue, Peabody Monofil
Project, 9%, 9/1/05 ........................... 3,000,000 NR 3,092,730
Sturdy Memorial Hospital, 7.9%, 6/1/09 .......... 1,895,000 BBB 2,041,673
Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric
Company, Power Supply System Revenue:
Series A, 5%, 7/1/05 (d) ........................ 2,020,000 AAA 2,004,466
Series A, 5.1%, 7/1/06 (d) ...................... 8,980,000 AAA 8,876,730
Series A, 6.75%, 7/1/06 ......................... 2,855,000 A 3,100,102
Series A, 5.1%, 7/1/08 (d) ...................... 840,000 AAA 813,137
Series A, 5%, 7/1/12 (d) ........................ 1,000,000 AAA 922,960
Series A, 5%, 7/1/17 (d) ........................ 3,610,000 AAA 3,222,503
Series B, 6.75%, 7/1/08 ......................... 9,000,000 A 9,714,240
Series B, 4.95%, 7/1/09 (d) ..................... 1,575,000 AAA 1,473,239
Series C, 6.625%, 7/1/10 (d) .................... 3,500,000 AAA 3,778,075
Series C, 6.625%, 7/1/10 ........................ 1,000,000 A 1,065,780
Massachusetts Port Authority Revenue, Tax
Exempt Receipts, ETM, Zero Coupon, 7/1/13** ....... 1,000,000 AAA 849,000
Massachusetts Special Obligation, Series A,
5.8%, 6/1/14 ...................................... 2,000,000 AA 1,970,660
Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust,
Pooled Loan Program:
Series 1, 5.6%, 8/1/13 .......................... 5,425,000 AA 5,310,804
Series 2, 5.625%, 2/1/10 ........................ 2,820,000 AAA 2,832,662
Series 2, 5.7%, 2/1/15 .......................... 1,150,000 AAA 1,126,804
Massachusetts Water Resource Authority:
Series A, 6.5%, 7/15/09 ......................... 15,000,000 A 16,389,600
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
12
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Credit Market
Amount ($) Rating (c) Value ($)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Series A, 6.5%, 7/15/19................................ 3,000,000 A 3,216,210
Series B, 6%, 11/1/08.................................. 5,785,000 A 5,989,384
Series B, 5.5%, 11/1/15................................ 3,300,000 A 3,115,959
General Revenue, Series C, 5.25%, 12/1/08.............. 2,705,000 A 2,637,050
General Revenue, Series C, 5.25%, 12/1/15.............. 4,030,000 A 3,745,482
Nantucket, MA, General Obligation, 6.8%, 12/1/11......... 1,000,000 A 1,079,810
New England Educational Loan Marketing
Corporation, Massachusetts Student Loan Revenue,
5.7%, 7/1/05........................................... 10,250,000 A 10,271,730
South Essex, MA, Sewer District, Series B, 6.75%,
6/1/13 (d)............................................. 1,000,000 AAA 1,086,100
University of Massachusetts, Building Authority
Revenue, Series B:
6.625%, 5/1/09........................................ 2,415,000 A 2,679,829
6.625%, 5/1/10........................................ 2,575,000 A 2,838,294
6.75%, 5/1/11......................................... 2,745,000 A 3,054,965
6.875%, 5/1/14........................................ 1,300,000 A 1,472,003
Worcester, MA, General Obligation, 6.9%:
5/15/05 (d)........................................... 1,850,000 AAA 2,094,052
5/15/06 (d)........................................... 1,500,000 AAA 1,682,400
-----------
TOTAL LONG-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS
(Cost $288,282,001).................................... 300,532,851
-----------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO - 100.0%
(Cost 289,382,001) (a)................................. 301,632,851
===========
</TABLE>
(a) The cost for federal income tax purposes was $289,382,001. At September 30,
1995, net unrealized appreciation for all securities based on tax cost was
$12,250,850. This consisted of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for
all securities in which there was an excess of market value over tax cost of
$13,873,154 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities
in which there was an excess of tax cost over market value of $1,622,304.
(b) At September 30, 1995 these securities, in part, have been pledged to cover
initial margin requirements for open futures contracts.
AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1995, OPEN FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED LONG WERE AS FOLLOWS
(NOTE A):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Aggregate
Futures Expiration Contracts Face Value ($) Market Value ($)
------- ---------- --------- -------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Muni Bond Index Dec. 1995 50 5,656,750 5,704,687
--------- ---------
Total net unrealized appreciation on open futures contracts purchased long 47,937
=========
</TABLE>
(c) All of the securities held have been determined to be of appropriate credit
quality as required by the Fund's investment objectives. Credit ratings
shown are assigned by either Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. or Fitch Investors Service, Inc. Unrated securities
(NR) have been determined to be of comparable quality to rated eligible
securities.
(d) Bond is insured by one of these companies: AMBAC, Capital Guaranty, FGIC or
MBIA.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
13
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS TAX FREE FUND
* Floating rate and monthly, weekly, or daily demand notes are securities
whose yields vary with a designated market index or market rate, such
as the coupon-equivalent of the Treasury bill rate. Variable rate
demand notes are securities whose yields are periodically reset at
levels that are generally comparable to tax-exempt commercial paper.
These securities are payable on demand within seven calendar days and
normally incorporate an irrevocable letter of credit from a major bank.
These notes are carried, for purposes of calculating average weighted
maturity, at the longer of the period remaining until the next rate
change or to the extent of the demand period.
** ETM: Bonds bearing the description ETM (escrowed to maturity) are
collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities which are held in escrow by
a trustee and used to pay principal and interest on bonds so
designated.
