<PAGE> PAGE 1
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<PAGE> PAGE 5
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<PAGE> PAGE 8
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<PAGE> PAGE 10
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SIGNATURE KIMBERLEY MONASTERIO
TITLE ASSISTANT TREASURER
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST February 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 011
<NAME> FRANKLIN INSURED TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
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<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
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</TABLE>
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<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 012
<NAME> FRANKLIN INSURED TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,596,657,378
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,710,632,870
<RECEIVABLES> 26,048,509
<ASSETS-OTHER> 1,727,235
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,738,408,614
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 9,070,307
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 6,021,124
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 15,091,431
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1,603,423,512
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 3,074,478
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 1,762,895
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (851,836)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 6,770,015
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 113,975,492
<NET-ASSETS> 1,723,317,183
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 102,645,300
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (10,554,632)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 92,090,668
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 23,962,647
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 16,269,424
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 132,322,789
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (1,442,616)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (343,655)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,667,248
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (450,124)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 94,459
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 39,708,532
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 20,740
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (37,322)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (7,894,099)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (10,554,632)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 1,697,545,239
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 12.210
<PER-SHARE-NII> .600
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .290
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.600)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.120)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.380
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.180
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 021
<NAME> FRANKLIN MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TAX-FREE INCOME FUND-CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 318,207,175
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 340,045,683
<RECEIVABLES> 8,442,604
<ASSETS-OTHER> 24,443
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 348,512,730
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 4,905,280
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,524,186
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 6,429,466
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 318,991,353
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 27,917,603
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 28,162,462
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (210,542)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 1,463,945
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 21,838,508
<NET-ASSETS> 342,083,264
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 20,130,653
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2,369,016)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 17,761,637
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 4,132,958
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 6,206,833
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 28,101,428
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (17,485,323)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (3,803,786)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 3,519,323
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (4,661,188)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 897,006
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 10,640,418
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 1,252,824
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (36,705)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,792,766)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (2,369,016)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 341,962,591
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.540
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.610
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.350
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.620)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.130)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.750
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.680
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 022
<NAME> FRANKLIN MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TAX-FREE INCOME FUND-CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 318,207,175
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 340,045,683
<RECEIVABLES> 8,442,604
<ASSETS-OTHER> 24,443
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 348,512,730
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 4,905,280
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,524,186
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 6,429,466
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 318,991,353
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 1,180,684
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 550,431
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (210,542)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 1,463,945
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 21,838,508
<NET-ASSETS> 342,083,264
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 20,130,653
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2,369,016)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 17,761,637
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 4,132,958
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 6,206,833
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 28,101,428
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (450,151)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (118,051)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 765,610
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (172,483)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 37,126
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 10,640,418
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 1,252,824
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (36,705)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,792,766)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (2,369,016)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 341,962,591
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.590
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.550
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.340
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.550)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.130)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.800
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.250
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 031
<NAME> FRANKLIN MICHIGAN INSURED TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,098,383,245
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,177,395,294
<RECEIVABLES> 20,235,221
<ASSETS-OTHER> 6,499,280
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,204,129,795
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 24,400,386
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 4,291,938
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 28,692,324
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1,094,753,001
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 93,666,608
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 92,589,471
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (1,346,656)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 3,019,077
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 79,012,049
<NET-ASSETS> 1,175,437,471
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 67,328,888
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (7,411,065)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 59,917,823
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 10,732,851
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 21,097,599
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 91,748,273
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (59,839,551)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (12,008,053)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 7,753,171
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (9,724,796)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 3,048,762
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 43,738,500
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 4,579,103
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (213,723)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (5,414,427)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (7,411,065)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 1,146,399,915
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 12.000
<PER-SHARE-NII> .630
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .340
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.640)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.130)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.200
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .630
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 032
<NAME> FRANKLIN MICHIGAN INSURED TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,098,383,245
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,177,395,294
<RECEIVABLES> 20,235,221
<ASSETS-OTHER> 6,499,280
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,204,129,795
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 24,400,386
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 4,291,938
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 28,692,324
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1,094,753,001
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 2,679,153
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 1,670,727
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (1,346,656)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 3,019,077
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 79,012,049
<NET-ASSETS> 1,175,437,471
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 67,328,888
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (7,411,065)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 59,917,823
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 10,732,851
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 21,097,599
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 91,748,273
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (1,211,205)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (284,824)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,286,100
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (364,733)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 87,059
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 43,738,500
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 4,579,103
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (213,723)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (5,414,427)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (7,411,065)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 1,146,399,915
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 12.070
<PER-SHARE-NII> .570
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .330
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.570)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.130)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.270
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.200
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 041
<NAME> FRANKLIN MINNESOTA INSURED TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 473,973,445
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 501,080,041
<RECEIVABLES> 5,728,706
<ASSETS-OTHER> 2,281,350
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 509,090,097
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,987,996
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,656,359
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 3,644,355
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 478,065,923
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 40,727,502
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 40,157,975
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 157,545
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 115,678
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 27,106,596
<NET-ASSETS> 505,445,742
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 29,224,690
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (3,287,864)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 25,936,826
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 4,596,300
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 5,746,112
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 36,279,238
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (25,706,309)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (3,868,308)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 3,600,732
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (4,323,207)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1,292,002
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 18,474,599
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 263,020
