IDS LIFE VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
485BPOS, 1996-04-26
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PAGE 1
                SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                      WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 14 TO

                             FORM S-6

                         File No. 33-11165

             FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
             OF 1933 OF SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT
                 TRUSTS REGISTERED ON FORM N-8B-2

A.   Exact name of trust:  IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account

B.   Name of depositor     IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

C.   Complete address of depositor's principal executive offices:  

           IDS Tower, Minneapolis, Minnesota  55440-0010

D.   Name and complete address of agent for service:  

                            Copies to:
                     Mary Ellyn Minenko, Esq.
                    IDS Life Insurance Company
                           IDS Tower 10
                Minneapolis, Minnesota  55440-0010

E.   Title and amount of securities being registered:  

          Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy

F.   Proposed maximum aggregate offering price to the public of the
     securities being registered.  

          Registration of Indefinite Amount of Securities Pursuant
          to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

G.   Amount of initial filing fee: NA
     
     Registrant's Rule 24f-2 Notice for its most recent fiscal year
     was filed on or about February 23, 1996.

H.   It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check
     appropriate space)

      immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
  X   on April 30, 1996, pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
      60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
      on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
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                 CROSS REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED
                          BY FORM N-8B-2

N-8B-2 Item                   Caption in Prospectus

1.............................Cover Page; The variable account
2.............................IDS Life
3.............................Not applicable
4.............................Distribution of the policy
5.............................The variable account
6.............................The variable account
7.............................Not applicable
8.............................Not applicable
9.............................Not applicable
10............................Surrender charge; Total surrenders;
                              Partial surrenders; Taxation of
                              policy proceeds; Reinstatement;
                              Transfers between the fixed account
                              and the subaccounts; Grace period;
                              Voting rights; Substitution of
                              investments; Payment of premiums; 
                              The fixed account; Allocation of
                              premiums; Transfers between the
                              fixed account and the subaccounts;
                              Right to examine policy
11............................The fund; The trust
12............................The fund; The trust; Cover page
13............................Loads, fees, and charges
14............................Purchasing your policy; Application 
15............................Premiums; Payment of premiums;     
                              Transfers between the fixed account
                              and the subaccounts; The fund, The
                              trust
16............................Premiums; Payment of premiums;     
                              Transfers between the fixed account
                              and the subaccounts; The fund; The
                              trust
17............................Two ways to request a transfer, loan
                              or surrender; Policy surrenders
18............................The fund; the trust
19............................Reports
20............................Not applicable
21............................Policy loans; fixed account and
                              subaccounts; Two ways to request a
                              transfer, loan or surrender
22............................Not applicable
23............................Management of IDS Life
24............................Policy value; Death benefits; Payment
                              of policy proceeds
25............................IDS Life
26............................Not applicable
27............................IDS Life
28............................Management of IDS Life
29............................Ownership
30............................Not applicable
31............................Not applicable
32............................Not applicable
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33............................Not applicable
34............................Not applicable
35............................Not applicable
36............................Not applicable
37............................Not applicable
38............................Distribution of the policy
39............................IDS Life; Distribution of the policy
40............................Not applicable
41............................Distribution of the policy; IDS Life
42............................Management of IDS Life
43............................Not applicable
44............................Premiums; Transfers between the fixed
                              account and subaccounts; Subaccount
                              values
45............................Not applicable
46............................Subaccount values
47............................Not applicable
48............................IDS Life
49............................Not applicable
50............................Not applicable
51............................The variable account
52............................Substitution of investments
53............................IDS Life's tax status
54............................Not applicable
55............................Not applicable
56............................Not applicable
57............................Not applicable
58............................Not applicable
59............................Not applicable
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PAGE 4
Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy
   
Prospectus April 30, 1996
    
The Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy described in
this prospectus is designed to provide life insurance coverage on
the insured named in the policy and flexibility of premium payments
and death benefits.  This flexibility allows you to meet changing
insurance needs with a single insurance policy.  The policy is
intended to qualify as a life insurance policy under Sections 72,
101 and 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code.
   
You may allocate policy value to one or more of seven subaccounts
of IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account.  Six subaccounts invest
in the portfolios of IDS Life Series Fund: Equity, Income, Money
Market, Managed, Government Securities and International Equity. 
One subaccount invests in the Smith Barney Inc. Stripped ("Zero
Coupon") U.S. Treasury Securities Fund, Series A.  There is no
guaranteed minimum policy value with respect to the subaccounts,
and you bear the entire investment risk.  You may also allocate
policy value to the fixed account, which earns at least a
guaranteed minimum interest rate.  The fixed account is the general
investment account of IDS Life.

You may withdraw a portion of the policy's cash surrender value
after the first policy year or surrender it in full at any time for
its cash surrender value.  Surrender charges are described under
"Loads, fees and charges."  You may also take out policy loans.

The frequency of and amount of premium payments are flexible,
subject to certain restrictions and conditions.  Payment of the
scheduled premium will not necessarily keep a policy from lapsing
if the cash surrender value is less than the amount needed to pay
the monthly deduction.  (See "Loads, fees and charges.")  However,
a policy will not lapse if the premiums needed to keep the death
benefit guarantee in effect are paid.  The death benefit guarantee
may remain in effect until the insured reaches attained insurance
age 70 or the policy has been in effect for five years, whichever
is later.
    
This prospectus contains detailed information about these and other
policy features, including certain restrictions and limitations
that apply.  This prospectus also discusses how the investment
return earned by the policy can affect the policy's death benefit
and cash surrender value.

As in the case of other life insurance policies, it may not be
advantageous to purchase flexible premium variable life insurance
as a replacement for, or in addition to an existing flexible
premium variable or other life insurance policy.
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PAGE 5
IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account
Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy

Issued and sold by:  IDS Life Insurance Company, IDS Tower 10,
Minneapolis,  MN 55440 Telephone: (612) 671-3131

THIS PROSPECTUS IS VALID ONLY WHEN ACCOMPANIED OR PRECEDED BY THE
PROSPECTUS OF THE IDS LIFE SERIES FUND, INC.  AND OF THE SMITH
BARNEY INC. STRIPPED ("ZERO COUPON") U.S.  TREASURY SECURITIES
FUND, SERIES A.  ALL PROSPECTUSES SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.  

IDS LIFE IS NOT A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION AND THE SECURITIES IT
OFFERS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY ANY FINANCIAL INSTITUTION NOR ARE THEY INSURED BY THE
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR
ANY OTHER AGENCY.  INVESTMENTS IN THIS POLICY INVOLVE INVESTMENT
RISK INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. 
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PAGE 6
Table of contents  

Key terms
The policy in brief
The variable account
The fund
     Equity Portfolio
     Income Portfolio
     Money Market Portfolio
     Managed Portfolio
     Government Securities Portfolio
     International Equity Portfolio
     Portfolio objectives
     Relationship between portfolios and subaccounts
Rates of return of the fund and subaccounts
   
The trust
    
     Objectives and major investments
     Estimated rates of return
     Trust maturity
     Roles of Smith Barney Inc. and IDS Life
The fixed account
Purchasing your policy
     Application
     Right to examine policy
     Premiums
Loads, fees and charges
     Premium expense charge
     Monthly deduction
     Note for Massachusetts and Montana residents
     Surrender charge
     Partial surrender fee
     Mortality and expense risk charge
     Transaction charge
   
     Fund expenses
    
     Death benefit guarantee
     Grace period
     Reinstatement
Policy value
     Fixed account value
     Subaccount values
Death benefits
     Change in death benefit option
     Changes in specified amount
     Misstatement of age or sex
     Suicide
     Beneficiary
Transfers between the fixed account and subaccounts
     Fixed account transfer policies
     Minimum transfer amounts
     Maximum transfer amounts
     Maximum number of transfers per year
     Two ways to request a transfer, loan or surrender
     Automated transfers
     Automated dollar-cost averaging
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PAGE 7
Policy loans
Policy surrenders
     Total surrenders
     Partial surrenders
     Allocations of partial surrenders
     Effects of partial surrenders
     Taxes
Optional insurance benefits
     Waiver of monthly deduction
     Accidental death benefit
     Other insured rider
     Children's insurance rider
Payment of policy proceeds
Federal taxes
     IDS Life's tax status
     Taxation of policy proceeds
     Modified endowment contracts
     Other tax considerations
IDS Life
   
     Ownership
     State Regulation
     Distribution of the policy
     Legal Proceedings
     Experts
    
Management of IDS Life
Smith Barney Inc.
Other information
     Substitution of investments
     Voting rights
     Reports
Policy illustrations
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PAGE 8
Key terms  
   
These terms can help you understand details about your policy.
    
Accumulation unit: An accounting unit used to calculate the policy
value of the subaccounts prior to the insured's death.  It is a
measure of the net investment results of each of the subaccounts.

Attained insurance age: The insured's insurance age plus the number
of policy anniversaries since the policy date.  Attained insurance
age changes only on a policy anniversary.  
   
Cash surrender value: Proceeds received if the policy is
surrendered in full or matures, equal to the policy value minus any
indebtedness and any applicable surrender charges.
    
Code: The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Close of business: Closing time of the New York Stock Exchange,
normally 3 p.m., Central time.

Death benefit guarantee: A feature of the policy guaranteeing that
the policy will not lapse before the insured's attained insurance
age 70 (or five policy years, if later).  The guarantee is in
effect if, on each monthly anniversary, total premiums paid, minus
any partial surrenders and any indebtedness, equal or exceed the
total required minimum monthly premium payments specified in the
policy. 

Fixed account: The general investment account of IDS Life.  The
fixed account is made up of all of IDS Life's assets other than
those held in any separate account.

Fixed account value: The portion of the policy value that is
allocated to the fixed account, including indebtedness.

Fund: IDS Life Series Fund, Inc., a diversified open-end management
investment company intended to meet a wide range of investment
goals with its six separate portfolios:  Equity Portfolio, Income
Portfolio, Money Market Portfolio, Managed Portfolio, Government
Securities Portfolio and International Equity Portfolio.  Each of
six subaccounts of the variable account invests in a specific one
of these portfolios.

IDS Life: In this prospectus, "we," "us," "our" and "IDS Life"
refer to IDS Life Insurance Company.

Indebtedness: All existing loans on the policy plus interest that
has either been accrued or added to the policy loan.

Insurance age: The age of the insured, based upon his or her
nearest birthday on the date of the application.

Insured: The person whose life is insured by the policy.

Maturity date: The insured's attained insurance age 100, if living.
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PAGE 9
Minimum monthly premium: A monthly premium amount specified in
the policy that determines the total payment required to keep the
death benefit guarantee in effect.  The initial minimum monthly
premium, determined by IDS Life when the policy is issued, depends
on the insured's sex, insurance age, rate classification, optional
insurance benefits added by rider, and the initial specified
amount.  An increase or decrease in specified amount, or the
addition, change or termination of a policy rider will change the
minimum monthly premium. 

Monthly date: The same day each month as the policy date.  If there
is no monthly date in a calendar month, the monthly date is the
first day of the next calendar month.

Net amount at risk: A portion of the death benefit, equal to the
total current death benefit minus the policy value.  This is the
amount to which cost of insurance rates are applied in determining
the monthly cost of insurance.

Net premium: The portion of a premium that is credited to the
policy, equal to the premium you pay minus a charge of 2.5% to
cover sales loads and a charge of 2.5% to cover state premium
taxes.

Owner: The entity to which, or individual to whom, the policy is
issued or to whom ownership is subsequently transferred.  In the
prospectus "you" and "your" refer to the owner.

Policy anniversary: The same day and month as the policy date each
year the policy remains in force.

Policy date: The date the policy is issued and from which policy
anniversaries, policy years and policy months are determined. 

Policy value: The sum of the fixed account value plus the variable
account value. 

Proceeds: The amount payable under the policy as follows:

    o     Upon death of the insured, proceeds will be the death
          benefit under the death benefit option in effect as of
          the date of the insured's death, minus any indebtedness.
    o     On the maturity date, proceeds will be the cash surrender 
           value.
    o     On surrender of the policy prior to the maturity date,
          the proceeds will be the cash surrender value.

Rate classification: A group of insureds that IDS Life expects will
have similar mortality experience.

Scheduled premium: A premium, selected by the owner at the time of
application, of a level amount, at a fixed interval of time.
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PAGE 10
Specified amount: An amount used to determine the death benefit and
the proceeds payable upon death.  Under Option 1, it is the death 
benefit originally applied for.  Under Option 2, it is the initial
net amount at risk.  The initial specified amount is shown in your
policy.
  
Subaccount(s): One or more of the investment divisions of the
variable account, each of which invests in a particular fund
portfolio or trust.

Surrender charge: A contingent deferred issue and administrative
expense charge and a contingent deferred sales charge assessed
against the policy value at the time of surrender during the first
10 years of the policy and for 10 years after an increase in
coverage.
   
Trust: A unit investment trust, which is part of Smith Barney Inc.
Stripped ("Zero Coupon") U.S. Treasury Securities Fund, Series A. 
One subaccount of the variable account invests in the trust, which
contains certain debt obligations of the United States.
    
Valuation date: A normal business day, Monday through Friday, on
which the New York Stock Exchange is open.  The value of each
subaccount is set at the close of business on each valuation date.

Valuation period: The interval commencing at the close of business
on each valuation date and ending at the close of business on the
next valuation date.

Variable account: IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account
consisting of subaccounts, each of which invests in a particular
mutual fund portfolio or unit investment trust.  The policy value
in each subaccount depends on the performance of the particular
portfolio or trust.

Variable account value: The sum of the values that are allocated to
the subaccounts of the variable account.

The policy in brief

The Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy (the policy) is
designed to provide insurance protection on the life of the insured
and to build cash value.  Like other life insurance, the policy
provides a death benefit that is payable to the beneficiary upon
the insured's death.  Unlike traditional, fixed-premium life
insurance, the policy allows you, as the owner, to allocate your
premiums (payments), or transfer policy value, to:
   
     The variable account, consisting of subaccounts, each of which
     invests in a mutual fund portfolio or unit investment trust
     with a particular investment objective.  You may direct
     premiums to any or all of seven of these subaccounts.  Your
     policy's value may increase or decrease daily, depending on
     the investment return.  No minimum amount is guaranteed, as it
     would be in a traditional life insurance policy.  (p.)
    <PAGE>
PAGE 11
     The fixed account, which earns interest at rates that are
     adjusted periodically by IDS Life.  This rate will never be
     lower than 4.5%.  (p.)

The fund: Six subaccounts of the variable account invest in IDS
Life Series Fund, Inc., a series mutual fund of which IDS Life is
investment manager.  The fund includes Equity, Income, Money
Market, Managed, Government Securities and International Equity
portfolios. (p.)
   
The trust: One subaccount of the variable account invests in units
of the Smith Barney Inc. Stripped ("Zero Coupon") U.S. Treasury
Securities Fund, Series A, consisting of a unit investment trust.  
(p.)
    
Purchasing your policy: To apply, send a completed application and
premium payment to IDS Life's home office.  For your application to
be accepted, you will need to meet certain conditions stated in the
application form and to supply medical and other evidence that the
person you propose to insure (yourself or someone else) is
insurable according to our underwriting rules.  (p.)

Right to examine policy: You may return your policy for any reason
and receive a full refund of your premiums by mailing us the policy
and a written request for cancellation within a specified period. 
(p.)

Premiums: In applying for your policy, you state how much you
intend to pay and whether you will pay quarterly, semiannually or
annually.  You may also make additional, unscheduled premium
payments in any amount from $25 to $500,000.  We may refuse
premiums in order to comply with the Code.  (p.)

Loads, fees and charges: Your policy is subject to the following
charges, which compensate IDS Life for administering and
distributing the policy as well as paying policy benefits and
assuming related risks:
 
o Premium expense charge -- 2.5% sales charge and 2.5% premium tax
charge for a total of 5% of each premium payment.  This charge pays
some distribution expenses and state and local premium taxes.
   
o Monthly deduction -- charged against the value of your policy
each month, covering the cost of insurance, cost of issuing the
policy, certain administrative expenses, a death benefit guarantee
charge and optional insurance benefits.

o Surrender charge -- applies if you surrender your policy for its
full cash surrender value, or the policy lapses, during the first
10 years and for 10 years after requesting an increase in the
specified amount (the minimum death benefit specified in your
application).  The surrender charge consists of a deferred charge
for costs of issuing the policy and a deferred sales charge.  It is
based on the initial specified amount and on any increase in the
specified amount.
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PAGE 12
o Partial surrender fee -- applies if you surrender part of the
value of your policy; equals $25 or 2% of the amount surrendered,
if less.

o Mortality and expense risk charge -- applies only to the
subaccounts; equals, on an annual basis, 0.9% of the average daily
net asset value of the subaccounts.
  
o Transaction charge -- applies only to subaccounts that invest in
the trusts; equals, on an annual basis, 0.25% of their average
daily net asset value.
   
o Fund expenses -- applies only to the fund portfolios.  The
investment management fee equals, on an annual basis, 0.5% of the
average daily net assets of the Money Market Portfolio, 0.95% of
the average daily net assets of International Equity Portfolio and
0.7% of the average daily net assets of the other portfolios.  The
fund also pays taxes, brokerage commissions and nonadvisory
expenses.  IDS Life has agreed to a voluntary limit of 0.1%, on an
annual basis, of the average daily net assets of each portfolio for
these nonadvisory expenses.  (p.)
    
Death benefit guarantee: Your policy will not lapse regardless of
investment performance if the death benefit guarantee is in effect.
To keep the death benefit guarantee in effect, you must pay the
minimum monthly premiums specified in the policy.  The death
benefit guarantee applies only until the insured reaches attained
insurance age 70 or the policy has been in effect for five years,
whichever is later.  (p.)

Grace period: If the cash surrender value of your policy becomes
less than the amount needed to pay the monthly deduction and the
death benefit guarantee is not in effect, you will have 61 days to
pay a premium that raises the cash surrender value to an amount
sufficient to pay the monthly deduction.  If you don't, the policy
will lapse.  (p.)

Reinstatement: If your policy lapses, it can be reinstated within
five years, if you make certain payments and present evidence
satisfactory to IDS Life that the insured remains insurable. The
death benefit guarantee cannot be reinstated.  (p.)

Death benefits: Your policy's death benefit can never be less than
the specified amount in your policy application, unless you change
that amount or your policy has outstanding indebtedness.  The
relationship between the policy value and the death benefit depends
on which of two options you choose:

o Option 1 level amount: The death benefit is the greater of the
specified amount or a percentage of policy value.

o Option 2 variable amount: The death benefit is the greater of
the specified amount plus the policy value or a percentage of
policy value.
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PAGE 13
You may change the death benefit option or specified amount within
certain limits; doing so will generally affect policy charges.   
(p.)

Transfers between the fixed account and subaccounts: You may, at
no charge, transfer policy value from one subaccount to another or
between subaccounts and the fixed account.  (Certain restrictions
apply to transfers involving the fixed account.)  You can request
up to five transfers per year by phone or mail.  You can also
arrange for automated transfers on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual
or annual basis.  (p.)

Policy loans: You may borrow against your policy's cash surrender
value.  A policy loan, even if repaid, can have a permanent effect
on the death benefit and policy value.  A loan may also have tax
consequences if your policy lapses or you surrender it.  (p.)
  
Policy surrenders: You may cancel the policy while the insured is
living and receive its cash surrender value.  The cash surrender
value is the policy value minus indebtedness, minus any applicable
surrender charges.  (p.)

Exchange right: For two years after the policy is issued, you can
exchange it for one that provides benefits that do not vary with
the investment return of the subaccounts.  Because the policy
itself offers a fixed return option, all you need do is transfer
all of the policy value in the subaccounts to the fixed account. 
(p.)

Payment of policy proceeds: Proceeds will be paid when you
surrender the policy, the insured dies or the policy matures, which
occurs when the insured reaches attained insurance age 100.  You or
the beneficiary may choose whether payment is to be made in a lump
sum or under one or more of certain options.  (p.)

Federal taxes: The death benefit is not considered part of the
beneficiary's income and thus is not subject to federal income
taxes.  Part or all of any proceeds received through full or
partial surrender, maturity, lapse, policy loan or assignment of
policy value may be subject to federal income tax as ordinary
income.  Proceeds other than death benefits from certain policies,
classified as "modified endowments," are taxed differently from
proceeds of conventional life insurance contracts and may also be
subject to an additional 10% IRS penalty tax if you are younger
than 59 1/2.  A policy is considered to be a modified endowment if
it was applied for or materially changed after June 21, 1988, and
premiums paid in the early years exceed certain modified endowment
limits.  (p.)

The variable account
   
You can direct your premiums to any or all of seven subaccounts of
the variable account.  Six of these invest in portfolios of IDS
Life Series Fund, Inc.: 
    
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PAGE 14
     Subaccount      invests exclusively in shares of
          U              Equity Portfolio
          V              Income Portfolio
          W              Money Market Portfolio
          X              Managed Portfolio
          Y              Government Securities Portfolio
          IL             International Equity Portfolio
   
One subaccount invests in units of the Smith Barney Inc. Stripped
("Zero Coupon") U.S. Securities Fund, Series A, a unit investment
trust: 

     Subaccount     invests in a trust with maturity date of
       2004V                Nov. 15, 2004
    
The variable account was established on Oct. 16, 1985, under
Minnesota law and is registered as a single unit investment trust
under the Investment Company Act of 1940.  Such registration does
not involve any SEC supervision of the account's management or
investment practices or policies.  Subaccount IL was added to the
variable account on October 28, 1994.
  
The variable account meets the definition of a "separate account"
under federal securities laws.  Income, capital gains or capital
losses of each subaccount are credited to or charged against the
assets of that subaccount alone.  No subaccount will be charged
with liabilities of any other subaccount or of any other business
conducted by IDS Life. 

At all times, IDS Life will maintain assets in the subaccounts with
total market value at least equal to the reserves and other
liabilities required to cover insurance benefits under all
contracts participating in the subaccount.  

The fund

IDS Life Series Fund, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, is a
diversified, open-end management investment company incorporated on
May 8, 1985.  The fund consists of six portfolios:    

Equity Portfolio
   
Objective: capital appreciation.  Invests primarily in common
stocks and other securities convertible into common stock.
    
Income Portfolio

Objective: to maximize current income while attempting to conserve
the value of the investment and to continue the high level of
income for the longest period of time.  At least 50% of net assets
will normally be invested in high-quality, lower-risk corporate
bonds, unrated corporate bonds believed to have the same investment
qualities and government bonds.  Other investments may include
lower-rated corporate bonds, bonds and common stocks sold together
as a unit, preferred stock and foreign securities. 
<PAGE>
PAGE 15
Money Market Portfolio

Objective: to provide maximum current income consistent with
liquidity and conservation of capital.  Invests in relatively
short-term money market securities, such as marketable debt
securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the
U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, bank
certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, letters of credit
and high-grade commercial paper.

Managed Portfolio

Objective: to maximize total investment return through a
combination of capital appreciation and current income.  If the
investment manager believes the stock market will be moving higher,
it can emphasize stocks that offer potential for appreciation.  At
other times, the manager may increase the portfolio's holdings in
bonds and money-market securities providing high current income. 

Government Securities Portfolio  

Objective: to provide a high current return and safety of
principal.  Invests primarily in debt obligations issued or
guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government, its
agencies and instrumentalities.

International Equity Portfolio

Objective: capital appreciation.  Invests primarily in common
stocks of foreign issuers and foreign securities convertible into
common stock.  Other investments may include certain international
bonds if the portfolio manager believes they have greater potential
for capital appreciation than equities.

Portfolio objectives

Portfolio objectives can be changed only if holders of a majority
of outstanding shares agree.  Because portfolio investments are
subject to the risk of changing economic conditions and the ability
of the investment manager to anticipate such changes, there can be
no guarantee that the investment objectives of a portfolio will be
achieved.

Relationship between portfolios and subaccounts

Shares of each portfolio are sold to the appropriate subaccount at
net asset value without a sales charge.  Dividends and capital gain
distributions from a portfolio are reinvested at net asset value
without a sales charge and retained as an asset of the appropriate
subaccount.  Portfolio shares will be redeemed by the appropriate 
subaccount, without fee to the subaccount, to the extent necessary
to make death benefit or other payments under the policy.  
Portfolio shares are sold only to fund life insurance benefits
under variable life insurance policies issued by IDS Life and IDS
Life Insurance Company of New York.  Currently shares are sold only
to:
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PAGE 16
     o the respective subaccounts of the variable account;
     o IDS Life Variable Account for Smith Barney;
     o IDS Life of New York Account 7; and
     o IDS Life of New York Account 8.

Also, there are additional subaccounts of the variable account,
which fund other insurance policies issued by IDS Life and are not
discussed here.  

Shares may, in the future, be sold to other separate accounts to
fund benefits of other variable life insurance policies and
variable annuity contracts.

IDS Life acts as the investment manager of the fund and receives a
fee for its services as described under "Loads, fees and charges." 
American Express Trust Company acts as custodian of the fund's
investments.

Detailed information about the fund, its investment objectives,
policies and risks, and its six separate investment portfolios may
be found in its prospectus.

Diversification:  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued
final regulations relating to the diversification requirements
under Section 817(h) of the Code.  Each fund portfolio intends to
comply with these requirements. 

Ownership rules:  The U.S. Treasury and the IRS have indicated they
may provide additional guidance concerning how many subaccounts may
be offered and how many exchanges among subaccounts may be allowed
before the owner is considered to have investment control and thus
is currently taxed on income earned within subaccount assets.  We
do not know at this time what the additional guidance will be or
when action will be taken.  We reserve the right to modify the
policy, as necessary, to ensure that the owner will not be subject
to current taxation as the owner of the subaccount assets.

Rates of return of the fund and subaccounts
   
This section presents actual rates of return first for the six
portfolios of the fund, and then for the six corresponding
subaccounts.  Rates of return are different in the two cases
because those of the subaccounts reflect additional charges.  All
charges and expenses mentioned in the section are explained fully
under "Loads, fees and charges."
    
Rates of return of fund portfolios:
   
In the following table are average annual rates of return based on
the actual investment performance of the fund portfolios after
deduction of applicable portfolio charges (including the 
investment management fees and nonadvisory expenses) for the
periods indicated.  These rates do not reflect charges that apply
to the subaccounts or the policy and therefore do not illustrate
how actual investment performance will affect policy benefits. 
Moreover, these rates of return are not an estimate or guarantee of
future performance.
<PAGE>
PAGE 17
          Period ending 12/31/95

Portfolio              1 year  3 years  5 years  Since inception*
Equity (Beta 1.15**)   38.39%  17.26%   23.04%   14.74%
Income                 21.04    9.97    10.97     8.57
Money Market            5.21    3.82     4.09     5.53
Managed (Beta 0.70**)  19.04   12.83    15.93    13.73
Government Securities  18.02    7.99     9.35     7.88
International Equity   39.33     -        -      30.86           
    
*The portfolios of the fund commenced operations on January 20,
1986. International Equity Portfolio commenced operations on
October 28, 1994.

**Beta is a volatility measure based on calculations of the
portfolio's monthly return compared to the S&P 500 Index.  A beta
less than 1 indicates performance that is less volatile than the
market; A beta more than 1 indicates performance that is more
volatile than the market.

Rates of return of subaccounts
   
Average annual rates of return in the following table reflect all
charges incurred by the portfolios and charges against the
subaccounts (including the mortality and expense risk charge).  The
rates do not reflect the premium expense charge, surrender charge
or monthly deduction. 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
Subaccount    Investment                1 year      3 years    5 years    Since inception*
     <S>       <C>                      <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
      U        Equity                   37.16%      16.21%     21.94%     12.83%
      V        Income                   19.97        9.00       9.99       8.34
      W        Money Market              4.37        2.94       3.18       4.54
      X        Managed                  17.76       11.75      14.84      12.17
      Y        Government Securities    16.97        7.03       8.38       7.74
     IL        International Equity     37.84         -          -        29.90           
    
*The subaccounts commenced operations on June 17, 1987.  Subaccount IL investing in
International Equity Portfolio commenced operations on October 28, 1994.
</TABLE>
The trust
          
Smith Barney Inc. Stripped ("Zero Coupon") U.S. Treasury Securities
Fund, Series A, consists of a unit investment trust.  Currently one
is available for investment which matures in 2004.
    
Objectives and major investments
   
The objective of the trust is to provide safety of capital and
income through investment in a portfolio consisting primarily of:
    
    o     bearer debt obligations issued by the United States that
          have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons,

    o     coupons stripped from debt obligations of the United
          States, and
   
    o     receipts and certificates for such stripped debt
          obligations and coupons.<PAGE>
PAGE 18
The trust will also contain a Treasury note or notes providing
interest income to pay anticipated expenses of the trust.
    
U.S. Treasury securities that have been stripped of their unmatured
interest coupons are essentially bonds or notes that pay no
interest.  For this reason they are purchased at a deep discount
from their face value and, if held to maturity, return the full
face value. 

Before maturity, the value of trust units will be more volatile
than would the value of units of a trust containing unstripped U.S.
Treasury securities of comparable maturities.  The value may affect
death benefits and policy value, which will fluctuate accordingly.

