FFB FUNDS TRUST
485BPOS, 1996-02-29
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                            Registration Nos. 33-2010
                                    811-4510

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    Form N-1A

         REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933     /x/
                                      ----

                       Pre-Effective Amendment No. __                / /

                      Post-Effective Amendment No. 25                /x/
                                      ----

                                     and/or

     REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 /x/
                                                                          

                              Amendment No. 26                       /x/

                            EVERGREEN TAX-FREE TRUST
              (Exact Name of Registration as Specified in Charter)

                    237 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017
               (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

       Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 808-3900

Steven R. Howard                          Michael C. Petrycki
Baker & McKenzie                          237 Park Avenue
805 Third Avenue                          New York, New York  10017
New York, New York  10022

                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)


It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check  appropriate box) 

/ / Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) or 
/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b) or 
/X/ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) or 
/ / on (date)  pursuant to  paragraph  (a)(i) or 
/ / 75 days after  filing  pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) or 
/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485

If appropriate, check the following box:
/ / This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
         previously filed post-effective amendment
/ / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph  (a)(i) 
/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)

Registrant has filed with the  Securities and Exchange  Commission a declaration
pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and:

/X/ filed the Notice required by that Rule on or about April 30, 1995; or
/ / intends to file the Notice required by that Rule on or about (date); or

/ / during the most recent fiscal year did not sell any securities pursuant to
    Rule 24f-2 under the Investment  Company Act of 1940, and,  pursuant to Rule
    24f-2(b)(2), need not file the Notice.


                          CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

     This  Amendment to the  Registration  Statement of THE FFB FUNDS TRUST (the
"Trust"), relates to two of the Trust's portfolios: (1) THE FFB PENNSYLVANIA TAX
FREE MONEY MARKET FUND,  which after  January 19, 1996 is expected to be renamed
the  EVERGREEN  PENNSYLVANIA  TAX FREE MONEY  MARKET  FUND,  and (2) THE FFB NEW
JERSEY TAX FREE  INCOME  FUND,  which  after  January 19, 1996 is expected to be
renamed  the  EVERGREEN  NEW JERSEY TAX FREE INCOME  FUND.  


                              CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                          (as required by Rule 481(a))

N-1A Item No.                                       Location in Prospectus(es)

Part A

Item 1.   Cover Page                                Cover Page

Item 2.   Synopsis and Fee Table                    Overview of the Fund(s);
                                                    Expense Information

Item 3.   Condensed Financial Information           Financial Highlights

Item 4.   General Description of Registrant         Cover Page; Description of
                                                      the Funds; General
                                                      Information

Item 5.   Management of the Fund                    Management of the Fund(s);
                                                      General Information

Item 5A.  Management's Discussion                   Management's Discussion of
                                                      Fund Performance

Item 6.   Capital Stock and Other Securities        Dividends, Distributions and
                                                      Taxes; General
                                                      Information

Item 7.   Purchase of Securities Being Offered      Purchase and Redemption of
                                                      Shares

Item 8.   Redemption or Repurchase                  Purchase and Redemption of
                                                      Shares

Item 9.   Pending Legal Proceedings                 Not Applicable

                                                    Location in Statement of
Part B                                                Additional Information

Item 10.  Cover Page                                Cover Page

Item 11.  Table of Contents                         Table of Contents

Item 12.  General Information and History           Not Applicable

Item 13.  Investment Objectives and Policies        Investment Objectives and
                                                       Policies;Investment
                                                       Restrictions; Other
                                                       Restrictions and
                                                       Operating Policies

Item 14.  Management of the Fund                    Management

Item 15.  Control Persons and Principal             Management
           Holders of Securities

Item 16.  Investment Advisory and Other Services    Investment Adviser;
                                                    Purchase of Shares

Item 17.  Brokerage Allocation                      Allocation of Brokerage

Item 18.  Capital Stock and Other Securities        Purchase of Shares

Item 19.  Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of       Distribution Plans; Purchase
          Securities Being Offered                    of Shares; Net Asset Value

Item 20.  Tax Status                                Additional Tax Information

Item 21.  Underwriters                              Distribution Plans; Purchase
                                                      of Shares

Item 22.  Calculation of Performance Data           Performance Information

Item 23.  Financial Statements                      Financial Statements

Part C

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


*******************************************************************************
AB MONEY MARKET

<PAGE>
  PROSPECTUS                                                 January 22, 1996
  EVERGREEN(SM) PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE                   (Evergreen Tree Logo)
  MONEY MARKET FUND
  CLASS A SHARES
           The EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND (the "Fund")
  is designed to provide investors with current income, stability of
  principal and liquidity. This Prospectus provides information regarding the
  Class A offered by the Fund. The Fund is a series of an open-end,
  diversified, management investment company. This Prospectus sets forth
  concise information about the Fund that a prospective investor should know
  before investing. The address of the Fund is 2500 Westchester Avenue,
  Purchase, New York 10577.

           A "Statement of Additional Information" for the Fund and certain
  other Evergreen mutual funds dated January 22, 1996 has been filed with the
  Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated by reference herein.
  The Statement of Additional Information provides information regarding
  certain matters discussed in this Prospectus and other matters which may be
  of interest to investors, and may be obtained without charge by calling the
  Fund at (800) 807-2940. There can be no assurance that the investment
  objective of the Fund will be achieved. Investors are advised to read this
  Prospectus carefully.

  THE SHARES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF
  ANY BANK, ARE NOT ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK, ARE NOT INSURED OR
  OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
  CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY AND
  INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISKS.

  AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
  GOVERNMENT, AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE FUND WILL BE ABLE TO
  MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.

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

                   KEEP THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

  EVERGREEN(SM) is a Service Mark of Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
  Copyright 1995, Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
 
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S>                                                       <C>
OVERVIEW OF THE FUND                                        2
EXPENSE INFORMATION                                         3
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                                        4
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND                                     5
         Investment Objective and Policies                  5
         Investment Practices and Restrictions              9
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND                                     10
         Investment Adviser                                10
         Distribution Plan and Agreement                   10
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES                          11
         How to Buy Shares                                 11
         How to Redeem Shares                              12
         Exchange Privilege                                14
         Shareholder Services                              14
         Effect of Banking Laws                            15
OTHER INFORMATION                                          15
         Dividends, Distributions and Taxes                15
         General Information                               16
</TABLE>
 
                              OVERVIEW OF THE FUND
       The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus. See "Description of the
Fund" and "Management of the Fund".
       The Capital Management Group ("CMG") First Union National Bank of North
Carolina ("FUNB") serves as investment adviser to EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA
TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND. FUNB is a subsidiary of First Union Corporation, the
sixth largest bank holding company in the United States.
       EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND invests in high quality
Pennsylvania securities that are exempt from Federal and Pennsylvania personal
income taxes in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, and which have
remaining maturities of thirteen months or less.
       The Fund seeks to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share
although no assurances can be given that such a stable net asset value will be
maintained.
    THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF THE FUND WILL BE
ACHIEVED.
                                       2                                       
 
<PAGE>
                              EXPENSE INFORMATION
       The table set forth below summarizes the shareholder transaction costs
associated with an investment in Class A shares of the Fund. For further
information see "Purchase and Redemption of Shares" and "General
Information -- Other Classes of Shares".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES              Class A Shares
<S>                                           <C>              <C>                                            <C>
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases          None
(as a % of offering price)
Sales Charge on Dividend Reinvestments             None
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (as a % of        None
original purchase price or redemption
proceeds, whichever is lower)
Redemption Fee                                     None
Exchange Fee                                       None
</TABLE>
 
       The following tables show for the Fund the estimated annual operating
expenses (as a percentage of average net assets) attributable, together with
examples of the cumulative effect of such expenses on a hypothetical $1,000
investment in each Class for the periods specified assuming (i) a 5% annual
return, and (ii) redemption at the end of each period.
EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           EXAMPLES
                                                                           Assuming
                         ANNUAL OPERATING                                 Redemption
                            EXPENSES**                                 at End of Period
                             Class A                                       Class A
<S>                      <C>                  <C>                      <C>
Management
Fees                            .40%          After 1 Year                   $ 12
                                              After 3 Years                  $ 37
12b-1 Fees*                     .30%
                                              After 5 Years                  $ 64
Other
Expenses                        .53%          After 10 Years                 $142
Total                          1.23%
</TABLE>
 
       *The estimated operating expenses and examples do not reflect fee waivers
and expense reimbursements for the most recent fiscal period. Actual expenses,
net of fee waivers and expense reimbursements for the fiscal period ended
February 28, 1995 for Class A Shares were .21%.
       From time to time, the Fund's investment adviser may, at its discretion,
waive its fee or reimburse the Fund for certain of its expenses in order to
reduce the Fund's expense ratio. The investment adviser may cease these
voluntary waivers or reimbursements at any time.
       **Class A Shares can pay up to .35 of 1% of average net assets as a 12b-1
Fee. For the foreseeable future, the Class A Share's 12b-1 Fees will be limited
to .30 of 1% of average net assets.
       The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist an investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in Class A Shares
of the Fund will bear directly or indirectly. The amounts set forth under "Other
Expenses" as well as the amounts set forth in the examples are estimated amounts
based on historical experience for the most recent fiscal period. Such expenses
have been restated to reflect current fee arrangements. THE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT
BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR ANNUAL RETURN.
ACTUAL EXPENSES AND ANNUAL RETURN MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. For a
more complete description of the various costs and expenses borne by the Fund
see "Management of the Fund".
                                       3                                       
 
<PAGE>
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
       The information on the following pages present financial highlights for a
share outstanding throughout each period indicated. The information in the
tables for each of the years in the two-year period ended February 28, 1995 have
been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Fund's current independent auditors.
The information in the tables for February 28, 1993 and prior periods have been
audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, the Fund's prior independent auditors. A report
of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP or Price Waterhouse LLP, as the case may be, on the
audited information with respect to the Fund is incorporated by reference in the
Fund's Statement of Additional Information. The following information should be
read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes which are
incorporated by reference in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
       Further information about the Fund's performance is contained in the
Fund's annual report to shareholders, which may be obtained without charge.
EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        CLASS A SHARES                   CLASS Y SHARES
                                                         AUGUST 22,*          SIX MONTHS
                                                           THROUGH               ENDED
                                                          AUGUST 31,          AUGUST 31,
                                                             1995                1995        YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28,
                                                         (UNAUDITED)          (UNAUDITED)             1995
<S>                                                 <C>                     <C>              <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period...............         $1.00               $  1.00              $  1.00
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income..............................           .02                   .02                  .03
Less distributions to shareholders from
  investment income................................          (.02)                 (.02)                (.03)
Net asset value, end of period.....................         $1.00               $  1.00              $  1.00
TOTAL RETURN+......................................           1.9%                  1.9%                 2.8%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)..........          $120               $99,513              $43,539
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses **......................................           .21%++                .21%++              .33%
  Net investment income **.........................          3.66%++               3.66%++             3.09%
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                                       AUGUST 15, 1991*
 
                                                                                                           THROUGH
 
                                                                                                         FEBRUARY 29,
                                                                 YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28,
                                                              1994                     1993                  1992
 
<S>                                                 <C>                       <C>                      <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period...............          $  1.00                  $  1.00              $   1.00
 
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income..............................              .02                      .03                   .02
 
Less distributions to shareholders from
  investment income................................             (.02)                    (.03)                 (.02)
 
Net asset value, end of period.....................          $  1.00                  $  1.00              $   1.00
 
TOTAL RETURN+......................................             2.1%                     2.7%                  4.0%
 
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)..........          $14,383                  $15,999               $20,699
 
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses **......................................             .47%                     .35%                  .19%++
 
  Net investment income **.........................            2.10%                    2.62%                 3.90%++
 
</TABLE>
 
*  Commencement of class operations.
+  Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
   indicated and is not annualized.
++ Annualized.
**  Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
    expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser the
    annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income to average net
    assets would have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             CLASS A SHARES                              CLASS Y SHARES
                                               SIX MONTHS        SIX MONTHS
                                                  ENDED             ENDED
                                             AUGUST 31, 1995   AUGUST 31, 1995                YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28,
                                               (UNAUDITED)       (UNAUDITED)              1995                      1994
<S>                                          <C>               <C>               <C>                       <C>
Expenses...................................         .79%              .79%                 1.05%                     1.26%
Net investment income......................        3.66%             3.08%                 2.37%                     1.31%
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                        AUGUST 15, 1991*
                                               CLASS Y SHARES               THROUGH
                                           YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28,       FEBRUARY 29,
                                                      1993                   1992
<S>                                          <C>                       <C>
Expenses...................................            1.07%                  .77%
Net investment income......................            1.90%                 3.32%
</TABLE>
 
                                       4                                       
 
<PAGE>
                            DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
       The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to provide investors with
as high a level of current income as is consistent with preservation of capital
and liquidity. There is no assurance that this objective will be achieved.
       To obtain its objective the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets
in municipal obligations issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or its
counties, municipalities, authorities or other political subdivisions, and
municipal obligations issued by territories or possessions of the United States,
such as Puerto Rico (collectively, "Municipal Obligations"), the interest on
which, in the opinion of bond counsel, is exempt from Federal and Pennsylvania
personal income taxes. The Fund limits its investments to Municipal Obligations
with remaining maturities of thirteen months or less and will maintain a
dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less.
       Normally, the Fund will seek to invest substantially all of its assets in
short-term Municipal Obligations. However, under certain unusual circumstances,
such as a temporary decline in the issuance of Pennsylvania obligations, the
Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in the following: short-term municipal
securities issued outside of Pennsylvania (the income from which may be subject
to Pennsylvania income taxes) or certain taxable fixed income securities (the
income from which may be subject to Federal and Pennsylvania personal income
taxes). In most instances, however, the Fund will seek to avoid such holdings in
an effort to provide income that is fully exempt from Federal and Pennsylvania
personal income taxes.
       The Fund may also invest in Municipal Obligations issued to finance
private activities, whose interest is a preference item for purposes of the
Federal alternative minimum tax. Such "private activity bonds" might include
industrial development bonds and securities issued to finance projects such as
solid waste disposal facilities, student loans or water and sewage projects. The
Fund currently intends to treat "private activity bonds" as not federally tax
exempt and, accordingly, to limit investments in "private activity bonds" to no
more than 20% of assets. See "Other Information -- Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes".
       The Fund will not invest in options, financial futures transactions or
other similar "derivative" instruments except as otherwise provided herein.
       Shares of the Fund are not insured or guaranteed by the United States
government. The Fund will only purchase securities: (i) rated within the two
highest rating categories by Moody's Investors Service Inc., ("Moody's") and
Standard & Poors Ratings Group ("S & P") or in a comparable rating category by
any two of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations that have
rated the securities; (ii) rated in a comparable rating category by only one
such organization that has rated the securities, or (iii) which, if unrated, are
deemed to be of equivalent quality as determined by the investment adviser
pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The types of
Municipal Obligations in which the Fund may invest include the following:

Municipal Bonds. Municipal bonds generally have a maturity at the time of
issuance of more than one year. Municipal bonds may be issued to raise money for
various public purposes -- such as constructing public facilities and resource
recovery projects and making loans to public institutions. There are generally
two types of municipal bonds: general obligation bonds and revenue bonds.
General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing power of the issuing
municipality and are considered the safest type of municipal bond. Revenue bonds
are backed by the revenues of a project or facility -- tolls from a toll bridge,
for example. Industrial development revenue bonds (which are private activity
bonds) are a specific type of revenue bond backed by the credit and security of
a private user, and therefore investments in these bonds have more potential
risk. Certain types of municipal bonds are issued to obtain funding for
privately operated facilities. Municipal bonds generally have a maturity at the
time of issuance of more than one year.

Municipal Notes. Municipal notes are generally sold as interim financing in
anticipation of the collection of taxes, a bond sale or receipt of other
revenue. Municipal notes generally have maturities at the time of issuance of
one year or less. Investments in municipal notes are limited to notes which are
rated at the date of purchase: (i)"MIG 1" or "MIG 2" by Moody's and in a
comparable rating category by at least one other nationally recognized
statistical rating organization that has rated the notes, or (ii) in a
comparable rating category by only one such organization, including Moody's, if
it is the only organization that has rated the notes, or (iii) if not rated,
are, in the opinion of the
                                       5
 
<PAGE>
investment adviser, of comparable investment quality and within the credit
quality policies and guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.
       Notes rated "MIG 1" are judged to be of the "best quality" and carry the
smallest amount of investment risk. Notes rated "MIG 2" are judged to be of
"high quality", with margins of protection ample although not as large as in the
preceding group.

Municipal Commercial Paper. Municipal commercial paper is a debt obligation with
a stated maturity of one year or less which is issued to finance seasonal
working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of longer-term
debt. Investments in municipal commercial paper are limited to commercial paper
which is rated at the date of purchase: (i) "P-1" or "P-2" by Moody's and "A-1",
"A-1 +" or "A-2" by S&P or (ii) in a comparable rating category by any two of
the nationally recognized statistical ratings organizations that have rated
commercial paper or (iii) in a comparable rating category by only one such
organization if it is the only organization that has rated the commercial paper
or (iv) if not rated, is, in the opinion of the investment adviser, of
comparable investment quality and within the credit quality policies and
guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.
       Issuers of municipal (and taxable) commercial paper rated "P-1" have a
"superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations". The
"A-1" rating for commercial paper under the S&P classification indicates that
the "degree of safety regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very
strong". Commercial paper with "overwhelming safety characteristics" will be
rated "A1+". Commercial paper receiving a "P-2" rating has a strong capacity for
repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Commercial paper rated "A-2" has
the capacity for timely payment although the relative degree of safety is not as
overwhelming as for issues designated "A-1". See the Statement of Additional
Information for a more complete description of securities ratings.

When-Issued Securities. The Fund may purchase Municipal Obligations on a
when-issued basis, in which case delivery and payment normally take place 15 to
45 days after the date of the commitment to purchase. The Fund will only make
commitments to purchase Municipal Obligations on a when-issued basis with the
intention of actually acquiring the securities but may sell them before the
settlement date if it is deemed advisable. Any gains realized in such sales
would produce taxable income. The when-issued securities are subject to market
fluctuation and no interest accrues to the purchaser during this period. The
payment obligation and the interest rate that will be received on the securities
are each fixed at the time the purchaser enters into the commitment. For
purposes of determining the Fund's weighted average maturity, the maturity of a
when-issued security is calculated from its commitment date. Purchasing
Municipal Obligations on a when-issued basis is a form of leveraging and can
involve a risk that the yields available in the market when the delivery takes
place may actually be higher than those obtained in the transaction itself in
which case there could be an unrealized loss at the time of delivery.
       The Fund will establish a segregated account with its custodian in which
it will maintain cash, United States government securities, or other liquid,
high quality debt instruments in an amount at least equal in value to the Fund's
commitments to purchase when-issued securities. If the value of these assets
declines, the Fund will place additional liquid assets in the account on a daily
basis so that the value of the assets in the account is equal to the amount of
such commitments.

Securities With Put or Demand Rights. The Fund has the ability to enter into put
transactions, sometimes referred to as stand-by commitments, with respect to
Municipal Obligations held in its portfolio or to purchase securities which
carry a demand feature or put option which permit the Fund, as holder, to tender
them back to the issuer or a third party prior to maturity and receive payment
within seven days. Segregated accounts will be maintained by the Fund for all
such transactions.
       The amount payable to the Fund by the seller upon its exercise of a put
will normally be (i) the Fund's acquisition cost of the securities (excluding
any accrued interest which the Fund paid on their acquisition), less any
amortized market premium plus any amortized market or original issue discount
during the period the Fund owned the securities, plus (ii) all interest accrued
on the securities since the last interest payment date during the period the
securities were owned by the Fund. Absent unusual circumstances, the Fund values
the underlying securities at their amortized cost. Accordingly, the amount
payable by a broker dealer or bank during the time a put is exercisable will be
substantially the same as the value of the underlying securities.
       The Fund's right to exercise a put is unconditional and unqualified. A
put is not transferable by the Fund, although the Fund may sell the underlying
securities to a third party at any time. The Fund expects that puts will
generally be available without any additional direct or indirect cost. However,
if necessary and advisable, the Fund may pay for certain puts either separately
in cash or by paying a higher price for portfolio securities which are
                                       6
 
<PAGE>
acquired subject to such a put (thus reducing the yield to maturity otherwise
available to the same securities). Thus, the aggregate price paid for securities
with put rights may be higher than the price that would otherwise be paid.
       The Fund may enter into put transactions only with broker dealers (in
accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission) and banks
which, in the opinion of the investment adviser, present minimal credit risks.
The investment adviser will monitor periodically the creditworthiness of issuers
of such obligations held by the Fund. The Fund's ability to exercise a put will
depend on the ability of the broker-dealer or bank to pay for the underlying
securities at the time the put is exercised. In the event that a broker-dealer
or bank should default on its obligation to purchase an underlying security, the
Fund might be unable to recover all or a portion of any loss sustained from
having to sell the security elsewhere. The Fund intends to enter into put
transactions solely to maintain portfolio liquidity and does not intend to
exercise its rights thereunder for trading purposes.
       For a detailed description of put transactions, see "Investment
Policies -- Securities with Put Rights" in the Statement of Additional
Information.

Taxable Securities. Under normal market conditions, the Fund may at times elect
to invest temporarily up to 20% of the current value of its net assets in
taxable securities of the type described below pending the investment in
Municipal Obligations of proceeds of sales of Fund shares or proceeds from the
sale of portfolio securities or in anticipation of redemptions. However, at all
times under normal market conditions the percentage of the Fund's income and
corresponding distributions which is tax-exempt will be very close to 100%. In
addition, for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of
its total assets in such taxable securities when, in the opinion of the
investment adviser, it is advisable to do so because of market conditions. The
types of taxable securities in which the Fund may invest are limited to the
following money market instruments which have remaining maturities not exceeding
thirteen months; (i) obligations of the United States government, its agencies
or instrumentalities; (ii) negotiable certificates of deposit and bankers'
acceptances of United States banks which have more than $1 billion in total
assets at the time of investment and are members of the Federal Reserve System
or are examined by the Comptroller of the Currency or whose deposits are insured
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (iii) domestic and foreign U.S.
dollar-denominated commercial paper rated "P-1" by Moody's or "A-1" or "A-1+" by
S&P; and (iv) repurchase agreements with respect to any of the foregoing
portfolio securities. The Fund also has the right to hold up to 100% of its
total assets in cash as the investment adviser deems necessary for temporary
defensive purposes.
       Investments of the Fund in U.S. dollar-denominated foreign commercial
paper may involve certain risks not applicable to investment by the Fund in the
obligations of domestic issuers. These risks may include risks of foreign
political or economic instability, difficulties in enforcing a judgment against
a foreign issuer should it default, the imposition or tightening of exchange
controls and changes in foreign governmental attitudes toward private
investment, including the possibility of increased taxation, nationalization or
expropriation of Fund assets. Foreign issuers of securities may also be subject
to different accounting and disclosure systems, which may affect the type and
quality of information available about an issuer. The rating services used by
the Fund take these factors into consideration when assigning a rating to a
particular security, and therefore the additional risk to the Fund of investing
in foreign securities with the same ratings as a domestic security is not
expected to be significant.
       The Fund will not invest in any obligations of or loan any of its
portfolio securities to FUNB or its affiliates as defined in the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") or any affiliates of the Fund.
Subject to the limitations described, the Fund is permitted to invest in
obligations of correspondent banks of FUNB (banks with which the FUNB maintains
a special bank servicing relationship) which are not affiliates of Evergreen
Tax-Free Trust, its investment adviser or its distributor, but the Fund will not
give preference in its investment selections to those obligations.
       After purchase by the Fund, a security may cease to be rated or its
rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by the Fund.
Neither event will require a sale of such security by the Fund. However, the
investment adviser will consider such event in its determination of whether the
Fund should continue to hold the security. To the extent the ratings given by
Moody's or S&P may change as a result of changes in such organizations of their
rating systems, the Fund will attempt to use comparable ratings as standards for
investments in accordance with the investment policies contained in this
Prospectus and in the Statement of Additional Information.
       Opinions relating to the validity of Municipal Obligations and to the
exclusion of interest thereon from Federal and Pennsylvania personal income
taxes are rendered by bond counsel to the respective issuers at the
                                       7
 
<PAGE>
time of issuance. Neither the Fund, the Evergreen Tax-Free Trust nor the
investment adviser will review the proceedings relating to the issuance of
Municipal Obligations or the basis for such opinions.

Municipal Lease Obligations. Municipal lease obligations are financing
arrangements secured by leases of property to a municipality. These obligations
are considered to be illiquid securities and typically are not fully backed by
the municipality's credit. Interest from a municipal lease obligation may become
taxable if the lease is assigned. If the governmental user does not appropriate
sufficient funds for the following year's lease payments, the lease will
terminate, with the possibility of default on the lease obligations and
significant loss to the Fund. The Fund will not purchase any municipal lease
obligation that is not covered by a legal opinion (typically from the issuer's
counsel) to the effect that, as of the effective date of such lease, the lease
is the valid and binding obligation of the governmental issuer. For a more
detailed description of Municipal Leases, see "Investment Policies -- Municipal
Leases" in the Statement of Additional Information.

Resource Recovery Bonds. Resource recovery bonds may be general obligations of
the issuing municipality or supported by corporate or bank guarantees. The
viability of the resource recovery project, environmental protection regulations
and project operator tax incentives may affect the value and credit quality of
resource recovery bonds.

Variable and Floating Rate Obligations. Certain of the Municipal Obligations
which the Fund may purchase have a floating or variable rate of interest. Such
obligations bear interest at rates which are not fixed, but which vary with
changes in specified market rates or indices, such as a Federal Reserve
composite index. Certain of such obligations may carry a demand feature or put
option which would permit the Fund, as holder, to tender them back to the issuer
or a third party prior to maturity ("demand instruments"). The Fund may invest
in floating and variable rate Municipal Obligations even if they carry stated
maturities in excess of one year. Obligations with a demand feature generally
receive two ratings, one representing an evaluation of the degree of risk
associated with scheduled interest and principal payments and the other
representing an evaluation of the degree of risk associated with the demand
feature. The two highest ratings assigned to the demand feature by Moody's are
"VMIG 1" and "VMIG 2" which have generally the same characteristics as Moody's
"MIG 1" and "MIG 2" ratings. Investments in variable and floating rate
obligations are limited to those that are rated "VMIG" 1 by Moody's or, if not
rated, are, in the opinion of the investment adviser, of comparable investment
quality. The investment adviser will monitor on an ongoing basis the earning
power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the issuers of such obligations
and will similarly monitor the ability of an issuer of a demand instrument to
pay principal and interest on demand. The Fund's right to obtain payment at par
on a demand instrument could be affected by events occurring between the date
the Fund elects to demand payment and the date payment is due which may
adversely affect the ability of the issuer of the instrument to make payment
when due.
       The Fund does not intend to concentrate its investments in any one
industry. Thus, from time to time, the Fund may invest 25% or more of its assets
in Municipal Obligations which are related in such a way that an economic,
business or political development or change affecting one such Obligation would
also affect the other Obligations; for example, Municipal Obligations, the
interest on which is paid from revenues of similar type projects or Municipal
Obligations whose issuers are located in the same state.
       Because the taxable money market is a broader and more liquid market with
a greater number of investors, issuers and market makers than is the market for
short-term tax-exempt municipal obligations, the liquidity of the Fund may not
be equal to that of a money market fund which invests exclusively in short-term
taxable money market instruments. The more limited marketability of short-term
tax-exempt municipal obligations may make it difficult in certain circumstances
to dispose of large investments advantageously. In general, tax-exempt municipal
obligations are also subject to credit risks such as the loss of credit ratings
or possible default. In addition, an issuer of tax-exempt municipal obligations
may lose its tax-exempt status in the event of a change in the current tax laws.

Risk Factors: Investing in Pennsylvania Municipal Obligations. Each investor
should consider carefully the special risks inherent in the Fund's investment in
Pennsylvania Municipal Obligations. Pennsylvania has been historically
identified as a heavy industry state although that reputation has recently
changed as the industrial composition of Pennsylvania diversified when the coal,
steel, and railroad industries began to decline. This diversification was
necessary when the traditionally strong industries in Pennsylvania declined as a
long-term shift in jobs, investment and workers away from the northeast part of
the nation took place. The major new sources of growth are in the service
sector, including trade, medical and health services, education and financial
institutions. Pennsylvania is highly urbanized, with approximately 50% of the
Commonwealth's population contained in the metropolitan areas which include the
cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
                                       8
 
<PAGE>
       It should be noted that Pennsylvania Municipal Obligations may be
adversely affected by local political and economic conditions and developments
within Pennsylvania. For example, adverse conditions in a significant industry
within Pennsylvania may from time to time have a correspondingly adverse effect
on specific issuers within Pennsylvania or on anticipated revenue to the
Commonwealth itself; conversely, an improving economic outlook for a significant
industry may have a positive effect on such issuers or revenues. An expanded
discussion of the risks associated with the purchase of Pennsylvania issues is
contained in the Statement of Additional Information.

Investment Company Securities. The Fund may invest in securities issued by other
investment companies. Such securities will be acquired by Fund within the limits
prescribed by the 1940 Act, which include a prohibition against the Fund
investing more than 10% of the value of its total assets in such securities.
Investments in securities issued by other investment companies will subject
shareholders to the imposition of duplicative fees and expenses.
       The Fund may engage in the following portfolio transactions:
Loans of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may loan its portfolio securities to
brokers, dealers, and financial institutions to increase current income. All
loans of securities must be continuously secured by collateral consisting of
United States government securities, cash or letters of credit maintained on a
daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to the current market
value of the securities loaned plus the interest payable with respect to the
loan.
       As a condition of the loan, the Fund must have the right to call the loan
and obtain the return of the securities loaned within five business days.
Moreover, the Fund will receive any interest or dividends paid on the loaned
securities. The Fund will not lend portfolio securities to FUNB, or to any
affiliate of the FUNB or to any other affiliate of the Fund. Loans of securities
involve a risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities or may fail
to provide additional collateral.

Repurchase Agreements. Securities held by the Fund may be subject to repurchase
agreements. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the seller of a
security commits itself at the time of the sale to repurchase that security from
the buyer at a mutually agreed upon time and price. The Fund will enter into
repurchase agreements only with dealers, domestic banks or recognized financial
institutions which, in the opinion of the investment adviser, present minimal
credit risks. The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with respect
to obligations which could otherwise be purchased by the Fund or any other
obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Where the
securities underlying a repurchase agreement are not U.S. government securities,
they must be of the highest quality at the time the repurchase agreement is
entered into (e.g., a long-term debt security would be required to be rated by
S&P as "AAA" or its equivalent). While the maturity of the underlying securities
in a repurchase agreement transaction may be more than one year, the term of the
repurchase agreement is always less than one year. The maturities of the
underlying securities will have to be taken into account in calculating the
Fund's dollar weighted average portfolio maturity if the seller of the
repurchase agreement fails to perform under such agreement. In the event of
default by the seller under the repurchase agreement, the Fund may experience a
loss of income from the loaned securities and a decrease in the value of any
collateral maintained, problems in exercising its rights to the underlying
securities and costs and time delays in connection with the disposition of such
securities. The Fund will invest no more than 10% of its net assets in
repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days and other illiquid
investments.

INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RESTRICTIONS
       The investment objective of the Fund and its policy of investing at least
80% of its net assets in Municipal Obligations are fundamental policies and
except for policies with respect to repurchase agreements and securities with
put rights, which are also fundamental policies of the Fund and subject to the
investment restrictions set forth below, the Fund's investment policies and the
investment adviser's discretion to make use of a particular investment technique
or activity are not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees
without the approval of shareholders.
       The Fund may not: (1) borrow money or pledge or mortgage its assets,
except that the Fund may borrow from banks up to 10% of the current value of its
total net assets for temporary purposes only in order to meet redemptions, and
those borrowings may be secured by the pledge of not more than 10% of the
current value of its total net assets (but investments may not be purchased by
the Fund while any such borrowings exist); (2) make loans, except loans of
portfolio securities having a value of not more than 10% of the Fund's current
assets and except that the Fund may purchase a portion of an issue of publicly
distributed bonds, debentures or other obligations, make deposits with banks and
enter into repurchase agreements with respect to its portfolio securities;
                                       9
 
<PAGE>
or (3) invest an amount equal to 10% or more of the current value of the Fund's
net assets in illiquid securities, including those securities which do not have
readily available market quotations and repurchase agreements having maturities
of more than seven calendar days. Investments in restricted securities eligible
for resale pursuant to Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 which have been
determined to be liquid by the Board of Trustees based upon the trading markets
for the securities will not be included for purposes of this limitation.
However, investing in Rule 144A securities could have the effect of increasing
the level of fund illiquidity to the extent that qualified institutional buyers
become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing such securities. The foregoing
investment restrictions and those described in the Statement of Additional
Information are fundamental policies which may be changed only when permitted by
law and approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund, as described under "Other Information" in the Statement
of Additional Information.
                             MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISER
       The management of the Fund is supervised by the Trustees of Evergreen
Tax-Free Trust. The Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of
North Carolina ("CMG") serves as investment adviser to the Fund. First Union
National Bank of North Carolina ("FUNB") a subsidiary of First Union Corporation
("First Union"), the sixth largest bank holding company in the United States.
First Union is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and had $96.7 billion
in consolidated assets as of December 31, 1995. First Union and its subsidiaries
provide a broad range of financial services to individuals and businesses
throughout the United States. The Capital Management Group of FUNB manages or
otherwise oversees the investment of over $5.3 billion in assets belonging to a
wide range of clients, including the fifteen series of Evergreen Investment
Trust (formerly known as First Union Funds). First Union Brokerage Services,
Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of FUNB, is a registered broker-dealer that is
principally engaged in providing retail brokerage services consistent with its
federal banking authorizations. First Union Capital Markets Corp., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of First Union, is a registered broker-dealer
principally engaged in providing, consistent with its federal banking
authorizations, private placement, securities dealing, and underwriting
services. Prior to January 1, 1996, First Fidelity Bank, N.A. ("FFB") served as
investment adviser to the Fund. CMG succeeded to the mutual funds advisory
business of First Fidelity in connection with the acquisition of First Fidelity
Bancorporation by a subsidiary of First Union.
       CMG manages investments and supervises the daily business affairs of the
Fund and, as compensation therefor, is entitled to receive an annual fee equal
to .40 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Fund up to $500 million, .36
of 1% of the next $500 million of assets, .32 of 1% of assets in excess of $1
billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion, and .28 of 1% of assets in excess of
$1.5 billion. The total annualized operating expenses of the Fund for its most
recent fiscal period are set forth in the section entitled "Financial
Highlights". Evergreen Asset Management Corp. ("Evergreen Asset"), a subsidiary
of FUNB, serves as administrator to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee
based on the average daily net assets of the Fund at a rate based on the total
assets of the mutual funds administered by Evergreen Asset for which CMG or
Evergreen Asset also serve as investment adviser, calculated in accordance with
the following schedule: .050% of the first $7 billion; .035% on the next $3
billion; .030% on the next $5 billion; .020% on the next $10 billion; .015% on
the next $5 billion; and .010% on assets in excess of $30 billion. Furman Selz
Incorporated, an affiliate of Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc., distributor for
the Evergreen group of mutual funds, serves as sub-administrator for the Fund
and is entitled to receive a fee from the Fund calculated on the average daily
net assets of the Fund at a rate based on the total assets of the mutual funds
administered by Evergreen Asset for which CMG or Evergreen Asset also serve as
investment adviser, calculated in accordance with the following schedule: .0100%
of the first $7 billion; .0075% on the next $3 billion; .0050% on the next $15
billion; and .0040% on assets in excess of $25 billion. The total assets of the
mutual funds administered by Evergreen Asset for which CMG or Evergreen Asset
serve as investment adviser were approximately $10.4 billion as of December 31,
1995.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS AND AGREEMENTS
       Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act permits an investment company to pay
expenses associated with the distribution of its shares in accordance with a
duly adopted plan. The Fund has adopted for its Class A shares a "Rule 12b-1
plan" (the "Plan"). Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund may incur
distribution-related and shareholder servicing-related expenses which may not
exceed an annual rate of .35 of 1% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net
assets attributable to Class A shares. Payments with respect to Class A shares
under the Plan are
                                       10
 
<PAGE>
currently voluntarily limited to .30 of 1% of each Fund's aggregate average
daily net assets attributable to Class A shares. The Plan provides that a
portion of the fee payable thereunder may constitute a service fee to be used
for providing ongoing personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder
accounts. Service fee payments to financial intermediaries for such purposes
will not exceed .25 of 1% of the aggregate average daily net assets attributable
to each Class of shares of the Fund.
       The Fund has also entered into a distribution agreement (the
"Distribution Agreement") with Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc. ("EFD").
Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Fund will compensate EFD for its
services as distributor at a rate which may not exceed an annual rate of .30 of
1% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to Class A
shares. The Distribution Agreement provides that EFD will use the distribution
fee received from the Fund for payments (i) to compensate broker-dealers or
other persons for distributing shares of the Fund, including interest and
principal payments made in respect of amounts paid to broker-dealers or other
persons that have been financed (EFD may assign its rights to receive
compensation under the Plan to secure such financings), (ii) to otherwise
promote the sale of shares of the Fund, and (iii) to compensate broker-dealers,
depository institutions and other financial intermediaries for providing
administrative, accounting and other services with respect to the Fund's
shareholders. The financing of payments made by EFD to compensate broker-dealers
or other persons for distributing shares of the Fund may be provided by First
Union or its affiliates. The Fund may also make payments, in amounts up to .25
of 1% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets on an annual basis
attributable to Class B shares, to compensate organizations, which may include
EFD and Evergreen Asset or its affiliates, for personal services rendered to
shareholders and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts or for engaging
others to render such services. The Fund may not pay any distribution or
services fees during any fiscal period in excess of the amounts set forth above.
Since EFD's compensation under the Distribution Agreement is not directly tied
to the expenses incurred by EFD, the amount of compensation received by it under
the Distribution Agreement during any year may be more or less than its actual
expenses and may result in a profit to EFD. Distribution expenses incurred by
EFD in one fiscal year that exceed the level of compensation paid to EFD for
that year may be paid from distribution fees received from the Fund in
subsequent fiscal years. The Plan is in compliance with rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. which effectively limit the annual
asset-based sales charges and service fees that a mutual fund may pay on a class
of shares to .75 of 1% and .25 of 1%, respectively, of the average annual net
assets attributable to that class. The rules also limit the aggregate of all
front-end, deferred and asset-based sales charges imposed with respect to a
class of shares by a mutual fund that also charges a service fee to 6.25% of
cumulative gross sales of shares of that class, plus interest at the prime rate
plus 1% per annum.
                       PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
HOW TO BUY SHARES
       You can purchase shares of the Fund through broker-dealers, banks or
other financial intermediaries, or directly through EFD. The minimum initial
investment is $1,000, which may be waived in certain situations. There is no
minimum for subsequent investments. Share certificates are not issued. In states
where EFD is not registered as a broker-dealer shares of the Fund will only be
sold through other broker-dealers or other financial institutions that are
registered. See the Share Purchase Application and Statement of Additional
Information for more information. Only Class A shares of the Fund are offered
through this Prospectus. (See "General Information"  -- "Other Classes of
Shares".) Class A shares of the Fund can be purchased at net asset value without
an initial sales charge. Certain broker-dealers or other financial institutions
may impose a fee in connection with purchases at net asset value.

How the Fund Values its Shares. The net asset value of the Fund's shares for
purposes of both purchases and redemptions is determined twice daily, at 12 noon
(Eastern time) and promptly after the regular close of the New York Stock
Exchange (the "Exchange") (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) each business day
(i.e., any weekday exclusive of days on which the Exchange or State Street is
closed). The Exchange is closed on New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The net asset value per share is calculated by taking the sum of the values of
the Fund's investments and any cash and other assets, subtracting liabilities,
and dividing by the total number of shares outstanding. All expenses, including
the fees payable to the Fund's investment adviser, are accrued daily. The
securities in the Fund's portfolio are valued on an amortized cost basis. Under
this method of valuation, a security is initially valued at its acquisition
cost, and thereafter, a constant straight-line amortization of any discount or
premium is assumed each
                                       11
 
<PAGE>
day regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market value
of the security. The market value of the obligations in the Fund's portfolio can
be expected to vary inversely to changes in prevailing interest rates. As a
result, the market value of the obligations in the Fund's portfolio may vary
from the value determined using the amortized cost method. Securities which are
not rated are normally valued on the basis of valuations provided by a pricing
service when such prices are believed to reflect the fair value of such
securities. Other assets and securities for which no quotations are readily
available are valued at the fair value as determined in good faith by the
Trustees. The Fund attempts to maintain its net asset value at $1.00 per share.
Under most conditions, management believes this will be possible, although there
can be no assurance that this will be achieved. Calculations are periodically
made to compare the value of the Fund's portfolio valued at amortized cost with
market values. If a deviation of 1/2 of 1% or more were to occur between the net
asset value calculated by reference to market values and the Fund's $1.00 per
share net asset value, or if there were other deviations which the Trustees
believed would result in a material dilution to shareholders or purchasers, the
Trustees would promptly consider what action, if any, should be initiated.

Additional Purchase Information. As a condition of this offering, if a purchase
is canceled due to nonpayment or because an investor's check does not clear, the
investor will be responsible for any loss the Fund or the Fund's investment
adviser incurs. If such investor is an existing shareholder, the Fund may redeem
shares from his or her account to reimburse the Fund or the Fund's investment
adviser for any loss. In addition, such investors may be prohibited or
restricted from making further purchases in any of the Evergreen mutual funds.
       Shares of the Fund are sold at the net asset value per share next
determined after a shareholder's investment has been converted to Federal funds.
Investments by Federal funds wire will be effective upon receipt. Qualified
institutions may telephone orders for the purchase of Fund shares. Shares
purchased by institutions via telephone will receive the dividend declared on
that day if the telephone order is placed by 12 noon (Eastern time), and federal
funds are received the same day by 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Institutions should
telephone the Fund at the phone number on the front page of this Prospectus for
additional information on same day purchases by telephone. Investment checks
received at State Street will be invested on the date of receipt. Shareholders
will begin earning dividends the following business day.
       The Fund cannot accept investments specifying a certain price or date and
reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order, including orders in
connection with exchanges from the other Evergreen mutual funds. Although not
currently anticipated, the Fund reserves the right to suspend the offer of
shares for a period of time.

General. In addition to the discount or commission paid to dealers, EFD will
from time to time pay to dealers additional cash or other incentives that are
conditioned upon the sale of a specified minimum dollar amount of shares of a
Fund and/or other Evergreen Mutual Funds. Such incentives will take the form of
payment for attendance at seminars, lunches, dinners, sporting events or theater
performances, or payment for travel, lodging and entertainment incurred in
connection with travel by persons associated with a dealer and their immediate
family members to urban or resort locations within or outside the United States.
Such a dealer may elect to receive cash incentives of equivalent amount in lieu
of such payments. EFD may also limit the availability of such incentives to
certain specified dealers. EFD from time to time sponsors promotions involving
First Union Brokerage Services, Inc. ("FUBS"), an affiliate of each Fund's
investment adviser, and select broker-dealers, pursuant to which incentives are
paid, including gift certificates and payments in amounts up to 1% of the dollar
amount of shares of a Fund sold. Awards may also be made based on the opening of
a minimum number of accounts. Such promotions are not being made available to
all dealers.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
       You may "redeem", i.e., sell your shares in the Fund to the Fund on any
day the Exchange is open, either directly or through your financial
intermediary. The price you will receive is the net asset value next calculated
after the Fund receives your request in proper form. Proceeds generally will be
sent to you within seven days. However, for shares recently purchased by check,
the Fund will not send proceeds until it is reasonably satisfied that the check
has been collected (which may take up to ten days). Once a redemption request
has been telephoned or mailed, it is irrevocable and may not be modified or
cancelled.

Redeeming Shares Through Your Financial Intermediary. The Fund must receive
instructions from your financial intermediary before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
for you to receive that day's net asset value. Your financial intermediary is
responsible for furnishing all necessary documentation to the Fund and may
charge you for this service. Certain financial intermediaries may require that
you give instructions earlier than 4:00 p.m.
                                       12
 
<PAGE>
Redeeming Shares Directly by Mail or Telephone. Send a signed letter of
instruction or stock power form to State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State
Street") which is the registrar, transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent
for the Fund. Stock power forms are available from your financial intermediary,
State Street, and many commercial banks. Additional documentation is required
for the sale of shares by corporations, financial intermediaries, fiduciaries
and surviving joint owners. Signature guarantees are required for all redemption
requests for shares with a value of more than $10,000 or where the redemption
proceeds are to be mailed to an address other than that shown in the account
registration. A signature guarantee must be provided by a bank or trust company
(not a Notary Public), a member firm of a domestic stock exchange or by other
financial institutions whose guarantees are acceptable to State Street.
       Shareholders may withdraw amounts of $1,000 or more from their accounts
by calling the telephone number on the front page of this Prospectus between the
hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Eastern time) each business day (i.e., any
weekday exclusive of days on which the Exchange or State Street's offices are
closed). The Exchange is closed on New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Redemption requests made after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will be processed using
the net asset value determined on the next business day. Such redemption
requests must include the shareholder's account name, as registered with the
Fund, and the account number. During periods of drastic economic or market
changes, shareholders may experience difficulty in effecting telephone
redemptions. Shareholders who are unable to reach the Fund or State Street by
telephone should follow the procedures outlined above for redemption by mail.
       The telephone redemption service is not made available to shareholders
automatically. Shareholders wishing to use the telephone redemption service must
indicate this on the Share Purchase Application and choose how the redemption
proceeds are to be paid. Redemption proceeds will either (i) be mailed by check
to the shareholder at the address in which the account is registered or (ii) be
wired to an account with the same registration as the shareholder's account in
the Fund at a designated commercial bank. State Street currently deducts a $5.00
wire charge from all redemption proceeds wired. This charge is subject to change
without notice. Redemption proceeds will be wired on the same day if the request
is made prior to 12 noon (Eastern time). Such shares, however, will not earn
dividends for that day. Redemption requests received after 12 noon will earn
dividends for that day, and the proceeds will be wired on the following business
day. A shareholder who decides later to use this service, or to change
instructions already given, should fill out a Shareholder Services Form and send
it to State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts
02205-9827, with such shareholder's signature guaranteed by a bank or trust
company (not a Notary Public), a member firm of a domestic stock exchange or by
other financial institutions whose guarantees are acceptable to State Street.
Shareholders should allow approximately ten days for such form to be processed.
The Fund will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine. These procedures include requiring some
form of personal identification prior to acting upon instructions and tape
recording of telephone instructions. If the Fund fails to follow such
procedures, it may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
instructions. The Fund will not be liable for following telephone instructions
reasonably believed to be genuine. The Fund reserves the right to refuse a
telephone redemption if it is believed advisable to do so. Financial
intermediaries may charge a fee for handling telephonic requests. Procedures for
redeeming Fund shares by telephone may be modified or terminated without notice
at any time.

Redemptions by Check. Upon request, the Fund will provide holders of Class A
shares, without charge, with checks drawn on the Fund that will clear through
State Street. Shareholders will be subject to State Street's rules and
regulations governing such checking accounts. Checks will be sent usually within
ten business days following the date the account is established. Checks may be
made payable to the order of any payee in an amount of $250 or more. The payee
of the check may cash or deposit it like a check drawn on a bank. (Investors
should be aware that, as in the case with regular bank checks, certain banks may
not provide cash at the time of deposit, but will wait until they have received
payment from State Street.) When such a check is presented to State Street for
payment, State Street, as the shareholder's agent, causes the Fund to redeem a
sufficient number of full and fractional shares in the shareholder's account to
cover the amount of the check. Checks will be returned by State Street if there
are insufficient or uncollectable shares to meet the withdrawal amount. The
check writing procedure for withdrawal enables shareholders to continue earning
income on the shares to be redeemed up to but not including the date the
redemption check is presented to State Street for payment.
       Shareholders wishing to use this method of redemption, should fill out
the appropriate part of the Share Purchase Application (including the Signature
Card) and mail the completed form to State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O.
Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9827. Shareholders requesting this service
after an
                                       13
 
<PAGE>
account has been opened must contact State Street since additional documentation
will be required. Currently, there is no charge either for checks or for the
clearance of any checks. This service may be terminated or altered at any time.

General. Under unusual circumstances, the Fund may suspend redemptions or
postpone payment for up to seven days or longer, as permitted by Federal
securities law. The Fund reserves the right to close an account that through
redemption has remained below $1,000 for thirty days. Shareholders will receive
sixty days' written notice to increase the account value before the account is
closed. The Fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act
pursuant to which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash, up to
the lesser of $250,000 of 1% of the Fund's total net assets during any ninety
day period for any one shareholder. See the Statement of Additional Information
for further details.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
How To Exchange Shares. You may exchange some or all of your shares for shares
of the same Class of the other Evergreen mutual funds through your financial
intermediary, or by telephone or mail as described below. An exchange which
represents an initial investment in another Evergreen mutual fund must amount to
at least $1,000. Once an exchange request has been telephoned or mailed, it is
irrevocable and may not be modified or canceled. Exchanges will be made on the
basis of the relative net asset values of the shares exchanged next determined
after an exchange request is received. Exchanges are subject to minimum
investment and suitability requirements.
       Each of the Evergreen mutual funds has different investment objectives
and policies. For complete information, a prospectus of the fund into which an
exchange will be made should be read prior to the exchange. An exchange is
treated for Federal income tax purposes as a redemption and purchase of shares
and may result in the realization of a capital gain or loss. Shareholders are
limited to five exchanges per calendar year, with a maximum of three per
calendar quarter. This exchange privilege may be materially modified or
discontinued at any time by the Fund upon sixty days' notice to shareholders and
is only available in states in which shares of the fund being acquired may
lawfully be sold.
Exchanges Through Your Financial Intermediary. The Fund must receive exchange
instructions from your financial intermediary before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
for you to receive that day's net asset value. Your financial intermediary is
responsible for furnishing all necessary documentation to the Fund and may
charge you for this service.

Exchanges by Telephone and Mail. You may exchange shares by telephone by calling
the telephone number on the front page of this Prospectus. Exchange requests
made after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will be processed using the net asset value
determined on the next business day. During periods of drastic economic or
market changes, shareholders may experience difficulty in effecting telephone
exchanges. You should follow the procedures outlined below for exchanges by mail
if you are unable to reach State Street by telephone. If you wish to use the
telephone exchange service you should indicate this on the Share Purchase
Application. As noted above, the Fund will employ reasonable procedures to
confirm that instructions for the redemption or exchange of shares communicated
by telephone are genuine. A telephone exchange may be refused by the Fund or
State Street if it is believed advisable to do so. Procedures for exchanging
Fund shares by telephone may be modified or terminated at any time. Written
requests for exchanges should follow the same procedures outlined for written
redemption requests in the section entitled "How to Redeem Shares", however, no
signature guarantee is required.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
       The Fund offers the following shareholder services. For more information
about these services or your account, contact EFD or the toll-free number on the
front page of this Prospectus. Some services are described in more detail in the
Share Purchase Application.

Systematic Investment Plan. You may make monthly or quarterly investments into
an existing account automatically in amounts of not less than $25 per month or
$75 per quarter. Each Fund reserves the right to close an account that through
liquidation or termination of the systematic investment plan has not reached a
minimum balance of $1,000 ($250 for retirement accounts) within 24 months of the
initial investment.

Telephone Investment Plan. You may make investments into an existing account
electronically in amounts of not less than $100 or more than $25,000 per
investment. Telephone investment requests received by 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
will be credited to a shareholder's account two business days after the request
is received.
                                       14
 
<PAGE>
Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan. When an account of $10,000 or more is opened or
when an existing account reaches that size, you may participate in the Fund's
Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan by filling out the appropriate part of the Share
Purchase Application. Under this plan, you may receive (or designate a third
party to receive) a monthly or quarterly check in a stated amount of not less
than $75. Fund shares will be redeemed as necessary to meet withdrawal payments.
All participants must elect to have their dividends and capital gain
distributions reinvested automatically.

Investments Through Employee Benefit and Savings Plans. Certain qualified and
non-qualified benefit and savings plans may make shares of the Fund and the
other Evergreen mutual funds available to their participants. The Fund's
investment adviser may provide compensation to organizations providing
administrative and recordkeeping services to plans which make shares of the
Evergreen mutual funds available to their participants.

Automatic Reinvestment Plan. For the convenience of investors, all dividends and
distributions are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of the
Fund at the net asset value per share at the close of business on the last
business day of each month, unless otherwise requested by a shareholder in
writing. If the transfer agent does not receive a written request for subsequent
dividends and/or distributions to be paid in cash at least three full business
days prior to a given record date, the dividends and/or distributions to be paid
to a shareholder will be reinvested. If you elect to receive dividends and
distributions in cash and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the checks, or
if the checks remain uncashed for six months, the checks will be reinvested into
your account at the then current net asset value.

Tax Sheltered Retirement Plans. You may open a pension and profit sharing
account in any Evergreen mutual fund (except those funds having an objective of
providing tax free income), including: (i) Individual Retirement Accounts
("IRAs") and Rollover IRAs; (ii) Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) for sole
proprietors, partnerships and corporations; and (iii) Profit-Sharing and Money
Purchase Pension Plans for corporations and their employees.
EFFECT OF BANKING LAWS
       The Glass-Steagall Act and other banking laws and regulations presently
prohibit member banks of the Federal Reserve System ("Member Banks") or their
non-bank affiliates from sponsoring, organizing, controlling, or distributing
the shares of registered open-end investment companies such as the Fund. Such
laws and regulations also prohibit banks from issuing, underwriting or
distributing securities in general. However, under the Glass-Steagall Act and
such other laws and regulations, a Member Bank or an affiliate thereof may act
as investment adviser, transfer agent or custodian to a registered open-end
investment company and may also act as agent in connection with the purchase of
shares of such an investment company upon the order of its customer. Evergreen
Asset, since it is a subsidiary of FUNB, and CMG are subject to and in
compliance with the aforementioned laws and regulations.
       Changes to applicable laws and regulations or future judicial or
administrative decisions could result in CMG being prevented from continuing to
perform the services required under the investment advisory contract or from
acting as agent in connection with the purchase of shares of the Fund by its
customers. If CMG was prevented from continuing to provide the services called
for under the investment advisory agreement, it is expected that the Trustees
would identify, and call upon the Fund's shareholders to approve, a new
investment adviser. If this were to occur, it is not anticipated that the
shareholders of the Fund would suffer any adverse financial consequences.
                               OTHER INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
       The Fund declares substantially all of its net income as dividends on
each business day. Such dividends are paid monthly. Net income, for dividend
purposes, includes accrued interest and any market discount or premium that day,
less the estimated expenses of the Fund. Gains or losses realized upon the sale
of portfolio securities are not included in net income, but are reflected in the
net asset value of the Fund's shares. Distributions of any net realized capital
gains will be made annually or more frequently as required by the provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The amount of
dividends may fluctuate from day to day, and the dividend may be omitted on a
day where Fund expenses exceed net investment income. Dividends and
                                       15
 
<PAGE>
distributions generally are taxable in the year in which they are paid, except
any dividends paid in January that were declared in the previous calendar
quarter may be treated as paid in the immediately preceding December.
       Such dividends will be automatically reinvested in full and fractional
shares of the Fund on the last business day of each month. However, shareholders
who so inform the transfer agent in writing may have their dividends paid out in
cash monthly. Shareholders who invest by check will be credited with a dividend
on the business day following initial investment. Shareholders will receive
dividends on investments made by Federal funds bank wire the same day the wire
is received provided that wire purchases are received by State Street by 12 noon
(Eastern time). Shares purchased by qualified institutions via telephone as
described in "How to Purchase Shares" will receive the dividend declared on that
day if the telephone order is placed by 12 noon (Eastern time), and Federal
funds are received by 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). All other wire purchases
received after 12 noon (Eastern time) will earn dividends beginning the
following business day. Dividends accruing on the day of redemption will be paid
to redeeming shareholders except for redemptions by check and where proceeds are
wired the same day. (See "How to Redeem Shares".)
       The Fund has qualified and intends to continue to qualify to be treated
as a regulated investment company under the Code. While so qualified, it is
expected that the Fund will not be required to pay any Federal income taxes on
that portion of its investment company taxable income and any net realized
capital gains it distributes to shareholders. The Code imposes a 4%
nondeductible excise tax on regulated investment companies, such as the Fund, to
the extent they do not meet certain distribution requirements by the end of each
calendar year. The Fund anticipates meeting such distribution requirements. The
excise tax generally does not apply to the tax exempt income of a regulated
investment company that pays exempt interest dividends.
       The Fund will designate and pay exempt-interest dividends derived from
interest earned on qualifying tax exempt obligations. Such exempt-interest
dividends may be excluded by shareholders of the Fund from their gross income
for Federal income tax purposes, however, (1) all or a portion of such
exempt-interest dividends may be a specific preference item for purposes of the
Federal individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes to the extent that
they are derived from certain types of private activity bonds issued after
August 7, 1986, and (2) all exempt-interest dividends will be a component of
"adjusted current earnings" for purposes of the Federal corporate alternative
minimum tax. Dividends paid from taxable income, if any, and distributions of
any net realized short-term capital gains (whether from tax exempt or taxable
obligations) are taxable as ordinary income, even though received in additional
Fund shares. Market discount recognized on taxable and tax-free bonds is taxable
as ordinary income, not as excludable income.
       Following the end of each calendar year, every shareholder of the Fund
will be sent applicable tax information and information regarding the dividends
and capital gain distributions made during the calendar year. Under current law,
the highest Federal income tax rate applicable to net long-term capital gains
realized by individuals is 28%. The rate applicable to corporations is 35%.
Since the Fund's gross income is ordinarily expected to be interest income, it
is not expected that the 70% dividends-received deduction for corporations will
be applicable. Specific questions should be addressed to the investor's own tax
adviser.
       The Fund is required by Federal law to withhold 31% of reportable
payments (which may include dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, and
redemptions) paid to certain shareholders. In order to avoid this backup
withholding requirement, you must certify on the Share Purchase Application, or
on a separate form supplied by State Street, that the investor's social security
or taxpayer identification number is correct and that the investor is not
currently subject to backup withholding or is exempt from backup withholding.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Portfolio Transactions. Consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and subject to seeking best
price and execution, the Fund may consider sales of its shares as a factor in
the selection of dealers to enter into portfolio transactions with the Fund.

Organization. The Fund is a separate investment series of Evergreen Tax-Free
Trust (formerly known as FFB Funds Trust), a Massachusetts business trust
organized in 1985. The Fund does not intend to hold annual shareholder meetings;
shareholder meetings will be held only when required by applicable law.
Shareholders have available certain procedures for the removal of Trustees.
       A shareholder in each Class of the Fund will be entitled to his or her
share of all dividends and distributions from the Fund's assets, based upon the
relative value of such shares to those of other Classes of the Fund, and,
                                       16
 
<PAGE>
upon redeeming shares, will receive the then current net value of the Class of
shares of the Fund represented by the redeemed shares less any applicable
contingent deferred sales charge. The Trust is empowered to establish, without
shareholder approval, additional series, which may have different investment
objectives, and additional Classes of shares for any existing or future series.
If an additional series were established in the Fund, each share of the series
or Class would normally be entitled to one vote for all purposes. Generally,
shares of each series and Class would vote together as a single Class on
matters, such as the election of Trustees, that affect each series and Class in
substantially the same manner. Class A, and Class Y shares have identical
voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that each Class bears, to
the extent applicable, its own distribution and transfer agency expenses as well
as any other expenses applicable only to a specific Class. Each Class of shares
votes separately with respect to Rule 12b-1 distribution plans and other matters
for which separate Class voting is appropriate under applicable law. Shares are
entitled to dividends as determined by the Trustees and, in liquidation of the
Fund, are entitled to receive the net assets of the Fund.

Custodian, Registrar, Transfer Agent And Dividend-Disbursing Agent. State Street
Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9827 acts as
the Fund's custodian, registrar, transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent
for a fee based upon the number of shareholder accounts maintained for the Fund.

Principal Underwriter. EFD, an affiliate of Furman Selz LLC., located 230 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10169, is the principal underwriter of the Fund.
Furman Selz Incorporated also acts as sub-administrator to the Fund.

Other Classes of Shares. The Fund offers two classes of shares, Class A and
Class Y. Class Y shares are not offered by this Prospectus and are only
available to (i) persons who at or prior to December 31, 1994, owned shares in a
mutual fund advised by Evergreen Asset, (ii) certain institutional investors and
(iii) investment advisory clients of CMG, Evergreen Asset or their affiliates.
The dividends payable with respect to Class A shares will be less than those
payable with respect to Class Y shares due to the distribution and distribution
and shareholder servicing related expenses borne by Class A shares and the fact
that such expenses are not borne by Class Y shares.

Performance Information. From time to time, the Fund may quote its yield in
advertisements or in reports to shareholders. Yield information may be useful in
reviewing the performance of the Fund and for providing a basis for comparison
with other investment alternatives. However, since net investment income of the
Fund changes in response to fluctuations in interest rates and Fund expenses,
any given yield quotation should not be considered representative of the Fund's
yields for any future period. The method of calculating the Fund's yield is set
forth in the Statement of Additional Information. Before investing in the Fund,
the investor may want to determine which investment -- tax-free or
taxable -- will result in a higher after-tax return. To do this, the yield on
the tax-free investment should be divided by the decimal determined by
subtracting from 1 the highest Federal tax rate to which the investor currently
is subject. For example, if the tax-free yield is 6% and the investor's maximum
tax bracket is 36%, the computation is: 6% Tax-Free Yield /(1 - .36 Tax Rate) =
6/.64 = 9.38% Taxable Yield. In this example, the investor's after-tax return
will be higher from the 6% tax-free investment if available taxable yields are
below 9.38%. Conversely, the taxable investment will provide a higher return
when taxable yields exceed 9.38%. This is only an example and is not necessarily
reflective of the Fund's yield. The tax equivalent yield will be lower for
investors in the lower income brackets.
       Comparative performance information may also be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing the Fund's shares, including data from Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., IBC/Donoghue's Money Fund Report, Bank Rate Monitor
and other industry publications.
       In marketing a Fund's shares, information may be provided that is
designed to help individuals understand their investment goals and explore
various financial strategies. Such information may include publications
describing general principles of investing, such as asset allocation,
diversification, risk tolerance, and goal setting; a questionnaire designed to
help create a personal financial profile; and an action plan offering investment
alternatives. The information provided to investors may also include discussions
of other Evergreen mutual funds, products, and services, which may include:
retirement investing; brokerage products and services; the effects of periodic
investment plans and dollar cost averaging; saving for college; and charitable
giving. In addition, the information provided to investors may quote financial
or business publications and periodicals, including model portfolios or
allocations, as they relate to fund management, investment philosophy, and
investment techniques. The materials may also reprint, and use as advertising
and sales literature, articles from Evergreen Events, a quarterly magazine
provided free of charge to Evergreen Mutual fund shareholders.
                                       17
 
<PAGE>
Liability Under Massachusetts Law. Under Massachusetts law, trustees and
shareholders of a business trust may, in certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for its obligations. The Declaration of Trust under which the
Fund operates provide that no trustee or shareholder will be personally liable
for the obligations of the Trust and that every written contract made by the
Trust contain a provision to that effect. If any trustee or shareholder were
required to pay any liability of the Trust, that person would be entitled to
reimbursement from the general assets of the Trust.

Additional Information. This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional
Information, which have been incorporated by reference herein, do not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statement filed by the Trust
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended. Copies of the Registration Statements may be obtained at a
reasonable charge from the SEC or may be examined, without charge, at the
offices of the SEC in Washington, D.C.
                                       18
 
<PAGE>


  INVESTMENT ADVISER
  Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of North Carolina, 201
  South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288

  CUSTODIAN & TRANSFER AGENT
  State Street Bank and Trust Company, Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts
  02205-9827

  LEGAL COUNSEL
  Sullivan & Worcester LLP, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
  20036

  INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
  KPMG Peat Marwick, 345 Third Avenue, New York, New York.

  DISTRIBUTOR
  Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc., 230 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10169

                                                                    537627 1/96
 
*******************************************************************************
Y Money Market


<PAGE>
  PROSPECTUS                                                 January 22, 1996
  EVERGREEN(SM) PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE                  (Evergreen Tree Logo)
  MONEY MARKET FUND
  CLASS Y SHARES
           The Evergreen Pennsylvania Tax-Free Money Market Fund (the "Fund")
  is designed to provide investors with current income, stability of
  principal and liquidity. This Prospectus provides information regarding the
  Class Y shares offered by the Fund. The Fund is a series of open-end,
  diversified, management investment company. This Prospectus sets forth
  concise information about the Fund that a prospective investor should know
  before investing. The address of the Fund is 2500 Westchester Avenue,
  Purchase, New York 10577.

           A "Statement of Additional Information" for the Fund dated January
  22, 1996 has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is
  incorporated by reference herein. The Statement of Additional Information
  provides information regarding certain matters discussed in this Prospectus
  and other matters which may be of interest to investors, and may be
  obtained without charge by calling the Fund at (800) 235-0064. There can be
  no assurance that the investment objective of any Fund will be achieved.
  Investors are advised to read this Prospectus carefully.

  THE SHARES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF
  ANY BANK, ARE NOT ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK, ARE NOT INSURED OR
  OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
  CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY, AND
  INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISKS.

  AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
  GOVERNMENT, AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE FUND WILL BE ABLE TO
  MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.

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

                   KEEP THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

  EVERGREEN(SM) is a Service Mark of Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
  Copyright 1995, Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
 
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S>                                                       <C>
OVERVIEW OF THE FUND                                        2
EXPENSE INFORMATION                                         3
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                                        4
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
         Investment Objectives and Policies                 5
INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RESTRICTIONS                       9
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
         Investment Adviser                                10
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
         How to Buy Shares                                 10
         How to Redeem Shares                              12
         Exchange Privilege                                13
         Shareholder Services                              14
         Effect of Banking Laws                            14
OTHER INFORMATION
         Dividends, Distributions and Taxes                15
         General Information                               16
</TABLE>
 
                              OVERVIEW OF THE FUND
       The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus. See "Description of the
Fund" and "Management of the Fund".

       The Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of North
Carolina ("FUNB") ("CMG") serves as investment adviser to Evergreen Pennsylvania
Tax-Free Money Market Fund. FUNB is a subsidiary of First Union Corporation, the
sixth largest bank holding company in the United States.

       EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND invests in high quality
Pennsylvania securities that are exempt from Federal and Pennsylvania personal
income taxes in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer with remaining
maturities of thirteen months or less.

       The Fund seeks to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share
although no assurances can be given that such a stable net asset value will be
maintained.

    THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF THE FUND WILL BE
                                   ACHIEVED.

                                       2
 
<PAGE>
                              EXPENSE INFORMATION

       The table set forth below summarizes the shareholder transaction costs
associated with an investment in the Class Y Shares of the Fund. For further
information see "Purchase and Redemption of Shares".

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
<S>                                                    <C>
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases                    None
Sales Charge on Dividend Reinvestments                       None
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge                             None
Redemption Fee                                               None
Exchange Fee (only applies after 4 exchanges per
year)                                                      $ 5.00
</TABLE>
 
       The following table shows for the Fund the estimated annual operating
expenses (as a percentage of average net assets) attributable to Class Y Shares,
together with examples of the cumulative effect of such expenses on a
hypothetical $1,000 investment for the periods specified assuming (i) a 5%
annual return and (ii) redemption at the end of each period.
EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          ANNUAL OPERATING                                             EXAMPLE
                                              EXPENSES                                                 Class Y
<S>                                       <C>                <C>                                       <C>
Management Fees                                  .40%
                                                             After 1 Year                               $   9
12b-1 Fees                                         --        After 3 Years
                                                             After 3 Years                              $  30
Other Expenses                                   .53%
                                                             After 5 Years                              $  51
                                                             After 10 Years                             $ 114
Total                                            .93%
</TABLE>
 
       The estimated operating expenses and examples do not reflect fee waivers
and expense reimbursements for the most recent fiscal period. Actual expenses
net of fee waivers and expense reimbursements for the fiscal year ended February
28, 1995 for Class Y Shares were .21%.
       From time to time the Fund's investment adviser may at its discretion
waive its fee or reimburse the Fund for certain of its expenses in order to
reduce the Fund's expense ratio. The investment adviser may cease these
voluntary waivers or reimbursements at any time.
       The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist an investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in Class Y Shares
of the Funds will bear directly or indirectly. The amounts set forth under
"Other Expenses" as well as the amounts set forth in the examples are estimated
amounts based on historical experience for the most recent fiscal period. Such
expenses have been restated to reflect current fee arrangements. THE EXAMPLES
SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR ANNUAL
RETURN. ACTUAL EXPENSES AND ANNUAL RETURN MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE
SHOWN. For a more complete description of the various costs and expenses borne
by the Funds see "Management of the Funds."
                                       3
 
<PAGE>
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
       The information on the following pages present financial highlights for a
share outstanding throughout each period indicated. The information in the
tables for each of the years in the two-year period ended February 28, 1995 have
been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Fund's current independent auditors.
The information in the tables for February 28, 1993 and prior periods have been
audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, the Fund's prior independent auditors. A report
of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP or Price Waterhouse LLP, as the case may be, on the
audited information with respect to the Fund is incorporated by reference in the
Fund's Statement of Additional Information. The following information should be
read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes which are
incorporated by reference in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.

       Further information about the Fund's performance is contained in the
Fund's annual report to shareholders, which may be obtained without charge.

EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 CLASS A
                                                 SHARES
                                               AUGUST 22,*                               CLASS Y SHARES
                                                 THROUGH        SIX MONTHS                                        AUGUST 15, 1991*
                                               AUGUST 31,          ENDED                                              THROUGH
                                                  1995        AUGUST 31, 1995       YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28,         FEBRUARY 29,
                                               (UNAUDITED)      (UNAUDITED)       1995       1994       1993            1992
<S>                                            <C>            <C>                <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period........       $1.00            $1.00          $1.00      $1.00      $1.00           $1.00
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income.......................         .02              .02            .03        .02        .03             .02
Less distributions to shareholders from
  investment income.........................        (.02)            (.02)          (.03)      (.02)      (.03)           (.02)
Net asset value, end of period..............       $1.00            $1.00          $1.00      $1.00      $1.00           $1.00
TOTAL RETURN+...............................        1.9%             1.9%           2.8%       2.1%       2.7%            4.0%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)...        $120          $99,513        $43,539    $14,383    $15,999         $20,699
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses **...............................        .21%++           .21%++         .33%       .47%       .35%            .19%++
  Net investment income **..................       3.66%++          3.66%++        3.09%      2.10%      2.62%           3.90%++
</TABLE>
 
*  Commencement of class operations.
+  Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
   indicated and is not annualized.
++ Annualized.
**  Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
    expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
    annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income to average net
    assets would have been the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       CLASS A
                                                       SHARES                             CLASS Y SHARES
                                                     SIX MONTHS     SIX MONTHS
                                                        ENDED          ENDED                                  AUGUST 15, 1991*
                                                     AUGUST 31,     AUGUST 31,           YEAR ENDED               THROUGH
                                                        1995           1995             FEBRUARY 28,            FEBRUARY 29,
                                                     (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)    1995     1994     1993           1992
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>            <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Expenses..........................................       .79%           .79%       1.05%    1.26%    1.07%           .77%
Net investment income.............................      3.66%          3.08%       2.37%    1.31%    1.90%          3.32%
</TABLE>
 
                                       4
 
<PAGE>
                            DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
       The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to provide investors with
as high a level of current income as is consistent with preservation of capital
and liquidity. There is no assurance that this objective will be achieved. To
obtain its objective the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in
municipal obligations issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or its
counties, municipalities, authorities or other political subdivisions, and
municipal obligations issued by territories or possessions of the United States,
such as Puerto Rico (collectively, "Municipal Obligations"), the interest on
which, in the opinion of bond counsel, is exempt from Federal and Pennsylvania
personal income taxes. The Fund limits its investments to Municipal Obligations
with remaining maturities of thirteen months or less and will maintain a
dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less.
       Normally, the Fund will seek to invest substantially all of its assets in
short-term Municipal Obligations. However, under certain unusual circumstances,
such as a temporary decline in the issuance of Pennsylvania obligations, the
Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in the following: short-term municipal
securities issued outside of Pennsylvania (the income from which may be subject
to Pennsylvania income taxes) or certain taxable fixed income securities (the
income from which may be subject to Federal and Pennsylvania personal income
taxes). In most instances, however, the Fund will seek to avoid such holdings in
an effort to provide income that is fully exempt from Federal and Pennsylvania
personal income taxes.
       The Fund may also invest in Municipal Obligations issued to finance
private activities, whose interest is a preference item for purposes of the
Federal alternative minimum tax. Such "private activity bonds" might include
industrial development bonds and securities issued to finance projects such as
solid waste disposal facilities, student loans or water and sewage projects. The
Fund currently intends to treat "private activity bonds" as not federally tax
exempt and, accordingly, to limit investments in "private activity bonds" to no
more than 20% of assets. See "Other Information -- Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes".
       The Fund will not invest in options, financial futures transactions or
other similar "derivative" instruments except as otherwise provided herein.
       Shares of the Fund are not insured or guaranteed by the United States
government. The Fund will only purchase securities: (i) rated within the two
highest rating categories by Moody's Investors Service Inc., ("Moody's") and
Standard & Poors Ratings Group ("S & P") or in a comparable rating category by
any two of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations that have
rated the securities; (ii) rated in a comparable rating category by only one
such organization that has rated the securities, or (iii) which, if unrated, are
deemed to be of equivalent quality as determined by the investment adviser
pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The types of
Municipal Obligations in which the Fund may invest include the following:
Municipal Bonds. Municipal bonds generally have a maturity at the time of
issuance of more than one year. Municipal bonds may be issued to raise money for
various public purposes -- such as constructing public facilities and resource
recovery projects and making loans to public institutions. There are generally
two types of municipal bonds: general obligation bonds and revenue bonds.
General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing power of the issuing
municipality and are considered the safest type of municipal bond. Revenue bonds
are backed by the revenues of a project or facility -- tolls from a toll bridge,
for example. Industrial development revenue bonds (which are private activity
bonds) are a specific type of revenue bond backed by the credit and security of
a private user, and therefore investments in these bonds have more potential
risk. Certain types of municipal bonds are issued to obtain funding for
privately operated facilities. Municipal bonds generally have a maturity at the
time of issuance of more than one year.
Municipal Notes. Municipal notes are generally sold as interim financing in
anticipation of the collection of taxes, a bond sale or receipt of other
revenue. Municipal notes generally have maturities at the time of issuance of
one year or less. Investments in municipal notes are limited to notes which are
rated at the date of purchase: (i)"MIG 1" or "MIG 2" by Moody's and in a
comparable rating category by at least one other nationally recognized
statistical rating organization that has rated the notes, or (ii) in a
comparable rating category by only one such organization, including Moody's, if
it is the only organization that has rated the notes, or (iii) if not rated,
are, in the opinion of the
                                       5
 
<PAGE>
investment adviser, of comparable investment quality and within the credit
quality policies and guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.
       Notes rated "MIG 1" are judged to be of the "best quality" and carry the
smallest amount of investment risk. Notes rated "MIG 2" are judged to be of
"high quality", with margins of protection ample although not as large as in the
preceding group.
Municipal Commercial Paper. Municipal commercial paper is a debt obligation with
a stated maturity of one year or less which is issued to finance seasonal
working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of longer-term
debt. Investments in municipal commercial paper are limited to commercial paper
which is rated at the date of purchase: (i) "P-1" or "P-2" by Moody's and "A-1",
"A-1 +" or "A-2" by S&P or (ii) in a comparable rating category by any two of
the nationally recognized statistical ratings organizations that have rated
commercial paper or (iii) in a comparable rating category by only one such
organization if it is the only organization that has rated the commercial paper
or (iv) if not rated, is, in the opinion of the investment adviser, of
comparable investment quality and within the credit quality policies and
guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.
       Issuers of municipal (and taxable) commercial paper rated "P-1" have a
"superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations". The
"A-1" rating for commercial paper under the S&P classification indicates that
the "degree of safety regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very
strong". Commercial paper with "overwhelming safety characteristics" will be
rated "A1+". Commercial paper receiving a "P-2" rating has a strong capacity for
repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Commercial paper rated "A-2" has
the capacity for timely payment although the relative degree of safety is not as
overwhelming as for issues designated "A-1". See the Statement of Additional
Information, for a more complete description of securities ratings.
When-Issued Securities. The Fund may purchase Municipal Obligations on a
when-issued basis, in which case delivery and payment normally take place 15 to
45 days after the date of the commitment to purchase. The Fund will only make
commitments to purchase Municipal Obligations on a when-issued basis with the
intention of actually acquiring the securities but may sell them before the
settlement date if it is deemed advisable. Any gains realized in such sales
would produce taxable income. The when-issued securities are subject to market
fluctuation and no interest accrues to the purchaser during this period. The
payment obligation and the interest rate that will be received on the securities
are each fixed at the time the purchaser enters into the commitment. For
purposes of determining the Fund's weighted average maturity, the maturity of a
when-issued security is calculated from its commitment date. Purchasing
Municipal Obligations on a when-issued basis is a form of leveraging and can
involve a risk that the yields available in the market when the delivery takes
place may actually be higher than those obtained in the transaction itself in
which case there could be an unrealized loss at the time of delivery.
       The Fund will establish a segregated account with its custodian in which
it will maintain cash, United States government securities, or other liquid,
high quality debt instruments in an amount at least equal in value to the Fund's
commitments to purchase when-issued securities. If the value of these assets
declines, the Fund will place additional liquid assets in the account on a daily
basis so that the value of the assets in the account is equal to the amount of
such commitments.
Securities With Put or Demand Rights. The Fund has the ability to enter into put
transactions, sometimes referred to as stand-by commitments, with respect to
Municipal Obligations held in its portfolio or to purchase securities which
carry a demand feature or put option which permit the Fund, as holder, to tender
them back to the issuer or a third party prior to maturity and receive payment
within seven days. Segregated accounts will be maintained by the Fund for all
such transactions.
       The amount payable to the Fund by the seller upon its exercise of a put
will normally be (i) the Fund's acquisition cost of the securities (excluding
any accrued interest which the Fund paid on their acquisition), less any
amortized market premium plus any amortized market or original issue discount
during the period the Fund owned the securities, plus (ii) all interest accrued
on the securities since the last interest payment date during the period the
securities were owned by the Fund. Absent unusual circumstances, the Fund values
the underlying securities at their amortized cost. Accordingly, the amount
payable by a broker dealer or bank during the time a put is exercisable will be
substantially the same as the value of the underlying securities.
       The Fund's right to exercise a put is unconditional and unqualified. A
put is not transferable by the Fund, although the Fund may sell the underlying
securities to a third party at any time. The Fund expects that puts will
generally be available without any additional direct or indirect cost. However,
if necessary and advisable, the Fund may pay for certain puts either separately
in cash or by paying a higher price for portfolio securities which are
                                       6
 
<PAGE>
acquired subject to such a put (thus reducing the yield to maturity otherwise
available to the same securities). Thus, the aggregate price paid for securities
with put rights may be higher than the price that would otherwise be paid.
       The Fund may enter into put transactions only with broker dealers (in
accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission) and banks
which, in the opinion of the investment adviser, present minimal credit risks.
The investment adviser will monitor periodically the creditworthiness of issuers
of such obligations held by the Fund. The Fund's ability to exercise a put will
depend on the ability of the broker-dealer or bank to pay for the underlying
securities at the time the put is exercised. In the event that a broker-dealer
or bank should default on its obligation to purchase an underlying security, the
Fund might be unable to recover all or a portion of any loss sustained from
having to sell the security elsewhere. The Fund intends to enter into put
transactions solely to maintain portfolio liquidity and does not intend to
exercise its rights thereunder for trading purposes.
       For a detailed description of put transactions, see "Investment Policies
 -- Securities with Put Rights" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Taxable Securities. Under normal market conditions, the Fund may at times elect
to invest temporarily up to 20% of the current value of its net assets in
taxable securities of the type described below pending the investment in
Municipal Obligations of proceeds of sales of Fund shares or proceeds from the
sale of portfolio securities or in anticipation of redemptions. However, at all
times under normal market conditions the percentage of the Fund's income and
corresponding distributions which is tax-exempt will be very close to 100%. In
addition, for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of
its total assets in such taxable securities when, in the opinion of the
investment adviser, it is advisable to do so because of market conditions. The
types of taxable securities in which the Fund may invest are limited to the
following money market instruments which have remaining maturities not exceeding
thirteen months; (i) obligations of the United States government, its agencies
or instrumentalities; (ii) negotiable certificates of deposit and bankers'
acceptances of United States banks which have more than $1 billion in total
assets at the time of investment and are members of the Federal Reserve System
or are examined by the Comptroller of the Currency or whose deposits are insured
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (iii) domestic and foreign U.S.
dollar-denominated commercial paper rated "P-1" by Moody's or "A-1" or "A-1+" by
S&P; and (iv) repurchase agreements with respect to any of the foregoing
portfolio securities. The Fund also has the right to hold up to 100% of its
total assets in cash as the investment adviser deems necessary for temporary
defensive purposes.
       Investments of the Fund in U.S. dollar-denominated foreign commercial
paper may involve certain risks not applicable to investment by the Fund in the
obligations of domestic issuers. These risks may include risks of foreign
political or economic instability, difficulties in enforcing a judgment against
a foreign issuer should it default, the imposition or tightening of exchange
controls and changes in foreign governmental attitudes toward private
investment, including the possibility of increased taxation, nationalization or
expropriation of Fund assets. Foreign issuers of securities may also be subject
to different accounting and disclosure systems, which may affect the type and
quality of information available about an issuer. The rating services used by
the Fund take these factors into consideration when assigning a rating to a
particular security, and therefore the additional risk to the Fund of investing
in foreign securities with the same ratings as a domestic security is not
expected to be significant.
       The Fund will not invest in any obligations of or loan any of its
portfolio securities to the FUNB or its affiliates as defined in the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") or any affiliates of the Fund.
Subject to the limitations described, the Fund is permitted to invest in
obligations of correspondent banks of FUNB (banks with which the FUNB maintains
a special bank servicing relationship) which are not affiliates of the Evergreen
Tax-Free Trust, its investment adviser or its distributor, but the Fund will not
give preference in its investment selections to those obligations.
       After purchase by the Fund, a security may cease to be rated or its
rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by the Fund.
Neither event will require a sale of such security by the Fund. However, the
investment adviser will consider such event in its determination of whether the
Fund should continue to hold the security. To the extent the ratings given by
Moody's or S&P may change as a result of changes in such organizations of their
rating systems, the Fund will attempt to use comparable ratings as standards for
investments in accordance with the investment policies contained in this
Prospectus and in the Statement of Additional Information.
       Opinions relating to the validity of Municipal Obligations and to the
exclusion of interest thereon from Federal and Pennsylvania personal income
taxes are rendered by bond counsel to the respective issuers at the
                                       7
 
<PAGE>
time of issuance. Neither the Fund, the Evergreen Tax-Free Trust nor the
investment adviser will review the proceedings relating to the issuance of
Municipal Obligations or the basis for such opinions.
Municipal Lease Obligations. Municipal lease obligations are financing
arrangements secured by leases of property to a municipality. These obligations
are considered to be illiquid securities and typically are not fully backed by
the municipality's credit. Interest from a municipal lease obligation may become
taxable if the lease is assigned. If the governmental user does not appropriate
sufficient funds for the following year's lease payments, the lease will
terminate, with the possibility of default on the lease obligations and
significant loss to the Fund. The Fund will not purchase any municipal lease
obligation that is not covered by a legal opinion (typically from the issuer's
counsel) to the effect that, as of the effective date of such lease, the lease
is the valid and binding obligation of the governmental issuer. For a more
detailed description of Municipal Leases, see "Investment Policies  -- Municipal
Leases" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Resource Recovery Bonds. Resource recovery bonds may be general obligations of
the issuing municipality or supported by corporate or bank guarantees. The
viability of the resource recovery project, environmental protection regulations
and project operator tax incentives may affect the value and credit quality of
resource recovery bonds.
Variable and Floating Rate Obligations. Certain of the Municipal Obligations
which the Fund may purchase have a floating or variable rate of interest. Such
obligations bear interest at rates which are not fixed, but which vary with
changes in specified market rates or indices, such as a Federal Reserve
composite index. Certain of such obligations may carry a demand feature or put
option which would permit the Fund, as holder, to tender them back to the issuer
or a third party prior to maturity ("demand instruments"). The Fund may invest
in floating and variable rate Municipal Obligations even if they carry stated
maturities in excess of one year. Obligations with a demand feature generally
receive two ratings, one representing an evaluation of the degree of risk
associated with scheduled interest and principal payments and the other
representing an evaluation of the degree of risk associated with the demand
feature. The two highest ratings assigned to the demand feature by Moody's are
"VMIG 1" and "VMIG 2" which have generally the same characteristics as Moody's
"MIG 1" and "MIG 2" ratings. Investments in variable and floating rate
obligations are limited to those that are rated "VMIG" 1 by Moody's or, if not
rated, are, in the opinion of the investment adviser, of comparable investment
quality. The investment adviser will monitor on an ongoing basis the earning
power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the issuers of such obligations
and will similarly monitor the ability of an issuer of a demand instrument to
pay principal and interest on demand. The Fund's right to obtain payment at par
on a demand instrument could be affected by events occurring between the date
the Fund elects to demand payment and the date payment is due which may
adversely affect the ability of the issuer of the instrument to make payment
when due.
       The Fund does not intend to concentrate its investments in any one
industry. Thus, from time to time, the Fund may invest 25% or more of its assets
in Municipal Obligations which are related in such a way that an economic,
business or political development or change affecting one such Obligation would
also affect the other Obligations; for example, Municipal Obligations, the
interest on which is paid from revenues of similar type projects or Municipal
Obligations whose issuers are located in the same state.
       Because the taxable money market is a broader and more liquid market with
a greater number of investors, issuers and market makers than is the market for
short-term tax-exempt municipal obligations, the liquidity of the Fund may not
be equal to that of a money market fund which invests exclusively in short-term
taxable money market instruments. The more limited marketability of short-term
tax-exempt municipal obligations may make it difficult in certain circumstances
to dispose of large investments advantageously. In general, tax-exempt municipal
obligations are also subject to credit risks such as the loss of credit ratings
or possible default. In addition, an issuer of tax-exempt municipal obligations
may lose its tax-exempt status in the event of a change in the current tax laws.
Risk Factors: Investing in Pennsylvania Municipal Obligations. Each investor
should consider carefully the special risks inherent in the Fund's investment in
Pennsylvania Municipal Obligations. Pennsylvania has been historically
identified as a heavy industry state although that reputation has recently
changed as the industrial composition of Pennsylvania diversified when the coal,
steel, and railroad industries began to decline. This diversification was
necessary when the traditionally strong industries in Pennsylvania declined as a
long-term shift in jobs, investment and workers away from the northeast part of
the nation took place. The major new sources of growth are in the service
sector, including trade, medical and health services, education and financial
institutions. Pennsylvania is highly urbanized, with approximately 50% of the
Commonwealth's population contained in the metropolitan areas which include the
cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
                                       8
 