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (543,789)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (2,465,946)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (3,287,864)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 492,025,722
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 12.010
<PER-SHARE-NII> .640
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .250
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.640)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.100)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.160
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .650
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 042
<NAME> FRANKLIN MINNESOTA INSURED TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 473,973,445
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 501,080,041
<RECEIVABLES> 5,728,706
<ASSETS-OTHER> 2,281,350
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 509,090,097
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,987,996
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,656,359
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 3,644,355
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 478,065,923
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 829,737
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 402,074
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 157,545
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 115,678
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 27,106,596
<NET-ASSETS> 505,445,742
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 29,224,690
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (3,287,864)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 25,936,826
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 4,596,300
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 5,746,112
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 36,279,238
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (335,992)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (68,525)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 456,070
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (50,255)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 21,848
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 18,474,599
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 263,020
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (543,789)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (2,465,946)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (3,287,864)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 492,025,722
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 12.050
<PER-SHARE-NII> .570
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .260
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.570)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.100)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.210
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.220
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 051
<NAME> FRANKLIN OHIO INSURED TAX-FREE INCOME FUND-CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 710,303,279
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 761,133,140
<RECEIVABLES> 14,480,633
<ASSETS-OTHER> 501,965
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 776,115,738
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 3,760,204
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 3,097,875
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 6,858,079
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 718,284,371
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 59,513,390
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 57,279,612
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (434,981)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 578,408
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 50,829,861
<NET-ASSETS> 769,257,659
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 43,438,906
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (4,870,559)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 38,568,347
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 5,741,354
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 14,279,319
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 58,589,020
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (37,780,652)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (3,968,675)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 6,967,848
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (6,397,990)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1,663,920
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 55,111,984
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (258,857)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (1,059,282)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (3,586,169)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (4,870,559)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 738,378,517
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 12.190
<PER-SHARE-NII> .640
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .330
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.640)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.070)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.450
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .640
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 052
<NAME> FRANKLIN OHIO INSURED TAX-FREE INCOME FUND-CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 710,303,279
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 761,133,140
<RECEIVABLES> 14,480,633
<ASSETS-OTHER> 501,965
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 776,115,738
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 3,760,204
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 3,097,875
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 6,858,079
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 718,284,371
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 2,251,795
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 1,289,184
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (434,981)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 578,408
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 50,829,861
<NET-ASSETS> 769,257,659
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 43,438,906
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (4,870,559)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 38,568,347
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 5,741,354
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 14,279,319
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 58,589,020
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (963,819)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (134,989)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,087,152
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (188,923)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 64,382
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 55,111,984
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (258,857)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (1,059,282)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (3,586,169)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (4,870,559)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 738,378,517
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 12.240
<PER-SHARE-NII> .580
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .340
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.580)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.070)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.510
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.200
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 061
<NAME> FRANKLIN PUERTO RICO TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 195,112,122
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 210,029,879
<RECEIVABLES> 3,268,281
<ASSETS-OTHER> 2,810,747
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 216,108,907
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,432,368
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 736,803
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2,169,171
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 198,904,046
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 17,732,666
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 16,724,178
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (47,259)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 165,192
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 14,917,757
<NET-ASSETS> 213,939,736
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 12,284,332
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,528,150)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 10,756,182
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 166,654
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 6,082,031
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 17,004,867
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (10,578,866)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (237,542)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 2,415,410
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1,854,307)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 447,385
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 19,735,298
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 238,515
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (107,458)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,137,320)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,528,150)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 201,407,766
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.510
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.620
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.360
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.620)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.010)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.860
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.750
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 062
<NAME> FRANKLIN PUERTO RICO TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 195,112,122
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 210,029,879
<RECEIVABLES> 3,268,281
<ASSETS-OTHER> 2,810,747
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 216,108,907
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,432,368
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 736,803
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2,169,171
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 198,904,046
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 304,525
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 145,675
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (47,259)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 165,192
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 14,917,757
<NET-ASSETS> 213,939,736
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 12,284,332
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,528,150)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 10,756,182
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 166,654
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 6,082,031
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 17,004,867
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (117,117)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (2,435)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 194,122
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (40,740)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 5,468
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 19,735,298
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 238,515
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (107,458)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,137,320)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,528,150)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 201,407,766
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.530
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.560
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.340
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.550)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.010)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.870
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.310
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 071
<NAME> FRANKLIN HIGH YIELD TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 5,687,888,403
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 6,138,485,989
<RECEIVABLES> 117,456,164
<ASSETS-OTHER> 13,108,457
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 6,269,050,610
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 80,964,719
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 21,883,070
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 102,847,789
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 5,731,051,999
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 491,518,335
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 402,071,454
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (4,517,342)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (10,929,422)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 450,597,586
<NET-ASSETS> 6,166,202,821
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 347,062,083
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (34,068,543)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 312,993,540
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 37,029,261
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 187,205,403
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 537,228,204
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (298,241,773)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 131,051,149
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (52,168,755)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 10,564,487
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 1,466,545,289
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (3,265,863)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (47,958,683)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (24,164,691)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (34,068,543)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 5,266,799,562
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.210
<PER-SHARE-NII> .690
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .470