Estimated rates of return
   
Because amounts invested in stripped U.S. Treasury securities will
grow to their face values if held to maturity, we can estimate the
compound rate of growth to maturity, based on certain assumptions
about trust expenses.  The net rate of return to maturity is
calculated based on the estimated compound rate of growth in the
units and these charges.  Since the value of the trust's units will
vary daily, reflecting the market value of the underlying
securities, the compound rate of growth to maturity and net rate of
return to maturity will also vary daily.  Estimated net rates of
return from March 31, 1996 to maturity for the trust, taking
account of anticipated expenses are:

      Trust maturity date      Net rate of return to maturity
         Nov. 15, 2004                      6.43%
    
Rates of return to owners will be less than rates of return for
trust units themselves because the units are held in subaccounts of
the variable account, which are subject to policy charges not
reflected in the above estimates.  (See "Loads, fees and charges"
for a full discussion of applicable charges.)

Trust maturity

On the maturity date of a particular trust, the policy value
allocated to the subaccount that invests in the trust will
automatically be reallocated to Subaccount W, which invests in the
Money Market Portfolio, unless you give us other directions in
writing at least seven days before the maturity date.  We will 
notify you in writing 30 days before the trust matures.
       
Roles of Smith Barney Inc. and IDS Life  
   
Smith Barney sponsors the trust and sells units to the subaccounts. 
Because the trust invests in a specified portfolio, there is no
investment manager.

<PAGE>
PAGE 19
The price of the trust's units includes a transaction charge, paid
directly by IDS Life to Smith Barney out of IDS Life's general
account assets.  This charge is limited by agreement between IDS
Life and Smith Barney and will not be greater than that ordinarily
paid by a dealer for similar securities.  We will seek
reimbursement for the amounts paid through a daily asset charge,
described under "Loads, fees and charges." 

Trust units will be sold to the extent necessary for IDS Life to
provide benefits and make reallocation under the policies.  Units
will be sold to Smith Barney, which has undertaken to maintain a
secondary market in units of the trust.
    
IDS Life and Smith Barney reserve the right to discontinue the sale
of new units of a trust and to create additional trusts in the
future.

More detailed information may be found in the current prospectus
for the Smith Barney Inc. Stripped ("Zero Coupon") U.S. Treasury
Securities Fund, Series A.

The fixed account

You can allocate premiums to the fixed account or transfer policy
value from the subaccounts to the fixed account (with certain
restrictions, explained in "Transfers between the fixed account and
subaccounts"). 

The fixed account is the general investment account of IDS Life. 
It includes all assets owned by IDS Life other than those in the
variable account and other separate accounts.  Subject to
applicable law, IDS Life has sole discretion to decide how assets
of the fixed account will be invested.

Placing policy value in the fixed account does not entitle you to
share in the fixed account's investment experience, nor does it
expose you to the account's investment risk.  Instead, IDS Life
guarantees that the policy value you place in the fixed account
will accrue interest at an effective annual rate of at least 4.5%,
independent of the actual investment experience of the account. 
IDS Life bears the full investment risk for amounts allocated to
the fixed account. 

IDS Life is not obligated to credit interest at any rate higher
than 4.5%, although we may do so at our sole discretion.  In recent
years interest was credited as follows:
   
1987                 8.5 to 9.25%
1988                 8.0 to 9.25%
1989                 8.25 to 9.5%
1990                 8.25 to 9.2%
1991                 7.55 to 8.55%
1992                 6.5 to 8.05%
1993                 5.7 to 7.4%
1994                 5.7 to 7.6%
1995                 5.75 to 7.6%
    
<PAGE>
PAGE 20
These rates are not indicative of future interest rates.  The rate
of return to you as owner will be less than the rate credited
because policy charges (described under "Loads, fees and charges")
reduce your net return. 

Interest in excess of 4.5% will not be credited on any portion of
policy value in the fixed account against which you have a policy
loan outstanding.

Because of exemptive and exclusionary provisions, interests in the
fixed account have not been registered under the Securities Act of
1933 and the fixed account has not been registered as an investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.  Accordingly,
neither the fixed account nor any interests in it are subject to
the provisions of these Acts and the staff of the SEC has not
reviewed the disclosures in this prospectus relating to the fixed
account.  Disclosures regarding the fixed account may, however, be
subject to certain generally applicable provisions of the federal
securities laws relating to the accuracy and completeness of
statements made in prospectuses.

Purchasing your policy

Application

To apply for coverage, complete an application and send it with
your premium payment to IDS Life's home office.  In your
application, you:

     o select a specified amount of insurance;
     o select a death benefit option;
     o designate a beneficiary; and
     o state how premiums are to be allocated among the fixed
       account and/or the subaccounts. 

Insurability: Before issuing your policy, IDS Life requires
satisfactory evidence of the insurability of the person whose life
you propose to insure (yourself or someone else).  Our underwriting
department will review your application and any medical information
or other data required to determine whether the proposed individual
is insurable under our underwriting rules.  Your application may be
declined if IDS Life determines the individual is not insurable and
any premium you have paid will be returned.

Age limit: IDS Life generally will not issue a policy to persons
over the insurance age of 75.  It may, however, do so at its sole
discretion. 

Rate classification: The rate classification is based on the
insured's health, occupation or other relevant underwriting
standards.  This classification will affect your monthly deduction
and may affect the cost of certain optional insurance benefits.
(See "Loads, fees and charges" and "Optional insurance benefits.")

<PAGE>
PAGE 21
Other conditions: In addition to proving insurability, you and the
insured must also meet certain conditions, stated in the
application form, before coverage will become effective and your
policy will be delivered to you. 

Death of the insured: If the insured dies before the policy is
issued and:

    o     if all conditions stated in the application have not been
          met, IDS Life's sole liability will be to return the
          premium paid plus any interest earned. 
    o     if all conditions stated in the application have been
          met, IDS Life's liability will be the lesser of the death
          benefit applied for or $150,000.

Incontestability: IDS Life will have two years from the effective
date of your policy to contest the truth of statements or
representations in your application.  After the policy has been in
force during the insured's lifetime for two years from the policy
date, IDS Life cannot contest the policy. 

Right to examine policy

You may return your policy for any reason and receive a full refund
of all premiums paid.  To do so, you must mail or deliver the
policy to IDS Life or your financial advisor with a written request
for cancellation, by the latest of:
   
     o the 10th day after you receive it (15th day in Colorado,
       20th day in North Dakota);
     o the 10th day (15th day in Colorado, 20th day in North
       Dakota) after IDS Life mails or personally delivers a
       written notice of withdrawal right; or
     o the 45th day after you sign your application.  
    
On the date your request is postmarked or received, the policy will
immediately be considered void from the start.

Premiums

Payment of premiums:

In applying for your policy, you decide how much you intend to pay
and how often you will make payments.  During the first several
policy years, IDS Life requires that premiums sufficient to keep
the death benefit guarantee in effect be paid to keep the policy in
force.

You may schedule payments annually, semiannually or quarterly. 
(Payment at any other interval must be approved by IDS Life.)  This
premium schedule is shown in your policy.
  
The scheduled premium serves only as an indication of your intent
as to the frequency and amount of future premium payments.  You may
skip scheduled premium payments at any time if your cash surrender
value is sufficient to pay the monthly deduction or if the death
benefit guarantee will remain in effect.<PAGE>
PAGE 22
You may also change the amount and frequency of scheduled premium
payments by written request.  IDS Life reserves the right to limit
the amount of such changes.  Any change in the premium amount is
subject to applicable tax laws and regulations. 

Although you have flexibility in paying premiums, the amount and
frequency of your payments will affect the policy value, cash
surrender value and length of time your policy will remain in
force, as well as affect whether the death benefit guarantee
remains in effect.

Premium limitations:

You may make unscheduled premium payments at any time and in any
amount from $25 to $500,000.  IDS Life reserves the right to limit
the number and amount of unscheduled premium payments.

Also, in order to receive favorable tax treatment under the Code,
premiums paid during the life of the policy must not exceed certain
limitations.  To comply with the Code, IDS Life can either refuse
excess premiums as they are paid or refund excess premiums with
interest no later than 60 days after the end of the policy year in
which they were paid.

Allocation of premiums:

Until your application is approved by IDS Life, we hold all
premiums in the fixed account and we credit interest on the net
premiums (gross premiums minus premium expense charge) at the
current fixed account rate.  As of the date your application is
approved, we will allocate the net premiums plus accrued interest 
to the account(s) you have selected in your application.  At that
time, we will begin to assess the various loads, fees, charges and
expenses.

Any amount allocated to a subaccount is converted into accumulation
units of that subaccount, as explained under "Policy value."  
Similarly, when transferring value between subaccounts,
accumulation units in one subaccount are converted into a cash
value, which is then converted into accumulation units of the
second subaccount. 
   
Your ability to allocate policy value to the trust may be limited
by the availability of trust units.
    
Loads, fees and charges 

Policy charges compensate IDS Life for:
   
     o providing the insurance benefits of the policy;
     o issuing the policy;
     o administering the policy;
     o assuming certain risks in connection with the policy; and
     o distributing the policy.
    
Some of these charges are deducted from your premium payments.
Others are deducted periodically from your policy value in the
<PAGE>
PAGE 23
fixed and/or subaccounts.  You may also be assessed a charge if you
surrender your policy or the policy lapses.

Premium expense charge

We deduct this charge from each premium payment.  The amount
remaining after the deduction, called the net premium, is credited
to the account(s) you have selected.  The premium expense charge
has two parts:

Sales charge: 2.5% of each premium payment.  Partially compensates
IDS Life for expenses in distributing the policy, including agents'
commissions, advertising and printing of prospectuses and sales
literature.  (These expenses also may be partially compensated by
the contingent deferred sales charge, discussed under "Surrender
charge," below.)

Premium tax charge: 2.5% of each premium payment.  Compensates
IDS Life for paying taxes imposed by certain states and
governmental subdivisions on premiums received by insurance
companies.  All policies in all states are charged the average rate
of 2.5% even though state premium taxes vary from 2% to 3.5%.  This
2.5% rate may be different than the actual premium tax IDS Life
expects to pay in your state.

Monthly deduction

On each monthly date we deduct from the value of your policy in the
fixed and/or subaccounts an amount equal to the sum of:

     1.   the cost of insurance for the policy month;
     2.   the policy fee shown in your policy;
     3.   the death benefit guarantee charge shown in your policy;
          and
     4.   charges for any optional insurance benefits provided by
          rider for the policy month.

Each of the four components is explained below.

You specify, in your policy application, what percentage of the
monthly deduction from 0% to 100% will be taken from the fixed
account and from each of the subaccounts.  You may change these
percentages for future monthly deductions by written request. 

Monthly deductions will be taken from the fixed account and the
subaccounts on a pro rata basis if:

     o you do not specify the accounts from which the monthly
       deduction is to be taken;
     o the value in the fixed account or any subaccount is
       insufficient to pay the portion of the monthly deduction you
       have specified; or
     o you purchased the policy in Texas.

If the cash surrender value of your policy is not enough to cover
the monthly deduction on a monthly anniversary, the policy may
lapse.  However, the policy will not lapse if the death benefit<PAGE>
PAGE 24
guarantee is in effect.  (See "Death benefit guarantee;" also
"Grace period" and "Reinstatement" at the end of this section on
policy costs.)

Components of the monthly deduction:

1. Cost of insurance: primarily, the cost of providing the death
benefit under your policy, which depends on:

     o the amount of the death benefit;
     o the policy value; and
     o the statistical risk that the insured will die in a
       given period.

The cost of insurance for a policy month is calculated as:

                    [a x (b - c)] + d

where:
   
(a) is the monthly cost of insurance rate, which reflects the
insured's statistical mortality risk, based on his or her sex,
attained insurance age (age at last policy anniversary) and rate
classification.  Generally, the cost of insurance rate will
increase as the insured's attained insurance age increases.
    
Rates are set by IDS Life, based on its expectations as to future
mortality experience.  We may change the rates from time to time;
any change will apply to all individuals of the same rate
classification.  However, rates will not exceed the Guaranteed
Maximum Monthly Cost of Insurance Rates shown in your policy, which
are based on the 1980 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Smoker and
Nonsmoker Mortality Tables, Age Nearest Birthday.

Policies purchased on or after May 1, 1991 with an initial
specified amount of $350,000 or greater qualify for lower cost of
insurance rates than policies purchased with a specified amount 
less than $350,000.  In addition, all policies purchased on or
after May 1, 1993 (October 1, 1993 for policies purchased in New
Jersey) qualify for lower cost of insurance rates than policies
purchased earlier. 

(b) is the death benefit on the monthly date divided by 1.0036748
(which reduces IDS Life's net amount at risk, solely for computing
the cost of insurance, by taking into account assumed monthly
earnings at an annual rate of 4.5%);

(c) is the policy value on the monthly date.  At this point, the
policy value has been reduced by the policy fee, death benefit
guarantee charge and any charges for optional riders;

(d) is any flat extra insurance charges assessed as a result of
special underwriting considerations.

<PAGE>
PAGE 25
Note for Massachusetts and Montana residents

Please disregard all policy provisions in this prospectus that are
based on the sex of the insured.  The policy will be issued on a
unisex basis.  Also disregard references to mortality tables; the 
tables will be replaced with an 80% male, 20% female blend of the
1980 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Smoker and Non-Smoker
Mortality Tables, Age Nearest Birthday.
   
2. Policy fee: $5 per month.  Waived for policies purchased on or
after May 1, 1991 with an initial specified amount of $350,000 or
more.  This charge reimburses IDS Life for expenses of issuing the
policy, such as processing the application (primarily underwriting)
and setting up computer records; and of administering the policy,
such as processing claims, maintaining records, making policy
changes and communicating with owners.  IDS Life does not expect to
make any profit on this charge.  We reserve the right to change the
charge in the future, but guarantee that it will never exceed $7.50
per month.
    
3. Death benefit guarantee charge: 1 cent per $1,000 of the current
specified amount and 1 cent per $1,000 of coverage under any other
insured rider.  This charge compensates IDS Life for the risk
assumed in providing the death benefit guarantee.  The charge is
included in the monthly deduction in the first five policy years or
until the insured's attained insurance age 70, whichever is later. 
The charge will not be deducted if the death benefit guarantee is
no longer in effect.  For any policy month in which the monthly
deduction is paid by a waiver of monthly deduction rider, the
minimum monthly premium will be zero.  (See "Death benefit
guarantee," later in this section for an explanation of the minimum
monthly premium and "Other insured rider," under "Optional
insurance benefits.") 

4. Optional insurance benefit charges: charges for any optional
benefits added to the policy by rider.  See "Optional insurance
benefits."

Surrender charge

If you surrender your policy or the policy lapses during the first
10 policy years and in the 10 years following an increase in
specified amount a surrender charge will be assessed.  The
surrender charge is the sum of two parts:

Contingent deferred issue and administrative expense charge:
Reimburses IDS Life for costs of issuing the policy, such as
processing the application (primarily underwriting) and setting up
computer records.  IDS Life does not expect to make a profit on
this charge.  For the initial specified amount, this charge is $4
per thousand dollars of initial specified amount.  It remains level
during the first five policy years and then decreases monthly until
it is zero at the end of 10 policy years.  If the specified amount
of the policy is increased, an additional charge will apply.  The
additional charge will be $4 per thousand dollars of increase in
specified amount.  It remains level during the first five years 
following the effective date of the increase and then decreases<PAGE>
PAGE 26
monthly until it is zero at the end of the 10th year following the
increase.

Contingent deferred sales charge:

Partially compensates IDS Life for expenses of distributing the
policy, including financial advisors' commissions, advertising and
printing the prospectus and sales literature.  For the initial
specified amount, this charge is the sum of 27.5% of premium
payments up to a maximum amount shown in the policy plus 6.5% of
all other premium payments.  The maximum amount shown in the policy
will be based on the insured's insurance age, sex, rate
classification and initial specified amount.  If the specified
amount of the policy is increased, an additional charge will apply. 
The additional charge will be 6.5% of all premium payments
attributable to the increase.  Premiums attributable to the
increase are calculated as 

     a x (b + c)

where:

(a) is the amount of the increase in the specified amount divided
by the total specified amount after the increase;
(b) is the policy value on the date of the increase; and
(c) is all premium payments paid on or after the date of the
increase.

Maximum surrender charge:
The total surrender charge is subject to an overall upper limit or
"maximum surrender charge."  The "maximum surrender charge" for the
initial specified amount will be shown in the policy.  It is based
on the insured's insurance age, sex, rate classification and
initial specified amount.  The "maximum surrender charge" for the
initial specified amount will remain level during the first five
policy years and then decrease monthly until it is zero at the end
of 10 policy years.  If the specified amount is increased, an
"additional maximum surrender charge" will apply.  The "additional
maximum surrender charge" will be shown in a revised policy.  It
will be based on the insured's attained insurance age, sex, rate
classification and the amount of the increase.  The "additional
maximum surrender charge" will remain level during the first five
years following the effective date of the increase and then
decrease monthly until it is zero at the end of the 10th year
following the increase.

If premium payments are equal to or somewhat higher than the
premiums needed to keep the death benefit guarantee in effect, for
several years the surrender charge will generally be the charge
described in the "Contingent deferred issue and administrative
expense charge" and "Contingent deferred sales charge" sections
above.  After that, the "Maximum surrender charge" will generally
apply.  If premium payments are paid at a significantly higher
level, the "Maximum surrender charge" will generally apply in all
years.

<PAGE>
PAGE 27
Partial surrender fee

If you surrender part of the value of your policy, you will be
charged $25 (or 2% of the amount surrendered, if less).  This fee
is guaranteed not to increase for the duration of your policy.  IDS
Life does not expect to make a profit on this fee. 

Mortality and expense risk charge

This charge applies only to the subaccounts and not to the fixed
account.  It is equal, on an annual basis, to 0.9% of the daily net
asset value of the subaccounts -- a level guaranteed for the life
of the policy.  The subaccounts pay this fee at the time that
dividends are distributed from the funds in which they invest. 
Computed daily, the charge compensates IDS Life for:

    o     Mortality risk -- the risk that the cost of insurance
          charge will be insufficient to meet actual claims.

    o     Expense risk -- the risk that the policy fee and the
          contingent deferred issue and administrative expense
          charge (described above) may be insufficient to cover the
          cost of administering the policy.

IDS Life may profit from the mortality and expense risk charge. 
Any such profit would be available to IDS Life for any proper
corporate purpose including, among others, payment of sales and
distribution expenses, which we do not expect to be covered by the
sales and surrender charges discussed earlier.  Any further deficit
will have to be made up from IDS Life's general assets.

Transaction charge
   
IDS Life makes a daily charge against the assets of the subaccount
that invests in the trust.  This charge is intended to reimburse us
for the transaction fee we pay from our general account assets to
Smith Barney on the sale of the trust units to the subaccounts. 

The asset charge is equivalent to an effective annual rate of 0.25%
of the value of the subaccounts investing in the trust.  This
amount may be increased in the future but will not exceed an
effective annual rate of 0.5% of the value of these subaccounts. 
The charge will be based on our costs (taking into account the
interest we lose on the amounts paid to Smith Barney).  We do not
expect to profit from this transaction charge.

Fund expenses

IDS Life receives a fee for its services as investment manager of
the fund.  The fund also pays taxes, brokerage commissions and
nonadvisory expenses, such as custodian and trustee fees,
registration fees for shares, postage, fidelity and security bond
costs, legal fees and other miscellaneous fees and charges.  IDS
Life has agreed to a voluntary limit of 0.1%, on an annual basis,
of the average daily net assets of each portfolio for these
nonadvisory expenses.  IDS Life reserves the right to discontinue
<PAGE>
PAGE 28
limiting these nonadvisory expenses at 0.1%.  However, its present
intention is to continue the limit until the time that actual
expenses are less than the limit.

The investment management fee is deducted from the fund portfolios
daily and paid to IDS Life monthly.
    
The investment management fee equals, on an annual basis:

     o Money Market Portfolio -- 0.5% of aggregate average daily
       net assets
     o Equity, Income, Managed and Government Securities Portfolios
       -- 0.7% of aggregate average daily net assets
     o International Equity Portfolio -- 0.95% of aggregate average
       daily net assets

Other information on charges

IDS Life may reduce or eliminate various fees and charges when we
incur lower sales costs and/or perform fewer administrative
services than usual.  The two most common cases are:

     o Policies made available by an employer to a group of
       employees.
     o Policies purchased on or after May 1, 1991 with an initial
       specified amount of $350,000 or greater.

Death benefit guarantee

Your policy will remain in force even if the cash surrender value
is insufficient to cover the monthly deduction if you have paid the
minimum monthly premiums shown in the policy.  Although the minimum
premium is specified as a monthly amount, you may pay on any
schedule you choose, as long as:

     the sum of premiums paid - partial surrenders - outstanding 
     indebtedness

     equals or exceeds

     minimum monthly premium x number of months since policy date
     (including the current month)

This guarantee applies only until the insured reaches attained
insurance age 70 or the policy has been in force for five years,
whichever is later.  For factors affecting the minimum monthly
premium, see "Changes in specified amount" under "Death benefit"
and "Optional insurance benefits."

If, on a monthly date, you have not paid enough premiums to keep
the death benefit guarantee in effect, we will mail a notice to
your last known address, asking you to pay a premium sufficient to
bring your total up to the required minimum.  If you do not pay
this amount within 61 days, your policy will lapse (terminate) if
the cash surrender value is less than the amount needed to pay the
monthly deduction.  Although the policy can be reinstated as
explained below, the death benefit guarantee cannot be reinstated.
<PAGE>
PAGE 29
Grace period  

If on a monthly date the cash surrender value of your policy is
less than the amount needed to pay the next monthly deduction, your
policy will still remain in force for at least 61 days. 

IDS Life will mail a notice to your last known address, requesting
payment of a premium that will raise the cash surrender value to an
amount sufficient to cover the next three monthly deductions.  If
we receive this premium before the end of the 61-day grace period,
we will use the payment to cover all monthly deductions and any
other charges then due.  Any balance will be added to the policy
value and allocated in the same manner as other premium payments. 
If you do not pay the premium, the policy will lapse without value,
unless the death benefit guarantee described above is in effect.
   
If a policy lapses with outstanding indebtedness, any excess of the
outstanding indebtedness over the premium paid generally will be
taxable to the owner.  (See "Federal taxes.")  If the insured dies
during the grace period, any overdue monthly deductions will be
deducted from the death benefit.
    
Reinstatement

Your policy may be reinstated within five years after it lapses,
unless you surrendered it for cash.  To reinstate, IDS Life will
require:

     o a written request;

     o evidence satisfactory to IDS Life that the insured remains
       insurable;

     o payment of a premium that will keep the policy in force for
       at least three months;

     o payment of the monthly deductions that were not collected
       during the grace period; and

     o payment or reinstatement of any indebtedness.
   
The effective date of a reinstated policy will be the monthly date
on or next following the day IDS Life accepts your application for
reinstatement.  The suicide period (see "Death benefits") will
apply from the effective date of reinstatement (except in Georgia,
Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia). 
Surrender charges will also be reinstated. 
    
IDS Life will have two years from the effective date of
reinstatement to contest the truth of statements or representations
in the reinstatement application. 

Policy value 

The value of your policy is the sum of values in the fixed account
and each subaccount of the variable account.
<PAGE>
PAGE 30
Fixed account value  

The value in the fixed account on the policy date (when the policy
is issued) equals the portion of your initial net premium that you
have allocated to the fixed account, plus interest accrued before 
the policy date, minus the portion of the monthly deduction for the
first policy month that you have allocated to the fixed account.  

On any later date, the value in the fixed account equals:

     o the value on the previous monthly date; plus
     o net premiums allocated to the fixed account since the last
       monthly date; plus
     o any transfers to the fixed account from the subaccounts,
       including loan transfers, since the last monthly date; plus
     o accrued interest on all of the above; minus
     o any transfers from the fixed account to the subaccounts,
       including loan repayment transfers, since the last monthly
       date; minus
     o any partial surrenders or partial surrender fees allocated
       to the fixed account since the last monthly date; minus
     o interest on any transfers or partial surrenders, from the
       date of the transfer or surrender to the date of
       calculation; minus
     o any portion of the monthly deduction for the coming month
       that is allocated to the fixed account if the date of
       calculation is a monthly date.

Subaccount values

The value in each subaccount changes daily, depending on the
investment performance of the fund portfolio or trust in which that
subaccount invests and on other factors detailed below.  There is
no guaranteed minimum subaccount value.  You as owner bear the
entire investment risk.

Calculation of subaccount value: The value of each subaccount on
each valuation date equals:

o the value of the subaccount on the preceding valuation date,
  multiplied by the net investment factor for the current valuation
  period (explained below); plus
o net premiums received and allocated to the subaccount during the
  current valuation period; plus
o any transfers to the subaccount (from the fixed account or
  other subaccounts, including loan repayment transfers) during the
  period; minus
o any transfers from the subaccount including loan transfers
  during the current valuation period; minus 
o any partial surrenders and partial surrender fees allocated to
  the subaccount during the period; minus
o any portion of the monthly deduction allocated to the subaccount
  during the period.

The net investment factor measures the investment performance of a
subaccount from one valuation period to the next.  Because
<PAGE>
PAGE 31
performance may fluctuate, the value of a subaccount may increase
or decrease from day to day. 

Accumulation units: The policy value allocated to each subaccount
is converted into accumulation units.  Each time you direct a
premium payment or transfer policy value into one of the
subaccounts, a certain number of accumulation units are credited to
your policy for that subaccount.  Conversely, each time you take a
partial surrender or transfer value out of a subaccount, a certain
number of accumulation units are subtracted. 

Accumulation units are the true measure of investment value in each
subaccount.  For subaccounts investing in the fund portfolios,
they're related to, but not the same as, the net asset value of the
corresponding fund portfolio.  The dollar value of each
accumulation unit can rise or fall daily, depending on the
investment performance of the underlying fund portfolio, on any
change in the value of trust units and on certain charges.  Here's
how unit values are calculated:

Number of units: To calculate the number of units for a particular
subaccount, we divide your investment (net premium or transfer
amount) by the current accumulation unit value.

Accumulation unit value: The current value for each subaccount
equals the last value times the current net investment factor. 
 
Net investment factor: Determined at the end of each valuation
period, this factor equals (a divided by b) - c, where:

(a) equals:

o net asset value per share of the portfolio or value of a unit of
  the trust; plus

o per-share amount of any dividend or capital gain distribution
  made by the relevant fund portfolio to the subaccount; plus

o any credit or minus any charge for reserves to cover any tax
  liability resulting from the investment operations of the
  subaccount.

(b) equals:

o net asset value per share of the portfolio or value of a unit of
  the trust at the end of the preceding valuation period; plus

o any credit or minus any charge for reserves to cover any tax
  liability in the preceding valuation period.
   
(c) is a percentage factor representing the mortality and expense
risk charge and, for the subaccount investing in the trust, the
transaction charge, as described in "Loads, fees and charges,"
above.
    <PAGE>
PAGE 32
Factors that affect subaccount accumulation units:

Accumulation units may change in two ways; in number and in value. 
Here are the factors that influence those changes:

The number of accumulation units you own may fluctuate due to:

o additional purchase payments allocated to the subaccounts;
o transfers into or out of the subaccount(s);
o partial surrenders and partial surrender fees;
o surrender charges; and/or
o monthly deductions

Accumulation unit values may fluctuate due to:
   
o changes in underlying fund portfolio(s) net asset value or the
  value of the trust;
o dividends distributed to the subaccount(s);
o capital gains or losses of underlying fund portfolios;
o fund portfolio operating expenses; 
o mortality and expense risk fees; and/or
o the transaction charge for the subaccount investing in the trust.
    
Death benefits

When you purchase your policy, you decide on the minimum amount of 
protection you want for the beneficiary if the insured dies.  This
amount is called the specified amount.  Your policy's death benefit
can never be less than this amount unless you change it or unless
your policy has an outstanding indebtedness.

You also choose one of two death benefit options, which determines
how the policy's value will affect the amount paid to the
beneficiary if the insured dies while the policy is in force:

Option 1 (level amount): Under this option, the policy's value is
part of the specified amount.  The Option 1 death benefit is the
greater of:

     o the specified amount on the date of the insured's death; or

     o the applicable percentage of the policy value on the date of
       death, if death occurs on a valuation date, or on the next
       valuation date following the date of death.  (See table
       below.)

Thus, the death benefit remains level -- at the specified amount --
as long as the applicable percentage of policy value is less than
or equal to that amount.  Only when the applicable percentage of
policy value exceeds the specified amount will the death benefit
vary with the policy value.  After attained insurance age 40, the
applicable percentage decreases as the insured's age increases.
<PAGE>
PAGE 33
                   Applicable percentage table

Insured's          Applicable        Insured's        Applicable
attained           percentage of     attained         percentage of
insurance          policy            insurance        policy
age                value             age              value
40 or younger      250%                 61             128%
    41             243                  62             126
    42             236                  63             124
    43             229                  64             122
    44             222                  65             120
    45             215                  66             119
    46             209                  67             118
    47             203                  68             117
    48             197                  69             116
    49             191                  70             115
    50             185                  71             113
    51             178                  72             111
    52             171                  73             109
    53             164                  74             107
    54             157                  75-95          105
    55             150                  96             104
    56             146                  97             103
    57             142                  98             102
    58             138                  99             101
    59             134                  100            100
    60             130

Option 2 (variable amount): Under this option, the policy value is
added to the specified amount.  The Option 2 death benefit is the
greater of:

     o the policy value plus the specified amount; or
     o the applicable percentage of policy value (from the
       preceding table) on the date of death, if death occurs on a
       valuation date, or on the next valuation date following the
       date of death.

Under Option 2 the death benefit will always vary as the policy
value varies.  The death benefit will equal the sum of the
specified amount plus the policy value until the applicable
percentage of the policy value exceeds that sum.