<PAGE>
       It should be noted that Pennsylvania Municipal Obligations may be
adversely affected by local political and economic conditions and developments
within Pennsylvania. For example, adverse conditions in a significant industry
within Pennsylvania may from time to time have a correspondingly adverse effect
on specific issuers within Pennsylvania or on anticipated revenue to the
Commonwealth itself; conversely, an improving economic outlook for a significant
industry may have a positive effect on such issuers or revenues. An expanded
discussion of the risks associated with the purchase of Pennsylvania issues is
contained in the Statement of Additional Information.
Investment Company Securities. The Fund may invest in securities issued by other
investment companies. Such securities will be acquired by Fund within the limits
prescribed by the 1940 Act, which include a prohibition against the Fund
investing more than 10% of the value of its total assets in such securities.
Investments in securities issued by other investment companies will subject
shareholders to the imposition of duplicative fees and expenses.
       The Fund may engage in the following portfolio transactions:
Loans of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may loan its portfolio securities to
brokers, dealers, and financial institutions to increase current income. All
loans of securities must be continuously secured by collateral consisting of
United States government securities, cash or letters of credit maintained on a
daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to the current market
value of the securities loaned plus the interest payable with respect to the
loan.
       As a condition of the loan, the Fund must have the right to call the loan
and obtain the return of the securities loaned within five business days.
Moreover, the Fund will receive any interest or dividends paid on the loaned
securities. The Fund will not lend portfolio securities to FUNB, or to any
affiliate of the FUNB or to any other affiliate of the Fund. Loans of securities
involve a risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities or may fail
to provide additional collateral.
Repurchase Agreements. Securities held by the Fund may be subject to repurchase
agreements. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the seller of a
security commits itself at the time of the sale to repurchase that security from
the buyer at a mutually agreed upon time and price. The Fund will enter into
repurchase agreements only with dealers, domestic banks or recognized financial
institutions which, in the opinion of the investment adviser, present minimal
credit risks. The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with respect
to obligations which could otherwise be purchased by the Fund or any other
obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Where the
securities underlying a repurchase agreement are not U.S. government securities,
they must be of the highest quality at the time the repurchase agreement is
entered into (e.g., a long-term debt security would be required to be rated by
S&P as "AAA" or its equivalent). While the maturity of the underlying securities
in a repurchase agreement transaction may be more than one year, the term of the
repurchase agreement is always less than one year. The maturities of the
underlying securities will have to be taken into account in calculating the
Fund's dollar weighted average portfolio maturity if the seller of the
repurchase agreement fails to perform under such agreement. In the event of
default by the seller under the repurchase agreement, the Fund may experience a
loss of income from the loaned securities and a decrease in the value of any
collateral maintained, problems in exercising its rights to the underlying
securities and costs and time delays in connection with the disposition of such
securities. The Fund will invest no more than 10% of its net assets in
repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days and other illiquid
investments.
INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RESTRICTIONS
       The investment objective of the Fund and its policy of investing at least
80% of its net assets in Municipal Obligations are fundamental policies and
except for policies with respect to repurchase agreements and securities with
put rights, which are also fundamental policies of the Fund and subject to the
investment restrictions set forth below, the Fund's investment policies and the
investment adviser's discretion to make use of a particular investment technique
or activity are not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees of
the Trust without the approval of shareholders.
       The Fund may not: (1) borrow money or pledge or mortgage its assets,
except that the Fund may borrow from banks up to 10% of the current value of its
total net assets for temporary purposes only in order to meet redemptions, and
those borrowings may be secured by the pledge of not more than 10% of the
current value of its total net assets (but investments may not be purchased by
the Fund while any such borrowings exist); (2) make loans, except loans of
portfolio securities having a value of not more than 10% of the Fund's current
assets and except that the Fund may purchase a portion of an issue of publicly
distributed bonds, debentures or other obligations, make deposits with banks and
enter into repurchase agreements with respect to its portfolio securities;
                                       9
 
<PAGE>
or (3) invest an amount equal to 10% or more of the current value of the Fund's
net assets in illiquid securities, including those securities which do not have
readily available market quotations and repurchase agreements having maturities
of more than seven calendar days. Investments in restricted securities eligible
for resale pursuant to Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 which have been
determined to be liquid by the Board of Trustees based upon the trading markets
for the securities will not be included for purposes of this limitation.
However, investing in Rule 144A securities could have the effect of increasing
the level of fund illiquidity to the extent that qualified institutional buyers
become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing such securities. The foregoing
investment restrictions and those described in the Statement of Additional
Information are fundamental policies which may be changed only when permitted by
law and approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund, as described under "Other Information" in the Statement
of Additional Information.
                             MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISER
       The management of the Fund is supervised by the Trustees of Evergreen
Tax-Free Trust. The Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of
North Carolina ("CMG") serves as investment adviser to the Fund. First Union
National Bank of North Carolina ("FUNB") is a subsidiary of First Union
Corporation ("First Union"), the sixth largest bank holding company in the
United States. First Union is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and
had $96.7 billion in consolidated assets as of December 31, 1995. First Union
and its subsidiaries provide a broad range of financial services to individuals
and businesses throughout the United States. The Capital Management Group of
FUNB manages or otherwise oversees the investment of over $5.3 billion in assets
belonging to a wide range of clients, including the fifteen series of Evergreen
Investment Trust (formerly known as First Union Funds). First Union Brokerage
Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of FUNB, is a registered broker-dealer
that is principally engaged in providing retail brokerage services consistent
with its federal banking authorizations. First Union Capital Markets Corp., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of First Union, is a registered broker-dealer
principally engaged in providing, consistent with its federal banking
authorizations, private placement, securities dealing, and underwriting
services. Prior to January 1, 1996, First Fidelity Bank, N.A. ("First Fidelity")
served as investment adviser to the Fund. CMG succeeded to the mutual funds
advisory business of First Fidelity in connection with the acquisition of First
Fidelity Bancorporation by a subsidiary of First Union.
       CMG manages investments and supervises the daily business affairs of the
Fund and, as compensation therefor, is entitled to receive an annual fee equal
to .40 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Fund up to $500 million, .36
of 1% of the next $500 million of assets, .32 of 1% of assets in excess of $1
billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion, and .28 of 1% of assets in excess of
$1.5 billion. The total annualized operating expenses of the Fund for its most
recent fiscal period are set forth in the section entitled "Financial
Highlights". Evergreen Asset Management Corp. ("Evergreen Asset"), a subsidiary
of FUNB, serves as administrator to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee
based on the average daily net assets of the Fund at a rate based on the total
assets of the mutual funds administered by Evergreen Asset for which CMG or
Evergreen Asset also serve as investment adviser, calculated in accordance with
the following schedule: .050% of the first $7 billion; .035% on the next $3
billion; .030% on the next $5 billion; .020% on the next $10 billion; .015% on
the next $5 billion; and .010% on assets in excess of $30 billion. Furman Selz
Incorporated, an affiliate of Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc., distributor for
the Evergreen group of mutual funds, serves as sub-administrator for the Fund
and is entitled to receive a fee from the Fund calculated on the average daily
net assets of the Fund at a rate based on the total assets of the mutual funds
administered by Evergreen Asset for which CMG or Evergreen Asset also serve as
investment adviser, calculated in accordance with the following schedule: .0100%
of the first $7 billion; .0075% on the next $3 billion; .0050% on the next $15
billion; and .0040% on assets in excess of $25 billion. The total assets of the
mutual funds administered by Evergreen Asset for which CMG or Evergreen Asset
serve as investment adviser were approximately $10.4 billion as of December 31,
1995.
                       PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
HOW TO BUY SHARES
       Eligible investors may purchase Fund shares at net asset value by mail or
wire as described below. The Fund imposes no sales charges on Class Y shares.
Class Y shares are the only class of shares offered by this
                                       10
 
<PAGE>
Prospectus and are only available to (i) persons who at or prior to December 30,
1994, owned shares in a mutual fund advised by Evergreen Asset, (ii) certain
institutional investors and (iii) investment advisory clients of CMG, Evergreen
Asset or their affiliates. The minimum initial investment is $1,000, which may
be waived in certain situations. There is no minimum for subsequent investments.
Investors may make subsequent investments by establishing a Systematic
Investment Plan or a Telephone Investment Plan.
Purchases by Mail or Wire. Each investor must complete the Share Purchase
Application and mail it, together with a check made payable to the Fund whose
shares are being purchased, to State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State
Street") at P.O. Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9827. Checks not drawn on
U.S. banks will be subject to foreign collection which will delay an investor's
investment date and will be subject to processing fees.
       When making subsequent investments, an investor should either enclose the
return remittance portion of the statement, or indicate on the face of the
check, the name of the Fund in which an investment is to be made, the exact
title of the account, the address, and the Fund account number. Purchase
requests should not be sent to a Fund in New York. If they are, the Fund must
forward them to State Street, and the request will not be effective until State
Street receives them.
       Initial investments may also be made by wire by (i) calling State Street
at (800) 423-2615 for an account number and (ii) instructing your bank, which
may charge a fee, to wire federal funds to State Street, as follows: State
Street Bank and Trust Company, ABA No.0110-0002-8, Attn: Custodian and
Shareholder Services. The wire must include references to the Fund in which an
investment is being made, account registration, and the account number. A
completed Application must also be sent to State Street indicating that the
shares have been purchased by wire, giving the date the wire was sent and
referencing the account number. Subsequent wire investments may be made by
existing shareholders by following the instructions outlined above. It is not
necessary, however, for existing shareholders to call for another account
number.
How the Fund Values Its Shares. The net asset value of the Fund's shares for
purposes of both purchases and redemptions is determined twice daily, at 12 noon
(Eastern time) and promptly after the regular close of the New York Stock
Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) each business day (i.e., any weekday
exclusive of days on which the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") or State
Street is closed). The Exchange is closed on New Year's Day, Presidents Day,
Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and
Christmas Day. The net asset value per share is calculated by taking the sum of
the values of a Fund's investments and any cash and other assets, subtracting
liabilities, and dividing by the total number of shares outstanding. All
expenses, including the fees payable to the Fund's Investment adviser, are
accrued daily. The securities in the Fund's portfolio are valued on an amortized
cost basis. Under this method of valuation, a security is initially valued at
its acquisition cost, and thereafter, a constant straight-line amortization of
any discount or premium is assumed each day regardless of the impact of
fluctuating interest rates on the market value of the security. The market value
of the obligations in the Fund's portfolio can be expected to vary inversely to
changes in prevailing interest rates. As a result, the market value of the
obligations in the Fund's portfolio may vary from the value determined using the
amortized cost method. Securities which are not rated are normally valued on the
basis of valuations provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed
to reflect the fair value of such securities. Other assets and securities for
which no quotations are readily available are valued at the fair value as
determined in good faith by the Trustees.
       The Fund attempts to maintain its net asset value at $1.00 per share.
Under most conditions, management believes this will be possible, although there
can be no assurance that this will be achieved. Calculations are periodically
made to compare the value of a Fund's portfolio valued at amortized cost with
market values. If a deviation of 1/2 of 1% or more were to occur between the net
asset value calculated by reference to market values and a Fund's $1.00 per
share net asset value, or if there were other deviations which the Trustees
believed would result in a material dilution to shareholders or purchasers, the
Trustees would promptly consider what action, if any, should be initiated.
Additional Purchase Information. As a condition of this offering, if a purchase
is canceled due to nonpayment or because an investor's check does not clear, the
investor will be responsible for any loss the Fund or the Fund's investment
adviser incurs. If such investor is an existing shareholder, the Fund may redeem
shares from his or her account to reimburse the Fund or the Fund's investment
adviser for any loss. In addition, such investors may be prohibited or
restricted from making further purchases in any of the Evergreen mutual funds.
       Shares of the Fund are sold at the net asset value per share next
determined after a shareholder's investment has been converted to federal funds.
Investments by federal funds wire will be effective upon receipt.
                                       11
 
<PAGE>
Qualified institutions may telephone orders for the purchase of Fund shares.
Shares purchased by institutions via telephone will receive the dividend
declared on that day if the telephone order is placed by 12 noon (Eastern time),
and federal funds are received the same day by 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time).
Institutions should telephone the Fund at the number on the front page of this
Prospectus for additional information on same day purchases by telephone.
Investment checks received at State Street will be invested on the date of
receipt. Shareholders will begin earning dividends the following business day.
       The Fund cannot accept investments specifying a certain price or date and
reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order. Including orders in
connection with exchanges from the other Evergreen mutual funds. Although not
currently anticipated, the Fund reserves the right to suspend the offer of
shares for a period of time.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
       You may "redeem", i.e., sell your shares in the Fund to the Fund on any
day the Exchange is open, either directly or through your financial
intermediary. The price you will receive is the net asset value next calculated
after the Fund receives your request in proper form. Proceeds generally will be
sent to you within seven days. However, for shares recently purchased by check,
the Fund will not send proceeds until it is reasonably satisfied that the check
has been collected (which may take up to ten days). Once a redemption request
has been telephoned or mailed, it is irrevocable and may not be modified or
cancelled.
Redeeming Shares Directly by Mail or Telephone. Send a signed letter of
instruction or stock power form to State Street which is the registrar, transfer
agent and dividend-disbursing agent for the Fund. Stock power forms are
available from your financial intermediary, State Street, and many commercial
banks. Additional documentation is required for the sale of shares by
corporations, financial intermediaries, fiduciaries and surviving joint owners.
Signature guarantees are required for all redemption requests for shares with a
value of more than $10,000 or where the redemption proceeds are to be mailed to
an address other than that shown in the account registration. A signature
guarantee must be provided by a bank or trust company (not a Notary Public), a
member firm of a domestic stock exchange or by other financial institutions
whose guarantees are acceptable to State Street.
       Shareholders may withdraw amounts of $1,000 or more from their accounts
by calling State Street at (800) 423-2615 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:30
p.m. (Eastern time) each business day (i.e., any weekday exclusive of days on
which the Exchange or State Street's offices are closed). The Exchange is closed
on New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Redemption requests made after
4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will be processed using the net asset value determined
on the next business day. Such redemption requests must include the
shareholder's account name, as registered with the Fund, and the account number.
During periods of drastic economic or market changes, shareholders may
experience difficulty in effecting telephone redemptions. Shareholders who are
unable to reach the Fund or State Street by telephone should follow the
procedures outlined above for redemption by mail.
       The telephone redemption service is not made available to shareholders
automatically. Shareholders wishing to use the telephone redemption service must
indicate this on the Share Purchase Application and choose how the redemption
proceeds are to be paid. Redemption proceeds will either (i) be mailed by check
to the shareholder at the address in which the account is registered or (ii) be
wired to an account with the same registration as the shareholder's account in
the Fund at a designated commercial bank. State Street currently deducts a $5.00
wire charge from all redemption proceeds wired. This charge is subject to change
without notice. Redemption proceeds will be wired on the same day if the request
is made prior to 12 noon (Eastern time). Such shares, however, will not earn
dividends for that day. Redemption requests received after 12 noon will earn
dividends for that day, and the proceeds will be wired on the following business
day. A shareholder who decides later to use this service, or to change
instructions already given, should fill out a Shareholder Services Form and send
it to State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts
02205-9827, with such shareholder's signature guaranteed by a bank or trust
company (not a Notary Public), a member firm of a domestic stock exchange or by
other financial institutions whose guarantees are acceptable to State Street.
Shareholders should allow approximately ten days for such form to be processed.
The Fund will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine. These procedures include requiring some
form of personal identification prior to acting upon instructions and tape
recording of telephone instructions. If the Fund fails to follow such
procedures, it may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
instructions. The Funds will not be liable for following telephone instructions
reasonably believed to be genuine. The Fund reserves the right to refuse a
telephone redemption if it is believed advisable to do so. Financial
intermediaries may
                                       12
 
<PAGE>
charge a fee for handling telephonic requests. Procedures for redeeming Fund
shares by telephone may be modified or terminated without notice at any time.
Redemptions by Check. Upon request, the Fund will provide holders of Class Y
shares, without charge, with checks drawn on the Fund that will clear through
State Street. Shareholders will be subject to State Street's rules and
regulations governing such checking accounts. Checks will be sent usually within
ten business days following the date the account is established. Checks may be
made payable to the order of any payee in an amount of $250 or more. The payee
of the check may cash or deposit it like a check drawn on a bank. (Investors
should be aware that, as in the case with regular bank checks, certain banks may
not provide cash at the time of deposit, but will wait until they have received
payment from State Street.) When such a check is presented to State Street for
payment, State Street, as the shareholder's agent, causes the Fund to redeem a
sufficient number of full and fractional shares in the shareholder's account to
cover the amount of the check. Checks will be returned by State Street if there
are insufficient or uncollectable shares to meet the withdrawal amount. The
check writing procedure for withdrawal enables shareholders to continue earning
income on the shares to be redeemed up to but not including the date the
redemption check is presented to State Street for payment.
       Shareholders wishing to use this method of redemption, should fill out
the appropriate part of the Share Purchase Application (including the Signature
Card) and mail the completed form to State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O.
Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9827. Shareholders requesting this service
after an account has been opened must contact State Street since additional
documentation will be required. Currently, there is no charge either for checks
or for the clearance of any checks. This service may be terminated or altered at
any time.
General. Under unusual circumstances, the Fund may suspend redemptions or
postpone payment for up to seven days or longer, as permitted by Federal
securities law. The Fund reserves the right to close an account that through
redemption has remained below $1,000 for thirty days. Shareholders will receive
sixty days' written notice to increase the account value before the account is
closed. The Fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act
pursuant to which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash, up to
the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of a Fund's total net assets during any ninety day
period for any one shareholder. See the Statement of Additional Information for
further details.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
How To Exchange Shares. You may exchange some or all of your shares for shares
of the same Class of the other Evergreen mutual funds by telephone or mail as
described below. An exchange which represents an initial investment in another
Evergreen mutual fund must amount to at least $1,000. Once an exchange request
has been telephoned or mailed, it is irrevocable and may not be modified or
canceled. Exchanges will be made on the basis of the relative net asset values
of the shares exchanged next determined after an exchange request is received.
Exchanges are subject to minimum investment and suitability requirements.
       Each of the Evergreen mutual funds has different investment objectives
and policies. For complete information, a prospectus of the fund into which an
exchange will be made should be read prior to the exchange. An exchange is
treated for Federal income tax purposes as a redemption and purchase of shares
and may result in the realization of a capital gain or loss. The Fund imposes a
fee of $5 per exchange on shareholders who exchange in excess of four times per
calendar year. This exchange privilege may be materially modified or
discontinued at any time by the Fund upon sixty days' notice to shareholders and
is only available in states in which shares of the fund being acquired may
lawfully be sold.
Exchanges by Telephone and Mail. You may exchange shares by telephone by calling
State Street at (800) 423-2615. Exchange requests made after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern
time) will be processed using the net asset value determined on the next
business day. During periods of drastic economic or market changes, shareholders
may experience difficulty in effecting telephone exchanges. You should follow
the procedures outlined below for exchanges by mail if you are unable to reach
State Street by telephone. If you wish to use the telephone exchange service you
should indicate this on the Share Purchase Application. As noted above, each
Fund will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions for the
redemption or exchange of shares communicated by telephone are genuine. A
telephone exchange may be refused by the Fund or State Street if it is believed
advisable to do so. Procedures for exchanging Fund shares by telephone may be
modified or terminated at any time. Written requests for exchanges should follow
the same procedures outlined for written redemption requests in the section
entitled "How to Redeem Shares", however, no signature guarantee is required.
                                       13
 
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
       The Funds offer the following shareholder services. For more information
about these services or your account, contact your financial intermediary,
Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc. ("EFD"), the distributor of the Funds' shares,
or the number on the front page of this Prospectus. Some services are described
in more detail in the Share Purchase Application.
Systematic Investment Plan. You may make monthly or quarterly investments into
an existing account automatically in amounts of not less than $50 per month or
$75 per quarter.
Telephone Investment Plan. You may make investments into an existing account
electronically in amounts of not less than $100 or more than $25,000 per
investment. Telephone investment requests received by 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
will be credited to a shareholder's account two business days after the request
is received.
Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan. When an account of $10,000 or more is opened or
when an existing account reaches that size, you may participate in the Fund's
Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan by filling out the appropriate part of the Share
Purchase Application. Under this plan, you may receive (or designate a third
party to receive) a monthly or quarterly check in a stated amount of not less
than $75. Fund shares will be redeemed as necessary to meet withdrawal payments.
All participants must elect to have their dividends and capital gain
distributions reinvested automatically.
Tax Sheltered Retirement Plans. Eligible investors may open a pension and profit
sharing account in any Evergreen mutual fund (except those funds having an
objective of providing tax free income) under the following prototype retirement
plans: (i) Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs") and Rollover IRAs; (ii)
Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) for sole proprietors, partnerships and
corporations; and (iii) Profit-Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans for
corporations and their employees.
Automatic Reinvestment Plan. For the convenience of investors, all dividends and
distributions are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of the
Fund at the net asset value per share at the close of business on the last
business day of each month, unless otherwise requested by a shareholder in
writing. If the transfer agent does not receive a written request for subsequent
dividends and/or distributions to be paid in cash at least three full business
days prior to a given record date, the dividends and/or distributions to be paid
to a shareholder will be reinvested. If you elect to receive dividends and
distributions in cash and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the checks, or
if the checks remain uncashed for six months, the checks will be reinvested into
your account at the then current net asset value.
EFFECT OF BANKING LAWS
       The Glass-Steagall Act and other banking laws and regulations presently
prohibit member banks of the Federal Reserve System ("Member Banks") or their
non-bank affiliates from sponsoring, organizing, controlling, or distributing
the shares of registered open-end investment companies such as the Fund. Such
laws and regulations also prohibit banks from issuing, underwriting or
distributing securities in general. However, under the Glass-Steagall Act and
such other laws and regulations, a Member Bank or an affiliate thereof may act
as investment adviser, transfer agent or custodian to a registered open-end
investment company and may also act as agent in connection with the purchase of
shares of such an investment company upon the order of its customer. Evergreen
Asset, since it is a subsidiary of FUNB, and CMG are subject to and in
compliance with the aforementioned laws and regulations.
       Changes to applicable laws and regulations or future judicial or
administrative decisions could result in CMG being prevented from continuing to
perform the services required under the investment advisory contract or from
acting as agent in connection with the purchase of shares of the Fund by its
customers. If CMG was prevented from continuing to provide the services called
for under the investment advisory agreement, it is expected that the Trustees
would identify, and call upon the Fund's shareholders to approve, a new
investment adviser. If this were to occur, it is not anticipated that the
shareholders of the Fund would suffer any adverse financial consequences.
                                       14
 
<PAGE>
                               OTHER INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
       The Fund declares substantially all of its net income as dividends on
each business day. Such dividends are paid monthly. Net income, for dividend
purposes, includes accrued interest and any market discount or premium that day,
less the estimated expenses of the Fund. Gains or losses realized upon the sale
of portfolio securities are not included in net income, but are reflected in the
net asset value of the Fund's shares. Distributions of any net realized capital
gains will be made annually or more frequently as required by the provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The amount of
dividends may fluctuate from day to day, and the dividend may be omitted on a
day where Fund expenses exceed net investment income. Dividends and
distributions generally are taxable in the year in which they are paid, except
any dividends paid in January that were declared in the previous calendar
quarter may be treated as paid in the immediately preceding December.
       Such dividends will be automatically reinvested in full and fractional
shares of the Fund on the last business day of each month. However, shareholders
who so inform the transfer agent in writing may have their dividends paid out in
cash monthly. Shareholders who invest by check will be credited with a dividend
on the business day following initial investment. Shareholders will receive
dividends on investments made by federal funds bank wire the same day the wire
is received provided that wire purchases are received by State Street by 12 noon
(Eastern time). Shares purchased by qualified institutions via telephone as
described in "How to Purchase Shares" will receive the dividend declared on that
day if the telephone order is placed by 12 noon (Eastern time), and federal
funds are received by 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). All other wire purchases
received after 12 noon (Eastern time) will earn dividends beginning the
following business day. Dividends accruing on the day of redemption will be paid
to redeeming shareholders except for redemptions by check and where proceeds are
wired the same day. (See "How to Redeem Shares".)
       The Fund has qualified and intends to continue to qualify to be treated
as a regulated investment company under the Code. While so qualified, it is
expected that the Fund will not be required to pay any Federal income taxes on
that portion of its investment company taxable income and any net realized
capital gains it distributes to shareholders. The Code imposes a 4%
nondeductible excise tax on regulated investment companies, such as the Funds,
to the extent they do not meet certain distribution requirements by the end of
each calendar year. Each Fund anticipates meeting such distribution
requirements. The excise tax generally does not apply to the tax exempt income
of a regulated investment company that pays exempt interest dividends.
       The Fund will designate and pay exempt-interest dividends derived from
interest earned on qualifying tax exempt obligations. Such exempt-interest
dividends may be excluded by shareholders of the Fund from their gross income
for Federal income tax purposes, however, (1) all or a portion of such
exempt-interest dividends may be a specific preference item for purposes of the
Federal individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes to the extent that
they are derived from certain types of private activity bonds issued after
August 7, 1986, and (2) all exempt-interest dividends will be a component of
"adjusted current earnings" for purposes of the Federal corporate alternative
minimum tax. Dividends paid from taxable income, if any, and distributions of
any net realized short-term capital gains (whether from tax exempt or taxable
obligations) are taxable as ordinary income, even though received in additional
Fund shares. Market discount recognized on taxable and tax-free bonds is taxable
as ordinary income, not as excludable income.
       Following the end of each calendar year, every shareholder of the Fund
will be sent applicable tax information and information regarding the dividends
and capital gain distributions made during the calendar year. Under current law,
the highest Federal income tax rate applicable to net long-term capital gains
realized by individuals is 28%. The rate applicable to corporations is 35%.
Since the Fund's gross income is ordinarily expected to be interest income, it
is not expected that the 70% dividends-received deduction for corporations will
be applicable. Specific questions should be addressed to the investor's own tax
adviser.
       The Fund is required by Federal law to withhold 31% of reportable
payments (which may include dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, and
redemptions) paid to certain shareholders. In order to avoid this backup
withholding requirement, you must certify on the Share Purchase Application, or
on a separate form supplied by State Street, that the investor's social security
or taxpayer identification number is correct and that the investor is not
currently subject to backup withholding or is exempt from backup withholding.
                                       15
 
<PAGE>
GENERAL INFORMATION
Portfolio Transactions. Consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and subject to seeking best
price and execution, the Fund may consider sales of its shares as a factor in
the selection of dealers to enter into portfolio transactions with the Fund.
Organization. The Fund is a separate investment series of Evergreen Tax Free
Trust, as Massachusetts business trust organized in 1985. The Fund does not
intend to hold annual shareholder meetings; shareholder meetings will be held
only when required by applicable law. Shareholders have available certain
procedures for the removal of Trustees.
       A shareholder in each class of the Fund will be entitled to his or her
share of all dividends and distributions from the Fund's assets, based upon the
relative value of such shares to those of other Classes of the Fund, and, upon
redeeming shares, will receive the then current net asset value of the Class of
shares of the Fund represented by the redeemed shares less any applicable CDSC.
The Trust is empowered to establish, without shareholder approval, additional
investment series, which may have different investment objectives, and
additional classes of shares for any existing or future series. If an additional
series or class were established in the Fund, each share of the series or class
would normally be entitled to one vote for all purposes. Generally, shares of
each series and class would vote together as a single class on matters, such as
the election of Trustees, that affect each series and class in substantially the
same manner. Class A and Y shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation
and other rights, except that each class bears, to the extent applicable, its
own distribution and transfer agency expenses as well as any other expenses
applicable only to a specific class. Each class of shares votes separately with
respect to Rule 12b-1 distribution plans and other matters for which separate
class voting is appropriate under applicable law. Shares are entitled to
dividends as determined by the Trustees and, in liquidation of the Fund, are
entitled to receive the net assets of the Fund.
Custodian, Registrar, Transfer Agent And Dividend-Disbursing Agent. State Street
Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9827 acts as
the Fund's custodian, registrar, transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent
for a fee based upon the number of shareholder accounts maintained for the
Funds.
Principal Underwriter. EFD, an affiliate of Furman Selz LLC, located 230 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10169, is the principal underwriter of the Fund.
Furman Selz LLC also acts as sub-administrator to the Fund.
Other Classes of Shares. ??????? offers two classes of shares, Class A and Class
Y. Class Y shares are the only Class offered by this Prospectus and are only
available to (i) persons who at or prior to December 31, 1994, owned shares in a
mutual fund advised by Evergreen Asset, (ii) certain institutional investors and
(iii) investment advisory clients of CMG, Evergreen Asset or their affiliates.
The dividends payable with respect to Class A shares will be less than those
payable with respect to Class Y shares due to the distribution and distribution
and shareholder servicing related expenses borne by Class A shares and the fact
that such expenses are not borne by Class Y shares.
Performance Information. From time to time, the Fund may quote its yield in
advertisements or in reports to shareholders. Yield information may be useful in
reviewing the performance of the Fund and for providing a basis for comparison
with other investment alternatives. However, since net investment income of the
Fund changes in response to fluctuations in interest rates and Fund expenses,
any given yield quotation should not be considered representative of a Fund's
yields for any future period.
       The method of calculating the Fund's yield is set forth in the Statement
of Additional Information. Before investing in the Fund, the investor may want
to determine which investment  -- tax-free or taxable  -- will result in a
higher after-tax return. To do this, the yield on the tax-free investment should
be divided by the decimal determined by subtracting from 1 the highest Federal
tax rate to which the investor currently is subject. For example, if the
tax-free yield is 6% and the investor's maximum tax bracket is 36%, the
computation is: 6% Tax-Free Yield /(1 - .36 Tax Rate) = 6/.64 = 9.38% Taxable
Yield. In this example, the investor's after-tax return will be higher from the
6% tax-free investment if available taxable yields are below 9.38%. Conversely,
the taxable investment will provide a higher return when taxable yields exceed
9.38%. This is only an example and is not necessarily reflective of the Fund's
yield. The tax equivalent yield will be lower for investors in the lower income
brackets.
                                       16
 
<PAGE>
       Comparative performance information may also be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing the Fund's shares, including data from Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., IBC/Donoghue's Money Fund Report, Bank Rate Monitor
and other industry publications.
Liability Under Massachusetts Law. Under Massachusetts law, trustees and
shareholders of a business trust may, in certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for its obligations. The Declaration of Trust under which the
Fund operates provides that no trustee or shareholder will be personally liable
for the obligations of the Trust and that every written contract made by the
Trust contain a provision to that effect. If any trustee or shareholder were
required to pay any liability of the Trust, that person would be entitled to
reimbursement from the general assets of the trust.
Additional Information. This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional
Information, which have been incorporated by reference herein, do not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statement filed by the Trust
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Securities Act.
Copies of the Registration Statements may be obtained at a reasonable charge
from the SEC or may be examined, without charge, at the offices of the SEC in
Washington, D.C.
                                       17
 
<PAGE>
  INVESTMENT ADVISER
  Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of North Carolina, 201
  South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288
  CUSTODIAN & TRANSFER AGENT
  State Street Bank and Trust Company, Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts
  02205-9827
  LEGAL COUNSEL
  Sullivan & Worcester LLP, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
  20036
  INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
  KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP 345 Third Avenue, New York, New York
  DISTRIBUTOR
  Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc., 230 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10169
                                                                          537680
 



*******************************************************************************
AB State Funds


<PAGE>
  PROSPECTUS                                                 January 22, 1996

  EVERGREEN(SM) STATE SPECIFIC TAX-FREE FUNDS       (Evergreen Tree Logo)

  EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
  EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
  EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
  EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
  EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
  EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
  EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
  CLASS A SHARES
  CLASS B SHARES
           The Evergreen State Specific Tax-Free Funds (the "Funds") are
  designed to provide investors with current income exempt from Federal
  income tax and certain state income tax. This Prospectus provides
  information regarding the Class A and Class B shares offered by the Funds.
  Each Fund is, or is a series of, an open-end, non-diversified, management
  investment company except for EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND
  FUND which is diversified. This Prospectus sets forth concise information
  about the Funds that a prospective investor should know before investing.
  The address of the Funds is 2500 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, New York
  10577.
           A "Statement of Additional Information" for the Funds and certain
  other funds in the Evergreen group of mutual funds dated January 22, 1996
  has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is
  incorporated by reference herein. The Statement of Additional Information
  provides information regarding certain matters discussed in this Prospectus
  and other matters which may be of interest to investors, and may be
  obtained without charge by calling the Funds at (800) 807-2940. There can
  be no assurance that the investment objective of any Fund will be achieved.
  Investors are advised to read this Prospectus carefully.

  THE SHARES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF
  ANY BANK, ARE NOT ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK, ARE NOT INSURED OR
  OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
  CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY AND
  INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISKS.

  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.

  EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND WILL INVEST AT LEAST 65%
  OF THE VALUE OF ITS TOTAL ASSETS IN MUNICIPAL SECURITIES CONSISTING OF HIGH
  YIELD (I.E., HIGH RISK), MEDIUM, LOWER RATED AND UNRATED BONDS. SUCH
  SECURITIES ARE COMMONLY CALLED JUNK BONDS AND ARE SUBJECT TO GREATER MARKET
  FLUCTUATIONS AND RISK OF LOSS OF INCOME AND PRINCIPAL THAN HIGHER RATED
  SECURITIES. LOWER QUALITY SECURITIES INVOLVE A GREATER RISK OF DEFAULT AND,
  CONSEQUENTLY, SHARES OF THE EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND
  FUND ARE SPECULATIVE SECURITIES.
                   KEEP THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
  EVERGREEN(SM) is a Service Mark of Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
  Copyright 1995, Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
 
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S>                                                       <C>
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNDS                                       2
EXPENSE INFORMATION                                         3
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                                        6
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS
         Investment Objectives and Policies                13
         Investment Practices and Restrictions             16
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
         Investment Adviser                                21
         Distribution Plans and Agreements                 22
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
         How to Buy Shares                                 24
         How to Redeem Shares                              26
         Exchange Privilege                                27
         Shareholder Services                              27
         Effect of Banking Laws                            28
OTHER INFORMATION
         Dividends, Distributions and Taxes                28
         General Information                               30
APPENDIX
         Florida Risk Considerations                       32
</TABLE>
 
                             OVERVIEW OF THE FUNDS
       The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus. See "Description of the
Funds" and "Management of the Funds".
       The Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of North
Carolina ("CMG") serves as investment adviser to Evergreen State Specific
Tax-Free Funds which include: EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN
GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND,
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH
INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. First Union National Bank of North Carolina ("FUNB")
is a subsidiary of First Union Corporation, the sixth largest bank holding
company in the United States.
       EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union Florida
Municipal Bond Portfolio, successor to ABT Florida Tax-Free Fund) seeks current
income exempt from federal income tax consistent with preservation of capital.
In addition, the Fund intends to qualify as an investment exempt from the
Florida state intangibles tax.
       EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union Georgia
Municipal Bond Portfolio) seeks current income exempt from federal income tax
and Georgia state income tax, consistent with preservation of capital.
       EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND (formerly FFB New Jersey
Tax-Free Income Fund) seeks a high level of income, exempt from federal and New
Jersey personal income taxes.
       EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union North
Carolina Municipal Bond Portfolio) seeks current income exempt from federal
income tax and North Carolina state income tax, consistent with preservation of
capital. In addition, the Fund intends to qualify as an investment substantially
exempt from the North Carolina intangible personal property tax.
       EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union South
Carolina Municipal Bond Portfolio seeks current income exempt from federal
income tax and South Carolina state income tax.
       EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union Virginia
Municipal Bond Portfolio) seeks current income exempt from federal income tax
and Virginia state income tax, consistent with preservation of capital.
       EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (successor to ABT
Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund) seeks to provide a high level of
current income exempt from federal income tax. Under normal circumstances, the
Fund will invest at least 65% of the value of its total assets in municipal
securities consisting of high yield (i.e., high risk), medium, lower rated and
unrated bonds.
       THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF ANY FUND WILL BE
ACHIEVED.
                                       2
 
<PAGE>
                              EXPENSE INFORMATION
       The table set forth below summarizes the shareholder transaction costs
associated with an investment in Class A and Class B Shares of a Fund. For
further information see "Purchase and Redemption of Fund Shares" and "General
Information -- Other Classes of Shares".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES                                Class A Shares                  Class B Shares
<S>                                                             <C>              <C>
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases                            4.75%                           None
(as a % of offering price)
Sales Charge on Dividend Reinvestments                               None                            None
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (as a % of original purchase        None        5% during the first year, 4% during the
price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)                                second year, 3% during the third and fourth
                                                                                 years, 2% during the fifth year, 1% during
                                                                                 the sixth and seventh years and 0% after the
                                                                                 seventh year
Redemption Fee                                                       None                            None
Exchange Fee                                                         None                            None
</TABLE>
 
       The following tables show for each Fund the estimated annual operating
expenses (as a percentage of average net assets) attributable to each Class of
Shares, together with examples of the cumulative effect of such expenses on a
hypothetical $1,000 investment in each Class for the periods specified assuming
(i) a 5% annual return and (ii) redemption at the end of each period and,
additionally for Class B shares, no redemption at the end of each period.
       In the following examples (i) the expenses for Class A Shares assume
deduction of the maximum 4.75% sales charge at the time of purchase, (ii) the
expenses for Class B Shares assume deduction at the time of redemption (if
applicable) of the maximum contingent deferred sales charge applicable for that
time period, and (iii) the expenses for Class B Shares reflect the conversion to
Class A Shares eight years after purchase (years eight through ten, therefore,
reflect Class A expenses).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
                                                                                         EXAMPLES
                                                                                  Assuming          Assuming
                             ANNUAL OPERATING                                    Redemption            no
                                 EXPENSES                                     at End of Period     Redemption
                            Class A    Class B                               Class A    Class B     Class B
<S>                         <C>        <C>       <C>                         <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees(a)            .30%       .30%
                                                 After 1 Year                 $  53      $  66        $ 16
12b-1 Fees(b)                 .06%       .75%
                                                 After 3 Years                $  66      $  79        $ 49
Shareholder Service Fees        --       .25%
                                                 After 5 Years                $  80      $ 104        $ 84
Other Expenses                .25%       .25%
                                                 After 10 Years               $ 120      $ 147        $147
Total                         .61%      1.55%
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
                                                                                         EXAMPLES
                                                                                  Assuming          Assuming
                             ANNUAL OPERATING                                    Redemption            no
                                 EXPENSES                                     at End of Period     Redemption
                            Class A    Class B                               Class A    Class B     Class B
<S>                         <C>        <C>       <C>                         <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees               .50%       .50%
                                                 After 1 Year                 $  60      $  70        $ 20
12b-1 Fees(b)                 .25%       .75%
                                                 After 3 Years                $  85      $  93        $ 63
Shareholder Service Fees        --       .25%
                                                 After 5 Years                $ 113      $ 128        $108
Other Expenses(c)             .50%       .50%
                                                 After 10 Years               $ 191      $ 204        $204
Total                        1.25%      2.00%
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
                                                                                         EXAMPLES
                                                                                  Assuming          Assuming
                             ANNUAL OPERATING                                    Redemption            no
                                 EXPENSES                                     at End of Period     Redemption
                            Class A    Class B                               Class A    Class B     Class B
<S>                         <C>        <C>       <C>                         <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees               .50%       .50%
                                                 After 1 Year                 $  53      $  70        $ 20
12b-1 Fees (b)                .25%       .75%
                                                 After 3 Years                $  83      $  91        $ 61
Shareholder Service Fees        --       .25%
                                                 After 5 Years                $ 110      $ 125        $105
Other Expenses                .44%       .44%
                                                 After 10 Years               $ 185      $ 202        $202
Total                        1.19%      1.99%
</TABLE>
 
                                       3
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
                                                                                         EXAMPLES
                                                                                  Assuming          Assuming
                             ANNUAL OPERATING                                    Redemption            no
                                 EXPENSES                                     at End of Period     Redemption
                            Class A    Class B                               Class A    Class B     Class B
<S>                         <C>        <C>       <C>                         <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees               .50%
                                         .50%    After 1 Year                 $  60      $  70        $ 20
12b-1 Fees(b)                 .25%       .75%
                                                 After 3 Years                $  85      $  93        $ 63
Shareholder Service Fees        --       .25%
                                                 After 5 Years                $ 113      $ 128        $108
Other Expenses                .50%       .50%
                                                 After 10 Years               $ 191      $ 204        $204
Total                        1.25%      2.00%
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
                                                                                         EXAMPLES
                                                                                  Assuming          Assuming
                             ANNUAL OPERATING                                    Redemption            no
                                 EXPENSES                                     at End of Period     Redemption
                            Class A    Class B                               Class A    Class B     Class B
<S>                         <C>        <C>       <C>                         <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees               .50%       .50%
                                                 After 1 Year                 $  60      $  70        $ 20
12b-1 Fees(b)                 .25%       .75%
                                                 After 3 Years                $  85      $  93        $ 63
Shareholder Service Fees        --       .25%
                                                 After 5 Years                $ 113      $ 128        $108
Other Expenses(c)             .50%       .50%
                                                 After 10 Years               $ 191      $ 204        $204
Total                        1.25%      2.00%
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
                                                                                         EXAMPLES
                                                                                  Assuming          Assuming
                             ANNUAL OPERATING                                    Redemption            no
                                 EXPENSES                                     at End of Period     Redemption
                            Class A    Class B                               Class A    Class B     Class B
<S>                         <C>        <C>       <C>                         <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees               .50%       .50%
                                                 After 1 Year                 $  60      $  70        $ 20
12b-1 Fees(b)                 .25%       .75%
                                                 After 3 Years                $  85      $  93        $ 63
Shareholder Service Fees        --       .25%
                                                 After 5 Years                $ 113      $ 128        $108
Other Expenses(c)             .50%       .50%
                                                 After 10 Years               $ 191      $ 204        $204
Total                        1.25%      2.00%
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
                                                                                         EXAMPLES
                                                                                  Assuming          Assuming
                             ANNUAL OPERATING                                    Redemption            no
                                 EXPENSES                                     at End of Period     Redemption
                            Class A    Class B                               Class A    Class B     Class B
<S>                         <C>        <C>       <C>                         <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees(a)            .30%       .30%
                                                 After 1 Year                 $  58      $  68        $ 18
12b-1 Fees(b)                 .25%      1.00%
                                                 After 3 Years                $  80      $  87        $ 57
Other Expenses                .52%       .52%
                                                 After 5 Years                $ 104      $ 119        $ 99
                                                 After 10 Years               $ 172      $ 185        $185
Total                        1.07%      1.82%
</TABLE>
 
(a) CMG has agreed to limit the Management Fee charged to EVERGREEN FLORIDA
    MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND to
    .30 of 1% of average net assets until July 7, 1996.
From time to time each Fund's adviser may, at its discretion, reduce or waive
its fees or reimburse these Funds for certain of their other expenses in order
to reduce their expense ratios. Each Fund's adviser may cease these voluntary
waivers and reimbursements at any time.
(b) Class A Shares can pay up to .75 of 1% of average annual net assets as a
    12b-1 Fee. For the forseeable future, the Class A Shares 12b-1 Fees will be
    limited to .25 of 1% of average annual net assets. For Class B Shares of
    EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, a portion of the 12b-1
    Fees equivalent to .25 of 1% of average annual assets will be shareholder
    servicing-related. Distribution-related 12b-1 Fees will be limited to .75 of
    1% of average annual assets as permitted under the rules of the National
    Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

    EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND will not pay 12b-1 Fees to the extent
    that the effect of such payment would be to cause the Fund's ratio of
    expenses to average net assets for Class A Shares to exceed .61 of 1%
    through July 1, 1996.
                                       4
 
<PAGE>
       The estimated annual operating expenses and examples do not reflect fee
waivers and expense reimbursements for the most recent fiscal period. Actual
expenses for Class A and B Shares net of fee waivers and expense reimbursements
for the fiscal period ended August 31, 1995 or February 28, 1995, as applicable
were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     CLASS A    CLASS B
<S>                                                                                  <C>        <C>
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                                 .82%       1.44%
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                                 .71%       1.46%
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND                                             .38%         N/A
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                          .92%       1.67%
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                          .53%       1.28%
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                                .72%       1.47%
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                     1.07%        N/A
</TABLE>
 
(c) Reflects agreements by CMG to limit aggregate operating expenses (including
    the investment advisory fees, but excluding interest, taxes, brokerage
    commissions, Rule 12b-1 Fees, shareholder servicing fees and extraordinary
    expenses) of EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA
    MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND to 1% of
    average net assets for the foreseeable future. Absent such agreements, the
    estimated annual operating expenses for the Funds would be as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     CLASS A    CLASS B
<S>                                                                                  <C>        <C>
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                                 2.83%      3.58%
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                          6.50%      7.25%
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                                3.83%      4.58%
</TABLE>
 
       The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist an investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in each Class of
Shares of the Funds will bear directly or indirectly. The amounts set forth both
in the tables and in the examples are estimated amounts based on the experience
of each Fund for its most recent fiscal period. Such expenses have been restated
to reflect current fee arrangements and in the case of Funds that did not offer
all of the above-referenced Classes of shares during such periods, the amounts
set forth in the tables are based on the expenses incurred by the Classes which
were offered. THE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR
FUTURE EXPENSES OR ANNUAL RETURN. ACTUAL EXPENSES AND ANNUAL RETURN MAY BE
GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. For a more complete description of the various
costs and expenses borne by the Funds see "Management of the Funds." As a result
of asset-based sales charges, long-term shareholders may pay more than the
economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charges permitted under the
rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
                                       5
 
<PAGE>
                             FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

       The tables on the following pages present, for each Fund, financial
highlights for a share outstanding throughout each period indicated. The
information in the tables for the five most recent fiscal years or the life of
the Fund if shorter for EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH
CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP, each Fund's independent auditors. The information in the tables for
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND for the fiscal period ended August 31,
1995 has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Fund's current independent
auditors. The information in the tables for each of the years in the four-year
period ended April 30, 1995 was audited by Tait, Weller & Baker, the Fund's
prior independent auditors. The information in the tables for EVERGREEN NEW
JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND for each of the years in the two-year period ended
February 28, 1995 has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Fund's current
independent auditors. The information in the tables for EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY
TAX-FREE INCOME FUND for each of the periods from July 16, 1991 (commencement of
operations) through February 28, 1993 has been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP,
the Fund's prior independent auditors. The information in the tables for
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND for the fiscal period ended
August 31, 1995 has been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, the Fund's current
independent auditors. The information in the tables for each of the years in the
two-year period ended April 30, 1995 and for the period June 17, 1992
(commencement of operations) through April 30, 1993 was audited by Tait, Weller
& Baker, the Fund's prior independent auditors. A report of KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP, Price Waterhouse LLP or Tait, Weller & Baker, as the case may be, on the
audited information with respect to each Fund is incorporated by reference in
the Fund's Statement of Additional Information. The following information for
each Fund should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
related notes which are incorporated by reference in the Fund's Statement of
Additional Information.
       Further information about each Fund's performance is contained in the
Fund's annual report to shareholders, which may be obtained without charge.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND(stacked plus signs)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           CLASS A SHARES
                                             FOUR                                                                 MAY 11,
                                            MONTHS                                                                 1988*
                                            ENDED                                                                 THROUGH
                                          AUGUST 31,                    YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,                     APRIL 30,
                                            1995#       1995      1994      1993      1992     1991      1990      1989
<S>                                       <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period.....     $9.61      $9.52     $9.95     $9.35     $9.21    $8.80    $9.09      $8.82
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income....................       .25        .54       .56       .56       .61      .66      .58        .47
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
 on investments..........................       .22        .11      (.36)      .67       .22      .43     (.24)       .22
 Total from investment operations........       .47        .65       .20      1.23       .83     1.09      .34        .69
Less distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income....................      (.25)      (.54)     (.56)     (.56)     (.61)    (.68)    (.59)      (.42)
Distributions in excess of net investment
 income..................................      (.03)        --        --        --        --       --       --         --
Net realized gains.......................      (.06)      (.02)     (.07)     (.07)     (.04)      --     (.04)        --
Paid-in capital..........................        --         --        --        --      (.04)      --       --         --
 Total distributions.....................      (.34)      (.56)     (.63)     (.63)     (.69)    (.68)    (.63)      (.42)
 Net asset value, end of period..........     $9.74      $9.61     $9.52     $9.95     $9.35    $9.21    $8.80      $9.09
TOTAL RETURN+............................      4.2%       7.1%      1.9%     13.6%      9.3%    12.9%     3.7%       9.2%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's
 omitted)................................  $136,449   $168,542  $199,612  $198,286  $147,996  $75,791   $7,286       $717
Ratios to average net assets:
 Expenses................................      .82%++**     .61%     .56%     .58%      .41%**    .10%**   .10%**     .30%**++
 Net investment income...................     4.89%++**    5.73%    5.37%    5.66%     6.12%**   6.55%**  6.15%**    5.30%**++
Portfolio turnover rate..................       29%        53%       32%       24%       24%      66%      82%         2%
<CAPTION>
                                            CLASS B    CLASS Y
                                            SHARES     SHARES
                                           JUNE 30,   JUNE 30,
                                             1995*      1995*
                                            THROUGH    THROUGH
                                            AUGUST     AUGUST
                                              31,        31,
                                             1995#      1995#
<S>                                       <C>        <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period.....     $9.67      $9.67
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income....................       .07        .09
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
 on investments..........................       .10        .10
 Total from investment operations........       .17        .19
Less distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income....................      (.07)      (.09)
Distributions in excess of net investment
 income..................................      (.03)      (.03)
Net realized gains.......................        --         --
Paid-in capital..........................        --         --
 Total distributions.....................      (.10)      (.12)
 Net asset value, end of period..........     $9.74      $9.74
TOTAL RETURN+............................      1.5%       1.7%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's
 omitted)................................   $27,351    $ 3,602
Ratios to average net assets:
 Expenses................................     1.44%++     .59%++
 Net investment income...................     3.22%++    4.93%++
Portfolio turnover rate..................       29%        29%
</TABLE>
 
#  The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from April 30 to August 31.
*  Commencement of class operations.
+  Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
   indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
   sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
**  Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
    expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
    annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
    net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
    have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       CLASS A SHARES
                                                                                                               MAY 11, 1988*
                                                                  FOUR MONTHS                                     THROUGH
                                                                     ENDED           YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,        APRIL 30,
                                                                AUGUST 31, 1995#    1992     1991     1990         1989
<S>                                                             <C>                 <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Expenses.....................................................         1.05%          .68%     .88%    5.14%        20.40%
Net investment income (loss).................................         4.66%         5.85%    5.77%    1.01%       (14.80%)
</TABLE>
 
(stacked plus signs) On June 30, 1995, ABT Florida Tax-Free Fund sold its net 
   assets to First Union Florida Municipal Bond Portfolio 
   which was subsequently renamed Evergreen Florida Municipal Bond Fund. 
   ABT Florida Tax-Free Fund was the
   accounting survivor in the combination. Accordingly, the information stated
   in the above table prior to the combination reflects the results of ABT
   Florida Tax-Free Fund. The net asset values per share and related per share
   data have been restated to reflect the conversion of shares.
                                       6
 
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A, B, AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          CLASS A SHARES                             CLASS B SHARES
                                                            JULY 2,                                    JULY 2,        CLASS Y
                                                             1993*                                      1993*         SHARES
                             EIGHT MONTHS    YEAR ENDED     THROUGH     EIGHT MONTHS    YEAR ENDED     THROUGH     EIGHT MONTHS
                             ENDED AUGUST   DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,  ENDED AUGUST   DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,  ENDED AUGUST
                               31, 1995#        1994          1993        31, 1995#        1994          1993        31, 1995#
<S>                          <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning
 of period..................      $8.74        $10.19        $10.00        $  8.74         $10.19       $10.00        $  8.74
Income (loss) from
 investment operations:
Net investment income.......        .33           .48           .20            .28            .43          .18            .35
Net realized and unrealized
 gain (loss) on
 investments................        .73         (1.45)          .19            .73          (1.45)         .19            .73
 Total from investment
   operations...............       1.06          (.97)          .39           1.01          (1.02)         .37           1.08
Less distributions to
 shareholders from:
Net investment income.......       (.33)         (.48)         (.20)          (.28)          (.43)        (.18)          (.35)
Net asset value, end of
 period.....................      $9.47         $8.74        $10.19          $9.47          $8.74       $10.19        $  9.47
TOTAL RETURN+...............      12.3%         (9.6%)         4.0%          11.7%         (10.2%)        3.7%          12.5%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
 Net assets, end of period
   (000's omitted)..........     $2,098        $1,387          $817         $7,538         $6,912       $3,692         $1,339
Ratios to average net
 assets:
 Expenses **................       .71%++        .53%          .25%++        1.46%++        1.13%         .75%++          46%++
 Net investment income **...      5.39%++       5.26%         4.71%++        4.64%++        4.66%        4.15%++        5.64%++
Portfolio turnover rate.....        91%          147%           15%            91%           147%          15%            91%
<CAPTION>
 
                                CLASS Y
                                SHARES
                              FEBRUARY 28,
                              1994* THROUGH
                              DECEMBER 31,
                                  1994
<S>                          <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning
 of period..................       $9.83
Income (loss) from
 investment operations:
Net investment income.......         .42
Net realized and unrealized
 gain (loss) on
 investments................       (1.09)
 Total from investment
   operations...............        (.67)
Less distributions to
 shareholders from:
Net investment income.......        (.42)
Net asset value, end of
 period.....................       $8.74
TOTAL RETURN+...............       (6.9%)
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
 Net assets, end of period
   (000's omitted)..........        $284
Ratios to average net
 assets:
 Expenses **................        .31%++
 Net investment income **...       5.68%++
Portfolio turnover rate.....        147%
</TABLE>
 
#  The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to August 31.
*  Commencement of class operations.
+  Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
   indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
   sales charge is not reflected.
++  Annualized.
**  Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
    expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
    annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
    net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
    have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         CLASS A SHARES                             CLASS B SHARES  
                                                           JULY 2,                                    JULY 2,        CLASS Y
                                                            1993*                                      1993*         SHARES
                            EIGHT MONTHS    YEAR ENDED     THROUGH     EIGHT MONTHS    YEAR ENDED     THROUGH     EIGHT MONTHS
                            ENDED AUGUST   DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,  ENDED AUGUST   DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,  ENDED AUGUST
                              31, 1995#        1994          1993        31, 1995#        1994          1993        31, 1995#
<S>                         <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
Expense....................     2.83%          3.61%         6.82%         3.58%          4.21%         7.32%         2.58%
Net investment income
 (loss)....................     3.27%          2.18%        (1.86%)        2.52%          1.58%        (2.42%)        3.52%
<CAPTION>
 
                              CLASS Y
                               SHARES
                             FEBRUARY 28,
                                1994*
                               THROUGH
                             DECEMBER 31,
                                 1994
<S>                         <C>
Expense....................      3.39%
Net investment income
 (loss)....................      2.60%
</TABLE>
 
                                       7
 
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             CLASS A
                                                                         SIX MONTHS
                                                                            ENDED
                                                                       AUGUST 31, 1995         YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28,
                                                                         (UNAUDITED)        1995        1994        1993
<S>                                                                    <C>                 <C>         <C>         <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period...............................         $10.53          $10.99      $11.01      $10.22
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income..............................................            .28             .57         .60         .63
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments.............            .22            (.46)       (.02)        .79
 Total from investment operations..................................            .50             .11         .58        1.42
Less distributions to shareholders from net investment income......           (.28)           (.57)       (.60)       (.63)
Net asset value, end of period.....................................         $10.75          $10.53      $10.99      $11.01
TOTAL RETURN+......................................................           4.8%            1.4%        5.3%       14.5%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)..........................        $35,469         $34,852     $42,783     $30,863
Ratios to average net assets:
 Expenses **.......................................................           .38%++          .25%        .14%        .00%
 Net investment income **..........................................          5.20%++         5.52%       5.31%       5.97%
Portfolio turnover rate............................................             0%              8%          2%          5%
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                       CLASS A
                                                                     JULY 16, 1991*
                                                                        THROUGH
                                                                      FEBRUARY 29,
                                                                          1992
<S>                                                                    <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period...............................       $10.00
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income..............................................          .38
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments.............          .22
 Total from investment operations..................................          .60
Less distributions to shareholders from net investment income......         (.38)
Net asset value, end of period.....................................       $10.22
TOTAL RETURN+......................................................         9.7%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)..........................      $13,129
Ratios to average net assets:
 Expenses **.......................................................         .01%++
 Net investment income **..........................................        5.89%++
Portfolio turnover rate............................................           5%
</TABLE>
 
*  Commencement of class operations.
+  Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
   indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
   sales charges are not reflected.
++  Annualized.
**  Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
    expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser the
    annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income to average net
    assets would have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          CLASS A
                                                              SIX MONTHS                                          JULY 16, 1991*
                                                                 ENDED                                               THROUGH
                                                            AUGUST 31, 1995        YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28,         FEBRUARY 29,
                                                              (UNAUDITED)       1995        1994        1993           1992
<S>                                                         <C>                 <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>
Expenses................................................         1.08%++        1.04%       1.05%       1.16%          1.20%
Net investment income...................................         4.50%++        4.73%       4.40%       4.81%          4.70%
</TABLE>
 
                                       8
 
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A, B AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          CLASS A SHARES                              CLASS B SHARES                   CLASS Y
                                                          JANUARY 11,                                 JANUARY 11,      SHARES
                            EIGHT MONTHS    YEAR ENDED   1993* THROUGH  EIGHT MONTHS    YEAR ENDED   1993* THROUGH  EIGHT MONTHS
                            ENDED AUGUST   DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,   ENDED AUGUST   DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,   ENDED AUGUST
                              31, 1995#        1994          1993         31, 1995#        1994          1993         31, 1995#
<S>                         <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning
 of period.................      $9.16         $10.61        $10.00          $9.16         $10.61        $10.00          $9.16
Income (loss) from
 investment operations:
Net investment income......        .33            .49           .46            .28            .44           .42            .35
Net realized and unrealized
 gain (loss) on
 investments...............        .79          (1.45)          .64            .79          (1.45)          .64            .79
 Total from investment
   operations..............       1.12           (.96)         1.10           1.07          (1.01)         1.06           1.14
Less distributions to
 shareholders from:
Net investment income......       (.33)          (.49)         (.46)          (.28)          (.44)         (.42)          (.35)
Net realized gains.........         --             --          (.03)            --             --          (.03)            --
 Total distributions.......       (.33)          (.49)         (.49)          (.28)          (.44)         (.45)          (.35)
Net asset value, end of
 period....................      $9.95          $9.16        $10.61          $9.95          $9.16        $10.61          $9.95
TOTAL RETURN+..............      12.3%          (9.1%)        11.3%          11.8%          (9.6%)        10.8%          12.5%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
 (000's omitted)...........     $8,279         $7,979       $12,739        $49,040       $ 44,616       $45,168         $1,005
Ratios to average net
 assets:
 Expenses **...............        92%++         .79%          .32%++        1.67%++        1.37%          .79%++         .67%++
 Net investment income **..      5.09%++        5.11%         4.91%++        4.34%++        4.53%         4.47%++        5.34%++
Portfolio turnover rate....       117%           126%           57%           117%           126%           57%           117%
<CAPTION>
 
                                CLASS Y
                                SHARES
                              FEBRUARY 28,
                             1994* THROUGH
                              DECEMBER 31,
                                  1994
<S>                         <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning
 of period.................       $10.31
Income (loss) from
 investment operations:
Net investment income......          .43
Net realized and unrealized
 gain (loss) on
 investments...............        (1.15)
 Total from investment
   operations..............         (.72)
Less distributions to
 shareholders from:
Net investment income......         (.43)
Net realized gains.........           --
 Total distributions.......         (.43)
Net asset value, end of
 period....................        $9.16
TOTAL RETURN+..............        (7.0%)
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
 (000's omitted)...........         $642
Ratios to average net
 assets:
 Expenses **...............         .59%++
 Net investment income **..        5.58%++
Portfolio turnover rate....         126%
</TABLE>
 
#  The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to August 31.
*  Commencement of class operations.
+  Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
   indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
   sales charge is not reflected.
++  Annualized.
**  Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
    expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
    annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
    net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
    have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        CLASS A SHARES                               CLASS B SHARES                    CLASS Y
                                                        JANUARY 11,                                  JANUARY 11,       SHARES
                          EIGHT MONTHS    YEAR ENDED   1993* THROUGH   EIGHT MONTHS    YEAR ENDED   1993* THROUGH   EIGHT MONTHS
                          ENDED AUGUST   DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,   ENDED AUGUST   DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,   ENDED AUGUST
                            31, 1995#        1994           1993         31, 1995#        1994           1993         31, 1995#
<S>                       <C>            <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>           <C>             <C>
Expenses.................     1.27%          1.18%          1.25%          2.02%          1.76%          1.74%          1.02%
Net investment income....     4.74%          4.72%          3.98%          3.99%          4.14%          3.52%          4.99%
<CAPTION>
 
                             CLASS Y
                             SHARES
                            FEBRUARY 28,
                           1994* THROUGH
                            DECEMBER 31,
                                1994
<S>                       <C>
Expenses.................        .98%
Net investment income....       5.19%
</TABLE>
 
                                       9
 
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A, B AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   CLASS A SHARES                     CLASS B SHARES               CLASS Y
                                                             JANUARY 3,                         JANUARY 3,          SHARES
                                           EIGHT MONTHS     1994* THROUGH     EIGHT MONTHS     1994* THROUGH     EIGHT MONTHS
                                           ENDED AUGUST     DECEMBER 31,      ENDED AUGUST     DECEMBER 31,      ENDED AUGUST
                                            31, 1995#           1994           31, 1995#           1994           31, 1995#
<S>                                        <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period...        $8.62            $10.00            $8.62            $10.00            $8.62
Income (loss) from investment
 operations:
Net investment income..................          .34               .46              .29               .41              .35
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
 on investments........................          .97             (1.38)             .97             (1.38)             .97
 Total from investment operations......         1.31              (.92)            1.26              (.97)            1.32
Less distributions to shareholders
 from:
Net investment income..................         (.34)             (.46)            (.29)             (.41)            (.35)
Net asset value, end of period.........        $9.59             $8.62            $9.59             $8.62            $9.59
TOTAL RETURN+..........................        15.4%             (9.3%)           14.8%             (9.8%)           15.5%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's
 omitted)..............................         $610              $312           $3,542            $2,456           $1,673
Ratios to average net assets:
 Expenses **...........................         .53%++            .25%++          1.28%++            .87%++           .28%++
 Net investment income **..............        5.41%++           5.57%++          4.66%++           4.88%++          5.66%++
Portfolio turnover rate................          66%               23%              66%               23%              66%
<CAPTION>
 
                                           CLASS Y
                                           SHARES
                                         FEBRUARY 28,
                                         1994* THROUGH
                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                             1994
<S>                                        <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period...       $9.74
Income (loss) from investment
 operations:
Net investment income..................         .43
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
 on investments........................       (1.12)
 Total from investment operations......        (.69)
Less distributions to shareholders
 from:
Net investment income..................        (.43)
Net asset value, end of period.........       $8.62
TOTAL RETURN+..........................       (7.1%)
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's
 omitted)..............................         $92
Ratios to average net assets:
 Expenses **...........................        .00%++
 Net investment income **..............       5.92%++
Portfolio turnover rate................         23%
</TABLE>
 
#  The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to August 31.
*  Commencement of class operations.
+  Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
   indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
   sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
**  Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
    expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
    annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
    net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
    have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 CLASS A SHARES                      CLASS B SHARES                CLASS Y
                                                            JANUARY 3,                          JANUARY 3,          SHARES
                                         EIGHT MONTHS         1994*          EIGHT MONTHS         1994*          EIGHT MONTHS
                                            ENDED            THROUGH            ENDED            THROUGH            ENDED
                                          AUGUST 31,       DECEMBER 31,       AUGUST 31,       DECEMBER 31,       AUGUST 31,
                                            1995#              1994             1995#              1994             1995#
<S>                                      <C>              <C>                <C>              <C>                <C>
Expenses.............................        6.50%            10.71%             7.25%            11.33%             6.25%
Net investment loss..................        (.56%)           (4.89%)           (1.31%)           (5.58%)            (.31%)
<CAPTION>
 
                                       CLASS Y SHARES
                                        FEBRUARY 28,
                                           1994*
                                          THROUGH
                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                            1994
<S>                                      <C>
Expenses.............................      10.46%
Net investment loss..................      (4.54%)
</TABLE>
 
                                       10
 <PAGE>
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A, B AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      CLASS A SHARES                             CLASS B SHARES                   CLASS Y
                                                        JULY 2,                                    JULY 2,        SHARES
                         EIGHT MONTHS                    1993*      EIGHT MONTHS                    1993*      EIGHT MONTHS
                             ENDED       YEAR ENDED     THROUGH         ENDED       YEAR ENDED     THROUGH         ENDED
                          AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,   AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,   AUGUST 31,
                             1995#          1994          1993          1995#          1994          1993          1995#
<S>                      <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
PER SHARE DATA
Net asset value,
 beginning of period....      $8.85        $10.19        $10.00          $8.85        $10.19        $10.00          $8.85
Income (loss) from
 investment operations:
Net investment income...        .33           .47           .20            .28           .42           .17            .34
Net realized and
 unrealized gain (loss)
 on investments.........        .82         (1.34)          .19            .82         (1.34)          .19            .82
 Total from investment
   operations...........       1.15          (.87)          .39           1.10          (.92)          .36           1.16
Less distributions to
 shareholders from:
Net investment income...       (.33)         (.47)         (.20)          (.28)         (.42)         (.17)          (.34)
Net asset value, end of
 period.................      $9.67         $8.85        $10.19          $9.67         $8.85        $10.19          $9.67
TOTAL RETURN+...........      13.1%         (8.6%)         3.9%          12.5%         (9.1%)         3.7%          13.3%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL
 DATA
Net assets, end of
 period (000's
 omitted)...............    $ 1,984        $1,606        $1,306        $ 5,803        $3,817        $2,235           $965
Ratios to average net
 assets:
 Expenses **............       .72%++        .53%          .25%++        1.47%++       1.12%          .75%++         .47%++
 Net investment
   income **............      5.17%++       5.11%         4.64%++        4.42%++       4.54%         4.25%++        5.42%++
Portfolio turnover
 rate...................        87%           59%            0%            87%           59%            0%            87%
<CAPTION>
 
                           CLASS Y SHARES
                          FEBRUARY 28, 1994*
                               THROUGH
                          DECEMBER 31, 1994
<S>                      <C>
PER SHARE DATA
Net asset value,
 beginning of period....          $9.83
Income (loss) from
 investment operations:
Net investment income...            .41
Net realized and
 unrealized gain (loss)
 on investments...........         (.98)
 Total from investment
   operations...........           (.57)
Less distributions to
 shareholders from:
Net investment income...           (.41)
Net asset value, end of
 period.................          $8.85
TOTAL RETURN+...........          (5.8%)
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL
 DATA
Net assets, end of
 period (000's
 omitted)...............           $344
Ratios to average net
 assets:
 Expenses **............           .28%++
 Net investment
   income **............          5.54%++
Portfolio turnover
 rate...................            59%
</TABLE>
#  The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to August 31.
*  Commencement of class operations.
+  Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
   indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
   sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
**  Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
    expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
    annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
    net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
    have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         CLASS A SHARES                             CLASS B SHARES                   CLASS Y
                                                           JULY 2,                                    JULY 2,        SHARES
                            EIGHT MONTHS                    1993*      EIGHT MONTHS                    1993*      EIGHT MONTHS
                                ENDED       YEAR ENDED     THROUGH         ENDED       YEAR ENDED     THROUGH         ENDED
                             AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,   AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,   AUGUST 31,
                                1995#          1994          1993          1995#          1994          1993          1995#
<S>                         <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
Expenses...................     3.83%          5.14%         7.75%         4.58%          5.73%         8.25%         3.58%
Net investment income
 (loss)....................     2.06%           .50%        (2.86%)        1.31%          (.07%)       (3.25%)        2.31%
<CAPTION>
 
                              CLASS Y
                              SHARES
                             FEBRUARY 28,
                                1994*
                               THROUGH
                             DECEMBER 31,
                                 1994
<S>                         <C>
Expenses...................      4.89%
Net investment income
 (loss)....................       .93%
</TABLE>
 
                                       11
 
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     CLASS A SHARES #
                                                                  FOUR MONTHS
                                                                     ENDED            YEAR ENDED             JUNE 17,
                                                                  AUGUST 31,           APRIL 30,           1992* THROUGH
                                                                     1995          1995        1994       APRIL 30, 1993
<S>                                                               <C>             <C>         <C>         <C>
PER SHARE DATA
Net asset value, beginning of period..........................       $10.16        $10.08      $10.36          $10.00
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income.........................................          .21           .65         .68             .61
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments........          .24           .08        (.26)            .39
 Total from investment operations.............................          .45           .73         .42            1.00
Less distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income.........................................         (.21)         (.65)       (.68)           (.61)
Net realized gains............................................           --            --        (.02)           (.03)
 Total distributions..........................................         (.21)         (.65)       (.70)           (.64)
Net asset value, end of period................................       $10.40        $10.16      $10.08          $10.36
TOTAL RETURN+.................................................         4.4%          7.6%        3.3%           10.3%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted).....................      $59,551       $65,043     $72,683         $33,541
Ratios to average net assets:
 Expenses.....................................................        1.07%++**      .60%**      .14%**           .00++**
 Net investment income........................................        5.92%++**     6.52%**     6.16%**         5.92%++**
Portfolio turnover rate.......................................          14%           28%         31%             50%
<CAPTION>
                                                                CLASS B SHARES
                                                                JULY 10, 1995*
                                                                   THROUGH
                                                                  AUGUST 31,
                                                                     1995
<S>                                                               <C>
PER SHARE DATA
Net asset value, beginning of period..........................      $10.41
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income.........................................         .08
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments........        (.01)
 Total from investment operations.............................         .07
Less distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income.........................................        (.08)
Net realized gains............................................          --
 Total distributions..........................................        (.08)
Net asset value, end of period................................      $10.40
TOTAL RETURN+.................................................         .6%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted).....................      $3,137
Ratios to average net assets:
 Expenses.....................................................       1.09%++
 Net investment income........................................       3.40%++
Portfolio turnover rate.......................................         14%
</TABLE>
 
#  Effective June 30, 1995, Evergreen Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund, a
   new series of the Evergreen Municipal Trust, acquired substantially all of
   the net assets of ABT Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund. ABT Florida
   High Income Municipal Bond Fund, which had a fiscal year that ended on April
   30, was the accounting survivor in the combination. Accordingly, the
   information above includes the results of operations of ABT Florida High
   Income Municipal Bond Fund prior to June 30, 1995.
*  Commencement of class operations.
+  Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
   indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales load and contingent deferred
   sales is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
**  Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
    expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
    annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
    net assets would have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                CLASS A SHARES
                                                              FOUR MONTHS                         JUNE 17, 1992
                                                                 ENDED          YEAR ENDED           THROUGH
                                                              AUGUST 31,         APRIL 30,          APRIL 30,
                                                                 1995#        1995      1994           1993
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>       <C>       <C>
Expenses..................................................       1.42%        1.26%     1.12%          1.12%
Net investment income.....................................       5.72%        5.86%     5.18%          4.80%
</TABLE>
 
                                       12
 
<PAGE>
                            DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
       The Funds seek current income exempt from federal regular income tax and,
where applicable, state income taxes, consistent with preservation of capital.
In addition, the EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND intends to qualify as an
investment exempt from the Florida state intangibles tax. Florida does not
currently tax personal income.
       Each Fund's investment objective is fundamental and cannot be changed
without shareholder approval. While there is no assurance that each objective
will be achieved, the Funds will endeavor to do so by following the investment
policies detailed below. Unless otherwise indicated, the investment policies of
a Fund may be changed by the Board of Trustees ("Trustees") without the approval
of shareholders. Shareholders will be notified before any material change in
these policies becomes effective.
       As a matter of fundamental investment policy, which may not be changed
without shareholder approval, each Fund will normally invest its assets so that
at least 80% of its annual interest income is, or at least 80% of its net assets
are, invested in obligations which provide interest income which is exempt from
federal regular income taxes. The interest retains its tax-free status when
distributed to the Funds' shareholders. In addition, at least 65% of the value
of each Fund's total assets will be invested in municipal bonds of the
particular state after which the Fund is named. To qualify as an investment
exempt from the Florida state intangibles tax, the Evergreen Florida Municipal
Bond Fund's portfolio must consist entirely of investments exempt from the
Florida state intangibles tax on the last business day of the calendar year.
       Each Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing
principally in municipal bonds, including industrial development bonds, of its
designated state. In addition, the Funds may invest in obligations issued by or
on behalf of any state, territory, or possession of the United States, including
the District of Columbia, or their political subdivisions or agencies and
instrumentalities, the interest from which is exempt from federal (regular, if
applicable) income tax. It is likely that shareholders who are subject to the
alternative minimum tax will be required to include interest from a portion of
the municipal securities owned by a Fund in calculating the federal individual
alternative minimum tax or the federal alternative minimum tax for corporations.
       Municipal bonds are debt obligations issued by the state or local
entities to support a government's general financial needs or special projects,
such as housing projects or sewer works. Municipal bonds include industrial
development bonds issued by or on behalf of public authorities to provide
financing aid to acquire sites or construct or equip facilities for privately or
publicly owned corporations.
       The two principal classifications of municipal bonds are "general
obligation" and "revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the
issuer's pledge of its full faith and credit and taxing power for the payment of
principal and interest. Revenue bonds are paid off only with the revenue
generated by the project financed by the bond or other specified sources of
revenue. For example, in the case of a bridge project, proceeds from the tolls
would go directly to retiring the bond issue. Thus, unlike general obligation
bonds, revenue bonds do not represent a pledge of credit or create any debt of
or charge against the general revenues of a municipality or public authority.
       The municipal bonds in which the Funds will invest are subject to one or
more of the following quality standards: rated Baa or better by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB or better by Standard & Poor's
Ratings Group ("S&P") or, if unrated, are determined by the Fund's investment
adviser to be of comparable quality to such ratings; insured by a municipal bond
insurance company which is rated Aa by Moody's or AA by S&P; guaranteed at the
time of purchase by the U.S. government as to the payment of principal and
interest; or fully collateralized by an escrow of U.S. government securities.
Bonds rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's have speculative characteristics.
Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to
weakened capacity to make principal and interest payments than higher rated
bonds. However, like the higher
                                       13
 
<PAGE>
rated bonds, these securities are considered to be investment grade. If any
security owned by a Fund loses its rating or has its rating reduced after the
Fund has purchased it, the Fund is not required to sell or otherwise dispose of
the security, but may consider doing so. If ratings made by Moody's or S&P
change because of changes in those organizations or their ratings systems, the
Funds will try to use comparable ratings as standards in accordance with the
Funds' investment objectives. A description of the rating categories is
contained in an Appendix to the Statement of Additional Information.
     The Funds may also invest in:
              participation interests in any of the above obligations.
     (Participation interests may be purchased from financial institutions such
     as commercial banks, savings and loan associations and insurance companies,
     and give a Fund an undivided interest in particular municipal securities.);
              variable rate municipal securities. (Variable rate securities
     offer interest rates which are tied to a money market rate, usually a
     published interest rate or interest rate index or the 91-day U.S. Treasury
     bill rate. Many of these securities are subject to prepayment of principal
     on demand by the Fund, usually in seven days or less.); and
              municipal leases as described in "Investment Practices and
     Restrictions", below.
       During periods when, in the opinion of the Funds investment adviser, a
temporary defensive position in the market is appropriate, a Fund may
temporarily invest in short-term tax-exempt or taxable investments. These
temporary investments include: notes issued by or on behalf of municipal or
corporate issuers; obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its
agencies, or instrumentalities; other debt securities; commercial paper; bank
certificates of deposit; shares of other investment companies; and repurchase
agreements. There are no rating requirements applicable to temporary
investments. However, the Funds investment adviser will limit temporary
investments to those it considers to be of comparable quality to the Funds'
primary investments.
       Although the Funds are permitted to make taxable, temporary investments,
there is no current intention of generating income subject to federal regular
income tax, where applicable. However, certain temporary investments will
generate income which is subject to state taxes. The Funds may employ certain
additional investment strategies which are discussed in "Investment Practices
and Restrictions", below.
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
       The objective of the EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND is to seek
a high level of income, exempt from federal and New Jersey personal income
taxes. The Fund is available only to investors who reside in New Jersey. There
is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its stated objective. The investment
objective of the Fund is fundamental and so may not be changed without the
approval of a majority of the Fund's shareholders.
       To attain its objective, the EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
invests at least 80% of its net assets in municipal securities issued by the
State of New Jersey or its counties, municipalities, authorities or other
political subdivisions and municipal securities issued by territories or
possessions of the United States, such as Puerto Rico, the interests on which,
in the opinion of bond counsel, is exempt from federal and New Jersey personal
income taxes. The Fund normally invests in intermediate and long-term municipal
securities. Intermediate-term municipal securities generally mature in three to
ten years. Long-term municipal securities generally mature in ten to thirty
years. The Fund has no maximum or minimum maturity for any individual municipal
securities, however, it will maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio
maturity of twenty years or less. If its investment adviser determines that
market conditions warrant a shorter average maturity, the Fund's investments
will be adjusted accordingly.
       The Fund will only purchase securities rated within the three highest
rating categories by Moody's or by S&P and unrated securities of equivalent
quality as determined by the investment adviser pursuant to guidelines
established by the Trustees. See the Statement of Additional Information for
further information in regard to ratings.
       The Fund will seek to invest substantially all of its assets in
intermediate and long-term municipal securities. However, under certain
circumstances, such as a temporary decline in the issuance of New Jersey
obligations, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in the following:
short-term municipal securities issued outside of New Jersey (the income from
which may be subject to New Jersey income taxes) or certain taxable fixed income
securities (the income from which may be subject to federal and New Jersey
personal income taxes).
                                       14
 
<PAGE>
       In addition, under unusual circumstances the Fund reserves the right to
invest more than 20% of its assets in securities other than New Jersey municipal
securities such as taxable fixed income securities, the interest from which may
be subject to Federal and New Jersey personal income taxes. In most instances,
however, the Fund will seek to avoid holdings in an effort to provide income
that is fully exempt from federal and New Jersey personal income taxes.
       The Fund may also invest in municipal securities issued to finance
private activities, whose interest is a preference item for purposes of the
Federal alternative minimum tax. Such "private activity bonds" might include
industrial development bonds and securities issued to finance project such as
solid waste disposal facilities, student loans or water and sewage projects. The
Fund currently intends to treat "private activity bonds" as not federally
tax-exempt and accordingly to limit income from "private activity bonds" to no
more than 20%. See "Other Information-Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" for
further information. The Fund may invest in other municipal securities and may
employ additional investment strategies which are discussed in "Investment
Practices and Restrictions" below.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
       EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND seeks to provide a high
level of current income which is exempt from federal income taxes. This
objective is fundamental and may not be changed without shareholder approval.
The term "high-level" indicates that the Fund seeks to achieve an income level
that exceeds that which an investor would expect from an investment grade
portfolio with similar maturity characteristics. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND invests primarily in high yield, medium and lower rated (Baa
through C by Moody's and BBB through C1 by S&P) and unrated municipal
securities. To varying degrees, medium and lower rated municipal securities, as
well as unrated municipal securities, are considered to have speculative
characteristics and are subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss
of income and principal than higher rated securities. To the extent that an
investor realizes a yield in excess of that which could be expected from a fund
which invests primarily in investment grade securities, the investor should
expect to bear increased risk due to the fact that the risk of principal and/or
interest not being repaid with respect to the high yield securities described
above is significantly greater than that which exists in connection with
investment grade securities. In assessing the risk involved in purchasing medium
and lower rated and unrated securities, the Fund's investment adviser will use
nationally recognized statistical rating organizations such as Moody's and S&P,
and will also rely heavily on credit analysis it develops internally. Under
normal circumstances, the Fund's dollar-weighted average maturity generally will
be fifteen years or more. However, the Fund may invest in securities of any
maturity, and if the Fund's investment adviser determines that market conditions
warrant a shorter average maturity, the Fund's investments will be adjusted
accordingly. In pursuit of its investment objective, EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH
INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND will, under normal market conditions, invest at least
65% of its total assets in such medium and lower rated municipal securities or
unrated municipal securities of comparable quality to such rated municipal
bonds. Investors should note that such a policy is not a fundamental policy of
the Fund and shareholder approval is not necessary to change such policy. There
is no assurance that EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND can
achieve its investment objective.
       The Fund will not invest in municipal securities which are in default,
i.e., securities rated D by S&P. Investments may also be made by EVERGREEN
FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND in higher quality municipal bonds and,
for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest less than 65% of its total
assets in the medium and lower quality municipal securities described above. The
Fund may assume a defensive position if, for example, yield spreads between
lower grade and investment grade municipal bonds are narrow and the yields
available on lower quality municipal securities do not justify the increased
risk associated with an investment in such securities or when there is a lack of
medium and lower quality issues in which to invest. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH
INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND may also invest primarily in higher quality municipal
obligations if its net assets are at a level that would not permit the Fund to
invest in medium and lower rated municipal bonds and at the same time maintain
adequate diversification and liquidity. Investing in this manner may result in
yields lower than those normally associated with a fund that invests primarily
in medium and lower quality municipal securities.
                                       15
 
<PAGE>
       During the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995 EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH
INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND'S holdings had the following average credit quality
characteristics:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Percent of
  Rating                         Net Assets
<S>                              <C>          <C>
Aaa or AAA                            5.4%
Aa or AA                            --
A                                     1.9
Baa or BBB                           18.3
Ba or BB                              8.0
Non-rated                            61.5
Total                                95.1%
</TABLE>
 
       The Fund may purchase industrial development bonds only if the interest
on such bonds is, in the opinion of bond counsel, exempt from federal income
taxes. It is anticipated that the annual portfolio turnover rate for the Fund
may exceed 100%. The Fund may invest in other municipal securities and may
employ certain additional investment strategies which are discussed in
"Investment Practices and Restrictions", below. Also, see the Statement of
Additional Information for further information in regard to ratings.

INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RESTRICTIONS

Risk Factors. Bond yields are dependent on several factors including market
conditions, the size of an offering, the maturity of the bond, ratings of the
bond and the ability of issuers to meet their obligations. There is no limit on
the maturity of the bonds purchased by the Funds. Because the prices of bonds
fluctuate inversely in relation to the direction of interest rates, the prices
of longer term bonds fluctuate more widely in response to market interest rate
changes. A Fund's concentration in securities issued by its designated state and
that state's political subdivisions provides a greater level of risk than a fund
which is diversified across numerous states and municipal entities.
       Although the Funds, other than EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, will not purchase securities rated below BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's
(i.e., junk bonds), the Funds are not required to dispose of securities that
have been downgraded subsequent to their purchase. If the municipal obligations
held by a Fund (because of adverse economic conditions in a particular state,
for example) are downgraded, the Fund's concentration in securities of that
state may cause the Fund to be subject to the risks inherent in holding material
amounts of low-rated debt securities in its portfolio. As stated above,
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND invests primarily in high
yield, medium and lower rated (Baa through C by Moody's and BBB through C1 by
S&P) and unrated securities. Additional risk factors relating to the investment
by EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND in high yield, medium and
lower rated (Baa through C by Moody's and BBB through C1 by S&P) and unrated
securities are discussed below.

Portfolio Turnover. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would occur if all of a
Fund's portfolio securities were replaced in one year. The portfolio turnover
rate experienced by a Fund directly affects the transaction costs relating to
the purchase and sale of securities which a Fund bears directly. A high rate of
portfolio turnover will increase such costs. See the Statement of Additional
Information for further information regarding the practices of the Funds
affecting portfolio turnover.