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.690)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.680
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .610
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 072
<NAME> FRANKLIN HIGH YIELD TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 5,687,888,403
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 6,138,485,989
<RECEIVABLES> 117,456,164
<ASSETS-OTHER> 13,108,457
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 6,269,050,610
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 80,964,719
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 21,883,070
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 102,847,789
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 5,731,051,999
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 36,010,695
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 17,258,275
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (4,517,342)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (10,929,422)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 450,597,586
<NET-ASSETS> 6,166,202,821
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 347,062,083
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (34,068,543)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 312,993,540
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 37,029,261
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 187,205,403
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 537,228,204
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (16,003,246)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 20,703,147
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (2,737,903)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 787,176
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 1,466,545,289
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> (3,265,863)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (47,958,683)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (24,164,691)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (34,068,543)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 5,266,799,562
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.260
<PER-SHARE-NII> .630
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .480
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.620)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.750
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.180
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 081
<NAME> FRANKLIN PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 687,767,242
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 736,891,565
<RECEIVABLES> 13,511,055
<ASSETS-OTHER> 644,039
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 751,046,659
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 9,196,059
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 2,810,096
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 12,006,155
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 690,330,797
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 67,536,025
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 63,366,366
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (396,549)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (18,067)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 49,124,323
<NET-ASSETS> 739,040,504
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 43,059,029
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (4,687,980)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 38,371,049
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 6,524,504
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 15,000,707
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 59,896,260
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (38,238,602)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (9,091,610)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 9,004,492
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (6,956,391)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 2,121,558
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 68,766,852
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 373,927
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 2,801,890
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (3,414,301)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (4,687,980)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 700,632,143
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.390
<PER-SHARE-NII> .580
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .320
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.590)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.140)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.560
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .650
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 082
<NAME> FRANKLIN PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 687,767,242
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 736,891,565
<RECEIVABLES> 13,511,055
<ASSETS-OTHER> 644,039
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 751,046,659
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 9,196,059
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 2,810,096
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 12,006,155
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 690,330,797
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 2,442,080
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 1,144,565
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (396,549)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (18,067)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 49,124,323
<NET-ASSETS> 739,040,504
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 43,059,029
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (4,687,980)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 38,371,049
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 6,524,504
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 15,000,707
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 59,896,260
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (902,923)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (252,851)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,410,008
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (186,019)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 73,526
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 68,766,852
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 373,927
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 2,801,890
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (3,414,301)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (4,687,980)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 700,632,143
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.430
<PER-SHARE-NII> .520
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .330
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.530)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.140)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.610
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.210
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 091
<NAME> FRANKLIN COLORADO TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 254,345,593
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 273,332,908
<RECEIVABLES> 4,828,486
<ASSETS-OTHER> 353,608
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 278,515,002
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,060,708
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,060,708
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 257,156,870
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 22,006,468
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 20,055,377
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 121,387
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 1,188,722
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 18,987,315
<NET-ASSETS> 277,454,294
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 15,644,681
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,893,265)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 13,751,416
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 3,599,269
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 5,186,539
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 22,537,224
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (13,602,062)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (1,419,602)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 4,200,877
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (2,852,691)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 602,905
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 35,191,718
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 353,668
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (939,203)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,432,605)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,893,265)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 261,321,834
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.800
<PER-SHARE-NII> .630
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .390
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.640)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.070)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.110
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .710
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 092
<NAME> FRANKLIN COLORADO TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 254,345,593
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 273,332,908
<RECEIVABLES> 4,828,486
<ASSETS-OTHER> 353,608
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 278,515,002
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,060,708
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,060,708
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 257,156,870
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 892,230
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 477,543
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 121,387
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 1,188,722
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 18,987,315
<NET-ASSETS> 277,454,294
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 15,644,681
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,893,265)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 13,751,416
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 3,599,269
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 5,186,539
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 22,537,224
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (381,635)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (51,742)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 465,522
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (76,937)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 26,102
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 35,191,718
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 353,668
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (939,203)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,432,605)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,893,265)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 261,321,834
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.840
<PER-SHARE-NII> .570
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .400
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.570)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.070)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.170
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.270
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 101
<NAME> FRANKLIN GEORGIA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 147,039,668
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 156,923,877
<RECEIVABLES> 2,358,778
<ASSETS-OTHER> 76,837
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 159,359,492
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 610,531
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 610,531
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 148,675,374
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 12,343,294
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 11,792,161
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (14,581)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 203,959
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 9,884,209
<NET-ASSETS> 158,748,961
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 8,995,452
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,165,779)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 7,829,673
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1,121,637
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 2,137,360
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 11,088,670
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (7,588,746)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,933,459
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1,703,156)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 320,830
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 14,361,610
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 29,370
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (917,678)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (872,451)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,165,779)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 149,098,251
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.860
<PER-SHARE-NII> .630
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .270
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.640)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.120
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .760
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 102
<NAME> FRANKLIN GEORGIA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 147,039,668
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 156,923,877
<RECEIVABLES> 2,358,778
<ASSETS-OTHER> 76,837
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 159,359,492
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 610,531
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 610,531
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 148,675,374
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 747,179
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 376,236
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (14,581)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 203,959