Examples:                         Option 1            Option 2

specified amount                  $100,000            $100,000
policy value                      $  5,000            $  5,000 
death benefit                     $100,000            $105,000
policy value increases to         $  8,000            $  8,000
death benefit                     $100,000            $108,000
policy value decreases to         $  3,000            $  3,000
death benefit                     $100,000            $103,000

If you want to have premium payments and favorable investment
performance reflected partly in the form of an increasing death
benefit, you should consider Option 2.  If you are satisfied with 
<PAGE>
PAGE 34
the specified amount of insurance protection and prefer to have
premium payments and favorable investment performance reflected to
the maximum extent in the policy value, you should consider Option
1.  Under Option 1, the cost of insurance is lower because IDS
Life's net amount at risk is generally lower; for this reason the
monthly deduction is less and a larger portion of your premiums and
investment returns is retained in the policy value.

Change in death benefit option
 
You may make a written request to change the death benefit option
once per policy year.  A change in the death benefit option also
will change the specified amount.  You do not need to provide
additional evidence of insurability.

If you change from Option 1 to Option 2: The specified amount will
decrease by an amount equal to the policy value on the effective
date of the change.  You cannot change from Option 1 to Option 2 if
the resulting specified amount would fall below the minimum
specified amount (currently $50,000 for the first two policy years,
$40,000 in years three through 10 and $25,000 thereafter).

The minimum specified amount for policies purchased on or after May
1, 1991 with an initial specified amount of $350,000 or more is
$350,000 in the first policy year, $325,000 in years two to five,
$300,000 in years six to 10 and $275,000 thereafter.  

If you change from Option 2 to Option 1: The specified amount will
increase by an amount equal to the policy value on the effective
date of the change.

An increase or decrease in specified amount resulting from a change
in the death benefit option will affect the monthly deduction
because the cost of insurance and the death benefit guarantee
charge both depend upon the specified amount.  The charge for
certain optional insurance benefits may also change.  The surrender
charge, however, will not be affected.

Changes in specified amount

Subject to certain limitations, you may make a written request to
increase or decrease the specified amount once each policy year
after the first.  Changes in specified amount may have tax
implications, discussed in the section "Modified endowment
contracts" under "Federal taxes."

Increases: If you increase the specified amount, additional
evidence of insurability that is satisfactory to IDS Life may be
required.  The effective date of the increase will be the monthly
anniversary on or next following our approval of the increase.  The
increase may not be less than $10,000, and no increase will be
permitted after the insured's attained insurance age 75. 

An increase in the specified amount will have the following effects
on policy charges:
<PAGE>
PAGE 35
     o Your monthly deduction will increase because the cost of
       insurance and the death benefit guarantee charge both depend
       upon the specified amount. 
     o Charges for certain optional insurance benefits will
       increase. 
     o The minimum monthly premium will increase if the death
       benefit guarantee is in effect.
     o The surrender charge will increase.

At the time of the increase in specified amount, the cash surrender
value of your policy must be sufficient to pay the monthly
deduction on the next monthly anniversary.  The increased surrender
charge will reduce the cash surrender value.  If the remaining cash
surrender value is not sufficient to cover the monthly deduction,
we will require you to pay additional premiums within the 61-day
grace period.  If you do not, the policy will lapse unless the 
death benefit guarantee is in effect.  Because the minimum monthly
premium will increase, additional premiums may also be required to
keep the death benefit guarantee in effect.

Decreases: Any decrease in specified amount will take effect on the
monthly anniversary on or next following our receipt of your
written request.  The specified amount remaining after the decrease
may not be less than the minimum specified amount (currently
$50,000 for the first two policy years, $40,000 in years three 
through 10, and $25,000 thereafter).  If, following a decrease in
specified amount, the policy would no longer qualify as life
insurance under federal tax law, the decrease may be limited to the 
extent necessary to meet these requirements.

The minimum specified amount for policies purchased on or after May
1, 1991 with an initial specified amount of $350,000 or more is
$350,000 in the first policy year, $325,000 in years two to five,
$300,000 in years six to 10 and $275,000 thereafter.

A decrease in specified amount will affect your costs as follows:

     o Your monthly deduction will decrease because the cost of
       insurance and the death benefit guarantee charge both depend
       upon the specified amount.
     o Charges for certain optional insurance benefits will
       decrease.
     o The minimum monthly premium will decrease if the death
       benefit guarantee is in effect.
     o The surrender charge will not change.

No surrender charge is imposed when you request a decrease in the
specified amount. 

Decreases in the specified amount will be deducted from the current
specified amount in this order:

     1. First from the portion due to the most recent increase;
     2. Next from portions due to the next most recent increases
        successively; and
     3. Then from the initial specified amount when the policy was
        issued.<PAGE>
PAGE 36
This procedure may affect the cost of insurance if different rate
classifications have been applied to the current specified amount. 
The rate classification applicable to the most recent increase in
the specified amount will be eliminated first, then the rate
classification applicable to the next most recent increase, and so
on.

Misstatement of age or sex

If the insured's age or sex has been misstated, the proceeds
payable upon death will be:

    o     the policy value on the date of death; plus
    o     the amount of insurance that would have been purchased by
          the cost of insurance deducted for the policy month
          during which death occurred, if that cost had been
          calculated using rates for the correct age and sex; minus
    o     the amount of any outstanding indebtedness on the date of
          death.

Suicide

Suicide by the insured, whether sane or insane, within two years
from the policy date is not covered by the policy.  If suicide
occurs, the only amount payable to the beneficiary will be the 
premiums paid, minus the amount of any outstanding indebtedness. 

In Colorado and North Dakota, the suicide period is shortened to
one year.  In Missouri, IDS Life must prove that the insured
intended to commit suicide at the time he or she applied for
coverage.

Beneficiary

Initially, the beneficiary will be the person you designate in your
application for the policy.  You may change the beneficiary by
giving written notice to IDS Life, subject to requirements and
restrictions stated in the policy.  If you do not designate a
beneficiary, or if the designated beneficiary dies before the
insured, the beneficiary will be you or your estate. 

Transfers between the fixed account and subaccounts

You may transfer policy values from one subaccount to another or
between subaccounts and the fixed account.  For most transfers, if
we receive your request before the close of business, we will
process it that day.  Requests received after the close of business
will be processed the next business day.  There is no charge for
transfers.  Before transferring policy value, you should consider
the risks involved in switching investments. 

We may suspend or modify the transfer privilege at any time. 
Transfers involving the fixed account are subject to the
restrictions below.
<PAGE>
PAGE 37
Fixed account transfer policies

o Transfers from the fixed account must be made during a 30-day
period starting on a policy anniversary, except for automated
transfers, which can be set up for monthly, quarterly or semiannual
transfer periods.

o If we receive your request to transfer funds from the fixed
account within 30 days before the policy anniversary, the transfer
will become effective on the anniversary.

o If we receive your request on or within 30 days after the policy
anniversary, the transfer will be effective on the day we receive
it.

o We will not accept requests for transfers from the fixed account
at any other time.
   
o If you have made a transfer from the fixed account to one or more
subaccounts, you may not make a transfer from any subaccount back
to the fixed account until the next policy anniversary.  We will
waive this limitation once during the first two policy years if you
exercise the policy's right to exchange provision.  (See "Exchange
right.")
    
Minimum transfer amounts

From a subaccount to another subaccount or the fixed account: For
mail and phone transfers, $250 or the entire subaccount balance,
whichever is less.  For automated transfers, $50.

From the fixed account to a subaccount: $250 or the entire fixed
account balance minus any outstanding indebtedness, whichever is
less.  For automated transfers, $50.

Maximum transfer amounts

From a subaccount to another subaccount or the fixed account: None.
 
From the fixed account to a subaccount: Entire fixed account
balance minus any outstanding indebtedness.

Maximum number of transfers per year

Five for mail and phone transfers.  Twelve for automated transfers.

Two ways to request a transfer, loan or surrender

Provide your name, policy number, Social Security Number or
Taxpayer Identification Number when you request a transfer.

<PAGE>
PAGE 38
1  By letter

Regular mail:                 
                              
IDS Life Insurance Company              
P.O. Box 499                         
Minneapolis, MN  55440
                              
Express mail:                 
                              
IDS Life Insurance Company    
733 Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN  55402            
                              
2 By phone

Call between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central Time:
1-800-437-0602 (toll free) or           
(612) 671-4738 (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)   

TTY service for the hearing impaired:  
1-800-285-8846 (toll free)

o    We answer phone requests promptly, but you may experience
     delays when call volume is unusually high.  If you are unable
     to get through, use mail procedure as an alternative.
   
o    We will honor any telephone transfer or surrender request
     believed to be authentic and will use reasonable procedures to
     confirm that they are.  These include asking identifying
     questions and tape recording calls.  As long as these
     procedures are followed, neither IDS Life nor its affiliates
     will be liable for any loss resulting from fraudulent
     requests.
    
o    Telephone transfers are automatically available.  You may
     request that telephone transfers not be authorized from your
     account by writing IDS Life.

Automated transfers

In addition to written and phone requests, you can arrange to have
policy value transferred from one account to another automatically. 
Your financial advisor can help you set up an automated transfer.

Automated transfer policies: 

o Minimum automated transfer: $50

o Frequency: monthly, quarterly, semiannually or annually

o Only one automated transfer arrangement can be in effect at any
time.  Policy values may be transferred to one or more subaccounts
and the fixed account but can be transferred from only one account.

<PAGE>
PAGE 39
o You can start or stop this service by written request.  You must
allow seven days for us to change any instructions that are
currently in place.

o Automated transfers from the fixed account may not exceed an
amount that, if continued, would deplete the fixed account within
12 months.

o If you have made a transfer from the fixed account to one or more
subaccounts, you may not make a transfer from any subaccount back
to the fixed account until the next policy anniversary. 

o If your request is submitted with an application for a policy, it
will not take effect until the policy is issued.

o If the value of the account from which policy value is being
transferred is less than the $50 minimum, the transfer arrangement
will automatically be stopped. 

o Automated transfers are subject to all other policy provisions
and terms including provisions relating to the transfer of money
between the fixed account and the subaccounts.

Automated dollar-cost averaging

You can use automated transfers to take advantage of dollar-cost
averaging -- investing a fixed amount at regular intervals.  For
example, you might have a set amount transferred monthly from a
relatively conservative subaccount to a more aggressive one, or to
several others.

This systematic approach can help you benefit from fluctuations in
accumulation unit value, caused by fluctuations in the market
value(s) of the underlying fund portfolio.  Since you invest the
same amount each period, you automatically acquire more units when
the market value falls, fewer units when it rises.  The potential
effect is to lower your average cost per unit.

How dollar-cost averaging works
   
          Amount    Accumulation   Number of units
Month     invested  unit value     purchased

Jan       $100          $20         5.00
Feb        100           16         6.25
Mar        100            9        11.11
Apr        100            5        20.00
May        100            7        14.29
June       100           10        10.00
July       100           15         6.67
Aug        100           20         5.00
Sept       100           17         5.88
Oct        100           12         8.33
    
(footnotes to table) By investing an equal number of dollars each
month...
<PAGE>
PAGE 40
   
(arrow in table pointing to April) you automatically buy more units
when the per unit market price is low.
    
(arrow in table pointing to August) and fewer units when the per
unit market price is high.

You have paid an average price of only $10.81 per unit over the 10
months, while the average market price actually was $13.10.

Dollar-cost averaging does not guarantee that any subaccount will
gain in value, nor will it protect against a decline in value if
market prices fall.  However, if you can continue to invest
regularly throughout changing market conditions, it can be an
effective strategy to help meet your long-term goals.

Policy loans

You may borrow against your policy by written or telephone request.
(See chart under "Transfers between the fixed account and
subaccounts" for address and phone numbers for your requests.) 
Loans by telephone are limited to $50,000.  A loan request received
before close of business will be processed the same day.  A request
received after close of business will be processed the following
business day. 

Interest rate: 6.1% payable in advance, which is equivalent to a
6.5% effective rate.  For policies purchased on or after May 1,
1993 (October 1, 1993 for New Jersey), we expect to reduce the loan
interest rate after a policy's 10th anniversary to 4.3% payable in
advance, equivalent to a 4.5% effective rate. 

Minimum loan: $500 ($200 for Connecticut residents) or the
remaining loan value, whichever is less. 

Maximum loan:

     o In Texas, 100% of the policy value in the fixed account,
       minus a pro rata portion of surrender charges.
     o In Virginia, 90% of the policy value minus surrender
       charges.
     o In all other states, 85% of the policy value minus surrender
       charges.

We will compute the maximum loan value as of the end of the
valuation period during which we receive your loan request.  In
doing so, we will deduct from the loan value interest for the
period until the next policy anniversary.

Payment of loaned funds: Generally, we will pay loans within seven
days after we receive your request (with certain exceptions -- see
"Deferral of payments," under "Payment of policy proceeds").

Allocation of loans to accounts: If you do not specify whether the
loan is to come from the fixed account or the subaccounts, it will
be made from the subaccounts and the fixed account in proportion to
their values, minus indebtedness.  When a loan is made from a 
<PAGE>
PAGE 41
subaccount, accumulation units are redeemed and the proceeds
transferred into the fixed account.  We will credit the loaned
amount with 4.5% annual interest. 

Repayments: Loan repayments will be allocated to subaccounts and/or
the fixed account using the premium allocation percentages in
effect unless you tell us otherwise.  Repayments must be in amounts
of at least $25.

Overdue interest: If accrued interest is not paid when due, we will
increase the amount of indebtedness in the fixed account to cover
the amount due.  Interest added to a policy loan will be charged
the same interest rate as the loan itself.  We will take such
interest from the fixed account and/or subaccounts, using the
monthly deduction allocation percentages.  If the value in the 
fixed account or any subaccount is not enough to pay the interest
so allocated, all of the interest will be taken from all of the
accounts in proportion to their value, minus indebtedness.
   
Effects of policy loans: If you do not repay your loan, it will
reduce the death benefit and policy value.  Even if you do repay
it, your loan can have a permanent effect on death benefits and 
policy values, because money borrowed against the subaccounts will
not share in the investment results of the relevant portfolio(s) or
trust(s). 
    
Taxes: If your policy lapses or you surrender it with an
outstanding indebtedness, and the amount of outstanding
indebtedness plus the cash surrender value is more than the sum of
premiums you paid, you will generally be liable for taxes on the
excess. (See "Federal taxes.")

Policy surrenders

You may surrender your policy in full or in part by written or
telephone request.  (See chart under "Transfers between the fixed
account and subaccounts.")  A surrender request received before
close of business will be processed the same day.  A request
received after close of business will be processed the following
business day.  We may require that you return your policy.
   
We will normally process your payment within seven days; however,
we reserve the right to defer payment.  (See "Deferral of
payments," under "Payment of policy proceeds.") 
  
Total surrenders: If you surrender your policy totally, you receive
its cash surrender value -- the policy value minus outstanding
indebtedness and applicable surrender charges.  (See "Loads, fees
and charges.")  We will compute the value of each subaccount as of
the end of the valuation period during which your request is
received. 
    
Partial surrenders: After the first policy year, you may surrender
any amount from $500 up to 85% of the policy's cash surrender
value.  (Partial surrenders by telephone are limited to $50,000.) 
You will be charged a partial surrender fee, described under
"Loads, fees and charges."<PAGE>
PAGE 42
Allocation of partial surrenders: Unless you specify otherwise, IDS
Life will make partial surrenders from the fixed account and
subaccounts in proportion to their values at the end of the
valuation period during which your request is received.  In
determining these proportions, we first subtract the amount of any
outstanding indebtedness from the fixed account value.

Effects of partial surrenders:

o    The policy value will be reduced by the amount of the partial
     surrender and fee. 

o    The death benefit will be reduced by the amount of the partial
     surrender and fee, or, if the death benefit is based on the
     applicable percentage of policy value, by an amount equal to
     the applicable percentage times the amount of the partial
     surrender.

o    A partial surrender may terminate the death benefit guarantee. 
     The surrender amount is deducted from total premiums paid,
     which may reduce the total below the level required to keep
     the death benefit guarantee in effect. 

o    If Option 1 is in effect, the specified amount will be reduced
     by the amount of the partial surrender and fee.  IDS Life will
     deduct this decrease from the current specified amount in this
     order:

     1. First from the specified amount provided by the most recent
        increase;
     2. Next from the next most recent increases successively;
     3. Then from the initial specified amount when the policy was
       issued.

Because they reduce the specified amount, partial surrenders may
affect the cost of insurance.  IDS Life will not allow a partial
surrender if it would reduce the specified amount below the
required minimum.  (See "Decreases" under "Death benefits.")

o If Option 2 is in effect, a partial surrender does not affect the
specified amount.

Taxes: Upon surrender, you will generally be liable for taxes on
any excess of the cash surrender value plus outstanding
indebtedness over the premium paid.  (See "Federal taxes.")

Exchange right  

For two years after the policy is issued, you can exchange it for
one that provides benefits that do not vary with the investment
return of the subaccounts.  Because the policy itself offers a
fixed return option, all you need to do is transfer all of the
policy value in the subaccounts to the fixed account.  We will
automatically credit all future premium payments to the fixed
account unless you request a different allocation.
<PAGE>
PAGE 43
Such transfer will not count against the five-transfers-per-year
limit.  Also, any restrictions on transfers into the fixed account
will be waived.

There will be no effect on the policy's death benefit, specified
amount, net amount at risk, rate classification(s) or issue age. 
Only the method of funding the policy value will be affected.

Paid-up insurance option

You may request that the cash surrender value of the policy be used
to purchase an amount of paid-up insurance.  Your request may be
made in writing during the 30 days before any policy anniversary. 
The paid-up insurance policy will take effect as of the policy
anniversary and will mature on the original policy's maturity date. 
You will forfeit all rights to make future premium payments and all
riders will terminate. 

The amount and cash surrender value of the paid-up insurance will
be based on the cost of insurance rates guaranteed in the policy
and on the fixed account guaranteed interest rate.  The paid-up 
policy's death benefit amount, minus its cash surrender value,
cannot be greater than your current policy's death benefit, minus
its policy value (both as of the date of the paid-up policy's
purchase).  The amount of paid-up insurance will remain level and
will not be less than required by law. 

Any cash surrender value that is not used to purchase the paid-up
insurance amount will be paid to you.  At any time before the
insured's death, you may surrender the paid-up insurance for its
cash surrender value.

Optional insurance benefits

You may choose to add the following benefits to your policy, in the
form of riders (if certain requirements are met):

Waiver of monthly deduction (WMD): Under WMD, we will waive the
monthly deduction if the insured becomes totally disabled for six
months or longer prior to the attained insurance age 60 policy
anniversary.  The waiver will not start until the disability has
continued for at least six months; however, once it starts, monthly
deductions taken from policy values during the six-month waiting
period will be credited back to the policy, using the premium
allocation percentage then in effect.  Monthly deductions will then
be waived as long as the insured remains disabled.  For any month
in which the monthly deduction is covered by this rider, the
minimum monthly premium needed to keep the death benefit guarantee
in effect will be zero.

During disability the specified amount cannot be increased, the
death benefit option cannot be changed to Option 1 and any benefits
provided by riders cannot be increased.

<PAGE>
PAGE 44
Accidental death benefit (ADB): ADB provides an additional death
benefit if the insured's death is caused by accidental injury prior
to the insured's attained insurance age 70 policy anniversary.

Other insured rider (OIR): OIR provides a level, adjustable death
benefit on the life of each other insured covered.  The minimum
face amount that can be issued to each other insured is $25,000. 
OIR does not develop policy value.

Coverage under OIR will terminate on the earliest of the following:

o The monthly anniversary date on or next following receipt of a
  written request to end coverage.
o The date the basic policy matures, is surrendered or terminates
  for any reason other than the insured's death.
o 31 days after the insured's death.  No charge is made for
  coverage during this period.
o The date of conversion of the coverage to an individual life
  insurance policy on the life of the other insured.  OIR is
  convertible to any level benefit, level premium whole life or
  flexible premium adjustable whole life insurance policy offered
  by us at the time of conversion.
o The date the other insured attains insurance age 100. 

If the other insured's age or sex has been misstated, the amount
payable upon his or her death will be the amount of insurance that
would have been purchased by the cost of the OIR for the policy
month during which death occurred, had the cost been calculated
using rates for the correct age and sex.

Children's insurance rider (CIR): Each unit of CIR provides $1,000
level term insurance on each eligible child.  To be eligible,
children must:

o be insurable children, stepchildren or legally adopted children
  of the insured;
o be named in the application for this rider;
o be members of the primary insured's household (actually living
  with the insured) at the time of application; and
o be at least 15 days old and have not passed their 19th
  birthday.

After the CIR is issued, it automatically insures children born to,
legally adopted by, or who become stepchildren of the insured after
the date of the CIR application, if they are at least 15 days old
and have not passed their 19th birthday.  The maximum number of
units for one family is 10. 

Insurance under CIR expires on the earlier of the child's 22nd
birthday or the primary insured's attained insurance age 65 policy
anniversary.  If the primary insured parent dies, the insurance on
each child will be changed to paid-up term insurance, which will
provide the same coverage as provided under the CIR and will expire
at the same time coverage under the CIR would have expired.
<PAGE>
PAGE 45
The coverage provided on each child may be converted, without
evidence of insurability, to level premium whole life or flexible
premium adjustable whole life insurance within 31 days before or
after the earlier of the child's 22nd birthday or the primary
insured's attained insurance age 65 policy anniversary.  Up to five
times the amount of insurance on each child may be converted.

Payment of policy proceeds

Proceeds will be paid when:

        o you surrender the policy;
        o the insured dies; or
        o the policy maturity date is reached, which occurs when
          the insured reaches attained insurance age 100. 
   
All proceeds will be paid by check.  We will compute the amount of
the death benefit and pay it in a single sum unless you select one
of the payment options below.  We will pay interest at a rate not
less than 4% per year (8% in Arkansas and Colorado) on single sum
death proceeds, from the date of the insured's death to the
settlement date (the date on which proceeds are paid in a lump sum
or first placed under a payment option).   
    
Payment options:

During the insured's lifetime, you may request in writing that we
pay policy proceeds under one or more of the three payment options
below.  (The beneficiary may also select a payment option, unless
you say that he or she can't.)  You decide how much of the proceeds
will be placed under each option (minimum: $5,000).  Any such
amount will be transferred to IDS Life's general account.  Unless
we agree otherwise, payments under all options must be made to a
natural person.

You may also, by written request, change a prior choice of payment
option, or elect a payment option other than the three below if we
agree. 

If you elect a payment option for pre-death proceeds, payments
under this option may be subject to federal income tax as ordinary
income.  If you elect Option A, the full pre-death proceeds will be
taxed as a full surrender or maturity as described in "Taxation of
policy proceeds" and may also be subject to an additional 10%
penalty tax if the policy is a modified endowment.  The interest
paid under Option A will be ordinary income subject to income tax
in the year earned.  The interest payments will not be subject to
the 10% penalty tax.
   
If you elect Option B or Option C for payment of pre-death
proceeds, any indebtedness at the time of election will be taxed as
a partial surrender as described in "Taxation of policy proceeds"
and may also be subject to an additional 10% penalty tax if the
policy is a modified endowment.  The remainder of the proceeds will
be used to make payments under the option elected.  A portion of
each payment will be taxed as ordinary income and a portion of each
payment will be considered a return of the investment in the 
<PAGE>
PAGE 46
policy and will not be taxed.  An owner's investment in the policy
is described in "Taxation of policy proceeds".  All payments made
after the investment in the policy is fully recovered will be
subject to tax.  Amounts paid under Option B or Option C that are
subject to tax may also be subject to an additional 10% penalty
tax.  (See "Penalty tax.")
    
Death benefit proceeds applied to any payment option are not
considered part of the beneficiary's income and thus are not
subject to federal income tax.  Payments of interest under Option A
will be ordinary income subject to tax.  Under Option B or Option
C, a portion of each payment will be ordinary income, subject to
tax and a portion of each payment will be considered a return of 
the beneficiary's investment in the policy.  The beneficiary's
investment in the policy is the death benefit proceeds applied to
the payment option.  All payments made after the investment in the
policy is fully recovered will be subject to tax.

Option A -- Interest payments: We will pay interest on any proceeds
placed under this option at a rate of 4% per year compounded
annually, at regular intervals and for a period that is agreeable
to both you and us.  At the end of any payment interval, you may
withdraw proceeds in amounts of at least $100.  At any time, you
may withdraw all of the proceeds that remain or you may place them
under a different payment option approved by us.

Option B -- Payments for a specified period: We will make fixed
monthly payments for any number of years you specify.  Here are
examples of monthly payments for each $1,000 placed under this
option:

   Payment period               Monthly payment per $1,000
      (years)                   placed under Option B     

        5                               $18.32
        10                               10.06
        15                                7.34
        20                                6.00
        25                                5.22
        30                                4.72

Monthly amounts for other payment periods will be furnished at your
request, free of charge.

Option C -- Lifetime income: We will make monthly payments for the
life of the person (payee) who is to receive the income.  Payment
will be guaranteed for 10, 15 or 20 years. 

The amount of each monthly payment per $1,000 placed under this
option will be based on the table of settlement rates in effect at
the time of the first payment.  The amount depends on the sex and
adjusted age of the payee on that date.  Adjusted age means the age
of the payee (on the payee's nearest birthday) minus an adjustment
as follows:

<PAGE>
PAGE 47
Calendar year of     Adjustment    Calendar year of      Adjustment
payee's birth                      payee's birth

Before 1920              0         1945-1949                 6
1920-1924                1         1950-1959                 7
1925-1929                2         1960-1969                 8
1930-1934                3         1970-1979                 9
1935-1939                4         1980-1989                10
1940-1944                5         After 1989               11

The amount of each monthly payment per $1,000 placed under this
option will not be less than amounts shown in the next table.  

Monthly amounts for any adjusted age not shown will be furnished at
your request, without charge.

Adjusted
  age         Life income per $1,000 with
 payee        payments guaranteed for                              
                 10 years          15 years            20 years
              Male    Female    Male      Female    Male     Female
  50         $4.81    $4.47    $4.74      $4.45    $4.65     $4.40
  55          5.20     4.80     5.09       4.74     4.94      4.67
  60          5.70     5.22     5.51       5.12     5.25      4.98
  65          6.35     5.77     5.98       5.58     5.54      5.32
  70          7.14     6.50     6.47       6.12     5.77      5.63
  75          8.00     7.40     6.87       6.64     5.91      5.85

Deferral of payments:

We reserve the right to defer payments of cash surrender value,
policy loans or variable death benefits in excess of the specified
amount if:

o the payments derive from a premium payment made by a check that
has not cleared the banking system (good payment has not been
collected);
o the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday
closings);
o in accordance with SEC rules, trading on the NYSE is restricted
or, because of an emergency, it is not practical to dispose of
securities held in the subaccount or determine the value of the
subaccount's net assets.

Any loans or surrenders from the fixed account may be delayed up to
six months from the date we receive the request.  If we postpone
the payment of surrender proceeds more than 30 days, we will be pay
you interest on the amount surrendered at an annual rate of 3% for
the period of postponement.

Federal taxes

The following is a general discussion of the policy's federal
income tax implications.  It is not intended as tax advice. 
Because the effect of taxes on the value and benefits of your
policy depends on your individual situation as well as IDS Life's
tax status, YOU SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISOR TO FIND OUT HOW THESE 
<PAGE>
PAGE 48
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS APPLY TO YOU.  The discussion is based on 
our understanding of federal income tax laws as currently
interpreted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); both the laws
and their interpretation may change.

The policy is intended to qualify as a life insurance policy for
federal income tax purposes.  To that end, the provisions of the
policy are to be interpreted to ensure or maintain this tax
qualification.  IDS Life reserves the right to change the policy in
order to ensure that it will continue to qualify as life insurance
for tax purposes.  We will send you a copy of any changes.

IDS Life's tax status

IDS Life is taxed as a life insurance company under the Code.  For
federal income tax purposes, the subaccounts are considered a part
of IDS Life, although their operations are treated separately in 
accounting and financial statements. Investment income from the
subaccounts is reinvested and becomes part of the subaccounts'
value.  This investment income, including realized capital gains,
is not taxed to IDS Life and therefore no charge is made against
the subaccounts for our federal income taxes.  IDS Life reserves
the right to make such a charge in the future if there is a change
in the tax treatment of variable life insurance contracts or in IDS
Life's tax status as we currently understand it.   

Taxation of policy proceeds  

The death benefit is not considered part of the beneficiary's
income and thus is not subject to federal income taxes. 
   
Part or all of any pre-death proceeds received through full 
surrender or maturity, lapse, partial surrender, policy loan or
assignment of policy value or payment options may be subject to
federal income tax as ordinary income.  (See the following table.) 
In some cases, the tax liability depends on whether the policy is a
modified endowment (explained following the table).  The taxable
amount may also be subject to an additional 10% penalty tax if the
policy is a modified endowment.
    
Source of proceeds            Taxable portion of pre-death proceeds

Full surrender/maturity:         Amount received plus any
                                 indebtedness, minus your
                                 investment in the policy.*

Lapse:                           Any outstanding indebtedness minus
                                 your investment in the policy.*

Partial surrenders               Lesser of:
(modified endowments):           the amount received or policy
                                 value minus your investment in the
                                 policy.*

<PAGE>
PAGE 49
Policy loans and                 Lesser of:
assignments                      the amount of the loan/assignment
(modified endowments):           or policy value minus your
                                 investment in the policy.*

Partial surrenders               Generally, if the amount received
(other policies):                is greater than your investment in
                                 the policy,* the amount in excess
                                 of your investment is taxable. 
                                 However, during the first 15
                                 policy years, a different amount
                                 may be taxable if the partial
                                 surrender results in or is
                                 necessitated by a reduction in
                                 benefits.