*** Inverse floating rate notes are instruments whose yields have an
inverse relationship to benchmark interest rates. These securities are
shown at their rate as of September 30, 1995.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
14
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
<TABLE>
SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 (UNAUDITED)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
ASSETS
Investments, at market (identified cost $289,382,001)
(Note A) ...................................................... $ 301,632,851
Cash ............................................................. 591,415
Receivables:
Interest ...................................................... 4,682,009
Fund shares sold .............................................. 432,277
Daily variation margin on open futures contracts
(Note A) ................................................... 70,312
-------------
Total assets ............................................... 307,408,864
LIABILITIES
Payables:
Dividends ..................................................... $ 536,096
Fund shares redeemed .......................................... 187,559
Accrued management fee (Note C) ............................... 140,554
Other accrued expenses (Note C) ............................... 80,701
-------------
Total liabilities .......................................... 944,910
-------------
Net assets, at market value ...................................... $ 306,463,954
=============
NET ASSETS
Net assets consist of:
Unrealized appreciation on:
Investments ................................................ 12,250,850
Futures .................................................... 47,937
Accumulated net realized loss ................................. (3,831,947)
Shares of beneficial interest ................................. 224,777
Additional paid-in capital .................................... 297,772,337
-------------
Net assets, at market value ...................................... $ 306,463,954
=============
NET ASSET VALUE, offering and redemption price
per share ($306,463,954 divided by 22,477,663 outstanding
shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value,
unlimited number of shares authorized) ........................ $ 13.63
=============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
15
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS TAX FREE FUND
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 (UNAUDITED)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest ............................................. $ 9,057,422
Expenses:
Management fee (Note C) .............................. $ 877,037
Services to shareholders (Note C) .................... 123,004
Custodian and accounting fees (Note C) ............... 59,485
Trustees' fees (Note C) .............................. 7,707
Reports to shareholders .............................. 20,458
Auditing ............................................. 18,435
Legal ................................................ 12,468
State registration ................................... 8,602
Other................................................. 3,575 1,130,771
-------------------------------
Net investment income ................................ 7,926,651
-----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON
INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Net realized gain (loss) from:
Investments ....................................... 375,323
Futures ........................................... (20,531) 354,792
Net unrealized appreciation during the period on:
Investments ....................................... 6,107,538
Futures ........................................... 74,937 6,182,475
-------------------------------
Net gain on investments .............................. 6,537,267
-----------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS.. $14,463,918
===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
16
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS
ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED
1995 MARCH 31,
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS (UNAUDITED) 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Operations:
Net investment income ....................... $ 7,926,651 $ 17,734,143
Net realized gain (loss) from investment
transactions ............................. 354,792 (2,995,407)
Net unrealized appreciation on
investment transactions during the period 6,182,475 4,923,078
------------- -------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from
operations ............................... 14,463,918 19,661,814
------------- -------------
Distributions to shareholders:
From net investment income ($.36 and $.74 per
share, respectively) ..................... (7,926,651) (17,734,143)
------------- -------------
In excess of net realized gains
($.01 per share) ......................... -- (348,200)
------------- -------------
Fund share transactions:
Proceeds from shares sold ................... 30,579,202 80,817,626
Net asset value of shares issued to
shareholders in reinvestment
of distributions ......................... 4,640,574 11,772,714
Cost of shares redeemed ..................... (31,768,424) (129,761,019)
------------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
Fund share transactions .................. 3,451,352 (37,170,679)
------------- -------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS ........... 9,988,619 (35,591,208)
Net assets at beginning of period ........... 296,475,335 332,066,543
------------- -------------
NET ASSETS AT END OF PERIOD ................. $ 306,463,954 $ 296,475,335
============= =============
OTHER INFORMATION
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN FUND SHARES
Shares outstanding at beginning of period ... 22,236,389 25,223,573
------------- -------------
Shares sold ................................. 2,253,629 6,244,742
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions ............ 343,349 905,250
Shares redeemed ............................. (2,355,704) (10,137,176)
------------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) in Fund shares ...... 241,274 (2,987,184)
------------- -------------
Shares outstanding at end of period ......... 22,477,663 22,236,389
============= =============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
17
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS TAX FREE FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
THE FOLLOWING TABLE INCLUDES SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT
EACH PERIOD AND OTHER PERFORMANCE INFORMATION DERIVED FROM THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS
ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, YEARS ENDED MARCH 31,
1995 --------------------------------------------------------------
(UNAUDITED) 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989
------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of
period ........................... $13.33 $13.16 $13.61 $12.81 $12.44 $12.25 $12.23 $12.28
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (a) ........ .36 .74 .81 .84 .81 .83 .82 .81
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investment
transactions ................... .30 .18 (.33) .96 .46 .19 .13 .22
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total from investment operations.... .66 .92 .48 1.80 1.27 1.02 .95 1.03
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Less distributions:
From net investment income ....... (.36) (.74) (.81) (.84) (.81) (.83) (.82) (.88)
From net realized gains on
investment transactions ....... -- -- (.08) (.16) (.09) -- (.11)(b) (.20)
In excess of net realized gains... -- (.01) (.04) -- -- -- -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total distributions ................ (.36) (.75) (.93) (1.00) (.90) (.83) (.93) (1.08)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net asset value, end of period ..... $13.63 $13.33 $13.16 $13.61 $12.81 $12.44 $12.25 $12.23
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
TOTAL RETURN (%) (c) ............... 4.97** 7.37 3.37 14.59 10.46 8.60 7.89 9.50
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period
($ millions) ..................... 306 296 332 267 120 67 46 31
Ratio of operating expenses, net
to average daily net
assets (%) (a) ................... .75* .47 .07 -- .48 .60 .60 .51
Ratio of net investment income to
average daily net assets (%) ..... 5.26* 5.73 5.80 6.36 6.38 6.72 6.60 7.23
Portfolio turnover rate (%) ........ 20.6* 10.2 17.0 29.6 23.2 27.1 45.5 110.5
(a) Reflects a per share amount
of expenses, exclusive of
management fees,
reimbursed by the
Adviser of ..................... $ -- $ -- $ .01 $ .02 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ .01
Reflects a per share amount
of management fees and
other fees not imposed of ...... $ -- $ .04 $ .09 $ .08 $ .05 $ .06 $ .07 $ .07
Operating expense ratio
including expenses
reimbursed, management
fee and other expenses
not imposed (%) ................ .77* .77 .77 .83 .93 1.05 1.16 1.20
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
MAY 28, 1987
(COMMENCEMENT
OF OPERATIONS) TO
MARCH 31,
1988
-----------------
<S> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of
period ........................... $12.00
------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (a) ........ .69
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investment
transactions ................... .21
------
Total from investment operations ... .90
------
Less distributions:
From net investment income ....... (.62)
From net realized gains on
investment transactions ....... --
In excess of net realized gains... --
------
Total distributions ................ (.62)
------
Net asset value, end of period ..... $12.28
======
TOTAL RETURN (%) (c) ............... 7.73**
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period
($ millions) ..................... 16
Ratio of operating expenses, net
to average daily net
assets (%) (a) ................... .50*
Ratio of net investment income to
average daily net assets (%) ..... 7.55*
Portfolio turnover rate (%) ........ 95.9*
(a) Reflects a per share amount
of expenses, exclusive of
management fees,
reimbursed by the
Adviser of ..................... $ .10
Reflects a per share amount
of management fees and
other fees not imposed of ...... $ .05
Operating expense ratio
including expenses
reimbursed, management
fee and other expenses
not imposed (%) ................ 2.25*
</TABLE>
(b) Includes $.01 per share distributions in excess of realized gains pursuant
to Internal Revenue Code Section 4982.
(c) Total returns are higher due to maintenance of the Fund's expenses.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
18
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund (the "Fund") is a non-diversified series of
Scudder State Tax Free Trust (the "Trust"). The Trust is organized as a
Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company. There are
currently six series in the Trust. The policies described below are followed
consistently by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
SECURITY VALUATION. Portfolio debt securities with remaining maturities greater
than sixty days are valued by pricing agents approved by the Officers of the
Fund, which quotations reflect broker/dealer-supplied valuations and electronic
data processing techniques. If the pricing agents are unable to provide such
quotations, the most recent bid quotation supplied by a bona fide market maker
shall be used. Short-term investments having a maturity of sixty days or less
are valued at amortized cost. All other debt securities are valued at their fair
value as determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee of the Board of
Trustees.
FUTURES CONTRACTS. A futures contract is an agreement between a buyer or seller
and an established futures exchange or its clearinghouse in which the buyer or
seller agrees to take or make a delivery of a specific amount of an item at a
specified price on a specific date (settlement date). During the six months
ended September 30, 1995, the Fund purchased interest rate futures to manage the
duration of the portfolio and sold interest rate futures to hedge against
declines in the value of portfolio securities.
Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit with a
financial intermediary an amount ("initial margin") equal to a certain
percentage of the face value indicated in the futures contract. Subsequent
payments ("variation margin") are made or received by the Fund each day,
dependent on the daily fluctuations in the value of the underlying security, and
are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized gains or losses by
the Fund. When entering into a closing transaction, the Fund will realize a gain
or loss equal to the difference between the value of the futures contract to
sell and the futures contract to buy. Futures contracts are valued at the most
recent settlement price.