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 9,884,209
<NET-ASSETS> 158,748,961
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 8,995,452
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,165,779)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 7,829,673
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1,121,637
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 2,137,360
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 11,088,670
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (284,878)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 460,913
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (105,355)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 15,385
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 14,361,610
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 29,370
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (917,678)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (872,451)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,165,779)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 149,098,257
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.920
<PER-SHARE-NII> .570
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .270
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.570)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.190
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.320
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 111
<NAME> FRANKLIN MISSOURI TAX FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 303,607,634
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 325,809,661
<RECEIVABLES> 6,898,933
<ASSETS-OTHER> 1,181,802
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 333,890,396
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 14,721,648
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,079,192
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 15,800,840
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 294,540,002
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 25,192,819
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 22,789,317
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 487,303
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 860,224
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 22,202,027
<NET-ASSETS> 318,089,556
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 17,619,520
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2,112,096)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 15,507,424
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1,728,020
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 9,244,449
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 26,479,893
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (15,241,932)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (1,036,132)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 4,811,731
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (3,060,282)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 652,053
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 44,230,226
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 548,705
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 196,677
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,574,188)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (2,112,096)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 292,147,960
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.830
<PER-SHARE-NII> .640
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .440
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.640)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.040)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.230
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .710
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND ITS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 112
<NAME> FRANKLIN MISSOURI TAX FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 303,607,634
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 325,809,661
<RECEIVABLES> 6,898,933
<ASSETS-OTHER> 1,181,802
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 333,890,396
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 14,721,648
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,079,192
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 15,800,840
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 294,540,002
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 818,701
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 362,419
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 487,303
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 860,224
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 22,202,027
<NET-ASSETS> 318,089,556
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 17,619,520
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2,112,096)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 15,507,424
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1,728,020
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 9,244,449
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 26,479,893
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (326,894)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (28,341)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 497,123
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (61,062)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 20,221
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 44,230,226
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 548,705
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 196,677
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,574,188)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (2,112,096)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 292,147,960
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.850
<PER-SHARE-NII> .580
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .450
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.570)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.040)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.270
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.270
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 121
<NAME> FRANKLIN OREGON TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 431,295,544
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 460,625,006
<RECEIVABLES> 9,404,308
<ASSETS-OTHER> 2,295,155
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 472,324,469
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 28,091,288
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,264,536
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 29,355,824
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 413,968,727
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 36,020,329
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 33,251,901
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 1,451,796
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (1,781,340)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 29,329,462
<NET-ASSETS> 442,968,645
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 24,806,305
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2,821,631)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 21,984,674
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 3,490,454
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 7,488,709
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 32,963,837
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (21,486,828)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 5,268,610
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (3,535,934)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1,035,752
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 51,865,908
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 1,470,171
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (5,271,794)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (2,119,137)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (2,821,631)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 413,477,104
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.550
<PER-SHARE-NII> .620
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .310
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.620)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.860
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .670
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 122
<NAME> FRANKLIN OREGON TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 431,295,544
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 460,625,006
<RECEIVABLES> 9,404,308
<ASSETS-OTHER> 2,295,155
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 472,324,469
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 28,091,288
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,264,536
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 29,355,824
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 413,968,727
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 1,337,390
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 611,702
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 1,451,796
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (1,781,340)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 29,329,462
<NET-ASSETS> 442,968,645
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 24,806,305
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2,821,631)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 21,984,674
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 3,490,454
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 7,488,709
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 32,963,837
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (516,221)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 784,427
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (90,512)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 31,773
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 51,865,908
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 1,470,171
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (5,271,794)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (2,119,137)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (2,821,631)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 413,477,104
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.610
<PER-SHARE-NII> .560
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .310
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.560)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.920
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.220
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 131
<NAME> FRANKLIN TEXAS TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 126,807,194
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 135,881,803
<RECEIVABLES> 1,944,305
<ASSETS-OTHER> 236,289
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 138,062,397
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 4,940,763
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 468,365
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 5,409,128
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 122,013,277
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 11,183,221
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 11,131,224
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (123,363)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 1,688,796
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 9,074,609
<NET-ASSETS> 132,653,269
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 7,998,233
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (994,723)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 7,003,510
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1,689,323
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 2,206,546
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 10,899,379
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (7,118,581)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (344,573)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,263,835
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1,490,778)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 278,940
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 5,301,261
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 51,160
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 347,091
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (770,725)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (994,723)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 129,007,873
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.370
<PER-SHARE-NII> .620
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .360
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.640)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.030)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.680
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .760
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 132
<NAME> FRANKLIN TEXAS TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 126,807,194
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 135,881,803
<RECEIVABLES> 1,944,305
<ASSETS-OTHER> 236,289
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 138,062,397
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 4,940,763
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 468,365
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 5,409,128
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 122,013,277
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 175,794
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 64,374
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (123,363)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 1,688,796
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 9,074,609
<NET-ASSETS> 132,653,269
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 7,998,233
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (994,723)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 7,003,510
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1,689,323
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 2,206,546
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 10,899,379
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (60,260)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (3,045)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 125,740
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (18,321)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 4,001
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 5,301,261