Policy loans and                 None
assignments
(other policies):

Payment options:                 If proceeds of the policy will be
                                 paid under one of the payment
                                 options, see the "Payment option"
                                 section for tax information.

* The owner's investment is equal to premiums paid, minus the
nontaxable portion of any previous partial surrenders, plus the
taxable portion of any previous policy loans.

Modified endowment contracts

In 1988, Congress created a new class of life insurance policies
called "Modified Endowment Contracts," which are taxed differently
from conventional life insurance contracts.  Policies applied for,
or materially changed, on or after June 21, 1988, are considered to
be modified endowments if premiums paid in the first seven years of
the policy, or the first seven years following a material change,
exceed certain limits. (Also, any life insurance policy received in
exchange for a modified endowment is itself a modified endowment.) 

We have established procedures for monitoring whether a contract
may become a modified endowment contract.

Modified endowment limits are calculated when the policy is issued
and are based on the benefits provided and on the risk
classification of the insured.  They are later recalculated if
certain increases or reductions in benefits occur.

Increases in benefits: Limits are recalculated when an increase is
considered a "material change," as are most increases requested by
the owner, such as an increase in specified amount, addition of a
rider benefit or an increase in an existing rider benefit. 
(Automatic increases under the terms of the policy, such as an 
increase in death benefit due to operation of the applicable
percentage table described in the "Death benefits" section or to
policy value growth under Option 2, are generally not considered 
<PAGE>
PAGE 50
material changes.)  A policy becomes a modified endowment if
premiums paid in the early years following a material change exceed
the recalculated limits. 

Reductions in benefits: When benefits are reduced within seven
years after issue or after the most recent material change, the
limits are recalculated as if the reduced level of benefits had
always been in effect.  In most cases, this recalculation will
further restrict the amount of premium that can be paid without 
exceeding modified endowment limits.  If premiums already paid
exceed the recalculated limits, the policy becomes a modified
endowment even if no further premiums are paid.

Distributions affected: Modified endowment rules apply to
distributions in the year the policy becomes a modified endowment 
and in all subsequent years.  In addition, the rules apply to
distributions taken two years before the policy becomes a modified
endowment, which are presumed to be taken in anticipation of that
event. 

Serial purchase of modified endowments: All modified endowments
issued by the same insurer (or affiliated companies of the insurer)
to the same owner during any calendar year are treated as one
policy in determining the amount of any loan or distribution that
is taxable.

Penalty tax: If a policy is a modified endowment, the taxable
portion of pre-death proceeds from a full surrender, maturity,
lapse, partial surrender, policy loan or assignment of policy value
or certain payment options may be subject to a 10% penalty tax
unless:

    o     the distribution occurs after the owner attains age
          59-1/2;
    o     the distribution is attributable to the owner becoming
          disabled (within the meaning of Code Section 72(m)(7); or
    o     the distribution is part of a series of substantially
          equal periodic payments made at least once a year over
          the life (or life expectancy) of the owner or over the
          joint lives (or life expectancies) of the owner and the
          owner's beneficiary.

Other tax considerations

Interest paid on policy loans: If the loan is used for personal
purposes, such interest is not tax-deductible.  Other rules apply
if the loan is used for trade or business or investment purposes or
if the policy is owned by a business or a corporation. 

Policy changes: Changing ownership, exchanging or assigning the
policy may have tax consequences, depending on the circumstances. 

Other taxes: Federal estate tax, state and local estate tax,
inheritance tax, gift tax and other tax consequences of ownership
or receipt of policy proceeds will also depend on the
circumstances. 
<PAGE>
PAGE 51
Qualified retirement plans: The policy may be used in conjunction
with certain qualified plans.  Since the rules governing such use
are complex, a purchaser should consult a competent pension
consultant.
   
On July 6, 1983, the Supreme Court held in Arizona Governing
Committee v. Norris that optional annuity benefits provided under
an employee's deferred compensation plan could not, under Title VII
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, vary between men and women on the
basis of sex.  Since the policy's cost of insurance rates and
purchase rates for certain settlement options distinguish between
men and women, employers and employee organizations should consult
with legal counsel before purchasing the policy for any
employment-related insurance or benefit program.  Rates that do not
distinguish between men and women are available when required for
employment-related programs in all states except Illinois,
Michigan, New Jersey, South Carolina and Texas.
    
IDS Life

IDS Life is a stock life insurance company organized under the laws
of the State of Minnesota in 1957.  Our address is IDS Tower 10,
Minneapolis, MN 55440. 

IDS Life conducts a conventional life insurance business in the
District of Columbia and all states except New York.  A wholly
owned subsidiary of IDS Life, IDS Life Insurance Company of New
York, conducts a substantially identical business in New York.  
IDS Life has been in the variable annuity business since 1968 and
has sold a number of different variable annuity contracts and
variable life insurance policies, utilizing other separate
accounts, unit investment trusts and mutual funds.

Ownership
   
IDS Life is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial
Corporation (AEFC); AEFC, a Delaware corporation, is a wholly owned
subsidiary of American Express Company. 
       
State regulation

IDS Life is subject to the laws of Minnesota governing insurance
companies and to regulation by the Minnesota Department of
Commerce.  In addition, IDS Life is subject to regulation under the
insurance laws of other jurisdictions in which it may operate.  An
annual statement in a prescribed form is filed with Minnesota's
Department of Commerce and in each state in which IDS Life does
business.  IDS Life's books and accounts are subject to review by
the Minnesota Department of Commerce at all times and a full
examination of its operations is conducted periodically.  Such
regulation does not, however, involve any supervision of management
or investment practices or policies.
<PAGE>
PAGE 52
Distribution of the policy 

IDS Life is the sole distributor of the policy.  IDS Life is
registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 and is a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. (NASD).  Representatives of IDS Life are licensed
insurance and annuity agents and are registered with the NASD as
representatives of IDS Life. 
   
IDS Life pays its representatives a commission of up to 50% of the
initial minimum monthly premium (annualized) when the policy is
sold, plus 3% of all premiums in excess of 12 times the minimum
monthly premium.  At the end of policy years one through 10, IDS
Life pays a service fee not greater than 0.3% of the policy value,
net of indebtedness.  Additional commissions are paid if an
increase in coverage occurs.  IDS Life also pays approximately 27%
of the total representative's commission to the field vice
presidents and district sales managers of the selling
representative. 
    
Legal proceedings

As an insurance company, IDS Life is involved in a number of items
of litigation.  We believe that these items are not material and we
do not expect to incur significant losses resulting from the
litigation.

Experts  
   
The consolidated financial statements of IDS Life Insurance Company
at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994, and for each of the three years in the
period ended Dec. 31, 1995, and the financial statements of the
segregated asset subaccounts of IDS Life Variable Life Separate
account for Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance at Dec. 31,
1995, and for each of the three years in the period then ended,
except for the IL subaccount which is for the period Oct. 28, 1994
(commencement of operations) to Dec. 31, 1995 and the 1995V
subaccount which is for the period Jan. 1, 1993 to Nov. 15, 1995
(date of maturity of the securities in the trust) appearing in this
prospectus have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, as set forth in their reports thereon appearing elsewhere
herein, and are included in reliance upon such reports given upon
the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

Actuarial matters included in the prospectus have been examined by
James M. Jensen, F.S.A., M.A.A.A., Vice President, Insurance
Product Development, as stated in his opinion filed as an exhibit
to the Registration Statement.
    
Management of IDS Life

Directors                                                         
   
David R. Hubers
Director since September 1989; president and chief executive
officer, AEFC, since August 1993, and director, AEFC, since January
<PAGE>
PAGE 53
1984; senior vice president, Finance and chief financial officer,
AEFC, from January 1984 to August 1993.

Richard W. Kling
Director since February 1984; president since March 1994. 
Executive vice president, Marketing and Products from January 1988
to March 1994; senior vice president, AEFC, since May 1994;
director of IDS Life Series Fund, Inc. and chairman of the board of
managers of IDS Life Variable Annuity Funds A and B.
    
Paul F. Kolkman
Director since May 1984; executive vice president since March 1994;
vice president, Finance from May 1984 to March 1994; vice
president, AEFC, since January 1987.
   
Janis E. Miller
Director and executive vice president, Variable Assets since March
1994; vice president, AEFC, since June 1990; director, Mutual Funds
Product Development and Marketing, AEFC, from May 1987 to May 1990;
director of IDS Life Series Fund, Inc. and member of the board of
managers of IDS Life Variable Annuity Funds A and B.

James A. Mitchell
Chairman of the board since March 1994; director since July 1984;
chief executive officer since November 1986; president from July
1984 to March 1994; executive vice president, AEFC, since March
1994; director, AEFC, since July 1984; senior vice president, AEFC,
from July 1984 to March 1994.
    
Barry J. Murphy
Director and executive vice president, Client Service, since March
1994; senior vice president, Operations, Travel Related Services
(TRS), a subsidiary of American Express Company, since July 1992;
vice president, TRS, from November 1989 to July 1992; chief
operating officer, TRS, from March 1988 to November 1989.

Stuart A. Sedlacek
Director and executive vice president, Assured Assets since March
1994; vice president, AEFC, since September 1988.
   
Melinda S. Urion
Director and controller since September 1991; executive vice
president since March 1994; vice president and treasurer from
September 1991 to March 1994; senior vice president, chief
financial officer and director, AEFC, since November 1995;
corporate controller, AEFC, from April 1994 to November 1995; vice
president, AEFC, from September 1991 to November 1995; chief
accounting officer, AEFC, from July 1988 to September 1991.
    
Officers other than directors                                      

Morris Goodwin Jr.
Vice president and treasurer since March 1994; vice president and
corporate treasurer, AEFC, since July 1989; chief financial officer
and treasurer, American Express Trust Company, from January 1988 to
July 1989.

<PAGE>
PAGE 54
William A. Stoltzmann
Vice president, general counsel and secretary since 1985; vice
president and assistant general counsel, AEFC, since November 1985.

The address for all of the directors and principal officers is: 
IDS Tower 10, Minneapolis, MN  55440-0010.
   
The officers, employees and sales force of IDS Life are bonded, in
the amount of $100 million, by virtue of a blanket fidelity bond
issued to American Express Company by Saint Paul Fire and Marine,
the lead underwriter.
    
Smith Barney Inc.
   
Smith Barney, sponsor of the trust, a Delaware corporation and a
subsidiary of The Travelers Inc., is engaged in the underwriting,
securities and commodities brokerage business, and is a member of
the NYSE, other major securities exchanges and commodity exchanges
and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.  In July
1993, Primerica Corporation and its subsidiary, Smith Barney,
Harris Upham & Co. Incorporated, acquired the assets of the
domestic retail brokerage and asset management businesses of
Shearson Lehman Brothers Inc., previously the sponsor of the
trusts.  In January 1994, Primerica Corporation completed a merger
with The Travelers Corporation and they became The Travelers Inc. 
The sponsor sponsors seven open-end investment companies and three
closed-end investment companies as well as a variety of unit
investment trusts.  The sponsor has acted as principal underwriter
and managing underwriter of other investment companies.  The
sponsor, in addition to participating as a member of various
selling groups or as an agent of other investment companies,
executes orders on behalf of investment companies for the purchase
and sale of securities of such companies and sells securities to
such companies in its capacity as a broker or dealer in securities.
    
Other information  

A registration statement has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC)  under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.  For further information concerning the policy, its
separate account (the variable account) and IDS Life, please refer
to the registration statement, as amended, with exhibits. 

Substitution of investments

If shares of any fund portfolio or trust units are unavailable for
purchase by the appropriate subaccount or if, in the judgment of
IDS Life's management, further investment in such shares is no 
longer appropriate, shares of another registered, open-end
management investment company or unit investment trust may be
substituted. 

If deemed by IDS Life to be in the best interest of persons having
voting rights under the policy, the variable account may be
operated as a management company under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, or it may be deregistered under the Act if such
registration is no longer required. <PAGE>
PAGE 55
In the event of any such substitution or change, IDS Life may,
without the consent or approval of owners, amend the policy and
take whatever action is necessary and appropriate.  However, no
such substitution or change will be made without any necessary
approval of the SEC or state insurance departments.  IDS Life will
notify owners within five days of any substitution or change.

Voting rights

All shares issued by the fund are the same class (kind) -- capital
stock.  They are fully paid and nonassessable and can be redeemed
or transferred.  They can be issued as full shares or fractions. 
All shares have equal voting rights; a fraction of a share has the
same kind of rights and privileges as a full share. 

Each of the fund's six portfolios issues its own series of common
stock.  The shares of each portfolio represent an interest only in
that portfolio's assets (and profits or losses) and in the event of
liquidation, each share of a portfolio would have the same rights
to dividends and assets as every other share of that portfolio.

Each share of a portfolio has one vote.  On some issues, such as
election of directors, all shares of the fund vote together as one
series.  When electing directors, all shares have cumulative voting
rights.  Cumulative voting means that shareholders are entitled to
a number of votes equal to the number of shares they hold
multiplied by the number of directors to be elected and they have
the right to divide votes among candidates. 

On an issue affecting only one portfolio -- for example, a
fundamental investment restriction pertaining only to that
portfolio -- its shares vote as a separate series.  If shareholders
of a particular portfolio vote approval of the Investment
Management and Services Agreement, the agreement becomes effective
with respect to that portfolio, whether or not it is approved by
shareholders of the other portfolios.

IDS Life is the owner of all fund shares and as such holds all
voting rights.  However, IDS Life will vote the shares of each
portfolio in accordance with instructions received from owners.  If
we do not receive timely instructions from you, we will vote your
shares in the same proportion as the shares for which instructions
are received.  Fund shares that are not otherwise attributable to 
owners will also be voted by IDS Life in the same proportion as
those shares in that subaccount for which instructions are
received.

We determine the number of fund shares in each subaccount for which
you may give instructions by applying your percentage interest in
the subaccount to the total number of votes attributable to the
subaccount.  The number will be determined as of a date chosen by 
IDS Life, but not more than 60 days before the meeting of the fund.
Fractional votes are counted.  You will receive notice of each
shareholder meeting, together with any proxy solicitation materials
and a statement of the number of votes for which you are entitled
to give instructions.

<PAGE>
PAGE 56
If required by state insurance officials, IDS Life may disregard
voting instructions that would change the goals of one or more of
the fund's portfolios or would result in approval or disapproval of
an investment advisory contract.  In addition, IDS Life itself may
disregard voting instructions that would require changes in the
investment policy or investment advisor of one or more of the 
fund's portfolios, if IDS Life reasonably disapproves such changes
in accordance with applicable federal regulations.  If IDS Life
does disregard voting instructions, it will, in its next report to
owners, advise them of that action and the reasons for it.
   
Generally, ownership of units of a unit investment trust does not
involve the exercise of voting rights.  However, unit holders in
the trust may vote for removal of the trustee or for amendment or
termination of the trust indenture.  In the event of such a vote,
IDS Life, as the owner of the units, would solicit voting
instructions from owners under the same procedures used for votes
affecting the fund.
    
Reports

At least once a year IDS Life will mail to you, at your last known
address of record, a report containing all information required by
law or regulation, including a statement showing the current policy
value.

Policy illustrations  

The following tables illustrate how policy values, cash surrender
values and death benefits may change with the investment experience
of the subaccount.  The tables show how these amounts might vary,
for a 35-year-old male nonsmoker, under Death Benefit Option 1, if:

     o the annual rate of return of the fund is 0%, 6% or 12%. 
     o cost of insurance rates and policy fees are -- current rates
       and fees for policies purchased on or after May 1, 1993
       (October 1, 1993 for New Jersey) -- current rates and fees
       for policies purchased before May 1, 1993 (October 1, 1993
       for New Jersey) -- guaranteed rates and fees.
   
Any such illustration involves a number of detailed assumptions. 
(See chart, "Understanding the illustrations.")  To the extent that
your own circumstances differ from those assumed in the
illustrations, your expected results would also differ. 
    
Upon request, you will be furnished with comparable tables
illustrating death benefits, policy values and cash surrender
values based on the actual age of the person you propose to insure
and on an initial specified amount and premium payment schedule. 
In addition, after you have purchased a policy, you may request
illustrations based on policy values at the time of request.

Understanding the illustrations:

Rates of return: assumed to be uniform, gross, after-tax, annual
rates of 0%, 6% or 12% for the fund.  Results would differ <PAGE>
PAGE 57
depending on allocations among the subaccounts, if returns averaged
0%, 6% and 12% for the fund as a whole but differed across
portfolios.

Insured: assumed to be a male insurance age 35, in a standard rate
classification, qualifying for the nonsmoker rate.  Results would
be lower if the insured were in a substandard rate classification
or did not qualify for the non-smoker rate.   

Premiums: A $900 premium is assumed to be paid in full at the
beginning of each policy year.  Results would differ if premiums
were paid on a different schedule.

Policy loans and partial withdrawals: It is assumed that none have
been made.  (Since indebtedness is assumed to be zero, the cash
surrender value in all cases equals the policy value minus the
surrender charge.)

Effect of expenses and charges: The net investment return of the
subaccounts, shown in the tables, is lower than the gross,
after-tax return of the fund because expenses paid by the fund and
charges made against the subaccounts have been deducted.  These
include:   
   
o the daily investment management fee paid by the fund, assumed to
  be equivalent to an annual rate of 0.6% of the fund's aggregate
  average daily net assets;
o the daily mortality and expense risk charge, equivalent to 0.9%
  of the daily net asset value of the subaccounts annually; and 
o a nonadvisory expense charge of 0.1% of each portfolio's
  aggregate average daily net assets for direct expenses incurred
  by the fund.

The nonadvisory expense charge is capped by IDS Life at 0.1%, even
though actual expenses on the Government Securities and Money
Market portfolio ranged up to 0.2%.  Although IDS Life reserves the
right to discontinue capping these expenses, our present intent is
to continue the cap indefinitely until actual expenses are less
than the cap.  Should IDS Life discontinue the cap prior to that
time, the policy values and death benefits in the tables generally
would be less.
    
After deduction of the above expenses and charges, the illustrated
gross annual investment rates of return of 0%, 6%, and 12%
correspond to approximate net annual rates of -1.59%, 4.32% and
10.22%, respectively. 

Taxes: Results shown in the tables reflect the fact that IDS Life
does not currently charge the subaccounts for federal income tax. 
If such a charge is taken in the future, the portfolios will have
to earn more than they do now in order to produce the death
benefits and policy values illustrated.
<PAGE>
PAGE 58
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Illustration                                                                      Policies purchased on or after May 1, 1993
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Initial specified amount $100,000                      Male age 35                                 Current costs assumed
Death benefit Option 1                                 nonsmoker                                    annual premium $900
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
           Premium          Death benefit (1)(2)               Policy value (1)(2)               Cash surrender value (1)(2)
           accumulated      assuming hypothetical gross        assuming hypothetical gross       assuming hypothetical gross
End of     with annual      annual investment return of        annual investment return of       annual investment return of
policy     interest
year       at 5%          0%           6%          12%         0%        6%        12%          0%        6%        12%
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    <S>   <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>
     1     $  945     $100,000     $100,000     $100,000    $  605    $  648     $  691       $   0     $   1      $  44
     2      1,937      100,000      100,000      100,000     1,202     1,326      1,455         475       598        727
     3      2,979      100,000      100,000      100,000     1,779     2,022      2,285         993     1,236      1,499
     4      4,073      100,000      100,000      100,000     2,336     2,737      3,190       1,491     1,893      2,346
     5      5,222      100,000      100,000      100,000     2,873     3,473      4,177       1,972     2,572      3,276

     6      6,428      100,000      100,000      100,000     3,392     4,230      5,255       2,671     3,509      4,534
     7      7,694      100,000      100,000      100,000     3,892     5,010      6,434       3,352     4,470      5,894
     8      9,024      100,000      100,000      100,000     4,371     5,812      7,722       4,011     5,451      7,362
     9     10,420      100,000      100,000      100,000     4,827     6,632      9,128       4,647     6,452      8,948
    10     11,886      100,000      100,000      100,000     5,257     7,471     10,662       5,257     7,471     10,662

    11     13,425      100,000      100,000      100,000     5,663     8,329     12,338       5,663     8,329     12,338
    12     15,042      100,000      100,000      100,000     6,043     9,207     14,172       6,043     9,207     14,172
    13     16,739      100,000      100,000      100,000     6,396    10,104     16,178       6,396    10,104     16,178
    14     18,521      100,000      100,000      100,000     6,720    11,018     18,375       6,720    11,018     18,375
    15     20,392      100,000      100,000      100,000     7,013    11,948     20,779       7,013    11,948     20,779

    16     22,356      100,000      100,000      100,000     7,272    12,894     23,413       7,272    12,894     23,413
    17     24,419      100,000      100,000      100,000     7,495    13,852     26,301       7,495    13,852     26,301
    18     26,585      100,000      100,000      100,000     7,678    14,820     29,467       7,678    14,820     29,467
    19     28,859      100,000      100,000      100,000     7,815    15,794     32,940       7,815    15,794     32,940
    20     31,247      100,000      100,000      100,000     7,901    16,770     36,753       7,901    16,770     36,753

age 60     45,102      100,000      100,000      100,000     7,405    21,540     62,448       7,405    21,540     62,448
age 65     62,785      100,000      100,000      127,948     4,791    25,684    104,875       4,791    25,684    104,875

(1) Assumes no policy loans or partial withdrawals have been made.

(2) Assumes a $900 premium is paid at the beginning of each policy year.  Values will be different if premiums are paid in
    different amounts or with a different frequency.

The above hypothetical investment results are illustrative only and should not be deemed a representation of past or future
investment results.  Actual investment results may be more or less than those shown.  The death benefit, policy value and cash
surrender value would be different from those shown if returns averaged 0%, 6% and 12% over a period of years, but fluctuated above
and below those averages for individual policy years.  No representation can be made that these hypothetical rates of return can be
achieved for any one year or sustained over any period of time.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 59
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Illustration                                                                          Policies purchased before May 1, 1993
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Initial specified amount $100,000                      Male age 35                                 Current costs assumed
Death benefit Option 1                                 nonsmoker                                    annual premium $900
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
           Premium          Death benefit (1)(2)               Policy value (1)(2)               Cash surrender value (1)(2)
           accumulated      assuming hypothetical gross        assuming hypothetical gross       assuming hypothetical gross
End of     with annual      annual investment return of        annual investment return of       annual investment return of
policy     interest
year       at 5%          0%          6%         12%         0%          6%         12%          0%           6%        12%
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    <S>   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>
     1     $  945     $100,000    $100,000    $100,000    $  605      $  648      $  691      $    0       $    1     $   44
     2      1,937      100,000     100,000     100,000     1,202       1,326       1,455         475          598        727
     3      2,979      100,000     100,000     100,000     1,779       2,022       2,285         993        1,236      1,499
     4      4,073      100,000     100,000     100,000     2,336       2,737       3,190       1,491        1,893      2,346
     5      5,222      100,000     100,000     100,000     2,873       3,473       4,177       1,972        2,572      3,276

     6      6,428      100,000     100,000     100,000     3,380       4,218       5,243       2,660        3,498      4,522
     7      7,694      100,000     100,000     100,000     3,869       4,986       6,409       3,329        4,446      5,868
     8      9,024      100,000     100,000     100,000     4,329       5,766       7,674       3,969        5,406      7,314
     9     10,420      100,000     100,000     100,000     4,772       6,571       9,061       4,591        6,391      8,880
    10     11,886      100,000     100,000     100,000     5,186       7,390      10,570       5,186        7,390     10,570
 
    11     13,425      100,000     100,000     100,000     5,572       8,224      12,217       5,572        8,224     12,217
    12     15,042      100,000     100,000     100,000     5,931       9,075      14,016       5,931        9,075     14,016
    13     16,739      100,000     100,000     100,000     6,253       9,932      15,974       6,253        9,932     15,974
    14     18,521      100,000     100,000     100,000     6,548      10,809      18,120       6,548       10,809     18,120
    15     20,392      100,000     100,000     100,000     6,807      11,694      20,464       6,807       11,694     20,464

    16     22,356      100,000     100,000     100,000     7,030      12,589      23,030       7,030       12,589     23,030
    17     24,419      100,000     100,000     100,000     7,207      13,486      25,834       7,207       13,486     25,834
    18     26,585      100,000     100,000     100,000     7,337      14,384      28,904       7,337       14,384     28,904
    19     28,859      100,000     100,000     100,000     7,412      15,274      32,264       7,412       15,274     32,264
    20     31,247      100,000     100,000     100,000     7,420      16,146      35,942       7,420       16,146     35,942

age 60     45,102      100,000     100,000     100,000     6,601      20,390      60,812       6,601       20,390     60,812
age 65     62,785      100,000     100,000     124,315     3,230      23,445     101,900       3,230       23,445    101,900

(1)  Assumes no policy loans or partial withdrawals have been made.

(2)  Assumes a $900 premium is paid at the beginning of each policy year.  Values will be different if premiums are paid in
     different amounts or with a different frequency.

The above hypothetical investment results are illustrative only and should not be deemed a representation of past or future
investment results.  Actual investment results may be more or less than those shown.  The death benefit, policy value and cash
surrender value would be different from those shown if returns averaged 0%, 6% and 12% over a period of years, but fluctuated above
and below those averages for individual policy years.  No representation can be made that these hypothetical rates of return can be
achieved for any one year or sustained over any period of time.
/TABLE
<PAGE>
PAGE 60
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Illustration
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Initial specified amount $100,000                      Male age 35                              Guaranteed costs assumed
Death benefit Option 1                                 nonsmoker                                    annual premium $900
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
           Premium          Death benefit (1)(2)               Policy value (1)(2)               Cash surrender value (1)(2)
           accumulated      assuming hypothetical gross        assuming hypothetical gross       assuming hypothetical gross
End of     with annual      annual investment return of        annual investment return of       annual investment return of
policy     interest
year       at 5%          0%          6%         12%          0%         6%        12%           0%          6%         12%
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    <S>    <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
     1     $  945     $100,000    $100,000    $100,000     $  576     $  618     $  660       $    0      $    0      $   12
     2      1,937      100,000     100,000     100,000      1,143      1,263      1,388          416         536         661
     3      2,979      100,000     100,000     100,000      1,691      1,925      2,180          905       1,139       1,394
     4      4,073      100,000     100,000     100,000      2,219      2,605      3,042        1,375       1,761       2,198
     5      5,222      100,000     100,000     100,000      2,728      3,304      3,982        1,827       2,403       3,081

     6      6,428      100,000     100,000     100,000      3,208      4,012      4,996        2,487       3,291       4,275
     7      7,694      100,000     100,000     100,000      3,669      4,740      6,104        3,129       4,199       5,564
     8      9,024      100,000     100,000     100,000      4,102      5,478      7,306        3,742       5,117       6,945
     9     10,420      100,000     100,000     100,000      4,518      6,238      8,622        4,337       6,058       8,441
    10     11,886      100,000     100,000     100,000      4,905      7,011     10,053        4,905       7,011      10,053

    11     13,425      100,000     100,000     100,000      5,265      7,797     11,614        5,265       7,797      11,614
    12     15,042      100,000     100,000     100,000      5,599      8,597     13,317        5,599       8,597      13,317
    13     16,739      100,000     100,000     100,000      5,894      9,401     15,169        5,894       9,401      15,169
    14     18,521      100,000     100,000     100,000      6,164     10,221     17,197        6,164      10,221      17,197
    15     20,392      100,000     100,000     100,000      6,398     11,048     19,411        6,398      11,048      19,411

    16     22,356      100,000     100,000     100,000      6,584     11,870     21,822        6,584      11,870      21,822
    17     24,419      100,000     100,000     100,000      6,736     12,701     24,463        6,736      12,701      24,463
    18     26,585      100,000     100,000     100,000      6,842     13,529     27,353        6,842      13,529      27,353
    19     28,859      100,000     100,000     100,000      6,891     14,346     30,512        6,891      14,346      30,512
    20     31,247      100,000     100,000     100,000      6,874     15,141     33,965        6,874      15,141      33,965

age 60     45,102      100,000     100,000     100,000      5,651     18,645     57,045        5,651      18,645      57,045
age 65     62,785      100,000     100,000     116,888      1,576     20,424     95,188        1,576      20,424      95,188

(1)  Assumes no policy loans or partial withdrawals have been made.

(2)  Assumes a $900 premium is paid at the beginning of each policy year.  Values will be different if premiums are paid in
     different amounts or with a different frequency.