19
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS TAX FREE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Certain risks may arise upon entering into futures contracts including the risk
that an illiquid secondary market will limit the Fund's ability to close out a
futures contract prior to the settlement date and that a change in the value of
a futures contract may not correlate exactly with changes in the value of the
securities or currencies hedged. When utilizing futures contracts to hedge, the
Fund gives up the opportunity to profit from favorable price movements in the
hedged positions during the term of the contract.
AMORTIZATION AND ACCRETION. All premiums and original issue discounts are
amortized/accreted for both tax and financial reporting purposes.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES. The Fund's policy is to comply with the requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code which are applicable to regulated investment companies
and to distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income to its shareholders.
Accordingly, the Fund paid no federal income taxes and no provision for federal
income taxes was required.
At March 31, 1995, the Fund had a net tax basis capital loss carryforward of
approximately $1,437,000 which may be applied against any realized net taxable
capital gains of each succeeding year until fully utilized or until March 31,
2003, the expiration date.
In addition, from November 1, 1994 through March 31, 1995, the Fund incurred
$651,000 of net realized capital losses. As permitted by tax regulations, the
Fund intends to elect to defer these losses and treat them as arising in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 1996.
DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME AND GAINS. All of the net investment income of the Fund
is declared as a dividend to shareholders of record as of the close of business
each day and is paid to shareholders monthly. During any particular year, net
realized gains from investment transactions, in excess of available capital loss
carryforwards, would be taxable to the Fund if not distributed and, therefore,
will be distributed to shareholders. An additional distribution may be made to
the extent necessary to avoid the payment of a four percent federal excise tax.
The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains
distributions are determined annually in accordance with federal tax regulations
which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. These
differences primarily relate to investments in futures contracts. As a result,
net investment income and net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions
for a reporting period may differ significantly from distributions during such
period. Accordingly, the
20
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund may periodically make reclassifications among certain of its capital
accounts without impacting the net asset value of the Fund.
The Fund uses the specific identification method for determining realized gain
or loss on investments for both financial and federal income tax reporting
purposes.
OTHER. Investment security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis.
Distributions of net gains to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend
date. Interest income is accrued pro rata to maturity.
B. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During the six months ended September 30, 1995, purchases and sales of municipal
securities (excluding short-term investments) aggregated $35,839,787 and
$29,787,830, respectively.
The aggregate face value of future contracts opened and closed during the six
months ended September 30, 1995 was $19,213,531 and $18,007,906, respectively.
C. RELATED PARTIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under the Fund's Investment Advisory Agreement (the "Agreement") with Scudder,
Stevens & Clark, Inc. (the "Adviser"), the Fund agrees to pay the Adviser a fee
equal to an annual rate of approximately 0.60% of the Fund's average daily net
assets, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly. The Adviser has agreed
not to impose all or a portion of its management fee until December 31, 1995 and
during such period to maintain the annualized expenses of the Fund at not more
than 0.75% of average daily net assets. For the six months ended September 30,
1995, the Adviser did not impose a portion of its fee amounting to $24,899, and
the portion imposed amounted to $877,037 of which $140,554 was unpaid at
September 30, 1995.
Scudder Service Corporation ("SSC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser,
is the transfer, dividend-paying and shareholder service agent for the Fund. For
the six months ended September 30, 1995, the amount charged to the Fund by SSC
aggregated $92,894, of which $15,463 is unpaid at September 30, 1995.
Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation ("SFAC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Adviser, is responsible for determining the daily net asset value per share and
maintaining the portfolio and general accounting records of the Fund. For the
six months ended September 30, 1995, the amount charged to the Fund by SFAC
aggregated $28,614, of which $9,658 is unpaid at September 30, 1995.
21
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS TAX FREE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Trust pays each Trustee not affiliated with the Adviser $12,000 annually,
divided equally among the series of the Trust, plus specified amounts for
attended board and committee meetings. For the six months ended September 30,
1995, Trustees' fees charged to the Fund aggregated $7,707.
22
(This page intentionally left blank)
23
<PAGE>
(This page intentionally left blank)
24
<PAGE>
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
David S. Lee*
President and Trustee
Henry P. Becton, Jr.
Trustee; President and General Manager, WGBH Educational Foundation
Dawn-Marie Driscoll
Trustee; Attorney and Corporate Director
Peter B. Freeman
Trustee; Corporate Director and Trustee
Dudley H. Ladd*
Trustee
Wesley W. Marple, Jr.
Trustee; Professor of Business Administration, Northeastern University
Juris Padegs*
Trustee
Daniel Pierce*
Trustee
Jean C. Tempel
Trustee; General Partner, TL Ventures
Donald C. Carleton*
Vice President
Jerard K. Hartman*
Vice President
Thomas W. Joseph*
Vice President
Thomas F. McDonough*
Vice President and Secretary
Pamela A. McGrath*
Vice President and Treasurer
Edward J. O'Connell*
Vice President and Assistant Treasurer
Coleen Downs Dinneen*
Assistant Secretary
*Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.
25
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
The Scudder Family of Funds
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <C>
Money Market Income
Scudder Cash Investment Trust Scudder Emerging Markets Income Fund
Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund Scudder GNMA Fund
Tax Free Money Market+ Scudder Income Fund
Scudder Tax Free Money Fund Scudder International Bond Fund
Scudder California Tax Free Money Fund* Scudder Short Term Bond Fund
Scudder New York Tax Free Money Fund* Scudder Short Term Global Income Fund
Tax Free+ Scudder Zero Coupon 2000 Fund
Scudder California Tax Free Fund* Growth
Scudder High Yield Tax Free Fund Scudder Capital Growth Fund
Scudder Limited Term Tax Free Fund Scudder Development Fund
Scudder Managed Municipal Bonds Scudder Global Fund
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund* Scudder Global Small Company Fund
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund* Scudder Gold Fund
Scudder Medium Term Tax Free Fund Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund
Scudder New York Tax Free Fund* Scudder International Fund
Scudder Ohio Tax Free Fund* Scudder Latin America Fund
Scudder Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund* Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund
Growth and Income Scudder Quality Growth Fund
Scudder Balanced Fund Scudder Small Company Value Fund
Scudder Growth and Income Fund Scudder Value Fund
The Japan Fund
Retirement Plans and Tax-Advantaged Investments
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IRAs 403(b) Plans
Keogh Plans SEP-IRAs
Scudder Horizon Plan+++* (a variable annuity) Profit Sharing and Money Purchase
401(k) Plans Pension Plans
Closed-End Funds#
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Argentina Fund, Inc. The Latin America Dollar Income Fund, Inc.
The Brazil Fund, Inc. Montgomery Street Income Securities, Inc.
The First Iberian Fund, Inc. Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc.
The Korea Fund, Inc. Scudder New Europe Fund, Inc.
Scudder World Income
Opportunities Fund, Inc.
Institutional Cash Management
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Institutional Fund, Inc. Scudder Treasurers Trust(TM)++
Scudder Fund, Inc.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For complete information on any of the above Scudder funds, including
management fees and expenses, call or write for a free prospectus. Read it
carefully before you invest or send money. +A portion of the income from the
tax-free funds may be subject to federal, state, and local taxes. *Not
available in all states. +++A no-load variable annuity contract provided by
Charter National Life Insurance Company and its affiliate, offered by
Scudder's insurance agencies, 1-800-225-2470. #These funds, advised by
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. are traded on various stock exchanges. ++For
information on Scudder Treasurers Trust,(TM) an institutional cash
management service that utilizes certain portfolios of Scudder Fund, Inc.