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 51,160
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 347,091
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (770,725)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (994,723)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 129,007,873
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.490
<PER-SHARE-NII> .580
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .350
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.580)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.030)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.810
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.330
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 141
<NAME> FRANKLIN VIRGINIA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 325,801,677
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 347,670,937
<RECEIVABLES> 6,009,930
<ASSETS-OTHER> 659,185
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 354,340,052
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 7,800,433
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,154,141
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 8,954,574
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 322,773,571
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 27,973,723
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 24,653,916
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 194,415
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 548,232
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 21,869,260
<NET-ASSETS> 345,385,478
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 19,021,886
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2,261,391)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 16,760,495
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 2,402,402
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 6,947,724
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 26,110,621
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (16,626,624)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (2,622,841)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 5,205,834
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (2,681,610)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 795,583
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 51,539,540
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 533,631
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 856,652
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,689,780)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (2,261,391)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 317,925,569
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.650
<PER-SHARE-NII> .620
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .350
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.640)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.100)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.880
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .690
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 142
<NAME> FRANKLIN VIRGINIA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 325,801,677
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 347,670,937
<RECEIVABLES> 6,009,930
<ASSETS-OTHER> 659,185
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 354,340,052
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 7,800,433
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,154,141
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 8,954,574
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 322,773,571
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 1,103,630
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 569,870
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 194,415
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 548,232
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 21,869,260
<NET-ASSETS> 345,385,478
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 19,021,886
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2,261,391)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 16,760,495
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 2,402,402
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 6,947,724
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 26,110,621
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (473,087)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (87,981)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 626,031
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (120,298)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 28,027
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 51,539,540
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 533,631
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 856,652
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,689,780)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (2,261,391)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 317,925,569
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.710
<PER-SHARE-NII> .570
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .340
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.570)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.100)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.950
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.250
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 151
<NAME> FRANKLIN ALABAMA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 207,787,674
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 223,153,265
<RECEIVABLES> 3,893,830
<ASSETS-OTHER> 314,558
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 227,361,653
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 910,128
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 910,128
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 210,750,204
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 18,110,125
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 16,495,571
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 28,029
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 307,701
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 15,365,591
<NET-ASSETS> 226,451,525
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 12,946,566
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,563,547)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 11,383,019
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1,367,201
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 5,167,385
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 17,917,605
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (11,265,935)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (1,673,585)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 2,766,059
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1,626,797)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 475,292
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 27,303,188
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 278,329
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 677,276
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,189,527)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,563,547)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 211,840,321
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.730
<PER-SHARE-NII> .640
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .360
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.650)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.100)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.980
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .720
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 152
<NAME> FRANKLIN ALABAMA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 207,787,674
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 223,153,265
<RECEIVABLES> 3,893,830
<ASSETS-OTHER> 314,558
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 227,361,653
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 910,128
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 910,128
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 210,750,204
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 786,748
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 482,597
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 28,029
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 307,701
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 15,365,591
<NET-ASSETS> 226,451,525
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 12,946,566
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,563,547)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 11,383,019
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1,367,201
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 5,167,385
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 17,917,605
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (367,384)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (63,191)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 390,828
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (104,751)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 18,074
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 27,303,188
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 278,329
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 677,276
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,189,527)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,563,547)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 211,840,321
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.780
<PER-SHARE-NII> .580
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .360
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.580)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.100)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.040
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.290
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 161
<NAME> FRANKLIN FLORIDA TAX FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,563,617,763
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,684,102,808
<RECEIVABLES> 34,187,651
<ASSETS-OTHER> 481,309
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,718,771,768
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 6,825,623
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 5,850,667
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 12,676,290
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1,587,710,289
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 139,068,974
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 125,815,973
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (1,372,701)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (727,155)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 120,485,045
<NET-ASSETS> 1,706,095,478
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 96,021,683
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (9,906,526)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 86,115,157
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 3,659,832
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 37,696,255
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 127,471,244
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (87,160,434)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 30,212,848
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (18,970,452)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 2,010,605
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 224,452,839
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 1,660,453
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (4,386,987)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (7,419,693)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (9,906,526)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 1,584,577,869
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.590
<PER-SHARE-NII> .640
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .300
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.660)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.870
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .610
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 162
<NAME> FRANKLIN FLORIDA TAX FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,563,617,763
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,684,102,808
<RECEIVABLES> 34,187,651
<ASSETS-OTHER> 481,309
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,718,771,768
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 6,825,623
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 5,850,667
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 12,676,290
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1,587,710,289
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 4,685,874
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 2,018,521
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (1,372,701)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (727,155)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 120,485,045
<NET-ASSETS> 1,706,095,478
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 96,021,683
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (9,906,526)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 86,115,157
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 3,659,832
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 37,696,255
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 127,471,244
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (1,987,877)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 3,083,120
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (508,837)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 93,070
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 224,452,839
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 1,660,453
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (4,386,987)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (7,419,693)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (9,906,526)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 1,584,577,869
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.670
<PER-SHARE-NII> .600
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .290
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.600)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.960
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.170
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 171
<NAME> FRANKLIN INDIANA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 50,217,152
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 54,043,777