Non-Diversification. Each of EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN
GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND,
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND and EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND is a non-diversified
portfolio of an investment company and, as such, there is no limit on the
percentage of assets which can be invested in any single issuer. An investment
in a Fund, therefore, will entail greater risk than would exist in a diversified
investment company because the higher percentage of investments among fewer
issuers may result in greater fluctuation in the total market value of the
Fund's portfolio. Each of the Funds intends to comply with Subchapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") which requires that at
the end of each quarter of each taxable year, with regard to at least 50% of the
Fund's total assets, no more than 5% of the total assets may be invested in the
securities of a single issuer and that with respect to the remainder of the
Fund's total assets, no more than 25% of its total assets are invested in the
securities of a single issuer.
                                       16
 
<PAGE>
Repurchase Agreements. The Funds may invest in repurchase agreements. Repurchase
agreements are agreements by which a Fund purchases a security (usually U.S.
government securities) for cash and obtains a simultaneous commitment from the
seller (usually a bank or broker/dealer) to repurchase the security at an
agreed-upon price and specified future date. The repurchase price reflects an
agreed-upon interest rate for the time period of the agreement. The Funds' risk
is the inability of the seller to pay the agreed-upon price on the delivery
date. However, this risk is tempered by the ability of the Funds to sell the
security in the open market in the case of a default. In such a case, the Funds
may incur costs in disposing of the security which would increase Fund expenses.
The Funds Investment adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of the firms with
which the Funds enter into repurchase agreements.

When-Issued And Delayed Delivery Transactions. The Funds may purchase securities
on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. These transactions are arrangements
in which the Funds purchase securities with payment and delivery scheduled for a
future time. The seller's failure to complete these transactions may cause the
Funds to miss a price or yield considered to be advantageous. Settlement dates
may be a month or more after entering into these transactions, and the market
values of the securities purchased may vary from the purchase prices.
Accordingly, the Funds may pay more or less than the market value of the
securities on the settlement date. The Funds may dispose of a commitment prior
to settlement if the Funds investment adviser deems it appropriate to do so. In
addition, the Funds may enter into transactions to sell their purchase
commitments to third parties at current market values and simultaneously acquire
other commitments to purchase similar securities at later dates. The Funds may
realize short-term profits or losses upon the sale of such commitments.

Lending Of Portfolio Securities. In order to generate additional income, the
Funds may lend their portfolio securities on a short-term or long-term basis to
broker/dealers, banks, or other institutional borrowers of securities. The Funds
will only enter into loan arrangements with creditworthy borrowers and will
receive collateral in the form of cash or U.S. government securities equal to at
least 100% of the value of the securities loaned. As a matter of fundamental
investment policy, which cannot be changed without shareholder approval, the
Funds will not lend any of their assets except portfolio securities up to
one-third of the value of their total assets, except for EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY
TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, which will only lend up to 5% of the value of its assets.
There is the risk that when lending portfolio securities, the securities may not
be available to a Fund on a timely basis and the Fund may, therefore, lose the
opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. In addition, in the
event that a borrower of securities would file for bankruptcy or become
insolvent, disposition of the securities may be delayed pending court action.

Investing In Securities Of Other Investment Companies. Each Fund may invest in
the securities of other investment companies. This is a short-term measure to
invest cash which has not yet been invested in other portfolio instruments and
is subject to the following limitations: (1) no Fund will own more than 3% of
the total outstanding voting stock of any one investment company, (2) no Fund
may invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company and
(3) no Fund may invest more than 10% of its total assets in investment companies
in general. The Funds investment adviser will waive its investment advisory fee
on assets invested in securities of other open end investment companies.

Borrowing. As a matter of fundamental policy, which may not be changed without
shareholder approval, the Funds may not borrow money except as a temporary
measure to facilitate redemption requests which might otherwise require the
untimely disposition of portfolio investments and for extraordinary or emergency
purposes, provided that the aggregate amount of such borrowings shall not exceed
one-third of the value of the total net assets at the time of such borrowing.

Illiquid Securities. The Funds may invest up to 15% of their net assets in
illiquid securities and other securities which are not readily marketable.
Repurchase agreements with maturities longer than seven days will be included
for the purpose of the foregoing 15% limit. Securities eligible for resale
pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, which have been
determined to be liquid, will not be considered by the Funds investment adviser
to be illiquid or not readily marketable and, therefore, are not subject to the
aforementioned 15% limit. The inability of a Fund to dispose of illiquid or not
readily marketable investments readily or at a reasonable price could impair a
Fund's ability to raise cash for redemptions or other purposes. The liquidity of
securities purchased by a Fund which are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule
144A will be monitored by the Funds investment adviser on an ongoing basis,
subject to the oversight of the Trustees. In the event that such a security is
deemed to be no longer liquid, a Fund's holdings will be reviewed to determine
what action, if any, is required to ensure that the retention of such security
does not result in a Fund having more than 15% of its assets invested in
illiquid or not readily marketable securities.
                                       17
 
<PAGE>
Unseasoned Issuers. The Funds will not invest more than 5% of the value of their
total assets in securities of issuers (or guarantors, where applicable) which
have records of less than three years of continuous operations, including the
operation of any predecessor.

Risk Factors Associated with Medium and Lower Rated and Unrated Municipal
Obligations. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND will invest in
medium and lower rated or unrated municipal securities. The market for high
yield, high risk debt securities rated in the medium and lower rating
categories, or which are unrated, is relatively new and its growth has
paralleled a long economic expansion. Past experience may not, therefore,
provide an accurate indication of future performance of this market,
particularly during periods of economic recession. An economic downturn or
increase in interest rates is likely to have a greater negative effect on this
market, the value of high yield debt securities in the Fund's portfolio, the
Fund's net asset value and the ability of the bonds' issuers to repay principal
and interest, meet projected business goals and obtain additional financing,
than would be the case if investments by the Fund were limited to higher rated
securities. These circumstances also may result in a higher incidence of
defaults. Yields on medium or lower-rated municipal bonds may not fully reflect
the higher risks of such bonds. Therefore, the risk of a decline in market
value, should interest rates increase or credit quality concerns develop, may be
higher than has historically been experienced with such investments. An
investment in EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND may be
considered more speculative than investment in shares of another fund which
invests primarily in higher rated debt securities.
       Prices of high yield debt securities may be more sensitive to adverse
economic changes or corporate developments than higher rated investments. Debt
securities with longer maturities, which may have higher yields, may increase or
decrease in value more than debt securities with shorter maturities. Market
prices of high yield debt securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind
securities are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes and may be
more volatile than securities which pay interest periodically and in cash. Where
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND deems it appropriate and in
the best interests of its shareholders, it may incur additional expenses to seek
recovery on a debt security on which the issuer has defaulted and to pursue
litigation to protect the interests of security holders of its portfolio
entities.
       Because the market for medium or lower rated securities may be thinner
and less active than the market for higher rated securities, there may be market
price volatility for these securities and limited liquidity in the resale
market. Unrated securities are usually not as attractive to as many buyers as
are rated securities, a factor which may make unrated securities less
marketable. These factors may have the effect of limiting the availability of
the securities for purchase by EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
and may also limit the ability of the Fund to sell such securities at their fair
value either to meet redemption requests or in response to changes in the
economy or the financial markets. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions,
whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and
liquidity of medium or lower rated debt securities, especially in a thinly
traded market. To the extent the Fund owns or may acquire illiquid or restricted
high yield securities, these securities may involve special registration
responsibilities, liabilities and costs, and liquidity and valuation
difficulties. Changes in values of debt securities which the Fund owns will
affect the Fund's net asset value per share. If market quotations are not
readily available for the Fund's lower rated or unrated securities, these
securities will be valued by a method that the Trustees believes accurately
reflects fair value. Valuation becomes more difficult and judgment plays a
greater role in valuing high yield debt securities than with respect to
securities for which more external sources of quotations and last sale
information are available.
       Special tax considerations are associated with investing in high yield
debt securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities. A Fund
investing in such securities accrues income on these securities prior to the
receipt of cash payments. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND must
distribute substantially all of its income to shareholders to qualify for pass
through treatment under the tax laws and may, therefore, have to dispose of
portfolio securities to satisfy distribution requirements.
       While credit ratings are only one factor EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND'S investment adviser relies on in evaluating high yield debt
securities, certain risks are associated with using credit ratings. Credit
ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not market value
risk. Credit rating agencies may fail to change in timely manner the credit
ratings to reflect subsequent events; however, the Fund's investment adviser
continuously monitors the issuers of high yield debt securities in the Fund's
portfolio in an attempt to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash
flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments. Achievement
of EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND'S investment objective may
be more dependent upon the Fund's investment adviser and the credit analysis
capability of the Fund's investment adviser, than is the case for higher quality
debt securities. Credit ratings for individual securities may change from
                                       18
 
<PAGE>
time to time and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND may retain a
portfolio security whose rating has been changed. See the Statement of
Additional Information for a description of bond and note ratings.

Transactions in Options and Futures. The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY
TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, may engage in options and futures transactions. Options
and futures transactions are intended to enable a Fund to manage market or
interest rate risk, and the Funds do not use these transactions for speculation
or leverage. The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND,
may attempt to hedge all or a portion of their portfolios through the purchase
of both put and call options on their portfolio securities and listed put
options on financial futures contracts for portfolio securities. The Funds may
also write covered call options on their portfolio securities to attempt to
increase their current income. The Funds will maintain their positions in
securities, option rights, and segregated cash subject to puts and calls until
the options are exercised, closed, or have expired. An option position may be
closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for an option
of the same series. The Funds may purchase listed put options on financial
futures contracts. These options will be used only to protect portfolio
securities against decreases in value resulting from market factors such as an
anticipated increase in interest rates.
       The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, may
write (i.e., sell) covered call and put options. By writing a call option, a
Fund becomes obligated during the term of the option to deliver the securities
underlying the option upon payment of the exercise price. By writing a put
option, a Fund becomes obligated during the term of the option to purchase the
securities underlying the option at the exercise price if the option is
exercised. The Funds also may write straddles (combinations of covered puts and
calls on the same underlying security). The Funds may only write "covered"
options. This means that so long as a Fund is obligated as the writer of a call
option, it will own the underlying securities subject to the option or, in the
case of call options on U.S. Treasury bills, the Fund might own substantially
similar U.S. Treasury bills. A Fund will be considered "covered" with respect to
a put option it writes if, so long as it is obligated as the writer of the put
option, it deposits and maintains with its custodian in a segregated account
liquid assets having a value equal to or greater than the exercise price of the
option.
       The principal reason for writing call or put options is to obtain,
through a receipt of premiums, a greater current return than would be realized
on the underlying securities alone. The Funds receive a premium from writing a
call or put option which they retain whether or not the option is exercised. By
writing a call option, the Funds might lose the potential for gain on the
underlying security while the option is open, and by writing a put option the
Funds might become obligated to purchase the underlying securities for more than
their current market price upon exercise.
       A futures contract is a firm commitment by two parties: the seller, who
agrees to make delivery of the specific type of instrument called for in the
contract ("going short"), and the buyer, who agrees to take delivery of the
instrument ("going long") at a certain time in the future. Financial futures
contracts call for the delivery of particular debt instruments issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by specified agencies or instrumentalities of
the U.S. government. If a Fund would enter into financial futures contracts
directly to hedge its holdings of fixed income securities, it would enter into
contracts to deliver securities at an undetermined price (i.e., "go short") to
protect itself against the possibility that the prices of its fixed income
securities may decline during the Fund's anticipated holding period. A Fund
would "go long" (agree to purchase securities in the future at a predetermined
price) to hedge against a decline in market interest rates.
       The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, may also
enter into financial futures contracts and write options on such contracts. The
Funds intend to enter into such contracts and related options for hedging
purposes. The Funds will enter into futures on securities or index-based futures
contracts in order to hedge against changes in interest rates or securities
prices. A futures contract on securities is an agreement to buy or sell
securities during a designated month at whatever price exists at that time. A
futures contract on a securities index does not involve the actual delivery of
securities, but merely requires the payment of a cash settlement based on
changes in the securities index. The Funds do not make payment or deliver
securities upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, they put down a
margin deposit, which is adjusted to reflect changes in the value of the
contract and which remains in effect until the contract is terminated.
       The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, may sell
or purchase other financial futures contracts. When a futures contract is sold
by a Fund, the profit on the contract will tend to rise when the value of the
underlying securities declines and to fall when the value of such securities
increases. Thus, the Funds sell futures contracts in order to offset a possible
decline in the profit on their securities. If a futures contract is purchased by
a Fund, the value of the contract will tend to rise when the value of the
underlying
                                       19
 
<PAGE>
securities increases and to fall when the value of such securities declines. The
Funds may enter into closing purchase and sale transactions in order to
terminate a futures contract and may buy or sell put and call options for the
purpose of closing out their options positions. The Funds' ability to enter into
closing transactions depends on the development and maintenance of a liquid
secondary market. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will
exist for any particular contract or at any particular time. As a result, there
can be no assurance that the Funds will be able to enter into an offsetting
transaction with respect to a particular contract at a particular time. If the
Funds are not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Funds will
continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the contract and to
complete the contract according to its terms, in which case it would continue to
bear market risk on the transaction.

Risk Characteristics Of Options And Futures. Although options and futures
transactions are intended to enable the Funds to manage market or interest rate
risks, these investment devices can be highly volatile, and the Funds use of
them can result in poorer performance (i.e., the Funds return may be reduced).
The Funds attempt to use such investment devices for hedging purposes may not be
successful. Successful futures strategies require the ability to predict future
movements in securities prices, interest rates and other economic factors. When
the Funds use financial futures contracts and options on financial futures
contracts as hedging devices, there is a risk that the prices of the securities
subject to the financial futures contracts and options on financial futures
contracts may not correlate perfectly with the prices of the securities in the
Funds' portfolios. This may cause the financial futures contract and any related
options to react to market changes differently than the portfolio securities. In
addition, the Funds investment adviser could be incorrect in its expectations
and forecasts about the direction or extent of market factors, such as interest
rates, securities price movements, and other economic factors. Even if the Funds
investment adviser correctly predicts interest rate movements, a hedge could be
unsuccessful if changes in the value of a Fund's futures position did not
correspond to changes in the value of its investments. In these events, the
Funds may lose money on the financial futures contracts or the options on
financial futures contracts. It is not certain that a secondary market for
positions in financial futures contracts or for options on financial futures
contracts will exist at all times. Although the Funds investment adviser will
consider liquidity before entering into financial futures contracts or options
on financial futures contracts transactions, there is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular financial futures
contract or option on a financial futures contract at any particular time. The
Funds' ability to establish and close out financial futures contracts and
options on financial futures contract positions depends on this secondary
market. If a Fund is unable to close out its position due to disruptions in the
market or lack of liquidity, the Fund may lose money on the futures contract or
option, and the losses to the Fund could be significant.

Municipal lease obligations. Each Fund may purchase municipal leases, which are
issued by state and local governments or authorities to finance the acquisition
of equipment and facilities. The Funds may purchase municipal securities in the
form of participation interests which represent undivided proportional interests
in lease payments by a governmental or non-profit entity. The lease payments and
other rights under the lease provide for and secure the payments on the
certificates. Lease obligations may be limited by municipal charter or the
nature of the appropriation for the lease. In particular, lease obligations may
be subject to periodic appropriation. If the entity does not appropriate funds
for future lease payments, the entity cannot be compelled to make such payments.
Furthermore, a lease may provide that the certificate trustee cannot accelerate
lease obligations upon default. The trustee would only be able to enforce lease
payments as they become due. In the event of a default or failure of
appropriation, it is unlikely that the trustee would be able to obtain an
acceptable substitute source of payment or that the substitute source of payment
would generate tax-exempt income.

Resource recovery bonds. Each Fund may purchase resource recovery bonds, which
may be general obligations of the issuing municipality or supported by corporate
or bank guarantees. The viability of the resource recovery project,
environmental protection regulations and project operator tax incentives may
affect the value and credit quality of resource recovery bonds.

Zero coupon debt securities. The Funds may purchase zero coupon debt securities.
These securities do not make regular interest payments. Instead, they are sold
at a deep discount from their face value. In calculating their daily dividends,
each day the Fund takes into account as income a portion of the difference
between these securities' purchase price and their face value. Because they do
not pay current income, the prices of zero coupon debt securities can be very
volatile when interest rates change.

Securities with Put or Demand Rights. The Funds have the ability to enter into
put transactions, sometimes referred to as stand-by commitments, with respect to
Municipal Obligations held in their portfolio or to purchase securities which
carry a demand feature or put option which permit a Fund, as holder, to tender
them back to the
                                       20
 
<PAGE>
issuer or a third party prior to maturity and receive payment within seven days.
Segregated accounts will be maintained by each Fund for all such transactions.
For a detailed description of put transactions, see "Investment
Policies -- Securities with Put Rights" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
       The amount payable to a Fund by the seller upon its exercise of a put
will normally be (i) the Funds' acquisition cost of the securities (excluding
any accrued interest which the Funds paid on their acquisition), less any
amortized market premium plus any amortized market or original issue discount
during the period a Fund owned the securities, plus (ii) all interest accrued on
the securities since the last interest payment date during the period the
securities were owned by a Fund. Accordingly, the amount payable by a
broker-dealer or bank during the time a put is exercisable will be substantially
the same as the value of the underlying securities.
       A Fund's right to exercise a put is unconditional and unqualified. A put
is not transferable by a Fund, although each Fund may sell the underlying
securities to a third party at any time. The Funds expect that puts will
generally be available without any additional direct or indirect cost. However,
if necessary and advisable, a Fund may pay for certain puts either separately in
cash or by paying a higher price for portfolio securities which are acquired
subject to such a put (thus reducing the yield to maturity otherwise available
to the same securities). Thus, the aggravate price paid for securities with put
rights may be higher than the price that would otherwise be paid.
       A Fund may enter into put transactions only with broker-dealers (in
accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission) and banks
which, in the opinion of the Funds' Adviser, present minimal credit risks. Each
Fund's investment adviser will monitor periodically the creditworthiness of
issuers of such obligations held by each Fund. A Fund's ability to exercise a
put will depend on the ability of the broker-dealer or bank to pay for the
underlying securities at the time the put is exercised. In the event that a
broker-dealer should default on its obligation to purchase an underlying
security, a Fund might be unable to recover all or a portion of any loss
sustained from having to sell the security elsewhere. The Funds intend to enter
into put transactions solely to maintain portfolio liquidity and do not intend
to exercise their rights thereunder for trading purposes.

SPECIAL RISK FACTORS RELATED TO INVESTING IN MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
       It should be noted that municipal securities may be adversely affected by
local political and economic conditions and developments within a state. For
example, adverse conditions in a significant industry within New Jersey may from
time to time have a correspondingly adverse effect on specific issuers within
New Jersey or on anticipated revenue to the State itself; conversely, an
improving economic outlook for a significant industry may have a positive effect
on such issuers or revenues.
       The value of municipal securities may also be affected by general
conditions in the money markets or the municipal bond markets, the levels of
federal and state income tax rates, the supply of tax-exempt bonds, the size of
the particular offering, the maturity of the obligation, the credit quality and
rating of the issue, and perceptions with respect to the level of interest
rates. In general, the value of bonds tends to appreciate when interest rates
decline and depreciate when interest rates rise. An expanded discussion of the
risks associated with the purchase of securities issued in certain states is
contained in the Statement of Additional Information.
                            MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
INVESTMENT ADVISER
       The management of each Fund is supervised by the Trustees of the Trust
under which each Fund has been established. The Capital Management Group of
First Union National Bank of North Carolina ("CMG") serves as investment adviser
to EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN VIRGINIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. First
Union National Bank of North Carolina ("FUNB") is a subsidiary of First Union
Corporation ("First Union"), the sixth largest bank holding company in the
United States. First Union is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and
had $96.7 billion in consolidated assets as of December 31, 1995. First Union
and its subsidiaries provide a broad range of financial services to individuals
and businesses through offices in 36 states. CMG manages or otherwise oversees
the investment of over $36 billion in assets belonging to a wide range of
clients, including all the series of Evergreen Investment Trust (formerly known
as First Union
                                       21
 
<PAGE>
Funds). First Union Brokerage Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of FUNB,
is a registered broker-dealer that is principally engaged in providing retail
brokerage services consistent with its federal banking authorizations. First
Union Capital Markets Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Union, is a
registered broker-dealer principally engaged in providing, consistent with its
federal banking authorizations, private placement, securities dealing, and
underwriting services.
       CMG manages investments and supervises the daily business affairs of
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN VIRGINIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and,
as compensation therefor, is entitled to receive an annual fee equal to .50 of
1% of the average daily net assets of each Fund, other than EVERGREEN FLORIDA
HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, from which it is entitled to receive an annual
fee equal to .60 of 1% of average daily net assets and EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY
TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, from which it is entitled to receive an annual fee based
on the average daily net assets of the Fund calculated as follows: up to $500
million -- .50 of 1%; in excess of $500 million up to $1 billion -- .45 of 1%;
in excess of $1 billion up to $1.5 billion -- .35 of 1%. The total annualized
operating expenses of EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH
CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995 are set forth in
the section entitled "Financial Highlights". Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
("Evergreen Asset"), a subsidiary of FUNB, serves as administrator to each Fund
and is entitled to receive a fee based on the average daily net assets of each
Fund at a rate based on the total assets of the mutual funds administered by
Evergreen Asset for which CMG or Evergreen Asset also serve as investment
adviser, calculated in accordance with the following schedule: .050% of the
first $7 billion; .035% on the next $3 billion; .030% on the next $5 billion;
 .020% on the next $10 billion; .015% on the next $5 billion; and .010% on assets
in excess of $30 billion. Furman Selz Incorporated, an affiliate of Evergreen
Funds Distributor, Inc., distributor for the Evergreen group of mutual funds,
serves as sub-administrator for each Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from
each Fund calculated on the average daily net assets of each Fund at a rate
based on the total assets of the mutual funds administered by Evergreen Asset
for which CMG or Evergreen Asset also serve as investment adviser, calculated in
accordance with the following schedule: .0100% of the first $7 billion; .0075%
on the next $3 billion; .0050% on the next $15 billion; and .0040% on assets in
excess of $25 billion. The total assets of the mutual funds administered by
Evergreen Asset for which CMG or Evergreen Asset serve as investment adviser
were approximately $1 billion as of September 30, 1995. Prior to January 1,
1996, First Fidelity Bank, N.A. ("First Fidelity") served as investment adviser
to EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND. CMG succeeded to the mutual funds
advisory business of First Fidelity in connection with the acquisition of First
Fidelity by a subsidiary of First Union.
       Robert S. Drye is a Vice President of FUNB, and has been with FUNB since
1968. Since 1989, Mr. Drye has served as a portfolio manager for several of the
series of Evergreen Investment Trust and for certain common trust funds. Prior
to 1989, Mr. Drye was a marketing specialist with First Union Brokerage
Services, Inc. Mr. Drye has managed the EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND since its inception in 1994 and the EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
since its inception in 1993. Richard K. Marrone is a Vice President of FUNB. Mr.
Marrone joined FUNB in 1993 with eleven years experience managing fixed income
assets at Woodbridge Capital Management, a subsidiary of Comerica Bank, N.A. Mr.
Marrone is responsible for the portfolio management of several series of
Evergreen Investment Trust and certain common trust funds. Mr. Marrone has
served as portfolio manager of the EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
since 1993, the EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND since its
inception in 1995 and EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND since its inception
in 1993. Charles E. Jeanne joined FUNB in 1993. Prior to joining FUNB, Mr.
Jeanne served as a trader/portfolio manager for First American Bank where he was
responsible for individual accounts and common trust funds. Mr. Jeanne has been
the portfolio manager for the EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND since its
inception in 1993. Jocelyn Turner is a Municipal Bond Portfolio Manager for CMG
and has managed the EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND since 1992. Ms.
Turner was previously employed as a Vice President, Municipal Bond Portfolio
Manager at One Federal Asset Management, Boston, MA since 1987.

DISTRIBUTION PLANS AND AGREEMENTS
       Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 permits an investment
company to pay expenses associated with the distribution of its shares in
accordance with a duly adopted plan. Each Fund has adopted for each of its Class
A and Class B shares a Rule 12b-1 plan (each, a "Plan" or collectively the
"Plans"). Under the
                                       22
 
<PAGE>
Plans, each Fund may incur distribution-related and shareholder
servicing-related expenses which may not exceed an annual rate of .75 of 1% of
the aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class A shares of
each Fund other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, .35 of 1% of the
aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class A shares of
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, 1.00% of the aggregate average daily
net assets attributable to the Class B shares of EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE
INCOME FUND and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL FUND, and .75 of 1% of
the aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares of
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND and EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Payments under the Plans
adopted with respect to Class A shares are currently voluntarily limited to .25
of 1% of each Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to Class A
shares. The Plans provide that a portion of the fee payable thereunder may
constitute a service fee to be used for providing ongoing personal services
and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN VIRGINIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND have, in addition to the Plans adopted with respect to their
Class B shares, adopted a shareholder service plan ("Service Plans") relating to
the Class B shares which permit each Fund to incur a fee of up to .25 of 1% of
the aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares for
ongoing personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. Such
service fee payments to financial intermediaries for such purposes, whether
pursuant to a Plan or Service Plans, will not exceed .25% of the aggregate
average daily net assets attributable to each Class of shares of each Fund.
       Each Fund has also entered into a distribution agreement (each a
"Distribution Agreement" or collectively the "Distribution Agreements") with
Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc. ("EFD"). Pursuant to the Distribution
Agreements, each Fund will compensate EFD for its services as distributor at a
rate which may not exceed an annual rate of .25 of 1% of a Fund's aggregate
average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, and .75 of 1% of a
Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares.
The Distribution Agreements provide that EFD will use the distribution fee
received from a Fund for payments (i) to compensate broker-dealers or other
persons for distributing shares of the Funds, including interest and principal
payments made in respect of amounts paid to broker-dealers or other persons that
have been financed (EFD may assign its rights to receive compensation under the
Plans to secure such financings), (ii) to otherwise promote the sale of shares
of the Fund, and (iii) to compensate broker-dealers, depository institutions and
other financial intermediaries for providing administrative, accounting and
other services with respect to the Fund's shareholders. The financing of
payments made by EFD to compensate broker-dealers or other persons for
distributing shares of the Funds may be provided by FUNB or its affiliates. The
Funds may also make payments under the Plans (and in the case of EVERGREEN
FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN
NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
and EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, the Service Plans), in amounts up to
 .25 of 1% of a Fund's aggregate average daily net assets on an annual basis
attributable to Class B shares, to compensate organizations, which may include
EFD and each Fund's investment adviser or their affiliates, for personal
services rendered to shareholders and/or the maintenance of shareholder
accounts.
       The Funds may not pay any distribution or services fees during any fiscal
period in excess of the amounts set forth above. Since EFD's compensation under
the Distribution Agreements is not directly tied to the expenses incurred by
EFD, the amount of compensation received by it under the Distribution Agreements
during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses and may result in a
profit to EFD. Distribution expenses incurred by EFD in one fiscal year that
exceed the level of compensation paid to EFD for that year may be paid from
distribution fees received from a Fund in subsequent fiscal years.
       The Plans and Service Plans are in compliance with rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. which effectively limit the annual
asset-based sales charges and service fees that a mutual fund may pay on a class
of shares to .75 of 1% and .25 of 1%, respectively, of the average annual net
assets attributable to that class. The rules also limit the aggregate of all
front-end, deferred and asset-based sales charges imposed with respect to a
class of shares by a mutual fund that also charges a service fee to 6.25% of
cumulative gross sales of shares of that class, plus interest at the prime rate
plus 1% per annum.
                                       23
 
<PAGE>
                       PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
HOW TO BUY SHARES
       You can purchase shares of any of the Funds through broker-dealers, banks
or other financial intermediaries, or directly through EFD. The minimum initial
investment is $1,000, which may be waived in certain situations. There is no
minimum for subsequent investments. Investments of $25 or more are allowed under
the systematic investment program. Share certificates are not issued. In states
where EFD is not registered as a broker-dealer shares of a Fund will only be
sold through other broker-dealers or other financial institutions that are
registered. See the Share Purchase Application and Statement of Additional
Information for more information. Only Class A and Class B shares are offered
through this Prospectus (see "General Information" -- "Other Classes of
Shares").

Class A Shares-Front-End Sales Charge Alternative. You can purchase Class A
shares at net asset value plus an initial sales charge on purchases under
$1,000,000. On purchases of $1,000,000 or more, a contingent deferred sales
charge ("CDSC") equal to the lesser of 1% of the purchase price or redemption
value will be imposed on shares redeemed during the first year after purchase.
The schedule of charges for Class A Shares is as follows:
                              Initial Sales Charge
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   as a % of the Net    as a % of the     Commission to Dealer/Agent
       Amount of Purchase           Amount Invested     Offering Price     as a % of Offering Price
<S>                                <C>                  <C>               <C>
Less than $50,000                        4.99%               4.75%                   4.25%
$50,000 - $99,000                        4.71%               4.50%                   4.25%
$100,000 - $249,999                      3.90%               3.75%                   3.25%
$250,000 - $499,999                      2.56%               2.50%                   2.00%
$500,000 - $999,999                      2.04%               2.00%                   1.75%
$1,000,000 - $2,999,999                   None                None                   1.00%
$3,000,000 - $4,999,999                   None                None                    .50%
Over $5,000,000                           None                None                    .25%
</TABLE>
 
       No front-end sales charges are imposed on Class A shares purchased by:
institutional investors, which may include bank trust departments and registered
investment advisers; investment advisers, consultants or financial planners who
place trades for their own accounts or the accounts of their clients and who
charge such clients a management, consulting, advisory or other fee; clients of
investment advisers or financial planners who place trades for their own
accounts if the accounts are linked to the master account of such investment
advisers or financial planners on the books of the broker-dealer through whom
shares are purchased; institutional clients of broker-dealers, including
retirement and deferred compensation plans and the trusts used to fund these
plans, which place trades through an omnibus account maintained with a Fund by
the broker-dealer; shareholders of record on October 12, 1990 in any series of
Evergreen Investment Trust in existence on that date, and the members of their
immediate families; employees of FUNB and its affiliates, EFD and any
broker-dealer with whom EFD has entered into an agreement to sell shares of the
Funds, and members of the immediate families of such employees; and upon the
initial purchase of an Evergreen mutual fund by investors reinvesting the
proceeds from a redemption within the preceding thirty days of shares of other
mutual funds, provided such shares were initially purchased with a front-end
sales charge or subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. Certain
broker-dealers or other financial institutions may impose a fee on transactions
in shares of the Funds.
       When Class A shares are sold, EFD will normally retain a portion of the
applicable sales charge and pay the balance to the broker-dealer or other
financial intermediary through whom the sale was made. EFD may also pay fees to
banks from sales charges for services performed on behalf of the bank's
customers in connection with the purchase of shares of the Funds. In addition to
compensation paid at the time of sale, entities whose clients have purchased
Class A shares may receive a trailing commission equal to .25 of 1% of the
aggregate average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares of each Fund
held by their clients. Certain purchases of Class A shares may qualify for
reduced sales charges in accordance with a Fund's Combined Purchase Privilege,
                                       24
 
<PAGE>
Cumulative Quantity Discount, Statement of Intention, Privilege for Certain
Retirement Plans and Reinstatement Privilege. Consult the Share Purchase
Application and Statement of Additional Information for additional information
concerning these reduced sales charges.

Class B Shares-Deferred Sales Charge Alternative. You can purchase Class B
shares at net asset value without an initial sales charge. However, you may pay
a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") if you redeem shares within seven
years after purchase. Shares obtained from dividend or distribution reinvestment
are not subject to the CDSC. The amount of the CDSC (expressed as a percentage
of the lesser of the current net asset value or original cost) will vary
according to the number of years from the purchase of Class B shares as set
forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Since Purchase                  Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
<S>                                  <C>                                <C>
FIRST                                                5%
SECOND                                               4%
THIRD and FOURTH                                     3%
FIFTH                                                2%
SIXTH and SEVENTH                                    1%
</TABLE>
 
       The CDSC is deducted from the amount of the redemption and is paid to
EFD. The CDSC will be waived on redemptions of shares following the death or
disability of a shareholder, to meet distribution requirements for certain
qualified retirement plans or in the case of certain redemptions made under a
Fund's Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan. Class B shares are subject to higher
distribution and/or shareholder service fees than Class A shares for a period of
seven years (after which they convert to Class A shares). The higher fees mean a
higher expense ratio, so Class B shares pay correspondingly lower dividends and
may have a lower net asset value than Class A shares. See the Statement of
Additional Information for further details.
       With respect to Class B shares, no CDSC will be imposed on: (1) the
portion of redemption proceeds attributable to increases in the value of the
account due to increases in the net asset value per share, (2) shares acquired
through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, (3) shares held for more
than seven years after the end of the calendar month of acquisition, (4)
accounts following the death or disability of a shareholder, or (5) minimum
required distributions to a shareholder over the age of 70 1/2 from an IRA or
other retirement plan.

How the Funds Value Their Shares. The net asset value of each Class of shares of
a Fund is calculated by dividing the value of the amount of the Fund's net
assets attributable to that Class by the outstanding shares of that Class.
Shares are valued each day the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open
as of the close of regular trading (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). The
Exchange is closed on New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The securities
in a Fund are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of
market quotations or, if such quotations are not readily available, such other
methods as the Trustees believe would accurately reflect fair market value.

General. The decision as to which Class of shares is more beneficial to you
depends on the amount of your investment and the length of time you will hold
it. If you are making a large investment, thus qualifying for a reduced sales
charge, you might consider Class A shares. If you are making a smaller
investment, you might consider Class B shares since 100% of your purchase is
invested immediately and since such shares will convert to Class A shares, which
incur lower ongoing distribution and/or shareholder service fees, after seven
years. The compensation received by dealers and agents may differ depending on
whether they sell Class A or Class B shares. There is no size limit on purchases
of Class A shares.
       In addition to the discount or commission paid to dealers, EFD will from
time to time pay to dealers additional cash or other incentives that are
conditioned upon the sale of a specified minimum dollar amount of shares of a
Fund and/or other Evergreen Mutual Funds. Such incentives will take the form of
payment for attendance at seminars, lunches, dinners, sporting events or theater
performances, or payment for travel, lodging and entertainment incurred in
connection with travel by persons associated with a dealer and their immediate
family members to urban or resort locations within or outside the United States.
Such a dealer may elect to receive cash incentives of equivalent amount in lieu
of such payments. EFD may also limit the availability of such incentives to
certain specified dealers. EFD from time to time sponsors promotions involving
First Union Brokerage Services, Inc. ("FUBS"), an affiliate of each Fund's
investment adviser, and select broker-dealers, pursuant to which incentives are
paid, including gift certificates and payments in amounts up to 1% of the dollar
amount of shares of a Fund sold. Awards may also be made based on the opening of
a minimum number of accounts. Such promotions are not being made available to
all dealers.
                                       25
 
<PAGE>
Additional Purchase Information. As a condition of this offering, if a purchase
is canceled due to nonpayment or because an investor's check does not clear, the
investor will be responsible for any loss a Fund or the Fund's investment
adviser incurs. If such investor is an existing shareholder, a Fund may redeem
shares from an investor's account to reimburse the Fund or its investment
adviser for any loss. In addition, such investors may be prohibited or
restricted from making further purchases in any of the Evergreen mutual funds.

HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
       You may "redeem", i.e., sell your shares in a Fund to the Fund on any day
the Exchange is open, either directly or through your financial intermediary.
The price you will receive is the net asset value (less any applicable CDSC for
Class B shares) next calculated after the Fund receives your request in proper
form. Proceeds generally will be sent to you within seven days. However, for
shares recently purchased by check, a Fund will not send proceeds until it is
reasonably satisfied that the check has been collected (which may take up to ten
days). Once a redemption request has been telephoned or mailed, it is
irrevocable and may not be modified or canceled.

Redeeming Shares Through Your Financial Intermediary. A Fund must receive
instructions from your financial intermediary before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
for you to receive that day's net asset value (less any applicable CDSC for
Class B shares). Your financial intermediary is responsible for furnishing all
necessary documentation to a Fund and may charge you for this service. Certain
financial intermediaries may require that you give instructions earlier than
4:00 p.m.

Redeeming Shares Directly by Mail or Telephone. Send a signed letter of
instruction or stock power form to State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State
Street") which is the registrar, transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent
for each Fund. Stock power forms are available from your financial intermediary,
State Street, and many commercial banks. Additional documentation is required
for the sale of shares by corporations, financial intermediaries, fiduciaries
and surviving joint owners. Signature guarantees are required for all redemption
requests for shares with a value of more than $10,000 or where the redemption
proceeds are to be mailed to an address other than that shown in the account
registration. A signature guarantee must be provided by a bank or trust company
(not a Notary Public), a member firm of a domestic stock exchange or by other
financial institutions whose guarantees are acceptable to State Street.
       Shareholders may withdraw amounts of $1,000 or more from their accounts
by calling the telephone number on the front page of this Prospectus between the
hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Eastern time) each business day (i.e., any
weekday exclusive of days on which the Exchange or State Street's offices are
closed). The Exchange is closed on New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Redemption requests made after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will be processed using
the net asset value determined on the next business day. Such redemption
requests must include the shareholder's account name, as registered with a Fund,
and the account number. During periods of drastic economic or market changes,
shareholders may experience difficulty in effecting telephone redemptions.
Shareholders who are unable to reach a Fund or State Street by telephone should
follow the procedures outlined above for redemption by mail.
       The telephone redemption service is not made available to shareholders
automatically. Shareholders wishing to use the telephone redemption service must
indicate this on the Share Purchase Application and choose how the redemption
proceeds are to be paid. Redemption proceeds will either (i) be mailed by check
to the shareholder at the address in which the account is registered or (ii) be
wired to an account with the same registration as the shareholder's account in a
Fund at a designated commercial bank. State Street currently deducts a $5 wire
charge from all redemption proceeds wired. This charge is subject to change
without notice. A shareholder who decides later to use this service, or to
change instructions already given, should fill out a Shareholder Services Form
and send it to State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 9021, Boston,
Massachusetts 02205-9827, with such shareholder's signature guaranteed by a bank
or trust company (not a Notary Public), a member firm of a domestic stock
exchange or by other financial institutions whose guarantees are acceptable to
State Street. Shareholders should allow approximately ten days for such form to
be processed. The Funds will employ reasonable procedures to verify that
telephone requests are genuine. These procedures include requiring some form of
personal identification prior to acting upon instructions and tape recording of
conversations. If the Fund fails to follow such procedures, it may be liable for
any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. The Fund shall not be
liable for following telephone instructions reasonably believed to be genuine.
Also, the Fund reserves the right to refuse a telephone redemption request, if
it is believed advisable to do
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<PAGE>
so. Financial intermediaries may charge a fee for handling telephonic requests.
The telephone redemption option may be suspended or terminated at any time
without notice.

General. The sale of shares is a taxable transaction for federal tax purposes.
Under unusual circumstances, a Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment
for up to seven days or longer, as permitted by federal securities law. The
Funds reserve the right to close an account that through redemption has remained
below $1,000 for thirty days. Shareholders will receive sixty days' written
notice to increase the account value before the account is closed. The Funds
have elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act of
1940 pursuant to which each Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash,
up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of a Fund's total net assets during any
ninety day period for any one shareholder. See the Statement of Additional
Information for further details.

EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
How To Exchange Shares. You may exchange some or all of your shares for shares
of the same Class in the other Evergreen mutual funds through your financial
intermediary, or by telephone or mail as described below. An exchange which
represents an initial investment in another Evergreen mutual fund must amount to
at least $1,000. Once an exchange request has been telephoned or mailed, it is
irrevocable and may not be modified or canceled. Exchanges will be made on the
basis of the relative net asset values of the shares exchanged next determined
after an exchange request is received. Exchanges are subject to minimum
investment and suitability requirements.
       Each of the Evergreen mutual funds has different investment objectives
and policies. For complete information, a prospectus of the fund into which an
exchange will be made should be read prior to the exchange. An exchange is
treated for federal income tax purposes as a redemption and purchase of shares
and may result in the realization of a capital gain or loss. Shareholders are
limited to five exchanges per calendar year, with a maximum of three per
calendar quarter. This exchange privilege may be modified or discontinued at any
time by the Fund upon sixty days' notice to shareholders and is only available
in states in which shares of the fund being acquired may lawfully be sold.
       No CDSC will be imposed in the event Class B shares are exchanged for
Class B shares of other Evergreen mutual funds. If you redeem shares, the CDSC
applicable to the Class B shares of the Evergreen mutual fund originally
purchased for cash is applied. Also, Class B shares will continue to age
following an exchange for purposes of conversion to Class A shares and
determining the amount of the applicable CDSC.

Exchanges Through Your Financial Intermediary. A Fund must receive exchange
instructions from your financial intermediary before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
for you to receive that day's net asset value. Your financial intermediary is
responsible for furnishing all necessary documentation to a Fund and may charge
you for this service.

Exchanges by Telephone and Mail. You may exchange shares by telephone by calling
the telephone number on the front page of this Prospectus. Exchange requests
made after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will be processed using the net asset value
determined on the next business day. During periods of drastic economic or
market changes, shareholders may experience difficulty in effecting telephone
exchanges. You should follow the procedures outlined below for exchanges by mail
if you are unable to reach State Street by telephone. If you wish to use the
telephone exchange service you should indicate this on the Share Purchase
Application. As noted above, each Fund will employ reasonable procedures to
confirm that instructions for the redemption or exchange of shares communicated
by telephone are genuine. A telephone exchange may be refused by a Fund or State
Street if it is believed advisable to do so. Procedures for exchanging Fund
shares by telephone may be modified or terminated at any time. Written requests
for exchanges should follow the same procedures outlined for written redemption
requests in the section entitled "How to Redeem Shares", however, no signature
guarantee is required.

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
       The Funds offer the following shareholder services. For more information
about these services or your account, contact your financial intermediary, EFD
or the toll-free number on the front page of this Prospectus. Some services are
described in more detail in the Share Purchase Application.

Systematic Investment Plan. You may make monthly or quarterly investments into
an existing account automatically in amounts of not less than $25 per month or
$75 per quarter. Each Fund reserves the right to close an account that through
liquidation or termination of the systematic investment plan has not reached a
minimum balance of $1,000 ($250 for retirement accounts) within 24 months of the
initial investment. You can open a
                                       27
 
<PAGE>
systematic investment plan in the EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND for a
minimum of only $50 per month with no initial investment required.

Telephone Investment Plan. You may make investments into an existing account
electronically in amounts of not less than $100 or more than $10,000 per
investment. Telephone investment requests received by 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
will be credited to a shareholder's account the day the request is received.

Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan. When an account of $10,000 or more is opened or
when an existing account reaches that size, you may participate in the Funds'
Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan by filling out the appropriate part of the Share
Purchase Application. Under this plan, you may receive (or designate a third
party to receive) a monthly or quarterly check in a stated amount of not less
than $75. Fund shares will be redeemed as necessary to meet withdrawal payments.
All participants must elect to have their dividends and capital gain
distributions reinvested automatically. Any applicable Class B CDSC will be
waived with respect to redemptions occurring under a Systematic Cash Withdrawal
Plan during a calendar year to the extent that such redemptions do not exceed
10% of (i) the initial value of the account plus (ii) the value, at the time of
purchase, of any subsequent investments.

Automatic Reinvestment Plan. For the convenience of investors, all dividends and
distributions are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of a
Fund at the net asset value per share on the last business day of each month,
unless otherwise requested by a shareholder in writing. If the transfer agent
does not receive a written request for subsequent dividends and/or distributions
to be paid in cash at least three full business days prior to a given record
date, the dividends and/or distributions to be paid to a shareholder will be
reinvested. If you elect to receive dividends and distributions in cash and the
U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the checks, or if the checks remain uncashed
for six months, the checks will be reinvested into your account at the then
current net asset value.

EFFECT OF BANKING LAWS
       The Glass-Steagall Act and other banking laws and regulations presently
prohibit member banks of the Federal Reserve System ("Member Banks") or their
non-bank affiliates from sponsoring, organizing, controlling, or distributing
the shares of registered open-end investment companies such as the Funds. Such
laws and regulations also prohibit banks from issuing, underwriting or
distributing securities in general. However, under the Glass-Steagall Act and
such other laws and regulations, a Member Bank or an affiliate thereof may act
as investment adviser, transfer agent or custodian to a registered open-end
investment company and may also act as agent in connection with the purchase of
shares of such an investment company upon the order of its customer. Evergreen
Asset, since it is a subsidiary of FUNB, and CMG are subject to and in
compliance with the aforementioned laws and regulations.
       Changes to applicable laws and regulations or future judicial or
administrative decisions could result in CMG being prevented from continuing to
perform the services required under the investment advisory contract or from
acting as agent in connection with the purchase of shares of a Fund by its
customers. If CMG were prevented from continuing to provide the services called
for under the investment advisory agreement, it is expected that the Trustees
would identify, and call upon each Fund's shareholders to approve, a new
investment adviser. If this were to occur, it is not anticipated that the
shareholders of any Fund would suffer any adverse financial consequences.
                               OTHER INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
       Income dividends are declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions of
any net realized gains of a Fund will be made at least annually. Shareholders
will begin to earn dividends on the first business day after shares are
purchased unless shares were not paid for, in which case dividends are not
earned until the next business day after payment is received. Each Fund has
qualified and intends to continue to qualify to be treated as a regulated
investment company under the Code. While so qualified, so long as each Fund
distributes all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized
gains to shareholders, it is expected that the Funds will not be required to pay
any Federal income taxes. A 4% nondeductible excise tax will be imposed on a
Fund if it does not meet certain distribution requirements by the end of each
calendar year. Each Fund anticipates meeting such distribution requirements.
                                       28
 
<PAGE>
       The Funds will designate and pay exempt-interest dividends derived from
interest earned on qualifying tax-exempt obligations. Such exempt-interest
dividends may be excluded by shareholders of a Fund from their gross income for
federal income tax purposes, however (1) all or a portion of such
exempt-interest dividends may be a specific preference item for purposes of the
federal individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes to the extent that
they are derived from certain types of private activity bonds issued after
August 7, 1986, and (2) all exempt-interest dividends will be a component of the
"adjusted current earnings" for purposes of the federal corporate alternative
minimum tax.
       Dividends paid from taxable income, if any, and distributions of any net
realized short-term capital gains (whether from tax exempt or taxable
obligations) are taxable as ordinary income and long-term capital gain
distributions are taxable as long-term capital gains, even though received in
additional shares of the Fund, and regardless of the investors holding period
relating to the shares with respect to which such gains are distributed. Market
discount recognized on taxable and tax-exempt bonds is taxable as ordinary
income, not as excludable income. Under current law, the highest federal income
tax rate applicable to net long-term gains realized by individuals is 28%. The
rate applicable to corporations is 35%.
       Since each Fund's gross income is ordinarily expected to be tax exempt
interest income, it is not expected that the 70% dividends-received deduction
for corporations will be applicable. Specific questions should be addressed to
the investor's own tax adviser.
       Each Fund is required by federal law to withhold 31% of reportable
payments (which may include dividends, capital gains distributions (if any) and
redemptions) paid to certain shareholders. In order to avoid this backup
withholding requirement, each investor must certify on the Share Purchase
Application, or on a separate form supplied by State Street, that the investor's
social security or taxpayer identification number is correct and that the
investor is not currently subject to backup withholding or is exempt from backup
withholding.
       Set forth below are brief descriptions of the personal income tax status
of an investment in each of the Funds under Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North
Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia tax laws currently in effect. Income from
a Fund is not necessarily free from state income taxes in states other than its
designated state. State laws differ on this issue, and shareholders are urged to
consult their own tax advisers regarding the status of their accounts under
state and local laws.
       EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND AND EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Florida does not currently impose an income tax on
individuals. Thus, individual shareholders of the Funds will not be subject to
any Florida state income tax on distributions received from the Funds. However,
certain distributions will be taxable to corporate shareholders which are
subject to Florida corporate income tax. Florida currently imposes an
intangibles tax at the annual rate of 0.20% on certain securities and other
intangible assets owned by Florida residents. Certain types of tax exempt
securities of Florida issuers, U.S. government securities and tax exempt
securities issued by certain U.S. territories and possessions are exempt from
this intangibles tax. Shares of the Funds will also be exempt from the Florida
intangibles tax if the portfolio consists exclusively of securities exempt from
the intangibles tax on the last business day of the calendar year. If the
portfolio consists of any assets which are not so exempt on the last business
day of the calendar year, however, only the portion of the shares of the Funds
which relate to securities issued by the United States and its possessions and
territories will be exempt from the Florida intangibles tax, and the remaining
portion of such shares will be fully subject to the intangibles tax, even if
they partly relate to Florida tax exempt securities.
       EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Under existing Georgia law,
shareholders of the Fund will not be subject to individual or corporate Georgia
income taxes on distributions from the Fund to the extent that such
distributions represent exempt-interest dividends for federal income tax
purposes that are attributable to (1) interest-bearing obligations issued by or
on behalf of the State of Georgia or its political subdivisions, or (2) interest
on obligations of the United States or of any other issuer whose obligations are
exempt from state income taxes under federal law. Distributions, if any, derived
from capital gains or other sources generally will be taxable for Georgia income
tax purposes to shareholders of the Fund who are subject to the Georgia income
tax. For purposes of the Georgia intangibles tax, shares of the Fund likely are
taxable (at the rate of 10 cents per $1,000 in value of the shares held on
January 1 of each year) to shareholders who are otherwise subject to such tax.
       EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND. In any year in which the Fund
satisfies the requirements for treatment as a "qualified investment fund" under
New Jersey law, distributions from the Fund will be exempt from the New Jersey
Gross Income Tax to the extent such distributions are attributable to interest
or gains from (i) obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of New Jersey
or any county, municipality, school or other district,
                                       29
 
<PAGE>
agency, authority, commission, instrumentality, public corporation, body
corporate and politic or political subdivision of New Jersey or (ii) obligations
that are otherwise statutorily exempt from state or local taxation or under the
laws of the United States. Any gains realized on the sale or redemption of
shares held in a qualified investment fund are also exempt from the New Jersey
Gross Income Tax.
       EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Under existing North
Carolina law, shareholders of the Fund will not be subject to individual or
corporate North Carolina income taxes on distributions from the Fund to the
extent that such distributions represent exempt-interest dividends for federal
income tax purposes that are attributable to (1) interest on obligations issued
by North Carolina and political subdivisions thereof or (2) interest on
obligations of the United States or its territories or possessions.
Distributions, if any, derived from capital gains or other sources generally
will be taxable for North Carolina income tax purposes to shareholders of the
Fund who are subject to the North Carolina income tax.
       EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Under existing South
Carolina law, shareholders of the Fund will not be subject to individual or
corporate South Carolina income taxes on Fund distributions to the extent that
such distributions represent exempt-interest dividends for federal income tax
purposes that are attributable to (1) interest on obligations of the State of
South Carolina, or any of its political subdivisions, (2) interest on
obligations of the United States, or (3) interest on obligations of any agency
or instrumentality of the United States that is prohibited by federal law from
being taxed by a state or any political subdivision of a state. Distributions,
if any, derived from capital gains or other sources, generally will be taxable
for South Carolina income tax purposes to shareholders of the Fund who are
subject to South Carolina income tax.
       EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Under existing Virginia law,
shareholders of the Fund will not be subject to individual or corporate Virginia
income taxes on distributions received from the Fund to the extent that such
distributions represent exempt-interest dividends for federal income tax
purposes that are attributable to interest earned on (1) obligations issued by
or on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia or any political subdivision
thereof, or (2) obligations issued by a territory or possession of the United
States or any subdivision thereof which federal law exempts from state income
taxes. Distributions, if any, derived from capital gains or other sources
generally will be taxable for Virginia income tax purposes to shareholders of
the Fund who are subject to Virginia income tax.
     Statements describing the tax status of shareholders' dividends and
distributions will be mailed annually by the Funds. These statements will set
forth the amount of income exempt from federal and if applicable, state
taxation, and the amount, if any, subject to federal and state taxation.
Moreover, to the extent necessary, these statements will indicate the amount of
exempt-interest dividends which are a specific preference item for purposes of
the federal individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes. The exemption of
interest income for federal income tax purposes does not necessarily result in
exemption under the income or other tax law of any state or local taxing
authority. Investors should consult their own tax advisers about the status of
distributions from the Funds in their states and localities. Each Fund notifies
shareholders annually as to the interest exempt from federal taxes earned by the
Fund.
     A shareholder who acquires Class A shares of a Fund and sells or otherwise
disposes of such shares within ninety days of acquisition may not be allowed to
include certain sales charges incurred in acquiring such shares for purposes of
calculating gain and loss realized upon a sale or exchange of shares of the
Fund.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Portfolio Transactions. Consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and subject to seeking best
price and execution, a Fund may consider sales of its shares as a factor in the
selection of dealers to enter into portfolio transactions with the Fund.

Organization. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND is a separate
investment series of The Evergreen Municipal Trust, a Massachusetts business
trust organized in 1988. EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND is a separate
investment series of The Evergreen Tax Free Trust (formerly FFB Funds Trust), a
Massachusetts business trust organized in 1985. EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN VIRGINIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND are each separate investment series of Evergreen Investment
Trust (formerly First Union Funds), a Massachusetts business trust organized in
1984. The Funds do not intend to hold annual shareholder meetings; shareholder
meetings will be held only when required by applicable law. Shareholders have
available certain procedures for the removal of Trustees.
                                       30
 
<PAGE>
       A shareholder in each class of a Fund will be entitled to his or her
share of all dividends and distributions from a Fund's assets, based upon the
relative value of such shares to those of other Classes of the Fund, and, upon
redeeming shares, will receive the then current net asset value of the Class of
shares of the Fund represented by the redeemed shares less any applicable CDSC.
Each Trust named above is empowered to establish, without shareholder approval,
additional investment series, which may have different investment objectives,
and additional classes of shares for any existing or future series. If an
additional series or class were established in a Fund, each share of the series
or class would normally be entitled to one vote for all purposes. Generally,
shares of each series and class would vote together as a single class on
matters, such as the election of Trustees, that affect each series and class in
substantially the same manner. Class A, B and Y shares have identical voting,
dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that each class bears, to the
extent applicable, its own distribution, shareholder service and transfer agency
expenses as well as any other expenses applicable only to a specific class. Each
class of shares votes separately with respect to Rule 12b-1 distribution plans
and other matters for which separate class voting is appropriate under
applicable law. Shares are entitled to dividends as determined by the Trustees
and, in liquidation of a Fund, are entitled to receive the net assets of the
Fund.

Custodian, Registrar, Transfer Agent and Dividend-Disbursing Agent. State Street
Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9827 acts as
each Fund's custodian, registrar, transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent
for a fee based upon the number of shareholder accounts maintained for the
Funds. The transfer agency fee with respect to the Class B shares will be higher
than the transfer agency fee with respect to the Class A shares.

Principal Underwriter. EFD, an affiliate of Furman Selz LLC located at 230 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10169, is the principal underwriter of the Funds.
Furman Selz Incorporated also acts as sub-administrator to the Funds.

Other Classes of Shares. Each Fund currently offers three classes of shares,
Class A, Class B and Class Y, and may in the future offer additional classes.
Class Y shares are not offered by this Prospectus and are only available to (i)
persons who at or prior to December 31, 1994, owned shares in a mutual fund
advised by Evergreen Asset (ii) certain institutional investors and (iii)
investment advisory clients of CMG, Evergreen Asset or their affiliates. The
dividends payable with respect to Class A and Class B shares will be less than
those payable with respect to Class Y shares due to the distribution and
distribution related expenses borne by Class A and Class B shares and the fact
that such expenses are not borne by Class Y shares.

Performance Information. A Fund's performance may be quoted in advertising in
terms of yield or total return. Both types of performance are based on
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") formulas and are not intended to
indicate future performance.
       Yield is a way of showing the rate of income a Fund earns on its
investments as a percentage of the Fund's share price. A Fund's yield is
calculated according to accounting methods that are standardized by the SEC for
all stock and bond funds. Because yield accounting methods differ from the
method used for other accounting purposes, a Fund's yield may not equal its
distribution rate, the income paid to your account or the income reported in a
Fund's financial statements. To calculate yield, a Fund takes the interest
income it earned from its portfolio of investments (as defined by the SEC
formula) for a 30-day period (net of expenses), divides it by the average number
of shares entitled to receive dividends, and expresses the result as an
annualized percentage rate based on a Fund's share price at the end of the
30-day period. This yield does not reflect gains or losses from selling
securities.
       Total returns are based on the overall dollar or percentage change in the
value of a hypothetical investment in a Fund. A Fund's total return shows its
overall change in value including changes in share prices and assumes all a
Fund's distributions are reinvested. A cumulative total return reflects a Fund's
performance over a stated period of time. An average annual total return
reflects the hypothetical annually compounded return that would have produced
the same cumulative total return if a Fund's performance had been constant over
the entire period. Because average annual total returns tend to smooth out
variations in a Fund's return, you should recognize that they are not the same
as actual year-by-year results. To illustrate the components of overall
performance, a Fund may separate its cumulative and average annual total returns
into income results and realized and unrealized gain or loss.
       Each Fund may also quote tax-equivalent yields, which show the taxable
yields an investor would have to earn before taxes to equal the Fund's tax-free
yields. A tax-equivalent yield is calculated by dividing a Fund's tax-
                                       31
 
<PAGE>
exempt yield by the result of one minus a stated federal tax rate. If only a
portion of a Fund's income was tax-exempt, only that portion is adjusted in the
calculation.
       Comparative performance information may also be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing a Fund's shares, including data from Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc., Morningstar and other industry publications. The Fund may also
advertise in items of sales literature an "actual distribution rate" which is
computed by dividing the total ordinary income distributed (which may include
the excess of short-term capital gains over losses) to shareholders for the
latest twelve month period by the maximum public offering price per share on the
last day of the period. Investors should be aware that past performance may not
be reflective of future results.
       In marketing a Fund's shares, information may be provided that is
designed to help individuals understand their investment goals and explore
various financial strategies. Such information may include publications
describing general principles of investing, such as asset allocation,
diversification, risk tolerance, and goal setting; a questionnaire designed to
help create a personal financial profile; and an action plan offering investment
alternatives. The information provided to investors may also include discussions
of other Evergreen mutual funds, products, and services, which may include:
retirement investing; brokerage products and services; the effects of periodic
investment plans and dollar cost averaging; saving for college; and charitable
giving. In addition, the information provided to investors may quote financial
or business publications and periodicals, including model portfolios or
allocations, as they relate to fund management, investment philosophy, and
investment techniques. The materials may also reprint, and use as advertising
and sales literature, articles from Evergreen Events, a quarterly magazine
provided free of charge to Evergreen Mutual fund shareholders.

Liability Under Massachusetts Law. Under Massachusetts law, trustees and
shareholders of a business trust may, in certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for its obligations. The Declarations of Trust under which
each Fund operates provide that no Trustee or shareholder will be personally
liable for the obligations of the Trust and that every written contract made by
the Trust contain a provision to that effect. If any Trustee or shareholder were
required to pay any liability of the Trust, that person would be entitled to
reimbursement from the general assets of the Trust.

Additional Information. This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional
Information, which have been incorporated by reference herein, do not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statements filed by the Trusts
with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Copies of the
Registration Statements may be obtained at a reasonable charge from the SEC or
may be examined, without charge, at the offices of the SEC in Washington, D.C.
                   APPENDIX A -- FLORIDA RISK CONSIDERATIONS
       The following is a summary of economic factors which may affect the
ability of the municipal issuers of Florida obligations to repay general
obligation and revenue bonds. Such information is derived from sources that are
generally available to investors and is believed by the Funds to be accurate,
but has not been independently verified and may not be complete. Under current
law, the State of Florida is required to maintain a balanced budget such that
current expenses are met from current revenues. Florida does not currently
impose a tax on personal income but does impose taxes on corporate income
derived from activities within the state. In addition, Florida imposes an ad
valorem tax as well as sales and use taxes. These taxes are the principal
sources of funds to meet state expenses, including repayment of, and interest
on, obligations backed solely by the full faith and credit of the state, without
recourse to any specific project or related revenue source.
       On November 3, 1992, Florida voters approved an amendment to the state
constitution which limits the annual growth in the assessed valuation of
residential property and which, over time, could constrain the growth in
property taxes, a major revenue source for local governments. The amendment
restricts annual increases in assessed valuation to the lesser of 3% or the
Consumer Price Index. The amendment applies only to residential properties
eligible for the homestead exemption and does not affect the valuation of
rental, commercial, or industrial properties. When sold, residential property
would be reassessed at market value. The amendment became effective January 1,
1993. While no immediate ratings implications are expected, the amendment could
have a negative impact on the financial performance of local governments over
time and lead to ratings revisions which may have a negative impact on the
prices of affected bonds.
       Many of the bonds in which the Funds invest were issued by various units
of local government in the State of Florida. In addition, most of these bonds
are revenue bonds where the security interest of the bond holders typically is
limited to the pledge of revenues or special assessments flowing from the
project financed by the bonds. Projects include, but are not limited to, water
and waste water utilities, drainage systems, roadways, and other
development-related infrastructures. Therefore, the capacity of these issuers to
repay their obligations may be affected by variations in the Florida economy.
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       Since 1970, Florida has been one of the fastest growing states in the
nation. Average annual population growth over the last 20 years was 320,000.
During this period only California and Texas grew more rapidly. In terms of
total population, Florida moved from the ninth most populous state in 1970 to
fourth today.
       This rapid and sustained pace of population growth has given rise to
sharp increases in construction activity and to the need for roads, drainage
systems, and utilities to serve the burgeoning population. In turn this has
driven the growth in the volume of revenue bond debt outstanding.
       The pace of growth, however, has not been steady. During economic
expansions, Florida's population growth has exceeded 500,000 people per year,
but in recessions growth has slowed to 120,000 per year. The variations in
construction activity over the course of business cycles is also very large.
Although the amplitude of the swings during business cycles is large, the
duration of downturns in Florida's growth has been short. Historically,
depressed levels of growth have lasted only a year or two at most. Furthermore,
Florida's cycles have not been periods of growth or decline. Instead, what has
occurred are periods of more growth or less growth.
       Florida's ability to meet increasing expenses will be dependent in part
upon the state's ability to foster business and economic growth. During the past
decade, Florida has experienced significant increases in the technology-based
and other light industries and in the service sector. This growth has
diversified the state's overall economy, which at one time was dominated by the
citrus and tourism industries. The state's economic and business growth could be
restricted, however, by the natural limitations of environmental resources and
the state's ability to finance adequate public facilities such as roads and
schools.
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  INVESTMENT ADVISER
  Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of North Carolina, 201
  South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288
  CUSTODIAN & TRANSFER AGENT
  State Street Bank and Trust Company, Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts
  02205-9827
  LEGAL COUNSEL
  Sullivan & Worcester LLP, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
  20036
  INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
  KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, 345 Third Avenue, New York, New York

      EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND
      FUND, EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA
      MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
      EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

  Price Waterhouse LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036

      EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND DISTRIBUTOR

  Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc., 230 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10169
                                                      536118rev02 (10/pkg.) 1/96
 






*******************************************************************************
Y State Funds



<PAGE>

  PROSPECTUS                                                 January 22, 1996

  EVERGREEN(SM) STATE SPECIFIC TAX FREE FUNDS            (Evergreen Tree Logo)

  EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
  EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
  EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
  EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
  EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
  EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
  EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

  CLASS Y SHARES
           The Evergreen State Specific Tax-Free Funds (the "Funds") are
  designed to provide investors with current income exempt from Federal
  income tax and certain state income tax. This Prospectus provides
  information regarding the Class Y shares offered by the Funds. Each Fund
  is, or is a series of, an open-end, non-diversified, management investment
  company except for EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND which
  is diversified. This Prospectus sets forth concise information about the
  Funds that a prospective investor should know before investing. The address
  of the Funds is 2500 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, New York 10577.

           A "Statement of Additional Information" for the Funds and certain
  other funds in the Evergreen group of mutual funds dated January 22, 1996
  has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is
  incorporated by reference herein. The Statement of Additional Information
  provides information regarding certain matters discussed in this Prospectus
  and other matters which may be of interest to investors, and may be
  obtained without charge by calling the Funds at (800) 235-0064. There can
  be no assurance that the investment objective of any Fund will be achieved.
  Investors are advised to read this Prospectus carefully.

  THE SHARES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF
  ANY BANK, ARE NOT ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK, ARE NOT INSURED OR
  OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
  CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY AND
  INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISKS.
  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.
  EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND WILL INVEST AT LEAST 65%
  OF THE VALUE OF ITS TOTAL ASSETS IN MUNICIPAL SECURITIES CONSISTING OF HIGH
  YIELD (I.E., HIGH RISK), MEDIUM, LOWER RATED AND UNRATED BONDS. SUCH
  SECURITIES ARE COMMONLY CALLED JUNK BONDS AND ARE SUBJECT TO GREATER MARKET
  FLUCTUATIONS AND RISK OF LOSS OF INCOME AND PRINCIPAL THAN HIGHER RATED
  SECURITIES. LOWER QUALITY SECURITIES INVOLVE A GREATER RISK OF DEFAULT AND,
  CONSEQUENTLY, SHARES OF THE EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND
  FUND ARE SPECULATIVE SECURITIES.
                   KEEP THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
  EVERGREEN(SM) is a Service Mark of Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
  Copyright 1995, Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
 
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S>                                                       <C>
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNDS                                       2
EXPENSE INFORMATION                                         3
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                                        5
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS
         Investment Objectives and Policies                12
         Investment Practices and Restrictions             14
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
         Investment Adviser                                18
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
         How to Buy Shares                                 20
         How to Redeem Shares                              21
         Exchange Privilege                                21
         Shareholder Services                              22
         Effect of Banking Laws                            22
OTHER INFORMATION
         Dividends, Distributions and Taxes                23
         Management's Discussion of Fund Performance       25
         General Information                               25
APPENDIX
         Florida Risk Considerations                       27
</TABLE>
 
                             OVERVIEW OF THE FUNDS
       The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus. See "Description of the
Funds" and "Management of the Funds".

       The Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of North
Carolina ("CMG") serves as investment adviser to Evergreen State Specific Tax
Free Funds which include: EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN
GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND AND EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. First Union National
Bank of North Carolina ("FUNB") is a subsidiary of First Union Corporation, the
sixth largest bank holding company in the United States.

       EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union Florida
Municipal Bond Portfolio, successor to ABT Florida Tax-Free Fund) seeks current
income exempt from federal income tax consistent with preservation of capital.
In addition, the Fund intends to qualify as an investment exempt from the
Florida state intangibles tax.
       EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union Georgia
Municipal Bond Portfolio) seeks current income exempt from federal income tax
and Georgia state income tax, consistent with preservation of capital.

       EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND (formerly FFB New Jersey
Tax-Free Income Fund) seeks a high level of income, exempt from federal and New
Jersey personal income taxes.

       EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union North
Carolina Municipal Bond Portfolio) seeks current income exempt from federal
income tax and North Carolina state income tax, consistent with preservation of
capital. In addition, the Fund intends to qualify as an investment substantially
exempt from the North Carolina intangible personal property tax.
       EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union South
Carolina Municipal Bond Portfolio) seeks current income exempt from federal
income tax and South Carolina state income tax.
       EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union Virginia
Municipal Bond Fund) seeks current income exempt from federal income tax and
Virginia state income tax, consistent with preservation of capital.
       EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (successor to ABT
Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund) seeks to provide a high level of
current income exempt from federal income taxes. Under normal circumstances, the
Fund will invest at least 65% of the value of its total assets in municipal
securities consisting of high yield (i.e., high risk), medium, lower rated and
unrated bonds.
       THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF ANY FUND WILL BE
ACHIEVED.
                                       2                     
 
<PAGE>
                              EXPENSE INFORMATION
       The table set forth below summarizes the shareholder transaction costs
associated with an investment in the Class Y Shares of the Fund. For further
information see "Purchase and Redemption of Shares".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
<S>                                                    <C>
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases                    None
Sales Charge on Dividend Reinvestments                       None
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge                             None
Redemption Fee                                               None
Exchange Fee (only applies after 4 exchanges per
year)                                                      $ 5.00
</TABLE>
 
       The following table shows for the Fund the estimated annual operating
expenses (as a percentage of average net assets) attributable to Class Y Shares,
together with examples of the cumulative effect of such expenses on a
hypothetical $1,000 investment for the periods specified assuming (i) a 5%
annual return and (ii) redemption at the end of each period.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            ANNUAL OPERATING                               EXAMPLE
                                EXPENSES                                   Class Y
<S>                         <C>                <C>                         <C>
Management Fees*                  .30%
                                               After 1 Year                 $   6
12b-1 Fees                          --
                                               After 3 Years                $  18
Other Expenses                    .25%
                                               After 5 Years                $  31
                                               After 10 Years               $  69
Total                             .55%
</TABLE>
 
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            ANNUAL OPERATING                               EXAMPLE
                               EXPENSES+                                   Class Y
<S>                         <C>                <C>                         <C>
Management Fees                    .50%
                                               After 1 Year                 $  10
12b-1 Fees                           --
                                               After 3 Years                $  32
Other Expenses**                   .50%
                                               After 5 Years                $  55
                                               After 10 Years               $ 122
Total                             1.00%
</TABLE>

 

EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            ANNUAL OPERATING                               EXAMPLE
                                EXPENSES                                   Class Y
<S>                         <C>                <C>                         <C>
Management Fees                    .50%
                                               After 1 Year                 $  10
12b-1 Fees                           --
                                               After 3 Years                $  30
Other Expenses**                   .44%
                                               After 5 Years                $  52
                                               After 10 Years               $ 115
Total                              .94%
</TABLE>

 
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            ANNUAL OPERATING                               EXAMPLE
                               EXPENSES+                                   Class Y
<S>                         <C>                <C>                         <C>
Management Fees                    .50%
                                               After 1 Year                 $  10
12b-1 Fees                           --
                                               After 3 Years                $  32
Other Expenses                     .50%
                                               After 5 Years                $  55
                                               After 10 Years               $ 122
Total                             1.00%
</TABLE>

 
                                       3                    
 
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            ANNUAL OPERATING                               EXAMPLE
                               EXPENSES+                                   Class Y
<S>                         <C>                <C>                         <C>
Management Fees                    .50%
                                               After 1 Year                 $  10
12b-1 Fees                           --
                                               After 3 Years                $  32
Other Expenses**                   .50%
                                               After 5 Years                $  55
                                               After 10 Years               $ 122
Total                             1.00%
</TABLE>

 
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            ANNUAL OPERATING                               EXAMPLE
                               EXPENSES+                                   Class Y
<S>                         <C>                <C>                         <C>
Management Fees                    .50%
                                               After 1 Year                 $  10
12b-1 Fees                           --
                                               After 3 Years                $  32
Other Expenses**                   .50%
                                               After 5 Years                $  55
                                               After 10 Years               $ 122
Total                             1.00%
</TABLE>

 
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            ANNUAL OPERATING                               EXAMPLE
                                EXPENSES                                   Class Y
<S>                         <C>                <C>                         <C>
Management Fees*                  .30%
                                               After 1 Year                 $   8
12b-1 Fees                          --
                                               After 3 Years                $  26
Other Expenses                    .52%
                                               After 5 Years                $  46
                                               After 10 Years               $ 101
Total                             .82%
</TABLE>
 

+ The estimated annual operating expenses and examples do not reflect fee
  waivers and reimbursements for the most recent fiscal year. Actual expenses
  for Class Y Shares, net of fee waivers and expense reimbursements for the
  period ended August 31, 1995 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                               <C>
  EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                                           .46%
  EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                                    .67%
  EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                                    .28%
  EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                                          .47%
</TABLE>
 
*  CMG has agreed to limit the Management fee charged to EVERGREEN FLORIDA
   MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND to
   .30 of 1% of average net assets until July 7, 1996.

** Reflects agreements by CMG to limit aggregate operating expenses (including
   the management fees, but excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions,
   Rule 12b-1 Fees, shareholder servicing fees and extraordinary expenses) of
   EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
   BOND FUND and EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND to 1% of average net
   assets for the foreseeable future. Absent such agreements, the estimated
   annual operating expenses for the Funds would be as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                              <C>
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                                            2.58%
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                                     6.25%
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                                           3.58%
</TABLE>
 
       From time to time, each Fund's investment adviser may, at its discretion,
reduce or waive its fees or reimburse the Funds for certain of their expenses in
order to reduce their expense ratios. Each Fund's investment adviser may cease
these waivers and reimbursements at any time.
       The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist an investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in each Class of
Shares of the Funds will bear directly or indirectly. The amounts set forth both
in the tables and in the examples are estimated amounts based on the experience
of each Fund for the most recent fiscal period. Such amounts have been restated
to reflect current fee arrangements and in the case of funds that did not offer
all of the above-referenced Classes of shares during such periods, the amounts
set forth in the tables are based on the expenses incurred by the Classes which
were offered. THE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR
FUTURE EXPENSES OR ANNUAL RETURN. ACTUAL EXPENSES AND ANNUAL RETURN MAY BE
GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. For a more complete description of the various
costs and expenses borne by the Funds see "Management of the Funds".
                                       4                                
 
<PAGE>

                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


       The tables on the following pages present, for each Fund, financial
highlights for a share outstanding throughout each period indicated. The
information in the tables for the five most recent fiscal years or the life of
the Fund if shorter for EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH
CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP, each Fund's independent auditors. The information in the tables for
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND for the fiscal period ended August 31,
1995 has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Fund's current independent
auditors. The information in the tables for each of the years in the four-year
period ended April 30, 1995 was audited by Tait, Weller & Baker, the Fund's
prior independent auditors. The information in the tables for EVERGREEN NEW
JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND for each of the years in the two-year period ended
February 28, 1995 has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Fund's current
independent auditors. The information in the tables for each of the periods from
July 16, 1991 (commencement of operations) through February 28, 1993 has been
audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, the Fund's prior independent auditors. The
information in the tables for EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
for the fiscal period ended August 31, 1995 has been audited by Price Waterhouse
LLP, the Fund's current independent auditors. The information in the tables for
each of the years in the two-year period ended April 30, 1995 and for the period
June 17, 1992 (commencement of operations) through April 30, 1993 was audited by
Tait, Weller & Baker, the Fund's prior independent auditors. A report of KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP, Price Waterhouse LLP or Tait, Weller & Baker, as the case may
be on the audited information with respect to each Fund is incorporated by
reference in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information. The following
information for each Fund should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and related notes which are incorporated by reference in the Fund's
Statement of Additional Information.

       Further information about each Fund's performance is contained in the
Fund's annual report to shareholders, which may be obtained without charge.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND++
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           CLASS A SHARES
                                             FOUR                                                                 MAY 11,
                                            MONTHS                                                                 1988*
                                            ENDED                                                                 THROUGH
                                          AUGUST 31,                    YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,                     APRIL 30,
                                            1995#       1995      1994      1993      1992     1991      1990      1989
<S>                                       <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period.....     $9.61      $9.52     $9.95     $9.35     $9.21    $8.80    $9.09      $8.82
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income....................       .25        .54       .56       .56       .61      .66      .58        .47
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
 on investments..........................       .22        .11      (.36)      .67       .22      .43     (.24)       .22
 Total from investment operations........       .47        .65       .20      1.23       .83     1.09      .34        .69
Less distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income....................      (.25)      (.54)     (.56)     (.56)     (.61)    (.68)    (.59)      (.42)
Distributions in excess of net investment
 income..................................      (.03)        --        --        --        --       --       --         --
Net realized gains.......................      (.06)      (.02)     (.07)     (.07)     (.04)      --     (.04)        --
Paid-in capital..........................        --         --        --        --      (.04)      --       --         --
 Total distributions.....................      (.34)      (.56)     (.63)     (.63)     (.69)    (.68)    (.63)      (.42)
 Net asset value, end of period..........     $9.74      $9.61     $9.52     $9.95     $9.35    $9.21    $8.80      $9.09
TOTAL RETURN+............................      4.2%       7.1%      1.9%     13.6%      9.3%    12.9%     3.7%       9.2%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's
 omitted)................................  $136,449   $168,542  $199,612  $198,286  $147,996  $75,791   $7,286       $717
Ratios to average net assets:
 Expenses................................      .82%++**     .61%     .56%     .58%      .41%**    .10%**   .10%**     .30%**++
 Net investment income...................     4.89%++**    5.73%    5.37%    5.66%     6.12%**   6.55%**  6.15%**    5.30%**++
Portfolio turnover rate..................       29%        53%       32%       24%       24%      66%      82%         2%
<CAPTION>
                                            CLASS B    CLASS Y
                                            SHARES     SHARES
                                           JUNE 30,   JUNE 30,
                                             1995*      1995*
                                            THROUGH    THROUGH
                                            AUGUST     AUGUST
                                              31,        31,
                                             1995#      1995#
<S>                                       <C>        <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period.....     $9.67      $9.67
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income....................       .07        .09
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
 on investments..........................       .10        .10
 Total from investment operations........       .17        .19
Less distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income....................      (.07)      (.09)
Distributions in excess of net investment
 income..................................      (.03)      (.03)
Net realized gains.......................        --         --
Paid-in capital..........................        --         --
 Total distributions.....................      (.10)      (.12)
 Net asset value, end of period..........     $9.74      $9.74
TOTAL RETURN+............................      1.5%       1.7%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's
 omitted)................................   $27,351    $ 3,602
Ratios to average net assets:
 Expenses................................     1.44%++     .59%++
 Net investment income...................     3.22%++    4.93%++
Portfolio turnover rate..................       29%        29%
</TABLE>
 
#  The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from April 30 to August 31.
*  Commencement of class operations.
+  Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
   indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
   sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
**  Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
    expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
    annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
    net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
    have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       CLASS A SHARES
                                                                                                               MAY 11, 1988*
                                                                  FOUR MONTHS                                     THROUGH
                                                                     ENDED           YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,        APRIL 30,
                                                                AUGUST 31, 1995#    1992     1991     1990         1989
<S>                                                             <C>                 <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Expenses.....................................................         1.05%          .68%     .88%    5.14%        20.40%
Net investment income (loss).................................         4.66%         5.85%    5.77%    1.01%       (14.80%)
</TABLE>
 
++ On June 30, 1995, ABT Florida Tax-Free Fund sold its net assets to First
   Union Florida Municipal Bond Portfolio which was subsequently renamed
   Evergreen Florida Municipal Bond Fund. ABT Florida Tax-Free Fund was the
   accounting survivor in the combination. Accordingly, the information stated
   in the above table prior to the combination reflects the results of ABT
   Florida Tax-Free Fund. The net asset values per share and related per share
   data have been restated to reflect the conversion of shares.
                                       5                                
 
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A, B AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          CLASS A SHARES                             CLASS B SHARES                   CLASS Y
                                                            JULY 2,                                    JULY 2,        SHARES
                             EIGHT MONTHS                    1993*      EIGHT MONTHS                    1993*      EIGHT MONTHS
                                 ENDED       YEAR ENDED     THROUGH         ENDED       YEAR ENDED     THROUGH         ENDED
                              AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,   AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,   AUGUST 31,
                                 1995#          1994          1993          1995#          1994          1993          1995#
<S>                          <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning
 of period..................      $8.74        $10.19        $10.00          $8.74         $10.19       $10.00          $8.74
Income (loss) from
 investment operations......
Net investment income.......        .33           .48           .20            .28            .43          .18            .35
Net realized and unrealized
 gain (loss) on
 investments................        .73         (1.45)          .19            .73          (1.45)         .19            .73
 Total from investment
   operations...............       1.06          (.97)          .39           1.01          (1.02)         .37           1.08
Less distributions to
 shareholders from:
Net investment income.......       (.33)         (.48)         (.20)          (.28)          (.43)        (.18)          (.35)
Net asset value, end of
 period.....................      $9.47         $8.74        $10.19          $9.47          $8.74       $10.19          $9.47
TOTAL RETURN+...............      12.3%         (9.6%)         4.0%          11.7%         (10.2%)        3.7%          12.5%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
 (000's omitted)............     $2,098        $1,387          $817         $7,538         $6,912       $3,692         $1,339
Ratios to average net
 assets:
 Expenses **................       .71%++        .53%          .25%++        1.46%++        1.13%         .75%++         .46%++
 Net investment income **...      5.39%++       5.26%         4.71%++        4.64%++        4.66%        4.15%++        5.64%++
Portfolio turnover rate.....        91%          147%           15%            91%           147%          15%            91%
<CAPTION>
 
                              FEBRUARY 28,
                                 1994*
                                THROUGH
                              DECEMBER 31,
                                  1994
<S>                          <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning
 of period..................      $9.83
Income (loss) from
 investment operations......
Net investment income.......        .42
Net realized and unrealized
 gain (loss) on
 investments................      (1.09)
 Total from investment
   operations...............       (.67)
Less distributions to
 shareholders from:
Net investment income.......       (.42)
Net asset value, end of
 period.....................      $8.74
TOTAL RETURN+...............      (6.9%)
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
 (000's omitted)............       $284
Ratios to average net
 assets:
 Expenses **................       .31%++
 Net investment income **...      5.68%++
Portfolio turnover rate.....       147%
</TABLE>
 
#  The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to August 31.
*  Commencement of class operations.
+  Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
   indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
   sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
**  Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
    expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
    annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
    net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
    have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          CLASS A SHARES                             CLASS B SHARES                   CLASS Y
                                                            JULY 2,                                    JULY 2,        SHARES
                             EIGHT MONTHS                    1993*      EIGHT MONTHS                    1993*      EIGHT MONTHS
                                 ENDED       YEAR ENDED     THROUGH         ENDED       YEAR ENDED     THROUGH         ENDED
                              AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,   AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,   AUGUST 31,
                                 1995#          1994          1993          1995#          1994          1993          1995#
<S>                          <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
Expense.....................     2.83%          3.61%         6.82%         3.58%          4.21%         7.32%         2.58%
Net investment income
 (loss).....................     3.27%          2.18%        (1.86%)        2.52%          1.58%        (2.42%)        3.52%
<CAPTION>
 
                              FEBRUARY 28,
                              1994* THROUGH
                              DECEMBER 31,
                                  1994
<S>                          <C>
Expense.....................      3.39%
Net investment income
 (loss).....................      2.60%
</TABLE>
 
                                       6         
 
<PAGE>

EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             CLASS A
                                                                         SIX MONTHS
                                                                            ENDED
                                                                       AUGUST 31, 1995         YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28,
                                                                         (UNAUDITED)        1995        1994        1993
<S>                                                                    <C>                 <C>         <C>         <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period...............................         $10.53          $10.99      $11.01      $10.22
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income..............................................            .28             .57         .60         .63
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments.............            .22            (.46)       (.02)        .79
 Total from investment operations..................................            .50             .11         .58        1.42
Less distributions to shareholders from net investment income......           (.28)           (.57)       (.60)       (.63)
Net asset value, end of period.....................................         $10.75          $10.53      $10.99      $11.01
TOTAL RETURN+......................................................           4.8%            1.4%        5.3%       14.5%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)..........................        $35,469         $34,852     $42,783     $30,863
Ratios to average net assets:
 Expenses**........................................................           .38%++          .25%        .14%        .00%
 Net investment income**...........................................          5.20%++         5.52%       5.31%       5.97%
Portfolio turnover rate............................................             0%              8%          2%          5%
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                     JULY 16, 1991*
                                                                        THROUGH
                                                                      FEBRUARY 29,
                                                                          1992
<S>                                                                    <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period...............................       $10.00
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income..............................................          .38
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments.............          .22
 Total from investment operations..................................          .60
Less distributions to shareholders from net investment income......         (.38)
Net asset value, end of period.....................................       $10.22
TOTAL RETURN+......................................................         9.7%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)..........................     $ 13,129
Ratios to average net assets:
 Expenses**........................................................         .01%++
 Net investment income**...........................................        5.89%++
Portfolio turnover rate............................................           5%
</TABLE>
 
*  Commencement of class operations.

+  Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
   indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge is not reflected.