($100,000 minimum), call 1-800-541-7703.
</TABLE>
26
<PAGE>
HOW TO CONTACT SCUDDER
Account Service and Information
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For existing account service and transactions
SCUDDER INVESTOR RELATIONS
1-800-225-5163
For personalized information about your Scudder accounts; exchanges and
redemptions; or information on any Scudder fund
SCUDDER AUTOMATED INFORMATION LINE (SAIL)
1-800-343-2890
Investment Information
To receive information about the Scudder funds, for additional applications and
prospectuses, or for investment questions
SCUDDER INVESTOR RELATIONS
1-800-225-2470
For establishing 401(k) and 403(b) plans
SCUDDER DEFINED CONTRIBUTION SERVICES
1-800-323-6105
Please address all correspondence to
THE SCUDDER FUNDS
P.O. BOX 2291
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
02107-2291
Or stop by a Scudder Funds Center
Many shareholders enjoy the personal, one-on-one service of the Scudder Funds
Centers. Check for a Funds Center near you--they can be found in the following
cities:
Boca Raton New York
Boston Portland, OR
Chicago San Diego
Cincinnati San Francisco
Los Angeles Scottsdale
For information on Scudder Treasurers Trust,(TM) an institutional cash
management service for corporations, non-profit organizations and trusts that
uses certain portfolios of Scudder Fund, Inc.* ($100,000 minimum), call
1-800-541-7703.
For information on Scudder Institutional Funds,* funds designed to meet the
broad investment management service needs of banks and other institutions, call
1-800-854-8525.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Investor Relations and Scudder Funds Centers are services provided
through Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Distributor.
* Contact Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Distributor, to receive a
prospectus with more complete information, including management fees and
expenses. Please read it carefully before you invest or send money.
27
<PAGE>
Celebrating Over 75 Years of Serving Investors
Established in 1919 by Theodore Scudder, Sidney Stevens, and F. Haven Clark,
Scudder, Stevens & Clark was the first independent investment counsel firm in
the United States. Since its birth, Scudder's pioneering spirit and commitment
to professional long-term investment management have helped shape the investment
industry. In 1928, we introduced the nation's first no-load mutual fund. Today
we offer 37 pure no load(TM) funds, including the first international mutual
fund offered to U.S. investors.
Over the years, Scudder's global investment perspective and dedication to
research and fundamental investment disciplines have helped us become one of the
largest and most respected investment managers in the world. Though times have
changed since our beginnings, we remain committed to our long-standing
principles: managing money with integrity and distinction; keeping the interests
of our clients first; providing access to investments and markets that may not
be easily available to individuals; and making investing as simple and
convenient as possible through friendly, comprehensive service.
<PAGE>
SCUDDER STATE TAX FREE TRUST
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits
- -------- ---------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
a. Financial Statements
Included in Part A of this Registration Statement:
Financial Highlights for Scudder New York Tax Free Fund for the ten years ended
March 31, 1995
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration
Statement)
Financial Highlights for each of Scudder New
York Tax Free Money Fund, Scudder Ohio Tax
Free Fund and Scudder Pennsylvania Tax Free
Fund for the period May 28, 1987
(commencement of operations) to March 31,
1988 and for the seven fiscal years ended
March 31, 1995
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration
Statement)
Financial Highlights for Scudder
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund for
the period February 15, 1994 (commencement
of operations) to October 31, 1994 and for
the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995
Financial Highlights for Scudder
Massachusetts Tax Free Fund for the period
May 28, 1987 (commencement of operations) to
March 31, 1988, for the seven fiscal years
ended March 31, 1995 and for the six month
period ended September 30, 1995
Included in Part B of this Registration Statement:
For Scudder New York Tax Free Fund:
Investment Portfolio as of March 31, 1995
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 1995
Statement of Operations for the year ended March 31, 1995
Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the two years ended March 31, 1995
Financial Highlights for the ten years ended March 31, 1995
Notes to Financial Statements
Report of Independent Accountants
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration
Statement)
For each of Scudder New York Tax Free Money Fund,
Scudder Ohio Tax Free Fund and Scudder Pennsylvania
Tax Free Fund:
Investment Portfolio as of March 31, 1995
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 1995
Statement of Operations for the year ended March 31, 1995
Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the two years ended March 31, 1995
Financial Highlights for the period May 28,
1987 (commencement of operations) to March
31, 1988 and for the seven fiscal years
ended March 31, 1995
Notes to Financial Statements
Report of Independent Accountants
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration
Statement)
Part C - Page 1
<PAGE>
For Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund:
Investment Portfolio as of October 31, 1995
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of October 31, 1995
Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995
Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the
period February 15, 1994 (commencement of
operations) to October 31, 1994 and for the
fiscal year ended October 31, 1995
Financial Highlights for the period February
15, 1994 (commencement of operations) to
October 31, 1994 and for the fiscal year
ended October 31, 1995
Notes to Financial Statements
Report of Independent Accountants
For Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund:
Investment Portfolio as of September 30, 1995
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 1995
Statement of Operations for the six month period ended September 30, 1995
Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the
year ended March 31, 1995 and for the six
month period ended September 30, 1995
Financial Highlights for the period May 28,
1987 (commencement of operations) to March
31, 1988, for the seven fiscal years ended
March 31, 1995 and for the six month period
ended September 30, 1995
Notes to Financial Statements
Statements, schedules and historical information
other than those listed have been omitted since they
are either not applicable or are not required.
b. Exhibits:
1. (a) Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated as of December 8,
1987.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(a) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement.)
(b) Amended Establishment and Designation of Series of Beneficial
Interest, $.01 Par Value.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(b) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement.)
2. (a) By-laws of the Registrant dated as of May 25, 1983.
(Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 2 to original Registration
Statement.)
(b) Amendment to By-Laws dated December 10, 1991.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(b) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement.)
3. Inapplicable.
4. Specimen certificate representing shares of beneficial interest,
$.01 par value.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 7 to the Registration Statement.)
Part C - Page 2
<PAGE>
5. (a) Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant (on behalf of
Scudder New York Tax Free Fund) and Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.
dated December 12, 1990.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5(a) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement.)
(b) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant (on behalf of
Scudder New York Tax Free Money Fund) and Scudder, Stevens & Clark
Ltd. dated June 1, 1987.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5(b) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement.)
(c) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant (on behalf of
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund) and Scudder, Stevens & Clark
Ltd. dated June 1, 1987.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5(c) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement.)
(d) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant (on behalf of
Scudder Ohio Tax Free Fund) and Scudder, Stevens & Clark Ltd. dated
June 1, 1987.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5(d) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement.)
(e) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant (on behalf of
Scudder Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund) and Scudder, Stevens & Clark
Ltd. dated June 1, 1987.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5(e) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement.)
(f) Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant (on behalf of
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund) and Scudder,
Stevens & Clark, Inc.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5(f) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 14 to the Registration Statement.)
6. (a) Underwriting Agreement between the Registrant and Scudder Investor
Services, Inc., dated June 1, 1987.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6(a) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement.)