<RECEIVABLES> 657,671
<ASSETS-OTHER> 118,667
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 54,820,115
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 176,886
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 176,886
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 50,660,780
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 4,526,785
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 4,344,574
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 95,452
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 60,372
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 3,826,625
<NET-ASSETS> 54,643,229
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 3,308,465
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (432,979)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 2,875,486
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 578,277
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 886,955
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 4,340,718
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (2,896,065)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (97,364)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 579,644
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (531,972)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 134,539
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 2,158,623
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 116,031
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (420,541)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (330,541)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (432,979)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 52,752,283
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.770
<PER-SHARE-NII> .650
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .320
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.650)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.020)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.070
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .820
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS FINANCIAL SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 181
<NAME> FRANKLIN LOUISIANA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 129,681,075
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 138,954,233
<RECEIVABLES> 2,820,631
<ASSETS-OTHER> 66,243
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 141,841,107
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,932,696
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 517,828
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2,450,524
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 131,396,273
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 11,618,476
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 9,984,603
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 175,633
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (1,454,481)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 9,273,158
<NET-ASSETS> 139,390,583
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 7,874,134
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (975,268)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 6,898,866
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 999,780
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 2,382,871
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 10,281,517
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (6,832,628)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 2,544,019
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1,168,965)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 258,819
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 23,405,309
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 294,774
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (2,454,261)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (758,170)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (975,268)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 125,815,848
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.320
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.630
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.300
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.640)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0.000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.610
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.760
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS FINANCIAL SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 182
<NAME> FRANKLIN LOUISIANA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 129,681,075
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 138,954,233
<RECEIVABLES> 2,820,631
<ASSETS-OTHER> 66,243
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 141,841,107
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,932,696
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 517,828
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2,450,524
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 131,396,273
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 382,710
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 264,131
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 175,633
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (1,454,481)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 9,273,158
<NET-ASSETS> 139,390,583
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 7,874,134
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (975,268)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 6,898,866
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 999,780
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 2,382,871
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 10,281,517
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (185,379)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 169,745
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (61,812)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 10,646
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 23,405,309
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 294,774
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (2,454,261)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (758,170)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (975,268)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 125,815,848
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.370
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.570
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.320
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.580)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0.000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.680
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.320
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 191
<NAME> FRANKLIN NORTH CAROLINA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND-CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 297,165,173
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 317,702,514
<RECEIVABLES> 5,900,473
<ASSETS-OTHER> 124,934
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 323,727,921
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 4,144,499
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 2,134,490
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 6,278,989
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 298,134,475
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 24,552,795
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 22,245,981
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 156,799
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (1,379,683)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 20,537,341
<NET-ASSETS> 317,448,932
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 17,283,954
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2,122,118)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 15,161,836
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1,738,033
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 7,658,995
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 24,558,864
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (14,484,337)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 4,574,465
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (2,864,958)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 597,307
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 46,863,455
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 137,710
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (3,117,716)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,566,067)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (2,122,118)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 290,753,965
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.730
<PER-SHARE-NII> .620
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .380
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.620)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.110
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .700
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS,
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 192
<NAME> FRANKLIN NORTH CAROLINA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 297,165,173
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 317,702,514
<RECEIVABLES> 5,900,473
<ASSETS-OTHER> 124,934
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 323,727,921
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 4,144,499
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 2,134,490
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 6,278,989
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 298,134,475
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 1,645,295
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 814,708
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 156,799
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (1,379,683)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 20,537,341
<NET-ASSETS> 317,448,932
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 17,283,954
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2,122,118)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 15,161,836
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1,738,033
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 7,658,995
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 24,558,864
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (658,410)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 917,204
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (120,346)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 33,729
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 46,863,455
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 137,710
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (3,117,716)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,566,067)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (2,122,118)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 290,753,965
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.790
<PER-SHARE-NII> .560
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .390
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.560)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.180
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.260
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 201
<NAME> FRANKLIN ARIZONA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 768,637,732
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 823,128,828
<RECEIVABLES> 10,678,070
<ASSETS-OTHER> 489,855
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 834,296,753
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 6,731,601
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 2,778,275
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 9,509,876
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 768,335,648
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 70,818,846
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 66,912,442
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (599,453)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 2,559,586
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 54,491,096
<NET-ASSETS> 824,786,877
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 47,348,723
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (4,979,668)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 42,369,055
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 7,063,992
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 12,652,846
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 62,085,893
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (42,690,791)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (5,215,511)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 10,989,623
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (8,792,791)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1,709,572
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 66,966,335
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 163,313
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 781,030
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (3,799,811)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (4,979,668)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 785,189,169
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.240
<PER-SHARE-NII> .610
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .290
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.620)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.080)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.440
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .630
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 202
<NAME> FRANKLIN ARIZONA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 768,637,732
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 823,128,828
<RECEIVABLES> 10,678,070
<ASSETS-OTHER> 489,855
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 834,296,753
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 6,731,601
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 2,778,275
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 9,509,876
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 768,335,648
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 1,263,353
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 485,678
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (599,453)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 2,559,586