The above hypothetical investment results are illustrative only and should not be deemed a representation of past or future
investment results.  Actual investment results may be more or less than those shown.  The death benefit, policy value and cash
surrender value would be different from those shown if returns averaged 0%, 6% and 12% over a period of years, but fluctuated above
and below those averages for individual policy years.  No representation can be made that these hypothetical rates of return can be
achieved for any one year or sustained over any period of time.
/TABLE
<PAGE>
PAGE 61
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account -- Flexible Premium Variable Life Subaccounts

Statements of Net Assets                                                        Dec. 31, 1995
                                                                                            
                                                       Segregated Asset Subaccounts
Assets                      U              V             W             X                Y    
<S>                     <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>             <C>           <C>
Investments in shares of mutual fund portfolios
and in units of the trust,  at market value:
IDS Life Series
Fund Equity Portfolio --
12,277,238 shares at
net asset value of
$25.70 per share
(cost $226,671,368).... $315,514,887   $        --   $        --  $         --    $       --
IDS Life Series Fund
Income Portfolio --
3,982,304 shares at net
asset value of $10.50
per share (cost
$39,208,896)...........           --    41,822,065            --            --            --
IDS Life Series Fund
Money Market Portfolio
- --10,656,314 shares at
net asset value of
$1.00 per share
(cost $10,655,498).....           --            --    10,655,369            --            --
IDS Life Series Fund
Managed Portfolio --
14,823,205 shares at net
asset value of $16.10
per share
(cost $211,415,326)....           --            --            --   238,676,941            --
IDS Life Series Fund
Government Securities
Portfolio -- 713,767
shares at net asset
value of $10.57 per
share (cost $7,204,630).          --            --            --            --     7,546,468
IDS Life Series Fund
International Equity
Portfolio -- 1,846,762 shares
at net asset value of $13.46
per share
(cost $20,541,794)......          --            --            --            --            --
Smith Barney Inc. Stripped
("Zero Coupon") U.S.Treasury
Securities Fund, Series A
2004 Trust -- 17,233,451
units at net asset value of
$0.61 per unit
(cost $7,220,944).......          --            --            --            --            --
                         315,514,887    41,822,065    10,655,369   238,676,941     7,546,468
Dividends receivable....          --       214,036        37,949            --        33,928
Accounts receivable from
IDS Life for contract
purchase payments.......     322,311       124,155       276,175       191,137            --
Receivable from mutual
fund portfolios 
for redemptions.........          --            --            --            --         3,826
Total assets............ 315,837,198    42,160,256    10,969,493   238,868,078     7,584,222
<PAGE>
PAGE 62
Statements of Net Assets                                                      Dec. 31, 1995
                                                                                   Combined
                                              Segregated Asset Subaccounts         Variable
Assets                                         IL                    2004V          Account   
Investments in shares of mutual fund portfolios
and units of the trust,  at market value:
IDS Life Series
Fund Equity Portfolio --
12,277,238 shares at
net asset value of
$25.70 per share
(cost $226,671,368)....                $        --                $         --    $315,514,887
IDS Life Series Fund
Income Portfolio --
3,982,304 shares at net
asset value of $10.50
per share (cost
$39,208,896)...........                         --                          --      41,822,065
IDS Life Series Fund
Money Market Portfolio
- -- 10,656,314 shares at
net asset value of
$1.00 per share
(cost $10,655,498)......                        --                          --      10,655,369
IDS Life Series Fund
Managed Portfolio --
14,823,205 shares at net
asset value of $16.10
per share
(cost $211,415,326)....                         --                          --     238,676,941
IDS Life Series Fund
Government Securities
Portfolio -- 713,767
shares at net asset
value of $10.57 per
share (cost $7,204,630).                        --                          --       7,546,468
IDS Life Series Fund
International Equity
Portfolio -- 1,846,762 shares
at net asset value of $13.46
per share
(cost $20,541,794).......               24,855,346                          --      24,855,346
Smith Barney Inc.       
Stripped ("Zero Coupon")
U.S.Treasury Securities
Fund, Series A 2004 Trust
- -- 17,233,451 units at net
asset value of $0.61 per
unit (cost $7,220,944)..                        --                  10,559,531      10,559,531
                                        24,855,346                  10,559,531     649,630,607
Dividends receivable....                        --                          --         285,913
Accounts receivable from
IDS Life for contract
purchase payments.......                   151,715                       9,558       1,075,051
Receivable from mutual
fund portfolios
for redemptions.........                        --                          --           3,826
Total assets............                25,007,061                  10,569,089     650,995,397
<PAGE>
PAGE 63
Statements of Net Assets (continued)                                           Dec. 31, 1995
                                                                                            
                                                       Segregated Asset Subaccounts         
Liabilities                 U              V             W             X                Y      

Payable to IDS Life for:
Mortality and expense
risk fee................     447,650        29,429         7,203       339,446         5,354
Transaction charge......          --            --            --            --            --
Contract terminations...          --            --            --            --         3,826
Payable to mutual fund
portfolios and the trust
for investments
purchased...............     322,310       308,762       306,921       191,137        28,574   
Total liabilities.......     769,960       338,191       314,124       530,583        37,754   
Net assets applicable
to Variable Life contracts
in accumulation period..$315,067,238   $41,822,065   $10,655,369  $238,337,495    $7,546,468   
Accumulation units
outstanding............. 112,397,698    21,093,984     7,292,031    89,225,571     3,992,247   
Net asset value per
accumulation unit.......$       2.80   $      1.98   $      1.46  $       2.67    $     1.89   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                                     Dec. 31, 1995
                                                          Combined
                       Segregated Asset Subaccounts       Variable
Liabilities                       IL         2004V         Account 

Payable to IDS Life for:
Mortality and expense
risk fee................      32,523         7,494       869,099
Transaction charge......          --         2,082         2,082
Contract terminations...          --            --         3,826
Payable to mutual fund
portfolios and the trust
for investments
purchased...............     151,715         9,558     1,318,977
Total liabilities.......     184,238        19,134     2,193,984
Net assets applicable
to Variable Life contracts
in accumulation period.. $24,822,823   $10,549,955  $648,801,413
Accumulation units
outstanding.............  18,302,995     4,174,429              
Net asset value per
accumulation unit....... $      1.36   $      2.53              

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
PAGE 64

IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account - Flexible Premium Variable Life Subaccounts

Statements of Operations                                                  Year ended Dec. 31,1995
                                                                                               
                                                       Segregated Asset Subaccounts            
                               U             V            W             X              Y             IL   

Investment income (loss):
Dividend income from
mutual fund portfolios..$ 5,405,186     $2,256,517   $  369,544   $ 9,316,974     $  425,859    $  168,339
Expenses:
Mortality and expense
risk fee (Note 3)........ 2,240,441        298,775       64,375     1,761,361         62,389       112,228
Transaction charge
(Note 6).................       --              --           --            --             --            --
Total expenses........... 2,240,441        298,775       64,375     1,761,361         62,389       112,228
Investment income
(loss) -- net............ 3,164,745      1,957,742      305,169     7,555,613        363,470        56,111

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments -- net                                                 
Realized gain (loss) on sales of
investments in mutual
fund portfolios and in
the trusts:
Proceeds from sales...... 2,030,794      1,262,058    4,382,642     2,054,955      1,009,224        19,482
Cost of investments sold..1,586,450      1,260,160    4,382,780     1,946,416      1,005,908        17,414
Net realized gain (loss) on
investments..............   444,344          1,898         (138)      108,539          3,316         2,068
Net change in unrealized
appreciation or depreciation 
of investments...........72,066,408      4,051,945           60    26,093,487        713,207     4,338,153
Net gain (loss) on
investments..............72,510,752      4,053,843          (78)   26,202,026        716,523     4,340,221
Net increase in
net assets resulting from
operations..............$75,675,497     $6,011,585   $  305,091   $33,757,639     $1,079,993    $4,396,332
* For the period Jan. 1, 1995 to Nov. 15, 1995, date of maturity of securities in the 1995 Trust.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Statements of Operations                Year ended Dec. 31,1995
                                                       Combined
              Segregated Asset Subaccounts             Variable
                             1995V*        2004V        Account 
Investment income (loss):
Dividend income from
mutual fund portfolios...$      --     $      --   $ 17,942,419
Expenses:
Mortality and expense
risk fee (Note 3)........    9,970        79,928      4,629,467
Transaction charge
(Note 6).................    2,769        22,202         24,971
Total expenses...........   12,739       102,130      4,654,438
Investment income
(loss) -- net............  (12,739)     (102,130)    13,287,981
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments -- net      
Realized gain (loss) on sales of
investments in mutual
fund portfolios and in
the trusts:
Proceeds from sales......1,601,638       708,122     13,068,915
Cost of investments
sold.....................1,273,827       536,790     12,009,745
Net realized gain (loss) on
investments..............  327,811       171,332      1,059,170
Net change in unrealized
appreciation or
depreciation of
investments.............. (261,814)     2,166,757   109,168,203
Net gain (loss) on
investments..............   65,997      2,338,089   110,227,373
Net increase in net assets
resulting from operations$  53,258     $2,235,959  $123,515,354
* For the period Jan. 1, 1995 to Nov. 15, 1995, date of maturity of securities in the 1995 Trust.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 65
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account - Flexible Premium Variable Life Subaccounts

Statements of Operations                                                  Year ended Dec. 31,1994
                                                                                               
                                                       Segregated Asset Subaccounts            
                            U              V            W           X            Y         IL*   
<S>                       <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>   <C>   <C>
Investment income (loss):
Dividend income from
mutual fund portfolios... $13,315,288  $ 1,852,616   $  200,930  $14,283,336 $  431,043  $     -- 
Expenses:
Mortality and expense
risk fee (Note 3)........   1,252,075      232,967       49,351    1,197,216     57,443     2,115
Transaction charge
(Note 6).................         --            --           --           --         --        -- 
Total expenses...........   1,252,075      232,967       49,351    1,197,216     57,443     2,115 
Investment income
(loss) -- net............  12,063,213    1,619,649      151,579   13,086,120    373,600    (2,115)

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments -- net                                        
Realized gain (loss) on sales of
investments in mutual
fund portfolios and in
the trusts:
Proceeds from sales......      39,266    2,392,412    4,239,196      601,333  1,065,052        --
Cost of investments sold..     36,448    2,442,459    4,239,286      578,188  1,090,577        -- 
Net realized gain (loss) on
investments..............       2,818      (50,047)         (90)      23,145    (25,525)       --
Net change in unrealized
appreciation or depreciation 
of investments...........  (7,104,030)  (2,959,460)        (199) (13,046,187)  (718,640)  (24,601)
Net gain (loss) on
investments..............  (7,101,212)  (3,009,507)        (289) (13,023,042)  (744,165)  (24,601)
Net increase (decrease) in
net assets resulting from
operations............... $ 4,962,001  $(1,389,858)  $  151,290  $    63,078 $ (370,565) $(26,716)
* For the period Oct. 28, 1994 (commencement of operations) to Dec. 31, 1994.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Statements of Operations                Year ended Dec. 31,1994
                                                       Combined
              Segregated Asset Subaccounts             Variable
                             1995V         2004V        Account 
Investment income (loss):
Dividend income from
mutual fund portfolios...$      --   $        --    $30,083,213
Expenses:
Mortality and expense
risk fee (Note 3)........   11,090        66,598      2,868,855
Transaction charge
(Note 6).................    3,073        18,499         21,572
Total expenses...........   14,163        85,097      2,890,427
Investment income
(loss) -- net............  (14,163)      (85,097)    27,192,786
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments -- net      
Realized gain (loss) on sales of
investments in mutual
fund portfolios and in
the trusts:
Proceeds from sales......  186,364     1,387,674      9,911,297
Cost of investments
sold.....................  146,452     1,106,576      9,639,986
Net realized gain (loss) on
investments..............   39,912       281,098        271,311
Net change in unrealized
appreciation or
depreciation of
investments.............   (18,459)   (1,014,344)   (24,885,920)
Net gain (loss) on
investments..............   21,453      (733,246)   (24,614,609)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
resulting from operations$   7,290     $(818,343)   $ 2,578,177
* For the period Oct. 28, 1994 (commencement of operations) to Dec. 31, 1994.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
PAGE 66
IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account -- Flexible Premium Variable Life Subaccounts

Statements of Operations                                              Year ended Dec. 31, 1993
                                                                                             
                                      Segregated Asset Subaccounts                           
                            U              V             W             X                Y    
Investment income (loss):
Dividend income from
mutual fund portfolios... $ 2,317,662  $1,222,509    $  103,803  $ 7,255,056       $314,966  
Expenses:
Mortality and expense
risk fee (Note 3)........     736,850     156,515        35,692      693,795         44,107 
Transaction charge
(Note 6).................          --          --            --           --             --  
Total expenses...........     736,850     156,515        35,692      693,795         44,107  
Investment income
(loss) -- net............   1,580,812   1,065,994        68,111    6,561,261        270,859  


Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments -- net                                    
Realized gain on sales of
investments in mutual fund
portfolios and in the trusts:
Proceeds from sales......     824,122     851,169     2,093,868      387,697        654,074 
Cost of investments sold.     679,089     786,183     2,093,843      354,103        601,305  
Net realized gain on
investments..............     145,033      64,986            25       33,594         52,769 
Net change in unrealized
appreciation or
depreciation of
investments..............   9,696,478     904,140           (28)   7,262,233        144,644  
Net gain (loss) on
investments..............   9,841,511     969,126            (3)   7,295,827        197,413  
Net increase in net
assets resulting from
operations............... $11,422,323  $2,035,120    $   68,108  $13,857,088       $468,272  

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Statements of Operations                Year ended Dec. 31, 1993
                                                        Combined
                    Segregated Asset Subaccounts        Variable
                             1995V       2004V           Account
Investment income (loss):
Dividend income from
mutual fund portfolios... $       --  $       --     $11,213,996
Expenses:
Mortality and expense
risk fee (Note 3)........      9,514      57,478       1,733,951
Transaction charge
(Note 6).................      2,643      15,966          18,609
Total expenses...........     12,157      73,444       1,752,560
Investment income
(loss) -- net............    (12,157)    (73,444)      9,461,436


Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments -- net       
Realized gain on sales of
investments in mutual fund
portfolios and in the trusts:
Proceeds from sales......    187,563     855,479       5,853,972
Cost of investments sold.    136,695     594,947       5,246,165
Net realized gain on
investments..............     50,868     260,532         607,807
Net change in unrealized
appreciation or
depreciation of
investments..............     19,493     882,823      18,909,783
Net gain (loss) on
investments..............     70,361   1,143,355      19,517,590
Net increase in net
assets resulting from
operations............... $   58,204  $1,069,911     $28,979,026

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 67
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account -- Flexible Premium Variable Life Subaccounts

Statements of Changes in Net Assets                                       Year ended Dec. 31, 1995
                                                                          
                                               Segregated Asset Subaccounts
Operations               U              V             W           X              Y            IL      
<S>              <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>        <C>
Investment income
(loss) -- net....$   3,164,745  $  1,957,742   $  305,169   $  7,555,613    $  363,470 $    56,111
Net realized gain (loss)
on investments....     444,344         1,898         (138)       108,539         3,316       2,068  
Net change in unrealized
appreciation or
depreciation of
investments.......  72,066,408     4,051,945           60     26,093,487       713,207   4,338,153  
Net increase 
in net assets resulting
from operations...  75,675,497     6,011,585      305,091     33,757,639     1,079,993   4,396,332  


Contract Transactions                                                                               
Variable life
contract purchase
payments.......... 65,899,530     8,927,561     3,827,646     53,655,655     1,708,490   8,359,743  
Net transfers*.... 26,661,981     4,547,910     1,986,781     15,550,065      (413,095) 10,873,809  
Transfers for
policy loans...... (3,999,311)     (424,646)     (139,379)    (2,605,848)      (62,672)   (159,345) 
Policy charges
(Note 3)..........(17,285,517)   (2,859,472)     (698,384)   (15,283,083)     (785,784)   (958,424) 
Contract terminations:
Surrender benefits
(Note 7).......... (8,829,772)   (1,144,868)     (425,657)    (7,032,033)     (328,204)   (231,490) 
Death benefits....   (245,450)      (68,976)       (8,227)      (300,012)      (35,240)     (2,966) 
Increase (decrease) from contract
transactions...... 62,201,461     8,977,509     4,542,780     43,984,744        83,495  17,881,327  
Net assets at
beginning of year.177,190,280    26,832,971     5,807,498    160,595,112     6,382,980   2,545,164  
Net assets at end
of year..........$315,067,238   $41,822,065   $10,655,369   $238,337,495    $7,546,468 $24,822,823  


Accumulation Unit Activity                                                                          
Units outstanding
at beginning of
year.............. 86,671,509    16,248,127     4,147,565     70,902,569     3,949,666   2,581,651   
Contract purchase
payments.......... 27,401,979     4,900,338     2,667,651     22,373,025       977,297   7,327,340  
Net transfers*.... 10,887,309     2,417,994     1,361,557      6,465,711      (244,047)  9,554,177  
Transfers for
policy loans...... (1,647,099)     (231,730)      (95,887)    (1,089,571)      (35,608)   (137,740) 
Policy charges.... (7,207,668)   (1,574,630)     (487,738)    (6,377,740)     (448,607)   (829,452) 
Contract terminations:
Surrender
benefits.......... (3,608,606)     (628,575)     (295,330)    (2,922,433)     (186,158)   (190,349) 
Death benefits.....   (99,726)      (37,540)       (5,787)      (125,990)      (20,296)     (2,632) 
Units outstanding
at end of year....112,397,698    21,093,984     7,292,031     89,225,571     3,992,247  18,302,995  
*   Includes transfer activity from (to) other subaccounts and transfers from (to) IDS Life's Fixed Account. 
**  For the period Jan. 1, 1995 to Nov. 15, 1995, date of maturity of securities in the 1995 Trust.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
 <PAGE>
PAGE 68
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statements of Changes in Net Assets  Year ended Dec. 31, 1995

                                                   Combined
             Segregated Asset Subaccounts          Variable
Operations              1995V**       2004V         Account
<S>               <C>           <C>            <C>
Investment income
(loss) -- net.....$   (12,739)  $  (102,130)   $ 13,287,981
Net realized gain (loss)
on investments....    327,811       171,332       1,059,170
Net change in unrealized
appreciation or
depreciation of
investments......    (261,814)    2,166,757     109,168,203 
Net increase
in net assets
resulting from
operations.......      53,258     2,235,959     123,515,354 


Contract Transactions                                       
Variable life
contract purchase
payments..........    191,318     1,515,226     144,085,169
Net transfers*.... (1,291,105)      547,117      58,463,463
Transfers for
policy loans......    (11,015)      (97,669)     (7,499,885)
Policy charges
(Note 3)..........    (88,794)     (649,512)    (38,608,970)
Contract terminations:
Surrender benefits
(Note 7)..........   (131,172)     (458,821)    (18,582,017)
Death benefits....          -        (1,823)       (662,694)
Increase (decrease) from contract
transactions...... (1,330,768)      854,518     137,195,066 
Net assets at
beginning of year.. 1,277,510     7,459,478     388,090,993 
Net assets at end
of year...........$         -   $10,549,955    $648,801,413 


Accumulation Unit Activity                                  
Units outstanding
at beginning of
year..............    739,226     3,814,100
Contract purchase
payments..........    106,296       670,507
Net transfers*....   (715,215)      222,567
Transfers for
policy loans......     (6,197)      (43,278)
Policy charges....    (50,076)     (289,701)
Contract terminations:
Surrender
benefits...........   (74,034)     (198,941)
Death benefits.....         -          (825)                
Units outstanding
at end of year.....         -     4,174,429                 
*  Includes transfer activity from (to) other subaccounts and transfers from (to) IDS Life's Fixed Account. 
** For the period Jan. 1, 1995 to Nov. 15, 1995, date of maturity of securities in the 1995 Trust.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 69
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account -- Flexible Premium Variable Life Subaccounts

Statements of Changes in Net Assets                                       Year ended Dec. 31, 1994
                                                                          
                                               Segregated Asset Subaccounts
Operations             U             V            W            X              Y            IL*     
<S>              <C>             <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>
Investment income
(loss) -- net....$ 12,063,213    $ 1,619,649  $  151,579    $ 13,086,120   $  373,600  $   (2,115)
Net realized gain (loss)
on investments....      2,818        (50,047)        (90)         23,145      (25,525)         --  
Net change in unrealized
appreciation or
depreciation of
investments....... (7,104,030)    (2,959,460)       (199)    (13,046,187)    (718,640)    (24,601) 
Net increase (decrease)
in net assets resulting
from operations...  4,962,001     (1,389,858)    151,290          63,078     (370,565)    (26,716) 


Contract Transactions                                                                              
Variable life
contract purchase
payments.......... 53,662,326      8,536,627   3,045,575      47,393,912    2,349,108     479,249
Net transfers**... 31,299,656        674,364    (558,467)     29,895,792     (387,467)  2,131,779  
Transfers for
policy loans...... (2,091,783)      (300,575)    (58,150)     (2,044,233)     (54,511)      2,570  
Policy charges
(Note 3)..........(13,474,555     (2,647,918)   (607,708)    (12,642,019)    (803,474)    (32,704) 
Contract terminations:
Surrender benefits
(Note 7).......... (6,281,648)    (1,072,188)   (131,954)     (6,054,959)    (240,666)     (9,014) 
Death benefits....   (140,601)       (66,862)       (526)       (174,073)     (12,924)         --  
Increase from contract
transactions...... 62,973,395      5,123,448   1,688,770      56,374,420      850,066   2,571,880  
Net assets at
beginning of year.109,254,884     23,099,381   3,967,438     104,157,614    5,903,479          --  
Net assets at end
of year..........$177,190,280    $26,832,971  $5,807,498    $160,595,112   $6,382,980  $2,545,164  


Accumulation Unit Activity                                                                         
Units outstanding
at beginning of
year.............. 54,422,093     13,255,311   2,911,403      45,869,757    3,444,125          --  
Contract purchase
payments.......... 27,492,793      5,083,028   2,210,496      21,082,609    1,429,074     476,913  
Net transfers**... 16,014,201        346,533    (394,967)     13,252,188     (244,851)  2,144,481  
Transfers for
policy loans...... (1,070,031)      (178,817)    (42,438)       (910,619)     (33,478)      2,570  
Policy charges.... (6,903,443)    (1,581,088)   (440,906)     (5,623,402)    (490,857)    (33,133) 
Contract terminations:
Surrender
benefits.......... (3,212,348)      (637,064)    (95,759)     (2,691,231)    (146,375)     (9,180) 
Death benefits.....   (71,756)       (39,776)       (264)        (76,733)      (7,972)         --  
Units outstanding
at end of year.....86,671,509     16,248,127   4,147,565      70,902,569    3,949,666   2,581,651  
*  For the period Oct. 28, 1994 (commencement of operations) to Dec. 31, 1994.
** Includes transfer activity from (to) other subaccounts and transfers from (to) IDS Life's Fixed Account. 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 70
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statements of Changes in Net Assets  Year ended Dec. 31, 1994

                                              Combined
             Segregated Asset Subaccounts     Variable
Operations           1995V        2004V        Account     
<S>               <C>         <C>            <C>
Investment income
(loss) -- net.....$ (14,163)  $  (85,097)    $ 27,192,786
Net realized gain (loss)
on investments....   39,912      281,098          271,311
Net change in unrealized
appreciation or
depreciation of
investments.......  (18,459)  (1,014,344)     (24,885,920)
Net increase (decrease)
in net assets
resulting from
operations........    7,290     (818,343)       2,578,177 


Contract Transactions                                    
Variable life
contract purchase
payments..........  271,328    2,048,902      117,787,027
Net transfers**...   19,984      (48,078)      63,027,563
Transfers for
policy loans......  (13,386)     (82,042)      (4,642,110)
Policy charges
(Note 3).......... (102,712)    (689,251)     (31,000,341)
Contract terminations:
Surrender benefits
(Note 7)..........  (31,577)    (385,501)     (14,207,507)
Death benefits....       --         (275)        (395,261)
Increase from contract
transactions......  143,637      843,755      130,569,371 
Net assets at
beginning of year.1,126,583    7,434,066      254,943,445 
Net assets at end
of year..........$1,277,510   $7,459,478     $388,090,993 


Accumulation Unit Activity                                
Units outstanding
at beginning of
year..............   655,567   3,410,206
Contract purchase
payments..........   158,146   1,021,661
Net transfers**...    11,526     (38,887)
Transfers for
policy loans......    (7,767)    (41,817)
Policy charges....   (59,873)   (345,215)
Contract terminations:
Surrender
benefits...........  (18,373)   (191,707)
Death benefits.....       --        (141)                 
Units outstanding
at end of year.....  739,226   3,814,100                  
*  For the period Oct.28, 1994 (commencement of operations) to Dec. 31, 1994.
*  Includes transfer activity from (to) other subaccounts and transfers from (to) IDS Life's Fixed Account.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
 <PAGE>
PAGE 71
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account -- Flexible Premium Variable Life Subaccounts

Statements of Changes in Net Assets                                 Year ended Dec. 31, 1993
                                                                                           
                                                       Segregated Asset Subaccounts        
Operations                  U              V             W             X                Y   
<S>                    <C>             <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>
Investment income
(loss) -- net......... $  1,580,812    $ 1,065,994    $   68,111   $  6,561,261  $   270,859
Net realized gain on
investments...........      145,033         64,986            25         33,594       52,769
Net change in
unrealized appreciation
or depreciation of
investments...........    9,696,478        904,140           (28)     7,262,233      144,644
Net increase in net
assets resulting from
operations............   11,422,323      2,035,120        68,108     13,857,088      468,272

Contract Transactions                                                                       
Variable life contract
purchase payments.....   32,464,306      6,060,987     1,554,484     25,900,710    1,749,312
Net transfers*........   16,961,735      4,584,703      (789,340)    20,407,541      583,218
Transfers for policy
loans.................   (1,694,630)      (401,220)     (134,351)    (1,551,680)    (104,939)
Policy charges
(Note 3)..............   (9,014,789)    (1,763,330)     (518,029)    (7,618,154)    (523,818)
Contract terminations:
Surrender benefits
(Note 7)..............   (4,699,668)      (915,691)     (205,110)    (4,918,800)    (209,353)
Death benefits........      (96,332)       (40,471)         (907)      (170,109)        (114)
Increase (decrease)
from contract
transactions..........   33,920,622      7,524,978       (93,253)    32,049,508    1,494,306 
Net assets at
beginning of year.....   63,911,939     13,539,283     3,992,583     58,251,018    3,940,901 
Net assets at end
of year............... $109,254,884    $23,099,381    $3,967,438   $104,157,614   $5,903,479 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets      Year ended Dec. 31, 1993

                                                        Combined
                      Segregated Asset Subaccounts      Variable
Operations                   1995V         2004V        Account  
Investment income
(loss) -- net.........   $  (12,157)   $  (73,444)   $  9,461,436
Net realized gain on
investments...........       50,868       260,532         607,807
Net change in
unrealized appreciation
or depreciation of
investments...........       19,493       882,823      18,909,783
Net increase in net
assets resulting from
operations............       58,204     1,069,911      28,979,026

Contract Transactions                                            
Variable life contract
purchase payments.....      222,148     1,487,027      69,438,974
Net transfers*........       61,241       893,963      42,703,061
Transfers for policy
loans.................      (21,869)     (107,415)     (4,016,104)
Policy charges
(Note 3)..............      (83,410)     (511,774)    (20,033,304)
Contract terminations:
Surrender benefits
(Note 7)..............      (81,621)     (537,137)    (11,567,380)
Death benefits........           --        (4,485)       (312,418)
Increase (decrease)
from contract
transactions..........       96,489     1,220,179      76,212,829
Net assets at
beginning of year.....      971,890     5,143,976     149,751,590
Net assets at end
of year...............   $1,126,583    $7,434,066    $254,943,445
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 72
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of Changes in Net Assets (continued)                                                   Year ended Dec. 31, 1993

                                      Segregated Asset Subaccounts
Accumulation Unit Activity   U              V             W              X           Y              1995V       2004V    
<S>                      <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>              <C>         <C>
Units outstanding at
beginning of year.....   35,764,760      8,848,353     2,980,646     30,474,795   2,556,038        598,401     2,841,540
Contract purchase
payments..............   17,974,062      3,595,255     1,149,908     12,553,727   1,042,048        131,096       707,564
Net transfers*........    9,237,097      2,669,509      (584,109)     9,754,851     345,119         36,430       426,766
Transfers for policy
loans.................     (940,191)      (240,726)      (99,408)      (754,930)    (61,875)       (12,976)      (56,159)
Policy charges........   (5,003,599)    (1,050,173)     (383,329)    (3,709,711)   (312,977)       (49,288)     (245,309)
Contract terminations:
Surrender benefits....   (2,558,225)      (543,579)     (151,638)    (2,364,877)   (124,154)       (48,096)     (262,055)
Death benefits........      (51,811)       (23,328)         (667)       (84,098)        (74)            --        (2,141)
Units outstanding at
end of year  --          54,422,093     13,255,311     2,911,403     45,869,757   3,444,125        655,567     3,410,206 
*Includes transfer activity from (to) other subaccounts and transfers from (to) IDS Life's Fixed Account.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 73
Notes to Financial Statements

___________________________________________________________________
1.  Organization

IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account (the Variable Account) was
established on Oct. 16, 1985 as a segregated asset account of IDS
Life Insurance Company (IDS Life) under Minnesota law and is
registered as a single unit investment trust under the Investment
Company Act of 1940.  Operations of the Variable Account commenced
on Jan. 20, 1986.

The Variable Account is comprised of various subaccounts.  The
assets of each subaccount of the Variable Account are not
chargeable with liabilities arising out of the business conducted
by any other Subaccount, Account or by IDS Life.  The assets of the
Variable Account shall be available, however, to cover the
liabilities of IDS Life to the extent the assets of the Variable
Account exceed its liabilities arising under the policies supported
by it.  Flexible Premium Variable Life policy owners allocate their
premium payment to one or more of the seven subaccounts which are
used in connection with those policies.  Prior to Nov. 15, 1995,
the date of maturity of securities in the 1995 Trust, there were 
eight subaccounts available for investment.  Such funds are then
invested in shares of six portfolios of IDS Life Series Fund, Inc.
(the mutual fund) or in units of one Trust of Smith Barney Inc.  
Stripped ("Zero Coupon") U.S.  Treasury Securities Fund, Series A
(individually, a Trust or collectively, the Trusts).  The 1995
Trust matured on Nov. 15, 1995 and is no longer available for
investment.