7. Inapplicable.
8. (a)(1) Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank and
Trust Company dated June 14, 1983.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(a)(1) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement.)
(a)(2) Fee schedule for Exhibit 8(a)(1).
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8 (a)(2) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement.)
Part C - Page 3
<PAGE>
(a)(3) Amendment No. 1 to the Custodian Agreement between the Registrant
and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated June 14, 1983.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(a)(3) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement.)
(a)(4) Amendment to the Custodian
Agreement between the Registrant
and State Street Bank and Trust
Company dated August 9, 1988.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(a)(4) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 8 to the Registration Statement.)
(a)(5) Amendment to Custodian Contract between the Registrant and State
Street Bank and Trust Company dated December 11, 1990.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(a)(5) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement.)
(b) Subcustodian Agreement between State Street Bank and Trust Company
and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York dated November 25,
1985.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(b) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement.)
(c) Subcustodian Agreement between Irving Trust Company and State Street
Bank and Trust Company dated November 30, 1987.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(c) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 8 to the Registration Statement.)
(d) Subcustodian Agreement between Chemical Bank and State Street Bank
and Trust Company dated October 6, 1988.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(d) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 8 to the Registration Statement.)
(e) Subcustodian Agreement between Security Pacific National Trust
Company (New York) and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated
February 18, 1988.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(e) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 8 to the Registration Statement.)
(f) Fee schedule for Exhibit 8(a)(1).
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(f) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 16 to the Registration Statement.)
9. (a)(1) Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Registrant and
Scudder Service Corporation dated October 2, 1989.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(a)(1) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 9 to the Registration Statement.)
(a)(2) Fee schedule for Exhibit 9(a)(l).
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(a)(2) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 9 to the Registration Statement.)
(b) Fund Accounting Services Agreement
between the Registrant, on behalf
of Scudder Massachusetts Limited
Term Tax Free Fund, and Scudder
Fund Accounting Corporation dated
February 15, 1994.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(b) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 16 to the Registration Statement.)
Part C - Page 4
<PAGE>
(c) Fund Accounting Services Agreement
between the Registrant, on behalf
of Scudder New York Tax Free Fund,
and Scudder Fund Accounting
Corporation dated December 7, 1994
is filed herein.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(c) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement.)
(d) Fund Accounting Services Agreement
between the Registrant, on behalf
of Scudder New York Tax Free Money
Fund, and Scudder Fund Accounting
Corporation dated September 22,
1994 is filed herein.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(d) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement.)
(e) Fund Accounting Services Agreement
between the Registrant, on behalf
of Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free
Fund, and Scudder Fund Accounting
Corporation dated November 14,
1994 is filed herein.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(e) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement.)
(f) Fund Accounting Services Agreement
between the Registrant, on behalf
of Scudder Ohio Tax Free Fund, and
Scudder Fund Accounting
Corporation dated November 21,
1994 is filed herein.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(f) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement.)
(g) Fund Accounting Services Agreement
between the Registrant, on behalf
of Scudder Pennsylvania Tax Free
Fund, and Scudder Fund Accounting
Corporation dated November 16,
1994 is filed herein.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(g) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement.)
(h) Account Application.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(c) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 16 to the Registration Statement.)
10. Inapplicable.
11. Consent of Independent Accountants is filed herein.
12. Inapplicable.
13. Inapplicable.
14. Inapplicable.
15. Inapplicable.
16. Schedule for Computation of Performance Quotations.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16 to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 9 to the Registration Statement.)
17. Financial Data Schedule is filed herein.
18. Inapplicable.
Part C - Page 5
<PAGE>
Power of Attorney.
(Filed as part of the signature page of Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration
Statement and as part of the signature page of Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the
Registration Statement.)
Item 25. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant.
- -------- --------------------------------------------------------------
None
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities (as of February 1, 1996).
- -------- ---------------------------------------------------------
(1) (2)
Title of Class Number of Record Shareholders
-------------- -----------------------------
Shares of beneficial interest
$.01 par value
Scudder New York Tax Free Fund 4,620
Scudder New York Tax Free Money Fund 1,696
Scudder Ohio Tax Free Fund 2,216
Scudder Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund 2,336
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund 6,978
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund 1,183
Item 27. Indemnification.
- -------- ----------------
A policy of insurance covering Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.
its subsidiaries including Scudder Investor Services, Inc.,
and all of the registered investment companies advised by
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. insures the Registrant's
Trustees and officers and others against liability arising by
reason of an alleged breach of duty caused by any negligent
act, error or accidental omission in the scope of their
duties.
Article IV, Sections 4.1 - 4.3 of Registrant's Declaration of
Trust provide as follows:
Section 4.1 No Personal Liability of Shareholders, Trustees,
Etc. No Shareholder shall be subject to any personal liability
whatsoever to any Person in connection with Trust Property or
the acts, obligations or affairs of the Trust. No Trustee,
officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be subject to
any personal liability whatsoever to any Person, other than to
the Trust or its Shareholders, in connection with Trust
Property or the affairs of the Trust, save only that arising
from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of his duties with respect to such Person;
and all such Persons shall look solely to the Trust Property
for satisfaction of claims of any nature arising in connection
with the affairs of the Trust. If any Shareholder, Trustee,
officer, employee, or agent, as such, of the Trust, is made a
party to any suit or proceeding to enforce any such liability
of the Trust, he shall not, on account thereof, be held to any
personal liability. The Trust shall indemnify and hold each
Shareholder harmless from and against all claims and
liabilities, to which such Shareholder may become subject by
reason of his being or having been a Shareholder, and shall
reimburse such Shareholder for all legal and other expenses
reasonably incurred by him in connection with any such claim
or liability. The indemnification and reimbursement required
by the preceding sentence shall be made only out of the assets
of the one or more Series of which the Shareholder who is
entitled to indemnification or reimbursement was a Shareholder
at the time the act or event occurred which gave rise to the
claim against or liability of said Shareholder. The rights
accruing to a Shareholder under this Section 4.1 shall not
impair any other right to which such Shareholder may be
lawfully entitled, nor shall anything herein contained
restrict the right of the Trust to indemnify or reimburse a
Shareholder in any appropriate situation even though not
specifically provided herein.
Part C - Page 6
<PAGE>
Section 4.2 Non-Liability of Trustees Etc. No Trustee,
officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be liable to the
Trust, its Shareholders, or to any Shareholder, Trustee,
officer, employee, or agent thereof for any action or failure
to act (including without limitation the failure to compel in
any way any former or acting Trustee to redress any breach of
trust) except for his own bad faith, willful misfeasance,
gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved
in the conduct of his office.
Section 4.3 Mandatory Indemnification.
(a) Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in paragraph (b) below:
(i) every person who is, or has been, a
Trustee or officer of the Trust shall be
indemnified by the Trust to the fullest
extent permitted by law against all
liability and against all expenses
reasonably incurred or paid by him in
connection with any claim, action, suit or
proceeding in which he becomes involved as a
party or otherwise by virtue of his being or
having been a Trustee or officer and against
amounts paid or incurred by him in the
settlement thereof;
(ii) the words "claim," "action," "suit," or
"proceeding" shall apply to all claims,
actions, suits or proceedings (civil,
criminal, or other, including appeals),
actual or threatened; and the words
"liability" and "expenses" shall include,
without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs,
judgments, amounts paid in settlement,
fines, penalties and other liabilities.