++ Annualized.
**  Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
    expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment advisor, the
    annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income to average net
    assets would have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            SIX MONTHS
                                                                               ENDED
                                                                          AUGUST 31, 1995       YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28,
                                                                            (UNAUDITED)       1995       1994       1993
<S>                                                                       <C>                 <C>        <C>        <C>
Expenses..............................................................         1.08%          1.04%      1.05%      1.16%
Net investment income.................................................         4.50%          4.73%      4.40%      4.81%
<CAPTION>
                                                                        JULY 16, 1991*
                                                                           THROUGH
                                                                         FEBRUARY 29,
                                                                             1992
<S>                                                                       <C>
Expenses..............................................................       1.20%
Net investment income.................................................       4.70%
</TABLE>
 
                                       7                         
 
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A, B AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       CLASS Y
                                          CLASS A SHARES                              CLASS B SHARES                   SHARES
                            EIGHT MONTHS                  JANUARY 11,   EIGHT MONTHS                  JANUARY 11,   EIGHT MONTHS
                                ENDED       YEAR ENDED   1993* THROUGH      ENDED       YEAR ENDED   1993* THROUGH      ENDED
                             AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,    AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,    AUGUST 31,
                                1995#          1994          1993           1995#          1994          1993           1995#
<S>                         <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning
 of period.................      $9.16         $10.61        $10.00          $9.16         $10.61        $10.00          $9.16
Income (loss) from
 investment operations:
Net investment income......        .33            .49           .46            .28            .44           .42            .35
Net realized and unrealized
 (loss) on investments.....        .79          (1.45)          .64            .79          (1.45)          .64            .79
 Total from investment
   operations..............       1.12           (.96)         1.10           1.07          (1.01)         1.06           1.14
Less distributions to
 shareholders from:
Net investment income......       (.33)          (.49)         (.46)          (.28)          (.44)         (.42)          (.35)
Net realized gains.........         --             --          (.03)            --             --          (.03)            --
Total distributions........       (.33)          (.49)         (.49)          (.28)          (.44)         (.45)          (.35)
Net asset value, end of
 period....................      $9.95          $9.16        $10.61          $9.95          $9.16        $10.61          $9.95
TOTAL RETURN+..............      12.3%          (9.1%)        11.3%          11.8%          (9.6%)        10.8%          12.5%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
 (000's omitted)...........     $8,279         $7,979       $12,739        $49,040       $ 44,616       $45,168         $1,005
Ratios to average net
 assets:
 Expenses **...............       .92%++         .79%          .32%++        1.67%++        1.37%          .79%++         .67%++
 Net investment income
   **......................      5.09%++        5.11%         4.91%++        4.34%++        4.53%         4.47%++        5.34%++
Portfolio turnover rate....       117%           126%           57%           117%           126%           57%           117%
<CAPTION>
 
                              FEBRUARY 28,
                             1994* THROUGH
                              DECEMBER 31,
                                  1994
<S>                         <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning
 of period.................       $10.31
Income (loss) from
 investment operations:
Net investment income......          .43
Net realized and unrealized
 (loss) on investments.....        (1.15)
 Total from investment
   operations..............         (.72)
Less distributions to
 shareholders from:
Net investment income......         (.43)
Net realized gains.........           --
Total distributions........         (.43)
Net asset value, end of
 period....................        $9.16
TOTAL RETURN+..............        (7.0%)
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
 (000's omitted)...........         $642
Ratios to average net
 assets:
 Expenses **...............         .59%++
 Net investment income
   **......................        5.58%++
Portfolio turnover rate....         126%
</TABLE>
 
#  The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to August 31.
*  Commencement of class operations.
+  Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
   indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
   sales charge is not reflected.
++  Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all expenses
   that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the annualized
   ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average net assets
   would have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                      CLASS Y
                                 CLASS A SHARES                                   CLASS B SHARES                      SHARES
                 EIGHT MONTHS                                     EIGHT MONTHS                                     EIGHT MONTHS
                     ENDED       YEAR ENDED   JANUARY 11, 1993*       ENDED       YEAR ENDED   JANUARY 11, 1993*       ENDED
                  AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,   THROUGH DECEMBER    AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,   THROUGH DECEMBER    AUGUST 31,
                     1995#          1994           31, 1993           1995#          1994           31, 1993           1995#
<S>              <C>            <C>           <C>                 <C>            <C>           <C>                 <C>
Expenses........     1.27%          1.18%            1.25%            2.02%          1.76%            1.74%            1.02%
Net investment
 income.........     4.74%          4.72%            3.98%            3.99%          4.14%            3.52%            4.99%
<CAPTION>
 
                  FEBRUARY 28, 1994*
                   THROUGH DECEMBER
                       31, 1994
<S>              <C>
Expenses........          .98%
Net investment
 income.........         5.19%
</TABLE>
 
                                       8                         
 
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A, B AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                CLASS A SHARES                 CLASS B SHARES                 CLASS Y SHARES
                                         EIGHT MONTHS    JANUARY 3,     EIGHT MONTHS    JANUARY 3,     EIGHT MONTHS   FEBRUARY 28,
                                            ENDED       1994* THROUGH      ENDED       1994* THROUGH      ENDED       1994* THROUGH
                                          AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,     AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,     AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                            1995#           1994           1995#           1994           1995#           1994
<S>                                      <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period...      $8.62          $10.00         $ 8.62          $10.00         $ 8.62           $9.74
Income (loss) from investment
  operations:
Net investment income..................        .34             .46            .29             .41            .35             .43
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
  on investments.......................        .97           (1.38)           .97           (1.38)           .97           (1.12)
  Total from investment operations.....       1.31            (.92)          1.26            (.97)          1.32            (.69)
Less distributions to shareholders
  from:
Net investment income..................       (.34)           (.46)          (.29)           (.41)          (.35)           (.43)
Net asset value, end of period.........      $9.59           $8.62          $9.59           $8.62          $9.59           $8.62
TOTAL RETURN+..........................      15.4%           (9.3%)         14.8%           (9.8%)         15.5%           (7.1%)
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's
  omitted).............................       $610            $312         $3,542          $2,456         $1,673             $92
Ratios to average net assets:
  Expenses **..........................       .53%++          .25%++        1.28%++          .87%++         .28%++          .00%++
  Net investment income **.............      5.41%++         5.57%++        4.66%++         4.88%++        5.66%++         5.92%++
Portfolio turnover rate................        66%             23%            66%             23%            66%             23%
</TABLE>
 
#  The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to August 31.
*  Commencement of class operations.
+  Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
   indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
   sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
**  Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
    expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
    annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
    net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
    have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                CLASS A SHARES                 CLASS B SHARES                 CLASS Y SHARES
                                         EIGHT MONTHS    JANUARY 3,     EIGHT MONTHS    JANUARY 3,     EIGHT MONTHS   FEBRUARY 28,
                                            ENDED       1994* THROUGH      ENDED       1994* THROUGH      ENDED       1994* THROUGH
                                          AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,     AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,     AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                            1995#           1994           1995#           1994           1995#           1994
<S>                                      <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>
Expenses...............................      6.50%          10.71%          7.25%          11.33%          6.25%          10.46%
Net investment loss....................      (.56%)         (4.89%)        (1.31%)         (5.58%)         (.31%)         (4.54%)
</TABLE>
 
                                       9                           
 
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A, B AND Y SHARES*
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      CLASS A SHARES                            CLASS B SHARES                  CLASS Y
                                                       JULY 2,                                    JULY 2,        SHARES
                         EIGHT MONTHS                   1993*      EIGHT MONTHS                    1993*      EIGHT MONTHS
                            ENDED       YEAR ENDED     THROUGH         ENDED       YEAR ENDED     THROUGH        ENDED
                          AUGUST 31,   DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,   AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,   AUGUST 31,
                            1995#          1994          1993          1995#          1994          1993         1995#
<S>                      <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value,
 beginning of period....    $ 8.85        $10.19        $10.00          $8.85        $10.19        $10.00         $8.85
Income (loss) from
 investment operations:
Net investment income...       .33           .47           .20            .28           .42           .17           .34
Net realized and
 unrealized gain (loss)
 on investments.........       .82         (1.34)          .19            .82         (1.34)          .19           .82
 Total from investment
   operations...........      1.15          (.87)          .39           1.10          (.92)          .36          1.16
Less distributions to
 shareholders from:
Net investment income...      (.33)         (.47)         (.20)          (.28)         (.42)         (.17)         (.34)
Net asset value, end of
 period.................     $9.67         $8.85        $10.19          $9.67         $8.85        $10.19         $9.67
TOTAL RETURN+...........     13.1%         (8.6%)         3.9%          12.5%         (9.1%)         3.7%         13.3%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL
 DATA:
Net assets, end of
 period (000's
 omitted)...............    $1,984        $1,606        $1,306        $ 5,803        $3,817        $2,235          $965
Ratios to average net
 assets:
 Expenses **............      .72%++        .53%          .25%++        1.47%++       1.12%          .75%++        .47%++
 Net investment income
   **...................     5.17%++       5.11%         4.64%++        4.42%++       4.54%         4.25%++       5.42%++
Portfolio turnover
 rate...................       87%           59%            0%            87%           59%            0%           87%
<CAPTION>
 
                          FEBRUARY 28, 1994*
                               THROUGH
                          DECEMBER 31, 1994
<S>                      <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value,
 beginning of period....          $9.83
Income (loss) from
 investment operations:
Net investment income...            .41
Net realized and
 unrealized gain (loss)
 on investments.........           (.98)
 Total from investment
   operations...........           (.57)
Less distributions to
 shareholders from:
Net investment income...           (.41)
Net asset value, end of
 period.................          $8.85
TOTAL RETURN+...........          (5.8%)
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL
 DATA:
Net assets, end of
 period (000's
 omitted)...............           $344
Ratios to average net
 assets:
 Expenses **............           .28%++
 Net investment income
   **...................          5.54%++
Portfolio turnover
 rate...................            59%
</TABLE>
 
#  The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to August 31.
*  Commencement of class operations.
+  Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
   indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
   sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
**  Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
    expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
    annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
    net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
    have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      CLASS A SHARES                            CLASS B SHARES                  CLASS Y
                                                       JULY 2,                                    JULY 2,        SHARES
                         EIGHT MONTHS                   1993*      EIGHT MONTHS                    1993*      EIGHT MONTHS
                            ENDED       YEAR ENDED     THROUGH         ENDED       YEAR ENDED     THROUGH        ENDED
                          AUGUST 31,   DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,   AUGUST 31,    DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,   AUGUST 31,
                            1995#          1994          1993          1995#          1994          1993         1995#
<S>                      <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
Expenses................     3.83%         5.14%         7.75%         4.58%          5.73%         8.25%         3.58%
Net investment income
 (loss).................     2.06%          .50%        (2.86%)        1.31%          (.07%)       (3.25%)        2.31%
<CAPTION>
 
                             FEBRUARY 28,
                            1994* THROUGH
                          DECEMBER 31, 1994
<S>                      <C>
Expenses................         4.89%
Net investment income
 (loss).................          .93%
</TABLE>
 
                                       10                          
 
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         CLASS A SHARES#
                                                                                                                 JUNE 17,
                                                                         FOUR MONTHS                              1992*
                                                                            ENDED            YEAR ENDED          THROUGH
                                                                         AUGUST 31,           APRIL 30,           APRIL
                                                                            1995          1995        1994       30, 1993
<S>                                                                      <C>             <C>         <C>         <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period.................................       $10.16        $10.08      $10.36      $10.00
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income................................................          .21           .65         .68         .61
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments...............          .24           .08        (.26)        .39
 Total from investment operations....................................          .45           .73         .42        1.00
Less distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income................................................         (.21)         (.65)       (.68)       (.61)
Net realized gains...................................................           --            --        (.02)       (.03)
 Total distributions.................................................         (.21)         (.65)       (.70)       (.64)
Net asset value at end of period.....................................       $10.40        $10.16      $10.08      $10.36
TOTAL RETURN+........................................................         4.4%          7.6%        3.3%       10.3%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)............................      $59,551       $65,043     $72,683     $33,541
Ratios to average net assets:
 Expenses............................................................        1.07%++**      .60%**      .14%**      .00%++**
 Net investment income...............................................        5.92%++**     6.52%**     6.16%**     5.92%**++
Portfolio turnover rate..............................................          14%           28%         31%         50%
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                       CLASS B SHARES
                                                                       JULY 10, 1995*
                                                                          THROUGH
                                                                         AUGUST 31,
                                                                            1995
<S>                                                                      <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period.................................       $10.41
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income................................................          .08
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments...............         (.01)
 Total from investment operations....................................          .07
Less distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income................................................         (.08)
Net realized gains...................................................           --
 Total distributions.................................................         (.08)
Net asset value at end of period.....................................       $10.40
TOTAL RETURN+........................................................          .6%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)............................       $3,137
Ratios to average net assets:
 Expenses............................................................        1.09%++
 Net investment income...............................................        3.40%++
Portfolio turnover rate..............................................          14%
</TABLE>
 
#  Effective June 30, 1995, Evergreen Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund, a
   new series of the Evergreen Municipal Trust, acquired substantially all of
   the net assets of ABT Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund. ABT Florida
   High Income Municipal Bond Fund, which had a fiscal year that ended on April
   30, was the accounting survivor in the combination. Accordingly, the
   information above includes the results of operations of ABT Florida High
   Income Municipal Bond Fund prior to June 30, 1995.
*  Commencement of class operations.
+  Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
   indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge and contingent deferred
   sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
**  Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
    expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
    annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
    net assets would have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           CLASS A SHARES
                                                                                   FOUR MONTHS
                                                                                      ENDED          YEAR ENDED
                                                                                   AUGUST 31,         APRIL 30,
                                                                                      1995#        1995      1994
<S>                                                                                <C>             <C>       <C>
Expenses.......................................................................       1.42%        1.26%     1.12%
Net investment income..........................................................       5.57%        5.86%     5.18%
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                 JUNE 17, 1992*
                                                                                    THROUGH
                                                                                 APRIL 30, 1993
<S>                                                                                <C>
Expenses.......................................................................       1.12%
Net investment income..........................................................       4.80%
</TABLE>
 
                                       11                          
 
<PAGE>

                            DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS


INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES


EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND


       The Funds seek current income exempt from federal regular income tax and,
where applicable, state income taxes, consistent with preservation of capital.
In addition, the EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND intends to qualify as an
investment exempt from the Florida state intangibles tax. Florida does not
currently tax personal income.


       Each Fund's investment objective is fundamental cannot be changed without
shareholder approval. While there is no assurance that each objective will be
achieved, the Funds will endeavor to do so by following the investment policies
detailed below. Unless otherwise indicated, the investment policies of a Fund
may be changed by the Board of Trustees ("Trustees") without the approval of
shareholders. Shareholders will be notified before any material change in these
policies becomes effective.


       As a matter of fundamental investment policy, which may not be changed
without shareholder approval, each Fund will normally invest its assets so that
at least 80% of its annual interest income is, or at least 80% of its net assets
are, invested in obligations which provide interest income which is exempt from
federal regular income taxes. The interest retains its tax-free status when
distributed to the Funds' shareholders. In addition, at least 65% of the value
of each Fund's total assets will be invested in municipal bonds of the
particular state after which the Fund is named. To qualify as an investment
exempt from the Florida state intangibles tax, the EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND'S portfolio must consist entirely of investments exempt from the
Florida state intangibles tax on the last business day of the calendar year.


       Each Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing
principally in municipal bonds, including industrial development bonds, of its
designated state. In addition, the Funds may invest in obligations issued by or
on behalf of any state, territory, or possession of the United States, including
the District of Columbia, or their political subdivisions or agencies and
instrumentalities, the interest from which is exempt from federal (regular, if
applicable) income tax. It is likely that shareholders who are subject to the
alternative minimum tax will be required to include interest from a portion of
the municipal securities owned by a Fund in calculating the federal individual
alternative minimum tax or the federal alternative minimum tax for corporations.


       Municipal bonds are debt obligations issued by the state or local
entities to support a government's general financial needs or special projects,
such as housing projects or sewer works. Municipal bonds include industrial
development bonds issued by or on behalf of public authorities to provide
financing aid to acquire sites or construct or equip facilities for privately or
publicly owned corporations.


       The two principal classifications of municipal bonds are "general
obligation" and "revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the
issuer's pledge of its full faith and credit and taxing power for the payment of
principal and interest. Revenue bonds are paid off only with the revenue
generated by the project financed by the bond or other specified sources of
revenue. For example, in the case of a bridge project, proceeds from the tolls
would go directly to retiring the bond issue. Thus, unlike general obligation
bonds, revenue bonds do not represent a pledge of credit or create any debt of
or charge against the general revenues of a municipality or public authority.


       The municipal bonds in which the Funds will invest are subject to one or
more of the following quality standards: rated Baa or better by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB or better by Standard & Poor's
Ratings Group ("S&P") or, if unrated, are determined by the Fund's investment
adviser to be of comparable quality to such ratings; insured by a municipal bond
insurance company which is rated Aa by Moody's or AA by S&P; guaranteed at the
time of purchase by the U.S. government as to the payment of principal and
interest; or fully collateralized by an escrow of U.S. government securities.
Bonds rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's have speculative characteristics.
Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to
weakened capacity to make principal and interest payments than higher rated
bonds. However, like the higher

                                       12                            
 
<PAGE>

rated bonds, these securities are considered to be investment grade. If any
security owned by a Fund loses its rating or has its rating reduced after the
Fund has purchased it, the Fund is not required to sell or otherwise dispose of
the security, but may consider doing so. If ratings made by Moody's or S&P
change because of changes in those organizations or their ratings systems, the
Funds will try to use comparable ratings as standards in accordance with the
Funds' investment objectives. A description of the rating categories is
contained in an Appendix to the Statement of Additional Information.


       The Funds may also invest in:


                participation interests in any of the above obligations.
       (Participation interests may be purchased from financial institutions
       such as commercial banks, savings and loan associations and insurance
       companies, and give a Fund an undivided interest in particular municipal
       securities.);


                variable rate municipal securities. (Variable rate securities
       offer interest rates which are tied to a money market rate, usually a
       published interest rate or interest rate index or the 91-day U.S.
       Treasury bill rate. Many of these securities are subject to prepayment of
       principal on demand by the Fund, usually in seven days or less.); and


                municipal leases as described in "Investment Practices and
       Restrictions", below issued by state and local governments or authorities
       to finance the acquisition of equipment and facilities.


       During periods when, in the opinion of the Funds investment adviser, a
temporary defensive position in the market is appropriate, a Fund may
temporarily invest in short-term tax-exempt or taxable investments. These
temporary investments include: notes issued by or on behalf of municipal or
corporate issuers; obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its
agencies, or instrumentalities; other debt securities; commercial paper; bank
certificates of deposit; shares of other investment companies; and repurchase
agreements. There are no rating requirements applicable to temporary
investments. However, the Funds investment adviser will limit temporary
investments to those it considers to be of comparable quality to the Funds'
primary investments.


       Although the Funds are permitted to make taxable, temporary investments,
there is no current intention of generating income subject to federal regular
income tax, where applicable. However, certain temporary investments will
generate income which is subject to state taxes. The Funds may employ certain
additional investment strategies which are discussed in "Investment Practices
and Restrictions", below.


EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND


       The objective of the EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX FREE INCOME FUND is to seek
a high level of income, exempt from Federal and New Jersey personal income
taxes. The Fund is available only to investors who reside in New Jersey. There
is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its stated objective. The investment
objective of the Fund is fundamental and so may not be changed without the
approval of a majority of the Fund's shareholders.


       To attain its objective, the EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
invests at least 80% of its net assets in municipal securities issued by the
State of New Jersey or its counties, municipalities, authorities or other
political subdivisions and municipal obligations issued by territories or
possessions of the United States, such as Puerto Rico, the interests on which,
in the opinion of bond counsel, is exempt from federal and New Jersey personal
income taxes. The Fund normally invests in intermediate and long-term municipal
securities. Intermediate-term municipal securities generally mature in three to
ten years. Long-term municipal securities generally mature in ten to thirty
years. The Fund has no maximum or minimum maturity for any individual municipal
securities, however, it will maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio
maturity of twenty years or less. If its investment adviser determines that
market conditions warrant a shorter average maturity, the Fund's investments
will be adjusted accordingly.


       The Fund will only purchase securities rated within the three highest
rating categories by Moody's or by S&P and unrated securities of equivalent
quality as determined by the investment adviser pursuant to guidelines
established by the Trustees. See the Statement of Additional Information for
further information in regard to ratings.


       The Fund will seek to invest substantially all of its assets in
intermediate and long-term Municipal Obligations. However, under certain
circumstances, such as a temporary decline in the issuance of New Jersey
obligations, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in the following:
short-term municipal securities issued

                                       13                          
 
<PAGE>

outside of New Jersey (the income from which may be subject to New Jersey income
taxes) or certain taxable fixed income securities (the income from which may be
subject to federal and New Jersey personal income taxes).


       In addition, under unusual circumstances the Fund reserves the right to
invest more than 20% of its assets in securities other than New Jersey Municipal
Obligations such as taxable fixed income securities, the interest from which may
be subject to Federal and New Jersey personal income taxes. In most instances,
however, the Fund will seek to avoid holdings in an effort to provide income
that is fully exempt from federal and New Jersey personal income taxes.


       The Fund may also invest in municipal securities issued to finance
private activities, whose interest is a preference item for purposes of the
Federal alternative minimum tax. Such "private activity bonds" might include
industrial development bonds and securities issued to finance project such as
solid waste disposal facilities, student loans or water and sewage projects. The
Fund currently intends to treat "private activity bonds" as not Federally
tax-exempt and accordingly to limit income from "private activity bonds" to no
more than 20%. See "Other Information-Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" for
further information. The Fund may invest in other municipal securities and may
employ additional investment strategies which are discussed in "Investment
Practices and Restrictions" below.


Municipal lease obligations. The Funds may purchase municipal securities in the
form of participation interests which represent undivided proportional interests
in lease payments by a governmental or non-profit entity. The lease payments and
other rights under the lease provide for and secure the payments on the
certificates. Lease obligations may be limited by municipal charter or the
nature of the appropriation for the lease. In particular, lease obligations may
be subject to periodic appropriation. If the entity does not appropriate funds
for future lease payments, the entity cannot be compelled to make such payments.
Furthermore, a lease may provide that the certificate trustee cannot accelerate
lease obligations upon default. The trustee would only be able to enforce lease
payments as they become due. In the event of a default or failure of
appropriation, it is unlikely that the trustee would be able to obtain an
acceptable substitute source of payment or that the substitute source of payment
would generate tax-exempt income.


Resource recovery bonds. Each Fund may purchase resource recovery bonds, which
may be general obligations of the issuing municipality or supported by corporate
or bank guarantees. The viability of the resource recovery project,
environmental protection regulations and project operator tax incentives may
affect the value and credit quality of resource recovery bonds.


Zero coupon debt securities. The Funds may ??? zero coupon debt securities do
not make regular interest payments. Instead, they are sold at a deep discount
from their face value. In calculating their daily dividends, each day the Fund
takes into account as income a portion of the difference between these
securities' purchase price and their face value. Because they do not pay current
income, the prices of zero coupon debt securities can be very volatile when
interest rates change.


Securities with Put or Demand Rights. The Funds have the ability to enter into
put transactions, sometimes referred to as stand-by commitments, with respect to
Municipal Obligations held in their portfolio or to purchase securities which
carry a demand feature or put option which permit a Fund, as holder, to tender
them back to the issuer or a third party prior to maturity and receive payment
within seven days. Segregated accounts will be maintained by each Fund for all
such transactions. For a detailed description of put transactions, see
"Investment Policies -- Securities with Put Rights" in the Statement of
Additional Information.


       The amount payable to a Fund by the seller upon its exercise of a put
will normally be (i) the Funds' acquisition cost of the securities (excluding
any accrued interest which the Funds paid on their acquisition), less any
amortized market premium plus any amortized market or original issue discount
during the period a Fund owned the securities, plus (ii) all interest accrued on
the securities since the last interest payment date during the period the
securities were owned by a Fund. Accordingly, the amount payable by a
broker-dealer or bank during the time a put is exercisable will be substantially
the same as the value of the underlying securities.


       A Fund's right to exercise a put is unconditional and unqualified. A put
is not transferable by a Fund, although each Fund may sell the underlying
securities to a third party at any time. The Funds expect that puts will
generally be available without any additional direct or indirect cost. However,
if necessary and advisable, a Fund may pay for certain puts either separately in
cash or by paying a higher price for portfolio securities which are acquired
subject to such a put (thus reducing the yield to maturity otherwise available
to the same securities).

                                       14                            
 
<PAGE>

Thus, the aggravate price paid for securities with put rights may be higher than
the price that would otherwise be paid.


       A Fund may enter into put transactions only with broker-dealers (in
accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission) and banks
which, in the opinion of the Funds' Adviser, present minimal credit risks. The
Funds' Adviser will monitor periodically the creditworthiness of issuers of such
obligations held by the Fund. A Funds' ability to exercise a put will depend on
the ability of the broker-dealer or bank to pay for the underlying securities at
the time the put is exercised. In the event that a broker-dealer should default
on its obligation to purchase an underlying security, a Fund might be unable to
recover all or a portion of any loss sustained from having to sell the security
elsewhere. The Funds intend to enter into put transactions solely to maintain
portfolio liquidity and does not intend to exercise its rights thereunder for
trading purposes.


SPECIAL RISK FACTORS RELATED TO INVESTING IN MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS


       It should be noted that municipal securities may be adversely affected by
local political and economic conditions and developments within a state. For
example, adverse conditions in a significant industry within New Jersey may from
time to time have a correspondingly adverse effect on specific issuers within
New Jersey or on anticipated revenue to the State itself; conversely, an
improving economic outlook for a significant industry may have a positive effect
on such issuers or revenues.


       The value of municipal securities may also be affected by general
conditions in the money markets or the municipal bond markets, the levels of
federal and state income tax rates, the supply of tax-exempt bonds, the size of
the particular offering, the maturity of the obligation, the credit quality and
rating of the issue, and perceptions with respect to the level of interest
rates. In general, the value of bonds tends to appreciate when interest rates
decline and depreciate when interest rates rise. An expanded discussion of the
risks associated with the purchase of securities issued is contained in the
Statement of Additional Information.


EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND


       EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND seeks to provide a high
level of current income which is exempt from federal income taxes. The term
"high-level" indicates that the Fund seeks to achieve an income level that
exceeds that which an investor would expect from an investment grade portfolio
with similar maturity characteristics. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND invests primarily in high yield, medium and lower rated (Baa through C
by Moody's and BBB through C1 by S&P) and unrated municipal securities. To
varying degrees, medium and lower rated municipal securities, as well as unrated
municipal securities, are considered to have speculative characteristics and are
subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss of income and principal
than higher rated securities. To the extent that an investor realizes a yield in
excess of that which could be expected from a fund which invests primarily in
investment grade securities, the investor should expect to bear increased risk
due to the fact that the risk of principal and/or interest not being repaid with
respect to the high yield securities described above is significantly greater
than that which exists in connection with investment grade securities. In
assessing the risk involved in purchasing medium and lower rated and unrated
securities, the Fund's investment adviser will use nationally recognized
statistical rating organizations such as Moody's and S&P, and will also rely
heavily on credit analysis it develops internally. Under normal circumstances,
the Fund's dollar-weighted average maturity generally will be fifteen years or
more. However, the Fund may invest in securities of any maturity, and if the
Fund's investment adviser determines that market conditions warrant a shorter
average maturity, the Fund's investments will be adjusted accordingly. In
pursuit of its investment objective, EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND will, under normal market conditions, invest at least 65% of its total
assets in such medium and lower rated municipal securities or unrated municipal
securities of comparable quality to such rated municipal bonds. Investors should
note that such a policy is not a fundamental policy of the Fund and shareholder
approval is not necessary to change such policy. There is no assurance that
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND can achieve its investment
objective.


       The Fund will not invest in municipal securities which are in default,
i.e., securities rated D by S&P. Investments may also be made by EVERGREEN
FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND in higher quality municipal bonds and,
for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest less than 65% of its total
assets in the medium and lower quality municipal securities described above. The
Fund may assume a defensive position if, for example, yield spreads between
lower grade and investment grade municipal bonds are narrow and the yields
available on lower quality municipal securities do not justify the increased
risk associated with an investment in such securities or when there is a lack of
medium and lower quality issues in which to invest. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH
INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND may also invest primarily in higher quality municipal
obligations until its net

                                       15                             
 
<PAGE>

assets reach a level that would permit the Fund to begin investing in medium and
lower rated municipal bonds and at the same time maintain adequate
diversification and liquidity. Investing in this manner may result in yields
lower than those normally associated with a fund that invests primarily in
medium and lower quality municipal securities.


       During the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995 EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH
INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND'S holdings had the following average credit quality
characteristics:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Percent of
Rating                                       Net Assets
<S>                                          <C>
Aaa or AAA                                        5.4%
Aa or AA                                           --
A                                                 1.9
Baa or BBB                                       18.3
Ba or BB                                          8.0
Non-rated                                        61.5
     Total                                       95.1%
</TABLE>


 


       The Fund may purchase industrial development bonds only if the interest
on such bonds is, in the opinion of bond counsel, exempt from federal income
taxes. It is anticipated that the annual portfolio turnover rate for the Fund
may exceed 100%. The Fund may employ certain additional investment strategies
which are discussed in "Investment Practices and Restrictions", below. Also, see
the Statement of Additional Information for further information in regard to
ratings.


INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RESTRICTIONS


Risk Factors. Bond yields are dependent on several factors including market
conditions, the size of an offering, the maturity of the bond, ratings of the
bond and the ability of issuers to meet their obligations. There is no limit on
the maturity of the bonds purchased by the Funds. Because the prices of bonds
fluctuate inversely in relation to the direction of interest rates, the prices
of longer term bonds fluctuate more widely in response to market interest rate
changes. A Fund's concentration in securities issued by its designated state and
that state's political subdivisions provides a greater level of risk than a fund
which is diversified across numerous states and municipal entities. An expanded
discussion of the risks associated with the purchase of the designated state's
municipal bonds is contained in the Statements of Additional Information.


       Although the Funds, other than EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, will not purchase securities rated below BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's
(i.e., junk bonds), the Funds are not required to dispose of securities that
have been downgraded subsequent to their purchase. If the municipal obligations
held by a Fund (because of adverse economic conditions in a particular state,
for example) are downgraded, the Fund's concentration in securities of that
state may cause the Fund to be subject to the risks inherent in holding material
amounts of low-rated debt securities in its portfolio. As stated above,
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND invests primarily in high
yield, medium and lower rated (Baa through C by Moody's and BBB through C1 by
S&P) and unrated securities. Additional risk factors relating to the investment
by EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND in high yield, medium and
lower rated (Baa through C by Moody's and BBB through C1 by S&P) and unrated
securities are discussed below.


Portfolio Turnover. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would occur if all of a
Fund's portfolio securities were replaced in one year. The portfolio turnover
rate experienced by a Fund directly affects the transaction costs relating to
the purchase and sale of securities which a Fund bears directly. A high rate of
portfolio turnover will increase such costs. See the Statement of Additional
Information for further information regarding the practices of the Funds
affecting portfolio turnover.


Non-Diversification. Each of EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN
GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND,
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND AND EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND is a non-diversified
portfolio of an investment company and, as such, there is no limit on the
percentage of assets which can be invested in any single issuer. An investment
in a Fund, therefore, will entail greater risk than would exist in a diversified
investment company because the higher percentage of investments among fewer
issuers may result in greater fluctuation in the total market value of the
Fund's portfolio. Each of the Funds intends to comply with Subchapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") which requires that at
the end of

                                       16                            
 
<PAGE>

each quarter of each taxable year, with regard to at least 50% of the Fund's
total assets, no more than 5% of the total assets may be invested in the
securities of a single issuer and that with respect to the remainder of the
Fund's total assets, no more than 25% of its total assets are invested in the
securities of a single issuer.


Repurchase Agreements. The Funds may invest in repurchase agreements. Repurchase
agreements are agreements by which a Fund purchases a security (usually U.S.
government securities) for cash and obtains a simultaneous commitment from the
seller (usually a bank or broker/dealer) to repurchase the security at an
agreed-upon price and specified future date. The repurchase price reflects an
agreed-upon interest rate for the time period of the agreement. The Funds' risk
is the inability of the seller to pay the agreed-upon price on the delivery
date. However, this risk is tempered by the ability of the Funds to sell the
security in the open market in the case of a default. In such a case, the Funds
may incur costs in disposing of the security which would increase Fund expenses.
The Funds Investment adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of the firms with
which the Funds enter into repurchase agreements.


When-Issued And Delayed Delivery Transactions. The Funds may purchase securities
on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. These transactions are arrangements
in which the Funds purchase securities with payment and delivery scheduled for a
future time. The seller's failure to complete these transactions may cause the
Funds to miss a price or yield considered to be advantageous. Settlement dates
may be a month or more after entering into these transactions, and the market
values of the securities purchased may vary from the purchase prices.
Accordingly, the Funds may pay more or less than the market value of the
securities on the settlement date. The Funds may dispose of a commitment prior
to settlement if the Funds investment adviser deems it appropriate to do so. In
addition, the Funds may enter into transactions to sell their purchase
commitments to third parties at current market values and simultaneously acquire
other commitments to purchase similar securities at later dates. The Funds may
realize short-term profits or losses upon the sale of such commitments.


Lending Of Portfolio Securities. In order to generate additional income, the
Funds may lend their portfolio securities on a short-term or long-term basis to
broker/dealers, banks, or other institutional borrowers of securities. The Funds
will only enter into loan arrangements with creditworthy borrowers and will
receive collateral in the form of cash or U.S. government securities equal to at
least 100% of the value of the securities loaned. As a matter of fundamental
investment policy, which cannot be changed without shareholder approval, the
Funds will not lend any of their assets except portfolio securities up to
one-third of the value of their total assets, except for EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY
TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, which will only lend up to 5% of the value of its assets.
There is the risk that when lending portfolio securities, the securities may not
be available to a Fund on a timely basis and the Fund may, therefore, lose the
opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. In addition, in the
event that a borrower of securities would file for bankruptcy or become
insolvent, disposition of the securities may be delayed pending court action.


Investing In Securities Of Other Investment Companies. Each Fund may invest in
the securities of other investment companies. This is a short-term measure to
invest cash which has not yet been invested in other portfolio instruments and
is subject to the following limitations: (1) no Fund will own more than 3% of
the total outstanding voting stock of any one investment company, (2) no Fund
may invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company and
(3) no Fund may invest more than 10% of its total assets in investment companies
in general. The Funds investment adviser will waive its investment advisory fee
on assets invested in securities of other open end investment companies.


Borrowing. As a matter of fundamental policy, which may not be changed without
shareholder approval, the Funds may not borrow money except as a temporary
measure to facilitate redemption requests which might otherwise require the
untimely disposition of portfolio investments and for extraordinary or emergency
purposes, provided that the aggregate amount of such borrowings shall not exceed
one-third of the value of the total net assets at the time of such borrowing.


Illiquid Securities. The Funds may invest up to 15% of their net assets in
illiquid securities and other securities which are not readily marketable.
Repurchase agreements with maturities longer than seven days will be included
for the purpose of the foregoing 15% limit. Securities eligible for resale
pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, which have been
determined to be liquid, will not be considered by the Funds investment adviser
to be illiquid or not readily marketable and, therefore, are not subject to the
aforementioned 15% limit. The inability of a Fund to dispose of illiquid or not
readily marketable investments readily or at a reasonable price could impair a
Fund's ability to raise cash for redemptions or other purposes. The liquidity of
securities purchased by a Fund which are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule
144A will be monitored by the Funds investment adviser on an ongoing basis,
subject to the oversight of the Trustees. In the event that such a security is
deemed to be no longer

                                       17                            
 
<PAGE>

liquid, a Fund's holdings will be reviewed to determine what action, if any, is
required to ensure that the retention of such security does not result in a Fund
having more than 15% of its assets invested in illiquid or not readily
marketable securities.


Unseasoned Issuers. The Funds will not invest more than 5% of the value of their
total assets in securities of issuers (or guarantors, where applicable) which
have records of less than three years of continuous operations, including the
operation of any predecessor.


Risk Factors Associated with Medium and Lower Rated and Unrated Municipal
Obligations. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND will invest in
medium and lower rated or unrated municipal securities. The market for high
yield, high risk debt securities rated in the medium and lower rating
categories, or which are unrated, is relatively new and its growth has
paralleled a long economic expansion. Past experience may not, therefore,
provide an accurate indication of future performance of this market,
particularly during periods of economic recession. An economic downturn or
increase in interest rates is likely to have a greater negative effect on this
market, the value of high yield debt securities in the Fund's portfolio, the
Fund's net asset value and the ability of the bonds' issuers to repay principal
and interest, meet projected business goals and obtain additional financing,
than would be the case if investments by the Fund were limited to higher rated
securities. These circumstances also may result in a higher incidence of
defaults. Yields on medium or lower-rated municipal bonds may not fully reflect
the higher risks of such bonds. Therefore, the risk of a decline in market
value, should interest rates increase or credit quality concerns develop, may be
higher than has historically been experienced with such investments. An
investment in EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND may be
considered more speculative than investment in shares of another fund which
invests primarily in higher rated debt securities.


       Prices of high yield debt securities may be more sensitive to adverse
economic changes or corporate developments than higher rated investments. Debt
securities with longer maturities, which may have higher yields, may increase or
decrease in value more than debt securities with shorter maturities. Market
prices of high yield debt securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind
securities are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes and may be
more volatile than securities which pay interest periodically and in cash. Where
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND deems it appropriate and in
the best interests of its shareholders, it may incur additional expenses to seek
recovery on a debt security on which the issuer has defaulted and to pursue
litigation to protect the interests of security holders of its portfolio
entities.


       Because the market for medium or lower rated securities may be thinner
and less active than the market for higher rated securities, there may be market
price volatility for these securities and limited liquidity in the resale
market. Unrated securities are usually not as attractive to as many buyers as
are rated securities, a factor which may make unrated securities less
marketable. These factors may have the effect of limiting the availability of
the securities for purchase by EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
and may also limit the ability of the Fund to sell such securities at their fair
value either to meet redemption requests or in response to changes in the
economy or the financial markets. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions,
whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and
liquidity of medium or lower rated debt securities, especially in a thinly
traded market. To the extent the Fund owns or may acquire illiquid or restricted
high yield securities, these securities may involve special registration
responsibilities, liabilities and costs, and liquidity and valuation
difficulties. Changes in values of debt securities which the Fund owns will
affect the Fund's net asset value per share. If market quotations are not
readily available for the Fund's lower rated or unrated securities, these
securities will be valued by a method that the Trustees believes accurately
reflects fair value. Valuation becomes more difficult and judgment plays a
greater role in valuing high yield debt securities than with respect to
securities for which more external sources of quotations and last sale
information are available.


       Special tax considerations are associated with investing in high yield
debt securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities. A Fund
investing in such securities accrues income on these securities prior to the
receipt of cash payments. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND must
distribute substantially all of its income to shareholders to qualify for pass
through treatment under the tax laws and may, therefore, have to dispose of
portfolio securities to satisfy distribution requirements.


       While credit ratings are only one factor EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND'S investment adviser relies on in evaluating high yield debt
securities, certain risks are associated with using credit ratings. Credit
ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not market value
risk. Credit rating agencies may fail to change in timely manner the credit
ratings to reflect subsequent events; however, the Fund's investment adviser
continuously monitors the issuers of high yield debt securities in the Fund's
portfolio in an attempt to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash
flow and profits to meet required principal and interest

                                       18                            
 
<PAGE>

payments. Achievement of EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND'S
investment objective may be more dependent upon the Fund's investment adviser
and the credit analysis capability of the Fund's investment adviser, than is the
case for higher quality debt securities. Credit ratings for individual
securities may change from time to time and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND may retain a portfolio security whose rating has been
changed. See the Statement of Additional Information for a description of bond
and note ratings.


Transactions in Options and Futures. The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY
TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, may engage in options and futures transactions. Options
and futures transactions are intended to enable a Fund to manage market or
interest rate risk, and the Funds do not use these transactions for speculation
or leverage. The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND,
may attempt to hedge all or a portion of their portfolios through the purchase
of both put and call options on their portfolio securities and listed put
options on financial futures contracts for portfolio securities. The Funds may
also write covered call options on their portfolio securities to attempt to
increase their current income. The Funds will maintain their positions in
securities, option rights, and segregated cash subject to puts and calls until
the options are exercised, closed, or have expired. An option position may be
closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for an option
of the same series. The Funds may purchase listed put options on financial
futures contracts. These options will be used only to protect portfolio
securities against decreases in value resulting from market factors such as an
anticipated increase in interest rates.


       The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, may
write (i.e., sell) covered call and put options. By writing a call option, a
Fund becomes obligated during the term of the option to deliver the securities
underlying the option upon payment of the exercise price. By writing a put
option, a Fund becomes obligated during the term of the option to purchase the
securities underlying the option at the exercise price if the option is
exercised. The Funds also may write straddles (combinations of covered puts and
calls on the same underlying security). The Funds may only write
"covered"options. This means that so long as a Fund is obligated as the writer
of a call option, it will own the underlying securities subject to the option
or, in the case of call options on U.S. Treasury bills, the Fund might own
substantially similar U.S. Treasury bills. A Fund will be considered
"covered"with respect to a put option it writes if, so long as it is obligated
as the writer of the put option, it deposits and maintains with its custodian in
a segregated account liquid assets having a value equal to or greater than the
exercise price of the option.


       The principal reason for writing call or put options is to obtain,
through a receipt of premiums, a greater current return than would be realized
on the underlying securities alone. The Funds receive a premium from writing a
call or put option which they retain whether or not the option is exercised. By
writing a call option, the Funds might lose the potential for gain on the
underlying security while the option is open, and by writing a put option the
Funds might become obligated to purchase the underlying securities for more than
their current market price upon exercise.


       A futures contract is a firm commitment by two parties: the seller, who
agrees to make delivery of the specific type of instrument called for in the
contract ("going short"), and the buyer, who agrees to take delivery of the
instrument ("going long") at a certain time in the future. Financial futures
contracts call for the delivery of particular debt instruments issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by specified agencies or instrumentalities of
the U.S. government. If a Fund would enter into financial futures contracts
directly to hedge its holdings of fixed income securities, it would enter into
contracts to deliver securities at an undetermined price (i.e., "go short") to
protect itself against the possibility that the prices of its fixed income
securities may decline during the Fund's anticipated holding period. A Fund
would "go long" (agree to purchase securities in the future at a predetermined
price) to hedge against a decline in market interest rates.


       The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, may also
enter into financial futures contracts and write options on such contracts. The
Funds intend to enter into such contracts and related options for hedging
purposes. The Funds will enter into futures on securities or index-based futures
contracts in order to hedge against changes in interest rates or securities
prices. A futures contract on securities is an agreement to buy or sell
securities during a designated month at whatever price exists at that time. A
futures contract on a securities index does not involve the actual delivery of
securities, but merely requires the payment of a cash settlement based on
changes in the securities index. The Funds do not make payment or deliver
securities upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, they put down a
margin deposit, which is adjusted to reflect changes in the value of the
contract and which remains in effect until the contract is terminated.


       The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, may sell
or purchase other financial futures contracts. When a futures contract is sold
by a Fund, the profit on the contract will tend to rise

                                       19                             
 
<PAGE>

when the value of the underlying securities declines and to fall when the value
of such securities increases. Thus, the Funds sell futures contracts in order to
offset a possible decline in the profit on their securities. If a futures
contract is purchased by a Fund, the value of the contract will tend to rise
when the value of the underlying securities increases and to fall when the value
of such securities declines. The Funds may enter into closing purchase and sale
transactions in order to terminate a futures contract and may buy or sell put
and call options for the purpose of closing out their options positions. The
Funds' ability to enter into closing transactions depends on the development and
maintenance of a liquid secondary market. There is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market will exist for any particular contract or at any particular
time. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Funds will be able to
enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular contract at a
particular time. If the Funds are not able to enter into an offsetting
transaction, the Funds will continue to be required to maintain the margin
deposits on the contract and to complete the contract according to its terms, in
which case it would continue to bear market risk on the transaction.


Risk Characteristics Of Options And Futures. Although options and futures
transactions are intended to enable the Funds to manage market or interest rate
risks, these investment devices can be highly volatile, and the Funds use of
them can result in poorer performance (i.e., the Funds return may be reduced).
The Funds attempt to use such investment devices for hedging purposes may not be
successful. Successful futures strategies require the ability to predict future
movements in securities prices, interest rates and other economic factors. When
the Funds use financial futures contracts and options on financial futures
contracts as hedging devices, there is a risk that the prices of the securities
subject to the financial futures contracts and options on financial futures
contracts may not correlate perfectly with the prices of the securities in the
Funds' portfolios. This may cause the financial futures contract and any related
options to react to market changes differently than the portfolio securities. In
addition, the Funds investment adviser could be incorrect in its expectations
and forecasts about the direction or extent of market factors, such as interest
rates, securities price movements, and other economic factors. Even if the Funds
investment adviser correctly predicts interest rate movements, a hedge could be
unsuccessful if changes in the value of a Fund's futures position did not
correspond to changes in the value of its investments. In these events, the
Funds may lose money on the financial futures contracts or the options on
financial futures contracts. It is not certain that a secondary market for
positions in financial futures contracts or for options on financial futures
contracts will exist at all times. Although the Funds investment adviser will
consider liquidity before entering into financial futures contracts or options
on financial futures contracts transactions, there is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular financial futures
contract or option on a financial futures contract at any particular time. The
Funds' ability to establish and close out financial futures contracts and
options on financial futures contract positions depends on this secondary
market. If a Fund is unable to close out its position due to disruptions in the
market or lack of liquidity, the Fund may lose money on the futures contract or
option, and the losses to the Fund could be significant.


       A Fund's right to exercise a put is unconditional and unqualified. A put
is not transferable by a Fund, although each Fund may sell the underlying
securities to a third party at any time. The Funds expect that puts will
generally be available without any additional direct or indirect cost. However,
if necessary and advisable, a Fund may pay for certain puts either separately in
cash or by paying a higher price for portfolio securities which are acquired
subject to such a put (thus reducing the yield to maturity otherwise available
to the same securities). Thus, the aggravate price paid for securities with put
rights may be higher than the price that would otherwise be paid.


       A Fund may enter into put transactions only with broker-dealers (in
accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission) and banks
which, in the opinion of the Funds' Adviser, present minimal credit risks. The
Funds' Adviser will monitor periodically the creditworthiness of issuers of such
obligations held by the Fund. A Funds' ability to exercise a put will depend on
the ability of the broker-dealer or bank to pay for the underlying securities at
the time the put is exercised. In the event that a broker-dealer should default
on its obligation to purchase an underlying security, a Fund might be unable to
recover all or a portion of any loss sustained from having to sell the security
elsewhere. The Funds intend to enter into put transactions solely to maintain
portfolio liquidity and does not intend to exercise its rights thereunder for
trading purposes.


SPECIAL RISK FACTORS RELATED TO INVESTING IN MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS


       It should be noted that municipal securities may be adversely affected by
local political and economic conditions and developments within a state. For
example, adverse conditions in a significant industry within New Jersey may from
time to time have a correspondingly adverse effect on specific issuers within
New Jersey or on

                                       20                               
 
<PAGE>

anticipated revenue to the State itself; conversely, an improving economic
outlook for a significant industry may have a positive effect on such issuers or
revenues.


       The value of municipal securities may also be affected by general
conditions in the money markets or the municipal bond markets, the levels of
federal and state income tax rates, the supply of tax-exempt bonds, the size of
the particular offering, the maturity of the obligation, the credit quality and
rating of the issue, and perceptions with respect to the level of interest
rates. In general, the value of bonds tends to appreciate when interest rates
decline and depreciate when interest rates rise. An expanded discussion of the
risks associated with the purchase of securities issued is contained in the
Statement of Additional Information.


                            MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS


INVESTMENT ADVISER


       The management of each Fund is supervised by the Trustees of the Trust
under which each Fund has been established ("Trustees"). The Capital Management
Group of First Union National Bank of North Carolina ("CMG") serves as
investment adviser to EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH
CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND AND EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. First Union National Bank of North Carolina ("FUNB") is a
subsidiary of First Union Corporation ("First Union"), the sixth largest bank
holding company in the United States. First Union is headquartered in Charlotte,
North Carolina, and had $96.7 billion in consolidated assets as of December 31,
1995. First Union and its subsidiaries provide a broad range of financial
services to individuals and businesses through offices in 36 states. CMG manages
or otherwise oversees the investment of over $36 billion in assets belonging to
a wide range of clients, including all the series of Evergreen Investment Trust
(formerly known as First Union Funds). First Union Brokerage Services, Inc., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of FUNB, is a registered broker-dealer that is
principally engaged in providing retail brokerage services consistent with its
federal banking authorizations. First Union Capital Markets Corp., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of First Union, is a registered broker-dealer
principally engaged in providing, consistent with its federal banking
authorizations, private placement, securities dealing, and underwriting
services.


       CMG manages investments and supervises the daily business affairs of
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN VIRGINIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND AND EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and,
as compensation therefor, is entitled to receive an annual fee equal to .50 of
1% of the average daily net assets of each Fund, other than EVERGREEN FLORIDA
HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, from which it is entitled to receive an annual
fee equal to .60 of 1% of average daily net assets and EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY
TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, from which it is entitled to receive an annual fee based
on the average daily net assets of the Fund calculated as follows: up to $500
million -- .50 of 1%; in excess of $500 million up to $1 million -- .45 of 1%;
in excess of $1 billion up to $ 1.5 billion -- .35 of 1%. The total annualized
operating expenses of EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH
CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND AND EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995 are set forth in
the section entitled "Financial Highlights". Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
("Evergreen Asset"), a subsidiary of FUNB, serves as administrator to each Fund
and is entitled to receive a fee based on the average daily net assets of each
Fund at a rate based on the total assets of the mutual funds administered by
Evergreen Asset for which CMG or Evergreen Asset also serve as investment
adviser, calculated in accordance with the following schedule: .050% of the
first $7 billion; .035% on the next $3 billion; .030% on the next $5 billion;
 .020% on the next $10 billion; .015% on the next $5 billion; and .010% on assets
in excess of $30 billion. Furman Selz Incorporated, an affiliate of Evergreen
Funds Distributor, Inc., distributor for the Evergreen group of mutual funds,
serves as sub-administrator for each Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from
each Fund calculated on the average daily net assets of each Fund at a rate
based on the total assets of the mutual funds administered by Evergreen Asset
for which CMG or Evergreen Asset also serve as investment adviser, calculated in
accordance with the following schedule: .0100% of the first $7 billion; .0075%
on the next $3 billion; .0050% on the next $15 billion; and .0040% on assets in
excess of $25 billion. The total assets of the mutual funds administered by
Evergreen Asset for which CMG or Evergreen Asset serve as investment

                                       21                                
 
<PAGE>

adviser were approximately $1 billion as of September 30, 1995. Prior to January
1, 1996, First Fidelity Bank, N.A. ("First Fidelity") served as investment
adviser to EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND. CMG succeeded to the
mutual funds advisory business of First Fidelity in connection with the
acquisition of First Fidelity by a subsidiary of First Union.


       Robert S. Drye is a Vice President of FUNB, and has been with FUNB since
1968. Since 1989, Mr. Drye has served as a portfolio manager for several of the
series of Evergreen Investment Trust and for certain common trust funds. Prior
to 1989, Mr. Drye was a marketing specialist with First Union Brokerage
Services, Inc. Mr. Drye has managed the EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND since its inception in 1994 and the EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
since its inception in 1993. Richard K. Marrone is a Vice President of FUNB. Mr.
Marrone joined FUNB in 1993 with eleven years experience managing fixed income
assets at Woodbridge Capital Management, a subsidiary of Comerica Bank, N.A. Mr.
Marrone is responsible for the portfolio management of several series of
Evergreen Investment Trust and certain common trust funds. Mr. Marrone has
served as portfolio manager of the EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
since 1993, the EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND since its
inception in 1995 and EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND since its inception
in 1993. Charles E. Jeanne joined FUNB in 1993. Prior to joining FUNB, Mr.
Jeanne served as a trader/portfolio manager for First American Bank where he was
responsible for individual accounts and common trust funds. Mr. Jeanne has been
the portfolio manager for the EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND since its
inception in 1993. Jocelyn Turner is a Municipal Bond Portfolio Manager for CMG
and has managed the EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND since 1992. Ms.
Turner was previously employed as a Vice President, Municipal Bond Portfolio
Manager at One Federal Asset Management, Boston, MA since 1987.


                       PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES


HOW TO BUY SHARES


       Eligible investors may purchase Fund shares at net asset value by mail or
wire as described below. The Funds impose no sales charges on Class Y shares.
Class Y shares are the only class of shares offered by this Prospectus and are
only available to (i) persons who at or prior to December 31, 1994 owned shares
in a mutual fund advised by Evergreen Asset, (ii) certain institutional
investors and (iii) investment advisory clients of CMG Evergreen Asset or their
affiliates. The minimum initial investment is $1,000, which may be waived in
certain situations. There is no minimum for subsequent investments. Investors
may make subsequent investments by establishing a Systematic Investment Plan or
a Telephone Investment Plan.


Purchases by Mail or Wire. Each investor must complete the Share Purchase
Application and mail it, together with a check made payable to the Fund whose
shares are being purchased, to State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State
Street") at P.O. Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9827. Checks not drawn on
U.S. banks will be subject to foreign collection which will delay an investor's
investment date and will be subject to processing fees.


       When making subsequent investments, an investor should either enclose the
return remittance portion of the statement, or indicate on the face of the
check, the name of the Fund in which an investment is to be made, the exact
title of the account, the address, and the Fund account number. Purchase
requests should not be sent to a Fund in New York. If they are, the Fund must
forward them to State Street, and the request will not be effective until State
Street receives them.


       Initial investments may also be made by wire by (i) calling State Street
at 800-423-2615 for an account number and (ii) instructing your bank, which may
charge a fee, to wire federal funds to State Street, as follows: State Street
Bank and Trust Company, ABA No.0110-0002-8, Attn: Custodian and Shareholder
Services. The wire must include references to the Fund in which an investment is
being made, account registration, and the account number. A completed
Application must also be sent to State Street indicating that the shares have
been purchased by wire, giving the date the wire was sent and referencing the
account number. Subsequent wire investments may be made by existing shareholders
by following the instructions outlined above. It is not necessary, however, for
existing shareholders to call for another account number.


How the Funds Value Their Shares. The net asset value of each Class of shares of
a Fund is calculated by dividing the value of the amount of the Fund's net
assets attributable to that Class by the outstanding shares of that Class.
Shares are valued each day the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open
as of the close of regular trading (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). The
Exchange is closed on New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good

                                       22                            
 
<PAGE>

Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and
Christmas Day. The securities in a Fund are valued at their current market value
determined on the basis of market quotations or, if such quotations are not
readily available, such other methods as the Trustees believe would accurately
reflect fair market value.


Additional Purchase Information. As a condition of this offering, if a purchase
is canceled due to nonpayment or because an investor's check does not clear, the
investor will be responsible for any loss a Fund or the Fund's investment
adviser incurs. If such investor is an existing shareholder, a Fund may redeem
shares from an investor's account to reimburse the Fund or the Fund's investment
adviser for any loss. In addition, such investors may be prohibited or
restricted from making further purchases in any of the Evergreen mutual funds.


       A Fund cannot accept investments specifying a certain price or date and
reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order, including orders in
connection with exchanges from the other Evergreen mutual funds. Although not
currently anticipated, each Fund reserves the right to suspend the offer of
shares for a period of time.


       Shares of each Fund are sold at the net asset value per share next
determined after a shareholder's order is received. Investments by federal funds
wire or by check will be effective upon receipt by State Street. Qualified
institutions may telephone orders for the purchase of Fund shares. Investors may
also purchase shares through a broker/dealer, which may charge a fee for the
service.


HOW TO REDEEM SHARES


       You may "redeem", i.e., sell your shares in a Fund to the Fund on any day
the Exchange is open, either directly or through your financial intermediary.
The price you will receive is the net asset value next calculated after the Fund
receives your request in proper form. Proceeds generally will be sent to you
within seven days. However, for shares recently purchased by check, a Fund will
not send proceeds until it is reasonably satisfied that the check has been
collected (which may take up to ten days). Once a redemption request has been
telephoned or mailed, it is irrevocable and may not be modified or canceled.
Redeeming Shares Directly by Mail or Telephone. Send a signed letter of
instruction or stock power form to State Street which is the registrar, transfer
agent and dividend-disbursing agent for each Fund. Stock power forms are
available from your financial intermediary, State Street, and many commercial
banks. Additional documentation is required for the sale of shares by
corporations, financial intermediaries, fiduciaries and surviving joint owners.
Signature guarantees are required for all redemption requests for shares with a
value of more than $10,000 or where the redemption proceeds are to be mailed to
an address other than that shown in the account registration. A signature
guarantee must be provided by a bank or trust company (not a Notary Public), a
member firm of a domestic stock exchange or by other financial institutions
whose guarantees are acceptable to State Street.


       Shareholders may withdraw amounts of $1,000 or more from their accounts
by calling State Street (800-423-2615) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:30
p.m. (Eastern time) each business day (i.e., any weekday exclusive of days on
which the Exchange or State Street's offices are closed). The Exchange is closed
on New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Redemption requests made after
4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will be processed using the net asset value determined
on the next business day. Such redemption requests must include the
shareholder's account name, as registered with a Fund, and the account number.
During periods of drastic economic or market changes, shareholders may
experience difficulty in effecting telephone redemptions. Shareholders who are
unable to reach a Fund or State Street by telephone should follow the procedures
outlined above for redemption by mail.


       The telephone redemption service is not made available to shareholders
automatically. Shareholders wishing to use the telephone redemption service must
indicate this on the Share Purchase Application and choose how the redemption
proceeds are to be paid. Redemption proceeds will either (i) be mailed by check
to the shareholder at the address in which the account is registered or (ii) be
wired to an account with the same registration as the shareholder's account in a
Fund at a designated commercial bank. State Street currently deducts a $5 wire
charge from all redemption proceeds wired. This charge is subject to change
without notice. A shareholder who decides later to use this service, or to
change instructions already given, should fill out a Shareholder Services Form
and send it to State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 9021, Boston,
Massachusetts 02205-9827, with such shareholder's signature guaranteed by a bank
or trust company (not a Notary Public), a member firm of a domestic stock
exchange or by other financial institutions whose guarantees are acceptable to
State Street. Shareholders should allow approximately ten days for such form to
be processed. The Funds will employ reasonable procedures to verify that
telephone requests are genuine. These procedures include requiring some form of
personal identification prior to acting upon instructions and tape recording of
conversations. If a Fund fails to follow such procedures, it may be liable for
any losses due to unauthorized or

                                       23                             
 
<PAGE>

fraudulent instructions. The Funds shall not be liable for following telephone
instructions reasonably believed to be genuine. Also, the Funds reserve the
right to refuse a telephone redemption request, if it is believed advisable to
do so. Financial intermediaries may charge a fee for handling telephonic
requests. The telephone redemption option may be suspended or terminated at any
time without notice.


General. The sale of shares is a taxable transaction for Federal tax purposes.
Under unusual circumstances, a Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment
for up to seven days or longer, as permitted by Federal securities law. The
Funds reserve the right to close an account that through redemption has remained
below $1,000 for thirty days. Shareholders will receive sixty days' written
notice to increase the account value before the account is closed. The Funds
have elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act of
1940 pursuant to which each Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash,
up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of a Fund's total net assets during any
ninety day period for any one shareholder. See the Statement of Additional
Information for further details.


EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE


How To Exchange Shares. You may exchange some or all of your shares for shares
of the same Class in the other Evergreen mutual funds by telephone or mail as
described below. An exchange which represents an initial investment in another
Evergreen mutual fund must amount to at least $1,000. Once an exchange request
has been telephoned or mailed, it is irrevocable and may not be modified or
canceled. Exchanges will be made on the basis of the relative net asset values
of the shares exchanged next determined after an exchange request is received.
Exchanges are subject to minimum investment and suitability requirements.


       Each of the Evergreen mutual funds has different investment objectives
and policies. For complete information, a prospectus of the fund into which an
exchange will be made should be read prior to the exchange. An exchange is
treated for Federal income tax purposes as a redemption and purchase of shares
and may result in the realization of a capital gain or loss. Each Fund imposes a
fee of $5 per exchange on shareholders who exchange in excess of four times per
calendar year. This exchange privilege may be modified or discontinued at any
time by the Fund upon sixty days' notice to shareholders and is only available
in states in which shares of the fund being acquired may lawfully be sold.
Exchanges by Telephone and Mail. You may exchange shares with a value of $1,000
or more by telephone by calling State Street (800-423-2615). Exchange requests
made after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will be processed using the net asset value
determined on the next business day. During periods of drastic economic or
market changes, shareholders may experience difficulty in effecting telephone
exchanges. You should follow the procedures outlined below for exchanges by mail
if you are unable to reach State Street by telephone. If you wish to use the
telephone exchange service you should indicate this on the Share Purchase
Application. As noted above, each Fund will employ reasonable procedures to
confirm that instructions for the redemption or exchange of shares communicated
by telephone are genuine. A telephone exchange may be refused by a Fund or State
Street if it is believed advisable to do so. Procedures for exchanging Fund
shares by telephone may be modified or terminated at any time. Written requests
for exchanges should follow the same procedures outlined for written redemption
requests in the section entitled "How to Redeem Shares", however, no signature
guarantee is required.


SHAREHOLDER SERVICES


       The Funds offer the following shareholder services. For more information
about these services or your account, contact your financial intermediary,
Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc. ("EFD"), the distributor of the Funds, or the
toll-free number on the front page of this Prospectus. Some services are
described in more detail in the Share Purchase Application. Systematic
Investment Plan. You may make monthly or quarterly investments into an existing
account automatically in amounts of not less than $25.


Telephone Investment Plan. You may make investments into an existing account
electronically in amounts of not less than $100 or more than $10,000 per
investment. Telephone investment requests received by 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
will be credited to a shareholder's account the day the request is received.


Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan. When an account of $10,000 or more is opened or
when an existing account reaches that size, you may participate in the Funds'
Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan by filling out the appropriate part of the Share
Purchase Application. Under this plan, you may receive (or designate a third
party to receive) a monthly or quarterly check in a stated amount of not less
than $100. Fund shares will be redeemed as necessary to meet withdrawal
payments. All participants must elect to have their dividends and capital gain
distributions reinvested automatically.

                                       24                            
 
<PAGE>

Automatic Reinvestment Plan. For the convenience of investors, all dividends and
distributions are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of a
Fund at the net asset value per share on the last business day of each month,
unless otherwise requested by a shareholder in writing. If the transfer agent
does not receive a written request for subsequent dividends and/or distributions
to be paid in cash at least three full business days prior to a given record
date, the dividends and/or distributions to be paid to a shareholder will be
reinvested. If you elect to receive dividends and distributions in cash and the
U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the checks, or if the checks remain uncashed
for six months, the checks will be reinvested into your account at the then
current net asset value.


EFFECT OF BANKING LAWS


       The Glass-Steagall Act and other banking laws and regulations presently
prohibit member banks of the Federal Reserve System ("Member Banks") or their
non-bank affiliates from sponsoring, organizing, controlling, or distributing
the shares of registered open-end investment companies such as the Funds. Such
laws and regulations also prohibit banks from issuing, underwriting or
distributing securities in general. However, under the Glass-Steagall Act and
such other laws and regulations, a Member Bank or an affiliate thereof may act
as investment adviser, transfer agent or custodian to a registered open-end
investment company and may also act as agent in connection with the purchase of
shares of such an investment company upon the order of its customer. Evergreen
Asset, since it is a subsidiary of FUNB, and CMG are subject to and in
compliance with the aforementioned laws and regulations.


       Changes to applicable laws and regulations or future judicial or
administrative decisions could result in CMG being prevented from continuing to
perform the services required under the investment advisory contract or from
acting as agent in connection with the purchase of shares of a Fund by its
customers. If CMG were prevented from continuing to provide the services called
for under the investment advisory agreement, it is expected that the Trustees
would identify, and call upon each Fund's shareholders to approve, a new
investment adviser. If this were to occur, it is not anticipated that the
shareholders of any Fund would suffer any adverse financial consequences.


                               OTHER INFORMATION


DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES


       Income dividends are declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions of
any net realized gains of a Fund will be made at least annually. Shareholders
will begin to earn dividends on the first business day after shares are
purchased unless shares were not paid for, in which case dividends are not
earned until the next business day after payment is received. Each Fund has
qualified and intends to continue to qualify to be treated as a regulated
investment company under the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). While so
qualified, so long as each Fund distributes all of its investment company
taxable income and any net realized gains to shareholders, it is expected that
the Funds will not be required to pay any Federal income taxes. A 4%
nondeductible excise tax will be imposed on a Fund if it does not meet certain
distribution requirements by the end of each calendar year. Each Fund
anticipates meeting such distribution requirements.


       The Funds will designate and pay exempt-interest dividends derived from
interest earned on qualifying tax-exempt obligations. Such exempt-interest
dividends may be excluded by shareholders of a Fund from their gross income for
Federal income tax purposes, however (1) all or a portion of such
exempt-interest dividends may be a specific preference item for purposes of the
Federal individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes to the extent that
they are derived from certain types of private activity bonds issued after
August 7, 1986, and (2) all exempt-interest dividends will be a component of the
"adjusted current earnings" for purposes of the Federal corporate alternative
minimum tax.


       Dividends paid from taxable income, if any, and distributions of any net
realized short-term capital gains (whether from tax exempt or taxable
obligations) are taxable as ordinary income and long-term capital gain
distributions are taxable as long-term capital gains, even though received in
additional shares of the Fund, and regardless of the investors holding period
relating to the shares with respect to which such gains are distributed. Market
discount recognized on taxable and tax-exempt bonds is taxable as ordinary
income, not as excludable income. Under current law, the highest Federal income
tax rate applicable to net long-term gains realized by individuals is 28%. The
rate applicable to corporations is 35%.

                                       25                            
 
<PAGE>

       Since each Fund's gross income is ordinarily expected to be tax exempt
interest income, it is not expected that the 70% dividends-received deduction
for corporations will be applicable. Specific questions should be addressed to
the investor's own tax adviser.


       Each Fund is required by Federal law to withhold 31% of reportable
payments (which may include dividends, capital gains distributions (if any) and
redemptions) paid to certain shareholders. In order to avoid this backup
withholding requirement, each investor must certify on the Share Purchase
Application, or on a separate form supplied by State Street, that the investor's
social security or taxpayer identification number is correct and that the
investor is not currently subject to backup withholding or is exempt from backup
withholding.


       EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND AND EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Florida does not currently impose tax on individuals. Thus,
individual shareholders of the Funds will not be subject to any Florida state
income tax on distributions received from the Funds. However, certain
distributions will be taxable to corporate shareholders which are subject to
Florida corporate income tax. Florida currently imposes an intangible tax at the
annual rate of 0.20% on certain securities and other intangible assets owned by
Florida residents. Certain types of tax exempt securities of Florida issuers,
U.S. government securities and tax exempt securities issued by certain U.S.
territories and possessions are exempt from this intangible tax. Shares of the
Funds will also be exempt from the Florida intangible tax if the portfolio
consists exclusively of securities which are not so exempt on the last business
day of the calendar year, however, only the portion of the shares of the Funds
which relate to securities issued by the United States and its possessions and
territories will be exempt from the Florida intangible tax, and the remaining
portion of such shares will be fully subject to the intangible tax, even if they
partly relate to Florida tax exempt securities.


       EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Under existing Georgia law,
shareholders of the Fund will not be subject to individual or corporate Georgia
income taxes on distributions from the Fund to the extent that such
distributions represent exempt-interest dividends for federal income tax
purposes that are attributable to (1) interest-bearing obligations issued by or
on behalf of the State of Georgia or its political subdivisions, or (2) interest
on obligations of the United States or of any other issuer whose obligations are
exempt from state income taxes under federal tax. Distributions, if any, derived
from capital gains or other sources generally will be taxable for Georgia income
tax purposes to shareholders of the Fund who are subject to the Georgia income
tax. For purposes of the Georgia intangible tax, shares of the Fund likely are
taxable (at the rate of 10 cents per $1,000 in value of the shares held on
January 1 of each year) to shareholders who are otherwise subject to such tax.


       EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND. In any year in which the Fund
satisfies the requirements for treatment as a "qualified investment fund" under
New Jersey law, distribution from the Fund will be exempt from the New Jersey
Gross Income Tax to the extent such distributions are attributable to interest
or gains from (i) obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of New Jersey
or any country, municipality, school or other district, agency, authority,
commission, instrumentality, public corporation, body corporate and politic or
political subdivision of New Jersey or (ii) obligations that are otherwise
statutorily exempt from state or local taxation or under the laws of the United
States. Any gains realized on the sale or redemption of shares held in a
qualified investment fund are also exempt from the New Jersey Gross Income Tax.


       EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Under existing North
Carolina law, shareholders of the Fund will not be subject to individual or
corporate North Carolina income taxes on distributions from the Fund to the
extend that such distributions represent exempt-interest dividends for federal
income tax purposes that are attributable to (1) interest on obligations issued
by North Carolina and political subdivisions thereof or (2) interest on
obligations of the United States or its territories or possessions.
Distributions, if any, derived from capital gains or other sources generally
will be taxable for North Carolina income tax purposes to shareholders of the
Fund who are subject to the North Carolina income tax.


       EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Under existing South
Carolina law, shareholders of the Fund will not be subject to individual or
corporate South Carolina income taxes on Fund distributions to the extent that
such distributions represent exempt-interest dividends for federal income tax
purposes that are attributable to (1) interest on obligations of the State of
South Carolina, or any of its political subdivisions, (2) interest on
obligations of the United States, or (3) interest on obligations of any agency
or instrumentality of the United States that is prohibited by federal law from
being taxed by a state or any political subdivision of a state. Distributions,
if any, derived from capital gains or other sources, generally will be taxable
for South Carolina income tax purposes to shareholders of the Fund who are
subject to South Carolina income tax.

                                       26                           
 
<PAGE>

       EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Under existing Virginia law,
shareholders of the Fund will not be subject to individual or corporate Virginia
income taxes on distributions received from the Fund to the extent that such
distributions represent exempt-interest dividends for federal income tax
purposes that are attributable to interest earned on (1) obligations issued by a
territory or possession of the United States or any subdivision thereof which
federal law exempts from state income taxes. Distributions, if any, derived from
capital gains or other sources generally will be taxable for Virginia income tax
purposes to shareholders of the Fund who are subject to Virginia income tax.


       Statements describing the tax status of shareholders' dividends and
distributions will be mailed annually by the Funds. These statements will set
forth the amount of income exempt from federal and if applicable, state
taxation, and the amount, if any, subject to federal and state taxation.
Moreover, to the extent necessary, these statements will indicate the amount of
exempt-interest dividends which are a specific preference item for purposes of
the federal individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes. The exemption of
interest income for federal income tax purposes does not necessarily result in
exemption under the income or other tax law of any state or local taxing
authority. Investors should consult their own tax advisers about the status of
distributions from the Funds in their states and localities. Each Fund notifies
shareholders annually as to the interest exempt from federal taxes earned by the
Fund.


       A shareholder who acquires Class A shares of a Fund and sells or
otherwise disposes of such shares within ninety days of acquisition may not be
allowed to include certain sales charges incurred in acquiring such shares for
purposes of calculating gain and loss realized upon a sale or exchange of shares
of the Fund.


                               OTHER INFORMATION


GENERAL INFORMATION


Portfolio Transactions. Consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and subject to seeking best
price and execution, a Fund may consider sales of its shares as a factor in the
selection of dealers to enter into portfolio transactions with the Fund.


Organization. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND is a separate
investment series of The Evergreen Municipal Trust, a Massachusetts business
trust organized in 1988. EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND is a separate
investment series of The Evergreen Tax Free Trust (formerly FFB Funds Trust), a
Massachusetts business trust organized in 1985. EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND AND EVERGREEN VIRGINIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND are each separate investment series of Evergreen Investment
Trust (formerly First Union Funds), a Massachusetts business trust organized in
1984. The Funds do not intend to hold annual shareholder meetings; shareholder
meetings will be held only when required by applicable law. Shareholders have
available certain procedures for the removal of Trustees.


       A shareholder in each class of a Fund will be entitled to his or her
share of all dividends and distributions from a Fund's assets, based upon the
relative value of such shares to those of other Classes of the Fund, and, upon
redeeming shares, will receive the then current net asset value of the Class of
shares of the Fund represented by the redeemed shares less any applicable CDSC.
Each Trust named above is empowered to establish, without shareholder approval,
additional investment series, which may have different investment objectives,
and additional classes of shares for any existing or future series. If an
additional series or class were established in a Fund, each share of the series
or class would normally be entitled to one vote for all purposes. Generally,
shares of each series and class would vote together as a single class on
matters, such as the election of Trustees, that affect each series and class in
substantially the same manner. Class A, B and Y shares have identical voting,
dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that each class bears, to the
extent applicable, its own distribution, shareholder service and transfer agency
expenses as well as any other expenses applicable only to a specific class. Each
class of shares votes separately with respect to Rule 12b-1 distribution plans
and other matters for which separate class voting is appropriate under
applicable law. Shares are entitled to dividends as determined by the Trustees
and, in liquidation of a Fund, are entitled to receive the net assets of the
Fund.


Custodian, Registrar, Transfer Agent and Dividend-Disbursing Agent. State Street
Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9827 acts as
each Fund's registrar, transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent for a fee
based upon the number of shareholder accounts maintained for the Funds. The
transfer

                                       27                             
 
<PAGE>

agency fee with respect to the Class B shares will be higher than the transfer
agency fee with respect to the Class A shares.


Principal Underwriter. EFD, an affiliate of Furman Seiz LLC, located 230 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10169, is the principal underwriter of the Funds.
Furman Selz LLC also acts as sub-administrator to the Funds.


Other Classes of Shares. Each Fund currently offers three classes of shares,
Class A, Class B and Class Y, and may in the future offer additional classes.
Class Y shares are the only class of shares offered by this Prospectus and are
only available to (i) persons who at or prior to December 31, 1994, owned shares
in a mutual fund advised by Evergreen Asset, (ii) certain institutional
investors and (iii) investment advisory clients of CMG, Evergreen Asset or their
affiliates. The dividends payable with respect to Class A and Class B shares
will be less than those payable with respect to Class Y shares due to the
distribution and distribution related expenses borne by Class A and Class B
shares and the fact that such expenses are not borne by Class Y shares.


Performance Information. A Fund's performance may be quoted in advertising in
terms of yield or total return. Both types of performance are based on
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") formulas and are not intended to
indicate future performance.


       Yield is a way of showing the rate of income a Fund earns on its
investments as a percentage of the Fund's share price. A Fund's yield is
calculated according to accounting methods that are standardized by the SEC for
all stock and bond funds. Because yield accounting methods differ from the
method used for other accounting purposes, a Fund's yield may not equal its
distribution rate, the income paid to your account or the income reported in a
Fund's financial statements. To calculate yield, a Fund takes the interest
income it earned from its portfolio of investments (as defined by the SEC
formula) for a 30-day period (net of expenses), divides it by the average number
of shares entitled to receive dividends, and expresses the result as an
annualized percentage rate based on a Fund's share price at the end of the
30-day period. This yield does not reflect gains or losses from selling
securities.


       Total returns are based on the overall dollar or percentage change in the
value of a hypothetical investment in a Fund. A Fund's total return shows its
overall change in value including changes in share prices and assumes all a
Fund's distributions are reinvested. A cumulative total return reflects a Fund's
performance over a stated period of time. An average annual total return
reflects the hypothetical annually compounded return that would have produced
the same cumulative total return if a Fund's performance had been constant over
the entire period. Because average annual total returns tend to smooth out
variations in a Fund's return, you should recognize that they are not the same
as actual year-by-year results. To illustrate the components of overall
performance, a Fund may separate its cumulative and average annual total returns
into income results and realized and unrealized gain or loss.


       A Fund may also quote tax-equivalent yields, which show the taxable
yields an investor would have to earn before taxes to equal the Fund's tax-free
yields. A tax-equivalent yield is calculated by dividing a Fund's tax-exempt
yield by the result of one minus a stated federal tax rate. If only a portion of
a Fund's income was tax-exempt, only that portion is adjusted in the
calculation.


       Comparative performance information may also be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing a Fund's shares, including data from Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc., Morningstar and other industry publications. The Fund may also
advertise in items of sales literature an "actual distribution rate" which is
computed by dividing the total ordinary income distributed (which may include
the excess of short-term capital gains over losses) to shareholders for the
latest twelve month period by the maximum public offering price per share on the
last day of the period. Investors should be aware that past performance may not
be reflective of future results.


Liability Under Massachusetts Law. Under Massachusetts law, trustees and
shareholders of a business trust may, in certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for its obligations. The Declarations of Trust under which
each Fund operates provide that no Trustee or shareholder will be personally
liable for the obligations of the Trust and that every written contract made by
the Trust contain a provision to that effect. If any Trustee or shareholder were
required to pay any liability of the Trust, that person would be entitled to
reimbursement from the general assets of the Trust.


Additional Information. This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional
Information, which have been incorporated by reference herein, do not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statements filed by the Trusts
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended. Copies of the Registration Statements may be obtained at a
reasonable charge from the SEC or may be examined, without charge, at the
offices of the SEC in Washington, D.C.

                                       28                              
 
<PAGE>

                   APPENDIX A -- FLORIDA RISK CONSIDERATIONS


       The following is a summary of economic factors which may affect the
ability of the municipal issuers of Florida obligations to repay general
obligation and revenue bonds. Such information is derived from sources that are
generally available to investors and is believed by the Funds to be accurate,
but has not been independently verified and may not be complete. Under current
law, the State of Florida is required to maintain a balanced budget such that
current expenses are met from current revenues. Florida does not currently
impose a tax on personal income but does impose taxes on corporate income
derived from activities within the state. In addition, Florida imposes an ad
valorem tax as well as sales and use taxes. These taxes are the principal
sources of funds to meet state expenses, including repayment of, and interest
on, obligations backed solely by the full faith and credit of the state, without
recourse to any specific project or related revenue source.


       On November 3, 1992, Florida voters approved an amendment to the state
constitution which limits the annual growth in the assessed valuation of
residential property and which, over time, could constrain the growth in
property taxes, a major revenue source for local governments. The amendment
restricts annual increases in assessed valuation to the lesser of 3% or the
Consumer Price Index. The amendment applies only to residential properties
eligible for the homestead exemption and does not affect the valuation of
rental, commercial, or industrial properties. When sold, residential property
would be reassessed at market value. The amendment became effective January 1,
1993. While no immediate ratings implications are expected, the amendment could
have a negative impact on the financial performance of local governments over
time and lead to ratings revisions which may have a negative impact on the
prices of affected bonds.


       Many of the bonds in which the Funds invest were issued by various units
of local government in the State of Florida. In addition, most of these bonds
are revenue bonds where the security interest of the bond holders typically is
limited to the pledge of revenues or special assessments flowing from the
project financed by the bonds. Projects include, but are not limited to, water
and waste water utilities, drainage systems, roadways, and other
development-related infrastructures. Therefore, the capacity of these issuers to
repay their obligations may be affected by variations in the Florida economy.


       Since 1970, Florida has been one of the fastest growing states in the
nation. Average annual population growth over the last 20 years was 320,000.
During this period only California and Texas grew more rapidly. In terms of
total population, Florida moved from the ninth most populous state in 1970 to
fourth today.


       This rapid and sustained pace of population growth has given rise to
sharp increases in construction activity and to the need for roads, drainage
systems, and utilities to serve the burgeoning population. In turn this has
driven the growth in the volume of revenue bond debt outstanding.


       The pace of growth, however, has not been steady. During economic
expansions, Florida's population growth has exceeded 500,000 people per year,
but in recessions growth has slowed to 120,000 per year. The variations in
construction activity over the course of business cycles is also very large.
Although the amplitude of the swings during business cycles is large, the
duration of downturns in Florida's growth has been short. Historically,
depressed levels of growth have lasted only a year or two at most. Furthermore,
Florida's cycles have not been periods of growth or decline. Instead, what has
occurred are periods of more growth or less growth.


       Florida's ability to meet increasing expenses will be dependent in part
upon the state's ability to foster business and economic growth. During the past
decade, Florida has experienced significant increases in the technology-based
and other light industries and in the service sector. This growth has
diversified the state's overall economy, which at one time was dominated by the
citrus and tourism industries. The state's economic and business growth could be
restricted, however, by the natural limitations of environmental resources and
the state's ability to finance adequate public facilities such as roads and
schools.

                                       29                            
 
<PAGE>
  INVESTMENT ADVISER
  Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of North Carolina, 201
  South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288

  CUSTODIAN & TRANSFER AGENT
  State Street Bank and Trust Company, Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts
  02205-9827


  LEGAL COUNSEL
  Sullivan & Worcester LLP, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
  20036


  INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
  KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, 345 Third Avenue, New York, New York

      EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND
      FUND, EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA
      MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
      EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

  Price Waterhouse LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036
      EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

  DISTRIBUTOR
  Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc., 230 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10169


                                                                     536126rev02

 







*******************************************************************************

                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                 January 22, 1996

                           THE EVERGREEN MONEY MARKET FUNDS

                   2500 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, New York 10577

                                    800-807-2940

The Evergreen Money Market Fund ("Money Market")
Evergreen Tax Exempt Money Market Fund ("Tax Exempt")
Evergreen Pennsylvania Tax Free Money Market Fund (formerly FFB Pennsylvania Tax
     Free Money Market Fund)("Pennsylvania")
Evergreen Treasury Money Market Fund (formerly First Union Treasury Money
      Market Portfolio)("Treasury")


This  Statement of Additional  Information  pertains to all classes of shares of
the Funds listed below. It is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction
with the Prospectus  dated January 22, 1995 for the Fund in which you are making
or  contemplating  an investment.  The Evergreen  Money Market Funds are offered
through two separate  prospectuses:  one offering  Class A and Class B shares of
Money  Market  and Class A shares of Tax  Exempt  and  Treasury  and a  separate
prospectus  offering Class Y shares of each Fund.  Copies of each Prospectus may
be obtained without charge by calling the number listed above.


                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS



Investment Objectives and Policies................................
Investment Restrictions...........................................
Certain Risk Considerations.......................................
Management........................................................
Investment Adviser................................................
Distribution Plans................................................
Allocation of Brokerage...........................................
Additional Tax Information........................................
Net Asset Value...................................................
Purchase of Shares................................................
Performance Information...........................................
Financial Statements..............................................

Appendix A - Description of Bond Municipal Note And Commercial Paper Ratings
Appendix B - Special Considerations Relating to Investment In Pennsylvania 
               Municipal Issuers

                                                                 1

<PAGE>



                       INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
(See also "Description of the Funds - Investment Objective and Policies" in each
                               Fund's Prospectus)

  The  investment  objective of each Fund and a description of the securities in
which  each  Fund may  invest  is set  forth  under  "Description  of the  Funds
Investment  Objective  and Policies" in the relevant  Prospectus.  The following
expands upon the discussion in the Prospectus  regarding certain  investments of
each Fund.

Evergreen Pennsylvania Tax-Free Money Market Fund

     To attain its objectives,  Pennsylvania  invest s primarily in high quality
Municipal  Obligations  which have remaining  maturities not exceeding  thirteen
months.  The Fund maintains a dollar-weighted  average portfolio  maturity of 90
days or less. For  information  concerning  the investment  quality of Municipal
Obligations  that may be purchased by the Fund,  see  "Investment  Objective and
Policies" in the Prospectus.  The tax-exempt status of a Municipal Obligation is
determined  by the  issuer's  bond  counsel at the time of the  issuance  of the
security. 

     For the purpose of certain requirements under the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the  "1940  Act")  and  various  of the  Fund's  investment  restrictions,
identification of the "issuer" of a municipal  security depends on the terms and
conditions  of the  security.  When  the  assets  and  revenues  of a  political
subdivision  are  separate  from  those  of the  government  which  created  the
subdivision  and the  security is backed only by the assets and  revenues of the
subdivision,  the subdivision would be deemed to be the sole issuer.  Similarly,
in the case of an  industrial  development  bond, if that bond is backed only by
the assets and revenues of the non-governmental  user, then the non-governmental
user would be deemed to be the sole issuer.  If,  however,  in either case,  the
creating government or some other entity guarantees the security,  the guarantee
would be considered a separate  security and would be treated as an issue of the
government or other agency.

     Municipal  bonds may be categorized  as "general  obliga tion" or "revenue"
bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its faith,
credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Revenue bonds
are secured by the net revenue  derived from a  particular  facility or group of
facilities or, in some cases, the proceeds of a special excise or other specific
revenue  source,  but not by the general  taxing power.  Industrial  development
bonds are, in most cases, revenue bonds and do not generally carry the pledge of
the credit of the issuing municipality or public authority.

     Municipal  Notes.  Municipal  notes  include,  but are not  limited to, tax
anticipation notes (TANs), bond anticipation notes (BANs),  revenue anticipation
notes (RANs),  construc tion loan notes and project notes. Notes sold as interim
financing in  anticipation  of  collection  of taxes,  a bond sale or receipt of
other revenue are usually general obliga tions of the issuer.  Project notes are
issued by local housing  authorities to finance urban renewal and public housing
projects and are secured by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

     Municipal Commercial Paper. Municipal commercial paper is issued to finance
seasonal  working  capital needs or as short-term  financing in  anticipation of
longer-term  debt.  It is paid  from  the  general  revenues  of the  issuer  or
refinanced with additional issuances of commercial paper or long-term debt.

     Municipal Leases.  Municipal leases,  which may take the form of a lease or
an installment  purchase or conditional  sale contract,  are issued by state and
local  governments  and  authorities  to acquire a wide variety of equipment and
facilities such as fire and sanitation  vehicles,  telecommunications  equipment
and other capital  assets.  Municipal  leases  frequently have special risks not
normally  associated  with  general  obligation  or  revenue  bonds.  Leases and
installment  purchases or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for
title to the leased  asset to pass  eventually  to the  government  issuer) have
evolved as a means for  governmental  issuers to acquire  property and equipment
without meeting the constitutional  and statutory  requirements for the issuance
of debt. The debt-issuance  limitations of many state constitutions and statutes
are  deemed  to be  inapplicable  because  of the  inclusion  in many  leases or
contracts of  "non-appropriation"  clauses  that  provide that the  governmental
issuer has no  obligation  to make future  payments  under the lease or contract
unless money is  appropriated  for such purpose by the  appropriate  legislative
body on a yearly or other periodic basis. These types of municipal leases may be
considered  illiquid and subject to the 10% limitation of investment in illiquid
securities set forth under "Investment Restrictions" contained herein. The Board
of Trustees may adopt  guidelines and delegate to the Adviser the daily function
of determining and monitoring the liquidity of municipal  leases. In making such
determination,  the Board and the  Adviser  may  consider  such  factors  as the
frequency  of trades  for the  obligations,  the  number of  dealers  willing to
purchase or sell the obligations  and the number of other  potential  buyers and
the nature of the marketplace for the obligations,  including the time needed to
dispose of the  obligations  and the method of soliciting  offers.  If the Board
determines that any municipal  leases are illiquid,  such leases will be subject
to the 10% limitation on investments in illiquid securities.

     For purposes of  diversification  under the Act, the  identification of the
issuer of  Municipal  Obligations  depends  on the terms and  conditions  of the
obligation. If the assets and revenues of an agency, authority,  instrumentality
or other  political  subdivision  are  separate  from  those  of the  government
creating the  subdivision  and the  obligation  is backed only by the assets and
revenues  of the  subdivision,  such  subdivision  would be regarded as the sole
issuer. Similarly, in the case of an industrial development bond, if the bond is
backed  only by the  assets  and  revenues  of the  non-governmental  user,  the
non-govern  mental user would be deemed to be the sole issuer. If in either case
the  creating  government  or  another  entity  guarantees  an  obligation,  the
guarantee would be considered a separate  security and be treated as an issue of
such government or entity.