The mutual fund, which commenced operations Jan. 20, 1986, is
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a
diversified, open-end management investment company.  Funds are
allocated to the subaccounts which are used in connection with
Flexible Premium Variable Life policies:  Subaccount U invests in
the shares of the Equity Portfolio; Subaccount V invests in the
shares of the Income Portfolio; Subaccount W invests in the shares
of the Money Market Portfolio; Subaccount X invests in the shares
of the Managed Portfolio; Subaccount Y invests in the shares of the
Government Securities Portfolio and Subaccount IL invests in shares
of the International Equity Portfolio.  The Trusts,  which
commenced operations Aug. 4, 1986, are registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as a unit investment trust.  Funds
allocated to Subaccount 1995V were invested in units of the 1995
Trust and Subaccount 2004V invests in units of the 2004 Trust. 

IDS Life serves as manager, investment adviser and distributor for
the Variable Account and the underlying mutual fund.  Smith Barney
Inc. serves as sponsor for the Trusts.

<PAGE>
PAGE 74
___________________________________________________________________
2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Investments in Mutual Fund
Investments in shares of the mutual fund portfolios are stated at
market value which is the net asset value per share as determined
by the respective portfolios.  Investment transactions are
accounted for on the date the shares are purchased and sold.  The
cost of investments sold and redeemed is determined on the average
cost method.  Dividend distributions received from the portfolios
are reinvested, net of any expenses payable to IDS Life, in
additional shares of the portfolios and are recorded as income by
the subaccounts on the ex-dividend date.

Unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments in the
accompanying financial statements represents the subaccounts' share
of the portfolios' undistributed net investment income,
undistributed realized gain or loss and the unrealized appreciation
or depreciation on their investment securities.

Investments in the Trust
Investments in units of the Trust are stated at market value which
is the net asset value per unit as determined by the respective
Trust.  Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the
units are purchased and sold.  The cost of investments sold and
redeemed is determined on the average cost method.

Unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments in the
accompanying financial statements represents the subaccounts' share
of the Trusts' undistributed net investment income, undistributed
realized gain or loss and the unrealized appreciation or
depreciation on their investment securities.

Federal Income Taxes
IDS Life is taxed as a life insurance company. The Variable Account
is treated as part of IDS Life for federal income tax purposes.

Under existing federal income tax law, no income taxes are payable
with respect to any investment income of the Variable Account.     

___________________________________________________________________
3.  Mortality and Expense Risk Fee and Policy Charges

IDS Life makes contractual assurances to the Variable Account that
possible future adverse changes in administrative expenses and
mortality experience of the policy owners and beneficiaries will
not affect the Variable Account.  The mortality and expense risk
fee paid to IDS Life is computed daily and is equal, on an annual
basis,  to 0.9 percent of the daily net asset value of the Variable
Account.  A monthly deduction is made for the cost of insurance,
the policy fee, the cost of any riders and the death benefit
guarantee charge for the policy month.  The cost of insurance for
the policy month is determined on the monthly date by determining
the net amount at risk, as of that day, and by then applying the
cost of insurance rates to the net amount at risk which IDS Life is
assuming for the succeeding month.  The monthly deduction will be
taken from the subaccounts as specified in the application for the
policy.
<PAGE>
PAGE 75
___________________________________________________________________
3.  Mortality and Expense Risk Fee and Policy Charges (continued)

IDS Life deducts a policy fee of $5 per month.  This charge
reimburses IDS Life for expenses incurred in administering the
policy, such as processing claims,  maintaining records,  making
policy changes and communicating with owners of policies.  IDS Life
does not anticipate that it will make any profit on this charge. 
IDS Life reserves the right to change this charge in the future,
but guarantees that it will never exceed $7.50 per month.

___________________________________________________________________
4.  Death Benefit Guarantee Charge and Optional Insurance Benefit
    Charge

For each policy month the death benefit guarantee is in effect, IDS
Life deducts a charge of $.01 per $1,000 of the amount used to
determine the death benefit (specified amount) and $.01 per $1,000
coverage under the other insured rider to compensate it for the
risk assumed in providing the death benefit guarantee.

Each month IDS Life deducts charges for any optional insurance
benefits added to the policy by rider.

___________________________________________________________________
5.  Premium Expense Charge

IDS Life deducts a sales charge and a charge for premium taxes from
each premium payment.  The total of these charges is called the
premium expense charge.

A sales charge of 2.5 percent of each premium payment will be
deducted to compensate IDS Life for expenses relating to the
distribution of the policy, including agents' commissions, 
advertising, and the printing of the prospectuses and sales
literature.  In addition, IDS Life may charge a contingent deferred
sales charge if the policy is surrendered or lapses.

The policy provides that a charge of 2.5 percent of each premium
payment will be deducted to cover the premium taxes assessed by the
various states.  Premium taxes vary from state to state.  This
charge is the average rate which IDS Life expects to pay on
premiums from all states.

___________________________________________________________________
6.  Transaction Charge

IDS Life makes a daily charge against the assets of each subaccount
investing in the Trusts.  This charge is intended to reimburse IDS
Life for the transaction charge paid directly by IDS Life to Smith
Barney Inc.  on the sale of the Trust units to the Variable
Account.  IDS Life pays these amounts from its general account
assets.  The amount of the asset charge is equivalent to an
effective annual rate of 0.25 percent of the account value invested
in the Trusts.  This amount may be increased in the future but in
no event will it exceed an effective annual rate of 0.5 percent of
the account value.  The charge will be cost-based (taking into
account a loss of interest) with no anticipated element of profit
for IDS Life.<PAGE>
PAGE 76
___________________________________________________________________
7.  Surrender Charge

There are surrender charges for full surrender in the first 10
years of the policy and for 10 years following an increase in
specified amount.  They are generally level for 5 years and
decreasing the next 5 years.  The surrender charge is based on the
specified amount, the Insured's issue age, sex and smoker class and
the total gross premium paid.   Charges by IDS Life for surrenders
are not available on an individual segregated asset account basis. 
Charges for all segregated asset accounts amounted to $10,125,762
in 1995, $6,969,493 in 1994 and $4,408,562 in 1993.  Such charges
are not an expense of the subaccounts or Variable Account.  They
are deducted from contract surrender benefits paid by IDS Life.

___________________________________________________________________
8.  Investment Transactions

The subaccounts' purchases of portfolio shares or trust units (net
of charges), including reinvestment of dividend distributions, were
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Year Ended Dec. 31,              
Subaccount   Investment                                1995           1994             1993      
  <S>        <C>                                  <C>            <C>              <C>
     U       Equity Portfolio.................    $ 67,589,599   $ 75,168,483     $36,394,018    
     V       Income Portfolio.................      12,197,309      9,135,509       9,442,140    
     W       Money Market Portfolio...........       9,230,592      6,079,545       2,068,726    
     X       Managed Portfolio................      53,726,907     70,115,877      39,065,458     
     Y       Government Securities Portfolio..       1,456,189      2,288,718       2,419,239     
    IL*      International Equity Portfolio...      17,987,335      2,571,873              --     
  1995V      1995 Trust.......................         256,926**      315,954         272,050      
  2004V      2004 Trust.......................       1,463,001      2,146,228       2,004,344    
                                                  $163,907,858   $167,822,187     $91,665,975    
*Commenced operations on Oct. 28, 1994.
**For the period Jan. 1, 1995 to Nov. 15, 1995, date of maturity of securities in the 1995 Trust.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 77
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Condensed Financial Information (unaudited)
                                                                                                                  Period from
                                                                                                                   June 17 to
                                                               Year Ended Dec. 31,                                   Dec. 31,
                                                1995     1994     1993     1992     1991     1990     1989     1988     1987*
<S>                                           <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
Subaccount U (Equity)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period....................................      $2.04    $2.01    $1.79    $1.71    $1.04    $1.10    $0.90    $0.83    $1.00
Accumulation unit value at end of period..      $2.80    $2.04    $2.01    $1.79    $1.71    $1.04    $1.10    $0.90    $0.83
Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period (000 omitted)............    112,398   86,672   54,422   35,765   20,713   13,993    9,013    5,110    1,602
Subaccount V (Income)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period....................................      $1.65    $1.74    $1.53    $1.41    $1.23    $1.17    $1.06    $0.99    $1.00
Accumulation unit value at end of period..      $1.98    $1.65    $1.74    $1.53    $1.41    $1.23    $1.17    $1.06    $0.99
Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period (000 omitted)............     21,094   16,248   13,255    8,848    6,088    4,646    3,207    1,423      267
Subaccount W (Money Market)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period....................................      $1.40    $1.36    $1.34    $1.31    $1.25    $1.17    $1.08    $1.03    $1.00
Accumulation unit value at end of period..      $1.46    $1.40    $1.36    $1.34    $1.31    $1.25    $1.17    $1.08    $1.03
Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period (000 omitted)............      7,292    4,148    2,911    2,981    2,876    2,221    1,497      562      192
Subaccount X (Managed)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period....................................      $2.27    $2.27    $1.91    $1.75    $1.34    $1.25    $0.97    $0.90    $1.00
Accumulation unit value at end of period..      $2.67    $2.27    $2.27    $1.91    $1.75    $1.34    $1.25    $0.97    $0.90
Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period (000 omitted)............     89,226   70,903   45,870   30,475   21,753   15,649   10,496    8,247    3,550
Subaccount Y (Government Securities)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period....................................      $1.62    $1.71    $1.54    $1.46    $1.26    $1.20    $1.05    $1.00    $1.00
Accumulation unit value at end of period..      $1.89    $1.62    $1.71    $1.54    $1.46    $1.26    $1.20    $1.05    $1.00
Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period (000 omitted)............      3,992    3,949    3,444    2,556    1,504    1,096      491      271       55
Subaccount IL (International Equity)**
Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period....................................      $0.99    $1.00       --       --       --       --       --       --       --
Accumulation unit value at end of period..      $1.36    $0.99       --       --       --       --       --       --       --
Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period (000 omitted)............     18,303    2,582       --       --       --       --       --       --       --
Subaccount 1995V***
Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period....................................      $1.73    $1.72    $1.62    $1.53    $1.33    $1.22    $1.07    $1.00    $1.00
Accumulation unit value at end of period..         --    $1.73    $1.72    $1.62    $1.53    $1.33    $1.22    $1.07    $1.00
Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period (000 omitted)............         --      739      656      598      538      520      510      251       47
Subaccount 2004V
Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period....................................      $1.96    $2.18    $1.81    $1.67    $1.40    $1.37    $1.12    $0.99    $1.00
Accumulation unit value at end of period..      $2.53    $1.96    $2.18    $1.81    $1.67    $1.40    $1.37    $1.12    $0.99
Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period (000 omitted)...........       4,174    3,814    3,410    2,842    2,360    2,020    1,588      735      251
*  Operations commenced on June 17, 1987.
** Subaccount IL commenced operations on Oct. 28, 1994.
***Securities in the 1995 Trust matured on Nov. 15, 1995.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 78
Annual Financial Information

Report of Independent Auditors

The Board of Directors
IDS Life Insurance Company

We have audited the accompanying individual and combined statements
of net assets of the segregated asset subaccounts of IDS Life
Variable Life Separate Account for Flexible Premium Variable Life
Insurance (comprising, respectively, the U, V, W, X, Y, IL, 1995V
and 2004V subaccounts) as of December 31, 1995, and the related
statements of operations and changes in net assets for each of the
three years in the period then ended, except for the IL subaccount
which is for the period October 28, 1994 (commencement of
operations) to December 31, 1995, and the 1995V subaccount which is
for the period January 1, 1993 to November 15, 1995 (date of
maturity of the securities in the trust). These financial
statements are the responsibility of the management of IDS Life
Insurance Company. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures
included confirmation of securities owned at December 31, 1995 with
the affiliated mutual fund manager and the unit investment trust
sponsor. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the individual and combined
financial position of IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account for
Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance at December 31, 1995 and
the individual and combined results of their operations and the
changes in their net assets for the periods described above, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.



ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 15, 1996
<PAGE>
PAGE 79
IDS Life Financial Information

The financial statements shown below are those of the insurance
company and not those of any other entity.  They are included in
the prospectus for the purpose of informing investors as to the
financial condition of the insurance company and its ability to
carry out its obligations under its variable contracts.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                                           Dec. 31,           Dec. 31,
ASSETS                                                       1995               1994  
                                                                   (thousands)
<S>                                                      <C>                 <C>
Investments:
Fixed maturities:
Held to maturity, at amortized cost (Fair value:
1995, $11,878,377; 1994 $10,694,800)                     $11,257,591         $11,269,861
Available for sale, at fair value (Amortized cost:
1995, $10,146,136; 1994 $8,459,128)                       10,516,212           8,017,555
Mortgage loans on real estate
(Fair value: 1995, $3,184,666; 1994, $2,342,520)           2,945,495           2,400,514
Policy loans                                                 424,019             381,912
Other investments                                            146,894              51,795

Total investments                                         25,290,211          22,121,637

Cash and cash equivalents                                     72,147             267,774
Receivables:
Reinsurance                                                  114,387              80,304
Amounts due from brokers                                           -               7,933
Other accounts receivable                                     33,667              49,745
Premiums due                                                   5,441               1,594

Total receivables                                            153,495             139,576

Accrued investment income                                    348,008             317,510
Deferred policy acquisition costs                          2,025,725           1,865,324
Deferred income taxes                                              -             124,061
Other assets                                                  36,410              30,426
Separate account assets                                   14,974,082          10,881,235

Total assets                                             $42,900,078         $35,747,543
                                                          ==========          ==========
<PAGE>
PAGE 80

IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
                                                           Dec. 31,           Dec. 31,
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY                         1995               1994  
                                                                   (thousands)

Liabilities:
Fixed annuities--future policy benefits                  $21,404,836         $19,361,979
Universal life-type insurance--future policy benefits      3,076,847           2,896,100
Traditional life insurance--future policy benefits           209,249             206,754
Disability income, health and long-term care
insurance--future policy benefits                            327,157             244,077
Policy claims and other policyholders' funds                  56,323              50,068
Deferred income taxes                                        112,904                  -
Amounts due to brokers                                       121,618             226,737
Other liabilities                                            285,354             291,902
Separate account liabilities                              14,974,082          10,881,235

Total liabilities                                         40,568,370          34,158,852

Stockholder's equity:
Capital stock, $30 par value per share;
100,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding              3,000               3,000
Additional paid-in capital                                   278,814             222,000
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments                    230,129            (275,708)
Retained earnings                                          1,819,765           1,639,399

Total stockholder's equity                                 2,331,708           1,588,691

Total liabilities and stockholder's equity               $42,900,078         $35,747,543
                                                          ==========          ==========

Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 81
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                                              Years ended Dec. 31,
                                                      1995           1994           1993  
                                                                      (thousands)
<S>                                                <C>           <C>            <C>
Revenues:
Premiums:
Traditional life insurance                         $   50,193    $   48,184     $   48,137
Disability income and long-term care insurance        111,337        96,456         79,108

Total premiums                                        161,530       144,640        127,245

Policyholder and contractholder charges               256,454       219,936        184,205
Management and other fees                             215,581       164,169        120,139
Net investment income                               1,907,309     1,781,873      1,783,219
Net realized loss on investments                       (4,898)       (4,282)        (6,737)

Total revenues                                      2,535,976     2,306,336      2,208,071

Benefits and expenses:
Death and other benefits - Traditional life
insurance                                              29,528        28,263         32,136
Death and other benefits - Universal life-type
insurance and investment contracts                     71,691        52,027         49,692
Death and other benefits - Disability income,
health and long-term care insurance                    16,259        13,393         13,148

Increase (decrease) in liabilities for future
policy benefits:
Traditional life insurance                             (1,315)       (3,229)        (4,513)
Disability income, health and
long-term care insurance                               51,279        37,912         32,528

Interest credited on universal life-type
insurance and investment contracts                  1,315,989     1,174,985      1,218,647
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs     280,121       280,372        211,733
Other insurance and operating expenses                211,642       210,101        241,974

Total benefits and expenses                         1,975,194     1,793,824      1,795,345

Income before income taxes                            560,782       512,512        412,726

Income taxes                                          195,842       176,343        142,647

Net income                                         $  364,940    $  336,169     $  270,079
                                                    =========     =========      =========

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 82
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Three years ended December 31, 1995 (thousands)

                                               Additional    Net Unrealized
                                    Capital     Paid-In      Gain (Loss) on    Retained
                                     Stock       Capital      Investments      Earnings        Total  
<S>                                  <C>        <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
Balance, December 31, 1992           $3,000     $ 22,000       $    214      $1,223,151    $1,248,365
Net income                                                                      270,079       270,079
Change in net unrealized
gain (loss) on  investments               -            -           (100)              -          (100)
Capital contribution from parent          -      200,000              -               -       200,000
Cash dividends                            -            -              -         (25,000)      (25,000)

Balance, December 31, 1993            3,000      222,000            114       1,468,230     1,693,344
Net income                                -            -              -         336,169       336,169
Change in net unrealized
gain (loss) on investments                -            -       (275,822)              -      (275,822)
Cash dividends                            -            -              -        (165,000)     (165,000)

Balance, December 31, 1994            3,000      222,000       (275,708)      1,639,399     1,588,691
Net income                                -            -              -         364,940       364,940
Change in net unrealized
gain (loss) on investments                -            -        505,837               -       505,837
Capital contribution from parent          -       56,814              -               -        56,814
Loss on reinsurance transaction
with affiliate                            -            -              -          (4,574)       (4,574)
Cash dividends                            -            -              -        (180,000)     (180,000)

Balance, December 31, 1995           $3,000     $278,814       $230,129      $1,819,765    $2,331,708
                                     ======     ========       ========      ==========    ==========

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 83
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                                                Years ended Dec. 31,
                                                        1995           1994           1993  
                                                                      (thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>            <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income                                            $ 364,940     $ 336,169     $ 270,079
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Policy loan issuances, excluding universal
life-type insurance                                     (46,011)      (37,110)      (35,886)
Policy loan repayments, excluding universal
life-type insurance                                      36,416        33,384        29,557
Change in reinsurance receivable                        (34,083)      (25,006)      (55,298)
Change in other accounts receivable                      16,078       (28,286)       (1,364)
Change in accrued investment income                     (30,498)      (10,333)      (22,057)
Change in deferred policy acquisition costs, net       (196,963)     (192,768)     (211,509)
Change in liabilities for future policy
benefits for traditional life, disability income,
health and long-term care insurance                      85,575        55,354        79,695
Change in policy claims and other policyholders' funds    6,255         5,552        (5,383)
Change in deferred income taxes                         (33,810)      (19,176)      (44,237)
Change in other liabilities                              (6,548)         (122)       56,515
Amortization of premium (accretion
of discount), net                                       (22,528)       30,921       (27,438)
Net loss on investments                                   4,898         4,282         6,737
Premiums related to universal life--type insurance      465,631       409,035       397,883
Surrenders and death benefits related to
universal life--type insurance                         (306,600)     (290,427)     (255,133)
Interest credited to account balances related
to universal life--type insurance                       162,222       150,955       156,885
Policyholder and contractholder charges, non-cash      (140,506)     (126,918)     (115,140)
Other, net                                                    2        (8,974)       (1,907)

Net cash provided by operating activities             $ 324,470     $ 286,532     $ 221,999
<PAGE>
PAGE 84

IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
                                                               Years ended Dec. 31,
                                                         1995          1994          1993  
                                                                      (thousands)

Cash flows from investing activities:
Fixed maturities held to maturity:
Purchases                                           $(1,007,208)  $  (879,740)   $        -
Maturities, sinking fund payments and calls             538,219     1,651,762             -
Sales                                                   332,154        58,001             -
Fixed maturities available for sale:
Purchases                                            (2,452,181)   (2,763,278)            -
Maturities, sinking fund payments and calls             861,545     1,234,401             -
Sales                                                   136,825       374,564             -
Fixed maturities:
Purchases                                                     -             -    (6,548,852)
Maturities, sinking fund payments and calls                   -             -     3,934,055
Sales                                                         -             -       487,983
Other investments, excluding policy loans:
Purchases                                              (823,131)     (634,807)     (553,694)
Sales                                                   160,521       243,862       123,352
Change in amounts due from brokers                        7,933        (2,214)       14,483
Change in amounts due to brokers                       (105,119)     (124,749)       92,832

Net cash used in investing activities                (2,350,442)     (842,198)   (2,449,841)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Activity related to investment contracts:
Considerations received                               3,723,894     3,157,778     2,843,668
Surrenders and death benefits                        (2,834,804)   (3,311,965)   (1,765,869)
Interest credited to account balances                 1,153,767     1,024,031     1,071,917
Policy loan issuances, universal
life-type insurance                                     (84,700)      (78,239)      (70,304)
Policy loan repayments, universal
life-type insurance                                      52,188        50,554        46,148
Capital contribution from parent                              -             -       200,000
Cash dividend to parent                                (180,000)     (165,000)      (25,000)

Net cash provided by financing activities             1,830,345       677,159     2,300,560

Net (decrease) increase in cash and
cash equivalents                                       (195,627)      121,493        72,718

Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year                                       267,774       146,281        73,563

Cash and cash equivalents at
end of year                                         $    72,147   $   267,774    $  146,281
                                                     ==========    ==========    ==========

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 85
IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
($ thousands)

1. Summary of significant accounting policies

Nature of business

IDS Life Insurance Company (the Company) is a stock life insurance
company organized under the laws of the State of Minnesota.  The
Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial
Corporation, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express
Company.  The Company serves residents of all states except New
York.  IDS Life Insurance Company of New York is a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company and serves New York State residents.  The
Company also wholly owns American Enterprise Life Insurance
Company, American Centurion Life Assurance Company (ACLAC), and
American Partners Life Insurance Company.

The Company's principal products are deferred annuities and
universal life insurance, which are issued primarily to
individuals.  It offers single premium and annual premium deferred
annuities on both a fixed and variable dollar basis.  Immediate
annuities are offered as well.  The Company's insurance products
include universal life (fixed and variable), whole life, single
premium life and term products (including waiver of premium and
accidental death benefits).  The Company also markets disability
income and long-term care insurance.

The Company's principal annuity product in terms of amount in force
is the fixed deferred annuity.  The annuity contract guarantees a
minimum interest rate during the accumulation period (the time
before annuity payments begin), although the Company normally pays
a higher rate reflective of current market rates.  The fixed
annuity provides for a surrender charge during the first seven to
ten years after a purchase payment is made.  The Company has also
adopted a practice whereby the higher current rate is guaranteed
for a specified period.  The Company also offers a variable annuity
product under the name Flexible Annuity.  This is a fixed/variable
annuity offering the purchasers a choice among mutual funds with
portfolios of equities, bonds, managed assets and/or short-term
securities, and the Company's general account, as the underlying
investment vehicles.  With respect to funds applied to the variable
portion of the annuity, the purchaser, rather than the Company,
assumes the investment risks and receives the rewards inherent in
the ownership of the underlying investment.  The Flexible Annuity
provides for a surrender charge during the first six years after a
purchase payment is made.

The Company's principal insurance product is the flexible-premium,
adjustable-benefit universal life insurance policy.  In this type
of insurance policy, each premium payment accumulates interest in 
a cash value account.  The policyholder has access to the cash
surrender value in whole or in part after the first year.  The size
of the cash value of the fund can also be controlled by the
policyholder by increasing or decreasing premiums, subject only to 
<PAGE>
PAGE 86
1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

maintaining a required minimum to keep the policy in force. 
Monthly deductions from the cash value of the policy are made for
the cost of insurance, expense charges and any policy riders.

Basis of presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, IDS Life
Insurance Company of New York, American Enterprise Life Insurance
Company, American Centurion Life Assurance Company and American
Partners Life Insurance Company.  All material intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles which vary in certain respects from reporting practices
prescribed or permitted by state insurance regulatory authorities.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Investments

Fixed maturities that the Company has both the positive intent and
the ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity
and carried at amortized cost.  All other fixed maturities and all
marketable equity securities are classified as available for sale
and carried at fair value.  Unrealized gains and losses on
securities classified as available for sale are carried as a
separate component of stockholder's equity.

Management determines the appropriate classification of fixed
maturities at the time of purchase and reevaluates the
classification at each balance sheet date.

Mortgage loans on real estate are carried principally at the unpaid
principal balances of the related loans.  Policy loans are carried
at the aggregate of the unpaid loan balances which do not exceed
the cash surrender values of the related policies.  Other
investments include interest rate caps, equity securities and real
estate investments.  When evidence indicates a decline, which is
other than temporary, in the underlying value or earning power of
individual investments, such investments are written down to the
fair value by a charge to income.  Equity securities are carried 
at market value and the related net unrealized appreciation or
depreciation is reported as a credit or charge to stockholder's
equity.

Realized investment gain or loss is determined on an identified
cost basis.
<PAGE>
PAGE 87
1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Prepayments are anticipated on certain investments in mortgage-
backed securities in determining the constant effective yield used
to recognize interest income.  Prepayment estimates are based on
information received from brokers who deal in mortgage-backed
securities.

Statements of cash flows

The Company considers investments with a maturity at the date of
their acquisition of three months or less to be cash equivalents. 
These securities are carried principally at amortized cost which
approximates fair value.

Supplementary information to the consolidated statement of cash
flows for the years ended Dec. 31 is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1995             1994             1993  
<S>                                   <C>              <C>              <C>
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes                          $191,011         $226,365         $188,204
Interest on borrowings                   5,524            1,553            2,661
</TABLE>

Recognition of profits on fixed annuity contracts and insurance
policies

The Company issues single premium deferred annuity contracts that
provide for a service fee (surrender charge) at annually decreasing
rates upon withdrawal of the annuity accumulation value by the
contract owner.  No sales fee is deducted from the contract
considerations received on these contracts ("no load" annuities). 
All of the Company's single premium deferred annuity contracts
provide for crediting the contract owners' accumulations at
specified rates of interest. Such rates are revised by the Company
from time to time based on changes in the market investment yield
rates for fixed-income securities.

Profits on single premium deferred annuities and installment
annuities are recognized by the Company over the lives of the
contracts and represent the excess of investment income earned from
investment of contract considerations over interest credited  to
contract owners and other expenses.

The retrospective deposit method is used in accounting for
universal life-type insurance.  This method recognizes profits over
the lives of the policies in proportion to the estimated gross
profits expected to be realized.

Premiums on traditional life, disability income, health and long-
term care insurance policies are recognized as revenue when
collected or due, and related benefits and expenses are associated
with premium revenue in a manner that results in recognition of
profits over the lives of the insurance policies.  This association
is accomplished by means of the provision for future policy
benefits and the deferral and subsequent amortization of policy
acquisition costs.

<PAGE>
PAGE 88
1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Deferred policy acquisition costs

The costs of acquiring new business, principally sales
compensation, policy issue costs, underwriting and certain sales
expenses, have been deferred on insurance and annuity contracts.  
The deferred acquisition costs for single premium deferred
annuities and installment annuities are amortized based upon
surrender charge revenue and a portion of the excess of investment
income earned from investment of the contract considerations over
the interest credited to contract owners.  The costs for universal
life-type insurance are amortized over the lives of the policies as
a percentage of the estimated gross profits expected to be realized
on the policies.  For traditional life, disability income, health
and long-term care insurance policies, the costs are amortized over
an appropriate period in proportion to premium revenue.

Liabilities for future policy benefits

Liabilities for universal life-type insurance, single premium
deferred annuities and installment annuities are accumulation
values.

Liabilities for fixed annuities in a benefit status are based on
the Progressive Annuity Table with interest at 5 percent, the 1971
Individual Annuity Table with interest at 7 percent or 8.25
percent, or the 1983a Table with various interest rates ranging
from 5.5 percent to 9.5 percent, depending on year of issue.

Liabilities for future benefits on traditional life insurance have
been computed principally by the net level premium method, based on
anticipated rates of mortality (approximating the 1965-1970 Select
and Ultimate Basic Table for policies issued after 1980 and the
1955-1960 Select and Ultimate Basic Table for policies issued prior
to 1981 and the 1975-1980 Select and Ultimate Basic Table for term
insurance policies issued after 1984), policy persistency derived
from Company experience data (first year rates ranging from
approximately 70 percent to 90 percent and increasing rates 
thereafter), and estimated future investment yields of 4 percent
for policies issued before 1974 and 5.25 percent for policies
issued from 1974 to 1980.  Cash value plans issued in 1980 and
later assume future investment rates that grade from 9.5 percent to
5 percent over 20 years.  Term insurance issued from 1981 to 1984
assumes an 8 percent level investment rate, term insurance issued
from 1985-1993 assumes investment rates that grade from 10 percent
to 6 percent over 20 years and term insurance issued after 1993
assumes investment rates that grade from 8 percent to 6.5 percent
over 7 years.

Liabilities for future disability income policy benefits have been
computed principally by the net level premium method, based on the
1964 Commissioners Disability Table with the 1958 Commissioners 
Standard Ordinary Mortality Table at 3 percent interest for persons
disabled in 1980 and prior, 8 percent interest for persons disabled
from 1981 to 1991, 7 percent interest for persons disabled in 1992
and 6 percent interest for persons disabled after 1992.
<PAGE>
PAGE 89
1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Liabilities for future benefits on long-term care insurance have
been computed principally by the net level premium method, using
morbidity rates based on the 1985 National Nursing Home Survey and
mortality rates based on the 1983a Table.  The interest rate basis
is 9.5 percent grading to 7 percent over ten years for policies
issued from 1989 to 1992, 7.75 percent grading to 7 percent over
four years for policies issued after 1992, 8 percent for claims
incurred in 1989 to 1991, 7 percent for claims incurred in 1992 and
6 percent for claims incurred after 1992.