(b) No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Trustee or officer:
(i) against any liability to the Trust, a
Series thereof, or the Shareholders by
reason of a final adjudication by a court or
other body before which a proceeding was
brought that he engaged in willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of the duties involved in
the conduct of his office;
(ii) with respect to any matter as to which
he shall have been finally adjudicated not
to have acted in good faith in the
reasonable belief that his action was in the
best interest of the Trust;
(iii) in the event of a settlement or other
disposition not involving a final
adjudication as provided in paragraph (b)(i)
or (b)(ii) resulting in a payment by a
Trustee or officer, unless there has been a
determination that such Trustee or officer
did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of his office;
(A) by the court or other body approving the settlement or other
disposition; or
(B) based upon a review of readily
available facts (as opposed to a
full trial-type inquiry) by (x) vote
of a majority of the Disinterested
Trustees acting on the matter
(provided that a majority of the
Disinterested Trustees then in
office act on the matter) or (y)
written opinion of independent legal
counsel.
(c) The rights of indemnification herein provided may
be insured against by policies maintained by the
Trust, shall be severable, shall not affect any other
rights to which any Trustee or officer may now or
hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person
who has ceased to be such Trustee or officer and
shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors,
administrators and assigns of such a person. Nothing
contained herein shall affect any rights to
indemnification to which personnel of the Trust other
than Trustees and officers may be entitled by
contract or otherwise under law.
Part C - Page 7
<PAGE>
(d) Expenses of preparation and presentation of a
defense to any claim, action, suit or proceeding of
the character described in paragraph (a) of this
Section 4.3 shall be advanced by the Trust prior to
final disposition thereof upon receipt of an
undertaking by or on behalf of the recipient to repay
such amount if it is ultimately determined that he is
not entitled to indemnification under this Section
4.3 provided that either:
(i) such undertaking is secured by a surety
bond or some appropriate security provided
by the recipient, or the Trust shall be
insured against losses arising out of any
such advances; or
(ii) a majority of the Disinterested
Trustees acting on the matter (provided that
a majority of the Disinterested Trustees act
on the matter) or an independent legal
counsel in a written opinion shall
determine, based upon a review of readily
available facts (as opposed to a full
trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to
believe that the recipient ultimately will
be found entitled to indemnification.
As used in this Section 4.3, a
"Disinterested Trustee" is one who is not
(i) an "Interested Person" of the Trust
(including anyone who has been exempted from
being an "Interested Person" by any rule,
regulation or order of the Commission), or
(ii) involved in the claim, action, suit or
proceeding.
Item 28. Business or Other Connections of Investment Adviser
- -------- ---------------------------------------------------
The Adviser has stockholders and employees who are denominated
officers but do not as such have corporation-wide
responsibilities. Such persons are not considered officers for
the purpose of this Item 28.
Business and Other Connections of Board
Name of Directors of Registrant's Adviser
---- ---------------------------------------
Stephen R. Beckwith Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (investment adviser)**
Lynn S. Birdsong Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (investment adviser)**
Supervisory Director, The Latin America Income and Appreciation Fund N.V. (investment
company) +
Supervisory Director, The Venezuela High Income Fund N.V. (investment company) xx
Supervisory Director, Scudder Mortgage Fund (investment company) +
Supervisory Director, Scudder Floating Rate Funds for Fannie Mae Mortgage Securities I
& II (investment company) +
Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark (Luxembourg) S.A. (investment manager) #
Trustee, Scudder Funds Trust (investment company)*
President & Director, The Latin America Dollar Income Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
President & Director, Scudder World Income Opportunities Fund, Inc. (investment
company)**
Director, Inverlatin Dollar Income Fund, Inc. (investment company) Georgetown, Grand
Cayman, Cayman Islands
Director, ProMexico Fixed Income Dollar Fund, Inc. (investment company) Georgetown,
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Director, Canadian High Income Fund (investment company)#
Director, Hot Growth Companies Fund (investment company)#
Partner, George Birdsong Co., Rye, NY
Nicholas Bratt Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (investment adviser)**
President & Director, Scudder New Europe Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Part C - Page 8
<PAGE>
President & Director, The Brazil Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
President & Director, The First Iberian Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
President & Director, Scudder International Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
President & Director, Scudder Global Fund, Inc. (Director only on Scudder Global Fund,
a series of Scudder Global Fund, Inc.) (investment company)**
President & Director, The Korea Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
President & Director, Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
President, The Argentina Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Corporation (Delaware) (investment adviser)**
Vice President, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Japan, Inc. (investment adviser)###
Vice President, Scudder, Stevens & Clark of Canada Ltd. (Canadian investment adviser)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Vice President, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Overseas Corporationoo
Linda C. Coughlin Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (investment adviser)**
Director, Scudder Investor Services, Inc. (broker/dealer)**
President & Trustee, AARP Cash Investment Funds (investment company)**
President & Trustee, AARP Growth Trust (investment company)**
President & Trustee, AARP Income Trust (investment company)**
President & Trustee, AARP Tax Free Income Trust (investment company)**
Director, SFA, Inc. (advertising agency)*
Margaret D. Hadzima Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (investment adviser)*
Assistant Treasurer, Scudder Investor Services, Inc. (broker/dealer)*
Jerard K. Hartman Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (investment adviser)**
Vice President, Scudder California Tax Free Trust (investment company)*
Vice President, Scudder Equity Trust (investment company)*
Vice President, Scudder Cash Investment Trust (investment company)*
Vice President, Scudder Global Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President, Scudder GNMA Fund (investment company)*
Vice President, Scudder Portfolio Trust (investment company)*
Vice President, Scudder International Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President, Scudder Investment Trust (investment company)*
Vice President, Scudder Municipal Trust (investment company)*
Vice President, Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President, Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President, Scudder New Europe Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President, Scudder Securities Trust (investment company)*
Vice President, Scudder State Tax Free Trust (investment company)*
Vice President, Scudder Funds Trust (investment company)*
Vice President, Scudder Tax Free Money Fund (investment company)*
Vice President, Scudder Tax Free Trust (investment company)*
Vice President, Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund (investment company)*
Vice President, Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund (investment company)*
Vice President, The Brazil Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President, The Korea Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President, The Argentina Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President & Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark of Canada, Ltd. (Canadian
investment adviser) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Vice President, The First Iberian Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President, The Latin America Dollar Income Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President, Scudder World Income Opportunities Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Part C - Page 9
<PAGE>
Richard A. Holt Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (investment adviser)++
Vice President, Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund (investment company)*
Dudley H. Ladd Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (investment adviser)**
Senior Vice President & Director, Scudder Investor Services, Inc. (broker/dealer)*
President & Director, SFA, Inc. (advertising agency)*
Vice President & Trustee, Scudder Cash Investment Trust (investment company)*
Trustee, Scudder Investment Trust (investment company)*
Trustee, Scudder Portfolio Trust (investment company)*
Trustee, Scudder Municipal Trust (investment company)*
Trustee, Scudder State Tax Free Trust (investment company)*
Vice President, Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund (investment company)*
Douglas M. Loudon Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (investment adviser)**
Vice President & Trustee, Scudder Equity Trust (investment company)*
Vice President, Scudder Global Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President, Scudder Investment Trust (investment company)*
Vice President & Director, Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President & Trustee, Scudder Securities Trust (investment company)*
Vice President, AARP Cash Investment Funds (investment company)**
Vice President, AARP Growth Trust (investment company)**
Vice President, AARP Income Trust (investment company)**
Vice President, AARP Tax Free Income Trust (investment company)**
Vice President, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Corporation (Delaware) (investment adviser)**
Senior Vice President, Scudder Investor Services, Inc. (broker/dealer)*
Vice President, Scudder, Stevens & Clark of Canada Ltd. (Canadian investment adviser)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Chairman, World Capital Fund (investment company) Luxembourg ##
Managing Director, Kankaku - Scudder Capital Asset Management Corporation (investment
adviser)**
Chairman & Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Japan, Inc. (investment adviser)###
President, The Japan Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Trustee, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Supplemental Retirement Income Plan
Trustee, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Profit Sharing Plan **
Chairman & Director, The World Capital Fund (investment company) Luxembourg
Chairman & Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark (Luxembourg), S.A., Luxembourg#
Chairman, Canadian High Income Fund (investment company) #
Chairman, Hot Growth Companies Fund (investment company) #
Vice President & Director, Scudder Precious Metals, Inc. xxx
Director, Berkshire Farm & Services for Youth
Board of Governors & President, Investment Counsel Association of America
John T. Packard Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (investment adviser)**
President, Montgomery Street Income Securities, Inc. (investment company) o
Director, Scudder Realty Advisors, Inc. (realty investment adviser) x
Juris Padegs Secretary & Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (investment adviser)**
Chairman & Director, The Brazil Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President & Trustee, Scudder Equity Trust (investment company)*
Chairman & Director, The First Iberian Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Trustee, Scudder Funds Trust (investment company)*
Vice President & Assistant Secretary, Scudder Global Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Trustee, Scudder Investment Trust (investment company)*
Part C - Page 10
<PAGE>
Vice President, Assistant Secretary & Director, Scudder International Fund, Inc.