     As described in the Prospectu,  the Funds may, under limited circumstances,
elect to invest in certain  taxable securi ties and repurchase  agreements  with
respect to those  securities.  The Funds will enter into  repurchase  agreements
only with broker-dealers,  domestic banks or recognized  financial  institutions
which,  in the opinion of the Funds'  Adviser,  present minimal credit risks. In
the event of default by the seller under a repurchase agreement, a Fund may have
problems in exercising  its rights to the  underlying  securities  and may incur
costs and  experience  time delays in connection  with the  disposition  of such
securities. The Funds' Adviser will monitor the value of the underlying security
at the time the  transaction is entered into and at all times during the term of
the repurchase  agreement to ensure that the value of the security always equals
or exceeds  the agreed  upon  repurchase  price.  Repurchase  agreements  may be
considered  to  be  loans  under  the  Act,  collateralized  by  the  underlying
securities.

                  The Fund may engage in the following investment activities:

                  Securities with Put Rights (or "stand-by  commitments").  When
         the Fund purchases  Municipal  Obligations it may obtain the right to
         resell them, or "put" them, to the seller (a  broker-dealer or bank) at
         an agreed upon price within a specific  period prior to their  maturity
         date. The Fund does not limit the percentage of its assets that may be 
         invested in securities with put rights.

                  The amount payable to the Fund by the seller upon its exercise
         of a put will  normally  be (i) the  Fund's  acquisition cost of the
         securities  (excluding  any  accrued  interest  which the Fund paid on
         their  acquisition),   less  any  amortized  market  premium  plus  any
         amortized market or original issue discount during the period the Fund
         owned the securities,  plus (ii) all interest accrued on the securities
         since the last interest  payment date during the period the  securities
         were owned by the Fund. Absent unusual circumstances, the Fund values
         the underlying  securities at their  amortized cost.  Accordingly,  the
         amount  payable  by a  broker-dealer  or bank  during the time a put is
         exercisable  will  be  substantially  the  same  as  the  value  of the
         underlying securities.

                  The  Fund's  right  to  exercise  a put is  unconditional  and
         unqualified. A put is not transferable by the Fund, although the Fund
         may sell the  underlying  securities to a third party at any time.  The
         Fund  expects  that  puts  will  generally  be  available  without  any
         additional  direct  or  indirect  cost.   However,   if  necessary  and
         advisable, the Fund may pay for certain puts either separately in cash
         or by paying a higher price for portfolio securities which are acquired
         subject to such a put (thus  reducing  the yield to maturity  otherwise
         available to the same  securities).  Thus, the aggregate price paid for
         securities  with put  rights  may be higher  than the price  that would
         otherwise be paid.

                  The  acquisition of a put will not affect the valuation of the
         underlying  security,  which will  continue to be valued in  accordance
         with the amortized  cost method.  The actual put will be valued at zero
         in  determining net asset  value.  Where  the  Fund  pays  directly  or
         indirectly for a put, its cost will be reflected as an unrealized  loss
         for the  period  during  which the put is held by that Fund and will be
         reflected  in  realized  gain or loss  when  the  put is  exercised  or
         expires.  If  the  value  of the  underlying  security  increases,  the
         potential for unrealized or realized gain is reduced by the cost of the
         put.

                               INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

 .........Except  as noted,  the  investment  restrictions  set  forth  below are
fundamental  and may not be  changed  with  respect  to each  Fund  without  the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
Where an asterisk  (*)  appears  after a Fund's  name,  the  relevant  policy is
non-fundamental  with  respect  to that Fund and may be  changed  by the  Fund's
investment adviser without shareholder approval,  subject to review and approval
by the Trustees. As used in this Statement of Additional  Information and in the
Prospectus,  "a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund" means
the  lesser of (1) the  holders  of more than 50% of the  outstanding  shares of
beneficial  interest  of the Fund or (2) 67% of the shares  present if more than
50% of the shares are present at a meeting in person or by proxy.

1........Concentration of Assets in Any One Issuer

 .........Tax Exempt Pennsylvania and Money Market may not invest more than 5% of
their total assets, at the time of the investment in question, in the securities
of  any  one  issuer  other  than  the  U.S.  government  and  its  agencies  or
instrumentalities,  except  that up to 25% of the  value of Tax  Exempt's  total
assets may be invested  without regard to such 5%  limitation.  For this purpose
each political  subdivision,  agency,  or  instrumentality  and each multi-state
agency of which a state is a member,  and each  public  authority  which  issues
industrial  development bonds on behalf of a private entity, will be regarded as
a separate issuer for determining the diversification of each Fund's portfolio.

2........Ten Percent Limitation on Securities of Any One Issuer

 .........Neither  Money Market nor  Tax-Exempt may purchase more than 10% of any
class of  securities  of any one issuer other than the U.S.  government  and its
agencies or instrumentalities.

3........Investment for Purposes of Control or Management

 .........Neither  Money Market nor  Tax-Exempt  may invest in companies  for the
purpose of exercising control or management.

4........Purchase of Securities on Margin

 .........No  Fund may purchase  securities on margin,  except that each Fund may
obtain  such  short-term  credits  as may be  necessary  for  the  clearance  of
transactions.  A deposit or payment by a Fund of initial or variation  margin in
connection with financial futures contracts or related options transactions is
not considered the purchase of a security on margin.

5........Unseasoned Issuers

 .........Money  Market  may not  invest  more  than 5% of its  total  assets  in
securities of unseasoned issuers that have been in continuous operation for less
than three years, including operating periods of their predecessors.

 .........Tax-Exempt  may not invest more than 5% of its total  assets in taxable
securities of unseasoned issuers that have been in continuous operation for less
than three years, including operating periods of their predecessors, except that
(i) the  Fund  may  invest  in  obligations  issued  or  guaranteed  by the U.S.
government and its agencies or  instrumentalities,  and (ii) the Fund may invest
in municipal securities.

6........Underwriting

 .........Money Market Pennsylvania and Tax-Exempt may not engage in the business
of underwriting  the securities of other issuers;  provided that the purchase by
Tax-Exempt of municipal securities or other permitted investments, directly from
the  issuer  thereof  (or  from an  underwriter  for an  issuer)  and the  later
disposition of such securities in accordance with the Fund's investment  program
shall not be deemed to be an underwriting.

7........Interests in Oil, Gas or Other Mineral Exploration or
         Development Programs

 .........Neither  Money Market nor  Tax-Exempt  may purchase,  sell or invest in
interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development programs.

8........Concentration in Any One Industry

 .........Neither  Money Market,  Pennsylvania  nor  Tax-Exempt may invest 25% or
more of its total assets in the securities of issuers conducting their principal
business  activities in any one industry;  provided,  that this limitation shall
not apply to  obligations  issued or  guaranteed  by the U.S.  government or its
agencies or  instrumentalities,  or with respect to Pennsylvania and Tax-Exempt,
to municipal  securities and  certificates  of deposit and bankers'  acceptances
issued by domestic branches of U.S. banks.

9........Warrants

 .........Tax-Exempt  may not  invest  more than 5% of its  total  net  assets in
warrants,  and, of this  amount,  no more than 2% of the Fund's total net assets
may be  invested  in  warrants  that are listed on neither  the New York nor the
American Stock Exchange.

10.......Ownership by Trustees/Officers

 .........Neither  Money  Market  nor  Tax-Exempt  may  purchase  or  retain  the
securities  of any issuer if (i) one or more  officers  or Trustees of a Fund or
its investment adviser individually owns or would own, directly or beneficially,
more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities of such issuer, and (ii) in the aggregate,
such persons own or would own,  directly or  beneficially,  more than 5% of such
securities.

11.......Short Sales

 .........Neither  Money Market nor Tax-Exempt may make short sales of securities
or maintain a short position; except that, in the case of Treasury, at all times
when a short  position is open it owns an equal amount of such  securities or of
securities which,  without payment of any further  consideration are convertible
into or  exchangeable  for  securities of the same issue as, and equal in amount
to, the securities sold short.

12.......Lending of Funds and Securities

 .........Tax-Exempt  and Money Market may not lend their funds to other persons;
however,  they may purchase  issues of debt  securities,  enter into  repurchase
agreements and, in the case of Tax-Exempt,  acquire  privately  negotiated loans
made to municipal borrowers.

 .........Money Market may not lend its funds to other persons,  provided that it
may purchase money market securities or enter into repurchase agreements.

 .........Treasury  will not lend any of its assets,  except that it may purchase
or hold U.S. Treasury obligations, including repurchase agreements.

 .........Neither Money Market Pennsylvania nor Tax-Exempt may lend its portfolio
securities,  unless the borrower is a broker,  dealer or  financial  institution
that pledges and maintains  collateral with the Fund consisting of cash, letters
of credit or securities  issued or  guaranteed  by the United States  Government
having a value at all times not less than 100% of the  current  market  value of
the loaned securities,  including accrued interest,  provided that the aggregate
amount of such loans shall not exceed 30% of the Fund's total assets (10% in the
case of Pennsylvania).

13.......Commodities

 .........Tax-Exempt  and  Money  Market  may not  purchase,  sell or  invest  in
commodities, commodity contracts or financial futures contracts.

14.......Real Estate

 .........The Funds may not purchase,  sell or invest in real estate or interests
in real  estate,  except  that  Money  Market  may  purchase,  sell or invest in
marketable  securities  of  companies  holding  real estate or interests in real
estate,  including real estate  investment  trusts,  and Tax-Exempt may purchase
municipal  securities  and  other  debt  securities  secured  by real  estate or
interests therein.

15.......Borrowing, Senior Securities, Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 .........Tax-Exempt  and  Money  Market  may  not  borrow  money,  issue  senior
securities or enter into reverse repurchase agreements,  except for temporary or
emergency purposes, and not for leveraging, and then in amounts not in excess of
10% of the value of the Fund's  total assets at the time of such  borrowing;  or
mortgage,  pledge or hypothecate  any assets except in connection  with any such
borrowing  and in  amounts  not in excess of the  lesser of the  dollar  amounts
borrowed  or 10% of the  value of the  Fund's  total  assets at the time of such
borrowing, provided that the Fund will not purchase any securities at times when
any borrowings (including reverse repurchase agreements) are outstanding. The
Funds will not enter into  reverse  repurchase  agreements  exceeding  5% of the
value of their total assets.

 .........Pennsylvania  shall not  borrow  money,  issue  senior  securities,  or
pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except that the Fund may borrow from
banks if immediately  after each  borrowing  there is asset coverage of at least
300%.

 .........Treasury  will not issue  senior  securities  except  that the Fund may
borrow money directly,  as a temporary  measure for  extraordinary  or emergency
purposes  and then only in amounts not in excess of 5% of the value of its total
assets,  or in an  amount up to one-  third of the  value of its  total  assets,
including the amount  borrowed,  in order to meet  redemption  requests  without
immediately  selling  portfolio  instruments.  Any such  borrowings  need not be
collateralized.  The Fund will not purchase any securities  while  borrowings in
excess of 5% of the total value of its total  assets are  outstanding.  The Fund
will not borrow money or engage in reverse repurchase  agreements for investment
leverage purposes.  Treasury will not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets
except to secure  permitted  borrowings.  In these cases,  it may pledge  assets
having a market value not exceeding the lesser of the dollar amounts borrowed or
15% of the value of total assets at the time of the pledge.

16.......Options

 .........Money Market and Tax-Exempt may not write, purchase or sell put or call
options,  or  combinations  thereof,  except Money Market may do so as permitted
under  "Description  of the Funds - Investment  Objective  and  Policies" in the
Prospectus and Tax- Exempt may purchase securities with rights to put securities
to the seller in accordance with its investment program.

 .........Pennsylvania shall not write, purchase or sell puts, calls, warrants or
options or any combination thereof, except that the Fund may purchase securities
with put or demand rights.

17.......Investment in Municipal Securities

 .........Tax-Exempt  may  not  invest  more  than  20% of its  total  assets  in
securities other than municipal  securities (as described under  "Description of
Funds - Investment  Objective  and Policies" in the Fund's  Prospectus),  unless
extraordinary circumstances dictate a more defensive posture.

18.......Investment in Money Market Securities

 .........Money  Market may not purchase any  securities  other than money market
instruments  (as described under  "Description of Funds - Investment  Objectives
and Policies" in the Fund's Prospectus).

19.......Investing in Securities of Other Investment Companies

 .........Treasury*,  Money Market*  Pennsylvania*  and Tax-Exempt* will purchase
securities of investment  companies only in open-market  transactions  involving
customary broker's commissions. However, these limitations are not applicable if
the securities are acquired in a merger, consolidation or acquisition of assets.
It should be noted that  investment  companies  incur  certain  expenses such as
management  fees and therefore any  investment by the Funds in shares of another
investment company would be subject to such duplicate expenses.


20........Other.  In order to comply with certain state blue sky limitations:
         -----

 ...........Money   Market  and  Tax-Exempt  interpret   fundamental   investment
restriction 7 to prohibit investments in oil, gas and mineral leases.

 ...........Money   Market  and  Tax-Exempt  interpret   fundamental   investment
restriction 14 to prohibit investment in real estate limited  partnerships which
are not readily marketable.

     Except with  respect to borrowing  money,  if a  percentage  limitation  is
adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage
resulting  from any change in value or net assets will not result in a violation
of such restriction.

                          CERTAIN RISK CONSIDERATIONS

 ...........There  can be no assurance  that a Fund will  achieve its  investment
objective  and an  investment  in the Fund  involves  certain  risks  which  are
described under  "Description of the Funds - Investment  Objective and Policies"
in the Prospectus.

                                   MANAGEMENT

        The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, their ages, addresses
and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below:

Laurence B. Ashkin (67),  180 East Pearson  Street,  Chicago,  IL-Trustee.  Real
estate  developer and construction  consultant since 1980;  President of Centrum
Equities since 1987 and Centrum Properties, Inc. since 1980.

Foster Bam*(68), Greenwich Plaza, Greenwich, CT-Trustee. Partner in the law firm
of Cummings and Lockwood since 1968.

James S. Howell (71), 4124 Crossgate Road,  Charlotte,  NC-Chairman and Trustee.
Retired  Vice  President  of Lance Inc.  (food  manufacturing);  Chairman of the
Distribution Comm. Foundation for the Carolinas from 1989 to 1993.

Robert J. Jeffries (72),  2118 New Bedford Drive,  Sun City Center,  FL-Trustee.
Corporate consultant since 1967.

Gerald M. McDonnell  (56), 821 Regency Drive,  Charlotte,  NC-Trustee.  Sales
Representative  with Nucor-Yamoto Inc. (steel producer) since 1988.

Thomas L. McVerry (57), 4419 Parkview Drive, Charlotte,  NC-Trustee. Director of
Carolina Cooperative Federal Credit Union since 1990 and Rexham Corporation from
1988  to  1990;  Vice  President  of  Rexham   Industries,   Inc.   (diversified
manufacturer) from 1989 to 1990; Vice  President-Finance  and Resources,  Rexham
Corporation from 1979 to 1990.

William  Walt  Pettit*(40),  Holcomb  and  Pettit,  P.A.,  207 West  Trade  St.,
Charlotte,  NC-Trustee.  Partner in the law firm Holcomb and Pettit,  P.A. since
1990; Attorney, Clontz and Clontz from 1980 to 1990.

Russell A. Salton,  III, M.D. (48),  Primary  Physician Care,  1515  Mockingbird
Lane, Charlotte, NC-Trustee. President, Primary Physician Care since 1990.

Michael S. Scofield (52), 212 S. Tryon Street Suite 980, Charlotte,  NC-Trustee.
Attorney, Law Offices of Michael S. Scofield since prior to 1989.

John J. Pileggi (36),  237 Park Avenue,  Suite 910, New York,  NY-President  and
Treasurer.  Senior  Managing  Director,  Furman  Selz  Incorporated  since 1992,
Managing Director from 1984 to 1992.

Joan V. Fiore (39), 237 Park Avenue, Suite 910, New York, NY-Secretary. Managing
Director and  Counsel,  Furman Selz  Incorporated  since 1991;  Staff  Attorney,
Securities and Exchange Commission from 1986 to 1991.

     Except for  Messrs.  Ashkin,  Bam and  Jeffries,  who are not  Trustees  of
Evergreen Investment Trust, the Trustees and officers listed above hold the same
positions with a total of ten registered  investment  companies offering a total
of thirty-two investment funds within the Evergreen mutual fund complex.

- - --------

     * Mr. Bam and Mr.  Pettit may each be deemed to be an  "interested  person"
within the meaning of the Investment  Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act").

         The officers of the Trusts are all officers and/or  employees of Furman
Selz  Incorporated.  Furman Selz Incorporated is an affiliate of Evergreen Funds
Distributor, Inc., the distributor of each Class of shares of each Fund.

         The Funds do not pay any direct  remuneration to any officer or Trustee
who is an  "affiliated  person" of either  First  Union  National  Bank of North
Carolina  or  Evergreen  Asset  Management  Corp.  or  their   affiliates.   See
"Investment Adviser." Currently,  none of the Trustees is an "affiliated person"
as  defined  in  the  1940  Act.  The  Trusts  pay  each  Trustee  who is not an
"affiliated  person" an annual  retainer  and a fee per meeting  attended,  plus
expenses (and $500 for each telephone conference meeting) as follows:

Name of Trust/Fund                              Annual Retainer   Meeting Fee


Money Market                                     $4,000*           $300
The Evergreen Municipal Trust                                      $100
  Tax Exempt                                                       $100
Evergreen Investment Trust                       $9,000**          $1,500**
  Treasury

*     Allocated  among the Evergreen  Money Market Fund,  which is not a series
fund, and the Evergreen Municipal Trust which offers four investment series, the
Evergreen Tax Exempt Money Market Fund, Evergreen  Short-Intermediate  Municipal
Fund,  Evergreen  Short-Intermediate  Municipal  Fund-California,  and Evergreen
Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund.

**  Evergreen  Investment  Trust pays an annual  retainer to each  Trustee and a
per-meeting fee that are allocated among its fifteen series. Additionally,  each
member of the Audit  Committee  receives $200 for  attendance at each meeting of
the of the Audit  Committee and an additional fee is paid to the Chairman of the
Board of $2,000.


***  Evergreen  Tax Free Trust pays an annual  retainer to each  Trustee and a
per-meeting fee that are allocated among its XXXX series. Additionally,  each
member of the Audit  Committee  receives $200 for  attendance at each meeting of
the Audit  Committee and an additional  fee is paid to the Chairman of the Board
of $.



         Set forth below for each of the Trustees is the aggregate  compensation
paid to such Trustees by each Trust for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995.

                                                                  Total
                                                                  Compensation
                      Aggregate Compensation From Trust           From Trusts
                                                                  & Fund
Name of              Money        Municipal        Investment     Complex Paid
Person               Market          Trust           Trust*       to Trustees


Laurence Ashkin      2,159         3,340            1,513              22,054

Foster Bam           2,165         3,306            1,524              22,092

James S. Howell      2,040         2,982           16,852              35,725

Robert J.
 Jeffries            2,149         3,310            1,493              21,893

Gerald M.
 McDonnell           2,040         2,982           14,343              33,215

Thomas L.
 McVerry             2,040         3,032           15,818              34,740

William Walt
 Pettit              2,040         2,982           15,618              34,490

Russell A.
 Salton, III, M.D.   2,040         2,982           13,268              32,140

Michael S.
 Scofield            2,040         2,982           14,343              33,215

* Formerly known as First Union Funds.

         No officer or Trustee of the Trusts owned Class B shares of any Fund as
of the date hereof.  The number and percent of  outstanding  shares of each Fund
owned by officers and Trustees as a group on October 4, 1995, is as follows:

                            No. of Shares Owned
                              By Officers and         Ownership by Officers and
                                  Trustees            Trustees as a % of
Name of Fund                     as a Group           Shares Outstanding

Money Market                    7,908,377(Y)                  2.42%
Tax Exempt                        625,041(Y)                   .15%
Treasury                            3,520(A)                     0%


         Set forth below is  information  with respect to each  person,  who, to
each Fund's knowledge,  owned  beneficially or of record more than 5% of a class
of each Fund's total  outstanding  shares and their  aggregate  ownership of the
Fund's total outstanding shares as of October 9, 1995.


                                  Name of                          % of
Name and Address*                 Fund/Class       No. of Shares   Class/Fund
- - ----------------                  ----------       -------------   ----------

First Union National Bank of FL   Money Market/A    308,357,624  40.07% / 3.05%
Attn: Cap Account Dept.
One First Union Center
Charlotte, NC  28288

First Union National Bank of NC   Money Market/A    114,159,956  14.83% /10.34%
Cap Account
Attn: Shelia Bryendon CMG 1164
One First Union Center
301 S. College Street
Charlotte, NC  28202-6000


First Union National Bank of VA   Money Market/A     66,805,473   8.68% / 6.05%
Attn: Cap Account Dept.
One First Union Center
Charlotte, NC  28288

First Union National Bank of SC   Money Market/A     39,701,031   5.16% /  3.60%
Attn: Sheila Bryenton CMG 1164
One First Union Center
Charlotte NC 28288

First Union National Bank         Money Market/Y     43,612,933  13.35% /   .43%
Trust Accounts
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

First Union National Bank of FL   Tax-Exempt/A      217,443,910  37.99% / 21.92%
Attn:  Cap Account Dept.
One First Union Center
Charlotte, NC  28288

First Union National Bank of NC   Tax-Exempt/A      144,584,778  25.26% / 14.57%
Cap Account
Attn: Shelia Bryendon CMG 1164
One First Union Center
301 S. College Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

First Union National Bank of GA   Tax-Exempt/A       33,908,058  5.92% /   3.42%
Attn: Cap Account Dept.
One First Union Center
Charlotte, NC  28288

First Union National Bank of VA   Tax-Exempt/A       33,956,691  5.93% /   3.42%
Attn: Cap Account Dept.
One First Union Center
Charlotte, NC  28288

First Union National Bank         Tax-Exempt/Y      87,310,599  20.80% /   8.80%
Trust Accounts
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-151
301 S. Tyron Street
Charlotte, NC  28288

Jeri Jo Knitwear                  Tax-Exempt/Y      22,004,947  5.24% /    2.22%
Lieber & Company
2500 Westchester Avenue
Purchase, NY 10577

First Union National Bank of FL   Treasury/A       400,667,561  32.82% /   27.0%
Attn: Cap Account Dept.
One First Union Center
Charlotte, NC  28288

First Union National Bank of NC   Treasury/A       223,263,807   18.29% / 15.04%
Attn: Cap Account Dept.
One First Union Center
301 S. College Street
Charlotte, NC  28202-6000

First Union National Bank of VA   Treasury/A       137,647,371  11.28% /   9.27%
Attn: Cap Account Dept.
One First Union Center
Charlotte, NC  28288

First Union National Bank of GA   Treasury/A        86,359,098    7.07% /  5.82%
Attn: Cap Account Dept.
One First Union Center
Charlotte, NC  28288

First Union National Bank         Treasury/Y       263,326,227   99.92% / 17.74%
Trust Accounts
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th  Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

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

         *First Union  National Bank of North Carolina and its affiliates act in
various capacities for numerous accounts. As a result of its ownership of 74.87%
of Treasury,  and 52.13% of Tax Exempt on October 9, 1995,  First Union National
Bank of North Carolina and its affiliated  banks may be deemed to "control" each
Fund as that term is defined in the 1940 Act.


                  As of June 9, 1995,  the following  persons owned of record or
beneficially 5% or more of the Fund's shares:

                                                      Shares      Percentage

                                                      Owned          Owned

         First Fidelity Bank, N.A. N.J.              229,018          21.22%
         c/o Asset Management/Rein A/C
         Attn:  Joanne Monteiro
         Broad & Walnut Streets
         Philadelphia, PA  19109

         First Fidelity Bank, N.A. N.J.              229,018          21.22%
         c/o Asset Management/Rein A/C
         Attn:  Joanne Monteiro
         Broad & Walnut Streets
         Philadelphia, PA  19109

         First Fidelity Bank, N.A. N.J.              229,018          21.22%
         c/o Asset Management/Rein A/C
         Attn:  Joanne Monteiro
         Broad & Walnut Streets
         Philadelphia, PA  19109

         First Fidelity Bank, N.A. N.J.              229,018          21.22%
         c/o Asset Management/Rein A/C
         Attn:  Joanne Monteiro
         Broad & Walnut Streets
         Philadelphia, PA  19109



                               INVESTMENT ADVISER
               (See also "Management of the Fund" in each Fund's Prospectus)

     The  investment  adviser of Money Market and Tax Exempt is Evergreen  Asset
Management  Corp.,  a New York  corporation,  with  offices at 2500  Westchester
Avenue,  Purchase,  New York ("Evergreen  Asset" or the  "Adviser.").  Evergreen
Asset is owned by First Union  National  Bank of North  Carolina  ("FUNB" or the
"Adviser")  which, in turn, is a subsidiary of First Union  Corporation  ("First
Union"), a bank holding company headquartered in Charlotte,  North Carolina. The
investment   adviser  of  Treasury  and  Pennsylvania  is  FUNB  which  provides
investment advisory services through its Capital Management Group. The Directors
of Evergreen  Asset are Richard K. Wagoner and Barbara I. Colvin.  The executive
officers  of  Evergreen  Asset are  Stephen A.  Lieber,  Chairman  and  Co-Chief
Executive  Officer,  Nola  Maddox  Falcone,  President  and  Co-Chief  Executive
Officer,  Theodore J. Israel, Jr., Executive Vice President,  Joseph J. McBrien,
Senior Vice President and General  Counsel,  and George R. Gaspari,  Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer.

         On June 30,  1994,  Evergreen  Asset and Lieber and Company  ("Lieber")
were  acquired by First Union  through  certain of its  subsidiaries.  Evergreen
Asset was acquired by FUNB, a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  (except for  directors'
qualifying  shares) of First Union, by merger into EAMC  Corporation  ("EAMC") a
wholly-owned  subsidiary of FUNB.  EAMC then assumed the name  "Evergreen  Asset
Management   Corp."  and   succeeded  to  the   business  of  Evergreen   Asset.
Contemporaneously with the succession of EAMC to the business of Evergreen Asset
and its assumption of the name "Evergreen Asset Management Corp.",  Money Market
and Tax Exempt  entered into a new investment  advisory  agreement with EAMC and
into a  distribution  agreement  with  Evergreen  Funds  Distributor,  Inc. (the
"Distributor"),  an affiliate of Furman Selz  Incorporated.  At that time,  EAMC
also entered into a new  sub-advisory  agreement  with Lieber  pursuant to which
Lieber  provides  certain  services to Evergreen  Asset in  connection  with its
duties as investment adviser.

         The partnership  interests in Lieber,  a New York general  partnership,
were acquired by Lieber I Corp. and Lieber II Corp., which are both wholly-owned
subsidiaries  of FUNB.  The  business  of  Lieber  is being  continued.  The new
advisory and sub-advisory  agreements were approved by the shareholders of Money
Market  and Tax  Exempt  at their  meeting  held on June 23,  1994,  and  became
effective on June 30, 1994.

     Prior to XXXXXXXXXXX,  199X, First Fidelity Bank, N.A.  ("First  Fidelity")
acted as  investment  adviser to  Pennsylvania.  On June 18,  1995,  First Union
Corporation  ("First  Union")  the  corporate  parent of FUNB,  entered  into an
Agreement  and Plan of Merger  (the  "Merger  Agreement")  with  First  Fidelity
Bancorporation  ("FFB"),  the corporate parent of First Fidelity which provided,
among other  things,  for the merger (the  "Merger") of First  Fidelity with and
into a  wholly-owned  subsidiary of First Union.  The Merger was  consummated on
XXXXX,  199X. As a result of the Merger,  FUNB and its wholly-owned  subsidiary,
Evergreen  Asset  Management  Corp.,  succeeded to the  investment  advisory and
administrative functions currently performed by various units of First Fidelity.

         Under its Investment  Advisory  Agreement with each Fund,  each Adviser
has  agreed  to  furnish   reports,   statistical  and  research   services  and
recommendations  with  respect  to each  Fund's  portfolio  of  investments.  In
addition,  each Adviser  provides office  facilities to the Funds and performs a
variety of administrative  services. Each Fund pays the cost of all of its other
expenses  and  liabilities,  including  expenses  and  liabilities  incurred  in
connection with maintaining their registration under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, and the 1940 Act, printing prospectuses (for existing  shareholders)
as  they  are  updated,  state  qualifications,  share  certificates,  mailings,
brokerage,  custodian and stock transfer charges,  printing,  legal and auditing
expenses,   expenses  of  shareholder  meetings  and  reports  to  shareholders.
Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  each Adviser will pay the costs of printing and
distributing prospectuses used for prospective shareholders.

         The method of computing  the  investment  advisory fee for each Fund is
described in such Fund's Prospectus. The advisory fees paid by each Fund for the
three most recent fiscal periods reflected in its registration statement are set
forth below:


TAX EXEMPT         Year Ended                        Year Ended    Year Ended
                   8/31/95                            8/31/94       8/31/93
Advisory Fee     $2,329,035                          $2,126,246   $2,028,966

Waiver             (558,942)                         (1,256,653)  (1,168,131)
                   ---------                          ----------   ----------
Net Advisory Fee $1,770,093                            $869,593     $860,835
                  =========                           =========     =========


MONEY MARKET      Year Ended                         Year Ended    Year Ended
                  8/31/95                            8/31/94       10/31/93
Advisory Fee     $1,831,518                        $1,245,513     $1,637,123

Waiver            ( 732,723)                         (974,438)    (1,047,935)
                   ---------                         ---------     ----------
Net Advisory Fee $1,098,795                          $271,075       $589,188
                   =========                         =========     =========

PENNSYLVANIA      Year Ended                         Year Ended    Year Ended
                  2/28/95                            2/28/94       2/28/93
Advisory Fee        $85,049                           $59,080        $73,977

Waiver             ( 85,049)                          (59,080)       (73,977)

                   ---------                         ---------     ----------
Net Advisory Fee $        0                          $      0       $      0
                   =========                         =========     =========


TREASURY         Year Ended                          Year Ended    Year Ended
                 8/31/95                             12/31/94      12/31/93
Advisory Fee    $2,814,251                          $2,549,955    $1,977,645

Waiver           (1,258,611)                        (1,948,237)   (1,712,975)
                 ---------                           ---------     ----------
Net Advisory Fee $1,555,640                           $601,718      $264,670
                 =========                           =========     =========

     In addition,  for the fiscal year ended  February 28, 1993,  First Fidelity
and Furman Selz voluntarily  agreed to reimburse expenses of Pennsylvania in the
amount of $14,000 and $6,000, respectively.


Expense Limitations

         Each  Adviser's  fee will be reduced by, or the Adviser will  reimburse
the Funds  (except  Money Market and Tax Exempt which have  specific  percentage
limitations  described  below) for any amount necessary to prevent such expenses
(exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses,
but inclusive of the Adviser's fee) from  exceeding the most  restrictive of the
expense  limitations  imposed by state  securities  commissions of the states in
which  the  Funds'   shares  are  then   registered   or  qualified   for  sale.
Reimbursement,  when necessary, will be made monthly in the same manner in which
the  advisory  fee  is  paid.  Currently  the  most  restrictive  state  expense
limitation  is 2.5% of the first  $30,000,000  of the Fund's  average  daily net
assets,  2% of the next  $70,000,000  of such  assets and 1.5% of such assets in
excess of $100,000,000.

     With  respect  to  Money  Market  and  Tax  Exempt,   Evergreen  Asset  has
voluntarily agreed to reimburse each Fund to the extent that any of these Funds'
aggregate   operating  expenses  (including  the  Adviser's  fee  but  excluding
interest,  taxes,  brokerage  commissions,  and extraordinary  expenses, and for
Class A and Class B shares Rule 12b-1 distribution fees and shareholder
servicing fees payable)  exceed 1.00% of their average net assets for any fiscal
year.

     The Investment Advisory  Agreements are terminable,  without the payment of
any  penalty,  on sixty  days'  written  notice,  by a vote of the  holders of a
majority of each Fund's  outstanding  shares, or by a vote of a majority of each
Trust's  Trustees  or  by  the  respective  Adviser.   The  Investment  Advisory
Agreements will automatically  terminate in the event of their assignment.  Each
Investment  Advisory  Agreement provides in substance that the Adviser shall not
be liable  for any  action  or  failure  to act in  accordance  with its  duties
thereunder in the absence of willful misfeasance,  bad faith or gross negligence
on  the  part  of the  Adviser  or of  reckless  disregard  of  its  obligations
thereunder.  The Investment Advisory Agreements with respect to Money Market and
Tax Exempt were approved by each Fund's  shareholders  on June 23, 1994,  became
effective on June 30, 1994, and will continue in effect until June 30, 1996, and
thereafter  from  year to year  provided  that  their  continuance  is  approved
annually  by a vote of a majority  of the  Trustees  of each Trust  including  a
majority of those Trustees who are not parties  thereto or "interested  persons"
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting duly
called  for  the  purpose  of  voting  on such  approval  or a  majority  of the
outstanding voting shares of each Fund. With respect to Treasury, the Investment
Advisory  Agreement  dated  February  28,  1985 and  amended  from  time to time
thereafter  was last  approved by the  Trustees of  Evergreen  Investment  Trust
(formerly,  First Union Funds) on April 20, 1995 and it will  continue from year
to year with respect to each Fund  provided  that such  continuance  is approved
annually by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of Evergreen  Investment  Trust
including  a  majority  of  those  Trustees  who  are  not  parties  thereto  or
"interested  persons" of any such party cast in person at a meeting  duly called
for the  purpose of voting on such  approval  or by a vote of a majority  of the
outstanding  voting  securities of the Fund. With respect to  Pennsylvania,  the
Investment  Advisory  Agreement dated January 1, 1996 were first approved by the
shareholders  of the Fund on December 12, 1995 and will continue  until June 30,
1997  and  from  year to year  with  respect  to the  Fund  provided  that  such
continuance  is  approved  annually  by a vote  of a  majority  of the  Trustees
including  a  majority  of  those  Trustees  who  are  not  parties  thereto  or
"interested  persons" of any such party cast in person at a meeting  duly called
for the  purpose of voting on such  approval  or by a vote of a majority  of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund.

         Certain  other clients of each Adviser may have  investment  objectives
and  policies  similar  to those  of the  Funds.  Each  Adviser  (including  the
sub-adviser)  may, from time to time, make  recommendations  which result in the
purchase or sale of a particular  security by its other  clients  simultaneously
with a Fund. If  transactions  on behalf of more than one client during the same
period  increase  the demand for  securities  being  purchased  or the supply of
securities being sold,  there may be an adverse effect on price or quantity.  It
is the  policy of each  Adviser to  allocate  advisory  recommendations  and the
placing of orders in a manner  which is deemed  equitable  by the Adviser to the
accounts  involved,  including the Funds. When two or more of the clients of the
Adviser  (including one or more of the Funds) are purchasing or selling the same
security on a given day from the same  broker-dealer,  such  transactions may be
averaged as to price.

     Although the investment objectives of the Funds are not the same, and their
investment  decisions are made  independently of each other,  they rely upon the
same  resources  for  investment  advice  and  recommendations.   Therefore,  on
occasion,  when a particular security meets the different investment  objectives
of the  various  Funds,  they  may  simultaneously  purchase  or sell  the  same
security.  This could have a detrimental effect on the price and quantity of the
security available to each Fund. If simultaneous transactions occur, the Adviser
attempts  to  allocate  the  securities,  both  as to  price  and  quantity,  in
accordance with a method deemed equitable to each Fund and consistent with their
different investment objectives.  In some cases, simultaneous purchases or sales
could have a beneficial  effect,  in that the ability of one Fund to participate
in volume transactions may produce better executions for that Fund.

     Each Fund has adopted procedures under Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act to permit
purchase and sales  transactions to be effected  between each Fund and the other
registered investment companies for which either Evergreen Asset or FUNB acts as
investment  adviser or between the Fund and any  advisory  clients of  Evergreen
Asset,  FUNB  or  Lieber.  Each  Fund  may  from  time to  time  engage  in such
transactions  but  only in  accordance  with  these  procedures  and if they are
equitable to each participant and consistent with each participant's  investment
objectives.

     Prior to July 1, 1995, Federated  Administrative  Services, a subsidiary of
Federated  Investors,   provided  legal,  accounting  and  other  administrative
personnel and support services to each of the portfolios of Evergreen Investment
Trust. The Trust paid a fee for such services at the following annual rate: .15%
on the first $250 million  average  daily net assets of the Trust;  .125% on the
next $250  million;  .10% on the next $250 million and .075% on assets in excess
of $250  million.  For the fiscal period ended June 30, 1995 and the years ended
December  31,  1994  and  1993.  Treasury  incurred  $462,002  and  $613,889  in
administrative   service  costs,   of  which  $0  and  $  111,107  were  waived,
respectively.

     Prior to XXXXXX, 199X, Furman Selz acted as administrator for Pennsylvania.
For the fiscal years ended  February 28, 1993,  1994 and 1995 Furman Selz waived
its entire administrative fee.

     On July 1, 1995,  Evergreen Asset, in the case of Treasury,  and on XXXXXX,
199X, in the case of Pennsylvania,  commenced providing  administrative services
to each of the portfolios of Evergreen  Investment  Trust for a fee based on the
average daily net assets of each fund  administered by Evergreen Asset for which
Evergreen Asset or FUNB also serve as investment  advisor,  calculated daily and
payable  monthly at the following  annual rates:  .050% on the first $7 billion;
 .035% on the next $3 billion;  .030% on the next $5  billion;  .020% on the next
$10 billion;  .015% on the next $5 billion; and .010% on assets in excess of $30
billion.  Furman Selz Incorporated,  an affiliate of the Distributor,  serves as
sub-administrator  to  Treasury  and is  entitled  to receive a fee based on the
average  daily net assets of Treasury at a rate from the Fund  calculated on the
total assets of the mutual funds  administered by Evergreen Asset for which FUNB
or Evergreen  Asset also serve as investment  adviser,  calculated in accordance
with the following schedule:  .0100% of the first $7 billion; .0075% on the next
$3 billion;  .0050% on the next $15  billion;  .0040% on assets in excess of $25
billion.  The total assets of mutual funds  administered  by Evergreen Asset for
which  Evergreen  Asset or FUNB serve as investment  adviser as of September 30,
1995 were approximately $10.1 billion.

                              DISTRIBUTION PLANS

         Reference is made to "Management  of the Fund - Distribution  Plans and
Agreements" in the Prospectus of each Fund for additional  disclosure  regarding
the Funds'  distribution  arrangements.  Distribution fees are accrued daily and
paid  monthly  on the Class A, and for Money  Market  its Class B shares and are
charged as class expenses, as accrued. The distribution fees attributable to the
Class B shares are  designed  to permit an  investor  to  purchase  such  shares
through broker-dealers without the assessment of a front-end sales charge, while
at the same time  permitting  the  Distributor to compensate  broker-dealers  in
connection with the sale of such shares.

         Under the Rule 12b-1  Distribution Plans that have been adopted by each
Fund with respect to each of its Class A, and Class B shares (to the extent that
each Fund offers such classes)  (each a "Plan" and  collectively,  the "Plans"),
the Treasurer of each Fund reports the amounts  expended  under the Plan and the
purposes for which such expenditures were made to the Trustees of each Trust for
their review on a quarterly  basis.  Also, each Plan provides that the selection
and  nomination of Trustees who are not  "interested  persons" of each Trust (as
defined in the 1940 Act) are committed to the  discretion of such  disinterested
Trustees then in office.

         Each Adviser may from time to time and from its own funds or such other
resources as may be permitted by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission
make payments for distribution  services to the  Distributor;  the latter may in
turn pay part or all of such  compensation to brokers or other persons for their
distribution assistance.

         Money  Market  commenced  offering  Class A and Class B shares  and Tax
Exempt  commenced  offering Class A shares,  on January 3, 1995.  Each Plan with
respect to such Funds became  effective  on December 30, 1994 and was  initially
approved  by the sole  shareholder  of each  Class of  shares  of each Fund with
respect to which a Plan was  adopted on that date and by the  unanimous  vote of
the  Trustees  of  each  Trust,  including  the  disinterested  Trustees  voting
separately,  at a meeting called for that purpose and held on December 13, 1994.
The Distribution  Agreements between each Fund and the Distributor,  pursuant to
which  distribution  fees are paid under the Plans by each Fund with  respect to
its Class A and Class B shares  were also  approved  at the  December  13,  1994
meeting by the  unanimous  vote of the  Trustees,  including  the  disinterested
Trustees voting separately.  Each Plan and Distribution  Agreement will continue
in effect for  successive  twelve-month  periods  provided,  however,  that such
continuance is  specifically  approved at least annually by the Trustees of each
Trust  or by  vote  of the  holders  of a  majority  of the  outstanding  voting
securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of that Class, and, in either case, by a
majority of the  Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to the  Agreement  or
interested persons, as defined in the 1940 Act, of any such party (other than as
Trustees of the Trust) and who have no direct or indirect  financial interest in
the operation of the Plan or any agreement related thereto.

     Prior  to July  8,  1995,  Federated  Securities  Corp.,  a  subsidiary  of
Federated  Investors,  served as the  distributor  for Treasury as well as other
portfolios of Evergreen  Investment  Trust. The Distribution  Agreement  between
Treasury and the Distributor  pursuant to which distribution fees are paid under
the Plans by Treasury  with  respect to its Class A shares was  approved on June
15, 1995 by the  unanimous  vote of the  Trustees  including  the  disinterested
Trustees voting separately. In the case of Pennsylvania,  FFB Funds Distributor,
Inc. served as Distributor  prior to XXXXXX,  199X. The Distribution  Agreement
between Pennsylvania and the Distributor pursuant to which distribution fees are
paid under the Plans by Fixed Income and Intermediate Term Funds with respect to
their Class A, Class B and Class C shares were  approved on XXXXXX,  199X by the
unanimous  vote of the Trustees  including  the  disinterested  Trustees  voting
separately.

     The Plans permit the payment of fees to brokers and others for distribution
and   shareholder-related   administrative   services  and  to   broker-dealers,
depository   institutions,   financial  intermediaries  and  administrators  for
administrative services as to Class A and Class B shares. The Plans are designed
to (i) stimulate  brokers to provide  distribution  and  administrative  support
services  to each  Fund  and  holders  of Class A and  Class B  shares  and (ii)
stimulate  administrators to render administrative  support services to the Fund
and  holders  of Class A and Class B shares.  The  administrative  services  are
provided by a representative  who has knowledge of the shareholder's  particular
circumstances  and goals,  and include,  but are not limited to providing office
space,  equipment,   telephone  facilities,   and  various  personnel  including
clerical, supervisory, and computer, as necessary or beneficial to establish and
maintain  shareholder  accounts and records;  processing purchase and redemption
transactions  and  automatic   investments  of  client  account  cash  balances;
answering  routine  client  inquiries  regarding  Class A and  Class  B  shares;
assisting  clients in  changing  dividend  options,  account  designations,  and
addresses; and providing such other services as the Fund reasonably requests for
its Class A and Class B shares.

     In the event that a Plan or  Distribution  Agreement is  terminated  or not
continued  with  respect to one or more Classes of a Fund,  (i) no  distribution
fees (other than current  amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the
Fund to the Distributor with respect to that Class or Classes, and (ii) the Fund
would not be obligated to pay the Distributor for any amounts expended under the
Distribution   Agreement  not  previously  recovered  by  the  Distributor  from
distribution services fees in respect of shares of such Class or Classes through
deferred sales charges.

     All  material  amendments  to any Plan or  Distribution  Agreement  must be
approved  by a vote of the  Trustees  of a Trust or the  holders  of the  Fund's
outstanding voting  securities,  voting separately by Class, and in either case,
by a majority of the disinterested  Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called
for the  purpose  of  voting  on such  approval;  and any  Plan or  Distribution
Agreement  may not be amended in order to increase  materially  the costs that a
particular  Class  of  shares  of a  Fund  may  bear  pursuant  to the  Plan  or
Distribution  Agreement without the approval of a majority of the holders of the
outstanding  voting  shares  of the  Class  affected.  Any Plan or  Distribution
Agreement  may be  terminated  (a) by a Fund  without  penalty  at any time by a
majority vote of the holders of the outstanding  voting  securities of the Fund,
voting  separately  by Class or by a majority  vote of the  Trustees who are not
"interested  persons" as defined in the 1940 Act, or (b) by the Distributor.  To
terminate any Distribution  Agreement,  any party must give the other parties 60
days' written notice;  to terminate a Plan only, the Fund need give no notice to
the Distributor.  Any Distribution Agreement will terminate automatically in the
event of its assignment.

         For the fiscal  period  from  January 3, 1995  through  August 31, 1995
Treasury incurred $1,896,720 in distribution  services fees on behalf of Class A
shares.

            For the fiscal period from January 3, 1995 through  August 31, 1995,
Money Market and Tax Exempt  incurred  $280,287 and  $241,973  respectively,  in
distribution services fees on behalf of their Class A shares.

            For the fiscal period from January 3, 1995 through  August 31, 1995,
Money Market  incurred  $9,349 in  distribution  services  fees on behalf of its
Class B shares.

                              ALLOCATION OF BROKERAGE

         Decisions  regarding  each Fund's  portfolio  are made by its  Adviser,
subject to the supervision and control of the Trustees.  Orders for the purchase
and sale of  securities  and other  investments  are placed by  employees of the
Adviser,  all of whom,  in the case of  Evergreen  Asset,  are  associated  with
Lieber.  In general,  the same  individuals  perform the same  functions for the
other  funds  managed  by the  Adviser.  A Fund will not  effect  any  brokerage
transactions with any broker or dealer affiliated directly or indirectly with
the  Adviser  unless  such  transactions  are fair  and  reasonable,  under  the
circumstances, to the Fund's shareholders.  Circumstances that may indicate that
such  transactions  are  fair  or  reasonable  include  the  frequency  of  such
transactions,  the selection  process and the commissions  payable in connection
with such transactions.


         It is anticipated  that most purchase and sale  transactions  involving
fixed income  securities will be with the issuer or an underwriter or with major
dealers in such securities acting as principals.  Such transactions are normally
on a net basis and  generally do not involve  payment of brokerage  commissions.
However, the cost of securities purchased from an underwriter usually includes a
commission  paid by the  issuer  to the  underwriter.  Purchases  or sales  from
dealers will normally reflect the spread between bid and ask prices.

         In  selecting  firms to effect  securities  transactions,  the  primary
consideration  of each Fund  shall be  prompt  execution  at the most  favorable
price. A Fund will also consider such factors as the price of the securities and
the size and  difficulty of execution of the order.  If these  objectives may be
met with more than one firm,  the Fund will also  consider the  availability  of
statistical and investment  data and economic facts and opinions  helpful to the
Fund. To the extent that receipt of these  services for which the Adviser or its
affiliates might otherwise have paid, it would tend to reduce their expenses.

         Under Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and the rules adopted  thereunder  by the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission,
Lieber may be compensated for effecting transactions in portfolio securities for
a Fund on a national  securities  exchange  provided the conditions of the rules
are met. Each Fund advised by Evergreen Asset has entered into an agreement with
Lieber  authorizing  Lieber to retain  compensation for brokerage  services.  In
accordance with such agreement,  it is contemplated that Lieber, a member of the
New York and American Stock Exchanges, will, to the extent practicable,  provide
brokerage  services to the Fund with  respect to  substantially  all  securities
transactions  effected on the New York and  American  Stock  Exchanges.  In such
transactions,  a Fund will seek the best execution at the most  favorable  price
while paying a commission  rate no higher than that offered to other  clients of
Lieber or that which can be reasonably expected to be offered by an unaffiliated
broker-dealer  having comparable  execution capability in a similar transaction.
However,  no Fund  will  engage  in  transactions  in  which  Lieber  would be a
principal.  While no Fund advised by Evergreen  Asset  contemplates  any ongoing
arrangements  with other brokerage firms,  brokerage  business may be given from
time to time to other firms. In addition,  the Trustees have adopted  procedures
pursuant  to Rule  17e-1  under  the  1940  Act to  ensure  that  all  brokerage
transactions  with  Lieber,  as  an  affiliated  broker-dealer,   are  fair  and
reasonable.

         Any profits from brokerage  commissions  accruing to Lieber as a result
of portfolio  transactions  for the Fund will accrue to FUNB and to its ultimate
parent,  First Union.  The Investment  Advisory  Agreements do not provide for a
reduction  of the  Adviser's  fee with  respect to any Fund by the amount of any
profits  earned by Lieber from  brokerage  commissions  generated  by  portfolio
transactions of the Fund.


                           ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION

                       (See also "Taxes" in the Prospectus)

         Each Fund has  qualified  and  intends to  continue  to qualify for and
elect the tax treatment  applicable to regulated  investment  companies  ("RIC")
under  Subchapter  M of the  Internal  Revenue  Code of 1986,  as  amended  (the
"Code").  (Such  qualification  does not involve  supervision  of  management or
investment  practices or policies by the Internal Revenue  Service.) In order to
qualify as a regulated  investment company, a Fund must, among other things, (a)
derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends,  interest, payments with
respect  to  proceeds  from  securities  loans,  gains  from  the  sale or other
disposition  of securities  or foreign  currencies  and other income  (including
gains from options,  futures or forward foreign  contracts) derived with respect
to its business of investing in such securities; (b) derive less than 30% of its
gross income from the sale or other disposition of securities,  options, futures
or  forward  contracts  (other  than those on  foreign  currencies),  or foreign
currencies  (or  options,  futures or forward  contracts  thereon)  that are not
directly related to the RIC's principal  business of investing in securities (or
options and futures with respect  thereto) held for less than three months;  and
(c)  diversify  its holdings so that,  at the end of each quarter of its taxable
year,  (i) at least  50% of the  market  value of the  Fund's  total  assets  is
represented by cash, U.S. government  securities and other securities limited in
respect of any one issuer,  to an amount not greater than 5% of the Fund's total
assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not
more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the  securities of
any one issuer (other than U.S.  government  securities  and securities of other
regulated  investment  companies).  By so  qualifying,  a Fund is not subject to
Federal  income tax if it timely  distributes  its  investment  company  taxable
income and any net realized capital gains. A 4% nondeductible excise tax will be
imposed  on a  Fund  to  the  extent  it  does  not  meet  certain  distribution
requirements  by the end of each calendar year.  Each Fund  anticipates  meeting
such distribution requirements.

     Dividends paid by a Fund from investment  company taxable income  generally
will be taxed to the shareholders as ordinary income. Investment company taxable
income  includes net  investment  income and net realized  short-term  gains (if
any).  Any  dividends  received  by  a  Fund  from  domestic  corporations  will
constitute a portion of the Fund's gross investment income.

         Distributions  of the  excess of net  long-term  capital  gain over net
short-term  capital  loss are taxable to  shareholders  (who are not exempt from
tax) as long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shares of a
Fund have been held by such shareholders. Short-term capital gains distributions
are taxable to shareholders who are not exempt from tax as ordinary income. Such
distributions are not eligible for the  dividends-received  deduction.  Any loss
recognized  upon the sale of  shares  of a Fund  held by a  shareholder  for six
months or less will be treated as a  long-term  capital  loss to the extent that
the shareholder  received a long-term  capital gain distribution with respect to
such shares.

         Distributions  of  investment   company  taxable  income  and  any  net
short-term  capital gains will be taxable as ordinary  income as described above
to  shareholders  (who are not exempt  from tax),  whether  made in shares or in
cash.  Shareholders  electing to receive distributions in the form of additional
shares will have a cost basis for Federal  income tax  purposes in each share so
received equal to the net asset value of a share of a Fund on the reinvestment
date.


     Distributions  by each Fund result in a reduction in the net asset value of
the Fund's  shares.  Should a  distribution  reduce the net asset  value below a
shareholder's  cost basis,  such distribution  nevertheless  would be taxable as
ordinary income or capital gain as described above to shareholders  (who are not
exempt from tax), even though, from an investment standpoint,  it may constitute
a return of capital. In particular,  investors should be careful to consider the
tax  implications  of buying shares just prior to a  distribution.  The price of
shares   purchased  at  that  time  includes  the  amount  of  the   forthcoming
distribution.  Those  purchasing just prior to a distribution  will then receive
what is in  effect  a  return  of  capital  upon  the  distribution  which  will
nevertheless be taxable to shareholders subject to taxes.

     Upon a sale or exchange of its shares, a shareholder will realize a taxable
gain or loss depending on its basis in the shares.  Such gains or losses will be
treated  as a  capital  gain or loss if the  shares  are  capital  assets in the
investor's hands and will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have
been held for more  than one year.  Generally,  any loss  realized  on a sale or
exchange will be disallowed to the extent shares disposed of are replaced within
a period of sixty-one days  beginning  thirty days before and ending thirty days
after the shares are disposed of. Any loss realized by a shareholder on the sale
of  shares of the Fund held by the  shareholder  for six  months or less will be
disallowed  to the  extent of any  exempt  interest  dividends  received  by the
shareholder with respect to such shares, and will be treated for tax purposes as
a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions of net capital gains
received by the shareholder with respect to such shares.

      All distributions, whether received in shares or cash, must be reported by
each  shareholder  on his or her  Federal  income tax return.  Each  shareholder
should  consult his or her own tax adviser to determine  the state and local tax
implications of Fund distributions.

         Shareholders who fail to furnish their taxpayer  identification numbers
to a Fund and to certify as to its  correctness  and certain other  shareholders
may be subject to a 31% Federal  income tax backup  withholding  requirement  on
dividends,  distributions of capital gains and redemption  proceeds paid to them
by the Fund. If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such dividends or
capital  gain  distributions  to these  shareholders,  whether  taken in cash or
reinvested in additional shares, and any redemption  proceeds will be reduced by
the amounts required to be withheld. Investors may wish to consult their own tax
advisers about the applicability of the backup withholding provisions.

     The foregoing  discussion  relates solely to U.S. Federal income tax law as
applicable to U.S. persons (i.e.,  U.S. citizens and residents and U.S. domestic
corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates). It does not reflect the special
tax consequences to certain taxpayers (e.g.,  banks,  insurance  companies,  tax
exempt  organizations  and foreign  persons).  Shareholders  are  encouraged  to
consult their own tax advisers regarding specific questions relating to Federal,
state  and local  tax  consequences  of  investing  in  shares  of a Fund.  Each
shareholder  who is not a U.S.  person  should  consult  his or her tax  adviser
regarding  the U.S.  and foreign tax  consequences  of  ownership of shares of a
Fund, including the possibility that such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S.
withholding  tax at a rate of 31% (or at a lower  rate  under a tax  treaty)  on
amounts treated as income from U.S. sources under the Code.

Special Tax Considerations for Tax Exempt

         With  respect to Tax Exempt,  to the extent  that the Fund  distributes
exempt interest dividends to a shareholder, interest on indebtedness incurred or
continued  by such  shareholder  to purchase or carry  shares of the Fund is not
deductible.  Furthermore,  entities or persons who are  "substantial  users" (or
related  persons) of facilities  financed by "private  activity"  bonds (some of
which were  formerly  referred  to as  "industrial  development"  bonds)  should
consult their tax advisers before  purchasing  shares of the Fund.  "Substantial
user" is defined generally as including a "non-exempt person" who regularly uses
in its trade or  business a part of a facility  financed  from the  proceeds  of
industrial development bonds.

         The  percentage of the total  dividends  paid by a Fund with respect to
any taxable year that  qualifies as exempt  interest  dividends will be the same
for all shareholders of the Fund receiving  dividends with respect to such year.
If a shareholder  receives an exempt interest dividend with respect to any share
and such  share  has been held for six  months or less,  any loss on the sale or
exchange of such share will be disallowed  to the extent of the exempt  interest
dividend amount.

                                 NET ASSET VALUE

         The following information supplements that set forth in each Prospectus
under the  subheading  "How to Buy Shares - How the Funds Value Their Shares" in
the Section entitled "Purchase and Redemption of Shares".

         The public  offering  price of shares of a Fund is its net asset value.
On each Fund business day on which a purchase or redemption order is received by
a Fund and  trading in the types of  securities  in which a Fund  invests  might
materially  affect the value of Fund  shares,  the per share net asset  value of
each such Fund is  computed  in  accordance  with the  Declaration  of Trust and
By-Laws  governing each Fund twice daily,  at 12 noon Eastern time and as of the
next close of regular  trading on the New York Stock  Exchange (the  "Exchange")
(currently  4:00 p.m.  Eastern  time) by dividing  the value of the Fund's total
assets,  less  its  liabilities,   by  the  total  number  of  its  shares  then
outstanding.  A Fund business day is any weekday, exclusive of national holidays
on which the  Exchange is closed and Good  Friday.  Each Fund's  securities  are
valued at  amortized  cost.  Under  this  method of  valuation,  a  security  is
initially valued at its acquisition cost and,  thereafter,  a constant  straight
line  amortization  of any discount or premium is assumed each day regardless of
the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market value of the security. If
accurate  quotations are not available,  securities will be valued at fair value
determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees.

                                PURCHASE OF SHARES

         The following information supplements that set forth in each Prospectus
under the heading "Purchase and Redemption of Shares - How To Buy Shares".

General

         Shares of each Fund will be  offered on a  continuous  basis at a price
equal to their net asset value  without any  front-end  or  contingent  deferred
sales charges or with a contingent  deferred sales charge (the  "deferred  sales
charge  alternative")  as described  below.  Class Y shares which,  as described
below, are not offered to the general public,  are offered without any front-end
or  contingent  sales  charges.  Shares of each Fund are offered on a continuous
basis  through  (i)  investment   dealers  that  are  members  of  the  National
Association of Securities  Dealers,  Inc. and have entered into selected  dealer
agreements  with  the   Distributor   ("selected   dealers"),   (ii)  depository
institutions and other financial  intermediaries or their affiliates,  that have
entered into selected agent agreements with the Distributor ("selected agents"),
or (iii) the Distributor.  The minimum for initial investments is $1,000;  there
is no minimum  for  subsequent  investments.  The  subscriber  may use the Share
Purchase  Application  available  from the  Distributor  for his or her  initial
investment. Sales personnel of selected dealers and agents distributing a Fund's
shares may receive differing compensation for selling Class A or Class B shares.

         Investors  may purchase  shares of a Fund in the United  States  either
through selected  dealers or agents or directly through the Distributor.  A Fund
reserves  the right to suspend  the sale of its shares to the public in response
to conditions in the securities markets or for other reasons.

         Each  Fund  will  accept  unconditional  orders  for its  shares  to be
executed  at the  public  offering  price  equal  to the net  asset  value  next
determined,  as described below. Orders received by the Distributor prior to the
close of regular  trading on the  Exchange on each day the  Exchange is open for
trading  are priced at the net asset  value  computed as of the close of regular
trading  on the  Exchange  on that day.  In the case of orders for  purchase  of
shares placed through selected dealers or agents, the applicable public offering
price will be the net asset  value as so  determined,  but only if the  selected
dealer or agent receives the order prior to the close of regular  trading on the
Exchange and transmits it to the Distributor prior to its close of business that
same day (normally  5:00 p.m.  Eastern  time).  The selected  dealer or agent is
responsible for transmitting  such orders by 5:00 p.m. If the selected dealer or
agent fails to do so, the  investor's  right to that day's closing price must be
settled  between the investor and the selected  dealer or agent. If the selected
dealer or agent  receives  the order  after the close of regular  trading on the
Exchange,  the price will be based on the net asset value  determined  as of the
close of regular trading on the Exchange on the next day it is open for trading.

         Following the initial  purchase of shares of a Fund, a shareholder  may
place orders to purchase  additional  shares by telephone if the shareholder has
completed the appropriate portion of the Share Purchase Application. Payment for
shares purchased by telephone can be made only by Electronic Funds Transfer from
a bank account  maintained by the  shareholder at a bank that is a member of the
National  Automated  Clearing  House  Association  ("ACH").  If a  shareholder's
telephone  purchase request is received before 3:00 p.m. New York time on a Fund
business day, the order to purchase shares is automatically placed the same Fund
business day for  non-money  market  funds,  and two days  following the day the
order is received for money market funds,  and the  applicable  public  offering
price will be the public  offering price  determined as of the close of business
on such business day. Full and fractional  shares are credited to a subscriber's
account  in the  amount  of his or her  subscription.  As a  convenience  to the
subscriber,  and to avoid unnecessary  expense to a Fund, stock certificates are
not issued for any class of shares of any Fund, although such shares remain
in the  shareholder's  account on the records of a Fund. This facilitates  later
redemption  and  relieves  the  shareholder  of  the   responsibility   for  and
inconvenience of lost or stolen certificates.

Alternative Purchase Arrangements

         Except as noted, each Fund issues three classes of shares:  (i) Class A
shares,  which are sold to investors  choosing the no front-end  sales charge or
contingent  deferred sales charge  alternative;  (ii) Class B shares,  which are
sold to investors  choosing the deferred sales charge  alternative and which are
not  currently  offered by Tax Exempt and  Treasury;  and (iii)  Class Y shares,
which are offered only to (a) persons who at or prior to December 30, 1994 owned
shares in a mutual fund  advised by  Evergreen  Asset,  (b)  certain  investment
advisory  clients of the Advisers and their  affiliates,  and (c)  institutional
investors.  The three  classes of shares each  represent an interest in the same
portfolio of investments of the Fund,  have the same rights and are identical in
all  respects,  except that (I) only Class A and Class B shares are subject to a
Rule  12b-1  distribution  fee,  (II)  Class B shares  bear the  expense  of the
deferred  sales  charge,  (III) Class B shares bear the expense of a higher Rule
12b-1  distribution  services fee than Class A shares and higher transfer agency
costs,  (IV) with the  exception of Class Y shares,  each Class of each Fund has
exclusive  voting  rights  with  respect  to  provisions  of the Rule 12b-1 Plan
pursuant  to which its  distribution  services  fee is paid  which  relates to a
specific  Class and other matters for which separate Class voting is appropriate
under applicable law,  provided that, if the Fund submits to a simultaneous vote
of Class A and Class B  shareholders  an  amendment  to the Rule 12b-1 Plan that
would  materially  increase the amount to be paid thereunder with respect to the
Class A shares,  the Class A shareholders and the Class B shareholders will vote
separately  by  Class,  and  (VI)  only  the  Class B shares  are  subject  to a
conversion  feature.  Each Class has different  exchange  privileges and certain
different shareholder service options available.

         The alternative purchase  arrangements permit an investor to choose the
method of purchasing  shares that is most  beneficial.  The decision as to which
Class of shares of Money Market is more beneficial  depends primarily on whether
or not the  investor  wishes  to  exchange  all or part  of any  Class B  shares
purchased  for Class B shares of another  Evergreen  mutual  fund at some future
date. If the investor does not contemplate  such an exchange,  it is probably in
such  investor's  best interest to purchase  Class A shares.  Class A shares are
subject  to  a  lower   distribution   services   fee  and,   accordingly,   pay
correspondingly higher dividends per share than Class B shares.

         With respect to each Fund, the Trustees have  determined that currently
no conflict of interest exists between or among the Class A, Class B and Class Y
shares.  On an ongoing basis,  the Trustees,  pursuant to their fiduciary duties
under the 1940 Act and state  laws,  will seek to ensure  that no such  conflict
arises.

Deferred Sales Charge Alternative--Class B Shares

         Investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternative purchase Class
B shares at the public  offering price equal to the net asset value per share of
the Class B shares on the date of purchase without the imposition of a sales
charge at the time of purchase.  The Class B shares are sold without a front-end
sales  charge so that the full  amount of the  investor's  purchase  payment  is
invested in the Fund initially.

         Proceeds  from the  contingent  deferred  sales  charge are paid to the
Distributor  and are used by the  Distributor  to  defray  the  expenses  of the
Distributor  related to providing  distribution-related  services to the Fund in
connection  with  the  sale  of the  Class B  shares,  such  as the  payment  of
compensation  to selected  dealers and agents for  selling  Class B shares.  The
combination  of the  contingent  deferred  sales  charge  and  the  distribution
services fee enables the Fund to sell the Class B shares  without a sales charge
being  deducted at the time of purchase.  The higher  distribution  services fee
incurred by Class B shares will cause such shares to have a higher expense ratio
and to pay lower dividends than those related to Class A shares.

         Contingent  Deferred  Sales  Charge.  Class B shares which are redeemed
within seven years of purchase  will be subject to a contingent  deferred  sales
charge at the rates set forth in the  Prospectus  charged as a percentage of the
dollar amount subject thereto. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to
the lesser of the cost of the shares being  redeemed or their net asset value at
the  time of  redemption.  Accordingly,  no  sales  charge  will be  imposed  on
increases in net asset value above the initial  purchase price. In addition,  no
contingent  deferred  sales  charge  will be  assessed  on shares  derived  from
reinvestment  of dividends  or capital  gains  distributions.  The amount of the
contingent  deferred sales charge,  if any, will vary depending on the number of
years from the time of payment for the purchase of Class B shares until the time
of redemption of such shares.

         In  determining  the contingent  deferred sales charge  applicable to a
redemption,  it will be  assumed,  that the  redemption  is first of any Class A
shares in the shareholder's Fund account, second of Class B shares held for over
eight years or Class B shares acquired  pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or
distributions  and third of Class B shares held  longest  during the  eight-year
period.

         To illustrate,  assume that an investor  purchased 1,000 Class B shares
at $1 per share (at a cost of $1,000)  and,  during such time,  the investor has
acquired 100 additional  Class B shares upon dividend  reinvestment.  If at such
time the investor makes his or her first  redemption of 500 Class B shares,  100
Class B shares will not be subject to charge  because of dividend  reinvestment.
Therefore,  of the $500 of the shares  redeemed $400 of the redemption  proceeds
(400 shares x $1 original purchase price) will be charged at a rate of 4.0% (the
applicable  rate in the second year after  purchase  for a  contingent  deferred
sales charge of $16).

         The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on redemptions of shares
(i) following the death or disability, as defined in the Code, of a shareholder,
or  (ii) to the  extent  that  the  redemption  represents  a  minimum  required
distribution from an individual retirement account or other retirement plan to a
shareholder who has attained the age of 70-1/2.

         Conversion  Feature.  At the end of the period ending seven years after
the end of the  calendar  month in which the  shareholder's  purchase  order was
accepted,  Class B shares will automatically  convert to Class A shares and will
no longer be subject to a higher distribution services fee imposed on Class B
shares. Such conversion will be on the basis of the relative net asset values of
the two classes,  without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge.
The purpose of the conversion feature is to reduce the distribution services fee
paid by holders of Class B shares that have been outstanding long enough for the
Distributor to have been  compensated for the expenses  associated with the sale
of such shares.

         For purposes of conversion to Class A, Class B shares purchased through
the  reinvestment  of  dividends  and  distributions  paid in respect of Class B
shares in a  shareholder's  account will be  considered to be held in a separate
sub-account.  Each time any Class B shares in the  shareholder's  account (other
than those in the sub-account)  convert to Class A, an equal pro-rata portion of
the Class B shares in the sub-account will also convert to Class A.

         The  conversion  of Class B shares to Class A shares is  subject to the
continuing  availability  of an opinion  of  counsel to the effect  that (i) the
assessment  of the higher  distribution  services fee and transfer  agency costs
with respect to Class B shares does not result in the dividends or distributions
payable  with  respect  to  other  Classes  of  a  Fund's  shares  being  deemed
"preferential  dividends"  under the Code,  and (ii) the  conversion  of Class B
shares to Class A shares  does not  constitute  a taxable  event  under  Federal
income  tax law.  The  conversion  of Class B  shares  to Class A shares  may be
suspended if such an opinion is no longer  available at the time such conversion
is to occur.  In that  event,  no further  conversions  of Class B shares  would
occur,  and shares  might  continue  to be  subject  to the higher  distribution
services fee for an indefinite  period which may extend beyond the period ending
eight  years  after the end of the  calendar  month in which  the  shareholder's
purchase order was accepted.

Class Y Shares

         Class Y shares are not offered to the general  public and are available
only to (i)  persons  who at or prior to  December  30,  1994 owned  shares in a
mutual fund advised by Evergreen Asset, (ii) certain investment advisory clients
of the Advisers and their affiliates, and (iii) institutional investors. Class Y
shares do not bear any Rule 12b-1  distribution  expenses and are not subject to
any front-end or contingent deferred sales charges.

                    GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS
(See also "Other Information - General Information" in each Fund's Prospectus)

Capitalization and Organization

         Evergreen  Money Market Fund is a  Massachusetts  business  trust.  The
Evergreen  Tax Exempt  Money Market Fund is a separate  series of The  Evergreen
Municipal Trust, a Massachusetts  business trust.  The Evergreen  Treasury Money
Market Fund,  which prior to July 7, 1995 was known as the First Union  Treasury
Money Market  Portfolio,  is a separate series of Evergreen  Investment Trust, a
Massachusetts  business  trust.  On July 7, 1995,  First Union Funds changed its
name to  Evergreen  Investment  Trust.  On December  14,  1992,  The Salem Funds
changed its name to First Union Funds.  The above-named  Trusts are individually
referred  to in this  Statement  of  Additional  Information  as the "Trust" and
collectively  as the  "Trusts".  Each Trust is governed by a board of  trustees.
Unless otherwise stated, references to the "Board of Trustees" or "Trustees" in
this  Statement  of  Additional  Information  refer to the  Trustees  of all the
Trusts.

     Evergreen Tax Free Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on
March 25,  1987,  as a successor  to FFB Money  Trust,  which was  organized  on
December 4, 1985.  The  Declaration  of Trust  permits the  Trustees to issue an
unlimited number of full and fractional  shares of beneficial  interest having a
par  value of $0.001  per  share  and which may be issued in series or  classes.
Pursuant to that authority, the Board of Trustees has authorized the issuance of
two series of shares,  one of which represent shares in Pennsylvania.  The Board
of Trustees  may,  in the  future,  authorize  the  issuance of other  series or
classes.

         Money Market and Tax Exempt may issue an unlimited  number of shares of
beneficial  interest  with a $0.0001 par value.  Treasury may issue an unlimited
number of shares of beneficial  interest  without par value. All shares of these
Funds have equal rights and  privileges.  Each share is entitled to one vote, to
participate equally in dividends and distributions  declared by the Funds and on
liquidation  to  their   proportionate  share  of  the  assets  remaining  after
satisfaction of outstanding  liabilities.  Shares of these Funds are fully paid,
nonassessable  and  fully  transferable  when  issued  and have no  pre-emptive,
conversion or exchange rights.  Fractional shares have  proportionally  the same
rights, including voting rights, as are provided for a full share.

         Under each Trust's  Declaration of Trust, each Trustee will continue in
office  until  the  termination  of  the  Fund  or his  or  her  earlier  death,
incapacity,  resignation  or removal.  Shareholders  can remove a Trustee upon a
vote of  two-thirds  of the  outstanding  shares of  beneficial  interest of the
Trust. Vacancies will be filled by a majority of the remaining Trustees, subject
to the 1940  Act.  As a  result,  normally  no annual  or  regular  meetings  of
shareholders will be held, unless otherwise required by the Declaration of Trust
of each Trust or the 1940 Act.

         Shares have noncumulative  voting rights,  which means that the holders
of more than 50% of the shares  voting for the  election of  Trustees  can elect
100% of the  Trustees  if they  choose to do so and in such event the holders of
the remaining shares so voting will not be able to elect any Trustees.

         The Trustees of each Trust are  authorized to reclassify  and issue any
unissued shares to any number of additional series without shareholder approval.
Accordingly,  in the future,  for reasons such as the desire to establish one or
more  additional  portfolios of a Trust with  different  investment  objectives,
policies or restrictions,  additional  series of shares may be created by one or
more Funds.  Any issuance of shares of another series or class would be governed
by the 1940 Act and the law of the Commonwealth of  Massachusetts.  If shares of
another  series  of a Trust  were  issued in  connection  with the  creation  of
additional  investment  portfolios,  each share of the newly  created  portfolio
would  normally be entitled to one vote for all purposes.  Generally,  shares of
all portfolios would vote as a single series on matters, such as the election of
Trustees,  that affected all portfolios in substantially  the same manner. As to
matters affecting each portfolio differently, such as approval of the Investment
Advisory  Agreement and changes in investment  policy,  shares of each portfolio
would vote separately.

         In addition any Fund may, in the future,  create additional  classes of
shares which represent an interest in the same investment portfolio.  Except for
the  different  distribution  related  and other  specific  costs  borne by such
additional  classes,  they will have the same voting and other rights  described
for the existing classes of each Fund.

         Procedures  for calling a  shareholders  meeting for the removal of the
Trustees of each Trust,  similar to those set forth in Section 16(c) of the 1940
Act, will be available to  shareholders  of each Fund. The rights of the holders
of shares of a series of a Fund may not be modified except by the vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares of such series.

         An order has been received from the Securities and Exchange  Commission
permitting  the  issuance  and sale of multiple  classes of shares  representing
interests in each Fund. In the event a Fund were to issue additional  classes of
shares other than those described  herein, no further relief from the Securities
and Exchange Commission would be required.

Distributor

         Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor"), 237 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10169,  serves as each Fund's principal  underwriter,  and as
such may  solicit  orders from the public to  purchase  shares of any Fund.  The
Distributor  is not  obligated  to sell any  specific  amount of shares and will
purchase  shares for resale only against orders for shares.  Under the Agreement
between each Fund and the  Distributor,  each Fund has agreed to  indemnify  the
Distributor,  in the  absence  of its  willful  misfeasance,  bad  faith,  gross
negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations thereunder,  against certain
civil  liabilities,  including  liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.


Counsel

         Sullivan & Worcester LLP,  Washington,  D.C.,  serves as counsel to the
Funds.

Independent Auditors

         Price  Waterhouse LLP has been selected to be the independent  auditors
of Money Market and Tax Exempt.

         KPMG Peat Marwick LLP has been selected to be the independent  auditors
of Treasury.


                                      PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

YIELD CALCULATIONS

         Money  Market,  Tax Exempt and Treasury may quote a "Current  Yield" or
"Effective  Yield" from time to time.  The Current Yield is an annualized  yield
based on the actual total return for a seven-day period.  The Effective Yield is
an annualized  yield based on a compounding of the Current  Yield.  These yields
are each computed by first  determining  the "Net Change in Account Value" for a
hypothetical  account  having a share balance of one share at the beginning of a
seven-day period ("Beginning Account Value"), excluding capital changes. The Net
Change in Account Value will generally equal the total  dividends  declared with
respect to the account.

         The yields are then computed as follows:

                           Net Change in Account Value

                 Current Yield = Beginning Account Value x 365/7

                 Effective Yield = (1 + Total Dividend for 7 days) 365/7-1

         Yield  fluctuations  may  reflect  changes in a Fund's  net  investment
income, and portfolio changes resulting from net purchases or net redemptions of
the Fund's  shares may affect the yield.  Accordingly,  a Fund's  yield may vary
from day  today,  and the  yield  stated  for a  particular  past  period is not
necessarily  representative  of its  future  yield.  Since  the  Funds  use  the
amortized cost method of net asset value computation, it does not anticipate any
change in yield  resulting  from any  unrealized  gains or losses or  unrealized
appreciation or depreciation not reflected in the yield  computation,  or change
in net asset value during the period used for computing  yield.  If any of these
conditions should occur, yield quotations would be suspended.  A Fund's yield is
not guaranteed, and the principal is not insured.

         Yield  information  is useful in  reviewing a Fund's  performance,  but
because yields fluctuate, such information cannot necessarily be used to compare
an  investment  in a Fund's  shares with bank  deposits,  savings  accounts  and
similar  investment  alternatives  which often  provide an agreed or  guaranteed
fixed yield for a stated period of time. Shareholders should remember that yield
is a  function  of the  kind  and  quality  of  the  instruments  in the  Funds'
investment  portfolios,   portfolio  maturity,  operating  expenses  and  market
conditions.

         It should be recognized that in periods of declining interest rates the
yields will tend to be somewhat  higher than  prevailing  market  rates,  and in
periods of rising  interest  rates the yields  will tend to be  somewhat  lower.
Also,  when  interest  rates are falling,  the inflow of net new money to a Fund
from the  continuous  sale of its shares will likely be invested in  instruments
producing  lower  yields  than the  balance of the Fund's  investments,  thereby
reducing the current yield of the Fund. In periods of rising interest rates, the
opposite can be expected to occur.

         The current  yield and  effective  yield of each Fund for the seven-day
period  ended  August 31, 1995 for each Class of shares  offered by the Funds is
set forth in the table below:

                             Current            Effective
                              Yield               Yield

Money Market
  Class A                    5.20%              5.33%
  Class B                    4.50%              4.60%
  Class Y                    5.49%              5.64%

Tax Exempt
  Class A                    3.30%              3.35%
  Class Y                    3.59%              3.65%

Treasury
  Class A                    5.16%              5.29%
  Class Y                    5.46%              5.61%


          For the 7-day period ended  February  28, 1995,  the yield,  effective
     yield and tax  equivalent  yield of the  Pennsylvania  Tax-Free Fund was as
     follows:



                                                     Effective yield      -    
                      Yield for 7 days  -for-7-days----------Yield-for-7-days--
                     ---------------------------------- -----------------------
Pa. Tax-Free Fund           4.07%           4.15%                 6.03%*


                                                                 27

GENERAL

From time to time, a Fund may quote its  performance  in  advertising  and other
types of  literature  as compared to the  performance  of the Bank Rate  Monitor
National  Index which  publishes  weekly  average  rates of 50 leading  bank and
thrift institution money market deposit accounts.  A Fund's performance may also
be compared to those of other  mutual  funds  having  similar  objectives.  This
comparative  performance  would be  expressed  as a ranking  prepared  by Lipper
Analytical Services,  Inc.,  Donoghue's Money Fund Report or similar independent
services  monitoring  mutual  fund  performance.  A Fund's  performance  will be
calculated by assuming,  to the extent  applicable,  reinvestment of all capital
gains  distributions  and income  dividends  paid. Any such  comparisons  may be
useful to investors who wish to compare a Fund's past  performance  with that of
its competitors.  Of course,  past  performance  cannot be a guarantee of future
results.

Additional Information

         Any shareholder  inquiries may be directed to the shareholder's  broker
or to each Adviser at the address or  telephone  number shown on the front cover
of this  Statement of  Additional  Information.  This  Statement  of  Additional
Information  does not contain all the information set forth in the  Registration
Statement filed by the Trusts with the Securities and Exchange  Commission under
the Securities Act of 1933. Copies of the Registration Statement may be obtained
at a reasonable  charge from the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission or may be
examined,  without  charge,  at the  offices  of  the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission in Washington, D.C.


                             FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     Each Fund's  financial  statements  appearing in their most current  fiscal
year Annual Report to  shareholders  and the report  thereon of the  independent
auditors  appearing  therein,  namely Price Waterhouse LLP (in the case of Money
Market and Tax Exempt) or KPMG Peat Marwick LLP (in the case of Pennsylvania and
Treasury)  are  incorporated  by  reference  in  this  Statement  of  Additional
Information. The Annual Reports to Shareholders for each Fund, which contain the
referenced statements, are available upon request and without charge.


APPENDIX "A"


DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS

         Standard & Poor's  Ratings  Groups.  A Standard & Poor's  corporate  or
municipal  bond rating is a current  assessment  of the credit  worthiness of an
obligor  with  respect  to a  specific  obligation.  This  assessment  of credit
worthiness may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors,  insurers or
lessees.  The debt rating is not a  recommendation  to purchase,  sell or hold a
security,  inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for
a particular investor.

         The ratings are based on current  information  furnished  to Standard &
Poor's by the issuer or obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it
considers  reliable.  Standard & Poor's does not perform any audit in connection
with the ratings and may, on occasion,  rely on unaudited financial information.
The ratings may be changed,  suspended  or  withdrawn as a result of changes in,
unavailability of such information, or for other circumstances.



         The  ratings  are  based,   in  varying   degrees,   on  the  following
considerations:


         1. Likelihood of default-capacity  and willingness of the obligor as to
the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the
terms of the obligation.

         2.  Nature of and provisions of the obligation.

         3. Protection  afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in
the event of bankruptcy,  reorganization  or their arrangement under the laws of
bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

         AAA - This is the  highest  rating  assigned  by Standard & Poor's to a
debt  obligation and indicates an extremely  strong capacity to pay interest and
repay any principal.

         AA - Debt rated AA also  qualifies as high  quality  debt  obligations.
Capacity to pay interest and repay  principal is very strong and in the majority
of instances they differ from AAA issues only in small degree.

         A - Debt  rated A has a  strong  capacity  to pay  interest  and  repay
principal  although it is somewhat more  susceptible  to the adverse  effects of
changes in  circumstances  and  economic  conditions  than debt in higher  rated
categories.

         BBB - Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate  capacity to pay
interest  and  repay  principal.   Whereas  they  normally  exhibit   protection
parameters,  adverse  economic  conditions  or changing  circumstances  are more
likely to lead to a weakened  capacity to pay interest and repay  principal  for
debt in this category than is higher rated categories.

         BB, B, CCC, CC, C - Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is  regarded,  on a
balance,  as predominantly  speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest
and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation.

         BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation  and C the highest degree
of  speculation.  While such debt will likely have some  quality and  protective
characteristics,  these are  outweighed  by large  uncertainties  or major  risk
exposures to adverse conditions.

         BB - Debt rated BB has less  near-term  vulnerability  to default  than
other  speculative  issues.  However,  it faces major ongoing  uncertainties  or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead
to inadequate  capacity to meet timely interest and principal  payments.  The BB
rating  category  is also  used for debt  subordinated  to  senior  debt that is
assigned an actual or implied BBB - rating.

                                                               29

<PAGE>



         B - Debt rated B has greater vulnerability to default but currently has
the  capacity  to meet  interest  payments  and  principal  repayments.  Adverse
business,  financial,  or economic  conditions  will likely  impair  capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay  principal.  The B rating category is also
used for debt  subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
BB or BB- rating.

         CCC - Debt  rated  CCC has a  currently  indefinable  vulnerability  to
default,  and is  dependent  upon  favorable  business,  financial  and economic
conditions to meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the
event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to
have the capacity to pay interest and repay  principal.  The CCC rating category
is also used for debt  subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or
implied B or B- rating.

         CC - The rating CC is typically  applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt that is assigned an actual or implied CCC rating.

         C - The rating C is typically  applied to debt  subordinated  to senior
debt which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt  rating.  The C rating may
be used to cover a situation  where a bankruptcy  petition  has been filed,  but
debt service payments are continued.

         C1 - The rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.

         D - Debt  rated  D is in  payment  default.  It is used  when  interest
payments or principal payments are not made on a due date even if the applicable
grace  period  has not  expired,  unless  Standard & Poor's  believes  that such
payments  will be made  during such grace  periods;  it will also be used upon a
filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are jeopardized.

         Plus (+) or Minus (-) - To provide more detailed  indications of credit
quality, the ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or
minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

         NR - indicates that no public rating has been requested,  that there is
insufficient  information  on which to base a rating,  or that Standard & Poor's
does not rate a  particular  type of  obligation  as a matter  of  policy.  Debt
obligations of issuers  outside the United States and its  territories are rated
on the same basis as  domestic  corporate  and  municipal  issues.  The  ratings
measure  the  credit  worthiness  of the  obligor  but do not take into  account
currency exchange and related uncertainties.

         Bond  Investment  Quality  Standards:  Under  present  commercial  bank
regulations  issued by the  Comptroller of the Currency,  bonds rated in the top
four categories (AAA, AA, A, BBB, commonly known as "Investment  Grade" ratings)
are generally regarded as eligible for bank investment.  In addition,  the Legal
Investment  Laws of various states may impose certain rating or other  standards
for  obligations  eligible for  investment by savings  banks,  trust  companies,
insurance companies and fiduciaries generally.

     Moody's Investors  Service.  A brief description of the applicable  Moody's
Investors Service rating symbols and their meanings follows:

         Aaa - Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.

                                                               30

<PAGE>



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

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

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

          Baa - Bonds  which  are  rated  Baa are  considered  as  medium  grade
obligations,  i.e.,  they are  neither  highly  protected  nor  poorly  secured.
Interest  payments and principal  security  appear  adequate for the present but
certain  protective  elements  may  be  lacking  or  may  be  characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Some bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics  and in fact have  speculative  characteristics  as well.  NOTE:
Bonds  within  the above  categories  which  possess  the  strongest  investment
attributes are designated by the symbol "1" following the rating.

         Ba - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative  elements;
their future  cannot be  considered  as well  assured.  Often the  protection of
interest  and  principal  payments  may be very  moderate  and  thereby not well
safeguarded  during good and bad times over the future.  Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.

         B - Bonds  which  are rated B  generally  lack  characteristics  of the
desirable  investment.  Assurance  of  interest  and  principal  payments  or of
maintenance  of other terms of the contract  over any long period of time may be
small.

         Caa - Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor  standing.  Such issues may
be in  default  or there may be  present  elements  of danger  with  respect  to
principal or interest.

         Ca  -  bonds  which  are  rated  Ca  represent  obligations  which  are
speculative  in a high  degree.  Such  issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.

         C - bonds  which are rated C are the  lowest  rated  class of bonds and
issue so rated  can be  regarded  as having  extremely  poor  prospects  of ever
attaining any real investment standing.


            Duff & Phelps:  AAA-- highest credit  quality,  with negligible risk
factors;  AA -- high credit quality,  with strong protection  factors and modest
risk, which

                                                               31

<PAGE>



may vary  very  slightly  form  time to time  because  of  economic  conditions;
A--average credit quality with adequate protection factors, but with greater and
more variable risk factors in periods of economic stress. The indicators "+" and
"-" to the AA and A categories indicate the relative position of a credit within
those rating categories.

           Fitch  Investors  Service:  AAA -- highest  credit  quality,  with an
exceptionally  strong  ability to pay interest and repay  principal;  AA -- very
high  credit  quality,  with very  strong  ablility  to pay  interest  and repay
principal; A -- high credit quality,  considered strong as regards principal and
interest  protection,  but may be more vulneralbe to adverse changes in economic
conditions  and  circumstances.  The indicators "+" and "-" to the AA, A and BBB
categories  indicate  the  relative  position  of  credit  within  those  rating
categories.