Reinsurance

The maximum amount of life insurance risk retained by the Company
on any one life is $750 of life and waiver of premium benefits plus
$50 of accidental death benefits.  The maximum amount of disability
income risk retained by the Company on any one life is $6 of
monthly benefit for benefit periods longer than three years.  The
excesses are reinsured with other life insurance companies on a
yearly renewable term basis.  Graded premium whole life and long-
term care policies are primarily reinsured on a coinsurance basis.

Federal income taxes

The Company's taxable income is included in the consolidated
federal income tax return of American Express Company.  The Company
provides for income taxes on a separate return basis, except that,
under an agreement between American Express Financial Corporation
and American Express Company, tax benefit is recognized for losses
to the extent they can be used on the consolidated tax return.  It
is the policy of American Express Financial Corporation to
reimburse a subsidiary for any tax benefit.

Included in other liabilities at Dec. 31, 1995 is $13,415 payable
to American Express Financial Corporation for federal income taxes. 
Included in other receivables at Dec. 31, 1994 is $22,034
receivable from American Express Financial Corporation for federal
income taxes.

Separate account business

The separate account assets and liabilities represent funds held
for the exclusive benefit of the variable annuity and variable life
insurance contract owners.  The Company receives investment
management and mortality and expense assurance fees from the
variable annuity and variable life insurance mutual funds and
separate accounts.  The Company also deducts a monthly cost of
insurance charge and receives a minimum death benefit guarantee fee
and issue and administrative fee from the variable life insurance
separate accounts.

The Company makes contractual mortality assurances to the variable
annuity contract owners that the net assets of the separate
accounts will not be affected by future variations in the actual
life expectancy experience of the annuitants and the beneficiaries
from the mortality assumptions implicit in the annuity contracts. 
<PAGE>
PAGE 90
1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

The Company makes periodic fund transfers to, or withdrawals from,
the separate accounts for such actuarial adjustments for variable 
annuities that are in the benefit payment period.  The Company
guarantees, for the variable life insurance policyholders, the
contractual insurance rate and that the death benefit will never be
less than the death benefit at the date of issuance.

Accounting changes

The Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) SFAS No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-
Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," is effective January 1, 1996.  The
new rule is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's
results of operations or financial condition.

The Company's adoption of SFAS No. 114 as of January 1, 1995 is
discussed in Note 2.

The Company adopted SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities."  The effect of adopting
the new rule was to increase stockholder's equity by approximately
$181 million, net of tax, as of January 1, 1994, but the adoption
had no impact on the Company's net income.

Reclassification

Certain 1994 and 1993 amounts have been reclassified to conform to
the 1995 presentation.

2. Investments

Fair values of investments in fixed maturities represent quoted
market prices and estimated values when quoted prices are not
available.  Estimated values are determined by established
procedures involving, among other things, review of market indices,
price levels of current offerings of comparable issues, price
estimates and market data from independent brokers and financial
files.

Net realized gain (loss) on investments for the years ended Dec. 31
is summarized as follows:

                           1995            1994             1993  
Fixed maturities         $  9,973        $(1,575)         $ 20,583
Mortgage loans            (13,259)        (3,013)          (25,056)
Other investments          (1,612)           306            (2,264)
                         $ (4,898)       $(4,282)         $ (6,737)

Changes in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of
investments for the years ended Dec. 31 are summarized as follows:

                             1995            1994          1993  
Fixed maturities:
Held to maturity           $1,195,847    $(1,329,740)    $     --
Available for sale            811,649       (720,449)          --
Investment securities              --             --      323,060
Equity securities               3,118         (2,917)        (156)<PAGE>
PAGE 91
2. Investments (continued)

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair
values of investments in fixed maturities and equity securities at
Dec. 31, 1995 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Gross         Gross
                                    Amortized    Unrealized    Unrealized     Fair
Held to maturity                       Cost        Gains         Losses       Value
<S>                                <C>            <C>           <C>        <C>
U.S. Government agency
obligations                        $    64,523    $  3,919      $    --    $    68,442
State and municipal obligations         11,936         362           32         12,266
Corporate bonds and obligations      8,921,431     620,327       36,786      9,504,972
Mortgage-backed securities           2,259,701      42,684        9,688      2,292,697
                                   $11,257,591    $667,292      $46,506    $11,878,377

                                                   Gross         Gross
                                    Amortized    Unrealized    Unrealized     Fair
Available for sale                     Cost        Gains         Losses       Value

U.S. Government agency
obligations                        $    84,082    $  3,248      $    50    $    87,280
State and municipal obligations         11,020       1,476           --         12,496
Corporate bonds and obligations      2,514,308     186,596        3,451      2,697,453
Mortgage-backed securities           7,536,726     206,288       24,031      7,718,983
Total fixed maturities              10,146,136     397,608       27,532     10,516,212
Equity securities                        3,156         361           --          3,517
                                   $10,149,292    $397,969      $27,532    $10,519,729
</TABLE>
        
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair
values of investments in fixed maturities and equity securities at
Dec. 31, 1994 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Gross         Gross
                                    Amortized    Unrealized    Unrealized     Fair
Held to maturity                       Cost        Gains         Losses       Value
<S>                                <C>            <C>         <C>         <C>
U.S. Government agency
obligations                        $    21,500    $     43    $  4,372    $    17,171
State and municipal obligations          9,687         132          --          9,819
Corporate bonds and obligations      8,806,707     100,468     459,568      8,447,607
Mortgage-backed securities           2,431,967      10,630     222,394      2,220,203
                                   $11,269,861    $111,273    $686,334    $10,694,800

                                                   Gross         Gross
                                    Amortized    Unrealized    Unrealized     Fair
Available for sale                     Cost        Gains         Losses       Value

U.S. Government agency
obligations                        $  128,093      $   756    $  1,517     $  127,332
State and municipal obligations        11,008          702          --         11,710
Corporate bonds and obligations     1,142,321       24,166       7,478      1,159,009
Mortgage-backed securities          7,177,706        9,514     467,716      6,719,504
Total fixed maturities              8,459,128       35,138     476,711      8,017,555
Equity securities                       4,663           --       2,757          1,906
                                   $8,463,791      $35,138    $479,468     $8,019,461
</TABLE>

The amortized cost and fair value of investments in fixed
maturities at Dec. 31, 1995 by contractual maturity are shown
below.  Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities
because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations
with or without call or prepayment penalties.
<PAGE>
PAGE 92
2. Investments (continued)

                                     Amortized             Fair
Held to maturity                        Cost               Value
Due in one year or less            $   268,363          $   272,808
Due from one to five years           1,692,030            1,783,047
Due from five to ten years           5,467,302            5,833,309
Due in more than ten years           1,570,195            1,696,516
Mortgage-backed securities           2,259,701            2,292,697
                                   $11,257,591          $11,878,377

                                     Amortized             Fair
Available for sale                      Cost               Value

Due in one year or less            $   118,996          $   120,019
Due from one to five years             849,800              913,175
Due from five to ten years           1,301,191            1,397,237
Due in more than ten years             339,423              366,798
Mortgage-backed securities           7,536,726            7,718,983
                                   $10,146,136          $10,516,212

During the year ended Dec. 31, 1995, fixed maturities classified as
held to maturity were sold with proceeds of $332,154 and gross
realized gains and losses on such sales were $14,366 and $15,720,
respectively.  The sale of these fixed maturities was due to
significant deterioration in the issuers' creditworthiness.  As a
result of adopting the FASB Special Report, "A Guide to
Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities," the Company
reclassified securities with a book value of $91,760 and net
unrealized gains of $881 from held to maturity to available for
sale in December 1995.
        
In addition, fixed maturities available for sale were sold during
1995 with proceeds of $136,825 and gross realized gains and losses
on such sales were $nil and $5,781, respectively.
        
During the year ended Dec. 31, 1994, fixed maturities classified as
held to maturity were sold with proceeds of $58,001 and gross
realized gains and losses on such sales were $226 and $3,515,
respectively.  The sale of these fixed maturities was due to 
significant deterioration in the issuers' creditworthiness.
        
In addition, fixed maturities available for sale were sold during
1994 with proceeds of $374,564 and gross realized gains and losses
on such sales were $1,861 and $7,602, respectively.
        
At Dec. 31, 1995, bonds carried at $12,761 were on deposit with
various states as required by law.
        
Net investment income for the years ended Dec. 31 is summarized as
follows:
<PAGE>
PAGE 93
2. Investments (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      1995             1994           1993  
<S>                                <C>             <C>            <C>
Interest on fixed maturities       $1,656,136      $1,556,756     $1,589,802
Interest on mortgage loans            232,827         196,521        175,063
Other investment income                35,936          38,366         29,345
Interest on cash equivalents            5,363           6,872          2,137
                                    1,930,262       1,798,515      1,796,347
Less investment expenses               22,953          16,642         13,128
                                   $1,907,309      $1,781,873     $1,783,219
</TABLE>

At Dec. 31, 1995, investments in fixed maturities comprised 86
percent of the Company's total invested assets.  These securities
are rated by Moody's and Standard & Poor's (S&P), except for
securities carried at approximately $2.3 billion which are rated by
American Express Financial Corporation internal analysts using
criteria similar to Moody's and S&P.  A summary of investments in
fixed maturities, at amortized cost, by rating on Dec. 31 is as
follows:

     Rating                    1995               1994  

Aaa/AAA                    $ 9,907,664        $ 9,708,047
Aaa/AA                           3,112                 --
Aa/AA                          279,403            242,914
Aa/A                           154,846            119,952
A/A                          3,104,122          2,567,947
A/BBB                          871,782            725,755
Baa/BBB                      4,417,654          3,849,188
Baa/BB                         657,633            796,063
Below investment grade       2,007,511          1,719,123
                           $21,403,727        $19,728,989
        
At Dec. 31, 1995, 95 percent of the securities rated Aaa/AAA are
GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC mortgage-backed securities.  No holdings of
any other issuer are greater than 1 percent of the Company's  total
investments in fixed maturities.
        
At Dec. 31, 1995, approximately 11.6 percent of the Company's
invested assets were mortgage loans on real estate.  Summaries of
mortgage loans by region of the United States and by type of real
estate at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Dec. 31, 1995                   Dec. 31, 1994       
                          On Balance    Commitments      On Balance     Commitments
      Region                Sheet       to Purchase        Sheet        to Purchase
<S>                      <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>
East North Central       $  720,185      $ 67,206       $  581,142      $ 62,291
West North Central          303,113        34,411          257,996         7,590
South Atlantic              732,529       111,967          597,896        63,010
Middle Atlantic             508,634        37,079          408,940        34,478
New England                 244,816        40,452          209,867        23,087
Pacific                     168,272        23,161          138,900            --
West South Central           61,860        27,978           50,854            --
East South Central           58,462        10,122           67,503            --
Mountain                    184,964        16,774          122,668        18,750
                          2,982,835       369,150        2,435,766       209,206
Less allowance
for losses                   37,340            --           35,252            --
                         $2,945,495      $369,150       $2,400,514      $209,206
<PAGE>
PAGE 94
2. Investments (continued)

                               Dec. 31, 1995                   Dec. 31, 1994       
                          On Balance    Commitments      On Balance     Commitments
  Property type             Sheet       to Purchase        Sheet        to Purchase
Apartments               $1,038,446      $ 84,978       $  904,012      $ 56,964
Department/retail stores    985,660       134,538          802,522        88,325
Office buildings            464,381        62,664          321,761        21,691
Industrial buildings        255,469        22,721          232,962        18,827
Nursing/retirement homes     80,864         4,378           89,304         4,649
Mixed Use                    53,169            --               --            --
Hotels/motels                31,335        48,816           32,666            --
Medical buildings            57,772         2,495           36,490        15,651
Other                        15,739         8,560           16,049         3,099
                          2,982,835       369,150        2,435,766       209,206
Less allowance
for losses                   37,340            --           35,252            --
                         $2,945,495      $369,150       $2,400,514      $209,206
</TABLE>

Mortgage loan fundings are restricted by state insurance regulatory
authorities to 80 percent or less of the market value of the real
estate at the time of origination of the loan.  The Company holds
the mortgage document, which gives the right to take possession of
the property if the borrower fails to perform according to the
terms of the agreement.  The fair value of the mortgage loans is
determined by a discounted cash flow analysis using mortgage
interest rates currently offered for mortgages of similar
maturities.  Commitments to purchase mortgages are made in the
ordinary course of business.  The fair value of the mortgage
commitments is $nil.

As of January 1, 1995, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for
Impairment of a Loan" (SFAS No. 114), as amended by Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 118, "Accounting by Creditors
for Impairment of a Loan - Income Recognition and Disclosures". 
The adoption of the new rules did not have a material impact on the
Company's results of operations or financial condition.
        
SFAS No. 114 applies to all loans except for smaller-balance
homogeneous loans, that are collectively evaluated for impairment.  
Impairment is measured as the excess of the loan's recorded
investment over its present value of expected principal and
interest payments discounted at the loan's effective interest rate,
or the fair value of collateral.  The amount of the impairment is
recorded as a reserve for investment losses.
        
Based on management's judgment as to the ultimate collectibility of
principal, interest payments received are either recognized as
income or applied to the recorded investment in the loan until it
has been recovered.  Once the recorded investment has been
recovered, any additional payments are recognized as interest
income.
        
The reserve for investment losses is maintained at a level that
management believes is adequate to absorb estimated credit losses
in the portfolio.  The level of the reserve account is determined
based on several factors, including historical experience, expected
future principal and interest payments, estimated collateral
values, and current and anticipated economic and political
conditions.  Management regularly evaluates the adequacy of the
reserve for investment losses.
<PAGE>
PAGE 95
2. Investments (continued)

At Dec. 31, 1995, the Company's recorded investment in impaired
loans was $83,874 with a reserve of $19,307.  During the year, the
average recorded investment in impaired loans was $74,567.

The Company recognized $5,014 of interest income related to
impaired loans for the year ended Dec. 31, 1995. 
        
The following table presents changes in the reserve for investment
losses related to all loans:

                                              1995  

Balance, Jan. 1                             $35,252

Provision for investment losses              15,900
Sales of related loans                       (6,600)
Loan payoffs                                 (5,300)
Other                                        (1,912)

Balance, Dec. 31                            $37,340

At Dec. 31, 1995, the Company had commitments to purchase real
estate investments for $54,897.  Commitments to purchase real
estate investments are made in the ordinary course of
business.  The fair value of these commitments is $nil.
        
3. Income taxes

The Company qualifies as a life insurance company for federal
income tax purposes.  As such, the Company is subject to the
Internal Revenue Code provisions applicable to life insurance
companies.
        
Income tax expense consists of the following:

                                 1995          1994          1993 
Federal income taxes:
Current                         $218,040     $186,508     $180,558
Deferred                         (33,810)     (19,175)     (44,237)
                                 184,230      167,333      136,321

State income taxes-current        11,612        9,010        6,326
Income tax expense              $195,842     $176,343     $142,647

Increases (decreases) to the federal tax provision applicable to
pretax income based on the statutory rate are attributable to:

<PAGE>
PAGE 96
3. Income taxes (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 1995                  1994                 1993     
                          Provision    Rate     Provision   Rate     Provision   Rate
<S>                       <C>          <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>
Federal income
taxes based on
the statutory rate        $196,274     35.0%    $179,379    35.0%    $144,454    35.0%
Increases (decreases)
are attributable to:
Tax-excluded interest
and dividend income         (8,524)    (1.5)      (9,939)   (2.0)     (11,002)   (2.7)
Other, net                  (3,520)    (0.6)      (2,107)   (0.4)       2,869     0.7
Federal income taxes      $184,230     32.9%    $167,333    32.6%    $136,321    33.0%
</TABLE>

A portion of life insurance company income earned prior to 1984 was
not subject to current taxation but was accumulated, for tax
purposes, in a policyholders' surplus account.  At Dec. 31, 1995,
the Company had a policyholders' surplus account balance of
$20,114.  The policyholder's surplus account balance increased in
1995 due to the acquisition of ACLAC.  The policyholders' surplus
account is only taxable if dividends to the stockholder exceed the
stockholder's surplus account or if the Company is liquidated. 
Deferred income taxes of $7,040 have not been established because
no distributions of such amounts are contemplated.
        
Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and
liabilities as of Dec. 31 are as follows:

                                       1995             1994  
Deferred tax assets:
Policy reserves                      $ 600,176        $533,433
Investments                                 --         116,736
Life insurance guarantee
fund assessment reserve                 26,785          32,235
Total deferred tax assets              626,961         682,404

Deferred tax liabilities:
Derred policy acquisition costs        590,762         553,722
Investments                            146,805              --
Other                                    2,298           4,621
Total deferred tax
liabilities                            739,865         558,343
Net deferred tax assets
(liabilities)                        $(112,904)       $124,061

The Company is required to establish a valuation allowance for any
portion of the deferred tax assets that management believes will
not be realized.  In the opinion of management, it is more
likely than not that the Company will realize the benefit of the
deferred tax assets, and, therefore, no such valuation allowance
has been established.
<PAGE>
PAGE 97
4. Stockholder's equity

During 1995, the Company received a $39,700 capital contribution
from its parent, American Express Financial Corporation, in the
form of investments in fixed maturities and mortgage loans.  In 
addition, effective January 1, 1995, the Company began 
consolidating the financial results of ACLAC.  This change
reflected the transfer of ownership of ACLAC from Amex Life
Assurance Company (Amex Life), a former affiliate, to the Company
prior to the sale of Amex Life to an unaffiliated third party on
October 2, 1995.  This transfer of ownership to the Company has
been reflected as a capital contribution of $17,114 in the
accompanying financial statements.  The effect of this change in
reporting entity was not significant and prior periods have not
been restated.
        
As discussed in Note 5, the Company entered into a reinsurance
agreement with Amex Life during 1995.  As a result of this
transaction, a loss of $4,574 was realized and reported as a
direct charge to retained earnings.
        
Retained earnings available for distribution as dividends to the
parent are limited to the Company's surplus as determined in
accordance with accounting practices prescribed by state
insurance regulatory authorities.  Statutory unassigned surplus
aggregated $1,103,993 as of Dec. 31, 1995 and $1,020,981 as of Dec.
31, 1994 (see Note 3 with respect to the income tax effect of
certain distributions).  In addition, any dividend distributions in
1996 in excess of approximately $290,988 would require approval of
the Department of Commerce of the State of Minnesota.
        
Statutory net income for the years ended Dec. 31 and capital and
surplus as of Dec. 31 are summarized as follows:

                                    1995         1994        1993  

Statutory net income            $  326,799   $  294,699  $  275,015
Statutory capital and surplus    1,398,649    1,261,958   1,157,022

Dividends paid to American Express Financial Corporation were
$180,000 in 1995, $165,000 in 1994, and $25,000 in 1993.

5. Related party transactions

The Company has loaned funds to American Express Financial
Corporation under two loan agreements.  The balance of the first
loan was $25,800 and $40,000 at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.  This loan can be increased to a maximum of $75,000
and pays interest at a rate equal to the preceding month's
effective new money rate for the Company's permanent investments. 
It is collateralized by equities valued at $122,978 at Dec. 31,
1995.  The second loan was used to fund the construction of the IDS
Operations Center.  This loan was paid off during 1994.  The loan
was secured by a first lien on the IDS Operations Center property
and had an interest rate of 9.89 percent.  The Company also had a
loan to an affiliate which was used to fund construction of the IDS
Learning Center.  This loan was sold to the American Express        
<PAGE>
PAGE 98
5. Related party transactions (continued)

Financial Corporation during 1994.  The loan was secured by a first
lien on the IDS Learning Center property and had an interest rate
of 9.82 percent.  Interest income on the above loans totaled
$1,371, $2,894 and $11,116 in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

The Company purchased a five year secured note from an affiliated
company which had an outstanding balance of $19,444 and $23,333 at
Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.  The note bears a fixed rate
of 8.42 percent.  Interest income on the above note totaled $1,937,
$2,278 and $2,605 in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
    
The Company has a reinsurance agreement whereby it assumed 100
percent of a block of single premium life insurance business from
Amex Life.  The accompanying consolidated balance sheets at Dec.
31, 1995 and 1994 include $764,663 and $765,366, respectively, of
future policy benefits related to this agreement.

The Company has a reinsurance agreement to cede 50 percent of its
long-term care insurance business to Amex Life. The accompanying
consolidated balance sheets at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994 include
$95,484 and $65,123, respectively, of reinsurance receivables
related to this agreement.  Premiums ceded amounted to $25,553,
$20,360 and $16,230 and reinsurance recovered from reinsurers
amounted to $760, $62 and $404 for the years ended Dec. 31, 1995,
1994 and 1993, respectively.
        
The Company has a reinsurance agreement to assume deferred annuity
contracts from Amex Life.  At October 1, 1995 a $803,618 block of 
deferred annuities and $28,327 of deferred policy acquisition costs
were transferred to the Company.  The accompanying consolidated
balance sheet at Dec. 31, 1995 includes $828,298 of future policy
benefits related to this agreement.
        
Until July 1, 1995 the Company participated in the IDS Retirement
Plan of American Express Financial Corporation which covered all
permanent employees age 21 and over who had met certain employment
requirements.  Effective July 1, 1995, the IDS Retirement Plan was
merged with American Express Company's American Express Retirement
Plan, which simultaneously was amended to include a cash balance
formula and a lump sum distribution option.  Employer contributions
to the plan are based on participants' age, years of service
and total compensation for the year.  Funding of retirement costs
for this plan complies with the applicable minimum funding
requirements specified by ERISA.  The Company's share of the total
net periodic pension cost was $nil in 1995, 1994 and 1993.
        
The Company also participates in defined contribution pension plans
of American Express Company which cover all employees who have met
certain employment requirements.  Company contributions to the
plans are a percent of either each employee's eligible compensation
or basic contributions.  Costs of these plans charged to operations
in 1995, 1994 and 1993 were $815, $957 and $2,008, respectively.
<PAGE>
PAGE 99
5. Related party transactions (continued)

The Company participates in defined benefit health care plans of
American Express Financial Corporation that provide health care and
life insurance benefits to retired employees and retired financial
advisors.  The plans include participant contributions and service
related eligibility requirements.  Upon retirement, such employees
are considered to have been employees of American Express Financial
Corporation.  American Express Financial Corporation expenses these
benefits and allocates the expenses to its subsidiaries. 
Accordingly, costs of such benefits to the Company are included in
employee compensation and benefits and cannot be identified on a
separate company basis.  At Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994, the total
accumulated post retirement benefit obligation has been recorded as
a liability by American Express Financial Corporation.
        
Charges by American Express Financial Corporation for use of joint
facilities, marketing services and other services aggregated
$377,139, $335,183, and $243,346 for 1995, 1994 and 1993,
respectively.  Certain of these costs are included in deferred
policy acquisition costs.  In addition, the Company rents its home
office space from American Express Financial Corporation on an
annual renewable basis. 

6. Commitments and contingencies

At Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994, traditional life insurance and universal
life-type insurance in force aggregated $59,683,532 and
$52,666,567, respectively, of which  $3,771,204 and $3,246,608
were reinsured at the respective year ends.  The Company also
reinsures a portion of the risks assumed under disability income
policies. Under the agreements, premiums ceded to reinsurers
amounted to $29,146, $29,489 and $28,276 and reinsurance recovered
from reinsurers amounted to $5,756, $5,505, and $3,345 for the
years ended Dec. 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993.
        
Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its primary
obligation to policyholders.
        
The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits, none of which, in
the opinion of Company counsel, will result in a material
liability.

The IRS has completed its audit of the Company's 1987 through 1989
tax years.  The Company is currently contesting one issue at the
IRS Appeals Level.  Management does not believe there will be a 
material impact as a result of this audit.

7. Lines of credit

The Company has available lines of credit with three banks
aggregating $100,000 at 40 to 80 basis points over the banks' cost
of funds or equal to the prime rate, depending on which line of
credit agreement is used.  Borrowings outstanding under these
agreements were $nil at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

<PAGE>
PAGE 100
8. Derivative financial instruments
        
The Company enters into transactions involving derivative financial
instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate risk, including
hedging specific transactions.  The Company manages risks
associated with these instruments as described below.  The Company
does not hold derivative instruments for trading purposes.

Market risk is the possibility that the value of the derivative
financial instruments will change due to fluctuations in a factor
from which the instrument derives its value, primarily an interest 
rate.  The Company is not impacted by market risk related to
derivatives held for non-trading purposes beyond that inherent in
cash market transactions.  Derivatives held for purposes other than
trading are largely used to manage risk and, therefore, the cash
flow and income effects of the derivatives are inverse to the
effects of the underlying transactions. 
        
Credit risk is the possibility that the counterparty will not
fulfill the terms of the contract.  The Company monitors credit
exposure related to derivative financial instruments through
established approval procedures, including setting concentration
limits by counterparty and industry, and requiring collateral,
where appropriate.  A vast majority of the Company's counterparties
are rated A or better by Moody's and Standard & Poor's.
        
The notional or contract amount of a derivative financial 
instrument is generally used to calculate the cash flows that are
received or paid over the life of the agreement.  Notional
amounts are not recorded on the balance sheet.  Notional amounts
far exceed the related credit exposure.
        
Credit exposure related to interest rate caps is measured by the
replacement cost of the contracts.   The replacement cost
represents the fair value of the instruments.  Financial futures
contracts are settled in cash daily.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         Notional     Carrying       Fair      Total Credit
Dec. 31, 1995             Amount        Value        Value       Exposure  
<S>                     <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>
Assets:
Interest rate caps      $5,100,000    $26,680        $ 8,366      $ 8,366

Dec. 31, 1994
Assets:
Financial futures
contracts               $  159,800    $ 2,072        $ 2,072      $    --
Interest rate caps       4,400,000     29,054         42,365       42,365
                        $4,559,800    $31,126        $44,437      $42,365
</TABLE>

The fair values of derivative financial instruments are based on
market values, dealer quotes or pricing models.  The financial
futures contracts expired in 1995.  The interest rate caps expire
on various dates from 1996 to 2000.
        
<PAGE>
PAGE 101
8. Derivative financial instruments (continued)

Financial futures contracts and interest rate caps are used
principally to manage the Company's exposure to rising interest
rates.  These instruments are used primarily to protect the margin
between interest rates earned on investments and the interest rates
credited to related annuity contract holders.
        
Changes in the fair value of financial futures contracts are
accounted for as adjustments to the carrying amount of the hedged
investments and amortized over the remaining lives of such
investments.  The cost of interest rate caps is amortized to
interest expense over the life of the contracts and payments
received as a result of these agreements are recorded as a
reduction of interest expense when realized.  The amortized cost of
interest rate cap contracts is included in other investments.

9. Fair values of financial instruments

The Company discloses fair value information for most on- and
off-balance sheet financial instruments for which it is practical
to estimate that value.  Fair values of life insurance obligations,
receivables and all non-financial instruments, such as deferred
acquisition costs are excluded.  Off-balance sheet intangible
assets, such as the value of the field force, are also excluded. 
Management believes the value of excluded assets is significant. 
The fair value of the Company, therefore, cannot be estimated by
aggregating the amounts presented.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1995                           1994        
                              Carrying         Fair          Carrying         Fair
Financial Assets                Value          Value           Value          Value
<S>                         <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>
Investments:
Fixed maturities (Note 2):
Held to maturity            $11,257,591     $11,878,377    $11,269,861    $10,694,800
Available for sale           10,516,212      10,516,212      8,017,555      8,017,555
Mortgage loans on
real estate (Note 2)          2,945,495       3,184,666      2,400,514      2,342,520
Other:
Equity securities (Note 2)        3,517           3,517          1,906          1,906
Derivative financial
instruments (Note 8)             26,680           8,366         31,126         44,437
Other                            52,182          52,182             --             --
Cash and cash
equivalents (Note 1)             72,147          72,147        267,774        267,774
Separate account assets
(Note 1)                     14,974,082      14,974,082     10,881,235     10,881,235

Financial Liabilities
Future policy benefits
for fixed annuities          20,259,265      19,603,114     18,325,870     17,651,897
Separate account
liabilities                  14,208,619      13,665,636     10,398,861      9,943,672
</TABLE>

At Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994, the carrying amount and fair value of
future policy benefits for fixed annuities exclude life
insurance-related contracts carried at $1,070,598 and $971,897,
respectively, and policy loans of $74,973 and $64,212,
respectively.  The fair value of these benefits is based on the
status of the annuities at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994.  The fair value
of deferred annuities is estimated as the carrying amount less any 
<PAGE>
PAGE 102
9. Fair values of financial instruments (continued)

applicable surrender charges and related loans.  The fair value for
annuities in non-life contingent payout status is estimated as the
present value of projected benefit payments at rates appropriate
for contracts issued in 1995 and 1994. 

At Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994, the fair value of liabilities related to
separate accounts is estimated as the carrying amount less any
applicable surrender charges and less variable insurance contracts
carried at $765,463 and $482,374, respectively. 