(investment company)**
Vice President, The Latin America Dollar Income Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Trustee, Scudder Municipal Trust (investment company)*
Vice President & Assistant Secretary, Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President & Director, Scudder New Europe Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Trustee, Scudder State Tax Free Trust (investment company)*
Vice President, Assistant Secretary & Director, Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc. (investment
company)**
Trustee, Scudder Securities Trust (investment company)*
Vice President & Trustee, Scudder Tax Free Money Fund (investment company)*
Trustee, Scudder Tax Free Trust (investment company)*
Chairman & Director, The Korea Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President & Director, The Argentina Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Secretary, Scudder, Stevens & Clark of Canada Ltd. (Canadian investment adviser),
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Vice President & Director, Scudder Realty Advisors, Inc. (realty investment adviser) x
Assistant Secretary, SFA, Inc. (advertising agency)*
Vice President & Director, Scudder Investor Services, Inc. (broker/dealer)**
Assistant Treasurer & Director, Kankaku - Scudder Capital Asset Management (investment
adviser)**
Chairman & Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Japan, Inc. (investment adviser)###
Chairman & Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Corporation (Delaware) (investment
adviser)**
Chairman & Supervisory Director, Sovereign High Yield Investment Company N.V.
(investment company) +
Director, President Investment Trust Corporation (Joint Venture)***
Vice President, Scudder World Income Opportunities Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Director, Vice President & Assistant Secretary, Scudder Precious Metals, Inc. xxx
Vice President & Director, Scudder Service Corporation (in-house transfer agent)*
Chairman, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Overseas Corporationoo
Director, Scudder Trust (Cayman) Ltd. (trust services company)xxx
Director, ICI Mutual Insurance Company, Inc., Washington, D.C.
Director, Baltic International USA
Director, Baltic International Airlines (a limited liability company) Riga, Latvia
Daniel Pierce Chairman & Director, Scudder New Europe Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Trustee, California Tax Free Trust (investment company)*
President & Trustee, Scudder Equity Trust (investment company)**
Director, The First Iberian Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
President & Trustee, Scudder GNMA Fund (investment company)*
President & Trustee, Scudder Portfolio Trust (investment company)*
President & Trustee, Scudder Funds Trust (investment company)*
President & Director, Scudder Institutional Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
President & Director, Scudder Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Director, Scudder International Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
President & Trustee, Scudder Investment Trust (investment company)*
Vice President & Trustee, Scudder Municipal Trust (investment company)*
President & Director, Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc. (investment company)**
Director, Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
President & Trustee, Scudder Securities Trust (investment company)**
Trustee, Scudder State Tax Free Trust (investment company)*
Vice President & Trustee, Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund (investment company)*
Part C - Page 11
<PAGE>
Director, The Brazil Fund, Inc. (until 7/94) (investment company)**
Vice President & Assistant Treasurer, Montgomery Street Income Securities, Inc.
(investment company)o
Vice President & Director, Scudder Global Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President, Director & Assistant Treasurer, Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
(broker/dealer)*
President & Director, Scudder Service Corporation (in-house transfer agent)*
Chairman & President, Scudder, Stevens & Clark of Canada, Ltd. (Canadian investment
adviser), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Chairman, Assistant Treasurer & Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (investment
adviser)**
President & Director, Scudder Precious Metals, Inc. xxx
Chairman & Director, Scudder Global Opportunities Funds (investment company) Luxembourg
Chairman, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Ltd. (investment adviser) London, England
Director, Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation (in-house fund accounting agent)*
Director, Scudder Realty Holdings Corporation (a real estate holding company)*
Director, Scudder Latin America Investment Trust PLC (investment company)@
Incorporator, Scudder Trust Company (a trust company)+++
Director, Fiduciary Trust Company (banking & trust company) Boston, MA
Director, Fiduciary Company Incorporated (banking & trust company) Boston, MA
Trustee, New England Aquarium, Boston, MA
Cornelia M. Small Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (investment adviser)**
Vice President, Scudder Global Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Vice President, AARP Cash Investment Funds (investment company)*
Vice President, AARP Growth Trust (investment company)*
Vice President, AARP Income Trust (investment company)*
Vice President, AARP Tax Free Income Trust (investment company)*
Edmond D. Villani President & Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (investment adviser)**
Chairman & Director, Scudder Global Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Chairman & Director, Scudder International Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Chairman & Director, Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Trustee, Scudder Securities Trust (investment company)*
Chairman & Director, The Argentina Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Director, Scudder Realty Advisors, Inc. (realty investment adviser) x
Supervisory Director, Scudder Mortgage Fund (investment company) +
Chairman & Director, The Latin America Dollar Income Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Japan, Inc. (investment adviser)###
Chairman & Director, Scudder World Income Opportunities Fund, Inc. (investment
company)**
Supervisory Director, Scudder Floating Rate Funds for Fannie Mae Mortgage Securities I
& II (investment company)+
Director, The Brazil Fund, Inc. (investment company)**
Director, Indosuez High Yield Bond Fund (investment company) Luxembourg
President & Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Overseas Corporationoo
President & Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Corporation (Delaware) (investment
adviser)**
Director, IBJ Global Investment Manager S.A., (Luxembourg investment management
company) Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
* Two International Place, Boston, MA
x 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA
** 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY
Part C - Page 12
<PAGE>
++ Two Prudential Plaza, 180 N. Stetson Avenue, Chicago, IL
+++ 5 Industrial Way, Salem, NH
o 101 California Street, San Francisco, CA
# 11, rue Aldringen, L-1118 Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
+ John B. Gorsiraweg 6, Willemstad Curacao, Netherlands Antilles
xx De Ruyterkade 62, P.O. Box 812, Willemstad Curacao, Netherlands Antilles
## 2 Boulevard Royal, Luxembourg
*** B1 2F3F 248 Section 3, Nan King East Road, Taipei, Taiwan
xxx Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies
oo 20-5, Ichibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
### 1-7, Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
@ c/o Sinclair Hendersen Limited, 23 Cathedral Yard, Exeter, Devon
Item 29. Principal Underwriters.