DESCRIPTION OF MUNICIPAL NOTE RATINGS


         A Standard & Poor's note rating  reflects  the  liquidity  concerns and
market  access  risks  unique  to notes.  Notes due in three  years or less will
likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely
receive a long-term debt rating.  The following  criteria will be used in making
that assessment.

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

     o Source of Payment (the more  dependent the issue is on the market for its
 refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.)
Note rating symbols are as follows:

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

     o   SP-2  Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.

     o   SP-3  Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

         Moody's  Short-Term  Loan  Ratings  -  Moody's  ratings  for  state and
municipal  short-term  obligations will be designated  Moody's  Investment Grade
(MIG). This distinction is in recognition of the differences  between short-term
credit risk and long-term risk.  Factors affecting the liquidity of the borrower
are uppermost in importance in short-term  borrowing,  while various  factors of
major importance in bond risk are of lesser importance over the short run.

Rating symbols and their meanings follow:

     o   MIG 1 - This designation denotes best quality.  There is present strong
 protection by established  cash flows,  superior  liquidity  support or
demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

     o MIG 2 - This designation denotes high quality.  Margins of protection are
 ample although not so large as in the preceding group.

     o   MIG 3 -  This  designation  denotes  favorable  quality.  All  security

                                                               32

<PAGE>


 elements are accounted for but this is lacking the  undeniable  strength of the
preceding  grades.  Liquidity and cash flow  protection may be narrow and market
access for refinancing is likely to be less well established.

     o   MIG 4 - This designation denotes adequate quality.  Protection commonly
 regarded as required of an investment  security is present and although not
distinctly or predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.


COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

     Moody's Investors Service, Inc.: Commercial paper rated "Prime" carries the
smallest degree of investment risk. The modifiers 1, 2, and 3 are used to denote
relative strength within this highest classification.

         Standard & Poor's Ratings Group:  "A" is the highest  commercial  paper
rating  category  utilized  by  Standard & Poor's  Ratings  Group which uses the
numbers  1+,  1,  2  and  3  to  denote   relative   strength   within  its  "A"
classification.

         Duff & Phelps:  Duff 1 is the highest  commercial paper rating category
utilized by Duff & Phelps which uses + or - to denote  relative  strength within
this  classification.  Duff 2 represents good certainty of timely payment,  with
minimal risk factors.  Duff 3 represents  satisfactory  protection factors, with
risk factors larger and subject to more variation.

         Fitch Investors Service:  F-1+ -- denotes  exceptionally  strong credit
quality  given to issues  regarded as having  strongest  degree of assurance for
timely  payment;  F-1+ -- very strong  credit  quality,  with only slightly less
degree of  assurance  for  timely  payment  than F-1 -- very  strong,  with only
slightly  less degree of assurance  for timely  payment  than F-1+;  F-2 -- good
credit quality, caryying a satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment.



                                                               33
APPENDIX B


Special Considerations Relating to Investment In Pennsylvania Municipal Issuers

     The following  information  as to certain  Pennsylvania  considerations  is
given to investors in view of the Evergreen  Pennsylvania  Tax Free Money Market
Fund's policy of investing primarily in securities of Pennsylvania issuers. Such
information  is derived from sources that are  generally  available to investors
and is believed by the Adviser to be accurate. Such information constitutes only
a brief summary,  does not purport to be a complete  description and is based on
information  from  official  statements  relating  to  securities  offerings  of
Pennsylvania issuers.

     Employment.  The industries  traditionally strong in Pennsylvania,  such as
coal,  steel and railway,  have  declined and account for a decreasing  share of
total employment.  Service industries  (including trade, health care, government
and  finance)  have  grown,  however,  contributing  increasing  shares  to  the
Commonwealth's gross product and exceeding the manufacturing sector in each year
since 1985 as the largest single source of employment.

     While  the  level of  Pennsylvania's  population  increased  2.3% from 1985
through  1993,  nonagricultural  employment  increased by 8.0% from 1983 through
1993.  In  contrast,  increases  in U.S.  nonagricultural  employment  have been
greater for the same period,  with U.S.  employment  increasing by 13% from 1985
through 1993. Trends in the unemployment rates of Pennsylvania and the U.S. have
been  similar  from  1985  through  1993.  From  1986  to  1990,  Pennsylvania's
unemployment  rate was lower than the U.S.  rate.  For  example,  Pennsylvania's
unemployment rate for 1989 and 1990 was 4.5% and 5.4%,  respectively,  while the
unemployment  rate for the U.S.  was 5.3% and 5.5% for the same years.  In 1991,
1992 and  1993,  Pennsylvania's  unemployment  rate  was  6.9%,  7.5% and  7.1%,
respectively, which slightly exceeded the U.S. employment rate of 6.7%, 7.4% and
6.8% for the same years.

     Commonwealth   Debt.   Debt   service  on  general   obligation   bonds  of
Pennsylvania,  except those issued for highway  purposes or the benefit of other
special  revenue  funds,  is  payable  from  Pennsylvania's  general  fund,  the
recipient of all Commonwealth  revenues that are not required to be deposited in
other funds.

     As of June 30, 1994, the Commonwealth had $5,076 million of long-term bonds
outstanding,  with debt for capital  projects  constituting  the largest  dollar
amount.  Although  Pennsylvania's   Constitution  permits  the  issuance  of  an
aggregate  amount of capital project debt equal to 1.75 times the average annual
tax  revenues of the  preceding  five fiscal  years,  the General  Assembly  may
authorize and historically has authorized a smaller amount.  This constitutional
limit  does not apply to other  types of  Pennsylvania  debt such as  electorate
approved  debt or debt  issued  to  rehabilitate  areas  affected  by  disaster.
However,  the former may be incurred  only after the  enactment  of  legislation
calling for a referendum  and usually  specifying the purpose and amount of such
debt, followed by electoral approval.  Similarly,  debt issued to rehabilitate a
disaster  area must be  authorized  by  legislation  which sets the debt limits.
These  statutory  and  constitutional  limitations  imposed  on  bonds  are also
applicable to bond anticipation notes.

     Pennsylvania cannot use tax anticipation notes or any other form of debt to
fund budget deficits between fiscal years. All year-end  deficits must be funded
within the succeeding  fiscal year's budget.  Moreover,  the principal amount of
tax anticipation notes issued and outstanding for the account of a fund during a
fiscal year may not exceed 20 percent of that fund's estimated revenues for that
fiscal year.

     Moral  Obligations.  The debt of the  Pennsylvania  Housing  Finance Agency
("PHFA"),  a state agency which provides  housing for lower and moderate  income
families,  and  certain  obligations  of  The  Hospitals  and  Higher  Education
Facilities  Authority of Philadelphia  (the "Hospitals  Authority") are the only
debt bearing  Pennsylvania's moral obligation.  PHFA's bonds, but not its notes,
are  partially  secured by a capital  reserve fund  required to be maintained by
PHFA in an amount equal to the maximum  annual debt  service on its  outstanding
bonds in any succeeding calendar year. If there is a potential deficiency in the
capital  reserve fund or if funds are  necessary  to avoid  default on interest,
principal or sinking fund payments on bonds or notes of PHFA,  the Governor must
place in Pennsylvania's budget for the next succeeding year an amount sufficient
to make up any such  deficiency or to avoid any such  default.  The budget which
the General  Assembly  adopts may or may not include  such  amount.  PHFA is not
permitted to borrow  additional  funds as long as any  deficiency  exists in the
capital reserve fund.

     In fiscal 1976, the Commonwealth  purchased $32.0 million  principal amount
of notes from PHFA,  issued for the purpose of redeeming  all  outstanding  bond
anticipation notes and paying unfunded  liabilities of PHFA. All such notes have
been redeemed by PHFA and the funds returned, with interest, to Pennsylvania. As
of December 31, 1994, PHFA had $2,300 million of bonds and notes outstanding.

     The Hospitals  Authority is a municipal  authority organized by the City of
Philadelphia (the "City") to, inter alia,  acquire and prepare various sites for
use as  intermediate  care  facilities  for the mentally  retarded.  In 1986 the
Hospitals  Authority issued $20.4 million of bonds,  which were refunded in 1993
by a $21.1  million  bond  issue  of the  Hospitals  Authority  (the  "Hospitals
Authority  Bonds") for such  facilities  for the City.  The Hospitals  Authority
Bonds are secured by leases with the City and a debt  service  reserve  fund for
which the  Pennsylvania  Department  of Public  Welfare (the  "Department")  has
agreed with the Hospitals Authority to request in the Department's annual budget
submission  to the  Governor,  an amount of funds  sufficient  to alleviate  any
deficiency  in the debt  service  reserve  fund that may  arise.  The  budget as
finally adopted may or may not include the amount  requested.  If funds are paid
to the Hospitals  Authority,  the  Department  will obtain certain rights in the
property financed with the Hospitals Authority Bonds in return for such payment.

     In  response  to a delay  in the  availability  of  billable  beds  and the
revenues from these beds to pay debt service on the Hospitals  Authority  Bonds,
PHFA  agreed in June 1989 to provide a $2.2  million  low  interest  loan to the
Hospitals  Authority.  The loan enabled the Hospitals Authority to make all debt
service payments on the Hospitals  Authority Bonds during 1990. Enough beds were
completed in 1991 to provide sufficient  revenues to the Hospitals  Authority to
meet its debt service  payments and to begin  repaying the loan from PHFA. As of
December 31, 1994, $1.64 million of the loan was outstanding.

     Other Commonwealth Obligations; Pensions. Other obligations of Pennsylvania
include long-term agreements with public authorities to make lease payments that
are pledged as security for those  authorities'  revenue bonds and pension plans
covering state public school and other  employees.  The total  unfunded  accrued
liability  under these  pension  plans for their  fiscal years ended in 1994 was
$2,950 million.

     Pennsylvania Agencies. Certain Pennsylvania-created agencies have statutory
authorization  to  incur  debt  for  which   legislation   providing  for  state
appropriations  to pay debt service  thereon is not required.  The debt of these
agencies is supported  solely by assets of, or revenues derived from the various
projects  financed  and is not an  obligation  of  Pennsylvania.  Some of  these
agencies,  however,  are  indirectly  dependent on  Pennsylvania  funds  through
various  state-assisted  programs.  There can be no assurance that in the future
assistance  of the  Commonwealth  will be  available  to these  agencies.  These
entities  are as follows:  The  Delaware  River  Joint Toll  Bridge  Commission,
Delaware  River  Port  Authority,  Pennsylvania  Energy  Development  Authority,
Pennsylvania  Higher Education  Assistance Agency,  Pennsylvania  Infrastructure
Investment  Authority,  the Pennsylvania State Public School Building Authority,
the  Pennsylvania  Turnpike  Commission,  the  Pennsylvania  Higher  Educational
Facilities Authority,  the Pennsylvania  Industrial Development  Authority,  the
Philadelphia  Regional Port Authority and the Pennsylvania  Economic Development
Financing Authority.

     Debt of  Political  Subdivisions  and their  Authorities.  The  ability  of
Pennsylvania's  political  subdivisions,  such as  counties,  cites  and  school
districts, to engage in general obligation borrowing without electorate approval
is generally  limited by their recent revenue  collection  experience,  although
generally such subdivisions can levy real property taxes unlimited as to rate or
amount to repay general obligation borrowings.

     Political  subdivisions can issue revenue obligations which will not affect
their general  obligation  capacity,  but only if such revenue  obligations  are
either  limited as to repayment  from a certain  type of revenue  other than tax
revenues or projected to be repaid solely from project revenues.

     Industrial  development  and  municipal  authorities,  although  created by
political  subdivisions,  can only issue  obligations  payable  solely  from the
revenues  derived  from the  financed  project.  If the user of the project is a
political  subdivision,  that  subdivision's  full faith and credit may back the
repayment  of  the  obligations  of  the  industrial  development  or  municipal
authority.  Often the user of the project is a nongovernmental entity, such as a
not-for-profit  hospital  or  university,  a  public  utility  or an  industrial
corporation,  and there  can be no  assurance  that it will  meet its  financial
obligations or that the pledge,  if any, of property  financed will be adequate.
Factors affecting the business of the user of the project,  such as governmental
efforts  to control  health  care  costs (in the case of  hospitals),  declining
enrollment and reductions in governmental  financial  assistance (in the case of
universities),  increasing  capital and operational costs (in the case of public
utilities) and economic  slowdowns (in the case of industrial  corporations) may
adversely  affect the  ability of the  project  user to pay the debt  service on
revenue bonds issued on its behalf.

     Many factors  affect the financial  condition of the  Commonwealth  and its
counties,  cities,  school districts and other political  subdivisions,  such as
social,  environmental and economic conditions, many of which are not within the
control of such  entities.  As is the case with many states and cities,  many of
the programs of the  Commonwealth and its political  subdivisions,  particularly
human services programs,  depend in part upon federal  reimbursements which have
been steadily  declining.  In recent years the  Commonwealth  and various of its
political subdivisions  (including particularly the City of Philadelphia and the
City of Scranton) have encountered financial difficulty due to a slowdown in the
pace of economic activity in the Commonwealth and to other factors.  The Fund is
unable to predict what  effect,  if any,  such factors  would have on the Fund's
investments.


<PAGE>

*******************************************************************************


                            STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                      January 22, 1996

                           THE EVERGREEN TAX FREE FUNDS

                   2500 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, New York 10577

                                    800-807-2940

Evergreen  Florida  Municipal Bond Fund (formerly First Union Florida
  Municipal Bond Portfolio) ("Florida Municipal Bond")
Evergreen Georgia Municipal Bond Fund (formerly  First Union Georgia
  Municipal Bond  Portfolio)  ("Georgia  Municipal Bond")
Evergreen New Jersey Tax Free Income Fund (formerly  FFB 
  New Jersey Tax Free Income Fund)  ("New Jersey Tax Free")
Evergreen North Carolina  Municipal Bond Fund (formerly First Union North
  Carolina  Municipal Bond Portfolio)  ("North Carolina Municipal Bond")
Evergreen South  Carolina  Municipal  Bond  Fund  (formerly  First  Union
  South  Carolina Municipal Bond Portfolio)  ("South Carolina  Municipal Bond")
Evergreen Virginia Municipal Bond Fund (formerly  First Union  Virginia
  Municipal Bond  Portfolio)("Virginia  Municipal Bond")
Evergreen  Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund ("Florida High Income")
Evergreen High Grade Tax Free Fund (formerly First Union High  Grade Tax Free
  Portfolio)  ("High  Grade")
Evergreen Short-Intermediate Municipal Fund  ("Short-Intermediate")
Evergreen Short-Intermediate Municipal Fund-California ("Short-Intermediate-CA")


     This Statement of Additional  Information pertains to all classes of shares
of the  Funds  listed  below.  It is not a  prospectus  and  should  be  read in
conjunction with the Prospectus dated January 22, 1996 for the Fund in which you
are making or  contemplating  an  investment.  The  Evergreen Tax Free Funds are
offered  through four separate  prospectuses:  one offering  Class A and Class B
shares, and a separate  prospectus  offering Class Y shares of Florida Municipal
Bond,  Georgia  Municipal  Bond, New Jersey Tax Free,  North Carolina  Municipal
Bond, South Carolina  Municipal Bond,  Virginia  Municipal Bond and Florida High
Income;  and one offering  Class A and Class B shares and a separate  prospectus
offering   Class   Y   shares   of   High   Grade,   Short-Intermediate   and
Short-Intermediate-CA.  Copies of each Prospectus may be obtained without charge
by calling the number listed above.


                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Investment Objectives and Policies................................
Investment Restrictions...........................................
Non-Fundamental Operating Policies................................
Management........................................................
Investment Adviser................................................
Distribution Plans................................................
Allocation of Brokerage...........................................
Additional Tax Information........................................
Net Asset Value...................................................
Purchase of Shares................................................
Performance Information...........................................
Financial Statements..............................................


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Appendix A - Description of Bond  Municipal  Note And  Commercial  Paper Ratings
Appendix B - Additional   Information  Concerning  California  
Appendix C - Additional  Information  Concerning Florida 
Appendix D - Additional  Information Concerning Georgia 
Appendix E - Additional Information Concerning North Carolina
Appendix F - Additional  Information  Concerning  South  Carolina  
Appendix G - Additional Information Concerning Virginia



                       INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
          (See also "Description of the Funds - Investment Objective
                    and Policies" in each Fund's Prospectus)

  The  investment  objective of each Fund and a description of the securities in
which  each  Fund may  invest  is set  forth  under  "Description  of the  Funds
Investment  Objective and Policies" in the relevant  Prospectus.  The investment
objectives of Florida  Municipal Bond,  Georgia  Municipal Bond,  North Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond,  Virginia Municipal Bond and High
Grade  are   fundamental   and  cannot  be  changed   without  the  approval  of
shareholders.  The following expands the discussion in the Prospectus  regarding
certain investments of each Fund.

        Additional Information Regarding Investments that each Fund May Make

Participation Interests (All Funds)

     Participation  interests  may take the form of  participations,  beneficial
interests,  in a trust,  partnership  interests,  or any other form of  indirect
ownership that allows a Fund to treat the income from the  investments as exempt
from  federal  and state  tax.  The  financial  institutions  from  which a Fund
purchases  participation  interests  frequently  provide or secure from  another
financial  institution  irrevocable  letters of credit or guarantees  and give a
Fund the right to demand payment of the principal  amounts of the  participation
interests plus accrued interest on short notice (usually within seven days).

Variable Rate Municipal Securities (All Funds)

     Variable  interest  rates  generally  reduce changes in the market value of
municipal  securities  from their  original  purchase  prices.  Accordingly,  as
interest rates decrease or increase,  the potential for capital  appreciation or
depreciation  is less for  variable  rate  municipal  securities  than for fixed
income obligations.

     Many municipal  securities with variable interest rates purchased by a Fund
are subject to repayment of principal  (usually within seven days) on the Fund's
demand. The terms of these variable rates demand instruments  require payment of
principal  obligations  by  the  issuer  of  the  participation  interests  or a
guarantor of either issuer. All variable rate municipal securities will meet the
quality standards for a Fund. The Fund's investment  adviser has been instructed
by the Board of Trustees (the "Trustees") to monitor the pricing,  quality,  and
liquidity of the variable rate  municipal  securities,  including  participation
interests held by a Fund, on the basis of published  financial  information  and
reports of the rating agencies and other analytical services.


Municipal Leases (All Funds)

     When  determining  whether  municipal  leases  purchased  by a Fund will be
classified  as a liquid or illiquid  security,  the Trustees  have directed each
Fund's investment adviser to consider certain factors, such as: the frequency of
trades and quotes for the  security;  the  volatility  of  quotations  and trade
prices for the security,  the number of dealers  willing to purchase or sell the
security and the number of potential  purchasers;  dealer undertakings to make a
market  in the  security;  the  nature  of the  security  and the  nature of the
marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method
of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer); the rating of the security
and the financial condition and prospects of the issuer of the security; whether
the lease can be terminated by the lessee; the potential recovery,  if any, from
a sale of the  leased  property  upon  termination  of the lease;  the  lessee's
general credit strength (e.g., its debt, administrative,  economic and financial
characteristics and prospects);  the likelihood that the lessee will discontinue
appropriating  funding for the leased property because the property is no longer
deemed  essential  to its  operations  (e.g.,  the  potential  for an  "event of
nonappropriation");  any credit  enhancement or legal recourse  provided upon an
event of  nonappropriation  or other  termination  of the lease;  and such other
factors as may be relevant to the Fund's ability to dispose of the security.

When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions

     These  transactions  are  made  to  secure  what  is  considered  to  be an
advantageous  price or yield for a Fund. No fees or other  expenses,  other than
normal  transaction  costs,  are  incurred.  However,  liquid  assets  of a Fund
sufficient to make payment for the  securities to be purchased are segregated on
the Fund's  records at the trade date.  These  assets are marked to market daily
and are maintained until the transaction has been settled. The Funds (other than
High  Grade,  Short-Intermediate  and  Short-Intermediate-CA)  do not  intend to
engage in when-issued and delayed delivery  transactions to an extent that would
cause  the  segregation  of more  than 20% of the  total  value  of its  assets.
Short-Intermediate and  Short-Intermediate-CA  do not expect that commitments to
purchase  when-issued  securities will normally exceed 25% of their total assets
and High Grade  does not expect  that such  commitments  will  exceed 20% of its
total assets.

Futures   and   Options    Transactions    (All   Funds   Except   High   Grade,
New Jersey, Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA)

     A Fund may attempt to hedge all or a portion of its portfolio by buying and
selling financial futures contracts and options on financial futures  contracts.
Additionally,  a Fund  may buy  and  sell  call  and put  options  on  portfolio
securities.  The Funds do not intend to invest  more than 5% of their  assets in
options and futures.

Purchasing Put Options on Financial Futures Contracts

     A Fund may  purchase  listed  put and call  options  on  financial  futures
contracts  for U.S.  government  securities.  Unlike  entering  directly  into a
futures contract,  which requires the purchaser to buy a financial instrument on
a set date at a  specified  price,  the  purchase  of a put  option on a futures
contract entitles (but does not obligate) its purchaser to decide on or before a
future date whether to assume a short position at the specified price.

     A Fund may purchase put options on futures to protect portfolio  securities
against  decreases in value  resulting  from an  anticipated  increase in market
interest rates.  Generally, if the hedged portfolio securities decrease in value
during the term of an option,  the related futures  contracts will also decrease
in value and the option will increase in value. In such an event,  the Fund will
normally  close out its option by selling an identical  option.  If the hedge is
successful,  the proceeds  received by a Fund upon the sale of the second option
will be  large  enough  to  offset  both  the  premium  paid by the Fund for the
original option plus the realized decrease in value of the hedged securities.

     Alternatively,  a Fund may  exercise  its put  option.  To do so,  it would
simultaneously  enter into a futures  contract of the type underlying the option
(for a price less than the strike  price of the option) and exercise the option.
A Fund would then  deliver  the  futures  contract  in return for payment of the
strike price.  If a Fund neither closes out nor exercises an option,  the option
will expire on the date  provided in the option  contract,  and the premium paid
for the contract will be lost.

Writing Call Options on Financial Futures Contracts

     In addition to purchasing  put options on futures,  a Fund may write listed
call options on futures  contracts for U.S.  government  securities to hedge its
portfolio  against an increase in market  interest  rates.  When a Fund writes a
call option on a futures contract,  it is undertaking the obligation of assuming
a short futures position  (selling a futures contract) at the fixed strike price
at any time during the life of the option, if the option is exercised. As market
interest  rates  rise,  causing  the  prices  of  futures  to go down,  a Fund's
obligation  under a call option on a future (to sell a futures  contract)  costs
less to  fulfill,  causing  the value of the  Fund's  call  option  position  to
increase.

     In other words, as the underlying  futures price goes down below the strike
price,  the buyer of the option has no reason to exercise the call,  so that the
Fund keeps the premium received for the option. This premium can offset the drop
in value of a Fund's fixed income portfolio which is occurring as interest rates
rise.

     Prior to the  expiration  of a call written by a Fund, or exercise of it by
the buyer, a Fund may close out the option by buying an identical option. If the
hedge is successful, the cost of the second option will be less than the premium
received by the Fund for the initial  option.  The net premium  income of a Fund
will then offset the decrease in value of the hedged securities.

Writing Put Options on Financial Futures Contracts

     A Fund may write listed put options on financial futures contracts for U.S.
government  securities  to hedge  its  portfolio  against a  decrease  in market
interest  rates.  When a Fund  writes a put  option  on a futures  contract,  it
receives a premium  for  undertaking  the  obligation  to assume a long  futures
position  (buying a futures  contract)  at a fixed  price at any time during the
life of the option.  As market interest rates decrease,  the market price at any
time during the life of the  option.  As market  interest  rates  decrease,  the
market price of the underlying futures contract normally increases.

     As the market value of the underlying futures contract increases, the buyer
of the put option has less reason to exercise the put because the buyer can sell
the same futures contract at a higher price in the market.  The premium received
by a Fund can then be used to offset the higher  prices of portfolio  securities
to be purchased in the future due to the decrease in the market interest rates.

     Prior to the  expiration of the put option or its exercise by the buyer,  a
Fund may close out the  option by buying an  identical  option.  If the hedge is
successful,  the cost of buying the second  option will be less than the premium
received by the Fund for the initial option.

Purchasing Call Options on Financial Futures Contracts

     An  additional  way in which a Fund may hedge  against  decreases in market
interest  rates is to buy a listed call option on a financial  futures  contract
for U.S. government securities. When a Fund purchases a call option on a futures
contract,  it is  purchasing  the right  (not the  obligation)  to assume a long
futures  position  (buy a futures  contract) at a fixed price at any time during
the  life of the  option.  As  market  interest  rates  fall,  the  value of the
underlying futures contract will normally increase,  resulting in an increase in
value of the Fund's  option  position.  When the market price of the  underlying
futures  contract  increases  above the strike price plus premium paid, the Fund
could exercise its option and buy the futures contract below market price.

     Prior to the exercise or expiration of the call option a Fund could sell an
identical call option and close out its position.  If the premium  received upon
selling the  offsetting  call is greater than the premium  originally  paid, the
Fund has completed a successful hedge.

Limitation on Open Futures Positions

     A Fund will not maintain open positions in futures contracts it has sold or
call options it has written on futures contracts if, in the aggregate, the value
of the open positions (marked to market) exceeds the current market value of its
securities  portfolio  plus or minus the  unrealized  gain or loss on those open
positions,  adjusted  for the  correlation  of  volatility  between  the  hedged
securities  and the futures  contracts.  If this  limitation  is exceeded at any
time, a Fund will take prompt  action to close out a  sufficient  number of open
contracts  to  bring  its  open  futures  and  options   positions  within  this
limitation.

"Margin" in Futures Transactions

     Unlike the  purchase or sale of a security,  a Fund does not pay or receive
money  upon  the  purchase  or sale of a  futures  contract.  Rather,  a Fund is
required to deposit an amount of "initial margin" in cash or U.S. Treasury bills
with its custodian (or the broker, if legally permitted).  The nature of initial
margin in futures  transactions  is different  from that of margin in securities
transactions  in that  futures  contract  initial  margin  does not  involve the
borrowing of funds by a Fund to finance the  transactions.  Initial margin is in
the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract


which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming
all contractual obligations have been satisfied. A Fund may not purchase or sell
futures  contracts or related  options if immediately  thereafter the sum of the
amount of margin deposits on the Fund's existing futures  positions and premiums
paid for related options would exceed 5% of the market value of the Fund's total
assets.

     A  futures  contract  held  by a Fund  is  valued  daily  at  the  official
settlement  price of the exchange on which it is traded.  Each day the Fund pays
or receives cash, called "variation margin",  equal to the daily change in value
of the futures contract. This process is known as "marking to market". Variation
margin  does  not  represent  a  borrowing  or  loan  by a Fund  but is  instead
settlement between the Fund and the broker of the amount one would owe the other
if the futures  contract  expired.  In computing its daily net asset value,  the
Fund will mark-to-market its open futures positions.

     A Fund is also required to deposit and maintain  margin when it writes call
options on futures contracts.

Purchasing and Writing Put and Call Options on Portfolio  Securities (All Funds,
except High Grade, Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA)

     A Fund may purchase put and call options on portfolio securities to protect
against price movements in particular  securities.  A put option gives the Fund,
in return for a premium, the right to sell the underlying security to the writer
(seller) at a specified price during the term of the option. A call option gives
the Fund, in return for a premium, the right to buy the underlying security from
the seller.

     A Fund  may  generally  purchase  and  write  over-the-counter  options  on
portfolio  securities in negotiated  transactions  with the writers or buyers of
the options since options on the portfolio securities held by the Fund are to be
traded on an exchange.  A Fund purchases and writes options only with investment
dealers and other financial  institutions  (such as commercial  banks or savings
and loan associations) deemed creditworthy by the Fund's adviser.

     Over-the-counter  options  are two  party  contracts  with  price and terms
negotiated  between buyer and seller. In contrast,  exchange-traded  options are
third party contracts with  standardized  strike prices and expiration dates and
are  purchased  from a clearing  corporation.  Exchange  traded  options  have a
continuous liquid market while over-the-counter options may not.

Repurchase Agreements (All Funds)

     Repurchase agreements are arrangements in which banks, broker/dealers,  and
other recognized financial institutions sell U.S. government securities or other
securities  to a Fund  and  agree at the  time of sale to  repurchase  them at a
mutually  agreed  upon  time  and  price  within  one  year  from  the  date  of
acquisition.  A Fund or its custodian  will take  possession  of the  securities
subject to repurchase  agreements.  To the extent that the original  seller does
not repurchase the securities  from a Fund, the Fund could receive less than the
repurchase  price on any  sale of such  securities.  In the  event  that  such a
defaulting seller filed for bankruptcy or became insolvent,  disposition of such
securities by the Fund might be delayed pending court action. Each Fund believes
that under the regular procedures normally in effect for custody of the Fund's
portfolio  securities  subject to  repurchase  agreements,  a court of competent
jurisdiction  would rule in favor of the Fund and allow retention or disposition
of such securities.  A Fund may only enter into repurchase agreements with banks
and other recognized financial institutions,  such as broker/dealers,  which are
found by the Fund's investment adviser to be creditworthy pursuant to guidelines
established by the Trustees.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements (All Funds)

     A Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. These transactions are
similar to borrowing cash. In a reverse repurchase  agreement,  a Fund transfers
possession  of a portfolio  instrument  to another  person,  such as a financial
institution,  broker,  or dealer, in return for a percentage of the instrument's
market  value in cash,  and agrees that on a  stipulated  date in the future the
Fund  will  repurchase  the  portfolio  instrument  by  remitting  the  original
consideration plus interest at an agreed upon rate.

     The use of reverse repurchase agreements may enable a Fund to avoid selling
portfolio instruments at a time when a sale may be deemed to be disadvantageous,
but the ability to enter into reverse repurchase agreements does not ensure that
the  Fund  will  be  able  to  avoid   selling   portfolio   instruments   at  a
disadvantageous time.

     When effecting reverse repurchase agreements, liquid assets of a Fund, in a
dollar amount sufficient to make payment for the obligating to be purchased, are
segregated at the trade date.  These  securities  are marked to market daily and
maintained until the transaction is settled.

Lending of Portfolio Securities (All Funds)

     The  collateral  received when a Fund lends  portfolio  securities  must be
valued daily and, should the market value of the loaned securities increase, the
borrower  must  furnish  additional  collateral  to the  Fund.  During  the time
portfolio  securities  are on loan,  the borrower pays the Fund any dividends or
interest paid on such securities. Loans are subject to termination at the option
of the  Fund or the  borrower.  A Fund  may pay  reasonable  administrative  and
custodial fees in connection with a loan and may pay a negotiated portion of the
interest earned on the cash or equivalent  collateral to the borrower or placing
broker.  A Fund does not have the right to vote  securities  on loan,  but would
terminate  the  loan  and  regain  the  right  to vote if that  were  considered
important with respect to the investment.

Restricted Securities (All Funds)

     A Fund may invest in restricted  securities.  Restricted securities are any
securities  in which a Fund may  otherwise  invest  pursuant  to its  investment
objectives  and policies but which are subject to  restrictions  on resale under
federal  securities  laws.  A Fund will not  invest  more than 15% (10% for High
Grade) of the value of its net assets in restricted securities; however, certain
restricted securities which the Trustees deem to be liquid will be excluded from
this 15% limitation.

     The  ability  of  the  Trustees  to  determine  the  liquidity  of  certain
restricted  securities is permitted  under a Securities and Exchange  Commission
("SEC") Staff position set forth in the adopting release for Rule 144A under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Rule").  The Rule is a  non-exclusive,  safe-harbor
for  certain  secondary  market  transactions  involving  securities  subject to
restrictions  on resale under  federal  securities  laws.  The Rule  provides an
exemption from  registration for resales of otherwise  restricted  securities to
qualified  institutional  buyers.  The Rule was expected to further  enhance the
liquidity of the secondary  market for securities  eligible for resale under the
Rule 144A. Each Fund believes that the Staff of the SEC has left the question of
determining  the  liquidity of all  restricted  securities  (eligible for resale
under Rule 144A) for  determination by the Trustees.  The Trustees  consider the
following   criteria  in  determining   the  liquidity  of  certain   restricted
securities:

     (i)    the frequency of trades and quotes for the security;
     (ii)   the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security
            and the number of other potential buyers;  (iii) dealer undertakings
     to make a market in the  security;  and (iv) the nature of the security and
     the nature of the marketplace trades.

Municipal Bond Insurance (High Grade)

     The Fund may  purchase  two  types of  municipal  bond  insurance  policies
("Policies")  issued by  municipal  bond  insurers.  One type of  Policy  covers
certain  municipal  securities  only  during the period in which they are in the
Fund's  portfolio.  In the event  that a  municipal  security  covered by such a
Policy is sold by the Fund,  the insurer of the  relevant  Policy will be liable
only for those  payments of interest and principal  which are then due and owing
at the time of sale.

     The other type of Policy covers  municipal  securities  not only while they
remain in the Fund's portfolio but also until their final maturity, even if they
are sold out of the Fund's  portfolio,  so that the  coverage  may  benefit  all
subsequent holders of those municipal securities. The Fund will obtain insurance
which covers municipal  securities until final maturity even after they are sold
out of the Fund's portfolio only if, in the judgment of the investment  adviser,
the Fund would  receive net proceeds  from the sale of those  securities,  after
deducting the cost of such permanent  insurance and related fees,  significantly
in excess of the proceeds it would  receive if such  municipal  securities  were
sold without  insurance.  Payments received from municipal bond insurers may not
be tax-exempt income to shareholders of the Fund.

     Depending upon the  characteristics  of the municipal  security held by the
Fund, the annual  premiums for the Policies are estimated to range from 0.10% to
0.25% of the value of the municipal securities covered under the Policies,  with
an average annual premium rate of approximately 0.175%.

     The Fund may purchase  Policies from  Municipal  Bond  Investors  Assurance
Corp.  ("MBIA"),  AMBAC  Indemnity  Corporation  ("AMBAC"),  Financial  Guaranty
Insurance Company  ("FGIC"),  each as described under "Municipal Bond Insurers",
or any other  municipal bond insurer which is rated at least Aa by Moody's or AA
by S&P.  Each Policy  guarantees  the payment of principal and interest on those
municipal  securities  it  insures.  The  Policies  will  have the same  general
characteristics and features. A municipal security will be eligible for coverage
if it meets certain requirements set forth in a Policy. In the event interest or
principal  on an insured  municipal  security is not paid when due,  the insurer
covering the security will be obligated under its Policy to make such payment
not  later  than 30 days  after  it has been  notified  by the  Fund  that  such
non-payment has occurred.

     MBIA,  AMBAC,  and FGIC will not have the  right to  withdraw  coverage  on
securities  insured by their Policies so long as such  securities  remain in the
Fund's  portfolio,  nor may MBIA,  AMBAC,  or FGIC cancel their Policies for any
reason  except  failure to pay premiums  when due.  MBIA,  AMBAC,  and FGIC will
reserve the right at any time upon 90 days' written notice to the Fund to refuse
to insure any additional  municipal  securities  purchased by the Fund after the
effective date of such notice.  The Trustees will reserve the right to terminate
any of the Policies if it determines that the benefits to the Fund of having its
portfolio insured under such Policy are not justified by the expense involved.

     Additionally,  the Trustees  reserve the right to enter into contracts with
insurance  carriers other than MBIA,  AMBAC, or FGIC, if such carriers are rated
Aaa by Moody's or AAA by S&P.

     Under the Policies,  municipal bond insurers  unconditionally  guarantee to
the Fund the timely  payment of principal and interest on the insured  municipal
securities  when and as such payments  shall become due but shall not be paid by
the issuer,  except that in the event of any acceleration of the due date of the
principal by reason of mandatory or optional redemption (other than acceleration
by reason of  mandatory  sinking  fund  payments),  default  or  otherwise,  the
payments  guaranteed  will be made in such amounts and at such times as payments
of  principal  would  have been due had there  not been such  acceleration.  The
municipal bond insurers will be  responsible  for such payments less any amounts
received by the Fund from any trustee for the municipal bond holders or from any
other source. The Policies do not guarantee payment on an accelerated basis, the
payment of any  redemption  premium,  the value for the  Shares of the Fund,  or
payments  of any  tender  purchase  price  upon  the  tender  of  the  municipal
securities.  The Policies also do not insure against  nonpayment of principal of
or interest on the securities  resulting from the insolvency,  negligence or any
other act or omission of the trustee or other paying  agent for the  securities.
However, with respect to small issue industrial  development municipal bonds and
pollution control revenue municipal bonds covered by the Policies, the municipal
bond insurers guarantee the full and complete payments required to be made by or
on behalf of an issuer of such  municipal  securities if there occurs any change
in the  tax-exempt  status of interest on such municipal  securities,  including
principal, interest or premium payments, if any, as and when required to be made
by or on  behalf  of  the  issuer  pursuant  to  the  terms  of  such  municipal
securities.  A when-issued municipal security will be covered under the Policies
upon the  settlement  date of the original issue of such  when-issued  municipal
securities.  In determining  whether to insure municipal  securities held by the
Fund,  each  municipal  bond  insurer  has  applied  its  own  standard,   which
corresponds  generally to the standards it has  established  for determining the
insurability of new issues of municipal  securities.  This insurance is intended
to reduce  financial  risk, but the cost thereof and compliance  with investment
restrictions  imposed  under the Policies and these  guidelines  will reduce the
yield to shareholders of the Fund.

     If a Policy  terminates as to municipal  securities sold by the Fund on the
date of sale,  in which event  municipal  bond  insurers will be liable only for
those  payments  of  principal  and  interest  that are then due and owing,  the
provision for insurance will not enhance the marketability of securities held by
the Fund, whether or not the securities are in default or subject to significant
risk of default,  unless the option to obtain permanent  insurance is exercised.
On the other hand, since issuer-obtained insurance will remain in effect as long
as the insured municipal securities are outstanding,  such insurance may enhance
the marketability of municipal securities covered thereby, but the exact effect,
if any, on  marketability  cannot be estimated.  The Fund  generally  intends to
retain any  securities  that are in default  or subject to  significant  risk of
default  and to  place a value  on the  insurance,  which  ordinary  will be the
difference  between the market  value of the  defaulted  security and the market
value of similar  securities of minimum high grade (i.e.,  rated A by Moody's or
S&P)  that are not in  default.  To the  extent  that the Fund  holds  defaulted
securities,  it may be limited in its  ability to manage its  investment  and to
purchase other municipal  securities.  Except as described above with respect to
securities  that are in default or subject to significant  risk of default,  the
Fund  will not  place  any  value on the  insurance  in  valuing  the  municipal
securities that it holds.

Municipal Bond Insurers (High Grade)

     Municipal  bond  insurance  may be provided by one or more of the following
insurers  or any other  municipal  bond  insurer  which is rated at least Aaa by
Moody's or AAA by S&P.

Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corp. (High Grade)

     Municipal Bond Investors  Assurance  Corp. is a wholly-owned  subsidiary of
MBIA, Inc., a Connecticut  insurance  company,  which is owned by AEtna Life and
Casualty,  Credit Local DeFrance CAECL, S.A., The Fund American  Companies,  and
the public. The investors of MBIA, Inc. are not obligated to pay the obligations
of MBIA.  MBIA,  domiciled  in New  York,  is  regulated  by the New York  State
Insurance  Department and licensed to do business in various states. The address
of MBIA is 113 King Street, Armonk, New York, 10504, and its telephone number is
(914) 273-4345. S&P has rated the claims-paying ability of MBIA AAA.

AMBAC Indemnity Corporation (High Grade)

     AMBAC  Indemnity  Corporation  is  a  Wisconsin-domiciled  stock  insurance
company,  regulated by the Insurance Department of Wisconsin, and licensed to do
business in various states. AMBAC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMBAC, Inc., a
financial  holding  company  which is owned by the  public.  Copies  of  certain
statutorily required filings of AMBAC can be obtained from AMBAC. The address of
AMBAC's  administrative offices is One State Street Plaza, 17th Floor, New York,
New York, 10004, and its telephone number is (212) 668-0340.
S&P has rated the claims-paying ability of AMBAC AAA.

Financial Guaranty Insurance Company (High Grade)

     Financial Guaranty  Insurance Company is a wholly-owned  subsidiary of FGIC
Corporation,  a Delaware  holding  company.  FGIC Corporation is wholly-owned by
General Electric Capital Corporation.  The investors of FGIC Corporation are not
obligated  to  pay  the  debts  of or the  claims  against  Financial  Guaranty.
Financial  Guaranty is subject to regulation by the state of New York  Insurance
Department  and is licensed to do  business  in various  states.  The address of
Financial Guaranty is 115 Broadway, New York, New York, 10006, and its telephone
number is (212) 312-3000.  S&P has rated the claims-paying  ability of Financial
Guaranty AAA.

Municipal Bonds

     The  two  principal   classifications   of  municipal  bonds  are  "general
obligation" bonds and "revenue bonds".  General  obligation bonds are secured by
the issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and unlimited taxing power for the
payment of principal and interest. Revenue or special tax bonds are payable only
from the revenues  derived from a particular  facility or class of facilities or
projects or, in a few cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other tax,
but are not supported by the issuer's power to levy general taxes. There are, of
course,  variations in the security of municipal bonds, both within a particular
classification and between  classifications,  depending on numerous factors. The
yields of municipal  bonds depend on, among other  things,  general money market
conditions,  general  conditions  of  the  municipal  bond  market,  size  of  a
particular offering, the maturity of the obligations and rating of the issue.

     Since the Funds may invest in industrial  development  bonds, the Funds may
not be  appropriate  investment for entities  which are  "substantial  users" of
facilities  financed by  industrial  development  bonds or for investors who are
"related persons". Generally, an individual will not be a "related person" under
the Code unless such investor or his immediate family (spouse, brothers, sisters
and lineal descendants) own directly or indirectly in the aggregate more than 50
percent of the value of the equity of a corporation  or  partnership  which is a
"substantial   user"  of  a  facility  financed  from  proceeds  of  "industrial
development bonds". A "substantial user" of such facilities is defined generally
as a "non-exempt  person who regularly uses a part of a facility"  financed from
the proceeds of industrial development bonds.

     As set forth in the  Prospectus,  the Code  establishes  new unified volume
caps for most "private purpose" municipal bonds (such as industrial  development
bonds and  obligations  to  finance  low-interest  mortgages  on  owner-occupied
housing and student  loans).  The unified  volume cap is not  expected to affect
adversely the availability of Municipal Obligations for investment by the Funds;
however,  it is possible that  proposals will be introduced  before  Congress to
further  restrict or eliminate the federal  income tax exemption for interest on
Municipal  Obligations.  Any such proposals,  if enacted, could adversely affect
the availability of municipal bonds for investment by the Funds and the value of
each  Fund's  portfolio  might be  affected.  In that  event,  each  Fund  might
reevaluate its investment policies and restrictions and consider recommending to
its shareholders changes in both.


                               INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

 .........Except  as noted,  the  investment  restrictions  set  forth  below are
fundamental  and may not be  changed  with  respect  to each  Fund  without  the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
Where an asterisk  (*)  appears  after a Fund's  name,  the  relevant  policy is
non-fundamental  with  respect  to that Fund and may be  changed  by the  Fund's
investment adviser without shareholder approval,  subject to review and approval
by the Trustees. As used in this Statement of Additional  Information and in the
Prospectus, "a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund" means
the  lesser of (1) the  holders  of more than 50% of the  outstanding  shares of
beneficial  interest  of the Fund or (2) 67% of the shares  present if more than
50% of the shares are present at a meeting in person or by proxy.

1........Concentration of Assets in Any One Issuer

 .........None     of    Florida    High    Income,     Short-Intermediate     or
Short-Intermediate-CA  may invest more than 5% of its total assets,  at the time
of the  investment in question,  in the  securities of any one issuer other than
the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities, except that up to 25%
of the value of each Fund's total assets may be invested  without regard to such
5%  limitation.  For  this  purpose  each  political  subdivision,   agency,  or
instrumentality  and each multi-state  agency of which a state is a member,  and
each public authority which issues  industrial  development bonds on behalf of a
private  entity,  will be  regarded  as a separate  issuer for  determining  the
diversification of each Fund's portfolio.

     With respect to 75% of the value of its total  assets,  High Grade will not
purchase securities of any one issuer (other than cash, cash items or securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government,  its agencies or instrumentalities)
if as a result more than 5% of the value of its total  assets  would be invested
in the securities of that issuer.

     Under this limitation, each governmental subdivision,  including states and
the District of Columbia,  territories,  possessions  of the United  States,  or
their  political  subdivisions,  agencies,  authorities,  instrumentalities,  or
similar  entities,  will be  considered  a  separate  issuer if its  assets  and
revenues are separate  from those of the  governmental  body creating it and the
security is backed only by its own assets and revenues.

     Industrial  development bonds,  backed only by the assets and revenues of a
nongovernmental  issuer,  are considered to be issued solely by that issuer. If,
in the case of an industrial development bond or governmental-issued security, a
governmental  or other entity  guarantees the security,  such guarantee would be
considered  a separate  security  issued by the  guarantor  as well as the other
issuer,  subject to limited  exclusions allowed by the Investment Company Act of
1940.

2........Ten Percent Limitation on Securities of Any One Issuer

 .........Short-Intermediate-CA, Florida High Income*, and Short-Intermediate may
not purchase more than 10% of any class of securities  (voting securities in the
case of Florida  High  Income* and  Short-Intermediate)  of any one issuer other
than the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities.

3........Investment for Purposes of Control or Management

 .........None     of    Florida    High    Income,     Short-Intermediate     or
Short-Intermediate-CA  may invest in  companies  for the  purpose of  exercising
control or management.

4........Purchase of Securities on Margin

 .........None of Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond,  Virginia Municipal Bond, Florida
High  Income*,  High  Grade,  Short-Intermediate  or  Short-Intermediate-CA  may
purchase securities on margin,  except that each Fund may obtain such short-term
credits as may be  necessary  for the  clearance of  transactions.  A deposit or
payment by a Fund of initial or variation  margin in connection  with  financial
futures contracts or related options transactions is not considered the purchase
of a security on margin.

5........Unseasoned Issuers

 .........None  of  Florida  Municipal  Bond*,  Georgia  Municipal  Bond*,  North
Carolina  Municipal Bond*,  South Carolina  Municipal Bond*,  Virginia Municipal
Bond* or High Grade* will invest more than 5% of its total assets in  industrial
development bonds (and, in the case of High Grade,  other municipal  securities)
where the  principal  and  interest  are the  responsibility  of  companies  (or
guarantors,   where  applicable)  with  less  than  three  years  of  continuous
operations, including the operation of any predecessor.

 .........None    of    Florida    High    Income*,     Short-Intermediate     or
Short-Intermediate-CA  may invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities
of  unseasoned   issuers   (taxable   securities   of  unseasoned   issuers  for
Short-Intermediate  and  Short-Intermediate-CA)  that  have  been in  continuous
operation  for less than  three  years,  including  operating  periods  of their
predecessors,  except that no such limitation shall apply to the extent that (i)
each Fund may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.  government
and   its   agencies   or   instrumentalities,   (ii)   Short-Intermediate   and
Short-Intermediate-CA may invest in municipal securities, and (iii) Florida High
Income* may invest in municipal bonds.

6........Underwriting

 .........None of Florida Municipal Bond,  Georgia Municipal Bond, New Jersey Tax
Free,  North Carolina  Municipal Bond, South Carolina  Municipal Bond,  Virginia
Municipal  Bond,  High  Grade  Florida  High  Income*,   Short-Intermediate   or
Short-Intermediate-CA  may engage in the business of underwriting the securities
of other  issuers,  provided that the purchase of municipal  securities or other
permitted investments,  directly from the issuer thereof (or from an underwriter
for an issuer) and the later disposition of such securities in accordance with a
Fund's investment program shall not be deemed to be an underwriting.


7........Interests  in Oil,  Gas or Other  Mineral  Exploration  or  Development
Programs

 .........Neither     Florida     High     Income,     Short-Intermediate     nor
Short-Intermediate-CA  may purchase,  sell or invest in interests in oil, gas or
other mineral exploration or development programs.

 .........Florida  Municipal  Bond*,  Georgia  Municipal  Bond*,  North  Carolina
Municipal Bond*,  South Carolina  Municipal Bond*,  Virginia Municipal Bond*, or
High Grade will not  purchase  interests  in or sell oil,  gas or other  mineral
exploration  or development  programs or leases,  although they may purchase the
securities of issuers which invest in or sponsor such programs.

8........Concentration in Any One Industry

 .........Neither    New   Jersey    Tax    Exempt,    Short-Intermediate,    nor
Short-Intermediate-CA  may  invest  25% or  more  of  its  total  assets  in the
securities of issuers conducting their principal business  activities in any one
industry;  provided,  that this  limitation  shall not apply (i) with respect to
each Fund, to  obligations  issued or  guaranteed by the U.S.  government or its
agencies or instrumentalities and to municipal securities,  or (ii) with respect
to  Short-Intermediate-CA  to certificates  of deposit and bankers'  acceptances
issued by domestic branches of U.S. banks.

 .........Florida   Municipal  Bond,   Georgia  Municipal  Bond,  North  Carolina
Municipal Bond,  South Carolina  Municipal Bond,  Virginia  Municipal Bond, High
Grade and Florida  High Income will not purchase  securities  if, as a result of
such purchase, 25% or more of the value of its total assets would be invested in
any one industry,  or in industrial  development bonds or other securities,  the
interest upon which is paid from revenues of similar types of projects. However,
the Fund may invest as temporary  investments  more than 25% of the value of its
assets  in cash or cash  items,  securities  issued  or  guaranteed  by the U.S.
government,  its agencies or instrumentalities,  or instruments secured by these
money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements.

9........Warrants

 .........None    of    Florida    High    Income*,     Short-Intermediate     or
Short-Intermediate-CA  may  invest  more  than 5% of its  total  net  assets  in
warrants,  and, of this amount,  no more than 2% of each Fund's total net assets
may be  invested  in  warrants  that are listed on neither  the New York nor the
American Stock Exchange.

10.......Ownership by Trustees/Officers

 .........None  of  Florida  Municipal  Bond*,  Georgia  Municipal  Bond*,  North
Carolina  Municipal Bond*,  South Carolina  Municipal Bond*,  Virginia Municipal
Bond*,   High   Grade*,    Florida   High   Income*,    Short-Intermediate    or
Short-Intermediate-CA may purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if (i)
one  or  more  officers  or  Trustees  of  a  Fund  or  its  investment  adviser
individually owns or would own, directly or beneficially, more than 1/2 of 1% of
the securities of such issuer,  and (ii) in the  aggregate,  such persons own or
would own, directly or beneficially, more than 5% of such securities.

11.......Short Sales

 .........High  Grade and  Florida  High  Income*  will not make  short  sales of
securities  or  maintain  a short  position,  unless at all  times  when a short
position is open a Fund owns an equal amount of such securities or of securities
which,  without payment of any further  consideration  are  convertible  into or
exchangeable  for  securities  of the same issue as, and equal in amount to, the
securities  sold  short.  The use of short  sales will allow the Funds to retain
certain bonds in their  portfolios  longer than it would without such sales.  To
the extent that a Fund receives the current income  produced by such bonds for a
longer  period  than it  might  otherwise,  a  Fund's  investment  objective  is
furthered.

 .........Florida   Municipal  Bond,   Georgia  Municipal  Bond,  North  Carolina
Municipal  Bond,  South  Carolina  Municipal  Bond,   Virginia  Municipal  Bond,
Short-Intermediate and Short- Intermediate-CA will not sell any securities short
or maintain a short position.


12.......Lending of Funds and Securities

 .........None     of    Florida    High    Income,     Short-Intermediate     or
Short-Intermediate-CA  may lend its funds to other  persons,  provided that each
Fund may purchase issues of debt securities,  acquire privately negotiated loans
made to municipal borrowers and enter into repurchase agreements.

 .........Neither  Florida  High  Income*  nor  Short-Intermediate  may  lend its
portfolio  securities,  unless the  borrower  is a broker,  dealer or  financial
institution  that pledges and maintains  collateral  with the Fund consisting of
cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government having a value at
all  times  not  less  than  100% of the  current  market  value  of the  loaned
securities,  including accrued  interest,  provided that the aggregate amount of
such loans shall not exceed 30% of the Fund's total assets.

 .........Short-Intermediate-CA may not lend its portfolio securities, unless the
borrower is a broker, dealer or financial institution that pledges and maintains
collateral  with the Fund  consisting  of cash,  letters of credit or securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government having a value at all times not less
than  100% of the  current  market  value of the  loaned  securities,  including
accrued  interest,  provided that the  aggregate  amount of such loans shall not
exceed 30% of the Fund's total assets.

 .........Florida   Municipal  Bond,   Georgia  Municipal  Bond,  North  Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina  Municipal Bond and Virginia  Municipal Bond will
not lend any of their assets, except portfolio securities up to one-third of the
value of their  total  assets.  Each  Fund may,  however,  acquire  publicly  or
non-publicly  issued  municipal  bonds or  temporary  investments  or enter into
repurchase agreements in accordance with its investment objective,  policies and
limitations or the Declaration of Trust.

 .........High  Grade will not lend any of its assets except that it may purchase
or hold money market instruments,  including repurchase  agreements and variable
amount demand master notes in accordance with its investment objective, policies
and limitations and it may lend portfolio securities valued at not more than 15%
of its total assets to broker-dealers.

13.......Commodities

 .........Florida  High  Income*  may not  purchase,  sell or invest in  physical
commodities  unless  acquired as a result of  ownership of  securities  or other
instruments  (but this shall not  prevent  the Fund from  purchasing  or selling
options  and  futures  contracts  or  from  investing  in  securities  or  other
instruments backed by physical commodities).

 .........Neither Short-Intermediate nor Short-Intermediate-CA may purchase, sell
or invest in commodities, commodity contracts or financial futures contracts.

 .........High Grade will not purchase or sell commodities or commodity
contracts.

 .........Florida   Municipal  Bond,   Georgia  Municipal  Bond,  North  Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond and Virginia Municipal Bond will
not purchase or sell commodities.  However,  each Fund may purchase put and call
options on portfolio securities and on financial futures contracts. In addition,
each Fund reserves the right to hedge its  portfolio by entering into  financial
futures contracts and to sell puts and calls on financial futures contracts.

14.......Real Estate

 .........Florida   Municipal  Bond,   Georgia  Municipal  Bond,  North  Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina  Municipal Bond and Virginia  Municipal Bond will
not buy or sell real estate,  including limited partnership interests,  although
each Fund may invest in municipal  bonds  secured by real estate or interests in
real estate.

 .........New Jersey Tax Free and Florida High Income* may not purchase,  sell or
invest in real estate or interests in real estate,  except that it may purchase,
sell or invest in  marketable  securities  of  companies  holding real estate or
interests in real estate, including real estate investment trusts.

 .........High Grade will not buy or sell real estate,  although it may invest in
securities  of companies  whose  business  involves the purchase or sale of real
estate or in  securities  which are secured by real estate or  interests in real
estate.

 .........Neither Short-Intermediate nor Short-Intermediate-CA may purchase, sell
or invest in real estate or interests in real estate,  except that each Fund may
purchase  municipal  securities and other debt securities secured by real estate
or interests therein.

15.......Borrowing, Senior Securities, Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 .........Neither    New    Jersey    Tax    Free,     Short-Intermediate     nor
Short-Intermediate-CA  nor Florida  High Income may borrow  money,  issue senior
securities or enter into reverse repurchase agreements,  except for temporary or
emergency purposes, and not for leveraging, and then in amounts not in excess of
10% of the value of each Fund's total assets at the time of such  borrowing;  or
mortgage,  pledge or hypothecate  any assets except in connection  with any such
borrowing  and in  amounts  not in excess of the  lesser of the  dollar  amounts
borrowed  or 10% of the value of each  Fund's  total  assets at the time of such
borrowing,  provided that Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA  will not
purchase  any  securities  at  any  time  when  borrowings,   including  reverse
repurchase  agreements,  are  outstanding.  No  Fund  will  enter  into  reverse
repurchase agreements exceeding 5% of the value of its total assets.

 .........Florida   Municipal  Bond,   Georgia  Municipal  Bond,  North  Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond,  Virginia Municipal Bond and High
Grade  will not issue  senior  securities,  except  each Fund may  borrow  money
directly or through  reverse  repurchase  agreement  as a temporary  measure for
extraordinary or emergency purposes in an amount up to one-third of the value of
its total assets,  including the amount  borrowed,  in order to meet  redemption
requests without  immediately selling portfolio  instruments;  and except to the
extent a Fund will enter into futures contracts. Any such borrowings need not be
collateralized.  No Fund will purchase any securities while borrowings in excess
of 5% of its total assets are  outstanding.  No Fund will borrow money or engage
in reverse repurchase agreements for investment leverage purposes. None of
Florida  Municipal  Bond*,  Georgia  Municipal Bond*,  North Carolina  Municipal
Bond*,  South Carolina  Municipal Bond*,  Virginia Municipal Bond* or High Grade
will  mortgage,  pledge or  hypothecate  any assets  except to secure  permitted
borrowings.  In those cases,  High Grade may pledge assets having a market value
not exceeding the lesser of the dollar  amounts  borrowed or 15% of the value of
total assets at the time of borrowing. Margin deposits for the purchase and sale
of financial futures contracts and related options and segregation or collateral
arrangements  made in  connection  with options  activities  and the purchase of
securities on a when-issued basis are not deemed to be a pledge.

16.......Joint Trading

 .........Florida High Income may not participate on a joint or joint and several
basis in any trading account in any securities. (The "bunching of orders for the
purchase or sale of portfolio securities with its investment adviser or accounts
under its management to reduce  brokerage  commissions,  to average prices among
them or to facilitate  such  transactions is not considered a trading account in
securities for purposes of this restriction).

17.......Options

 .........Neither    New    Jersey    Tax    Free,     Short-Intermediate     nor
Short-Intermediate-CA  may  write,  purchase  or sell  put or call  options,  or
combinations thereof,  except that each Fund may purchase securities with rights
to put securities to the seller in accordance with its investment program.

18.......Investing in Securities of Other Investment Companies

 .........Florida  Municipal Bond*, Georgia Municipal Bond*,
North  Carolina  Municipal  Bond*,  South  Carolina  Municipal  Bond*,  Virginia
Municipal Bond* and High Grade will purchase securities of investment  companies
only in  open-market  transactions  involving  customary  broker's  commissions.
However,  these limitations are not applicable if the securities are acquired in
a merger,  consolidation  or  acquisition  of  assets.  It should be noted  that
investment  companies  incur  certain  expenses  such  as  management  fees  and
therefore any investment by a Fund in shares of another investment company would
be subject to such duplicate expenses.

 .........Florida  High  Income*,  New Jersey Tax Free,  Short-Intermediate*  and
Short-Intermediate-CA*  may not  purchase  the  securities  of other  investment
companies,  except to the extent such purchases are not prohibited by applicable
law.

19.......Restricted Securities

 .........High  Grade  will not  invest  more  than 10% of its  total  assets  in
securities subject to restrictions on resale under the Federal securities laws.

 .........New Jersey Tax Free will not purchase restricted securities,  which are
securi ties that must be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 before they
may be  offered  or sold to the  public.  This  restriction  does  not  apply to
restricted  securities  which are  determined  to be liquid by the Adviser under
supervision of the Board of Trustees.

20.......Investment in Municipal Securities

 .........Neither  Short-Intermediate nor  Short-Intermediate-CA  may invest more
than  20% of its  total  assets  in  securities  other  than,  in  the  case  of
Short-Intermediate,    municipal    securities,    and    in   the    case    of
Short-Intermediate-CA,  California  municipal  securities  (as  described  under
"Description  of the Funds - Investment  Objective  and  Policies" in the Funds'
Prospectus),   unless  extraordinary  circumstances  dictate  a  more  defensive
posture.

 .........Florida  High Income will invest,  under normal market  conditions,  at
least 80% of its net  assets in  municipal  securities  and at least 90% of such
assets will be invested in Florida obligations.

                            NON FUNDAMENTAL OPERATING POLICIES

 .........Certain  Funds  have  adopted  additional   non-fundamental   operating
policies.  Operating  policies may be changed by the Board of Trustees without a
shareholder vote.

1........Securities Issued by Government Units; Industrial Development Bonds

 .........Short-Intermediate  has  determined  not to invest more than 25% of its
total assets (i) in securities  issued by governmental  units located in any one
state,  territory or possession of the United States (but this  limitation  does
not  apply to  project  notes  backed by the full  faith and  credit of the U.S.
government) or (ii) industrial  development  bonds not backed by bank letters of
credit.  In addition,  Short-Intermediate-CA  has  determined not to invest more
than 25% of its total assets in industrial  development bonds not backed by bank
letters of credit.

2........Illiquid Securities.

 .........Florida  Municipal  Bond*,  Georgia  Municipal  Bond*,  North  Carolina
Municipal Bond*, South Carolina Municipal Bond*,  Virginia Municipal Bond*, High
Grade,  Short-Intermediate* and  Short-Intermediate-CA* may not invest more than
15% (10% in the case of High Grade) of their net assets in  illiquid  securities
and other  securities  which are not readily  marketable,  including  repurchase
agreements  which  have a maturity  of longer  than seven  days,  but  excluding
certain securities and municipal leases determined by the Trustees to be liquid.

3........Other.  In order to comply with certain state blue sky limitations:
         -----

 ...........Each  of  Short-Intermediate  and  Short-Intermediate-CA   interprets
fundamental  investment  restriction 7 to prohibit  investments  in oil, gas and
mineral leases.

 ...........Each  of  Short-Intermediate  and  Short-Intermediate-CA   interprets
fundamental  investment  restriction  14 to prohibit  investment  in real estate
limited partnerships which are not readily marketable.

     Except with  respect to borrowing  money,  if a  percentage  limitation  is
adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage
resulting  from any change in value or net assets will not result in a violation
of such restriction.

     The Funds (other than Short-Intermediate, Short-Intermediate-CA and Florida
High  Income)  have no present  intention  to borrow  money or invest in reverse
repurchase  agreements  in excess of 5% of the value of their net assets  during
the  coming  fiscal  year.  The Funds did not  invest  more than 5% of their net
assets in securities of other investment  companies in the last fiscal year, and
have no present intent to do so during the coming year.


     For  purposes  of  their  policies  and  limitations,  the  Funds  consider
certificates  of deposit and demand and time deposits issued by a U.S. branch of
a domestic  bank or savings  and loan having  capital,  surplus,  and  undivided
profits in excess of $100,000,000 at the time of investment to be "cash items".

 .........High  Grade does not intend to invest more than 25% of the value of its
assets in any issuer in a single state.

                                        MANAGEMENT

        The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, their ages, addresses
and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below:

Laurence B. Ashkin (67),  180 East Pearson  Street,  Chicago,  IL-Trustee.  Real
estate  developer and construction  consultant since 1980;  President of Centrum
Equities since 1987 and Centrum Properties, Inc. since 1980.

Foster Bam*(68), Greenwich Plaza, Greenwich, CT-Trustee. Partner in the law firm
of Cummings and Lockwood since 1968.

James S. Howell (71), 4124 Crossgate Road,  Charlotte,  NC-Chairman and Trustee.
Retired  Vice  President  of Lance Inc.  (food  manufacturing);  Chairman of the
Distribution Comm. Foundation for the Carolinas from 1989 to 1993.

Gerald M. McDonnell  (56), 821 Regency Drive,  Charlotte,  NC-Trustee.  Sales
Representative  with Nucor-Yamoto Inc. (steel producer) since 1988.

Thomas L. McVerry (57), 4419 Parkview Drive, Charlotte,  NC-Trustee. Director of
Carolina Cooperative Federal Credit Union since 1990 and Rexham Corporation from
1988  to  1990;  Vice  President  of  Rexham   Industries,   Inc.   (diversified
manufacturer) from 1989 to 1990; Vice  President-Finance  and Resources,  Rexham
Corporation from 1979 to 1990.

William  Walt  Pettit*(40),  Holcomb  and  Pettit,  P.A.,  207 West  Trade  St.,
Charlotte,  NC-Trustee.  Partner in the law firm Holcomb and Pettit,  P.A. since
1990; Attorney, Clontz and Clontz from 1980 to 1990.

Russell A. Salton,  III, M.D. (48),  Primary  Physician Care,  1515  Mockingbird
Lane, Charlotte, NC-Trustee. President, Primary Physician Care since 1990.

Michael S. Scofield (52), 212 S. Tryon Street Suite 980, Charlotte,  NC-Trustee.
Attorney, Law Offices of Michael S. Scofield since prior to 1989.

Robert J. Jeffries  (72),  2118 New Bedford Drive,  Sun City Center,  FL-Trustee
Emeritus. Corporate consultant since 1967.

John J. Pileggi (36),  237 Park Avenue,  Suite 910, New York,  NY-President  and
Treasurer.  Senior  Managing  Director,  Furman  Selz  Incorporated  since 1992,
Managing Director from 1984 to 1992.

Joan V. Fiore (39), 237 Park Avenue, Suite 910, New York, NY-Secretary. Managing
Director and  Counsel,  Furman Selz  Incorporated  since 1991;  Staff  Attorney,
Securities and Exchange Commission from 1986 to 1991.

     Except for  Messrs.  Ashkin,  Bam and  Jeffries,  who are not  Trustees  of
Evergreen  Investment  Trust  (formerly  First Union  Funds),  the  Trustees and
officers  listed above hold the same  positions  with a total of ten  registered
investment companies offering a total of thirty-two  investment funds within the
Evergreen mutual fund complex.
- - --------

     * Mr. Bam and Mr.  Pettit may each be deemed to be an  "interested  person"
within the meaning of the Investment  Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act").

         The officers of the Trusts are all officers and/or  employees of Furman
Selz  Incorporated.  Furman Selz Incorporated is an affiliate of Evergreen Funds
Distributor, Inc., the distributor of each Class of shares of each Fund.

         The Funds do not pay any direct  remuneration to any officer or Trustee
who is an  "affiliated  person" of either  First  Union  National  Bank of North
Carolina  or  Evergreen  Asset  Management  Corp.  or  their   affiliates.   See
"Investment Adviser." Currently,  none of the Trustees is an "affiliated person"
as  defined  in  the  1940  Act.  The  Trusts  pay  each  Trustee  who is not an
"affiliated  person" an annual  retainer  and a fee per meeting  attended,  plus
expenses (and $500 for each telephone conference meeting) as follows:

Name of Trust/Fund                              Annual Retainer   Meeting Fee

The Evergreen Municipal Trust -                $ 4,000*
  Florida High Income                                               $100
  Short-Intermediate                                                $100
  Short-Intermediate-CA                                             $100

Evergreen Investment Trust -                   $ 9,000**          $1,500**
  Florida Municipal Bond
  Georgia Municipal Bond
  North Carolina Municipal Bond
  South Carolina Municipal Bond
  Virginia Municipal Bond
  High Grade
- - ------------------------
     * Allocated  among the Evergreen  Money Market Fund,  which is not a series
fund, and the Evergreen Municipal Trust which offers four investment series, the
Evergreen Tax Exempt Money Market Fund, Evergreen  Short-Intermediate  Municipal
Fund,  Evergreen  Short-Intermediate  Municipal  Fund-California,  and Evergreen
Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund.

**  Evergreen  Investment  Trust pays an annual  retainer to each  Trustee and a
per-meeting fee that are allocated among its fifteen series. Additionally,  each
member of the Audit  Committee  receives $200 for  attendance at each meeting of
the of the Audit  Committee and an additional fee is paid to the Chairman of the
Board of $2,000.


***  Evergreen  Tax Free Trust pays an annual  retainer to each  Trustee and a
per-meeting fee that are allocated among its XXXX series. Additionally,  each
member of the Audit  Committee  receives $200 for  attendance at each meeting of
the Audit  Committee and an additional  fee is paid to the Chairman of the Board
of $.


         Set forth below for each of the Trustees is the aggregate  compensation
paid to such Trustees by each Trust for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995.


                                      Total
                                                              Compensation
                   Aggregate Compensation From Trust          From Trusts
                                     & Fund
Name of                    Municipal        Investment        Complex Paid
Person                       Trust*           Trust**         to Trustees

Laurence Ashkin              3,340            1,513             22,054

Foster Bam                   3,306            1,524             22,092

James S. Howell              2,982           16,852             35,725

Robert J.                    3,310            1,493             21,893
 Jeffries

Gerald M.                    2,982           14,343             33,215
 McDonnell

Thomas L.                    3,032           15,818             39,740
 McVerry

William Walt                 2,982           15,618             34,490
 Pettit

Russell A.                   2,982           13,268             32,140
 Salton, III, M.D.

Michael S.                   2,982           14,343             33,215
 Scofield

* Florida  High Income  commenced  operations  on June 30, 1995 and,  therefore,
compensation  with  regard to such Fund  covers  the period  from June 30,  1995
through August 31, 1995.

** Formerly known as First Union Funds.

     No officer or Trustee of the Trusts  owned  Class A or B shares of any Fund
as of the date hereof.  The number and percent of outstanding  Class Y shares of
of each Fund owned by officers and Trustees as a group on October 4, 1995, is as
follows:

                           No. of Shares Owned
                              By Officers and         Ownership by Officers and
                                  Trustees            Trustees as a % of Class
Name of Fund                     as a Group

Florida Municipal Bond             -0-                           -0-
Georgia Municipal Bond             -0-                           -0-
North Carolina Municipal Bond      2,213                        .27%
South Carolina Municipal Bond      -0-                           -0-
Virginia Municipal Bond            -0-                           -0-
Florida High Income                -0-                           -0-
High Grade                       427,000                        18.63%
Short-Intermediate                96,659                         2.52%
Short-Intermediate-CA              -0-                            -0-


         Set forth below is  information  with respect to each  person,  who, to
each Fund's knowledge,  owned  beneficially or of record more than 5% of a class
of each Fund's total  outstanding  shares and their  aggregate  ownership of the
Fund's total outstanding shares as of October 9, 1995.


                                  Name of                No. of     % of
Name and Address                  Fund/Class             Shares     Class/Fund
- - ----------------                  ----------             ------     ----------

First Union National Bank            North Carolina      193,070   95.14%/ 3.25%
Trust Accounts                       Municipal Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

Fubs & Co. Febo                      South Carolina       16,326   26.03%/ 2.52%
7RK0124218                           Municipal Bond/A
Thomas B. Carr and
Louise R. Carr
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

Fubs & Co. Febo                      South Carolina        5,656   9.02%/   .87%
Charles Dean Turner                  Municipal Bond/A
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

Fubs & Co. Febo                      South Carolina        5,464   8.71%/   .84%
Mildred R. Robards                   Municipal Bond/A
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

Fubs & Co. Febo                      South Carolina        5,146   8.20%/   .80%
Warren A. Ransom, Jr.                Municipal Bond/A
Laurie P. Ransom
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001



Fubs & Co. Febo                      South Carolina        4,135   6.59%/   .70%
Virginia S. Herring                  Municipal Bond/A
Oren L. Herring, Jr. JTWROS
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

                                                         

<PAGE>




Fubs & Co. Febo                      South Carolina        3,985   6.35%/   .62%
Joan B. Sawyer                       Municipal Bond/A
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

Fubs & Co. Febo                      South Carolina        3,401   5.42%/   .53%
Dale S. Wyatt                        Municipal Bond/A
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

Fubs & Co. Febo                      South Carolina        3,140   5.01%/   .49%
First Union National Bank-           Municipal Bond/A
SC F/B/O
Carolyn E Bickler "Loan Acct"
Attn: David Edmiston Loan Officer
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

Fubs & Co. Febo                      South Carolina       31,031   8.16%/  4.80%
Ruby B. Motsinger                    Municipal Bond/B
Joseph Glenn Motsinger
Melvin L. Motsinger
Hilda M. Thompson
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

First Union National Bank*           South Carolina       95,854  47.07%/ 14.82%
Trust Accounts                       Municipal Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

First Union National Bank*           South Carolina      107,769  52.92%/ 16.66%
Trust Accounts                       Municipal Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001



Duff M. Green                        Virginia             21,528  10.42%/  2.54%
c/o First Union National Bank        Municipal Bond/A
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001





                                                         

<PAGE>



Fubs & Co. Febo                      Virginia             11,154    5.40%/ 1.31%
Howard S. Barger                     Municipal Bond/A
Dorothy M. Barger
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001


Fubs & Co. Febo                      Virginia             10,694    5.18%/ 1.26%
Earl Wilson Watts, Jr., M.D.         Municipal Bond/A
and Barbara A. Watts
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

Fubs & Co. Febo                    Virginia               39,866    7.37%/ 4.70%
Harry S. Williams                  Municipal Bond/B
Patsy Williams
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

First Union National Bank          Virginia               37,447   37.02%/ 4.41%
Trust Accounts                     Municipal Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

First Union National Bank          Virginia               62,670   61.95%/ 7.38%
Trust Accounts                     Municipal Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

Merrill Lunch Pierce Fenner        Florida
Private Client Group               Municipal Bond/A      714,623    5.33%/ 4.28%
C/O FUBS
301 S. Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28288

First Union National Bank           Florida              429,145   93.53%/ 2.57%
Trust Accounts                      Municipal Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

Fubs & Co. Febo                     Georgia               14,825    6.94%/ 1.24%
Samuel A. Barber                    Municipal Bond/A
Velma H. Barber
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

                                                         

<PAGE>



Fubs & Co. Febo                     Georgia               12,793    5.98%/ 1.07%
Mrs. Ralph Marlet                   Municipal Bond/A
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001


First Union National Bank           Georgia               158,856  91.63%/13.25%
Trust Accounts                      Municipal Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

First Union National Bank           Georgia                 14,502  8.36%/ 1.21%
Trust Accounts                      Municipal Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

First Union National Bank           Fl.High Income          4,708 99 .80%/  .03%
Trust Accounts                      Muni Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

Merrill Lynch                       Fl.High Income         665,779 11.17%/ 4.00%
Trade House Account - Aid           Muni Bond/A
c/o:FUBS & Co. FEBO
301 S.Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28288

FUBS & Co. FEBO                     Fl.High Income          29,183   6.65%/ .17%
Robert David Butler Sr.and          Muni Bond/B
Martha Lee Butler Trust
Robert & Martha Butler Ttees
U/A/D/ 3/29/90
301 S. Tryon St.
Charolotte, NC 28288

FUBS & Co. FEBO                     Fl.High Income          48,963  11.16%/ .29%
Don L. Waldron                      Muni Bond/B
Gladys M. Wood JT Ten
301 S. Tryon St.
Charolotte, NC 28288

FUBS & Co. FEBO                     Fl.High Income          28,256   6.44%/ .17%
Harlowe R. Zinn Trust               Muni Bond/B
Harlowe R. Zinni and
Marjorie Z. Zinn Co.TTES
U/A/D/ 12/15/93
301 S. Tryon St.
Charolotte, NC 28288

                                                                 25

<PAGE>




First Union National Bank           High Grade/Y        342,656    14.95%/ 3.14%
Trust Accounts
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

Foster & Foster                     High Grade/Y        405,595     7.70%/ 3.72%
P.O. Box 1669
Greenwich, CT  06836-1669

Fubs & Co. Febo                   Short-Intermediate/A  131,696     6.76%/ 2.46%
Manuel Garcia and
Adeline Garcia
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

Fubs & Co. Febo                   Short-Intermediate/A  198,346     5.24%/ 3.70%
International Gem Society Inc.
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001


Fubs & Co. Febo                   Short-Intermediate/A  254,140     2.34%/ 4.74%
First Union National Bank-
FL F/B/O
International Gem Society Inc
Att: Susan Weiner
"Loan Account"
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

Fubs & Co. FBO                    Short-Intermediate/B   35,906      5.52%/ .67%
Mark E. Smith
Melissa A. Smith JT TEN
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001

Fubs & Co. FBO                    Short-Intermediate/B   47,407      7.29%/ .89%
Carl R. Nodine and
Linda F. Nodine
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC  28288-0001


<PAGE>

                               INVESTMENT ADVISER

      (See also "Management of the Fund" in each Fund's Prospectus)

     The investment adviser of Short-Intermediate and  Short-Intermediate-CA  is
Evergreen Asset Management Corp., a New York  corporation,  with offices at 2500
Westchester  Avenue,  Purchase,  New York ("Evergreen  Asset" or the "Adviser").
Evergreen Asset is owned by First Union National Bank of North Carolina  ("FUNB"
or the  "Adviser")  which,  in turn, is a subsidiary of First Union  Corporation
("First  Union"),  a bank holding  company  headquartered  in  Charlotte,  North
Carolina.  The investment  adviser of Florida Municipal Bond,  Georgia Municipal
Bond,  New  Jersey Tax Free,  North  Carolina  Municipal  Bond,  South  Carolina
Municipal Bond,  Virginia  Municipal Bond, Florida High Income and High Grade is
FUNB which provides  investment advisory services through its Capital Management
Group.  The  Directors of Evergreen  Asset are Richard K. Wagoner and Barbara I.
Colvin.  The  executive  officers  of  Evergreen  Asset are  Stephen A.  Lieber,
Chairman and Co-Chief  Executive  Officer,  Nola Maddox  Falcone,  President and
Co-Chief Executive Officer,  Theodore J. Israel,  Jr., Executive Vice President,
Joseph J.  McBrien,  Senior Vice  President and General  Counsel,  and George R.
Gaspari, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

         On June 30,  1994,  Evergreen  Asset and Lieber and Company  ("Lieber")
were  acquired by First Union  through  certain of its  subsidiaries.  Evergreen
Asset was acquired by FUNB, a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  (except for  directors'
qualifying  shares) of First Union, by merger into EAMC  Corporation  ("EAMC") a
wholly-owned  subsidiary of FUNB.  EAMC then assumed the name  "Evergreen  Asset
Management   Corp."  and   succeeded  to  the   business  of  Evergreen   Asset.
Contemporaneously with the succession of EAMC to the business of Evergreen Asset
and its  assumption  of the name  "Evergreen  Asset  Management  Corp.",  Short-
Intermediate and  Short-Intermediate-CA  entered into a new investment  advisory
agreement  with EAMC and into a  distribution  agreement  with  Evergreen  Funds
Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of Furman Selz Incorporated.
At that time,  EAMC also entered into a new  sub-advisory  agreement with Lieber
pursuant  to which  Lieber  provides  certain  services  to  Evergreen  Asset in
connection with its duties as investment adviser.

         The partnership  interests in Lieber,  a New York general  partnership,
were acquired by Lieber I Corp. and Lieber II Corp., which are both wholly-owned
subsidiaries  of FUNB.  The  business  of  Lieber  is being  continued.  The new
advisory  and  sub-advisory  agreements  were  approved by the  shareholders  of
Short-Intermediate and  Short-Intermediate-CA  at their meeting held on June 23,
1994,  and  became  effective  on June 30,  1994.  Florida  High  Income,  which
commenced  operations on June 30, 1995,  entered into an advisory agreement with
FUNB on June 30, 1995.

     Prior to XXXXXXXXXXX,  199X, First Fidelity Bank, N.A.  ("First  Fidelity")
acted as  investment  adviser to New Jersey Tax Free.  On June 18,  1995,  First
Union Corporation  ("First Union") the corporate parent of FUNB, entered into an
Agreement  and Plan of Merger  (the  "Merger  Agreement")  with  First  Fidelity
Bancorporation  ("FFB"),  the corporate parent of First Fidelity which provided,
among other  things,  for the merger (the  "Merger") of First  Fidelity with and
into a  wholly-owned  subsidiary of First Union.  The Merger was  consummated on
XXXXX,  199X. As a result of the Merger,  FUNB and its wholly-owned  subsidiary,
Evergreen  Asset  Management  Corp.,  succeeded to the  investment  advisory and
administrative functions currently performed by various units of First Fidelity.

     Under its Investment  Advisory  Agreement with each Fund,  each Adviser has
agreed to furnish reports, statistical and research services and recommendations
with respect to each Fund's portfolio of investments.  In addition, each Adviser
provides office facilities to the Funds and performs a variety of administrative
services.  Each Fund pays the cost of all of its other expenses and liabilities,
including expenses and liabilities incurred in connection with maintaining their
registration  under the  Securities  Act of 1933, as amended,  and the 1940 Act,
printing  prospectuses  (for existing  shareholders) as they are updated,  state
qualifications,  share certificates,  mailings,  brokerage,  custodian and stock
transfer charges, printing, legal and auditing expenses, expenses of shareholder
meetings  and  reports to  shareholders.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  each
Adviser will pay the costs of printing and  distributing  prospectuses  used for
prospective shareholders.

         The method of computing  the  investment  advisory fee for each Fund is
described in such Fund's Prospectus. The advisory fees paid by each Fund for the
three most recent fiscal periods reflected in its registration statement are set
forth below:

FLORIDA MUNICIPAL
BOND                 Period Ended   Year Ended    Year Ended
                     8/31/95        12/31/94      12/31/93
Advisory Fee        $243,413        $171,732       $31,835

Waiver               (73,661)       (171,732)      (31,835)
Net Advisory Fee      16,975         $   0          $   0
                     =========      ==========    ==========
Expense
Reinbursement        (46,864)        (90,218)      (68,939)
                     --------        --------      ---------

GEORGIA MUNICIPAL
BOND                Period Ended     Year Ended    Year Ended
                    8/31/95          12/31/94      12/31/93
Advisory Fee        $ 32,646         $36,674        $5,416

Waiver               (32,646)        (36,674)       (5,416)
Net Advisory Fee      $   0           $   0         $   0
                    ========        ========       =========
Exspense
Reinbursement       (105,409)       (189,746)      (65,758)
                   ----------       ---------      ---------

NEW JERSEY
TAX FREE           Period Ended     Year Ended    Year Ended
                   2/28/95          2/28/94       2/28/93
Advisory Fee       $191,038         $116,651      $116,651

Waiver             (191,038)        (116,651)     (116,651)
Net Advisory Fee   $      0         $      0      $      0
                   ==========       ==========    ==========
Exspense
Reinbursement         -0-            $33,402      $ 72,680
                   ---------        ----------    ----------

NORTH CAROLINA
MUNICIPAL BOND     Period Ended     Year Ended    Year Ended
                   8/31/95          12/31/94      12/31/93
Advisory Fee       $190,284         $287,040      $170,496

Waiver             (132,051)        (193,158)     (170,496)
Net Advisory Fee   $ 58,233          $93,882       $     0
                   ==========       ==========    ==========
Exspense
Reinbursement         -0-           (28,121)      (152,589)
                   ---------        ----------    ----------

SOUTH CAROLINA
MUNICIPAL BOND    Period Ended       Year Ended
                  8/31/95            12/31/94
Advisory Fee      $ 13,154             $8,905

Waiver             (13,154)            (8,905)
Net Advisory Fee    $  0               $   0
                  ========           ========
Expense
Reinbursement     (144,430)          (177,387)
                  ---------         ----------

VIRGINIA
MUNICIPAL BOND    Period Ended   Year Ended    Year Ended
                  8/31/95        12/31/94      12/31/93
Advisory Fee      $ 23,156       $24,942         $4,283
                  --------       -------          -----
Waiver           ($ 23,156)      ($24,942)       ($4,283)
Net Advisory Fee        0              0              0
                  ========       ========        ========
Expense
Reinbursement     (120,876)      (205,073)       (59,974)
                  ---------      ---------       --------


FLORIDA HIGH
INCOME            Year Ended
                  8/31/95
Advisory Fee      $123,320
                  ---------
Waiver             (71,690)
Net Advisory Fee  $ 51,630
                  ========
Expense
Reimbursement           0


HIGH GRADE         Period Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended
                   8/31/95         12/31/94     12/31/93
Advisory Fee      $338,767        $599,854     $643,946
                   --------       -------      -------
Waiver            ( 20,456)        (16,091)    (280,300)
Net Advisory Fee  $318,311        $583,763     $363,646
                   =========      =========   ==========





SHORT-INTERMEDIATE   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended
                     8/31/95      8/31/94      8/31/93
Advisory Fee        $263,947      $301,565     $313,180
                     --------     -------      -------
Waiver              ( 63,612)     (150,194)    (256,324)
Net Advisory Fee    $200,335      $151,371      $56,856
                    ========      ========     ========
Expense
Reimbursement       ( 28,521)     $      0     $      0
                    --------      --------      -------









                                                                 29

<PAGE>



SHORT-INTERMEDIATE-
CA                   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended
                     8/31/95      8/31/94      8/31/93
Advisory Fee        $134,625     $164,447     $158,025
                     ---------    -------      -------
Waiver              ( 48,955)    (129,952)    (150,551)
Net Advisory Fee    $ 85,670      $34,495       $7,474
                     =======      =======      =======
Expense
Reimbursement              0            0      $44,957
                     --------     -------       ------



         Florida   Municipal  Bond,   Georgia  Municipal  Bond,  North  Carolina
Municipal  Bond,  South Carolina  Municipal  Bond,  Virginia  Municipal Bond and
Florida High Grade commenced  operations on July 2, 1993, July 2, 1993,  January
11, 1993,  January 4, 1994, July 2, 1993 and June 30, 1995,  respectively,  and,
therefore,  the first  year's  figures set forth in the table above  reflect for
Florida Municipal Bond,  Georgia  Municipal Bond, North Carolina  Municipal Bond
and Virginia  Municipal Bond  investment  advisory fees paid for the period from
commencement  of  operations  through  December 31, 1993,  with respect to South
Carolina  Municipal  Bond,  December 31, 1994 and,  with respect to Florida High
Income, August 31, 1995.