10. Segment information

The Company's operations consist of two business segments; first,
individual and group life insurance, disability income, health and
long-term care insurance, and second, annuity products designed for
individuals, pension plans, small businesses and employer-sponsored
groups.  The consolidated condensed statements of income for the
years ended Dec. 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 and total assets at Dec.
31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 by segment are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1995             1994           1993  
<S>                                 <C>              <C>             <C>
Net investment income:
Life, disability income, health
and long-term care insurance        $   256,242      $   247,047     $   250,224
Annuities                             1,651,067        1,534,826       1,532,995
                                    $ 1,907,309      $ 1,781,873     $ 1,783,219
Premiums, charges and fees:
Life, disability income, health
and long-term care insurance        $   384,008      $   335,375     $   287,713
Annuities                               249,557          193,370         143,876
                                    $   633,565      $   528,745     $   431,589
Income before income taxes:
Life, disability income, health
and long-term care insurance        $   125,402      $   122,677     $   104,127
Annuities                               440,278          394,117         315,336
Net loss on investments                  (4,898)          (4,282)         (6,737)
                                    $   560,782      $   512,512     $   412,726
Total assets:
Life, disability income, health
and long-term care insurance        $ 6,195,870      $ 5,269,188     $ 4,810,145
Annuities                            36,704,208       30,478,355      28,247,608
                                    $42,900,078      $35,747,543     $33,057,753
</TABLE>

Allocations of net investment income and certain general expenses
are based on various assumptions and estimates.
        
Assets are not individually identifiable by segment and have been 
allocated principally based on the amount of future policy benefits
by segment.

Capital expenditures and depreciation expense are not material, and
consequently, are not reported.
<PAGE>
PAGE 103






Report of Independent Auditors

The Board of Directors
IDS Life Insurance Company

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of IDS
Life Insurance Company (a wholly owned subsidiary of American
Express Financial Corporation) as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,
and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholder's
equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1995.  These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our
audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards.  Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position of IDS Life Insurance Company at December 31, 1995 and
1994, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. 

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements,
the Company changed its method of accounting for certain
investments in debt and equity securities in 1994.



Ernst & Young LLP
February 2, 1996
Minneapolis, Minnesota
<PAGE>
PAGE 104
(REG2)

                              PART II

                   UNDERTAKINGS TO FILE REPORTS

   Subject to the terms and conditions of Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the undersigned registrant hereby
undertakes to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission such
supplementary and periodic information, documents, and reports as
may be prescribed by any rule or regulation of the Commission
hereto or hereafter duly adopted pursuant to authority conferred in
that section.

                       RULE 484 UNDERTAKING

The By-Laws of IDS Life Insurance Company provide that:

The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party, by reason of the fact that he is
or was a Manager of Variable Annuity Funds A and B, director,
officer, employee or agent of this Corporation, or is or was
serving at the direction of the Corporation as a Manager of
Variable Annuity Funds A and B, director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise, to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, wherever brought, to the fullest extent
permitted by the laws of the State of Minnesota, as now existing or
hereafter amended, provided that this Article shall not indemnify
or protect any such Manager of Variable Annuity Funds A and B,
director, officer, employee or agent against any liability to the
Corporation or its security holders to which he would otherwise be
subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross
negligence, in the performance of his duties or by reason of his
reckless disregard of his obligations and duties.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in
the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense
of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director,
officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in
the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
<PAGE>
PAGE 105
          CONTENTS OF POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 14 TO
                REGISTRATION STATEMENT NO. 33-11165


This Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to Registration Statement
No. 33-11165 comprises the following papers and documents:

   The facing sheet.

   The prospectus consisting of 89 pages.

   The undertaking to file reports.

   The signatures.

   The following exhibits:

1. A.   Copies of all exhibits required by paragraph A of
        instructions for Exhibits in Form N-8B-2 to the
        Registration Statement.

        (1)  (a)  Resolution of Board of Directors of IDS Life
                  Insurance Company establishing the Trust,
                  adopted May 9, 1985, filed electronically as
                  Exhibit 1(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 12,
                  File No. 33-11165 is incorporated herein by
                  reference.

             (b)  Resolution of Board of Directors of IDS Life
                  Insurance Company reconstituting the Trust,
                  adopted October 16, 1985, filed electronically
                  as Exhibit 1(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
                  12, File No. 33-11165 is incorporated herein by
                  reference.

        (2)  Not applicable.

        (3)  (a)  Not applicable.

             (b)  (1)  Form of Division Vice President's
                       Employment Agreement dated November 1991,
                       filed electronically as Exhibit 3(b)1 to
                       Post Effective Amendment No. 13, File No.
                       33-11165 is incorporated herein by
                       reference.

                  (2)  Form of District Manager's Rider to IDS
                       Life Insurance Company, Personal Financial
                       Planner's Agreement dated November 1986,
                       filed electronically as Exhibit 3(b)2 to
                       Post Effective Amendment No. 13, File No.
                       33-11165 is incorporated herein by
                       reference.

<PAGE>
PAGE 106
                  (3)  Form of Personal Financial Planner's
                       Agreement dated November 1986, filed
                       electronically as Exhibit 3(b)3 to Post
                       Effective Amendment No. 13, File No. 33-
                       11165 is incorporated herein by reference.

             (c)  Schedules of Sales Commissions incorporated by
                  reference to Registrant's original Registration
                  Statement for the Variable Account on Form N-8B-
                  2 (File No. 811-4298; May 10, 1985).

        (4)  Not applicable.

        (5)  Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy filed
             with the Original Registration Statement (File No.
             33-11165) on December 31, 1986 and incorporated
             herein by reference.

        (6)  (a)  Certificate of Incorporation of IDS Life
                  Insurance Company, dated July 23, 1957, filed
                  electronically as Exhibit 1.A.(6)(a) to Post-
                  Effective Amendment No. 12, File No. 33-11165 is
                  incorporated herein by reference.

             (b)  Amended By-Laws of IDS Life Insurance Company,
                  filed electronically to Post-Effective Amendment
                  No. 12, File No. 33-11165 is incorporated herein
                  by reference.

        (7)  Not applicable.

        (8)  (a)  Form of Investment Management and Services
                  Agreement dated December 17, 1985 between IDS
                  Life and IDS Life Series Fund, Inc., filed
                  electronically as Exhibit 8(a) to Post-Effective
                  Amendment No. 13, File No. 33-11165 is
                  incorporated herein by reference.

             (b)  Form of Investment Advisory Agreement dated July
                  11, 1984 between IDS Life and IDS Financial
                  Services Inc. relating to the Variable Accounts,
                  filed electronically as Exhibit 8(a) to Post-
                  Effective Amendment No. 13, File No. 33-11165 is
                  incorporated herein by reference.

        (9)  None.

        (10) Application form for the Flexible Premium Variable
             Life Insurance Policy filed electronically as Exhibit
             1.A.(10) to Registrant's Form N-8B-2 with Post-
             Effective Amendment No. 11, File No. 33-11165 is
             incorporated herein by reference.

        (11) IDS Life Insurance Company's Description of Transfer
             and Redemption Procedures and Method of Conversion to
             Fixed Benefit Policies filed electronically as
             Exhibit 1.A.(11) to Registrant's Form N-8B-2 with
             Post-Effective Amendment No. 11, File No. 33-11165 is
             incorporated herein by reference.<PAGE>
PAGE 107
   B.   (1)  Not applicable.

        (2)  Not applicable.

   C.   Not applicable.

2. Opinion of Counsel and consent to its use as to the legality of
   the securities registered, filed electronically with
   Registrant's 24F-2 notice on or about February 25, 1994, is
   incorporated herein by reference.

3. Financial Statement Schedules

     Schedule I   - Consolidated Summary of Investments other
                    than Investments in Related Parties
     Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information
     Schedule IV  - Reinsurance
     Schedule V   - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
     Report of Independent Auditors dated February 2, 1996.

All other schedules to the consolidated financial statements
required by Article 7 of Regulation S-X are not required under the
related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been
omitted.

4. Not applicable.

5. Financial Data Schedules are filed electronically herewith.

   (a)  Financial Data Schedule - IDS Life Insurance Company.

   (b)  Financial Data Schedule - IDS Life Variable Life Separate
        Account for Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance.

6. Opinion of James M. Jensen, F.S.A., M.A.A.A., dated April 18,
   1996 is filed electronically herewith as Exhibit 6 to
   Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 14, File No. 33-
   11165.

7. (a)  Written consent of William A. Stoltzmann, dated June 5,
        1987, filed electronically as Exhibit 3 to Registrant's
        Form N-8B-2 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 11, File No.
        33-11165 is incorporated herein by reference.

   (b)  Written consent of James M. Jensen, F.S.A., M.A.A.A. dated
        April 19, 1996 is filed electronically herewith as Exhibit
        No. 7(b) to Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 14,
        File No. 33-11165.

   (c)  Written consent of Ernst & Young LLP is filed
        electronically herewith as Exhibit No. 7(c) to
        Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 14, File No. 33-
        11165.

   (d)  Directors' Power of Attorney to sign amendments to this
        Registration Statement dated April 1, 1996, is filed
        electronically herewith as Exhibit 7(d) to Post-Effective
        Amendment No. 14, File No. 33-11165.<PAGE>
PAGE 108
                            SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940 IDS Life Insurance Company on behalf
of the Registrant, certifies that it meets requirements for
effectiveness of this Amendment to its Registration Statement
pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on behalf of
the Registrant by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in
this City of Minneapolis, and State of Minnesota on the 26th day of
April, 1996.


                            IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account
                                        (Registrant)

                          By IDS Life Insurance Company         
                                        (Sponsor)

                        By/s/ Richard W. Kling*               
                              Richard W. Kling



By:                                       
        Mary Ellyn Minenko

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following Officers
and Directors of IDS Life Insurance Company in the capacities
indicated on the 26th day of April, 1996:

Signature                             Title

/s/ James A. Mitchell*             Director, Chairman of the Board
    James A. Mitchell              and Chief Executive
                                   Officer

/s/ Richard W. Kling*              Director and President           
    Richard W. Kling      

/s/ David R. Hubers*               Director
    David R. Hubers

/s/ Paul F. Kolkman*               Director and Executive Vice
    Paul F. Kolkman                President

<PAGE>
PAGE 109
Signature                             Title

/s/ Janis E. Miller*               Director and Executive Vice 
    Janis E. Miller                President, Variable Assets

/s/ Barry J. Murphy*               Director and Executive Vice
    Barry J. Murphy                President, Client Service

/s/ Stuart A. Sedlacek*            Director and Executive Vice 
    Stuart A. Sedlacek             President, Assured Assets 

/s/ Melinda S. Urion*              Director, Executive Vice
    Melinda S. Urion               President and Controller

*Signed pursuant to Power of Attorney dated April 1, 1996 and is
filed electronically as Exhibit No. 7(d) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 14, File No. 33-11165.

By:



                           
     Mary Ellyn Minenko   


<PAGE>
PAGE 1
IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account
Registration Number 33-11165

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit 3  - Financial Statement Schedules
Exhibit 5  - Financial Data Schedules
Exhibit 6  - Opinion of Actuary
Exhibit 7b - Consent of Actuary
Exhibit 7c - Consent of Independent Auditors
Exhibit 7d - Directors' Power of Attorney


<PAGE>
PAGE 1
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE I - CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES ($ thousands)
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995


Column A                                      Column B          Column C          Column D

Type of Investment                              Cost              Value       Amount at which
                                                                               shown in the
                                                                               balance sheet
<S>                                          <C>               <C>              <C>
Fixed maturities:
    Held to maturity:                                 
        United States Government and                                    
          government agencies and                                 
          authorities (a)                    $ 1,237,093       $ 1,253,115      $ 1,237,093
        States, municipalities and
           political subdivisions                 11,936            12,266           11,936
        All other corporate bonds             10,008,562        10,612,996       10,008,562
              Total held to maturity          11,257,591        11,878,377       11,257,591
                                    
    Available for sale:                               
        United States Government and                                    
          government agencies and                                 
          authorities (b)                      4,092,563         4,176,080        4,176,080
        States, municipalities and
           political subdivisions                 11,020            12,496           12,496
        All other corporate bonds              6,042,553         6,327,636        6,327,636
              Total available for sale        10,146,136        10,516,212       10,516,212
                                    
Mortgage loans on real estate                  2,945,495         XXXXXXXXX        2,945,495
Policy loans                                     424,019         XXXXXXXXX          424,019
Other investments                                146,894         XXXXXXXXX          146,894
                                    
              Total investments              $24,920,135       $ XXXXXXXXX      $25,290,211
                                    
(a) - Includes mortgage-backed securities with a cost and market value of $1,172,570 and
      $1,184,673, respectively.                                    
(b) - Includes mortgage-backed securities with a cost and market value of $4,008,481 and
      $4,088,800, respectively.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION ($ thousands)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995

Column A               Column B          Column C          Column D          Column E           Column F          Column G

Segment                Deferred          Future            Unearned          Other policy        Premium            Net
                        policy           policy            premiums           claims and         revenue         investment
                      acquisition       benefits,                              benefits                            income
                         cost            losses,                               payable
                                       claims and
                                          loss
                                        expenses

<S>                  <C>               <C>               <C>                  <C>                <C>            <C>
Annuities            $1,227,169        $21,404,836       $      -             $28,191            $      -       $1,651,067

Life, DI,
Long-term Care and
Health Insurance        798,556          3,613,253              -              28,132             161,530          256,242

Total                $2,025,725        $25,018,089       $      -             $56,323            $161,530       $1,907,309

                       Column H          Column I          Column J          Column K

                       Benefits,       Amortization          Other           Premiums
                        claims,        of deferred         operating         written
                      losses and         policy             expenses
                      settlement       acquisition
                       expenses           costs

Annuities            $    2,693        $   189,626       $166,191              N/A

Life, DI,
Long-term Care and
Health Insurance        164,749             90,495         45,451              N/A

Total                $  167,442        $   280,121       $211,642              N/A

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION ($ thousands)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994

Column A               Column B          Column C          Column D          Column E           Column F          Column G

Segment                Deferred           Future           Unearned         Other policy        Premium              Net
                        policy            policy           premiums          claims and         revenue           investment
                     acquisition         benefits,                            benefits                              income
                         cost             losses,                              payable
                                        claims and
                                           loss
                                         expenses

<S>                   <C>              <C>               <C>                  <C>             <C>                <C>
Annuities             $1,150,585       $19,361,979       $      -             $23,888         $      -           $1,534,826

Life, DI,
Long-term Care and
Health Insurance         714,739         3,346,931              -              26,180          144,640              247,047

Total                 $1,865,324       $22,708,910       $      -             $50,068         $144,640           $1,781,873

                       Column H          Column I          Column J          Column K

                       Benefits,       Amortization          Other           Premiums
                        claims,        of deferred         operating         written
                      losses and         policy             expenses
                      settlement       acquisition
                       expenses           costs

Annuities             $   (5,762)      $   194,060       $131,515              N/A

Life, DI,
Long-term Care and
Health Insurance         134,128            86,312         78,586              N/A

Total                 $  128,366       $   280,372       $210,101              N/A

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION ($ thousands)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993

Column A               Column B          Column C          Column D          Column E           Column F

Segment                Deferred           Future           Unearned        Other policy         Premium
                        policy            policy           premiums         claims and          revenue
                     acquisition         benefits,                           benefits
                         cost             losses,                             payable
                                        claims and
                                           loss
                                          expenses
<S>                   <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>               <C>
Annuities             $1,008,378       $18,492,135        $      -           $ 21,508          $      -

Life, DI,
Long-term Care and
Health Insurance         644,006         3,148,932               -             23,008           127,245

Total                 $1,652,384       $21,641,067        $      -           $ 44,516          $127,245

                       Column G          Column H          Column I          Column J          Column K

                          Net            Benefits,       Amortization          Other           Premiums
                      investment          claims,        of deferred         operating         written
                        income          losses and         policy             expenses
                                        settlement       acquisition
                                         expenses           costs

Annuities             $1,532,995       $     3,656        $139,602           $122,999            N/A

Life, DI,
Long-term Care and
Health Insurance         250,224           119,335          72,131            118,975            N/A

Total                 $1,783,219       $   122,991        $211,733           $241,974            N/A

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 5
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE ($ thousands)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993

Column A                         Column B          Column C          Column D         Column E       Column F

                               Gross amount      Ceded to other    Assumed from          Net        % of amount
                                                   companies      other companies       Amount     assumed to net

<S>                            <C>                <C>               <C>               <C>             <C>
For the year ended
  December 31, 1995

Life insurance in force        $57,895,180        $3,771,204        $1,788,352        $55,912,328      3.20%

Premiums:
  Life insurance               $    53,089        $    2,648        $     (248)       $    50,193     -0.49%
  DI & health insurance            137,016            25,679                --            111,337      0.00%
Total premiums                 $   190,105        $   28,327        $     (248)       $   161,530     -0.15%

For the year ended
  December 31, 1994

Life insurance in force        $50,814,651        $3,246,608        $1,851,916        $49,419,959      3.75%

Premiums:
  Life insurance               $    51,219        $    3,354        $      319        $    48,184      0.66%
  DI & health insurance            114,049            17,593                --             96,456      0.00%
Total premiums                 $   165,268        $   20,947        $      319        $   144,640      0.22%

For the year ended
  December 31, 1993

Life insurance in force        $44,188,493        $3,038,426        $1,937,022        $43,087,089      4.50%

Premiums:
  Life insurance               $    51,764        $    3,627        $       --        $    48,137      0.00%
  DI & health insurance             96,250            17,142                --             79,108      0.00%
Total premiums                 $   148,014        $   20,769        $       --        $   127,245      0.00%

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 6
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                                                     
IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE V - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS ($ thousands)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993

          Column A                  Column B          Column C                          Column D            Column E

                                                      Additions
                                                      ---------
                                   Balance at                          Charged to
        Description                Beginning          Charged to     Other Accounts-   Deductions-       Balance at End
                                   of Period       Costs & Expenses     Describe       Describe *          of Period
<S>                                 <C>                <C>                 <C>          <C>                 <C>
For the year ended
  December 31, 1995
- -------------------------
Reserve for Mortgage Loans          $35,252             $ 1,088            $0           $(1,000)            $37,340
Reserve for Other Investments       $ 7,515            $( 2,802)           $0            $    0             $ 4,713

For the year ended
  December 31, 1994
- -------------------------
Reserve for Mortgage Loans          $35,020             $   232            $0            $    0             $35,252
Reserve for Fixed Maturities        $22,777            $(16,777)           $0            $6,000             $     0
Reserve for Other Investments       $10,700            $( 3,185)           $0            $    0             $ 7,515

For the year ended
  December 31, 1993
- -------------------------
Reserve for Mortgage Loans          $23,595             $13,635            $0            $2,210             $35,020
Reserve for Fixed Maturities        $37,899            $(15,122)           $0                               $22,777
Reserve for Other Investments       $12,834            $( 4,344)           $0           $(2,210)            $10,700

* 1995 amount represents a reserve on mortgage loans which were transferred from an affiliate.  1994 amount represents
  a direct writedown of the related investments in fixed maturities.  1993 amounts represent transfers between reserve accounts.

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 7

                 Report of Independent Auditors


The Board of Directors
IDS Life Insurance Company



We have audited the consolidated financial statements of IDS Life
Insurance Company as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995, and have
issued our report thereon dated February 2, 1996 (included
elsewhere in this Registration Statement).

Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed
in Item 3 of this Registration Statement.  These schedules are the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is
to express an opinion based on our audits.

In our opinion, the financial statement schedules referred to
above, when considered in relation to the basic financial
statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein.



Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 2, 1996


[ARTICLE]                                             7
[CIK]                                        0000768836
[NAME]                       IDS Life Insurance Company
[MULTIPLIER]                                       1000
[CURRENCY]                                  U.S. DOLLAR
[FISCAL-YEAR-END]           DEC-31-1994     DEC-31-1995
[PERIOD-START]              JAN-01-1994     JAN-01-1995
[PERIOD-END]                DEC-31-1994     DEC-31-1995
[PERIOD-TYPE]                      YEAR            YEAR
[EXCHANGE-RATE]                       1               1
[DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE]            8017555        10516212
[DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE]          11269861        11257591
[DEBT-MARKET-VALUE]            10694800        11878377
[EQUITIES]                         1906            3517
[MORTGAGE]                      2400514         2945495
[REAL-ESTATE]                     20835           28796
[TOTAL-INVEST]                 22121637        25290211
[CASH]                           267774           72147
[RECOVER-REINSURE]                 1110            1849
[DEFERRED-ACQUISITION]          1865324         2025725
[TOTAL-ASSETS]                 35747543        42900078
[POLICY-LOSSES]                22708910        25018089
[UNEARNED-PREMIUMS]                   0               0
[POLICY-OTHER]                        0               0
[POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS]             50068           56323
[NOTES-PAYABLE]                       0               0
[COMMON]                           3000            3000
[PREFERRED-MANDATORY]                 0               0
[PREFERRED]                           0               0
[OTHER-SE]                      1585691         2328708
[TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY]   35747543        42900078
[PREMIUMS]                       144640          161530
[INVESTMENT-INCOME]             1781873         1907309
[INVESTMENT-GAINS]               (4282)          (4898)
[OTHER-INCOME]                   384105          472035
[BENEFITS]                      1303351         1483431
[UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION]      280372          280121
[UNDERWRITING-OTHER]             210101          211642
[INCOME-PRETAX]                  512512          560782
[INCOME-TAX]                     176343          195842
[INCOME-CONTINUING]              336169          364940
[DISCONTINUED]                        0               0
[EXTRAORDINARY]                       0               0
[CHANGES]                             0               0
[NET-INCOME]                     336169          364940
[EPS-PRIMARY]                         0               0
[EPS-DILUTED]                         0               0
[RESERVE-OPEN]                    20636           23228
[PROVISION-CURRENT]               93683          117478
[PROVISION-PRIOR]                     0               0
[PAYMENTS-CURRENT]                91091          116514
[PAYMENTS-PRIOR]                      0               0
[RESERVE-CLOSE]                   23228           24192
[CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY]               0               0

[ARTICLE]              6
[CIK]
[NAME]                 IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account for
                       Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance
[SERIES]
[NAME]
[NUMBER]
[MULTIPLIER]           1
[CURRENCY]             U.S. DOLLAR
[FISCAL-YEAR-END]                  DEC-31-1995
[PERIOD-START]                     JAN-01-1995
[PERIOD-END]                       DEC-31-1995
[PERIOD-TYPE]                             YEAR
[EXCHANGE-RATE]                              1
[INVESTMENTS-AT-COST]                522918456
[INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE]               649630607
[RECEIVABLES]                          1364790
[ASSETS-OTHER]                               0
[OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS]                         0
[TOTAL-ASSETS]                       650995397
[PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES]                     0
[SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT]                      0
[OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES]             (2193984)
[TOTAL-LIABILITIES]                   (2193984)
[SENIOR-EQUITY]                              0
[PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON]                     0
[SHARES-COMMON-STOCK]                256478955
[SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR]                189054413
[ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT]                    0
[OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII]                       0
[ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS]                      0
<OVERDISTRIBUTIONS-GAINS>                    0
[ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC]                     0 
[NET-ASSETS]                         648801413
[DIVIDEND-INCOME]                     17942419
[INTEREST-INCOME]                            0
[OTHER-INCOME]                               0
[EXPENSES-NET]                        (4654438)
[NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME]               13287981
[REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT]               1059170
[APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT]            109168203
[NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS]                123515354
[EQUALIZATION]                               0
<DISTRIBUTION-OF-INCOME>                     0
<DISTRIBUTION-OF-GAINS>                      0
[DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER]                        0
[NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD]               97333748
[NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED]          (29909206)
[SHARES-REINVESTED]                          0
[NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS]               260710420
[ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR]                      0
[ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR]                    0
[OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR]                      0
[OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR]                   0
[GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES]                        0
[INTEREST-EXPENSE]                           0
[GROSS-EXPENSE]                       (4654438)
[AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS]                 518446203
[PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN]                        0
[PER-SHARE-NII]                              0
[PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC]                      0
[PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS]                    0
[RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL]                         0
[PER-SHARE-NAV-END]                          0
[EXPENSE-RATIO]                              0
[AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING]                       0
[AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE]                         0
<PAGE>
PAGE 1









April 18, 1996



IDS Life Insurance Company
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, Minnesota  55440

Gentlemen:

This opinion is furnished in connection with post-effective
Amendment No. 14 to the registration by IDS Life Insurance Company
of a Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy ("the Policy")
under the Securities Act of 1933, File #33-11165.  The prospectus
included on Form S-6 in the post-effective amendment to the
registration statement describes the Policy.  I am familiar with
the Policy, the post-effective amendment, the registration
statement and the exhibits thereto.  In my opinion, the
illustrations of Death Benefits, Policy Values, and Surrender
Values included in the section of the prospectus entitled
"Illustrations", under the assumptions stated in that section, are
consistent with the provisions of the Policy.

I hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the
registration statement and to the reference to my name under the
heading "Experts" in this prospectus.

Very Truly Yours,



James M. Jensen, F.S.A., M.A.A.A.
Vice President - Insurance Product Development

<PAGE>
PAGE 1










                        CONSENT OF ACTUARY


The Board of Directors
IDS Life Insurance Company


I consent to the reference to me under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of my opinion dated April 18, 1996 on the Illustrations
used by IDS Life Insurance Company in the Prospectus for the
Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy offered by IDS Life
Insurance Company as part of post-effective Amendment #14 to the
Registration Statement being filed under the Securities Act of
1933.




James M. Jensen, F.S.A., M.A.A.A.
Vice President - Insurance Product Development

Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 19, 1996

<PAGE>
PAGE 1







CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts"
and to the use of our reports dated February 2, 1996 on the
consolidated financial statements and schedules of IDS Life
Insurance Company and our report dated March 15, 1996 on the
financial statements of IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account for
Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance in Post Effective
Amendment No. 14 to the Registration Statement (Form S-6, No. 33-
11165) for the registration of the IDS Life Variable Life Separate
Account for Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance to be offered
by IDS Life Insurance Company.



Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 25, 1996

<PAGE>
PAGE 1
                    IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                         POWER OF ATTORNEY

City of Minneapolis

State of Minnesota

   Each of the undersigned, as directors of the below listed unit
investment trusts that previously have filed registration
statements and amendments thereto pursuant to the requirements of
the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940
with the Securities and Exchange Commission:
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                        1933 Act        1940 Act
                                                        Reg. Number     Reg. Number
<S>                                                     <C>             <C>
IDS Life Variable Account 10
  IDS Life Flexible Portfolio Annuity                   33-62407        811-07355
IDS Life Accounts F, IZ, JZ, G, H, N, KZ, LZ and MZ
  IDS Life Flexible Annuity                             33-4173         811-3217
IDS Life Accounts F, IZ, JZ, G, H, N, KZ, LZ and MZ
  IDS Life Variable and Combination
  Retirement Annuities                                  2-73114         811-3217
IDS Life Accounts F, IZ, JZ, G, H, N, KZ, LZ and MZ
  IDS Life Employee Benefit Annuity                     33-52518        811-3217
IDS Life Accounts F, IZ, JZ, G, H, N, KZ, LZ and MZ
  IDS Life Group Variable Annuity Contract              33-47302        811-3217
IDS Life Insurance Company
  IDS Life Group Variable Annuity Contract   
  (Fixed Account)                                       33-48701           N/A
IDS Life Insurance Company
  IDS Life Single Payment Market Value Annuity          33-28976           N/A
IDS Life Insurance Company
  IDS Life Flexible Payment Market Value Annuity        33-50968           N/A
IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account
  Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy       33-11165        811-4298
IDS Life Variable Life Separate Account
  IDS Life Single Premium Variable Life                 2-97637         811-4298
IDS Life Variable Account for Smith Barney 
  LifeVest Single Premium Variable Life                 33-5210         811-4652
IDS Life Account SBS
  IDS Life Symphony Annuity                             33-40779        812-7731
IDS Life Account RE
  IDS Life Real Estate Variable Annuity                 33-13375           N/A
IDS Life Variable Annuity Fund A                        2-29081         811-1653
IDS Life Variable Annuity Fund B                        2-47430         811-1674
</TABLE>

hereby constitutes and appoints William A. Stoltzmann, Mary Ellyn
Minenko, Eileen J. Newhouse and Timothy S. Meehan or any one of
them, as her or his attorney-in-fact and agent, to sign for her or
him in her or his name, place and stead any and all filings,
applications (including applications for exemptive relief),
periodic reports, registration statements (with all exhibits and
other documents required or desirable in connection therewith)
other documents, and amendments thereto and to file such filings,
applications, periodic reports, registration statements other 
<PAGE>
PAGE 2
documents, and amendments thereto with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and any necessary states, and grants to any or all of
them the full power and authority to do and perform each and every
act required or necessary in connection therewith.

     Dated the 1st day of April, 1996.



/s/ David R. Hubers                             March 21, 1996
    David R. Hubers
    Director


/s/ Richard W. Kling                            March 21, 1996
    Richard W. Kling
    Director and President


/s/ Paul F. Kolkman                             March 21, 1996
    Paul F. Kolkman
    Director and Executive Vice
    President


/s/ Janis E. Miller                             March 25, 1996
    Janis E. Miller
    Director and Executive Vice
    President, Variable Assets


/s/ James A. Mitchell                           March 25, 1996
    James A. Mitchell
    Director, Chairman of the
    Board and Chief Executive Officer


/s/ Barry J. Murphy                             April 1, 1996
    Barry J. Murphy
    Director and Executive Vice
    President, Client Service


/s/ Stuart A. Sedlacek                          March 27, 1996
    Stuart A. Sedlacek
    Director and Executive Vice
    President, Assured Assets


/s/ Melinda S. Urion                            March 29, 1996
    Melinda S. Urion
    Director, Executive Vice
    President and Controller



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