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 54,491,096
<NET-ASSETS> 824,786,877
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 47,348,723
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (4,979,668)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 42,369,055
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 7,063,992
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 12,652,846
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 62,085,893
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (441,030)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (69,925)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 944,093
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (196,079)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 29,661
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 66,966,335
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 163,313
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 781,030
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (3,799,811)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (4,979,668)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 785,189,169
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.300
<PER-SHARE-NII> .560
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .290
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.560)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.080)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.510
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.190
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 211
<NAME> FRANKLIN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 614,251,934
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 658,319,244
<RECEIVABLES> 19,055,924
<ASSETS-OTHER> 2,081,433
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 679,456,601
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 12,324,152
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 2,064,701
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 14,388,853
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 620,743,711
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 53,422,807
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 49,487,969
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 652,607
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (395,880)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 44,067,310
<NET-ASSETS> 665,067,748
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 37,464,185
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (4,219,941)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 33,244,244
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 2,902,623
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 14,172,961
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 50,319,828
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (32,627,862)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 8,712,865
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (6,187,043)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1,409,016
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 77,281,283
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 1,032,211
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (3,298,503)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (3,074,915)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (4,219,941)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 624,673,751
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.610
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.630
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.320
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.640)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0.000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.920
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.660
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 212
<NAME> FRANKLIN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 614,251,934
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 658,319,244
<RECEIVABLES> 19,055,924
<ASSETS-OTHER> 2,081,433
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 679,456,601
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 12,324,152
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 2,064,701
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 14,388,853
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 620,743,711
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 2,349,198
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 1,123,282
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 652,607
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (395,880)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 44,067,310
<NET-ASSETS> 665,067,748
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 37,464,185
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (4,219,941)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 33,244,244
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 2,902,623
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 14,172,961
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 50,319,828
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (995,986)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,400,159
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (232,294)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 58,051
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 77,281,283
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 1,032,211
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (3,298,503)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (3,074,915)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (4,219,941)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 624,673,751
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.660
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.560
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.330
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.570)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0.000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.980
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.210
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 221
<NAME> FRANKLIN CONNECTICUT TAX-FREE INCOME FUND CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 195,295,454
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 210,340,326
<RECEIVABLES> 3,251,814
<ASSETS-OTHER> 677,050
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 214,269,190
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,231,285
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 758,771
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,990,056
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 201,517,724
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 18,135,881
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 16,811,298
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (93,984)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (4,189,478)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 15,044,872
<NET-ASSETS> 212,279,134
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 12,246,370
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,495,046)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 10,751,324
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 2,330,741
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 3,355,147
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 16,437,212
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (10,568,978)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 3,158,359
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (2,268,367)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 434,591
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 24,481,638
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 19,798
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (6,520,219)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,126,660)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,495,046)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 193,206,424
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.920
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.600
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.320
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.610)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.230
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .730
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 222
<NAME> FRANKLIN CONNECTICUT TAX-FREE INCOME FUND CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 195,295,454
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 210,340,326
<RECEIVABLES> 3,251,814
<ASSETS-OTHER> 677,050
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 214,269,190
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,231,285
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 758,771
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,990,056
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 201,517,724
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 767,289
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 379,133
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (93,984)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (4,189,478)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 15,044,872
<NET-ASSETS> 212,279,134
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 12,246,370
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,495,046)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 10,751,324
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 2,330,741
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 3,355,147
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 16,437,212
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (296,128)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 471,457
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (99,234)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 15,933
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 24,481,638
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 19,798
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (6,520,219)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,126,660)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,495,046)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 6,101,965
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.940
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.550
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.310
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.540)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.260
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.290
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 231
<NAME> FRANKLIN MARYLAND TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS I
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 208,920,163
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 223,146,111
<RECEIVABLES> 3,836,441
<ASSETS-OTHER> 385,549
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 227,368,101
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 2,989,696
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 859,154
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 3,848,850
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 209,046,663
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 18,301,302
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 16,347,421
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (43,595)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 290,235
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 14,225,948
<NET-ASSETS> 223,519,251
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 12,298,178
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,573,145)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 10,725,033
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 545,277
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 5,243,088
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 16,513,398
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (10,459,119)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 3,401,350
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1,917,780)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 470,311
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 33,200,453
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 42,905
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (255,042)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,166,952)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,573,145)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 207,012,944
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.330
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.590
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.320
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.600)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0.000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.640
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.740
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 232
<NAME> FRANKLIN MARYLAND TAX-FREE INCOME FUND - CLASS II
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 208,920,163
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 223,146,111
<RECEIVABLES> 3,836,441
<ASSETS-OTHER> 385,549
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 227,368,101
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 2,989,696
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 859,154
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 3,848,850
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 209,046,663
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 896,787
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 445,910
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> (43,595)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 290,235
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 14,225,948
<NET-ASSETS> 223,519,251
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 12,298,178
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,573,145)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 10,725,033
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 545,277
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 5,243,088
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 16,513,398
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (352,414)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 505,326