Expense Limitations

         Each  Adviser's  fee will be reduced by, or the Adviser will  reimburse
the Funds  (except  Short-Intermediate  and  Short-Intermediate-CA,  which  have
specific  percentage  limitations  described  below) for any amount necessary to
prevent such expenses (exclusive of taxes,  interest,  brokerage commissions and
extraordinary  expenses,  but inclusive of the Adviser's fee) from exceeding the
most  restrictive  of  the  expense  limitations  imposed  by  state  securities
commissions  of the states in which the Funds'  shares  are then  registered  or
qualified for sale.  Reimbursement,  when necessary, will be made monthly in the
same manner in which the advisory fee is paid.  Currently  the most  restrictive
state expense  limitation is 2.5% of the first $30,000,000 of the Fund's average
daily net  assets,  2% of the next  $70,000,000  of such assets and 1.5% of such
assets in excess of $100,000,000.

         With respect to Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate CA, Evergreen
Asset has agreed to reimburse each Fund to the extent that the Fund's  aggregate
operating expenses (including the Adviser's fee but excluding  interest,  taxes,
brokerage commissions and extraordinary  expenses,  and, for Class A and Class B
shares Rule 12b-1  distribution  fees and  shareholder  servicing  fees payable)
exceed 1% of its average net assets for any fiscal year.

     The Investment Advisory  Agreements are terminable,  without the payment of
any  penalty,  on sixty  days'  written  notice,  by a vote of the  holders of a
majority of each Fund's  outstanding  shares, or by a vote of a majority of each
Trust's  Trustees  or  by  the  respective  Adviser.   The  Investment  Advisory
Agreements will automatically  terminate in the event of their assignment.  Each
Investment  Advisory  Agreement provides in substance that the Adviser shall not
be liable  for any  action  or  failure  to act in  accordance  with its  duties
thereunder in the absence of willful misfeasance,  bad faith or gross negligence
on  the  part  of the  Adviser  or of  reckless  disregard  of  its  obligations
thereunder.  The  Investment  Advisory  Agreements  with respect to Florida High
Income,  Short-Intermediate  and  Short-Intermediate-CA  were  approved  by each
Fund's  shareholders on June 23, 1994,  became effective on June 30, 1994, (June
30, 1995 with respect to Florida High Income) and will  continue in effect until
June 30,  1996,  (June  30,  1997 with  respect  to  Florida  High  Income)  and
thereafter  from  year to year  provided  that  their  continuance  is  approved
annually  by a vote of a majority  of the  Trustees  of each Trust  including  a
majority of those Trustees who are not parties  thereto or "interested  persons"
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting duly
called  for  the  purpose  of  voting  on such  approval  or a  majority  of the
outstanding  voting shares of each Fund. With respect to Florida Municipal Bond,
Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina  Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal
Bond,  Virginia Municipal Bond and High Grade, the Investment Advisory Agreement
dated  February  28,  1985 and  amended  from time to time  thereafter  was last
approved by the Trustees of Evergreen  Investment Trust  (formerly,  First Union
Funds) on April 20, 1995 and it will  continue from year to year with respect to
each Fund provided  that such  continuance  is approved  annually by a vote of a
majority of the Trustees of Evergreen  Investment  Trust including a majority of
those Trustees who are not parties  thereto or "interested  persons" of any such
party cast in person at a meeting  duly called for the purpose of voting on such
approval or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each
Fund.  With respect to New Jersey Tax Free, the Investment  Advisory  Agreement
dated  XXXXXXX,  199X were first  approved  by the  shareholders  of the Fund on
XXXXXXXX,  199X and will continue until June 30, 1997 and from year to year with
respect to the Fund provided  that such  continuance  is approved  annually by a
vote of a majority of the  Trustees  including a majority of those  Trustees who
are not parties thereto or "interested persons" of any such party cast in person
at a meeting duly called for the purpose of voting on such approval or by a vote
of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.

         Certain  other clients of each Adviser may have  investment  objectives
and  policies  similar  to those  of the  Funds.  Each  Adviser  (including  the
sub-adviser)  may, from time to time, make  recommendations  which result in the
purchase or sale of a particular  security by its other  clients  simultaneously
with a Fund. If  transactions  on behalf of more than one client during the same
period  increase  the demand for  securities  being  purchased  or the supply of
securities being sold,  there may be an adverse effect on price or quantity.  It
is the  policy of each  Adviser to  allocate  advisory  recommendations  and the
placing of orders in a manner  which is deemed  equitable  by the Adviser to the
accounts  involved,  including the Funds. When two or more of the clients of the
Adviser  (including one or more of the Funds) are purchasing or selling the same
security on a given day from the same  broker-dealer,  such  transactions may be
averaged as to price.

         Although the  investment  objectives of the Funds are not the same, and
their investment  decisions are made independently of each other, they rely upon
the same  resources for investment  advice and  recommendations.  Therefore,  on
occasion,  when a particular security meets the different investment  objectives
of the  various  Funds,  they  may  simultaneously  purchase  or sell  the  same
security.  This could have a detrimental effect on the price and quantity of the
security available to each Fund. If simultaneous transactions occur, the Adviser
attempts  to  allocate  the  securities,  both  as to  price  and  quantity,  in
accordance with a method deemed equitable to each Fund and consistent with their
different investment objectives.  In some cases, simultaneous purchases or sales
could have a beneficial  effect,  in that the ability of one Fund to participate
in volume transactions may produce better executions for that Fund.

         Each Fund has  adopted  procedures  under Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act to
permit purchase and sales  transactions to be effected between each Fund and the
other registered investment companies for which either Evergreen Asset or FUNB
acts as  investment  adviser or  between  the Fund and any  advisory  clients of
Evergreen Asset, FUNB or Lieber.  Each Fund may from time to time engage in such
transactions  but  only in  accordance  with  these  procedures  and if they are
equitable to each participant and consistent with each participant's  investment
objectives.

     Prior to July 1, 1995, Federated  Administrative  Services, a subsidiary of
Federated  Investors,   provided  legal,  accounting  and  other  administrative
personnel and support services to each of the portfolios of Evergreen Investment
Trust. The Trust paid a fee for such services at the following annual rate: .15%
on the first $250 million  average  daily net assets of the Trust;  .125% on the
next $250  million;  .10% on the next $250 million and .075% on assets in excess
of  $250  million.  On  July  1,  1995,   Evergreen  Asset  commenced  providing
administrative  services to each of the portfolios of Evergreen Investment Trust
for a fee based on the  average  daily net assets of each fund  administered  by
Evergreen  Asset for which  Evergreen  Asset or FUNB also  serves as  investment
adviser,  calculated  daily and payable  monthly at the following  annual rates:
 .050% on the first $7 billion;  .035% on the next $3 billion;  .030% on the next
$5 billion;  .020% on the next $10  billion;  .015% on the next $5 billion;  and
 .010% on assets in excess of $30 billion. Furman Selz Incorporated, an affiliate
of the  Distributor,  serves as  sub-administrator  to Florida  Municipal  Bond,
Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina  Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal
Bond,  Virginia  Municipal  Bond and High Grade and is entitled to receive a fee
from each Fund calculated on the average daily net assets of each Fund at a rate
based on the total assets of the mutual funds  administered  by Evergreen  Asset
for which FUNB or Evergreen Asset also serve as investment  adviser,  calculated
in  accordance  with the  following  schedule:  .0100% of the first $7  billion;
 .0075% on the next $3  billion;  .0050% on the next $15  billion;  and .0040% on
assets in excess of $25 billion.  The total assets of mutual funds  administered
by Evergreen Asset for which Evergreen Asset or FUNB serve as investment adviser
as of September 30, 1995 were approximately $10.1 billion.

     Prior to XXXXXX, 199X, Furman Selz acted as administrator for Pennsylvania.
For the fiscal years ended  February 28, 1993,  1994 and 1995 Furman Selz waived
its entire administrative fee.

     For the fiscal  period ended August 31, 1995,  the year ended  December 31,
1994, and the period from July 2, 1993  (commencement of operations) to December
31,  1993,  Florida  Municipal  Bond  incurred  $38,751,  $75,397  and  $24,932,
respectively,  in  administrative  service costs,  all of which were voluntarily
waived for the year ended  December  31,  1994 and the period  from July 2, 1993
(commencement  of  operations) to December 31, 1993. For the fiscal period ended
August 31, 1995,  the fiscal year ended  December 31, 1994,  and the period from
July 2,  1993  (commencement  of  operations)  to  December  31,  1993,  Georgia
Municipal  Bond  incurred  $3,901,   $75,479  and  $24,931,   respectively,   in
administrative  service costs,  all of which were  voluntarily  waived.  For the
fiscal  period ended August 31, 1995,  the fiscal year ended  December 31, 1994,
and for the period  from  January  11,  1993  (commencement  of  operations)  to
December 31, 1993, North Carolina  Municipal Bond incurred $23,309,  $75,476 and
$48,493, respectively, in administrative service costs, of which $0, $28,121 and
$48,493,  respectively  were  voluntarily  waived.  For the fiscal  period ended
August 31, 1995, and the period January 3, 1994  (commencement of operations) to
December 31, 1994,  South Carolina  Municipal Bond incurred $1,451 and $104,356,
respectively  in  administrative  service costs,  all of which were  voluntarily
waived.  For the fiscal  period  ended  August 31,  1995,  the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1994, and the period from July 2, 1993 (commencement of operations)
to December 31, 1993,  Virginia  Municipal  Bond  incurred  $2,701,  $75,479 and
$24,931,  respectively,  in  administrative  service  costs,  all of which  were
voluntarily  waived.  For the fiscal period ended August 31, 1995 and the fiscal
years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993,  High Grade incurred  $39,697,  $101,004
and $112,663, respectively, in administrative service costs.

                              DISTRIBUTION PLANS

         Reference is made to "Management  of the Fund - Distribution  Plans and
Agreements" in the Prospectus of each Fund for additional  disclosure  regarding
the Funds'  distribution  arrangements.  Distribution fees are accrued daily and
paid monthly on the Class A and B shares and are charged as class  expenses,  as
accrued.  The distribution  fees attributable to the Class B shares are designed
to permit an investor to purchase such shares through broker-dealers without the
assessment of a front-end  sales charge,  while at the same time  permitting the
Distributor  to compensate  broker-dealers  in connection  with the sale of such
shares.  In this  regard the purpose and  function  of the  combined  contingent
deferred  sales charge and  distribution  services fee on the Class B shares are
the  same as those of the  front-end  sales  charge  and  distribution  fee with
respect  to the  Class A shares in that in each  case the  sales  charge  and/or
distribution  fee provide for the  financing of the  distribution  of the Fund's
shares.

         Under the Rule 12b-1  Distribution Plans that have been adopted by each
Fund with  respect to each of its Class A and Class B shares  (each a "Plan" and
collectively,  the  "Plans"),  the  Treasurer  of each Fund  reports the amounts
expended under the Plan and the purposes for which such  expenditures  were made
to the Trustees of each Trust for their review on a quarterly basis.  Also, each
Plan  provides  that  the  selection  and  nomination  of  Trustees  who are not
"interested persons" of each Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) are committed to
the discretion of such disinterested Trustees then in office.

         Each Adviser may from time to time and from its own funds or such other
resources as may be permitted by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission
make payments for distribution  services to the  Distributor;  the latter may in
turn pay part or all of such  compensation to brokers or other persons for their
distribution assistance.

     Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA commenced offering Class A and
Class B shares on January 3, 1995 and  Florida  High Income  commenced  offering
Class A and Class B shares on June 30,  1995.  Each  Plan with  respect  to such
Funds  became  effective  on December  30,  1994 (June 30, 1995 with  respect to
Florida High Income) and was initially  approved by the sole shareholder of each
Class of shares of each Fund with  respect  to which a Plan was  adopted on that
date and by the  unanimous  vote of the  Trustees of each Trust,  including  the
disinterested  Trustees voting separately,  at a meeting called for that purpose
and held on  December  13, 1994  (April 20,  1995 with  respect to Florida  High
Income).  The  Distribution  Agreements  between each Fund and the  Distributor,
pursuant to which  distribution  fees are paid under the Plans by each Fund with
respect to its Class A, and Class B shares were also  approved  at the  December
13, 1994 (April 20, 1995 with  respect to Florida  High  Income)  meeting by the
unanimous  vote of the Trustees,  including the  disinterested  Trustees  voting
separately.  Each Plan and  Distribution  Agreement  will continue in effect for
successive  twelve-month  periods  provided,  however,  that such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees of each Trust or by vote
of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in
the 1940 Act) of that Class,  and, in either case, by a majority of the Trustees
of the Trust who are not parties to the  Agreement  or  interested  persons,  as
defined in the 1940 Act, of any such party (other than as Trustees of the Trust)
and who have no direct or indirect  financial  interest in the  operation of the
Plan or any agreement related thereto.



         Prior to July 7, 1995,  Federated  Securities  Corp.,  a subsidiary  of
Federated Investors, served as the distributor for Florida Municipal Bond,
Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina  Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal
Bond,  Virginia  Municipal  Bond and High Grade as well as other  portfolios  of
Evergreen  Investment Trust. The Distribution  Agreements  between each Fund and
the Distributor  pursuant to which distribution fees are paid under the Plans by
each Fund with respect to its Class A and Class B shares were  approved on April
20, 1995 by the  unanimous  vote of the  Trustees  including  the  disinterested
Trustees voting separately.

         The  Plans  permit  the  payment  of fees to  brokers  and  others  for
distribution   and   shareholder-related    administrative   services   and   to
broker-dealers,    depository   institutions,   financial   intermediaries   and
administrators for administrative services as to Class A and Class B shares. The
Plans  are  designed  to (i)  stimulate  brokers  to  provide  distribution  and
administrative  support services to each Fund and holders of Class A and Class B
shares  and (ii)  stimulate  administrators  to  render  administrative  support
services  to  the  Fund  and  holders  of  Class  A  and  Class  B  shares.  The
administrative  services are provided by a  representative  who has knowledge of
the shareholder's  particular  circumstances and goals, and include, but are not
limited to providing office space, equipment,  telephone facilities, and various
personnel  including  clerical,  supervisory,  and  computer,  as  necessary  or
beneficial  to  establish  and  maintain   shareholder   accounts  and  records;
processing  purchase and redemption  transactions  and automatic  investments of
client account cash balances; answering routine client inquiries regarding Class
A and Class B shares;  assisting clients in changing  dividend options,  account
designations,  and  addresses;  and  providing  such other  services as the Fund
reasonably requests for its Class A and Class B shares.

         In addition to the Plans,  Florida  Municipal Bond,  Georgia  Municipal
Bond,  North Carolina  Municipal Bond, South Carolina  Municipal Bond,  Virginia
Municipal  Bond and High Grade have each  adopted a  Shareholder  Services  Plan
whereby  shareholder  servicing  agents  may  receive  fees  from  the  Fund for
providing  services  which  include,   but  are  not  limited  to,  distributing
prospectuses  and  other  information,  providing  shareholder  assistance,  and
communicating or facilitating purchases and redemptions of Class B shares of the
Fund.

         In the event that a Plan or Distribution Agreement is terminated or not
continued  with  respect to one or more Classes of a Fund,  (i) no  distribution
fees (other than current  amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the
Fund to the Distributor with respect to that Class or Classes, and (ii) the Fund
would not be obligated to pay the Distributor for any amounts expended under the
Distribution   Agreement  not  previously  recovered  by  the  Distributor  from
distribution services fees in respect of shares of such Class or Classes through
deferred sales charges.

         All material  amendments to any Plan or Distribution  Agreement must be
approved  by a vote of the  Trustees  of a Trust or the  holders  of the  Fund's
outstanding voting  securities,  voting separately by Class, and in either case,
by a majority of the disinterested  Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called
for the  purpose  of  voting  on such  approval;  and any  Plan or  Distribution
Agreement may not be amended in order to increase materially the costs that a

                                                                 36

<PAGE>



particular  Class  of  shares  of a  Fund  may  bear  pursuant  to the  Plan  or
Distribution  Agreement without the approval of a majority of the holders of the
outstanding  voting  shares of the  Class  affected.  With  respect  to  Florida
Municipal Bond,  Georgia  Municipal Bond,  North Carolina  Municipal Bond, South
Carolina Municipal Bond,  Virginia Municipal Bond and High Grade,  amendments to
the  Shareholder  Services  Plan  require a majority  vote of the  disinterested
Trustees but do not require a shareholders vote. Any Plan,  Shareholder Services
Plan or  Distribution  Agreement may be terminated (a) by a Fund without penalty
at any  time  by a  majority  vote  of the  holders  of the  outstanding  voting
securities of the Fund,  voting separately by Class or by a majority vote of the
Trustees who are not "interested  persons" as defined in the 1940 Act, or (b) by
the Distributor.  To terminate any Distribution  Agreement,  any party must give
the other parties 60 days' written  notice;  to terminate a Plan only,  the Fund
need  give  no  notice  to the  Distributor.  Any  Distribution  Agreement  will
terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.



         For the fiscal  period from  January 1, 1995  through  August 31, 1995,
Florida Municipal Bond,  Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina  Municipal Bond,
South Carolina  Municipal Bond,  Virginia Municipal Bond and High Grade incurred
$1, $2,856,  $13,739, $788, $3,127, and $97,996,  respectively,  in distribution
services fees on behalf of their Class A shares.

         For the fiscal  period from  January 1, 1995  through  August 31, 1995,
Florida Municipal Bond,  Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina  Municipal Bond,
South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond, and High Grade, incurred
$21.041, $37,476,  $239,789,  $15,094, $22,700, and $167,706,  respectively,  in
distribution services fees on behalf of their Class B shares.

         For the fiscal  period from  January 3, 1995  through  August 31, 1995,
Short-   Intermediate   and   Short-Intermediate-CA   incurred  $4,106  and  $0,
respectively, in distribution services fees on behalf of their Class A shares.

         For the fiscal  period from  January 3, 1995  through  August 31, 1995,
Short-   Intermediate  and   Short-Intermediate-CA   incurred  $20,584  and  $0,
respectively, in distribution services fees on behalf of their Class B shares.

         For the fiscal  period  from June 30,  1995  through  August 31,  1995,
Florida High Income incurred $ 41,690 in distribution services fees on behalf of
its Class A shares.

         For the fiscal  period  from June 30,  1995  through  August 31,  1995,
Florida High Income incurred $ 1,565 in distribution  services fees on behalf of
its Class B shares.




Shareholder Services Plans

         For the period ended August 31, 1995,  Florida  Municipal Bond incurred
shareholder  services  fees of $7,013  on behalf of its Class B shares;  Georgia
Municipal  Bond incurred  shareholder  services fees of $12,492 on behalf of its
Class B shares; North Carolina Municipal Bond incurred shareholder services fees
of  $79,930  on  behalf of its Class B shares;  South  Carolina  Municipal  Bond
incurred shareholder service fees of $5,031 on behalf of its Class B shares;

                                                                 37

<PAGE>



Virginia Municipal Bond incurred shareholder service fees of $7,567 on behalf of
its Class B shares; and High Grade incurred  shareholder service fees of $55,902
on behalf of its Class B shares.




                              ALLOCATION OF BROKERAGE

         Decisions  regarding  each Fund's  portfolio  are made by its  Adviser,
subject to the supervision and control of the Trustees.  Orders for the purchase
and sale of  securities  and other  investments  are placed by  employees of the
Adviser,  all of whom,  in the case of  Evergreen  Asset,  are  associated  with
Lieber.  In general,  the same  individuals  perform the same  functions for the
other  funds  managed  by the  Adviser.  A Fund will not  effect  any  brokerage
transactions  with any broker or dealer  affiliated  directly or indirectly with
the  Adviser  unless  such  transactions  are fair  and  reasonable,  under  the
circumstances, to the Fund's shareholders.  Circumstances that may indicate that
such  transactions  are  fair  or  reasonable  include  the  frequency  of  such
transactions,  the selection  process and the commissions  payable in connection
with such transactions.

         It is anticipated that most of the Funds purchase and sale transactions
will be  with  the  issuer  or an  underwriter  or with  major  dealers  in such
securities  acting as principals.  Such transactions are normally on a net basis
and generally do not involve payment of brokerage commissions. However, the cost
of securities  purchased from an underwriter  usually includes a commission paid
by the issuer to the underwriter.  Purchases or sales from dealers will normally
reflect the spread between bid and ask prices.

         In  selecting  firms to effect  securities  transactions,  the  primary
consideration  of each Fund  shall be  prompt  execution  at the most  favorable
price. A Fund will also consider such factors as the price of the securities and
the size and  difficulty of execution of the order.  If these  objectives may be
met with more than one firm,  the Fund will also  consider the  availability  of
statistical and investment  data and economic facts and opinions  helpful to the
Fund. To the extent that receipt of these  services for which the Adviser or its
affiliates might otherwise have paid, it would tend to reduce their expenses.

         Except with respect to North Carolina  Municipal Bond, the transactions
in which the Funds  engage do not involve the payment of  brokerage  commissions
and are executed  with dealers  other than Lieber.  For the fiscal  period ended
August 31, 1995,  the fiscal year ended  December  31, 1994,  and for the period
from January 11, 1993  (commencement  of operations) to December 31, 1993, North
Carolina Municipal Bond paid $ 0, $ 1,250 and $0,  respectively,  in commissions
on brokerage transactions.


                           ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
                       (See also "Taxes" in the Prospectus)

         Each Fund has  qualified  and  intends to  continue  to qualify for and
elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies ("RIC")
under  Subchapter  M of the  Internal  Revenue  Code of 1986,  as  amended  (the
"Code").  (Such  qualification  does not involve  supervision  of  management or
investment  practices or policies by the Internal Revenue  Service.) In order to
qualify as a regulated  investment company, a Fund must, among other things, (a)
derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends,  interest, payments with
respect  to  proceeds  from  securities  loans,  gains  from  the  sale or other
disposition  of securities  or foreign  currencies  and other income  (including
gains from options,  futures or forward  contracts)  derived with respect to its
business of investing in such securities;  (b) derive less than 30% of its gross
income from the sale or other  disposition  of securities,  options,  futures or
forward  contracts  (other  than  those  on  foreign  currencies),   or  foreign
currencies  (or  options,  futures or forward  contracts  thereon)  that are not
directly related to the RIC's principal  business of investing in securities (or
options and futures with respect  thereto) held for less than three months;  and
(c)  diversify  its holdings so that,  at the end of each quarter of its taxable
year,  (i) at least  50% of the  market  value of the  Fund's  total  assets  is
represented by cash, U.S. government  securities and other securities limited in
respect of any one issuer,  to an amount not greater than 5% of the Fund's total
assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not
more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the  securities of
any one issuer (other than U.S.  government  securities  and securities of other
regulated  investment  companies).  By so  qualifying,  a Fund is not subject to
Federal  income tax if it timely  distributes  its  investment  company  taxable
income and any net realized capital gains. A 4% nondeductible excise tax will be
imposed  on a  Fund  to  the  extent  it  does  not  meet  certain  distribution
requirements  by the end of each calendar year.  Each Fund  anticipates  meeting
such distribution requirements.

         Dividends  paid  by a  Fund  from  investment  company  taxable  income
generally  will be taxed to the  shareholders  as  ordinary  income.  Investment
company  taxable  income  includes  net  investment   income  and  net  realized
short-term  gains (if  any).  Any  dividends  received  by a Fund from  domestic
corporations will constitute a portion of the Fund's gross investment income. It
is  anticipated  that this portion of the  dividends  paid by a Fund (other than
distributions of securities profits) will qualify for the 70% dividends-received
deduction  for  corporations.  Shareholders  will be  informed of the amounts of
dividends which so qualify.

         Distributions  of the  excess of net  long-term  capital  gain over net
short-term  capital  loss are taxable to  shareholders  (who are not exempt from
tax) as long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shares of a
Fund have been held by such shareholders. Short-term capital gains distributions
are taxable to shareholders who are not exempt from tax as ordinary income. Such
distributions are not eligible for the  dividends-received  deduction.  Any loss
recognized  upon the sale of  shares  of a Fund  held by a  shareholder  for six
months or less will be treated as a  long-term  capital  loss to the extent that
the shareholder  received a long-term  capital gain distribution with respect to
such shares.

         Distributions  of  investment   company  taxable  income  and  any  net
short-term  capital gains will be taxable as ordinary  income as described above
to  shareholders  (who are not exempt  from tax),  whether  made in shares or in
cash.  Shareholders  electing to receive distributions in the form of additional
shares will have a cost basis for Federal  income tax  purposes in each share so
received equal to the net asset value of a share of a Fund on the reinvestment
date.

         Distributions by each Fund result in a reduction in the net asset value
of the Fund's shares.  Should a distribution  reduce the net asset value below a
shareholder's  cost basis,  such distribution  nevertheless  would be taxable as
ordinary income or capital gain as described above to shareholders  (who are not
exempt from tax), even though, from an investment standpoint,  it may constitute
a return of capital. In particular,  investors should be careful to consider the
tax  implications  of buying shares just prior to a  distribution.  The price of
shares   purchased  at  that  time  includes  the  amount  of  the   forthcoming
distribution.  Those  purchasing just prior to a distribution  will then receive
what is in  effect  a  return  of  capital  upon  the  distribution  which  will
nevertheless be taxable to shareholders subject to taxes.

         Upon a sale or exchange of its shares,  a  shareholder  will  realize a
taxable gain or loss depending on its basis in the shares.  Such gains or losses
will be treated as a capital  gain or loss if the shares are  capital  assets in
the investor's hands and will be a long-term  capital gain or loss if the shares
have been held for more than one year. Generally, any loss realized on a sale or
exchange will be disallowed to the extent shares disposed of are replaced within
a period of sixty-one days  beginning  thirty days before and ending thirty days
after the shares are disposed of. Any loss realized by a shareholder on the sale
of  shares of the Fund held by the  shareholder  for six  months or less will be
disallowed  to the  extent of any  exempt  interest  dividends  received  by the
shareholder with respect to such shares, and will be treated for tax purposes as
a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions of net capital gains
received by the shareholder with respect to such shares.

         All distributions, whether received in shares or cash, must be reported
by each  shareholder on his or her Federal income tax return.  Each  shareholder
should  consult his or her own tax adviser to determine  the state and local tax
implications of Fund distributions.

     Shareholders who fail to furnish their taxpayer identification numbers to a
Fund and to certify as to its correctness and certain other  shareholders may be
subject to a 31% Federal income tax backup withholding requirement on dividends,
distributions of capital gains and redemption proceeds paid to them by the Fund.
If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such dividends or capital gain
distributions  to these  shareholders,  whether  taken in cash or  reinvested in
additional  shares,  and any redemption  proceeds will be reduced by the amounts
required to be withheld.  Investors  may wish to consult  their own tax advisers
about the applicability of the backup withholding provisions.

     The foregoing  discussion  relates solely to U.S. Federal income tax law as
applicable to U.S. persons (i.e.,  U.S. citizens and residents and U.S. domestic
corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates). It does not reflect the special
tax consequences to certain taxpayers (e.g.,  banks,  insurance  companies,  tax
exempt  organizations  and foreign  persons).  Shareholders  are  encouraged  to
consult their own tax advisers regarding specific questions relating to Federal,
state  and local  tax  consequences  of  investing  in  shares  of a Fund.  Each
shareholder  who is not a U.S.  person  should  consult  his or her tax  adviser
regarding  the U.S.  and foreign tax  consequences  of  ownership of shares of a
Fund, including the possibility that such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S.
withholding  tax at a rate of 31% (or at a lower  rate  under a tax  treaty)  on
amounts treated as income from U.S. sources under the Code.


Special Tax Considerations

         To the extent that the Fund distributes  exempt interest dividends to a
shareholder,  interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by such shareholder
to purchase or carry shares of the Fund is not deductible. Furthermore, entities
or persons  who are  "substantial  users" (or  related  persons)  of  facilities
financed by "private activity" bonds (some of which were formerly referred to as
"industrial  development"  bonds)  should  consult  their  tax  advisers  before
purchasing  shares of the  Fund.  "Substantial  user" is  defined  generally  as
including a "non-exempt  person" who  regularly  uses in its trade or business a
part of a facility financed from the proceeds of industrial development bonds.

         The  percentage of the total  dividends  paid by a Fund with respect to
any taxable year that  qualifies as exempt  interest  dividends will be the same
for all shareholders of the Fund receiving  dividends with respect to such year.
If a shareholder  receives an exempt interest dividend with respect to any share
and such  share  has been held for six  months or less,  any loss on the sale or
exchange of such share will be disallowed  to the extent of the exempt  interest
dividend amount.


                                      NET ASSET VALUE

         The following information supplements that set forth in each Prospectus
under the  subheading  "How to Buy Shares - How the Funds Value Their Shares" in
the Section entitled "Purchase and Redemption of Shares".

         The public  offering  price of shares of a Fund is its net asset value,
plus, in the case of Class A shares, a sales charge which will vary depending on
the purchase alternative chosen by the investor,  as more fully described in the
Prospectus.  See  "Purchase of Shares - Class A Shares - Front-End  Sales Charge
Alternative. " On each Fund business day on which a purchase or redemption order
is  received by a Fund and  trading in the types of  securities  in which a Fund
invests  might  materially  affect the value of Fund  shares,  the per share net
asset value of each such Fund is computed in accordance  with the Declaration of
Trust and By-Laws governing each Fund as of the next close of regular trading on
the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange")  (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time)
by dividing the value of the Fund's total assets,  less its liabilities,  by the
total number of its shares then outstanding. A Fund business day is any weekday,
exclusive of national  holidays on which the Exchange is closed and Good Friday.
For each Fund,  securities  for which the  primary  market is on a  domestic  or
foreign  exchange  and  over-the-counter  securities  admitted to trading on the
NASDAQ  National  List are valued at the last quoted sale or, if no sale, at the
mean of closing bid and asked price and portfolio bonds are presently  valued by
a recognized  pricing  service when such prices are believed to reflect the fair
value of the security.  Over-the-counter  securities  not included in the NASDAQ
National List for which market  quotations are readily available are valued at a
price quoted by one or more brokers.  If accurate  quotations are not available,
securities will be valued at fair value determined in good faith by the Board of
Trustees.

         The  respective  per share net asset values of the Class A, Class B and
Class Y  shares  are  expected  to be  substantially  the  same.  Under  certain
circumstances, however, the per share net asset values of the Class B shares may
be lower than the per share net asset value of the Class A shares (and, in turn,
that of Class A shares  may be lower  than  Class Y  shares)  as a result of the
greater daily expense accruals, relative to Class A and Class Y shares, of Class
B shares  relating to  distribution  services fees (and, with respect to Florida
Municipal Bond,  Georgia  Municipal Bond,  North Carolina  Municipal Bond, South
Carolina  Municipal Bond,  Virginia Municipal Bond, Florida High Income and High
Grade,  shareholder service fee) and, to the extent applicable,  transfer agency
fees  and  the  fact  that  Class Y  shares  bear  no  additional  distribution,
shareholder  service or transfer agency related fees. While it is expected that,
in the event each Class of shares of a Fund  realizes net  investment  income or
does not  realize a net  operating  loss for a  period,  the per share net asset
values of the three classes will tend to converge  immediately after the payment
of dividends,  which  dividends will differ by  approximately  the amount of the
expense accrual differential among the Classes,  there is no assurance that this
will be the case.  In the event one or more Classes of a Fund  experiences a net
operating  loss for any  fiscal  period,  the net asset  value per share of such
Class or Classes  will remain  lower than that of Classes  that  incurred  lower
expenses for the period.


                                 PURCHASE OF SHARES

         The following information supplements that set forth in each Prospectus
under the heading "Purchase and Redemption of Shares - How To Buy Shares".

General

         Shares of each Fund will be  offered on a  continuous  basis at a price
equal to their net  asset  value  plus an  initial  sales  charge at the time of
purchase  (the  "front-end  sales  charge  alternative"),  or with a  contingent
deferred  sales charge (the deferred  sales charge  alternative"),  as described
below.  Class Y shares which, as described below, are not offered to the general
public, are offered without any front-end or contingent sales charges. Shares of
each Fund are offered on a continuous basis through (i) investment  dealers that
are members of the National  Association  of Securities  Dealers,  Inc. and have
entered  into  selected  dealer  agreements  with  the  Distributor   ("selected
dealers"),  (ii) depository  institutions and other financial  intermediaries or
their  affiliates,  that have entered into selected  agent  agreements  with the
Distributor  ("selected  agents"),  or (iii) the  Distributor.  The  minimum for
initial investments is $1,000;  there is no minimum for subsequent  investments.
The  subscriber  may use the  Share  Purchase  Application  available  from  the
Distributor  for his or her  initial  investment.  Sales  personnel  of selected
dealers  and  agents   distributing  a  Fund's  shares  may  receive   differing
compensation for selling Class A or Class B shares.

         Investors  may purchase  shares of a Fund in the United  States  either
through selected  dealers or agents or directly through the Distributor.  A Fund
reserves  the right to suspend  the sale of its shares to the public in response
to conditions in the securities markets or for other reasons.

         Each  Fund  will  accept  unconditional  orders  for its  shares  to be
executed  at the  public  offering  price  equal  to the net  asset  value  next
determined (plus for Class A shares, the applicable sales charges), as described
below.  Orders received by the Distributor prior to the close of regular trading
on the Exchange on each day the Exchange is open for trading are priced at the
net asset value  computed as of the close of regular  trading on the Exchange on
that day (plus for Class A shares the sales charges).  In the case of orders for
purchase of shares placed  through  selected  dealers or agents,  the applicable
public offering price will be the net asset value as so determined,  but only if
the  selected  dealer or agent  receives the order prior to the close of regular
trading on the Exchange and transmits it to the  Distributor  prior to its close
of business that same day (normally 5:00 p.m. Eastern time). The selected dealer
or agent is  responsible  for  transmitting  such  orders  by 5:00  p.m.  If the
selected  dealer or agent  fails to do so,  the  investor's  right to that day's
closing  price must be settled  between the investor and the selected  dealer or
agent.  If the  selected  dealer or agent  receives the order after the close of
regular trading on the Exchange,  the price will be based on the net asset value
determined as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange on the next day it
is open for trading.

         Following the initial  purchase of shares of a Fund, a shareholder  may
place orders to purchase  additional  shares by telephone if the shareholder has
completed the appropriate portion of the Share Purchase Application. Payment for
shares purchased by telephone can be made only by Electronic Funds Transfer from
a bank account  maintained by the  shareholder at a bank that is a member of the
National  Automated  Clearing  House  Association  ("ACH").  If a  shareholder's
telephone  purchase request is received before 3:00 p.m. New York time on a Fund
business day, the order to purchase shares is automatically placed the same Fund
business day for  non-money  market  funds,  and two days  following the day the
order is received for money market funds,  and the  applicable  public  offering
price will be the public  offering price  determined as of the close of business
on such business day. Full and fractional  shares are credited to a subscriber's
account  in the  amount  of his or her  subscription.  As a  convenience  to the
subscriber,  and to avoid unnecessary  expense to a Fund, stock certificates not
issued for any class of shares of any Fund. This  facilitates  later  redemption
are and relieves the shareholder of the  responsibility for and inconvenience of
lost or stolen certificates.

Alternative Purchase Arrangements

         Each Fund issues three classes of shares: (i) Class A shares, which are
sold to investors choosing the front-end sales charge alternative;  (ii) Class B
shares,  which  are  sold  to  investors  choosing  the  deferred  sales  charge
alternative; and (iii) Class Y shares, which are offered only to (a) persons who
at or prior to  December  30,  1994  owned  shares in a mutual  fund  advised by
Evergreen  Asset,  (b) certain  investment  advisory clients of the Advisers and
their affiliates,  and (c) institutional  investors. The three classes of shares
each  represent an interest in the same  portfolio of  investments  of the Fund,
have the same rights and are  identical  in all  respects,  except that (I) only
Class A and Class B shares are subject to a Rule 12b-1  distribution  fee,  (II)
Class B shares of Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond,  Virginia Municipal Bond and High
Grade and subject to a  shareholder  service fee,  (III) Class A shares bear the
expense of the front-end sales charge and Class B shares bear the expense of the
deferred  sales  charge,  (IV) Class B shares  bear the expense of a higher Rule
12b-1 distribution  services fee and shareholder service fee than Class A shares
and higher transfer agency costs, (V) with the exception of Class Y shares, each
Class of each Fund has exclusive voting rights with respect to provisions of the
Rule 12b-1 Plan pursuant to which its distribution  services (and, to the extent
applicable, shareholder service) fee is paid which relates to a specific Class
and  other  matters  for  which  separate  Class  voting  is  appropriate  under
applicable  law,  provided that, if the Fund submits to a  simultaneous  vote of
Class A and Class B shareholders  an amendment to the Rule 12b-1 Plan that would
materially increase the amount to be paid thereunder with respect to the Class A
shares,  the  Class A  shareholders  and  the  Class B  shareholders  will  vote
separately  by  Class,  and  (VI)  only  the  Class B shares  are  subject  to a
conversion  feature.  Each Class has different  exchange  privileges and certain
different shareholder service options available.

         The alternative purchase  arrangements permit an investor to choose the
method of  purchasing  shares  that is most  beneficial  given the amount of the
purchase,  the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares, and other
circumstances. Investors should consider whether, during the anticipated life of
their investment in the Fund, the accumulated distribution services (and, to the
extent  applicable,  shareholder  service)  fee and  contingent  deferred  sales
charges on Class B shares prior to  conversion  would be less than the front-end
sales  charge  and  accumulated  distribution  services  fee on  Class A  shares
purchased at the same time, and to what extent such differential would be offset
by the higher  return of Class A shares.  Class B shares  will  normally  not be
suitable for the investor who qualifies to purchase Class A shares at the lowest
applicable sales charge.  For this reason, the Distributor will reject any order
(except orders for Class B shares from certain  retirement  plans) for more than
$2,500,000 for Class B shares.

         Class A shares are subject to a lower distribution  services fee and no
shareholder service fee and, accordingly,  pay correspondingly  higher dividends
per share than Class B shares.  However,  because  front-end  sales  charges are
deducted at the time of purchase,  investors purchasing Class A shares would not
have all their funds invested  initially  and,  therefore,  would  initially own
fewer shares.  Investors not qualifying for reduced  front-end sales charges who
expect to  maintain  their  investment  for an  extended  period  of time  might
consider   purchasing   Class  A  shares  because  the  accumulated   continuing
distribution  (and, to the extent  applicable,  shareholder  service) charges on
Class B shares may exceed the  front-end  sales charge on Class A shares  during
the life of the  investment.  Again,  however,  such  investors  must weigh this
consideration  against the fact that,  because of such front-end  sales charges,
not all their funds will be invested initially.

         Other  investors  might  determine,  however,  that  it  would  be more
advantageous  to  purchase  Class B shares  in order  to have  all  their  funds
invested initially, although remaining subject to higher continuing distribution
services  (and, to the extent  applicable,  shareholder  service) fees and being
subject to a  contingent  deferred  sales charge for a  seven-year  period.  For
example,  based on current fees and expenses,  an investor  subject to the 4.75%
front-end  sales charge would have to hold his or her  investment  approximately
seven  years  for  the  Class  B  distribution  services  (and,  to  the  extent
applicable, shareholders service) fees to exceed the front-end sales charge plus
the accumulated distribution services fee of Class A shares. In this example, an
investor  intending to maintain his or her  investment for a longer period might
consider  purchasing Class A shares. This example does not take into account the
time  value  of  money,  which  further  reduces  the  impact  of  the  Class  B
distribution services (and, to the extent applicable,  shareholder service) fees
on the  investment,  fluctuations  in net asset value or the effect of different
performance assumptions.

         With respect to each Fund, the Trustees have  determined that currently
no conflict of interest exists between or among the Class A, Class B and Class Y
shares.  On an ongoing basis,  the Trustees,  pursuant to their fiduciary duties
under the 1940 Act and state  laws,  will seek to ensure  that no such  conflict
arises.

Front-end Sales Charge Alternative--Class A Shares

         The public offering price of Class A shares for purchasers choosing the
front-end sales charge alternative is the net asset value plus a sales charge as
set forth in the Prospectus for each Fund.

         Shares  issued  pursuant  to  the  automatic   reinvestment  of  income
dividends or capital gains  distributions  are not subject to any sales charges.
The Fund  receives  the  entire  net asset  value of its Class A shares  sold to
investors.  The  Distributor's  commission  is the sales charge set forth in the
Prospectus for each Fund, less any applicable discount or commission "reallowed"
to selected  dealers and agents.  The  Distributor  will  reallow  discounts  to
selected  dealers  and  agents  in the  amounts  indicated  in the  table in the
Prospectus.  In this  regard,  the  Distributor  may elect to reallow the entire
sales charge to selected  dealers and agents for all sales with respect to which
orders are placed with the Distributor.

         Set forth below is an example of the method of  computing  the offering
price of the Class A shares of each Fund.  The  example  assumes a  purchase  of
Class A shares of a Fund  aggregating less than $100,000 subject to the schedule
of sales charges set forth in the Prospectus at a price based upon the net asset
value of Class A shares of each  Fund at the end of each  Fund's  latest  fiscal
year.




                Net     Per Share                 Offering
                Asset   Sales                     Price
                Value   Charge         Date       Per Share

Florida
Municipal
Bond             $ 9.74    $.49         8/31/95    $10.23

Georgia
Municipal
Bond             $ 9.47    $.47         8/31/95    $ 9.94

North Carolina
Municipal Bond   $ 9.95    $.50         8/31/95    $10.45

South Carolina
Municipal Bond   $ 9.59    $.48         8/31/95    $10.07

Virginia
Municipal
Bond             $ 9.67    $.48         8/31/95    $10.15

Florida
High Income      $10.40    $.52         8/31/95    $10.92

High Grade       $10.69    $.53         8/31/95    $11.22


Short-
Intermediate     $10.17    $.51         8/31/95    $10.68

Short-
Intermediate-
CA               $10.06    $.50         8/31/95    $10.56


         Prior to  January  3,  1995,  shares of the Funds  other  than  Florida
Municipal Bond,  Georgia  Municipal Bond,  North Carolina  Municipal Bond, South
Carolina  Municipal  Bond,  Virginia  Municipal Bond and High Grade were offered
exclusively on a no-load basis and,  accordingly,  no  underwriting  commissions
were  paid in  respect  of sales of  shares  of the  Funds  or  retained  by the
Distributor. In addition, since Class B shares were not offered prior to January
3, 1995,  contingent  deferred  sales charges have been paid to the  Distributor
with respect to Class B shares only since January 3, 1995.

         With respect to Florida  Municipal Bond,  Georgia Municipal Bond, North
Carolina Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond,  Virginia Municipal Bond
and High Grade for the periods indicated, the following commissions were paid to
and amounts were retained by Federated Securities Corp., which, prior to July 7,
1995, was the principal underwriter of portfolios of Evergreen Investment Trust:



                    Period from     Period from     Year Ended    Perid from
                  July 7, 1995 to  January 1, 1995  12/31/94    July 2, 1993 to
                  August 31, 1995  to July 6, 1995             December 31,1993


Florida Municipal
Bond Fund

Commissions Received   $ 23, 324     $ 64,431       $ 2,000        $ 132,000
Commissions Retained      2, 747        1,554           ---           20,000

Georgia Municipal Bond

  Commissions Received $  9,947      $ 46,263       $103,000        $  15,000
  Commissions Retained    1,747         2,473          6,000            2,000

Virginia Municipal Bond

  Commissions Received   $  4,340    $ 41,373       $ 62,000        $  49,000
  Commissions Retained        533       1,787          6,000            7,000


North Carolina Municipal
Bond
                  Period from     Period from      Year Ended     Period from
                 July 7, 1995 to  January 1, 1995  12/31/94    January 11, 1993
                 August 31, 1995  to July 6, 1995            to December 31,1995


  Commissions Received    $ 5,238    $ 117,937     $ 210,000        $ 35,000
  Commissions Retained        637        7,206         3,000           5,000


     *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *
South Carolina Municipal
Bond                      Period from      Period from         Period from
                         July 7, 1995 to   January 1, 1995    January 3, 1994 to
                         August 31, 1995   to July 6, 1995    December 31, 1994

  Commissions Received     $ 853           $  34,388           $    34,000
  Commissions Retained        98               3,497                 5,000


     *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

High Grade
                   Period from      Period from
                   July 7, 1995 to  January 1, 1995   Year Ended    Year Ended
                   August 31,1995   to July 6, 1995   12/31/94      12/31/93
                                                    

  Commissions Received     $ 5,767   $ 29,154         $ 82,000        $ 549,000
  Commissions Retained         712      1,515            5,000           82,000


         Investors  choosing the front-end  sales charge  alternative  may under
certain   circumstances   be  entitled  to  pay  reduced  sales   charges.   The
circumstances  under  which such  investors  may pay reduced  sales  charges are
described below.

         Combined Purchase Privilege.  Certain persons may qualify for the sales
charge  reductions  by combining  purchases  of shares of one or more  Evergreen
mutual  funds other than money  market  funds into a single  "purchase",  if the
resulting  "purchase"  totals at least $100,000.  The term "purchase" refers to:
(i) a single purchase by an individual, or to concurrent purchases, which in the
aggregate are at least equal to the prescribed amounts, by an individual, his or
her spouse and their  children under the age of 21 years  purchasing  shares for
his, her or their own  account(s);  (ii) a single purchase by a trustee or other
fiduciary  purchasing  shares  for a single  trust,  estate or single  fiduciary
account  although  more  than one  beneficiary  is  involved;  or (iii) a single
purchase  for  the  employee  benefit  plans  of a  single  employer.  The  term
"purchase" also includes  purchases by any "company",  as the term is defined in
the 1940 Act, but does not include  purchases by any such company  which has not
been in existence for at least six months or which has no purpose other than the
purchase of shares of a Fund or shares of other registered  investment companies
at a discount. The term "purchase" does not include purchases by any group of
individuals whose sole organizational nexus is that the participants therein are
credit  card  holders of a company,  policy  holders  of an  insurance  company,
customers of either a bank or broker-dealer or clients of an investment adviser.
A  "purchase"  may also  include  shares,  purchased  at the same time through a
single selected dealer or agent, of any Evergreen  mutual fund.  Currently,  the
Evergreen mutual funds include:

Evergreen Fund
Evergreen Global Real Estate Equity Fund
Evergreen U.S. Real Estate Equity Fund
Evergreen Limited Market Fund, Inc.
Evergreen Growth and Income Fund
Evergreen Total Return Fund
Evergreen American  Retirement Fund
Evergreen Small Cap Equity Income Fund
Evergreen Tax Strategic Foundation Fund
Evergreen Short-Intermediate Municipal  Fund
Evergreen  Short-Intermediate  Municipal  Fund-California  
Evergreen  Tax Exempt Money  Market  Fund  
Evergreen  Money  Market  Fund  
Evergreen  Foundation  Fund
Evergreen  Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund 
Evergreen  Aggressive  Growth
Fund Evergreen  Balanced Fund*  
Evergreen  Utility Fund*  
Evergreen  Value Fund*
Evergreen U.S.  Government Fund* 
Evergreen Fixed Income Fund* 
Evergreen  Managed Bond Fund*  
Evergreen  Emerging  Markets  Growth Fund*  
Evergreen  International Equity Fund* 
Evergreen  Treasury Money Market Fund* 
Evergreen  Florida Municipal Bond Fund*  
Evergreen  Georgia  Municipal  Bond Fund*  
Evergreen  North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund*  
Evergreen  South Carolina  Municipal Bond Fund*  
Evergreen Virginia Municipal Bond Fund* 
Evergreen High Grade Tax Free Fund*


*  Prior  to July 7,  1995,  each  Fund  was  named  "First  Union"  instead  of
"Evergreen."

         Prospectuses  for the  Evergreen  mutual funds may be obtained  without
charge by contacting the Distributor or the Advisers at the address or telephone
number shown on the front cover of this Statement of Additional Information.

     Cumulative  Quantity  Discount  (Right  of  Accumulation).   An  investor's
purchase of  additional  Class A shares of a Fund may  qualify for a  Cumulative
Quantity Discount. The applicable sales charge will be based on the total of:

                  (i)  the investor's current purchase;

                  (ii) the net  asset  value (at the  close of  business  on the
                  previous  day) of (a) all  Class A and  Class B shares  of the
                  Fund held by the investor and (b) all such shares of any other
                  Evergreen mutual fund held by the investor; and

                  (iii) the net asset value of all shares described in paragraph
                  (ii) owned by another  shareholder  eligible to combine his or
                  her  purchase   with  that  of  the  investor  into  a  single
                  "purchase" (see above).

         For example,  if an investor  owned Class A or B shares of an Evergreen
mutual  fund  worth  $200,000  at  their  then  current  net  asset  value  and,
subsequently,  purchased Class A shares of a Fund worth an additional  $100,000,
the sales charge for the $100,000 purchase would be at the 3.00% rate applicable
to a single $300,000 purchase of shares of the Fund, rather than the 3.75% rate.

         To  qualify  for the  Combined  Purchase  Privilege  or to  obtain  the
Cumulative  Quantity  Discount on a purchase through a selected dealer or agent,
the  investor or selected  dealer or agent must  provide  the  Distributor  with
sufficient  information to verify that each purchase qualifies for the privilege
or discount.

         Statement of  Intention.  Class A investors may also obtain the reduced
sales  charges  shown  in the  Prospectus  by means of a  written  Statement  of
Intention,  which  expresses  the  investor's  intention to invest not less than
$100,000  within a period of 13 months in Class A shares (or Class A and Class B
shares) of the Fund or any other Evergreen  mutual fund. Each purchase of shares
under a Statement  of  Intention  will be made at the public  offering  price or
prices  applicable at the time of such purchase to a single  transaction  of the
dollar amount indicated in the Statement of Intention. At the investor's option,
a Statement  of  Intention  may include  purchases of Class A or B shares of the
Fund or any other Evergreen  mutual fund made not more than 90 days prior to the
date that the investor  signs a Statement of  Intention;  however,  the 13-month
period  during  which the  Statement of Intention is in effect will begin on the
date of the earliest purchase to be included.

         Investors  qualifying  for the Combined  Purchase  Privilege  described
above may purchase shares of the Evergreen mutual funds under a single Statement
of  Intention.  For  example,  if at the time an investor  signs a Statement  of
Intention  to  invest  at least  $100,000  in Class A shares  of the  Fund,  the
investor  and the  investor's  spouse  each  purchase  shares of the Fund  worth
$20,000 (for a total of $40,000), it will only be necessary to invest a total of
$60,000  during  the  following  13  months  in  shares of the Fund or any other
Evergreen mutual fund, to qualify for the 3.75% sales charge on the total amount
being invested (the sales charge applicable to an investment of $100,000).

         The  Statement  of  Intention  is not a  binding  obligation  upon  the
investor to purchase the full amount indicated.  The minimum initial  investment
under a Statement of Intention is 5% of such amount.  Shares  purchased with the
first 5% of such amount will be held in escrow  (while  remaining  registered in
the  name  of the  investor)  to  secure  payment  of the  higher  sales  charge
applicable to the shares actually  purchased if the full amount indicated is not
purchased,  and such escrowed shares will be  involuntarily  redeemed to pay the
additional sales charge,  if necessary.  Dividends on escrowed  shares,  whether
paid in cash or reinvested in additional Fund shares, are not subject to escrow.
When the full amount indicated has been purchased,  the escrow will be released.
To the extent that an investor purchases more than the dollar amount indicated
on the Statement of Intention and qualifies for a further  reduced sales charge,
the sales charge will be adjusted for the entire amount  purchased at the end of
the 13-month  period.  The  difference  in sales charge will be used to purchase
additional  shares of the Fund subject to the rate of sales charge applicable to
the actual amount of the aggregate purchases.

         Investors wishing to enter into a Statement of Intention in conjunction
with their initial  investment in Class A shares of the Fund should complete the
appropriate  portion of the  Subscription  Application  found in the  Prospectus
while  current  Class A  shareholders  desiring  to do so can  obtain  a form of
Statement of Intention by  contacting a Fund at the address or telephone  number
shown on the cover of this Statement of Additional Information.


         Investments  Through  Employee  Benefit  and  Savings  Plans.   Certain
qualified  and  non-qualified  benefit and savings  plans may make shares of the
Evergreen mutual funds available to their participants. Investments made by such
employee benefit plans may be exempt from any applicable front-end sales charges
if  they  meet  the  criteria  set  forth  in  the  Prospectus  under  "Class  A
Shares-Front   End  Sales   Charge   Alternative".   The  Advisers  may  provide
compensation  to  organizations   providing   administrative  and  recordkeeping
services to plans which make shares of the Evergreen  mutual funds  available to
their participants.

         Reinstatement  Privilege.  A Class A shareholder  who has caused any or
all of his or her shares of the Fund to be redeemed or repurchased  may reinvest
all or any portion of the redemption or repurchase proceeds in Class A shares of
the Fund at net  asset  value  without  any  sales  charge,  provided  that such
reinvestment  is made within 30 calendar days after the redemption or repurchase
date.  Shares are sold to a reinvesting  shareholder at the net asset value next
determined as described  above. A reinstatement  pursuant to this privilege will
not cancel the redemption or repurchase transaction; therefore, any gain or loss
so realized will be recognized for Federal tax purposes except that no loss will
be  recognized  to the extent that the proceeds are  reinvested in shares of the
Fund.  The  reinstatement  privilege may be used by the  shareholder  only once,
irrespective of the number of shares  redeemed or  repurchased,  except that the
privilege may be used without limit in connection with  transactions  whose sole
purpose  is to  transfer  a  shareholder's  interest  in the  Fund to his or her
individual  retirement  account  or other  qualified  retirement  plan  account.
Investors may exercise the  reinstatement  privilege by written  request sent to
the Fund at the  address  shown on the  cover of this  Statement  of  Additional
Information.

         Sales at Net Asset Value.  In addition to the  categories  of investors
set forth in the Prospectus,  each Fund may sell its Class A shares at net asset
value,  i.e.,  without any sales  charge,  to: (i) certain  investment  advisory
clients of the Advisers or their affiliates; (ii) officers and present or former
Trustees of the Trust;  present or former trustees of other investment companies
managed by the Advisers;  present or retired full-time employees of the Adviser;
officers,  directors and present or retired full-time  employees of the Adviser,
the  Distributor,  and their  affiliates;  officers,  directors  and present and
full-time  employees  of selected  dealers or agents;  or the  spouse,  sibling,
direct  ancestor or direct  descendant  (collectively  "relatives")  of any such
person; or any trust,  individual  retirement account or retirement plan account
for the benefit of any such person or relative; or the estate of any such person
or relative,  if such shares are purchased for investment  purposes (such shares
may not be resold except to the Fund);  (iii) certain employee benefit plans for
employees of the Adviser,  the Distributor.  and their affiliates;  (iv) persons
participating in a fee-based  program,  sponsored and maintained by a registered
broker-dealer  and approved by the  Distributor,  pursuant to which such persons
pay an asset-based  fee to such  broker-dealer,  or its affiliate or agent,  for
service in the nature of investment advisory or administrative  services.  These
provisions are intended to provide additional  job-related incentives to persons
who serve the Funds or work for companies associated with the Funds and selected
dealers and agents of the Funds. Since these persons are in a position to have a
basic  understanding of the nature of an investment company as well as a general
familiarity with the Fund,  sales to these persons,  as compared to sales in the
normal  channels  of  distribution,  require  substantially  less sales  effort.
Similarly,  these  provisions  extend the privilege of purchasing  shares at net
asset value to certain classes of institutional  investors who, because of their
investment  sophistication,  can be expected to require  significantly less than
normal sales effort on the part of the Funds and the Distributor.


Deferred Sales Charge Alternative--Class B Shares

         Investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternative purchase Class
B shares at the public  offering price equal to the net asset value per share of
the Class B shares on the date of  purchase  without the  imposition  of a sales
charge at the time of purchase.  The Class B shares are sold without a front-end
sales  charge so that the full  amount of the  investor's  purchase  payment  is
invested in the Fund initially.

         Proceeds  from the  contingent  deferred  sales  charge are paid to the
Distributor  and are used by the  Distributor  to  defray  the  expenses  of the
Distributor  related to providing  distribution-related  services to the Fund in
connection  with  the  sale  of the  Class B  shares,  such  as the  payment  of
compensation  to selected  dealers and agents for  selling  Class B shares.  The
combination  of the  contingent  deferred  sales  charge  and  the  distribution
services fee (and,  with respect to Florida  Municipal Bond,  Georgia  Municipal
Bond,  North Carolina  Municipal Bond, South Carolina  Municipal Bond,  Virginia
Municipal Bond and High Grade, the shareholder  service fee) enables the Fund to
sell the Class B shares  without a sales  charge  being  deducted at the time of
purchase.  The higher  distribution  services fee (and,  with respect to Florida
Municipal Bond,  Georgia  Municipal Bond,  North Carolina  Municipal Bond, South
Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond and High Grade, the shareholder
service fee)  incurred by Class B shares will cause such shares to have a higher
expense ratio and to pay lower dividends than those related to Class A shares.

         Contingent  Deferred  Sales  Charge.  Class B shares which are redeemed
within seven years of purchase  will be subject to a contingent  deferred  sales
charge at the rates set forth in the  Prospectus  charged as a percentage of the
dollar amount subject thereto. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to
the lesser of the cost of the shares being  redeemed or their net asset value at
the  time of  redemption.  Accordingly,  no  sales  charge  will be  imposed  on
increases in net asset value above the initial  purchase price. In addition,  no
contingent  deferred  sales  charge  will be  assessed  on shares  derived  from
reinvestment  of dividends  or capital  gains  distributions.  The amount of the
contingent  deferred sales charge,  if any, will vary depending on the number of
years from the time of payment for the purchase of Class B shares until the time

                                                                 51

<PAGE>



of redemption of such shares.

         In  determining  the contingent  deferred sales charge  applicable to a
redemption,  it will be  assumed  that the  redemption  is first of any  Class A
shares in the shareholder's Fund account, second of Class B shares held for over
eight years or Class B shares acquired  pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or
distributions  and third of Class B shares held  longest  during the  eight-year
period.

         To illustrate,  assume that an investor purchased 100 Class B shares at
$10 per share (at a cost of $1,000) and in the second year after  purchase,  the
net  asset  value per share is $12 and,  during  such  time,  the  investor  has
acquired 10  additional  Class B shares upon dividend  reinvestment.  If at such
time the investor  makes his or her first  redemption  of 50 Class B shares,  10
Class B shares will not be subject to charge  because of dividend  reinvestment.
With respect to the  remaining 40 Class B shares,  the charge is applied only to
the original cost of $10 per share and not to the increase in net asset value of
$2 per  share.  Therefore,  of the  $600  of the  shares  redeemed  $400  of the
redemption proceeds (40 shares x $10 original purchase price) will be charged at
a rate of 4.0% (the  applicable  rate in the second  year after  purchase  for a
contingent deferred sales charge of $16).

         The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on redemptions of shares
(i) following the death or disability, as defined in the Code, of a shareholder,
or  (ii) to the  extent  that  the  redemption  represents  a  minimum  required
distribution from an individual retirement account or other retirement plan to a
shareholder who has attained the age of 70-1/2.

         Conversion  Feature.  At the end of the period ending seven years after
the end of the  calendar  month in which the  shareholder's  purchase  order was
accepted,  Class B shares will automatically  convert to Class A shares and will
no longer be subject to a higher  distribution  services  fee imposed on Class B
shares. Such conversion will be on the basis of the relative net asset values of
the two classes,  without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge.
The purpose of the conversion feature is to reduce the distribution services fee
paid by holders of Class B shares that have been outstanding long enough for the
Distributor to have been  compensated for the expenses  associated with the sale
of such shares.

         For purposes of conversion to Class A, Class B shares purchased through
the  reinvestment  of  dividends  and  distributions  paid in respect of Class B
shares in a  shareholder's  account will be  considered to be held in a separate
sub-account.  Each time any Class B shares in the  shareholder's  account (other
than those in the sub-account)  convert to Class A, an equal pro-rata portion of
the Class B shares in the sub-account will also convert to Class A.

     The  conversion  of Class B shares  to Class A  shares  is  subject  to the
continuing  availability  of an opinion  of  counsel to the effect  that (i) the
assessment of the higher distribution services fee (and, with respect to Florida
Municipal Bond,  Georgia  Municipal Bond,  North Carolina  Municipal Bond, South
Carolina  Municipal Bond,  Virginia  Municipal Bond and High Grade,  shareholder
service fee) and  transfer  agency costs with respect to Class B shares does not
result in the dividends or  distributions  payable with respect to other Classes
of a Fund's shares being deemed  "preferential  dividends"  under the Code,  and
(ii) the conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares does not constitute a

                                                                 52

<PAGE>



taxable event under Federal  income tax law. The conversion of Class B shares to
Class A shares may be suspended if such an opinion is no longer available at the
time such conversion is to occur. In that event, no further conversions of Class
B shares  would  occur,  and shares  might  continue to be subject to the higher
distribution  services fee (and,  with respect to Florida  Municipal  Bond Fund,
Georgia Municipal Bond Fund, North Carolina  Municipal Bond Fund, South Carolina
Municipal  Bond  Fund,   Virginia  Municipal  Bond  Fund  and  High  Grade,  the
shareholder  services fee) for an indefinite  period which may extend beyond the
period  ending  eight  years  after the end of the  calendar  month in which the
shareholder's purchase order was accepted.




Class Y Shares

         Class Y shares are not offered to the general  public and are available
only to (i)  persons  who at or prior to  December  30,  1994 owned  shares in a
mutual fund advised by Evergreen Asset, (ii) certain investment advisory clients
of the Advisers and their affiliates, and (iii) institutional investors. Class Y
shares do not bear any Rule 12b-1  distribution  expenses and are not subject to
any front-end or contingent deferred sales charges.


                     GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS
 (See also "Other Information - General Information" in each Fund's Prospectus)

Capitalization and Organization

         The   Evergreen   Florida  High  Income   Municipal   Bond,   Evergreen
Short-Intermediate  Municipal  Fund and Evergreen  Short-Intermediate  Municipal
Fund-California  are each separate  series of the Evergreen  Municipal  Trust, a
Massachusetts  business  trust.  Florida High Income,  which is a newly  created
series of Evergreen Municipal Trust, acquired substantially all of the assets of
ABT Florida High Income  Municipal  Bond Fund (the"ABT  Fund") on June 30, 1995.
The Evergreen  Florida  Municipal Bond Fund,  Evergreen  Georgia  Municipal Bond
Fund,  Evergreen  North Carolina  Municipal Bond Fund,  Evergreen South Carolina
Municipal Bond Fund,  Evergreen  Virginia Municipal Bond Fund and Evergreen High
Grade Tax Free Fund, are each separate series of Evergreen  Investment  Trust, a
Massachusetts  business  trust.  On July 7, 1995,  First Union Funds changed its
name to  Evergreen  Investment  Trust.  On December  14,  1992,  The Salem Funds
changed its name to First Union Funds.  The above-named  Trusts are individually
referred  to in this  Statement  of  Additional  Information  as the "Trust" and
collectively  as the  "Trusts".  Each Trust is governed by a board of  trustees.
Unless otherwise stated,  references to the "Board of Trustees" or "Trustees" in
this  Statement  of  Additional  Information  refer to the  Trustees  of all the
Trusts.

     Florida High Income, Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA may issue
an unlimited  number of shares of beneficial  interest with a $0.0001 par value.
Florida Municipal Bond,  Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina  Municipal Bond,
South Carolina Municipal Bond,  Virginia Municipal Bond and High Grade may issue
an unlimited  number of shares of  beneficial  interest  without par value.  All
shares of these Funds have equal rights and  privileges.  Each share is entitled
to one vote, to participate equally in dividends and distributions declared by
the  Funds  and on  liquidation  to  their  proportionate  share  of the  assets
remaining after satisfaction of outstanding  liabilities.  Shares of these Funds
are fully paid,  nonassessable  and fully  transferable  when issued and have no
pre-emptive,   conversion   or   exchange   rights.   Fractional   shares   have
proportionally  the same rights,  including voting rights, as are provided for a
full share.

         Under each Trust's  Declaration of Trust, each Trustee will continue in
office  until  the  termination  of  the  Fund  or his  or  her  earlier  death,
incapacity,  resignation  or removal.  Shareholders  can remove a Trustee upon a
vote of  two-thirds  of the  outstanding  shares of  beneficial  interest of the
Trust. Vacancies will be filled by a majority of the remaining Trustees, subject
to the 1940  Act.  As a  result,  normally  no annual  or  regular  meetings  of
shareholders will be held, unless otherwise required by the Declaration of Trust
of each Trust or the 1940 Act.

         Shares have noncumulative  voting rights,  which means that the holders
of more than 50% of the shares  voting for the  election of  Trustees  can elect
100% of the  Trustees  if they  choose to do so and in such event the holders of
the remaining shares so voting will not be able to elect any Trustees.

         The Trustees of each Trust are  authorized to reclassify  and issue any
unissued shares to any number of additional series without shareholder approval.
Accordingly,  in the future,  for reasons such as the desire to establish one or
more  additional  portfolios of a Trust with  different  investment  objectives,
policies or restrictions,  additional  series of shares may be created by one or
more Funds.  Any issuance of shares of another series or class would be governed
by the 1940 Act and the law of the Commonwealth of  Massachusetts.  If shares of
another  series  of a Trust  were  issued in  connection  with the  creation  of
additional  investment  portfolios,  each share of the newly  created  portfolio
would  normally be entitled to one vote for all purposes.  Generally,  shares of
all portfolios would vote as a single series on matters, such as the election of
Trustees,  that affected all portfolios in substantially  the same manner. As to
matters affecting each portfolio differently, such as approval of the Investment
Advisory  Agreement and changes in investment  policy,  shares of each portfolio
would vote separately.

         In addition any Fund may, in the future,  create additional  classes of
shares which represent an interest in that same investment portfolio. Except for
the  different  distribution  related  and other  specific  costs  borne by such
additional  classes,  they will have the same voting and other rights  described
for the existing classes of each Fund.

         Procedures  for calling a  shareholders  meeting for the removal of the
Trustees of each Trust,  similar to those set forth in Section 16(c) of the 1940
Act, will be available to  shareholders  of each Fund. The rights of the holders
of  shares  of a series  of a Fund may not be  modified  except by the vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares of such series.

         An order has been received from the Securities and Exchange  Commission
permitting  the  issuance  and sale of multiple  classes of shares  representing
interests in each Fund. In the event a Fund were to issue additional  Classes of
shares other than those described  herein, no further relief from the Securities
and Exchange Commission would be required.

Distributor

         Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor"), 237 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10169,  serves as each Fund's principal  underwriter,  and as
such may  solicit  orders from the public to  purchase  shares of any Fund.  The
Distributor  is not  obligated  to sell any  specific  amount of shares and will
purchase  shares for resale only against orders for shares.  Under the Agreement
between each Fund and the  Distributor,  each Fund has agreed to  indemnify  the
Distributor,  in the  absence  of its  willful  misfeasance,  bad  faith,  gross
negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations thereunder,  against certain
civil  liabilities,  including  liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.


Counsel

         Sullivan & Worcester LLP,  Washington,  D.C.,  serves as counsel to the
Funds.

Independent Auditors

     Price  Waterhouse LLP has been selected to be the  independent  auditors of
Florida High Income, Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA.

     KPMG Peat Marwick LLP has been selected to be the  independent  auditors of
Florida  Municipal  Bond,  Georgia  Municipal  Bond, New Jersey Tax Free,  North
Carolina Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond,  Virginia Municipal Bond
and High Grade.

                          PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Total Return

         From time to time a Fund may  advertise  its "total  return".  Computed
separately  for each class,  the Fund's  "total  return" is its  average  annual
compounded  total  return for recent one,  five,  and  ten-year  periods (or the
period since the Fund's inception). The Fund's total return for such a period is
computed by finding,  through the use of a formula  prescribed by the Securities
and Exchange  Commission,  the average annual compounded rate of return over the
period that would equate an assumed initial amount invested to the value of such
investment  at the end of the period.  For purposes of computing  total  return,
income dividends and capital gains  distributions paid on shares of the Fund are
assumed  to have  been  reinvested  when  paid  and  the  maximum  sales  charge
applicable  to purchases  of Fund shares is assumed to have been paid.  The Fund
will  include  performance  data for Class A, Class B, and Class Y shares in any
advertisement or information including performance data of the Fund.

         With  respect  to  Short-Intermediate  and  Short-Intermediate-CA,  the
shares of each Fund outstanding  prior to January 3, 1995 have been reclassified
as  Class Y  shares.  With  respect  to  Florida  High  Income,  the Fund is the
successor of the ABT Fund and the  information  presented is with respect to the
ABT Fund's  Class A shares,  the only  outstanding  class.  The  average  annual
compounded  total  return for each Class of shares  offered by the Funds for the
most recently  completed  one and five year fiscal  periods and the period since
each Fund's inception is set forth in the table below.

                                                                 55

<PAGE>



FLORIDA MUNICIPAL        1 Year
BOND                      Ended     From inception*
                        8/31/95        to 8/31/95

Class A                   9.22%           8.37%
Class B                                  (3 51%)
Class Y                                   1.67%

GEORGIA MUNICIPAL        1 Year
BOND                      Ended     From inception**
                        8/31/95        to 8/31/95

Class A                   2.48%            .22%
Class B                   1.80%            .59%
Class Y                   7.86%           3.13%







NORTH CAROLINA           1 Year
MUNICIPAL BOND            Ended      From inception***
                        8/31/95         to 8/31/95

Class A                   3.84%           3.04%
Class B                   3.21%           3.30%
Class Y                   9.29%           3.04%


SHORT-INTERMEDIATE       1 Year      From 11/18/91
                          Ended        (inception)
                        8/31/95        to  8/31/95

Class A                    -               .10%
Class B                    -             ( .50%)
Class Y                   4.21%           5.37%


SHORT-INTERMEDIATE-      1 Year      From 10/16/92
CA                        Ended        (inception)
                        8/31/95        to  8/31/95

Class A                    -               -
Class B                    -               -
Class Y                   4.20%           4.59%


                        1 Year
SOUTH CAROLINA           Ended        From inception-
MUNICIPAL BOND          8/31/95         to 8/31/95

Class A                   5.62%        ( .23%)
Class B                   5.07%        ( .21%)

                                                                 56

<PAGE>



Class Y                  11.16%         4.78%


                         1 Year
VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL       Ended          From inception--
BOND                    8/31/95          to 8/31/95

Class A                   4.14%             1.05%
Class B                   3.53%             1.42%
Class Y                   9.61%             4.39%


HIGH GRADE              1 Year
                         Ended      From inception---
                       8/31/95         to 8/31/95

Class A                   3.27%             6.03%
Class B                   2.62%             4.68%
Class Y                   8.69%             3.87%



FLORIDA HIGH           1 Year      From June 17, 1992
INCOME                  Ended          (inception) to
                      8/31/95              8/31/95

Class A                  8.97%             8.21%
Class B                   -               (4.36%)
Class Y                   -                  -

*  Inception  date:  Class A - July 5, 1993;  Class B - July 1, 1993;  Class Y -
February 28, 1994.

** Inception  date:  Class A - July 1, 1993;  Class B - July 1, 1993;  Class Y -
February 28, 1994.

***  Inception  date:  Class A - January 12,  1993;  Class B - January 12, 1993;
Class Y - February 28, 1994.


- - - Inception date:Class A - January 3, 1994; Class B - January 3, 1994; Class Y
- - - February 28, 1994.

- - -- Inception  date:Class A - July 7, 1993;  Class B - July 1, 1993;  Class Y -
February 28, 1994.

- - -- Inception  date:  Class A - February 25, 1992;  Class B - January 12, 1993;
Class Y - February 28, 1994.


         The     performance     numbers     for      Short-Intermediate     and
Short-Intermediate-CA  for the  Class A, and  Class B  shares  are  hypothetical
numbers  based  on the  performance  for  Class Y  shares  as  adjusted  for any
applicable  front-end  sales charge or contingent  deferred  sales  charge.  For
Florida High Income the performance numbers for the Class B and Class Y shares
are  hypothetical  numbers based upon the  performance for the Class A shares as
adjusted for any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.

         A Fund's  total  return is not fixed and will  fluctuate in response to
prevailing  market  conditions  or as a function  of the type and quality of the
securities in a Fund's portfolio and its expenses.  Total return  information is
useful in reviewing a Fund's  performance but such information may not provide a
basis for comparison with bank deposits or other  investments  which pay a fixed
yield for a stated period of time. An investor's principal invested in a Fund is
not fixed and will fluctuate in response to prevailing market conditions.




YIELD CALCULATIONS

         From time to time, a Fund may quote its yield in  advertisements  or in
reports or other communications to shareholders.  Yield quotations are expressed
in annualized terms and may be quoted on a compounded basis. Yields are computed
by dividing the Fund's interest income (as defined in the SEC yield formula) for
a given 30-day or one month period,  net of expenses,  by the average  number of
shares entitled to receive distributions during the period, dividing this figure
by the Fund's net asset value per share at the end of the period and annualizing
the  result  (assuming  compounding  of  income) in order to arrive at an annual
percentage rate. The formula for calculating yield is as follows:

                           YIELD = 2[(a-b+1)6-1]
                                      cd

Where    a = Interest earned during the period
         b  = Expenses  accrued for the period (net of  reimbursements)  c = The
            average daily number of shares outstanding during the period
                   that were entitled to receive dividends
         d = The maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period

         Income is  calculated  for purposes of yield  quotations  in accordance
with  standardized  methods  applicable  to all stock and bond funds.  Gains and
losses  generally  are excluded  from the  calculation.  Income  calculated  for
purposes of  determining a Fund's yield  differs from income as  determined  for
other accounting purposes. Because of the different accounting methods used, and
because of the compounding assumed in yield calculations,  the yields quoted for
a Fund may  differ  from the rate of  distributions  a Fund  paid  over the same
period, or the net investment income reported in a Fund's financial statements.

Tax Equivalent Yield

         The Funds invest  principally in obligations the interest from which is
exempt from federal  income tax other than the AMT. In addition,  the securities
in which  state-specific  Funds invest will also, to the extent practicable,  be
exempt from such state's income taxes.  However, from time to time the Funds may
make investment which generate taxable income. A Fund's  tax-equivalent yield is
the rate an investor would have to earn from a fully taxable investment in order
to equal the Fund's yield after taxes.  Tax-equivalent  yields are calculated by
dividing a Fund's yield by the result of one minus a stated  federal or combined
federal and state tax rate. (If only a portion of the Fund's yield is
tax-exempt,  only that portion is adjusted in the  calculation.)  Of course,  no
assurance can be given that a Fund will achieve any specific  tax-exempt  yield.
If only a portion  of the  Fund's  yield is  tax-exempt,  only that  portion  is
adjusted in the calculation.  Of course, no assurance can be given that the Fund
will achieve any specific tax-exempt yield.

The following  formula is used to calculate Tax Equivalent  Yield without taking
into account state tax:

                           Fund's Yield

                        1 - Fed Tax Rate


The  following  formula is used to calculate  Tax  Equivalent  Yield taking into
account state tax:

                                      Fund's Yield
         1 - Fed Tax Rate + (State Tax Rate - [State Tax Rate x Fed Tax Rate])

         Yield  information  is useful in  reviewing a Fund's  performance,  but
because yields fluctuate, such information cannot necessarily be used to compare
an  investment  in a Fund's  shares with bank  deposits,  savings  accounts  and
similar  investment  alternatives  which often  provide an agreed or  guaranteed
fixed yield for a stated period of time. Shareholders should remember that yield
is a  function  of the  kind  and  quality  of  the  instruments  in the  Funds'
investment  portfolios,   portfolio  maturity,  operating  expenses  and  market
conditions.

         It should be recognized that in periods of declining interest rates the
yields will tend to be somewhat  higher than  prevailing  market  rates,  and in
periods of rising  interest  rates the yields  will tend to be  somewhat  lower.
Also,  when  interest  rates are falling,  the inflow of net new money to a Fund
from the  continuous  sale of its shares will likely be invested in  instruments
producing  lower  yields  than the  balance of the Fund's  investments,  thereby
reducing the current yield of the Fund. In periods of rising interest rates, the
opposite can be expected to occur.

         The  tax  exempt  and  tax  equivalent  yields  of  each  Fund  for the
thirty-day  period ended August 31, 1995 for each Class of shares offered by the
Funds is set forth in the table below. The table assumes the following  combined
federal  and state tax rate:  California  - 36%;  Florida - 28%;  Georgia - 34%;
North Carolina - 28%; South Carolina - 35%; Virginia - 33.25%.


                                   Yield               Tax Equivalent Yield

Florida High Income
  Class A                           5.86%                    8.14%
  Class B                           5.11%                    7.10%
  Class Y                             -                        -

Short-Intermediate
  Class A                           4.07%                    5.65%
  Class B                           3.17%                    4.40%

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  Class Y                           4.06%                    5.64%

Short-Intermediate-CA
  Class A                              -                       -
  Class B                              -                       -
  Class Y                            3.97%                   5.64%

Florida Municipal Bond
  Class A                            5.50%                   7.94%
  Class B                            4.57%                   6.35%
  Class Y                            5.56%                   7.72%



Georgia Municipal Bond
  Class A                            5.24%                  7.94%
  Class B                            4.50%                  6.82%
  Class Y                            5.49%                  8.32%





North Carolina
Municipal Bond
  Class A                             5.17%                 7.18%
  Class B                             4.42%                 6.14%
  Class Y                             5.40%                 7.50%

South Carolina
Municipal Bond
  Class A                             5.24%                 8.06%
  Class B                             4.49%                 6.91%
  Class Y                             5.48%                 8.43%

Virginia Municipal
Bond
  Class A                             5.14%                 7.70%
  Class B                             4.39%                 6.58%
  Class Y                             5.38%                 8.06%


High Grade
  Class A                             4.99%                 6.93%
  Class B                             4.24%                 5.89%
  Class Y                             5.23%                 7.26%


Non-Standardized Performance

         In addition to the performance  information described above, a Fund may
provide total return  information for designated  periods,  such as for the most
recent six months or most recent twelve months. This total return information is
computed as described under "Total Return" above except that no annualization is
made.

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GENERAL

         From time to time, a Fund may quote its  performance in advertising and
other  types of  literature  as compared to the  performance  of the  Standard &
Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Lehman
Brothers General  Obligations  Municipal Bond Index or any other commonly quoted
index of common  stock or  municipal  bond  prices.  The  Standard  & Poor's 500
Composite Stock Price Index and the Dow Jones  Industrial  Average are unmanaged
indices of selected common stock prices. The Lehman Brothers General Obligations
Municipal  Bond Index is an unmanaged  index of state  general  obligation  debt
issues which are rated A or better and represent a variety of coupon  ranges.  A
Fund's  performance  may also be compared to those of other  mutual funds having
similar objectives. This comparative performance would be expressed as a ranking
prepared by Lipper Analytical  Services,  Inc. or similar  independent  services
monitoring mutual fund performance.  A Fund's  performance will be calculated by
assuming,   to  the  extent  applicable,   reinvestment  of  all  capital  gains
distributions  and income  dividends paid. Any such comparisons may be useful to
investors  who  wish to  compare  a Fund's  past  performance  with  that of its
competitors.  Of  course,  past  performance  cannot  be a  guarantee  of future
results.


Additional Information

     Any shareholder inquiries may be directed to the shareholder's broker or to
each Adviser at the address or telephone number shown on the front cover of this
Statement of Additional  Information.  This Statement of Additional  Information
does not contain all the  information  set forth in the  Registration  Statement
filed by the  Trusts  with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  under the
Securities Act of 1933. Copies of the Registration  Statement may be obtained at
a  reasonable  charge from the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  or may be
examined,  without  charge,  at the  offices  of  the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission in Washington, D.C.

                             FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     Each Fund's  financial  statements  appearing in their most current  fiscal
year Annual Report (or in the case of Florida High Income,  to shareholders  and
the report thereon of the independent  auditors appearing therein,  namely Price
Waterhouse  LLP (in the case of  Florida  High  Income,  Short-Intermediate  and
Short-Intermediate-CA),  or  KPMG  Peat  Marwick  LLP (in  the  case of  Florida
Municipal  Bond,  Georgia  Municipal  Bond, New Jersey Tax Free,  North Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond,  Virginia Municipal Bond and High
Grade)  are   incorporated   by  reference  in  this   Statement  of  Additional
Information. The Annual Reports to Shareholders for each Fund, which contain the
referenced statements, are available upon request and without charge.


APPENDIX "A"


DESCRIPTION OF BOND MUNUCIPAL NOTE AND COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

        Standard  &  Poor's Ratings Group.  A  Standard  & Poor's  corporate  or
municipal  bond rating is a current  assessment  of the credit  worthiness of an

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<PAGE>



obligor  with  respect  to a  specific  obligation.  This  assessment  of credit
worthiness may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors,  insurers or
lessees.  The debt rating is not a  recommendation  to purchase,  sell or hold a
security,  inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for
a particular investor.

         The ratings are based on current  information  furnished  to Standard &
Poor's by the issuer or  obtained  by  Standard & Poor's  from other  sources it
considers  reliable.  Standard & Poor's does not perform any audit in connection
with the ratings and may, on occasion,  rely on unaudited financial information.
The ratings may be changed,  suspended  or  withdrawn as a result of changes in,
unavailability of such information, or for other circumstances.


         The  ratings  are  based,   in  varying   degrees,   on  the  following
considerations:


         1. Likelihood of default-capacity  and willingness of the obligor as to
the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the
terms of the obligation.

         2.  Nature of and provisions of the obligation.

         3. Protection  afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in
the event of bankruptcy,  reorganization  or their arrangement under the laws of
bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

         AAA - This is the  highest  rating  assigned  by Standard & Poor's to a
debt  obligation and indicates an extremely  strong capacity to pay interest and
repay any principal.

         AA - Debt rated AA also  qualifies as high  quality  debt  obligations.
Capacity to pay interest and repay  principal is very strong and in the majority
of instances they differ from AAA issues only in small degree.

         A - Debt  rated A has a  strong  capacity  to pay  interest  and  repay
principal  although it is somewhat more  susceptible  to the adverse  effects of
changes in  circumstances  and  economic  conditions  than debt in higher  rated
categories.

         BBB - Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate  capacity to pay
interest  and  repay  principal.   Whereas  they  normally  exhibit   protection
parameters,  adverse  economic  conditions  or changing  circumstances  are more
likely to lead to a weakened  capacity to pay interest and repay  principal  for
debt in this category than is higher rated categories.

         BB, B, CCC, CC, C - Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is  regarded,  on a
balance,  as predominantly  speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest
and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation.

         BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation  and C the highest degree
of  speculation.  While such debt will likely have some  quality and  protective
characteristics,  these are  outweighed  by large  uncertainties  or major  risk
exposures to adverse conditions.


         BB - Debt rated BB has less  near-term  vulnerability  to default  than
other  speculative  issues.  However,  it faces major ongoing  uncertainties  or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead
to inadequate  capacity to meet timely interest and principal  payments.  The BB
rating  category  is also  used for debt  subordinated  to  senior  debt that is
assigned an actual or implied BBB - rating.

         B - Debt rated B has greater vulnerability to default but currently has
the  capacity  to meet  interest  payments  and  principal  repayments.  Adverse
business,  financial,  or economic  conditions  will likely  impair  capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay  principal.  The B rating category is also
used for debt  subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
BB or BB- rating.

         CCC - Debt  rated  CCC has a  currently  indefinable  vulnerability  to
default,  and is  dependent  upon  favorable  business,  financial  and economic
conditions to meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the
event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to
have the capacity to pay interest and repay  principal.  The CCC rating category
is also used for debt  subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or
implied B or B- rating.

         CC - The rating CC is typically  applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt that is assigned an actual or implied CCC rating.

         C - The rating C is typically  applied to debt  subordinated  to senior
debt which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt  rating.  The C rating may
be used to cover a situation  where a bankruptcy  petition  has been filed,  but
debt service payments are continued.

         C1 - The rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.

         D - Debt  rated  D is in  payment  default.  It is used  when  interest
payments or principal payments are not made on a due date even if the applicable
grace  period  has not  expired,  unless  Standard & Poor's  believes  that such
payments  will be made  during such grace  periods;  it will also be used upon a
filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are jeopardized.

         Plus (+) or Minus (-) - To provide more detailed  indications of credit
quality, the ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or
minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

         NR - indicates that no public rating has been requested,  that there is
insufficient  information  on which to base a rating,  or that Standard & Poor's
does not rate a  particular  type of  obligation  as a matter  of  policy.  Debt
obligations of issuers  outside the United States and its  territories are rated
on the same basis as  domestic  corporate  and  municipal  issues.  The  ratings
measure  the  credit  worthiness  of the  obligor  but do not take into  account
currency exchange and related uncertainties.

         Bond  Investment  Quality  Standards:  Under  present  commercial  bank
regulations  issued by the  Comptroller of the Currency,  bonds rated in the top
four categories (AAA, AA, A, BBB, commonly known as "Investment  Grade" ratings)
are generally regarded as eligible for bank investment. In addition, the Legal

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<PAGE>



Investment  Laws of various states may impose certain rating or other  standards
for  obligations  eligible for  investment by savings  banks,  trust  companies,
insurance companies and fiduciaries generally.

     Moody's Investors  Service.  A brief description of the applicable  Moody's
Investors Service rating symbols and their meanings follows:

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

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

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

          Baa - Bonds  which  are  rated  Baa are  considered  as  medium  grade
obligations,  i.e.,  they are  neither  highly  protected  nor  poorly  secured.
Interest  payments and principal  security  appear  adequate for the present but
certain  protective  elements  may  be  lacking  or  may  be  characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Some bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics  and in fact have  speculative  characteristics  as well.  NOTE:
Bonds  within  the above  categories  which  possess  the  strongest  investment
attributes are designated by the symbol "1" following the rating.

         Ba - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative  elements;
their future  cannot be  considered  as well  assured.  Often the  protection of
interest  and  principal  payments  may be very  moderate  and  thereby not well
safeguarded  during good and bad times over the future.  Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.

         B - Bonds  which  are rated B  generally  lack  characteristics  of the
desirable  investment.  Assurance  of  interest  and  principal  payments  or of
maintenance  of other terms of the contract  over any long period of time may be
small.