- -------- -----------------------
(a) Scudder California Tax Free Trust
Scudder Cash Investment Trust
Scudder Equity Trust
Scudder Fund, Inc.
Scudder Funds Trust
Scudder Global Fund, Inc.
Scudder GNMA Fund
Scudder Institutional Fund, Inc.
Scudder International Fund, Inc.
Scudder Investment Trust
Scudder Municipal Trust
Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc.
Scudder Portfolio Trust
Scudder Securities Trust
Scudder State Tax Free Trust
Scudder Tax Free Money Fund
Scudder Tax Free Trust
Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund
Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund
AARP Cash Investment Funds
AARP Growth Trust
AARP Income Trust
AARP Tax Free Income Trust
The Japan Fund, Inc.
(b)
(1) (2) (3)
Name and Principal Position and Offices with Positions and
Business Address Scudder Investor Services, Inc. Offices with Registrant
------------------ ------------------------------- -----------------------
E. Michael Brown Assistant Treasurer None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Mark S. Casady Vice President and Director None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Part C - Page 13
<PAGE>
Linda Coughlin Director None
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Richard W. Desmond Vice President None
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Coleen Downs Dinneen Assistant Clerk Assistant Secretary
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Paul J. Elmlinger Vice President None
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Cuyler W. Findlay Senior Vice President None
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Margaret D. Hadzima Assistant Treasurer None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Thomas W. Joseph Vice President, Director, Vice President
Two International Place Treasurer and Assistant Clerk
Boston, MA 02110
Dudley H. Ladd Senior Vice President and Trustee
Two International Place Director
Boston, MA 02110
David S. Lee President, Assistant President and Trustee
Two International Place Treasurer and Director
Boston, MA 02110
Douglas M. Loudon Senior Vice President None
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Thomas F. McDonough Clerk Vice President and
Two International Place Secretary
Boston, MA 02110
Thomas H. O'Brien Assistant Treasurer None
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Edward J. O'Connell Assistant Treasurer Vice President and
345 Park Avenue Assistant Treasurer
New York, NY 10154
Part C - Page 14
<PAGE>
Juris Padegs Vice President and Director Trustee
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Daniel Pierce Vice President, Director Trustee
Two International Place and Assistant Treasurer
Boston, MA 02110
Kathryn L. Quirk Vice President None
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Edmund J. Thimme Vice President and Director None
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
David B. Watts Assistant Treasurer None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Linda J. Wondrack Vice President None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
The Underwriter has employees who are denominated officers of an
operational area. Such persons do not have corporation-wide
responsibilities and are not considered officers for the purpose of
this Item 29.
(c)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Net Underwriting Compensation on
Name of Principal Discounts and Redemptions Brokerage Other Compensation
Underwriter Commissions and Repurchases Commissions
----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------- ------------------
Scudder Investor None None None None
Services, Inc.
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records.
- -------- ---------------------------------
Certain accounts, books and other documents required to be
maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules
promulgated thereunder are maintained by Scudder, Stevens &
Clark, Inc., Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110-4103.
Records relating to the duties of the Registrant's custodian
(on behalf of Scudder New York Tax Free Money Fund, Scudder
New York Tax Free Fund, Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund,
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund, Scudder Ohio
Tax Free Fund and Scudder Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund) are
maintained by State Street Bank and Trust Company, Heritage
Drive, North Quincy, Massachusetts. Records relating to the
duties of the Registrant's transfer agent are maintained by
Scudder Service Corporation, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts.
Item 31. Management Services.
- -------- --------------------
Inapplicable.
Part C - Page 15
<PAGE>
Item 32. Undertakings.
- -------- -------------
Inapplicable.
</TABLE>
Part C - Page 16
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
----------
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of
the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to
Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized in the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on
the 26th day of February, 1996.
SCUDDER STATE TAX FREE TRUST
By /s/Thomas F. McDonough
-----------------------
Thomas F. McDonough,
Vice President and Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
amendment to its Registration Statement has been signed below by the following
persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------- ----- ----
/s/David S. Lee
David S. Lee* President (Principal Executive February 26, 1996
Officer) and Trustee
/s/Henry P. Becton, Jr.
Henry P. Becton, Jr.* Trustee February 26, 1996
/s/Dawn-Marie Driscoll
Dawn-Marie Driscoll* Trustee February 26, 1996
/s/Peter B. Freeman
Peter B. Freeman* Trustee February 26, 1996
/s/Dudley H. Ladd
Dudley H. Ladd* Trustee February 26, 1996
/s/Wesley W. Marple, Jr.
Wesley W. Marple, Jr.* Trustee February 26, 1996
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------- ----- ----
/s/Juris Padegs
Juris Padegs* Trustee February 26, 1996
/s/Daniel Pierce
Daniel Pierce* Trustee February 26, 1996
/s/Jean C. Tempel
Jean C. Tempel* Trustee February 26, 1996
/s/Pamela A. McGrath
Pamela A. McGrath Vice President (Principal Financial February 26, 1996
and Accounting Officer) and Treasurer
</TABLE>
*By: /s/Thomas F. McDonough
Thomas F. McDonough **
** Attorney-in-fact pursuant
to a power of attorney
contained in the signature
page of the Post-Effective
Amendment No. 11 to the
Registration Statement
filed June 1, 1992 and
pursuant to a power of
attorney contained in the
signature page of
Post-Effective Amendment
No. 17 to the Registration
Statement filed July 21,
1995.
2
<PAGE>
File No. 2-84021
File No. 811-3749
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
EXHIBITS
TO
FORM N-1A
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 18
TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
AND
AMENDMENT NO. 19
TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
SCUDDER STATE TAX FREE TRUST
<PAGE>
SCUDDER STATE TAX FREE TRUST
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit 11
Exhibit 17
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of Scudder State Tax Free Trust:
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective
Amendment No.18 to the Registration Statement of Scudder State Tax Free Trust on
Form N-1A, of our report dated December 4, 1995 on our audit of the financial
statements and financial highlights of Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax
Free Fund, which report is included in the Annual Report to Shareholders for the
year ended October 31, 1995, which is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement.
We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the caption,
"Experts."
/s/Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Boston, Massachusetts COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
February 22, 1996
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Scudder
Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund Annual Report for the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1995 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 6
<NAME> SCUDDER MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED TERM TAX FREE FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-1995
<PERIOD-START> NOV-01-1994
<PERIOD-END> OCT-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 52,690,064
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 53,838,453
<RECEIVABLES> 1,798,446
<ASSETS-OTHER> 78,968
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 55,715,867
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 222,704
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 222,704
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 54,381,655
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 4,615,167
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 3,052,899
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (36,881)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 1,148,389
<NET-ASSETS> 55,493,163
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 2,387,385
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 120,879
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 2,266,506
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 52,320
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 1,598,035
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 3,916,861
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 2,266,506
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 4,365,476
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 2,934,923
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 131,715
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 19,945,182
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> (89,201)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 297,710
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 455,083
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 49,702,706
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.64
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.54
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.38
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0.54
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.02
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.24
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>