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (72,523)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 18,074
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 33,200,453
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 42,905
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (255,042)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,166,952)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,573,145)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 207,012,944
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.400
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.540
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.310
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.530)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0.000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.720
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.300
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 241
<NAME> FRANKLIN KENTUCKY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 49,745,406
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 53,120,718
<RECEIVABLES> 877,262
<ASSETS-OTHER> 352,455
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 54,350,435
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 139,705
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 139,705
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 51,732,838
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 4,734,902
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 4,006,855
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 23,121
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (920,541)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 3,375,312
<NET-ASSETS> 54,210,730
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 2,782,662
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (168,746)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 2,613,916
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 224,890
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 1,505,198
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 4,344,004
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (2,620,364)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,010,210
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (383,160)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 100,997
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 9,922,066
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 29,569
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (1,145,431)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (304,904)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (392,450)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 48,441,317
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.050
<PER-SHARE-NII> .610
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .400
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.610)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.450
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .350
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 251
<NAME> FRANKLIN FEDERAL INTERMEDIATE TERM TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 146,402,048
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 152,941,031
<RECEIVABLES> 2,264,785
<ASSETS-OTHER> 347,978
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 155,553,794
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 14,916,430
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,092,419
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 16,008,849
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 134,103,678
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 12,400,498
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 9,571,206
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 164,161
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (1,261,877)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 6,538,983
<NET-ASSETS> 139,544,945
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 6,542,250
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (875,242)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 5,667,008
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (95,778)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 3,620,765
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 9,191,995
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (5,768,367)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 7,621,870
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (5,106,923)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 314,345
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 34,829,775
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 265,520
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (1,166,099)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (718,091)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (965,218)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 117,247,425
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.940
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.530
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.330
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.550)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0.000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.250
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.750
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 261
<NAME> FRANKLIN ARIZONA INSURED TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 55,964,671
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 59,104,726
<RECEIVABLES> 670,223
<ASSETS-OTHER> 131,381
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 59,906,330
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,742,238
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 105,359
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,847,597
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 55,110,276
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 5,392,194
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 3,831,399
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 55,295
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (246,893)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 3,140,055
<NET-ASSETS> 58,058,733
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 2,561,113
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (142,085)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 2,419,028
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 186,266
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 1,729,964
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 4,335,258
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (2,451,451)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 2,255,909
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (788,836)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 93,722
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 18,365,605
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 87,718
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (433,159)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (300,020)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (388,505)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 47,361,716
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.360
<PER-SHARE-NII> .540
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .420
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.550)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.770
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .300
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 271
<NAME> FRANKLIN FLORIDA INSURED TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 93,891,246
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 99,701,565
<RECEIVABLES> 1,970,989
<ASSETS-OTHER> 134,856
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 101,807,410
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 301,828
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 301,828
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 96,916,948
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 9,733,038
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 7,728,681
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 48,730
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (1,270,415)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 5,810,319
<NET-ASSETS> 101,505,582
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 4,880,645
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (310,173)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 4,570,472
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 139,100
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 3,782,107
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 8,491,679
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (4,572,391)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 3,398,220
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1,546,829)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 152,966
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 24,328,683
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 50,649
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (1,409,515)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (559,377)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (705,313)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 88,571,879
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 9.990
<PER-SHARE-NII> .530
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .440
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.530)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.430
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .350
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FEBRUARY 28, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH DOCUMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 281
<NAME> FRANKLIN MICHIGAN TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 8,702,208
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 9,196,077
<RECEIVABLES> 208,678
<ASSETS-OTHER> 128,844
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 9,533,599
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 248,594
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 17,413
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 266,007
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 8,708,828
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 841,149
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 372,799
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 43,531
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 21,364
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 493,869
<NET-ASSETS> 9,267,592
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 385,838
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (17,067)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 368,771
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 21,364
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 425,437
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 815,572
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (370,383)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 551,576
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (106,557)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 23,331
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 5,383,462
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 38,055
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 3,604
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (44,302)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (69,400)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 6,841,676
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.420
<PER-SHARE-NII> .510
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .670
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.580)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.020
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .250<F1>
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
<FN>
<F1>RATIO OF EXPENSES EXCLUDING WAIVER AND PAYMENTS BY AFFILIATE
AMOUNTED TO 1.01%.
</FN>
</TABLE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of
Franklin Tax Free Trust
In planning and performing our audit of the financial
statements of Franklin Tax Free Trust for the year ended
February 28, 1998, we considered its internal control,
including controls over safeguarding securities, in order to
determine our auditing procedures for the purpose of
expressing our opinion on the financial statements and to
comply with the requirements of Form N-SAR, not to provide
assurance on internal control.
The management of Franklin Tax Free Trust is responsible for
establishing and maintaining internal control. In fulfilling
this responsibility, estimates and judgments by management
are required to assess the expected benefits and related
costs of controls. Generally, controls that are relevant to
an audit pertain to the entity's objective of preparing
financial statements for external purposes that are fairly
presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. Those controls include the safeguarding of
assets against unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition.
Because of inherent limitations in internal control, errors
or irregularities may occur and not be detected. Also,
projection of any evaluation of internal control to future
periods is subject to the risk that it may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions or that the effectiveness
of the design and operation may deteriorate.
Our consideration of internal control would not necessarily
disclose all matters in internal control that might be
material weaknesses under standards established by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A
material weakness is a condition in which the design or
operation of any specific internal control component does
not reduce to a relatively low level the risk that errors or
irregularities in amounts that would be material in relation
to the financial statements being audited may occur and not
be detected within a timely period by employees in the
normal course of performing their assigned functions.
However, we noted no matters involving internal control,
including controls over safeguarding securities that we
consider to be material weaknesses as defined above as of
February 28, 1998.
This report is intended solely for the information and use
of management and Securities and Exchange Commission.
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
San Francisco, California
April 2, 1998