         Caa - Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor  standing.  Such issues may
be in  default  or there may be  present  elements  of danger  with  respect  to
principal or interest.

         Ca  -  bonds  which  are  rated  Ca  represent  obligations  which  are
speculative  in a high  degree.  Such  issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.

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<PAGE>



         C - bonds  which are rated C are the  lowest  rated  class of bonds and
issue so rated  can be  regarded  as having  extremely  poor  prospects  of ever
attaining any real investment standing.

            Duff & Phelps:  AAA-- highest credit  quality,  with negligible risk
factors;  AA -- high credit quality,  with strong protection  factors and modest
risk,  which  may vary  very  slightly  form time to time  because  of  economic
conditions; A--average credit quality with adequate protection factors, but with
greater  and more  variable  risk  factors in periods of  economic  stress.  The
indicators "+" and "-" to the AA and A categories indicate the relative position
of a credit within those rating categories.

           Fitch  Investors  Service:  AAA -- highest  credit  quality,  with an
exceptionally  strong  ability to pay interest and repay  principal;  AA -- very
high  credit  quality,  with very  strong  ablility  to pay  interest  and repay
principal; A -- high credit quality,  considered strong as regards principal and
interest  protection,  but may be more vulneralbe to adverse changes in economic
conditions  and  circumstances.  The indicators "+" and "-" to the AA, A and BBB
categories  indicate  the  relative  position  of  credit  within  those  rating
categories.


DESCRIPTION OF MUNICIPAL NOTE RATINGS


         A Standard & Poor's note rating  reflects  the  liquidity  concerns and
market  access  risks  unique  to notes.  Notes due in three  years or less will
likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely
receive a long-term debt rating.  The following  criteria will be used in making
that assessment.

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

     o Source of Payment (the more  dependent the issue is on the market for its
    refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.)
    Note rating symbols are as follows:

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

     o   SP-2  Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.

     o   SP-3  Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

         Moody's  Short-Term  Loan  Ratings  -  Moody's  ratings  for  state and
municipal  short-term  obligations will be designated  Moody's  Investment Grade
(MIG). This distinction is in recognition of the differences  between short-term
credit risk and long-term risk.  Factors affecting the liquidity of the borrower
are uppermost in importance in short-term  borrowing,  while various  factors of
major importance in bond risk are of lesser importance over the short run.

Rating symbols and their meanings follow:

     o   MIG 1 - This designation denotes best quality.  There is present strong
   protection  by  established  cash  flows,   superior   liquidity  support  or
demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

     o MIG 2 - This designation denotes high quality.  Margins of protection are
   ample although not so large as in the preceding group.

o MIG 3 - This designation denotes favorable quality.  All security elements are
accounted  for but this is lacking  the  undeniable  strength  of the  preceding
grades.  Liquidity and cash flow  protection may be narrow and market access for
refinancing is likely to be less well established.

     o MIG 4 - This designation  denotes adequate quality.  Protection  commonly
regarded as  required of an  investment  security  is present and  although  not
distinctly or predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.

COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

     Moody's Investors Service, Inc.: Commercial paper rated "Prime" carries the
smallest degree of investment risk. The modifiers 1, 2, and 3 are used to denote
relative strength within this highest classification.

         Standard & Poor's Ratings Group:  "A" is the highest  commercial  paper
rating  category  utilized  by  Standard & Poor's  Ratings  Group which uses the
numbers  1+,  1,  2  and  3  to  denote   relative   strength   within  its  "A"
classification.

         Duff & Phelps:  Duff 1 is the highest  commercial paper rating category
utilized by Duff & Phelps which uses + or - to denote  relative  strength within
this  classification.  Duff 2 represents good certainty of timely payment,  with
minimal risk factors.  Duff 3 represents  satisfactory  protection factors, with
risk factors larger and subject to more variation.

         Fitch Investors Service:  F-1+ -- denotes  exceptionally  strong credit
quality  given to issues  regarded as having  strongest  degree of assurance for
timely  payment;  F-1+ -- very strong  credit  quality,  with only slightly less
degree of  assurance  for  timely  payment  than F-1 -- very  strong,  with only
slightly  less degree of assurance  for timely  payment  than F-1+;  F-2 -- good
credit quality, caryying a satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment.


                     APPENDIX B - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING CALIFORNIA

         The  following  information  as to certain  California  risk factors is
given  to  investors  in view of  Short-Intermediate-CA's  policy  of  investing
primarily in California  state and municipal  issuers.  The information is based
primarily upon information  derived from public documents relating to securities
offerings of California state and municipal issuers,  from independent municipal
credit reports and historically reliable sources, but has not been independently
verified by the Fund

         On June 6, 1978, California voters approved Proposition 13, which added
Article XIIIA to the California  Constitution.  The principal  thrust of Article
XIIIA is to limit the amount of ad valorem taxes on real property to one percent
of the full cash  value as  determined  by the  county  assessor.  The  assessed
valuation  of all real  property  may be  increased,  but not in  excess  of two
percent per year, or decreased to reflect the rate of inflation or deflation as
shown by the consumer  price index.  Article XIIIA requires a vote of two thirds
of the qualified  electorate to impose special taxes,  and completely  prohibits
the  imposition of any additional ad valorem,  sales or transaction  tax on real
property (other than ad valorem taxes to repay general  obligation  bonds issued
to acquire or improve real property), and requires the approval of two-thirds of
all members of the State  Legislature  to change any state tax laws resulting in
increased tax revenues.

         On November 6, 1979,  California voters approved the initiative seeking
to  amend  the  California   Constitution  entitled  "Limitation  of  Government
Appropriations" which added Article XIIIB to the California Constitution.  Under
Article   XIIIB   state  and  local   governmental   entities   have  an  annual
appropriations  limit  and  may  not  spend  certain  monies  which  are  called
appropriations  subject  to  limitations  (consisting  of  tax  revenues,  state
subventions and certain other funds) in an amount higher than the appropriations
limit.  Generally,  the  appropriations  limit is to be based on certain 1978-79
expenditures,  and is to be  adjusted  annually  to reflect  changes in consumer
prices, population and services provided by these entities.

         Decreased  in state and local  revenues  in  future  fiscal  years as a
consequence  of these  initiatives  may  continue  to  result in  reductions  in
allocations  of state  revenues to  California  municipal  issuers or reduce the
ability of such California issuers to pay their obligations.

         With the apparent onset of recovery in  California's  economy,  revenue
growth over the next few years  could  recommence  at levels  that would  enable
California to restore  fiscal  stability.  The political  environment,  however,
combined with pressures on the state's financial flexibility,  may frustrate its
ability to reach this goal. Strong interests in long-established  state programs
ranging  from  low-cost  public  higher  education  access to welfare and health
benefits  join with the more  recently  emerging  pressure for  expanded  prison
construction  and a heightened  awareness and concern over the state's  business
climate.

           The  fiscal  1994  budget,  which  was  adopted  on July 8,  1994 was
designed to address California'a  accumulated deficit over a 22-month period. In
order to  alleviate  the  California's  cash  needs the state  issued $4 billion
revenue  anticipation  warrants that mature in April 1996 and $3 billion revenue
anticipation  notes that  matured in June 1995.  The state's  fiscal plan relies
upon aggressive  assumptions of federal aid,  projected at 2.8 billion in fiscal
year 1996, to compensate the state for its costs of providing service to illegal
immigrants.  These assumptions,  combined with fiscal year 1996 constitutionally
mandated  increases  in spending for K-14  education,  and  continued  growth in
social  services and corrections  expenditures,  are risky. To offset this risk,
the  state  has  enacted  a  Budget  Adjustment  Law,  known  as  the  "trigger"
legislation,  which established a set of backup budget adjustment  mechanisms to
address  potential  shortfalls in cash. The trigger  mechanism will be in effect
for both  fiscal  years  1995 and 1996.  So far in  fiscal  1996  state  revenue
collections  have been  sufficiantly  strong so that no budget  adjustments have
been  required.  However,  the state is expected to issue  another $2 billion of
notes  for  cash  flow  purposes  prior  to the  maturity  date  of the  revenue
anticipation warrants.

         In July of 1994, S&P and Moody's  lowered the general  obligation  bond
rating of the state of California.  The rating agencies  explained their actions
by citing the state's continuing deferral of substantial portions of its

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<PAGE>



estimated $3.8 billion  accumulated  deficit;  continuing  structural  budgetary
constraints including a funding guarantee for K-14 education;  overly optimistic
expectation  of federal aid to balance fiscal year 1995's budget and fiscal year
19996's cash flow  projections;  and reliance upon a trigger mechanism to reduce
spending if the plan's federal aid assumptions prove to be inflated.



                    APPENDIX C - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING FLORIDA

         Florida   Municipal  Bond  and  Florida  High  Income  Fund  invest  in
obligations of Florida issuers,  which results in each Fund's  performance being
subject to risks  associated  with the  overall  conditions  present  within the
state.  The following  information  is a brief summary of the recent  prevailing
economic  conditions and a general summary of the state's financial status. This
information  is based on official  statements  relating to securities  that have
been offered by Florida issuers and from other sources  believed to be reliable,
but  should  not be  relied  upon  as a  complete  description  of all  relevant
information.

         Florida  is the  twenty-second  largest  state,  with an area of 54,136
square miles and a water area of 4,424 square miles. The state is 447 miles long
and 361 miles wide with a tidal  shoreline of almost  2,300 miles.  According to
the U.S. Census Bureau, Florida moved past Illinois in 1986 to become the fourth
most  populous  state,  and as of  1990,  had an  estimated  population  of 13.2
million.

         Services and trade continue to be the largest components of the Florida
economy,  reflecting  the  importance  of  tourism  as well as the need to serve
Florida's rapidly growing  population.  Agriculture is also an important part of
the economy,  particularly citrus fruits.  Oranges have been the principal crop,
accounting  for 70% of the  nation's  output.  Manufacturing,  although  of less
significance,  is a rapidly growing  component of the economy.  The economy also
has substantial insurance, banking, and export participation. Unemployment rates
have  historically been below national  averages,  but have recently risen above
the national rate.

         Section  215.32  of  the  Florida  Statutes   provides  that  financial
operations  of the State of Florida  covering all receipts and  expenditures  be
maintained  through the use of three funds - the General Revenue Fund, the Trust
Fund and the Working  Capital  Fund.  The General Fund  receives the majority of
state tax  revenues.  The Working  Capital Fund  receives  revenues in excess of
appropriations  and its balances are freely  transferred to the General  Revenue
Fund as necessary.  In November,  1992, Florida voters approved a constitutional
amendment  requiring  the  state  to fund a Budget  Stabilization  Fund to 5% of
general  revenues,  with  funding to be phased in over five years  beginning  in
fiscal 1995. The Working Capital Fund will become the Budget Stabilization Fund.
Major sources of tax revenues to the General  Revenue Fund are the sales and use
tax,  corporate  income  tax and  beverage  tax.  The  over-  dependence  on the
sensitive sales tax creates vulnerability to recession.  Accordingly,  financial
operations  have been  strained  during  the past few  years,  but the state has
responded in a timely manner to maintain budgetary control.

         The state is highly  vulnerable to hurricane  damage.  Hurricane Andrew
devastated portions of southern Florida in August, 1992, costing billions of

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<PAGE>



dollars in emergency  relief,  damage,  and repair costs.  However,  the overall
financial  condition of the major  issuers of  municipal  bond debt in the state
were  relatively  unaffected  by  Hurricane  Andrew,  due  to  federal  disaster
assistance payments and the over all level of private insurance.  However, it is
possible that single  revenue-based local bond issues could be severely impacted
by storm damage in certain circumstances.

         Florida's  debt  structure is complex.  Most state debt is payable from
specified  taxes and  additionally  secured  by the full faith and credit of the
state.  Under the general  obligation  pledge, to the extent specified taxes are
insufficient,  the state is  unconditionally  required to make  payment on bonds
from all non-dedicated taxes.

         Each Fund's  concentration  in  securities  issued by the state and its
political  subdivisions  provides  a greater  level of risk than a fund which is
diversified  across numerous states and municipal  entities.  The ability of the
state  or its  municipalities  to meet  their  obligations  will  depend  on the
availability of tax and other  revenues;  economic,  political,  and demographic
conditions within the state; and the underlying  condition of the state, and its
municipalities.


              APPENDIX D - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING GEORGIA

         Because Georgia  Municipal Bond will  ordinarily  invest 80% or more of
its net  assets  in  Georgia  obligations,  it is more  susceptible  to  factors
affecting  Georgia  issuers  than  is  a  comparable  municipal  bond  fund  not
concentrated in the obligations of issuers located in a single state.

         Georgia's  rating  reflects  the  state's  positive   economic  trends,
conservative  financial  management,  improved financial position,  and low debt
burden. The state's recovery from the recent economic recession has been steady;
the rate of  recovery is better than  regional  trends,  albeit half the rate of
earlier recoveries. While this recovery does not meet the explosive patterns set
in past cycles,  recent state data reveal that Georgia  ranks among the top five
states  in the  nation  in  employment  and total  population  growth.  Stronger
economic  trends  and   conservative   revenue   forecasting   resulted  in  the
continuation  of improved  financial  results for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1994.  The state's  general  fund closed  fiscal 1994 with a total fund  balance
position of $480.6 million, of which $249.5 million was in the revenue shortfall
reserve fund (3% of revenues),  marking the second  consecutive year of build-up
in that  reserve.  The  mid-year  adjustment  reserve was fully  funded at $89.1
million. The state's adopted budget fiscal 1995, called for an increase in state
spending  to $9.8  billion,  up 6.5%  from the  prior  period.  Estimating  that
economic  growth will be in the 6%-8% range for the second  straight  year,  the
budget  report  forecasted  general fund  revenues to grow to $9.4  billion,  an
increase of $490.0 million,  or 5.5% above actual fiscal 1994 levels.  Sales and
income taxes account for the majority of that  increase,  despite a $100 million
cut in personal income taxes.  Additional  revenues provided by lottery proceeds
($240  million)  and  indigent-care  trust fund  monies  support  the  remaining
spending.  Revenues  for the first three  months of the current year are running
nearly 8.4% above fiscal 1994 levels.  Most of the increase is  attributable  to
the growth in personal and corporate  income and sales taxes.  As a result,  the
state  anticipates that fiscal 1995 will once again produce  positive  financial
results.

                                                                 69

<PAGE>




         Except for the major  building  projects  necessary for the 1996 Summer
Olympics, it appears unlikely that areas in and around metropolitan Atlanta will

                                                                 70

<PAGE>



experience the building construction rates of the mid to late 1980's. It further
appears that many of Georgia's  other  cities are poised to  participate  in the
recovery that inevitably will take place.

         The classification of the Fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940

                                                                 71

<PAGE>



as a "non-diversified" investment company allows the Fund to invest more than 5%
of its  assets in the  securities  of any  issuer,  subject to  satisfaction  of
certain tax  requirements.  Because of the relatively  small number of issues of
Georgia  obligations,  the Fund is likely to invest a greater  percentage of its
assets in the securities of a single issuer than is an investment  company which
invests in a broad range of municipal obligations.  Therefore, the Fund would be
more  susceptible  than a diversified  investment  company to any single adverse
economic or political  occurrence or development  affecting Georgia issuers. The
Fund will also be subject to an increase risk of loss if the issuer is unable to
make  interest or principal  payments or if the market value of such  securities
declines. It is also possible that there will not be sufficient  availability of
suitable Georgia tax-exempt obligations for the Fund to achieve its objective of
providing income exempt from Georgia income tax.


               APPENDIX E - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING NORTH CAROLINA

         Because North  Carolina  Municipal Bond will  ordinarily  invest 80% or
more of its net assets in North Carolina obligations,  it is more susceptible to
factors  affecting North Carolina (or the "State")  issuers than is a comparable
municipal bond fund not  concentrated in the obligations of issuers located in a
single state.

         North  Carolina  has  an  economy   dependent  on   manufacturing   and
agriculture; however, diversification into trade and service areas is occurring.
Historically,  textiles and furniture  dominated  industry lines,  but increased
activity in financial services,  research, and high technology  manufacturing is
now  apparent.  Tobacco  remains the primary  agricultural  commodity.  Economic
development  continues,  and long-term  personal  income trends  indicate gains,
although  wealth  levels  remain  below those of the nation.  Employment  growth
accelerated over the past two years,  and unemployment  rates remain below those
of the nation.


         North  Carolina is  characterized  by moderate debt levels (albeit with
growing capital needs), favorable economic performance,  and financial strengths
exhibited  over the past several  years.  North  Carolina is one of only several
states expected to sustain favorable  economic  expansion  throughout the 1990s,
according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis indicators. Economic growth in
the State is bolstered by a lower-than-average  cost of living, income levels at
about  90% of U.S.  averages  - though  it is much  higher  in the  metropolitan
centers - and a highly  respected  public and private higher  education  system,
including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University in
Durham.

         The  North  Carolina  State   Constitution   requires  that  the  total
expenditures  of the State for a fiscal  period  shall not  exceed  the total of
receipts  during  the  fiscal  period  and the  surplus  remaining  in the State
Treasury at the beginning of the period.  In certain of the past several  years,
the  State  has  had  to  restrict   expenditures   to  comply  with  the  State
Constitution. The State has long record of sound financial operations, and while
the revenue system is narrow, the budget balancing law is strong and appropriate
curbs are made when necessary.

         The state's  finances,  which enjoyed  surpluses and adequate  reserves

                                                                 72

<PAGE>



throughout  the  1980s,  began  reflecting  economic  downturn  in fiscal  1990.
Reserves were fully depleted during the recession,  but through a combination of
tax and spending actions and more recently,  with the aid of economic  recovery,
have now been fully restored.

         Financial  operations have been restored to their historically  healthy
position after a period of strain between fiscal years 1990 and 1992.  Available
unreserved balances and budget stabilization reserve totaled $440 million at the
end of fiscal 1994  equivalent  to 4.1% of annual  expenditures.  On a budgetary
basis,  fiscal 1994 ended with an $887.5 million balance;  however, a portion of
this  balance has been  appropriated  for fiscal 1995  operations.  Conservative
revenue  assumptions  and sound budgeting  practices  should result in a similar
balance at the end of 1995. The restoration of adequate  reserve levels confirms
the state's longstanding commitment to a sound financial position.

         Debt ratios are among the lowest in the country. State debt ratios will
remain  below  national  medians even after all of the $300 million of currently
authorized debt is issued. Payout is rapid.

         North  Carolina  ranks  among the top ten  states in terms of  economic
growth,  as measured by job and personal  income  growth.  Diversification  into
financial  services,  research,  and high technology  manufacturing  is reducing
historical dependence on agriculture, textiles, and furniture manufacturing.

         As of December  31,  1994,  general  obligations  of the State of North
Carolina were rated  Aaa/AAA/AAA  by Moody's,  S&P and Fitch  Investors  Service
("Fitch"),  respectively. There can be no assurance that the economic conditions
on which these  ratings are based will continue or that  particular  bond issues
may not be  adversely  affected  by  changes  in  economic,  political  or other
conditions.

         North Carolina  obligations also include obligations of the governments
of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam to the extent these  obligations are
exempt from North Carolina State personal income taxes. The Fund will not invest
more than 5% of its net assets in the  obligations of each of the Virgin Islands
and Guam, but may invest without  limitation in the  obligations of Puerto Rico.
Accordingly,  the Fund may be adversely affected by local political and economic
conditions  and  developments  within Puerto Rico  affecting the issuers of such
obligations.




                   APPENDIX F - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING SOUTH CAROLINA

         The State of South  Carolina  has an economy  dominated  from the early
1920s  to the  present  by  textile  industry,  with  over  one of  every  three
manufacturing  workers directly or indirectly  related to the textile  industry.
However,   since  1950  the  economic  bases  of  the  State  have  become  more
diversified,  as the trade and service  sectors and durable goods  manufacturing
industries  have  developed.  Currently,  Moody's rates South  Carolina  general
obligations  bonds  "Aaa"  and S&P  rates  such  bonds  "AA+."  There  can be no
assurance  that the economic  conditions  on which those  ratings are based will
continue or that particular bond issues may not be adversely affected by changes
in the economic or political conditions.

         The South Carolina State Constitution  mandates a balanced budget. If a
deficit  occurs,  the General  Assembly  must  account for it in the  succeeding
fiscal year.  In addition,  if a deficit  appears  likely,  the State Budget and
Control Board (the "State Board") may reduce  appropriations  during the current
fiscal year as necessary to prevent the deficit.  The State Constitution  limits
annual  increases  in State  appropriations  to the  average  growth rate of the
economy of the State and annual  increases  in the number of State  employees to
the average growth of the population of the State.

         The State Constitution requires a General Reserve Fund ("General Fund")
that equals three  percent of General  Fund revenue for the latest  fiscal year.
When deficits have occurred,  the State has funded them out of the General Fund.
The State  Constitution  also requires a Capital  Reserve Fund ("Capital  Fund")
equal to two percent of General Fund revenue. Before March 1st of each year, the
Capital Fund must be used to offset mid-year budget  reductions before mandating
cuts in operating  appropriations,  and after March 1st, the Capital Fund may be
appropriated  by a special  vote of the General  Assembly to finance  previously
authorized capital  improvements or other nonrecurring  purposes.  Monies in the
Capital Fund not appropriated or any appropriation  for a particular  project or
item that has been  reduced  due to  application  of the  monies  to a  year-end
deficit must go back to the General Fund.

         The effects of the most recent military  base-closing and consolidation
legislation  is having a  negative  effect on  several  sections  of the  State,
particularly  the Charleston  area.  During 1995, the Charleston  Naval Base and
Shipyard will begin closing down.  The Navy has estimated that up to 38,000 jobs
will be lost over the next several years.

         South Carolina  Municipal Bond's  concentration in securities issued by
the  State  or its  subdivisions  provides  a  greater  level  of  risk  than an
investment  company which is diversified  across a larger  geographic  area. For
example,  the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement could result in
increased  competition for the State's textile  industry due to the availability
of less-expensive foreign labor.

         Presently,  South Carolina subjects bonds issued by other states to its
income tax. If this tax was declared unconstitutional, the value of bonds in the
Fund could decline a small but  measurable  amount.  Also, the Fund could become
slightly less attractive to potential future investors.


         The Fund's investment adviser believes that the information  summarized
above describes some of the more  significant  matters relating to the Fund. The
sources of the  information  are the official  statements of issuers  located in
South Carolina,  other publicly  available  documents,  and oral statements from
various State  agencies.  The Fund's  investment  adviser has not  independently
verified  any of the  information  contained in the  official  statement,  other
publicly available documents, or oral statements from various State agencies.


               APPENDIX G - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING VIRGINIA

         Virginia  Municipal Bond invests in  obligations  of Virginia  issuers,
which results in the Fund's  performance  being subject to risks associated with
the overall conditions present within the State. The following  information is a
brief summary of the recent prevailing economic conditions and a general summary
of  the  State's  financial  status.  This  information  is  based  on  official
statements relating to securities that have been offered by Virginia issuers and
from other sources  believed to be reliable,  but should not be relied upon as a
complete description of all relevant information.

         Virginia's  credit  strength  is derived  from a  diversified  economy,
relatively low unemployment  rates,  strong financial  management,  and low debt
burden.  The  State's  economy  benefits  significantly  from its  proximity  to
Washington  D.C.  Government is the State's  third- largest  employment  sector,
comprising  21% of total  employment.  Other  important  sectors of the  economy
include shipbuilding, tourism, construction, and agriculture.

         Virginia is a very  conservative  debt issuer and has  maintained  debt
levels  that are low in  relation  to its  substantial  resources.  Conservative
policies  also  dominate  the  State's  financial  operations,   and  the  State
administration  continually  demonstrates  its ability and willingness to adjust
financial  planning and budgeting to preserve  financial  balance.  For example,
economic  weakness in the State and the region caused  personal income and sales
and corporate tax collections to fall below  projected  forecasts and placed the
State  under  budgetary  strain.  The State  reacted  by  reducing  its  revenue
expectations for the 1990-92 biennium and preserved  financial balance through a
series of transfers,  appropriation  reductions,  and other budgetary revisions.
Management's  actions  resulted in a modest budget  surplus for fiscal 1992, and
another modest surplus was reported for fiscal 1993,  which ended June 30th. The
1994  Virginia  budget  experienced  a  significant  surplus due to an improving
economy,  including  job growth of 3.0%/year  overall.  Overall,  Virginia has a
stable credit  outlook due mainly to its diverse  economy and resource  base, as
well as a conservative approach to financial operations. Revenue growth for 1994
was 6%.  Budgets  for 1995 and 1996  call for  revenue  growth of 6.1% and 5.8%,
respectively.

         The  Fund's  concentration  in  securities  issued by the State and its
political  subdivisions  provides  a greater  level of risk than a fund which is
diversified  across numerous states and municipal  entities.  The ability of the
State  or its  municipalities  to meet  their  obligations  will  depend  on the
availability of tax and other  revenues;  economic,  political,  and demographic
conditions  within the State; and the underlying  fiscal condition of the State,
its countries, and its municipalities.


         Virginia   faces   some   economic   uncertainties   with   respect  to
defense-cutbacks.  Although Virginia's  unemployment rate of 4.9% (as of August,
1994) is well below the national  rate of 5.9%,  the State has been able to make
some  gains  in  the  services,   government,   and  construction  sectors  when
manufacturing and trade were down slightly.

         The  effects of the most  recent  base-closing  legislation  were muted
because of  consolidation  from  out-of-state  bases to Virginia  installations.
While military operations at the Pentagon are unlikely to be threatened, another
round of  base-closings  scheduled for 1995 may  jeopardize a number of Virginia
installations.



******************************************************************************



                           PART C.  OTHER INFORMATION


Item 24.   Financial Statements and Exhibits

   (a)     Financial Statements:

           In Part A: Financial Highlights

          [TO BE ADDED BY AMENDMENT]

           In Part C: None.

   (b)     Exhibits

           (1)        Declaration of Trust of Registrant*
           (1)        Amendment to Declaration of Trust of Registrant
           (2)        By-Laws of Registrant*
           (3)        Not applicable
           (4)        Specimen certificate of shares of beneficial interest. of
                      Registrant**
           (5)        Form of Advisory Contract
           (6)        Distribution Contract
           (7)        Not applicable
           (8)        Form of Custodian Agreement
           (9)         (i) Transfer Agency*
           (10)       Inapplicable
           (11)       Inapplicable
           (12)       Inapplicable
           (13)       Not applicable
           (14)       Not applicable
           (15)       (i) Distribution Plan***
                      (ii) Form of Class B Distribution Plan
           16(a)      Schedule showing computation of performance quotations 
                      provided in response to Item 22 (unaudited)***
           16(b)      Not applicable




- -----------------
<PAGE>



*      Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No.
       33-2010 on March 25, 1987.
**     Filed with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No.
       33-2010 on March 10, 1986 and with Pre-Effective Amendments No. 1 of
       predecessors FFB Equity Trust (Registration Statement No. 33-2012) and
       FFB Tax-Free Trust (Registration Statement No. 33-2011) on April 30,
       1986, and August 13, 1986, respectively.
***    Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to Registration Statement No.
       33-2010 on June 30, 1991.
****   Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration Statement No.
       33-2010 on June 30, 1994.
*****  Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to Registration Statement No.
       33-2010 on November 10, 1994.
****** Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 21.
- --------------------
Item 25.   Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant

           No  person  is  controlled  by  or  under  common  control  with  the
Registrant.

Item 26.   Number of Holders of Securities

           Evergreen Pennsylvania Tax-Free Money Market Fund          292
           Evergreen New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund                  760

Item 27.    Indemnification

     Reference is made to Article IV of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust.

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

Item 28. Business or Other Connections of Investment Adviser

     Evergreen  Asset  Management  Corp.  ("Evergreen  Asset"),  the  investment
adviser to  Registrant's  Evergreen  Fund series,  and Lieber and  Company,  the
sub-adviser  to  Registrant's  Evergreen Fund series also acts as such to one or
more of the separate  investment  series  offered by The Evergreen  Total Return
Fund, The Evergreen  Limited Market Fund, Inc., The Evergreen Value Timing Fund,
The Evergreen Money Market Trust, The Evergreen  American  Retirement Trust, The
Evergreen  Municipal  Trust,  Evergreen  Global  Real  Estate  Equity  Trust and
Evergreen  Foundation  Fund, all  registered  investment  companies.  Stephen A.
Lieber,  Chairman and Co-CEO, Theodore J. Israel, Jr., Executive Vice President,
Nola Maddox  Falcone,  President  and  Co-CEO,  George R.  Gaspari,  Senior Vice
President  and CFO and Joseph J.  McBrien,  Senior  Vice  President  and General
Counsel,  are the principal executive officers of Evergreen Asset and Lieber and
Company,  were,  prior to June 30, 1994 officers and/or directors or trustees of
the  Registrant  and the other  funds for which the Adviser  acts as  investment
adviser.

     For a description of the other business of the First Union National Bank of
North  Carolina  ("FUNB-NC"),   which  will  serves  as  investment  adviser  to
Registrant's  Evergreen  Aggressive Growth Fund series, see the section entitled
"Investment Advisers" in Part A.

     The Directors and principal  executive  officers of FUNB,  are set forth in
the following table:


               FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA
                           BOARD OF DIRECTORS

       Ben Mayo Boddie                    Raymond A. Bryan, Jr.
       Chairman & CEO                     Chairman & CEO
        Boddie-Noell Enterprises, Inc.    T.A. Loving Company
       P.O. Box 1908                      P.O. Drawer 919
       Rocky Mount, NC 27802              Goldsboro, NC 27530

       John F.A.V. Cecil                  John W. Copeland
       President                          President
       Biltmore Dairy Farms, Inc.         Ruddick Corporation
       P.O. Box 5355                      2000 Two First Union Center
       Asheville, NC 28813                Charlotte, NC 28282

       John Crosland, Jr.                 J. William Disher
       Chairman of the Board              Chairman & President
       The Crosland Group, Inc.           Lance Incorporated
       135 Scaleybark Road                P.O. Box 32368
       Charlotte, NC  28209               Charlotte, NC 28232

       Frank H. Dunn                      Malcolm E. Everett, III
       Chairman and CEO                   President
       First Union National Bank          First Union National Bank
         of North Carolina                 of North Carolina
       One First Union Center             310 S. Tryon Street
       Charlotte, NC 28288-0006           Charlotte, NC 28288-0156

       James F. Goodmon                   Shelton Gorelick
       President & Chief                  President
         Executive Officer                SGIC, Inc.
       Capitol Broadcasting               741 Kenilworth Ave., Suite 200
         Company, Inc.                    Charlotte, NC 28204
       2619 Western Blvd.
       Raleigh, NC  27605

       Charles L. Grace                   James E. S. Hynes
       President                          Chairman
       Cummins Atlantic, Inc.             Hynes Sales Company, Inc.
       P.O. Box 240729                    P.O. Box 220948
       Charlotte, NC  28224-0729          Charlotte, NC  28222

       Daniel W. Mathis                   Earl N. Phillips, Jr.
       Vice Chairman                      President
       First Union National Bank          First Factors Corporation
         of North Carolina                P.O. Box 2730
       One First Union Center             High Point, NC  27261
       Charlotte, NC  28288-0009

       J. Gregory Poole, Jr.              John P. Rostan, III
       Chairman & President               Senior Vice President
       Gregory Poole Equipment Company    Waldensian Bakeries, Inc.
       P.O. Box 469                       P.O. Box 220
       Raleigh, NC  27602                 Valdese, NC  28690

       Nelson Schwab, III                 Charles M. Shelton, Sr.
       Chairman & CEO                     Chairman & CEO
       Paramount Parks                     The Shelton Companies, Inc
       8720 Red Oak Boulevard, Suite 315  3600 One First Union Center
       Charlotte, NC  28217               Charlotte, NC  28202

       George Shinn                       Harley F. Shuford, Jr.
       Owner and Chairman                 President and CEO
       Shinn Enterprises, Inc.            Shuford Industries
       One Hive Drive                     P.O. Box 608
       Charlotte, NC  28217               Hickory, NC  28603

               FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA
                           EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

            James Maynor, President, First Union Mortgage Corporation; Austin
            A. Adams, Executive Vice President; Howard L. Arthur, Senior Vice
            President; Robert T. Atwood, Executive Vice President and Chief
            Financial Officer; Marion A. Cowell, Jr., Executive Vice
            President, Secretary and General Counsel; Edward E. Crutchfield,
            Jr., Chairman, CEO, First Union Corporation; Frank H. Dunn, Jr.,
            Chairman and CEO; Malcolm E. Everett, III, President; John R.
            Georgius, President, First Union Corporation; James Hatch, Senior
            Vice President and Corporate Controller; Don R. Johnson,
            Executive Vice President; Mark Mahoney, Senior Vice President;
            Barbara K. Massa, Senior Vice President; Daniel W. Mathis, Vice
            Chairman; H. Burt Melton, Executive Vice President; Malcolm T.
            Murray, Jr., Executive Vice President; Alvin T. Sale, Executive
            Vice President; Louis A. Schmitt, Jr., Executive Vice President;
            Ken Stancliff, Senior Vice President and Corporate Treasurer;
            Richard K. Wagoner, Executive Vice President and General Fund
            Officer.

            All of the Executive Officers are located at the following
            address:  First Union National Bank of North Carolina, One First
            Union Center, Charlotte, NC  28288.



Item 29. Principal Underwriters

     Evergreen  Funds  Distributor,  Inc. The Director and  principal  executive
officers are:

         Director          Michael C. Petrycki

         Officers          Robert A. Hering        President
                           Michael C. Petrycki     Vice President
                           Gordon Forrester        Vice President
                           Lawrence Wagner         VP, Chief Financial Officer
                           Steven D. Blecher       VP, Treasurer, Secretary
                           Elizabeth Q. Solazzo    Assistant Secretary
                           Thalia M. Cody          Assistant Secretary

Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records

         Accounts,  books and  other  documents  required  to be  maintained  by
Section 31(a) of the  Investment  Company Act of 1940 and the Rules  promulgated
thereunder are maintained at the offices of the  Registrant's  Custodian,  State
Street Bank and Trust Company,  2 Heritage  Drive,  North Quincy,  Massachusetts
02171 or the offices of Evergreen Asset Management Corp., 2500 Westchester
Avenue, Purchase, New York 10577.

Item 31. Management Services

                           Not Applicable.



Item 32. Undertakings

                           Not Applicable.


                                     NOTICE


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

<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it
has  duly  caused  this  Post-Effective  Amendment  No. 25 to  the  Registration
Statement  to be  signed  on its  behalf  by  the  undersigned,  thereunto  duly
authorized,  in The  City of New  York,  State of New  York,  on the 29th day of
January, 1996.

                                        The Evergreen Lexicon Fund
                                        /s/ John J. Pileggi
                                   by-----------------------------
                                        John J. Pileggi, President

     Pursuant to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of 1933, as amended,
this  Post-Effective  Amendment  No. 24 to the  Registration  Statement has been
signed  below  by the  following  persons  in the  capacities  and on the  dates
indicated.

Signatures                         Title                      Date
- -----------                        -----                      ----
/s/John J. Pileggi
- -----------------------            President and             January 29, 1996
John J. Pileggi                    Treasurer


- -----------------------            Trustee                   January 29, 1996
Laurence B. Ashkin

/s/Foster Bam
- -----------------------            Trustee                   January 29, 1996
Foster Bam

/s/James S. Howell
- -----------------------            Trustee                   January 29, 1996
James S. Howell

/s/Gerald M. McDonnell
- -----------------------            Trustee                   January 29, 1996
Gerald M. McDonnell

/s/Thomas L. McVerry
- -----------------------            Trustee                   January 29, 1996
Thomas L. McVerry

/s/William Walt Pettit
- -----------------------            Trustee                   January 29, 1996
William Walt Pettit

/s/Russell A. Salton, III, M.D
- ------------------------------     Trustee                   January 29, 1996
Russell A. Salton, III, M.D

/s/Michael S. Scofield
- -----------------------            Trustee                   January 29, 1996
Michael S. Scofield



<PAGE>

                              JAMES P. WALLIN, ESQ.
                             2500 WESTCHESTER AVENUE
                            Purchase, New York 10577



                                                       January 29, 1996


Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20549

   Re    Post-Effective Amendment of
         EVERGREEN TAX-FREE TRUST 
         Registration No. 33-2010; Investment Company File No. 811-4510


Commissioners:

     I have acted as counsel to the  above-referenced  registrant which proposes
to file,  pursuant to  paragraph  (b) of Rule 485 (the  "Rule"),  Post-Effective
Amendment  No. 25 the  "Amendment")  to its  registration  statement  under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     Pursuant to paragraph  (b)(4) of the Rule, I represent  that the  Amendment
does not  contain  disclosures  which  would  render  it  ineligible  to  become
effective pursuant to paragraph (b) of the Rule.


                                                  Very truly yours,

                                                 /s/James P. Wallin
                                                ---------------------
                                                  James P. Wallin


<PAGE>



                                  EXHIBIT INDEX




Sequentially
Numbered
Name                                                             Exhibit
Page

Amendment to Registrant's Declaration of Trust                      1

Form of Investment Advisory Agreement with First Union              5
National Bank

Distribution Agreement with Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc.       6

Form of Custodian Agreement                                         8


Consent of Independent Public Accountants                          11

Form of Class B and C Distribution Plan and Servicing Agreement    15




                               THE FFB FUNDS TRUST

    Action By Trustees to Change The Name of the Trust, Redesignate Existing
                       Classes and Establish New Classes

         The  undersigned,  being a majority  of the  Trustees  of The FFB Funds
Trust, a Massachusetts business trust ("the Trust"),  acting pursuant to Section
2.8 of the Amended and Restated  Declaration of Trust dated November 5, 1993, as
amended, (the "Declaration") of the Trust, do hereby take the following actions:

         1.  In  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  Section  8.3(a)  of  the
Declaration the name of the Trust is hereby changed from The FFB FFB Funds Trust
to The Evergreen Tax Free Trust.

         2.  In  accordance   with  the   provisions  of  Section  5.11  of  the
Declaration, the FFB Pennsylvania Tax- Free Money Market Fund and FFB New Jersey
Tax-Free Income Fund series of the Trust are hereby  redesignated the "Evergreen
Pennsylvania  Tax-Free  Money Market Fund" and  "Evergreen  New Jersey  Tax-Free
Income Fund", respectively.

         3.  In  accordance   with  the   provisions  of  Section  5.11  of  the
Declaration,  the two existing  classes of shares of the Evergreen  Pennsylvania
Tax-Free Money Market Fund, the Investor Class and the Institutional  Class, are
hereby redesignated "Class A Shares" and "Class Y Shares", respectively, and the
one existing class of shares of the Evergreen New Jersey  Tax-Free  Income Fund,
the Investor Class is hereby redesignated as "Class A Shares".

         4.  In  accordance   with  the   provisions  of  Section  5.11  of  the
Declaration,  two  additional  classes  of shares of the  Evergreen  New  Jersey
Tax-Free  Income  Fund are hereby  created,  to be known as "Class B Shares" and
"Class Y Shares".

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the  undersigned  have signed this  instrument in
duplicate  original  counterparts  and have  caused a  duplicate  original to be
lodged among the records of the Trust this 19th day of January, 1996.


Laurence B. Ashkin                         Thomas L. McVerry
Trustee                                    Trustee



Foster Bam                                 William Walt Petit
Trustee                                    Trustee



James S. Howell                            Russell A. Salton, III
Trustee                                    Trustee



Michael S. Scofield                        Gerald M. McDonnell
Trustee                                    Trustee



<PAGE>



<PAGE>

             [Form of Investment Advisory Agreement]




                                             [Date]


First Union National Bank
  of North Carolina
One First Union Center
Charlotte, North Carolina 28288


Ladies and Gentlemen:

     The undersigned,  The Evergreen Tax Free Trust Fund (the "Trust") on behalf
of  its  series   portfolios   the   [Evergreen   New  Jersey  Tax  Free  Income
Fund][Evergreen  Pennsylvania  Tax Free  Money  Market  Fund](the  "Fund") is an
investment  company  which  desires  to employ  its  capital  by  investing  and
reinvesting the same in securities in accordance with the limitations  specified
in its  Declaration  of  Trust  and in its  Prospectus  as from  time to time in
effect,  copies of which have been,  or will be,  submitted  to you, and in such
manner and to such extent as may from time to time be  approved by the  Trustees
of the Trust.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,  the Trust
on behalf of the Fund,  desires to employ  First  Union  National  Bank of North
Carolina (the "Adviser") and the Adviser desires to be so employed, to supervise
and assist in the management of the business of the Fund. Accordingly, this will
confirm our agreement as follows:

     1. The Adviser shall, on a continuous basis,  furnish reports,  statistical
and research services,  and make investment decisions with respect to the Fund's
portfolio of  investments.  The Adviser shall use its best judgment in rendering
these  services to the Fund, and the Fund agrees as an inducement to the Adviser
undertaking  such  services that the Adviser shall not be liable for any mistake
of  judgment or in any other  event  whatsoever,  except for lack of good faith,
provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to protect the Adviser  against any
liability  to the  Fund or to the  shareholders  of the  Fund to  which it would
otherwise  be  subject  by  reason  of  wilful  misfeasance,  bad faith or gross
negligence in the performance of the Adviser's  duties hereunder or by reason of
the Adviser's reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder.

     2.  The Adviser agrees that it will not make short sales of
the Fund's shares of beneficial interest.

<PAGE>
     3. The Adviser  agrees that in any case where an officer or director of the
Adviser is also an officer or director of another corporation,  and the purchase
or sale of securities issued by such other  corporation is under  consideration,
such officer or director shall abstain from  participation  in any decision made
on behalf of the Fund to  purchase or sell any  securities  issued by such other
corporation.

     4. The Fund  will pay the  costs of all of its  expenses  and  liabilities,
including  expenses and liabilities  incurred in connection with maintaining its
registration  under  the  Investment  Company  Act of 1940 (the  "Act")  and the
Securities  Act of 1933,  as  amended,  and  maintaining  any  registrations  or
qualifications  under the  securities  laws of the  states  in which the  Fund's
shares are  registered  or  qualified  for sale,  subsequent  registrations  and
qualifications share certificates,  mailing, brokerage, issue and transfer taxes
on sales of the  Fund's  portfolio  securities,  custodian  and  stock  transfer
charges,  printing,  legal and  auditing  expenses,  expenses  of  shareholders'
meetings, and reports to shareholders.

     5. In  consideration of the Adviser  performing its obligations  hereunder,
the Fund will pay to the Adviser an advisory fee, payable monthly,  at an annual
rate of 0.XX% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

     6. The Fund  understands  that the Adviser  acts as  investment  adviser to
other investment companies, and that affiliates of the Adviser act as investment
advisers to  individuals,  partnerships,  corporations,  pension funds and other
entities,  and the Fund  confirms that it has no objection to the Adviser or its
affiliates so acting.

     7. This  Agreement  shall be in effect  for a period of two years  from the
date  hereof.  This  Agreement  shall  continue  in  effect  from  year  to year
thereafter,  provided it is approved,  at least annually, in the manner required
by the Act.  The Act requires  that this  Agreement  and any renewal  thereof be
approved  by a vote of a majority  of  Trustees of the Trust who are not parties
thereto or interested persons (as defined in the Act) of any such party, cast in
person at a meeting duly called for the purpose of voting on such approval,  and
by a vote of the Trustees of the Trust or a majority of the  outstanding  voting
securities  of the  Fund.  A  vote  of a  majority  of  the  outstanding  voting
securities of the Fund is defined in the Act to mean a vote of the lesser of (i)
more than 50% of the  outstanding  voting  securities of the Fund or (ii) 67% or
more of the voting  securities  present  at the  meeting if more than 50% of the
outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy.

<PAGE>
     This  Agreement  may be  terminated  at any time,  without  payment  of any
penalty, on sixty (60) days' prior written notice by a vote of a majority of the
Fund's outstanding voting securities, by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of
the Trust, or by the Adviser.  This Agreement shall be automatically  terminated
in the event of its assignment (as such term is defined in the Act).

     8. This  Agreement is made by the Trust,  on behalf of the Fund pursuant to
authority  granted by the Trustees,  and the obligations  created hereby are not
binding on any of the Trustees or  shareholders  of the Fund  individually,  but
bind only the property of the Fund.

     If the  foregoing  is in  accordance  with  your  understanding,  please so
indicate by signing and returning to the undersigned the enclosed copy hereof.

                 Very truly yours,

                 EVERGREEN TAX FREE TRUST
                 on behalf of
                 [Evergreen   New  Jersey  Tax  Free  Income Fund]
                 [Evergreen  Pennsylvania  Tax Free  Money  Market  Fund]


                              By:


ACCEPTED:

FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA


By:



                             DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

     WHEREAS,  The  Evergreen Tax Free Trust (the  "Trust"),  has adopted one or
more Plans of  Distribution  with  respect  to certain  Classes of shares of its
separate investment series (each a "Plan", or collectively the "Plans") pursuant
to Rule 12b-1 under the  Investment  Company Act of 1940,  as amended (the "1940
Act")  which  Plans  authorize  the Trust on  behalf of the Funds to enter  into
agreements  regarding the  distribution of such Classes of shares (the "Shares")
of the  separate  investment  series of the  Trust  (the  "Funds")  set forth on
Exhibit A; and

     WHEREAS,  the Trust has agreed that Evergreen Funds Distributor,  Inc. (the
"Distributor"),  a Delaware  corporation,  shall act as the  distributor  of the
Shares; and

     WHEREAS, the Distributor agrees to act as distributor of the Shares for the
period of this Distribution Agreement (the "Agreement");

         NOW,  THEREFORE,   in  consideration  of  the  agreements   hereinafter
contained, it is agreed as follows:

         1. Services as Distributor-

         1.1. The Distributor agrees to use appropriate  efforts to promote each
Fund and to solicit  orders for the purchase of Shares and will  undertake  such
advertising  and promotion as it believes  reasonable  in  connection  with such
solicitation  The services to be  performed  hereunder  by the  Distributor  are
described  in more  detail in  Section 7 hereof.  . In the event  that the Trust
establishes  additional  investment  series with  respect to which it desires to
retain Evergreen Funds  Distributor,  Inc. to act as distributor for one or more
Classes hereunder,  it shall promptly notify the Distributor in writing.  If the
Distributor  is willing to render  such  services  it shall  notify the Trust in
writing whereupon such portfolio shall become a Fund and its designated  Classes
of shares of beneficial interest shall become Shares hereunder.

         1.2. All activities by the  Distributor and its agents and employees as
the  distributor  of Shares shall  comply with all  applicable  laws,  rules and
regulations,  including,  without limitation,  all rules and regulations made or
adopted pursuant to the 1940 Act by the Securities and Exchange  Commission (the
"Commission")  or any  securities  association  registered  under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

         1.3 In selling the Shares,  the Distributor  shall use its best efforts
in all respects duly to conform with the  requirements  of all Federal and state
laws  relating  to the sale of such  securities.  Neither the  Distributor,  any
selected  dealer or any  other  person  is  authorized  by the Trust to give any
information or to make any  representations,  other than those  contained in the
Trust's  registration  statement (the "Registration  Statement") or related Fund
prospectus and statement of additional information ("Prospectus and Statement of
Additional  Information") and any sales literature  specifically approved by the
Trust.

         1.4 The Distributor shall adopt and follow  procedures,  as approved by
the  officers  of the Trust,  for the  confirmation  of sales to  investors  and
selected  dealers,  the collection of amounts  payable by investors and selected
dealers on such sales, and the cancellation of unsettled transactions, as may be

                                                   1




<PAGE>



necessary  to  comply  with the  requirements  of the  National  Association  of
Securities  Dealers,  Inc. (the "NASD"),  as such  requirements may from time to
time exist.

         1.5.  The  Distributor  will  transmit  any orders  received  by it for
purchase or  redemption  of Shares to the transfer  agent and  custodian for the
applicable Fund.

         1.6 The Distributor  shall provide  persons  acceptable to the Trust to
serve as officers of the Trust.

         1.7.  Whenever in their  judgment  such action is  warranted by unusual
market,  economic or political conditions,  or by abnormal  circumstances of any
kind,  the  Trust's  officers  may decline to accept any orders for, or make any
sales of Shares  until such time as those  officers  deem it advisable to accept
such orders and to make such sales.

         1.8. The Distributor will act only on its own behalf as principal if it
chooses to enter into selling  agreements with selected  dealers or others.  The
Distributor  shall offer and sell Shares  only to such  selected  dealers as are
members, in good standing, of the NASD.

         1.9 The Distributor  agrees to adopt  compliance  standards,  in a form
satisfactory  to the  Trust,  governing  the  operation  of the  multiple  class
distribution system under which Shares are offered.

         2. Duties of the Trust.

         2.1.  The  Trust  agrees  at its own  expense  to  execute  any and all
documents  and to  furnish,  at its own  expense,  any and all  information  and
otherwise to take all actions  that may be  reasonably  necessary in  connection
with the  qualification  of Shares for sale in such  states as the Trust and the
Distributor may designate.

         2.2. The Trust shall  furnish from time to time,  for use in connection
with the sale of  Shares  such  information  with  respect  to the Funds and the
Shares as the  Distributor may reasonably  request;  and the Trust warrants that
any such information  shall be true and correct.  Upon request,  the Trust shall
also  provide  or  cause  to be  provided  to  the  Distributor:  (a)  unaudited
semi-annual statements of each Fund's books and accounts, (b) quarterly earnings
statements of each Fund,  (c) a monthly  itemized list of the securities in each
Fund, (d) monthly  balance  sheets as soon as practicable  after the end of each
month,  and (e) from time to time such  additional.  information  regarding each
Fund's financial condition as the Distributor may reasonably request.

         3. Representations of the Trust.

         3.1. The Trust  represents  to the  Distributor  that it is  registered
under the 1940 Act and that the Shares of each of the Funds have been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the  "Securities  Act"). The Trust
will file such amendments to its  Registration  Statement as may be required and
will use its best  efforts to ensure that such  Registration  Statement  remains
accurate.

         4. Indemnification.

         4.1. The Trust shall  indemnify and hold harmless the  Distributor  and
each person, if any, who controls the Distributor  within the meaning of Section
15 of the Securities Act against any loss, liability,

                                                   2

<PAGE>

claim,  damage or expense  (including the reasonable  cost of  investigating  or
defending any alleged loss,  liability,  claim, damage or expense and reasonable
counsel fees incurred in connection  therewith),  which the  Distributor or such
controlling  person may incur under the  Securities  Act or under  common law or
otherwise,  arising out of or based upon any untrue statement, or alleged untrue
statement,  of a material fact contained in the Registration  Statement, as from
time to time amended or supplemented, any prospectus or annual or interim report
to shareholders  of the Trust, or arising out of or based upon any omission,  or
alleged  omission,  to state a material  fact  requires to be stated  therein or
necessary  in  order  to  make  the  statements  therein,  in the  light  of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading,  unless such statement
or omission  was made in reliance  upon,  and in  conformity  with,  information
furnished  to  the  Trust  in  connection  therewith  by or  on  behalf  of  the
Distributor;  provided,  however,  that in no case (i) is the  indemnity  of the
Trust in favor of the Distributor and any such controlling  persons to be deemed
to protect such Distributor or any such controlling  persons thereof against any
liability to the Trust or its security  holders to which the  Distributor or any
such  controlling  persons  would  otherwise  be  subject  by reason of  willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of their duties or
by reason of the reckless  disregard of their  obligations and duties under this
Agreement;  or (ii) is the Trust to be  liable  under  its  indemnity  agreement
contained  in  this  paragraph  with  respect  to any  claim  made  against  the
Distributor  or any such  controlling  persons,  unless the  Distributor or such
controlling persons, as the case maybe, shall have notified the Trust in writing
within a reasonable  time after the summons or other first legal process  giving
information  of the  nature  of the  claim  shall  have  been  served  upon  the
Distributor  or such  controlling  persons  (or  after the  Distributor  or such
controlling persons shall have received notice of such service on any designated
agent),  but  failure to notify the Trust of any such claim shall not relieve it
from any liability  which it may have to the person  against whom such action is
brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity  agreement  contained in this
paragraph.  The Trust will be entitled to  participate at its own expense in the
defense,  or, if it so  elects,  to assume the  defense  of any suit  brought to
enforce any such liability,  but if the Trust elects to assume the defense, such
defense  shall be  conducted  by counsel  chosen by it and  satisfactory  to the
Distributor or such  controlling  person or persons,  defendant or defendants in
the suit.  In the event the Trust  elects to assume the defense of any such suit
and retain such counsel,  the Distributor or such controlling person or persons,
defendant  or  defendants  in the suit,  shall bear the fees and expenses of any
additional  counsel  retained by them,  but, in case the Trust does not elect to
assume the defense of any such suit, it will  reimburse the  Distributor or such
controlling  person or persons,  defendant  or-defendants  in the suit,  for the
reasonable  fees and expenses of any counsel  retained by them.  The Trust shall
promptly notify the Distributor of the commencement of any litigation or proceed
against it or any of its officers or directors in  connection  with the issuance
or sale of any of the shares.

          4.2. The  Distributor  shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust and
each of its  directors  and officers  and each person,  if any, who controls the
Trust against any loss,  liability,  claim,  damage or expense  described in the
foregoing  indemnity  contained  in  paragraph  4.1,  but only with  respect  to
statements  or  omissions  made  in  reliance  upon,  and  in  conformity  with,
information furnished to the Trust in writing by or on behalf of the Distributor
for use in  connection  with the  Registration  Statement,  as from time to time
amended,  or the annual or interim reports to  shareholders.  In case any action
shall be brought against the Trust or any persons so indemnified,  in respect of
which indemnity may be sought against the  Distributor,  the  Distributor  shall
have the rights and duties given to the Trust,  and the Trust and each person so
indemnified  shall have the rights and duties  given to the  Distributor  by the
provisions of paragraph 4.1.

                                                   3
<PAGE>

          5. Offering of Shares.

         5.1. None of the Shares shall be offered by either the  Distributor  or
the Trust under any of the provisions of this  Agreement,  and no orders for the
purchase or sale of Shares  hereunder  shall be accepted by the Trust, if and so
long as the  effectiveness of the  registration  statement then in effect or any
necessary  amendments  thereto shall be suspended under any of the provisions of
the  Securities  Act or if and so long as a current  prospectus and statement of
additional  information as required by Section 10(b) (2) of the Securities  Act,
as amended, is not on file with the Commission;  provided, however, that nothing
contained  in  this  paragraph  5.1  shall  in any  way  restrict  or  have  any
application to or bearing upon the Trust's  obligation to repurchase Shares from
any shareholder in accordance with the provisions of the prospectus of each Fund
or the Trust's prospectus or Declaration of Trust.

         6. Amendments to Registration Statement and Other Material Events.

         6.1. The Trust agrees to advise the  Distributor  as soon as reasonably
practical  by a notice  in  writing  delivered  to the  Distributor:  (a) of any
request or action taken by the Commission which is material to the Distributor's
obligations  hereunder or (b) any material fact of which the Trust becomes aware
which affects the Distributor's obligations hereunder.

                For purposes of this  section,  informal  requests by or acts of
the Staff of the  Commission  shall not be deemed  actions of or requests by the
Commission.

          7. Compensation of Distributor.

          7.1.  (a) As  promptly as possible  after the first  Business  Day (as
defined in the Prospectus) of each month this Agreement is in effect,  the Trust
shall compensate the Distributor for its distribution  services  rendered during
the previous month (but not prior to the  Commencement  Date); by making payment
to the  Distributor  in the amounts  set forth on Exhibit A annexed  hereto with
respect  to each  Class of  Shares  of each  Fund to  which  this  Agreement  is
applicable.  The  compensation  by the Trust of the  Distributor  is  authorized
pursuant to the Plan or Plans adopted by the Trust  pursuant to Rule 12b-l under
the 1940 Act.
                (b)  Under  this  Agreement,  the  Distributor  shall:  (i) make
payments to securities  dealers and others  engaged in the sale of Shares;  (ii)
make  payments of principal  and interest in  connection  with the  financing of
commission  payments  made by the  Distributor  in  connection  with the sale of
Shares (iii) incur the expense of obtaining  such  support  services,  telephone
facilities and shareholder  services as may reasonably be required in connection
with  its  duties  hereunder;   (iv)  formulate  and  implement   marketing  and
promotional  activities,  including,  but not limited to, direct mail promotions
and television, radio, newspaper, magazine and other mass media advertising; (v)
prepare,  print  and  distribute  sales  literature;  (vi)  prepare,  print  and
distribute  Prospectuses  of the Funds and  reports  for  recipients  other than
existing  shareholders  of the  Funds;  and  (vii)  provide  to the  Trust  such
information,  analyses and opinions  with respect to marketing  and  promotional
activities as the Trust may, from time to time, reasonably request.

                (c) The  Distributor  shall  prepare and deliver  reports to the
Treasurer  of the Trust on a  regular,  at least  monthly,  basis,  showing  the
distribution  expenditures  incurred by the  Distributor in connection  with its
services  rendered  pursuant  to this  Agreement  and the Plan and the  purposes
therefor,  as well as any  supplemental  reports as the  Trustees,  from time to
time, may reasonably request.
                                                   4

<PAGE>
                (d) The  Distributor may retain as a sales charge the difference
between  the  current  offering  price of  Shares,  as set forth in the  current
prospectus  for each Fund,  and net asset value,  less any  reallowance  that is
payable in accordance with the sales charge schedule in effect at any given time
with respect to the Shares.

                (e) The  Distributor  may retain any  contingent  deferred sales
charge ("CDSCs") payable with respect to the redemption of any Shares,  provided
however,  that any CDSCs received by the  Distributor  shall first be applied by
the Distributor or its assignee to any outstanding  amounts payable or which may
in the future be payable by the  Distributor  or its  assignee  under  financing
arrangements  entered into in connection  with the payment of commissions on the
sale of Shares.

                (f) The Distributor may sell, assign,  pledge or hypothecate its
rights to  receive  compensation  hereunder.  The Trust  acknowledges  that,  in
connection with the financing of commission  payments made by the Distributor in
connection with the sale of Shares, the Distributor may sell and assign,  and/or
has sold and assigned, to Mutual Fund Funding 1994-1 the Distributor's  interest
in certain items of compensation payable to the Distributor hereunder,  and that
Mutual Fund Funding  1994-1 in turn may pledge or assign,  and/or has  assigned,
such interest to First Union Corporation as lender to secure such financing.  It
is  understood  that an  assignee  may not  further  sell,  assign,  pledge,  or
hypothecate  its  right  to  receive  such   reimbursement   unless  such  sale,
assignment,  pledge or hypothecation  has been approved by the vote of the Board
of the Trust, including a majority of the Disinterested Trustees, cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

                (g) In addition to the foregoing, and in respect of its services
hereunder and for similar services  rendered to other  investment  companies for
which Evergreen Asset  Management  Corp. (the  "Investment  Adviser")  serves as
investment  adviser,  the  Investment  Adviser  may  pay to the  Distributor  an
additional  fee to be paid in such amount and manner as the  Investment  Adviser
and Distributor may agree from time to time.

         8. Confidentiality, Non-Exclusive Agency.

         8.1. The  Distributor  agrees on behalf of itself and its  employees to
treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Trust all records and
other  information  relative  to the Funds and its prior,  present or  potential
shareholders,  and not to use such records and information for any purpose other
than  performance of its  responsibilities  and to obtain approval in writing by
the Trust,  which  approval  shall not be  unreasonably  withheld and may not be
withheld  where the  Distributor  may be exposed to civil or  criminal  contempt
proceedings for failure to comply, when requested to divulge such information by
duly constituted authorities, or when so requested by the Trust.

         8.2. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent the Distributor,
or any affiliated person of the Distributor, from performing services similar to
those to be performed  hereunder for any other person,  firm, or  corporation or
for its or their own accounts or for the accounts of others.

         9. Term.

         9.1. This  Agreement  shall continue until June 30, 1997 and thereafter
for  successive  annual  periods,  provided  such  continuance  is  specifically
approved at least  annually by (i) a vote of the majority of the Trustees of the
Trust and (ii) a vote of the majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not
interested  persons  of the Trust and who have no direct or  indirect  financial
interest  in the  operation  of the Plan,  in this  Agreement  or any  agreement
related  to the Plan (the  "Independent  Trustees")  by vote cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. This

                                                   5


<PAGE>


Agreement is terminable at any time, with respect to the Trust, without penalty,
(a) on not less  than 60  days'  written  notice  by vote of a  majority  of the
Independent Trustees, or by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
voting  securities  of the  Trust,  or (b) upon not less  than 60 days'  written
notice by the Distributor. This Agreement may remain in effect with respect to a
Fund even if it has been  terminated  in  accordance  with this  paragraph  with
respect  to one or more  other  Funds of the  Trust.  This  Agreement  will also
terminate  automatically  in the  event  of its  assignment.  (As  used  in this
Agreement,   the  terms  "majority  of  the  outstanding   voting   securities",
"interested persons", and "assignment" shall have the same meaning as such terms
have in the 1940 Act.)

         10. Miscellaneous.

         10.1. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State 
of New York.

         10.2.  The captions in this  Agreement are included for  convenience of
reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the  provisions  hereof or
otherwise affect their constructions or effect.

         10.3 The obligations of the Trust hereunder are not personally  binding
upon,  nor shall resort be had to the private  property of, any of the Trustees,
shareholders,  officers,  employees  or agents of the Trust and only the Trust's
property shall be bound.

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties hereto have caused this instrument to
be executed by their  officers  designated  below as of the 19th day of January,
1996.

EVERGREEN FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.            EVERGREEN TAX FREE TRUST

By:______________________                    By: _____________________
Title:  Gordon Forrester, Vice President     Title: John J. Pileggi, President


                                                   6
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT A

       To Distribution Agreement between Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc.
                          and EVERGREEN TAX FREE TRUST

FUNDS AND CLASSES COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT:

Evergreen New Jersey Tax Free Income Fund

         CLASS A SHARES
         CLASS B SHARES
         CLASS Y SHARES

Evergreen Pennsylvania Tax Free Money Market Fund

         CLASS A SHARES
         CLASS Y SHARES

                                Distribution Fees

     1. During the term of this Agreement, the Trust will pay to the Distributor
a quarterly fee with respect to each of the Funds and Classes of Shares  thereof
listed  above.  This fee will be computed at the annual rate of .25 of 1% of the
average net asset value on an annual  basis of Class A Shares of  Evergreen  New
Jersey Tax Free  Income  Fund and .35 of 1% of the average net asset value on an
annual basis Evergreen Pennsylvania Tax Free Money Market Fund; and .75 of 1% of
the average net asset  value on an annual  basis of Class B Shares of  Evergreen
New Jersey Tax Free Income Fund.

    2. For the  quarterly  period in which the  Agreement  becomes  effective or
terminates,  there shall be an  appropriate  proration of any fee payable on the
basis of the number of days that the Agreement is in effect during the quarter.

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties  hereto have caused this Exhibit A to
the  Distribution  Agreement  between the parties  dated  January 19, 1996 to be
executed by their officers designated below as of the 19th day of January, 1996.


EVERGREEN FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.            EVERGREEN TAX FREE TRUST

By:______________________                    By: _____________________
Title:  Gordon Forrester, Vice President     Title: John J. Pileggi, President

                                                   7

<PAGE>







                       CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
Between

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


and

STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY







<PAGE>



                        TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page



<PAGE>


1. Employment of Custodian and Property 
          to be Held By It..............................................l

2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property 
         of the Fund Held by the Custodian..............................2
2.1          Holding Securities.........................................2
2.2          Delivery of Securities.....................................3
2.3          Registration of Securities.................................8
2.4          Bank Accounts..............................................9
2.5          Payments for Shares........................................9
2.6          Availability of Federal Funds.............................10
2.7          Collection of Income......................................10
2.8          Payment of Fund Monies....................................ll
2.9          Liability for Payment in Advance of
                     Receipt of Securities Purchased...................14
2.10         Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions
                     of Shares of the Fund.............................14


<PAGE>


2.11 Appointment of Agents.............................................15
2.12 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities System.......................15
2.12A Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct              
       Paper System....................................................l9
2.13 Segregated Account................................................20
2.14 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes...........................22
2.15 Proxies...........................................................22
2.16 Communications Relating to Portfolio                     
       Securities......................................................22
2.17 Proper Instructions...............................................23
2.18 Actions Permitted Without Express Authority.......................24
2.19 Evidence of Authority.............................................25
                                                       
3. Duties of Custodian With Respect to the Books of Account
       and Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income...............25
                                                                    
4. Records.............................................................26
                                                                    
5. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountants...........................27
                                                                    
6. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants...................27
                                                                    
7. Compensation of Custodian...........................................28
                                                                    
8. Responsibility of Custodian.........................................28
                                                                    
9. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment.........................29
                                                                    
10.Successor Custodian.................................................31
                                                                    
11.Interpretive and Additional Provisions..............................32
                                                                    
12.Additional Funds....................................................33
                                                                    
13.Massachusetts Law to Apply..........................................33
                                                                    
14.Prior Contracts.....................................................33
                                                                   

<PAGE>





                               CUSTODIAN CQNTRACT


     This  Contract  between The Evergreen  XXXXXXXXX  Trust,  a business  trust
organized  and existing  under the laws of  Massachusetts,  having its principal
place  of  business  at  2500  Westchester  Avenue,  Purchase,  New  York  10528
hereinafter  called the  "Fund",  and State  Street  Bank and Trust  Company,  a
Massachusetts  trust  company,  having its  principal  place of  business at 225
Franklin  Street,   Boston,   Massachusetts,   02110,   hereinafter  called  the
"Custodian",

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS,  the Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate  series,  with each
such series  representing  interests in a separate  portfolio of securities  and
other assets;  and WHEREAS,  the Fund intends to initially  offer shares in XXXX
series,  the  XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   (such  series
together  with all other series  subsequently  established  by the Fund and made
subject to this Contract in accordance  with paragraph 12, being herein referred
to as  the  "Portfolio(s)");  NOW  THEREFOR,  in  consideration  of  the  mutual
covenants and  agreements  hereinafter  contained,  the parties  hereto agree as
follows:  1.  Employment  of  Custodian  and  Property to be Held by It The Fund
hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of the assets of the Portfolios of
the Fund pursuant to the  provlsions of the  Declaration  of Trust.  The Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio(s) agrees to deliver to the Custodian all


<PAGE>



securities and cash cf the Portfolios,  and all payments of incnme,  payments of
principal  or  capital  distributions  received  by  lt  with  respect  to  a11
securities  owned  by  the  Pcrtfolio(s)   from  time  to  time,  and  the  cash
consideration  received  by it for such new or  treasury  shares  of  beneficial
interest of the Fund representing interests in the Portfolios, ("Shares") as may
be issued or sold from time to time. The Custodian  shall not be responsible for
any property of a Portfolio  held or received by the Portfolio and not delivered
to the Custodian.  Upon receipt of "Proper  Instructions" (within the meaning of
Section 2.17), the Custodian shall on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) from
time to time employ one or more  sub-custodians,  but only in accordance with an
applicable vote by the Board of Trustees of the Fund on behalf of the applicable
Portfolio(s),  and  provided  that  the  Custodian  shall  have  no more or less
responsibility  or  liability to the Fund on account of any actions or omissions
of  any  sub-custodian  so  employed  than  any  such  sub-custodian  has to the
Custodian.  

2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held
By the Custodian 

2.1 Holding  Securities.  The Custodian shall hold and physically  segregate for
the account of each  Portfolio all non-cash  property,  including all securities
owned by such Portfolio, other than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant
to Section 2.12 in a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or in
a  book-entry  system  authorized  by  the  U.S.  Department  of  the  Treasury,
collectively  rererred to herein as "Securities System" and (b) commercial paper
of an issuer for which State  Street and and Trust  Company  acts as issuing and
paying agent ("Direct Paper ) which is deposited andJor maintained in the Direct
Paper System of the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.12A.


<PAGE>


2.2 Delivery of Securities.  The Custodian shall release and deliver  securities
owned by a Portfolio held by the Custodian or in a Securities  System account of
the  Custodian or in the  Custodian's  Direct  Paper book entry  system  account
("Direct Paper System  Account") only upon receipt of Proper  Instructions  from
the  Fund  on  behalf  of the  applicable  Portfolio,  which  may be  continuing
instructions when deemed  appropriate by the parties,  and only in the following
cases:

1) Upon sale of such securities for the account  of the Portfolio and receipt 
   of payment therefor;

2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection  with any repurchase agreement 
   related to such  securities entered into by the Portfolio;

3) In the case of a sale effected through a  Securities System, in accordance 
   with the  provisions of Section 2.12 hereof;

4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other similar offers for
     securities  of the Portfolio;


5) To the issuer  thereof or its agent when such  securities  are called,
   redeemed,  retired or otherwise become payable;  provided that, in any
   such case, the cash or other  consideration  1s to be delivered to the
   Custodian;


<PAGE>


6)   To the issuer  thereof,  or its agent,  for  transfer  into the name of the
     Portfolio  or into the name of any nominee or nominees of the  Custodian or
     into the name or nominee  name of any agent  appointed  pursuant to Section
     2.11 or  into  the  name or  nominee  name of any  sub-custodian  appointed
     pursuant to Article l; or for  exchange  for a  different  number of bonds,
     certificates or other evidence  representing the same aggregate face amount
     or number of units; provided that, in any such case, the new securities are
     to be delivered to the Custodian;


7)   Upon the sale of such  securities for the account of the Portfolio,  to the
     broker  or its  clearing  agent,  against a  receipt,  for  examination  in
     accordance with "street delivery"  custom;  provided that in any such case,
     the  Custodian  shall  have no  responsibility  or  liability  for any loss
     arising from the delivery of such security prior to receiving  payment for
     such securities  except as may arise from the Custodian's own negligence or
     willful misconduct;


<PAGE>


8)   For exchange or conversion  pursuant to any plan of merger,  consolidation,
     recapitalization,  reorganization  or readjustment of the securities of the
     issuer  of such  securities,  or  pursuant  to  provisions  for  conversion
     contained  in  such  securities,  or  pursuant  to any  deposit  agreement;
     provided  that, in any such case,  the new securities and cash, if any, are
     to be delivered  to the  Custodian;  

9)   In the case of  warrants,  rights  or  similar  securities,  the  surrender
     thereof in the exercise of such warrants,  rights or similar  securities or
     the surrender of interim  receipts or temporary  securities  for definitive
     securities;  provided  that, in any such case, the new securities and cash,
     if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;

10)  For  delivery  in  connection  with  any  loans of  securities  made by the
     Portfolio,  but only against receipt of adequate  collateral as agreed upon
     from time to time by the Custodian and the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio,
     which may be in the form of cash or obligations issued by the United States
     government,  its agencies or instrumental  ities, except that in connection
     with any loans for which  collateral  is to be credited to the  Custodian's
     account in the book-entry system  authorized by the U.S.  Department of the
     Treasury,  the  Custodian  will not be held liable or  responsible  for the
     delivery of securities  owned by the Portfolio prior to the receipt of such
     collateral;

11)  For delivery as security in connection  with any  borrowings by the Fund on
     behalf of the Portfolio  requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund on behalf
     of the Portfolio, but only against receipt of amounts borrowed;

12)  For delivery in accordance  with the provisions of any agreement  among the
     Fund  on  behalf  of  the  Portfolio,  the  Custodian  and a  broker-dealer
     registered  under the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")
     and a member  of The  National  Association  of  Securities  Dealers,  Inc.
     ("NASD"),  relating to  compliance  with the rules of The Options  Clearing
     Corporation and of any registered national securities  exchange,  or of any
     similar   organization  or   organizations,   regarding   escrow  or  other
     arrangements in connection with transactions by the Portfolio of the Fund;


<PAGE>


13)  For delivery in accordance  with the provisions of any agreement  among the
     Fund on behalf of the Portfolio,  the Custodian,  and a Futures  Commission
     Merchant   registered  under  the  Commodity   Exchange  Act,  relating  to
     compliance  with the  rules of the  Commodity  Futures  Trading  Commission
     and/or any Contract Market,  or any similar  organization or organizations,
     regarding account deposits in connection with transactions by the Portfolio
     of the Fund;


<PAGE>


14)  Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent ("Transfer Agent") for
     the Fund,  for delivery to such Transfer  Agent or to the holders of shares
     in connection with  distributions in kind, as may be described from time to
     time in the  currently  effective  prospectus  and  statement of additional
     information  of the  Fund,  related  to the  Portfolio  ("Prospectus"),  in
     satisfaction of requests by holders of Sharcs for repurchase or redemption;
     and


15)  For any  other  proper  corporate  purpose,  but only upon  receipt  of, in
     addition to Proper  Instructions  from the Fund on behalf of the applicable
     Portfolio,  a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Trustees or of
     the Executive  Committee  signed by an officer cf the Fund and certified by
     the Secretary or an Assistant  Secretary,  specifying the securities of the
     Portfolio  to be  delivered,  setting  forth the  purpose  for  which  such
     delivery is to be made,  declaring  such  purpose to be a proper  corporate
     purpose,  and  naming  the  person  or  persons  to whom  delivery  of such
     securities shall be made.


<PAGE>


2.3  Registration of Securities.  Securities  held by the Custodian  (other than
bearer  securities)  shall be  registered in the name of the Portfolio or in the
name of any nominee of the Fund on behalf of the  Portfolio or of any nominee of
the  Custodian  which nominee shall be assigned  exclusively  to the  Portfolio,
unless the Fund has  authorized  in writing the  appointment  of a nominee to be
used in common  with  other  registered  investment  companies  having  the same
investment adviser as the Portfolio, or in the name or nominee name of any agent
appointed  pursuant  to  Section  2.11  or in the  name or  nominee  name of any
sub-custodian  appointed  pursuant to Article 1. All securities  accepted by the
Custodian on behalf of the Portfolio  under the terms of this Contract  shall be
in "street name" or other good delivery form.


2.4    Bank  Accounts.  The  Custodian  shall open and maintain a separate bank
account or accounts in the name of each  Portfolio of the Fund,  subject only to
draft or order by the Custodian  acting  pursuant to the terms of this Contract,
and shall hold in such account or accounts,  subject to the  provisions  hereof,
all cash  received  by it from or for the account of the  Portfolio,  other than
cash  maintained  by the  Portfolio  in a bank account  established  and used in
accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the Investment  Company Act of 1940. Funds held
by the  Custodian  for a  Portfolio  may be  deposited  by it to its  credit  as
Custodian in the Banking  Department  of the Custodian or in such other banks or
trust  companies  as it may in  its  discretion  deem  necessary  or  desirable;
provided,  however,  that every such bank or trust company shall be qualified to
act as a custodian  under the Investment  Company Act of 1940 and that each such
bank or trust company and the furds to be deposited with each such bank or trust
company  shall on behalf of each  applicable  Portfolio be approved by vote of a
majority of the Board of Trustees of the Fund.  Such funds shall be deposited by
the  Custodian  in its capacity as Custodian  and shall be  withdrawable  by the
Custodian only in that capacity.


2.5 Payments for Shares.  The Custodian  shall receive from the  distributor for
the Shares or from the  Transfer  Agent of the Fund and deposit into the account
of the  appropriate  Portfolio  such payments as are received for Shares of that
Portfolio  issued  or sold from time to time by the  Fund.  The  Custodian  will
provide timely notification to the Fund on behalf of each such Portfolio and the
Transfer Agent of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of such Portfolio.


2.6  Availability  of Federal Funds.  The Custodian  shall,  upon the receipt of
Proper  Instructions from the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio,  make federal funds
available to such Portfolio as of specified  times agreed upon from time to time
by the Fund and the  Custodian  in the amount of checks  received in payment for
Shares of such Portfolio which are deposited into the Portfolio's account.


2.7  Collection  of Income.  The  Custodian  shall collect on a timely basis all
income and other payments with respect to registered  securities  held hereunder
to which each Portfolio shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in
the  securities  business,  and shall  collect on a timely  basis all income and
other  payments with respect to bearer  securities if, on the date of payment by
the issuer,  such  securities are held by the Custodian or its agent thereof and
shall credit such income, as collected,  to such Portfolio's  custodian account.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian shall detach and
present for payment all coupons and other income items requiring presentation as
and when they become due and shall collect  interest when due on securities held
hereunder.  Income due each  rortfolio  on  securities  loaned  pursuant  to the
provisions  of Section  2.2 (10) shall be the  responsibility  of the Fund.  rhe
Custodian will have no duty or  responsibility  in connection  therewith,  other
than to provide the Fund with such  information  or data as may be  necessary to
assist the Fund in  arranging  for the timely  delivery to the  Custodian of the
income to which the Portfolio is properly entitled.


<PAGE>


2.8 Payment of Fund Monies. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on
behalf of the applicable  Portfolio,  which may be continuing  instructions when
deemed  appropriate  by the  parties,  the  Custodian  shall pay out monies of a
Portfolio in the following cases only:


     1) Upon the purchase of securities,  options,  futures contracts or options
on futures  contracts  for the account of the Portfolio but only (a) against the
delivery  of such  securities  or  evidence  of title to such  options,  futures
contracts or options on futures contracts to the Custodian (or any bank, banking
firm or trust  company  doing  business in the United  States or abroad which is
qualified  under the  Investment  Company Act of 1940,  as amended,  to act as a
custodian  and has  been  designated  by the  Custodian  as its  agent  for this
purpose)  regisiered in the name of the Portfolio or in the name of a nominee of
the Custodian  referred to in Section 2.3 hereof or in proper form for transfer;
(b) in  the  case  of a  purchase  effected  through  a  Securities  System,  in
accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 2.12 hereof; (c) in the case
of a  purchase  involving  the  Direct  Paper  System,  in  accordance  with the
conditions set forth in Section 2.12A; (d) in the case of repurchase  agreements
entered into between the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio and the  Custodian,  or
another bank, or a broker-dealer which is a member of NASD, (i) against delivery
of the securities  either in certificate  form or through an entry crediting the
Custodian's  account at the Federal  Reserve Bank with such  securities  or (ii)
against  delivery  of  the  receipt  evidencing  purchase  by the  Portfolio  of
securities  owned by the Custodian along with written  evidence of the agreement
by the Custodian to  repurchase  such  securities  from the Portfolio or (e) for
transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund in any bank,  whether domestic or
foreign; such transfer may be effected prior to receipt of a cocfirmation frcm a
broker and/or the applicable bank pursuant to PropeL rnstructions from the Fund
as defined in Section 2.:17;


     2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of securities owned
by the  Portfolio as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof;  3) For the  redemption or
repurchase  of Shares  issued by the  Portfolio  as set  forth in  Section  2.10
hereof;


     4) For the payment of any expense or liability  incurred by the  Portfolio,
including  but not  limited to the  following  payments  for the  account of the
Portfolio:  interest,  taxes, management,  accounting,  transfer agent and legal
fees, and operating  expenses of the Fund whether or not such expenses are to be
in whole or part capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;


     5) For the payment of any  dividends  on Shares of the  Portfolio  declared
pursuant to the governing documents of the Fund;


     6) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of securities
sold short;

<PAGE>

     7) For any other proper  purpose,  but only upon receipt of, in addition to
Proper  Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio,  a certified copy
of a resolution  of the Board of Trustees or of the  Executive  Committee of the
Fund  signed by an  officer of the Fund and  certified  by its  Secretary  or an
Assistant  Secretary,  specifying the amount of such payment,  setting forth the
purpose for which such  payment is to be made,  declaring  such  purpose to be a
proper  purpose,  and naming the person or persons to whom such payment is to be
made.


     2.9 Liability  for Payment in Advance of Receipt of  Securities  Purchased.
Except as specifically stated otherwise in this Contract,  in any and every case
where payment for purchase of securities  for the account of a Portfolio is made
by the  Custodian  in  advance of receipt  of the  securities  purchased  in the
absence  of  specific  written  instructions  from  the Fund on  behalf  of such
Portfolio to so pay in advance,  the Custodian shall be absolutely liable to the
Fund for  such  securities  to the same  extent  as if the  securities  had been
received by the  Custodian.  

     2.10 Payments for  Repurchases or  Redemptions of Shares of the Fund.  From
such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to the limitations of
the  Declaration of Trust and any  applicable  votes of the Board of Trustees of
the Fund pursuant  thereto,  the Custodian  shall,  upon receipt of instructions
from the Transfer  Agent,  make funds available for payment to holders of Shares
who have  delivered to the Transfer Agent 2 request for redemption or repurchase
of their Shares.  In connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares of a
Portfolio,  the Custodian is authorized  upon receipt of  instructions  from the
Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial  bank  designated by the
redeeming  shareholders.  In  connection  with the  redemption  or repurchase of
Shares of the Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on the Custodian by a
holder of Shares,  which checks have been furnished by the Fund to the holder of
Shares,  when preqented to the Custodian in accordance  with such procedures and
controls as are mutually  agreed upon from time to time between the Fund and the
Custodian.

<PAGE>

     2.11 Appointment of Agents. Subject to prior approval, the Custodian may at
any time or times in its  discretion  appoint  (and may at any time  remove) any
other  bank or trust  company  which is itself  qualified  under the  Investment
Company Act of 1940,  as amended,  to act as a custodian,  as its agent to carry
out such of the  provisions  of this Article 2 as the Custodian may from time to
time direct;  provided,  however,  that the  appointment  of any agent shall not
relieve the Custodian of its responsibilities or liabilities hereunder.

<PAGE>

     2.12  Deposit of Fund  Assets in  Securities  Systems.  The  Custodian  may
deposit and/or  maintain  securities  owned by a Portfolio in a clearing  agency
registered with the Securities and Exchange  Commission under Section 17A of the
Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a securities  depository,  or in
the  book-entry  system  authorized  by the U.S.  Department of the Treasury and
certain federal agencies, collectively referred to herein as "Securities System"
in accordance with applicable  Federal Reserve Board and Securities and Exchange
Commission  rules  and  regulations,  if  any,  and  subject  to  the  following
provisions:

     1) The  Custodian  may keep  securities  of the  Portfolio  in a Securities
System provided that such  securities are represented in an account  ("Account")
of the Custodian in the Securities  System which shall not include any assets of
the Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary,  custodian or otherwise for
customers;

     2) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the Portfolio
which are maintained in a Securities  System shall identify by book-entry  those
securities belonging to the Portfolio;


     3) The Custodian shall pay for securities  purchased for the account of the
Portfolio  upon (i)  receipt  of advice  from the  Securities  System  that such
securities have been transferred to the Account, and (i ) the making of an entry
on the records of the  Custodian  to reflect  such  payment and transfer for the
account of the Portroliou The Custodian  shall t ansfer  securities sold for the
account of the Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice from the  Securities  System
that payment for such securities has been  transferred to the Account,  and (ii)
the making of an entry on the records of the  Custodian to reflect such transfer
and  payment for the account of the  Portfolio.  Copies of all advices  from the
Securities  System of transfers of  securities  for the account of the Portfolio
shall identify the  Portfolio,  be maintained for the Portfolio by the Custodian
and be provided to the Fund at its request.  Upon request,  the Custodian  shall
furnish the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio  confirmation of each transfer to or
from the account of the Portfolio in the form of a written  advice or notice and
shall furnish to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio copies of daily transaction
sheets  reflecting  each day's  transactions  in the  Securities  System for the
account of the Portfolio.


     4) The Custodian  shall provide the Fund for the Portfolio  uith any report
obtained  by the  Custodian  Qll  the  Securities  System's  accounting  system,
internal   accountir.g  control  and  procedures  for  safeguarding   securities
deposited in the Securities System;


     5) The  Custodian  shall  have  received  from  the Fund on  behalf  of the
Portfolio  the initial or annual  certificate,  as the case may be,  required by
Article 9 hereof; 6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract  notwithstanding,
the  Custodian  shall be liable to the Fund for the benefit of the Portfolio for
any loss or damage to the Portfolio  resulting from use of the Securities System
by reason of any  negligence,  misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or any
of its  agents  or of any of its or  their  employees  or  from  failure  of the
Custodian  or any such agent to enforce  effectively  such rights as it may have
against the Securities System; at the election of the Fund, it shall be entitled
to be  subrogated  to the  rights of the  Custodian  with  respect  to any claim
against the  Securities  System or any other person which the Custodian may have
as a  consequence  of any such  loss or  damage  if and to the  extent  that the
Portfolio hac not been made whole for any such loss or damage.

     2.12A  Fund  Assets  Held  in the  Custodian's  Direct  Paper  System.  The
Custodian may deposit  and/or  maintain  securities  owned by a Portfolio in the
Direct Paper System of the Custodian subject to the following provisions:


     1) No transaction relating to securities in the Direct Paper System will be
effected  in the absence of Proper  Instructions  from the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio;

     2) The Custodian  may keep  securities of the Portfolio in the Direct Paper
System only if such securities are represented in an account  ("Account") of the
Custodian  in the Direct  Paper System which shall not include any assets of the
Custodian  other than assets held as a fiduciary,  custodian  or  otherwise  for
customers;

     3) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the Portfolio
which are  maintained  in the Direct Paper System shall  identify by  book-entry
those securities belonging to the Portfolio;

     4) The Custodian shall pay for securities  purchased for the account of the
Portfolio upon the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect
such payment and transfer of  securities  to the account of the  Portfolio.  The
Custodian  shall transfer  securities sold for the account of the Portfolio upon
the making of an entry on the records of the  Custodian to reflect such transfer
and receipt of payment for the account of the Portfolio;

     5) The  Custodian  shall  furnish  the  Fund  on  behalf  of the  Portfolio
confirmation  of each transfer to or from the account of the  Portfolio,  in the
form of a written  advice or notice,  of Direct  Paper on the next  business day
following such transfer and shall furnish to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
copies of daily  transaction  sheets  reflecting  each day's  transaction in the
Securities System for the account of the Portfolio;

     6) The Custodian shall provide the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio with any
report on its system of internal  accounting  control as the Fund may reasonably
request from time to time.

     2.13  Segregated  Account.  The  Custodian  shall  upon  receipt  of Proper
Instructions from the Fund on behalf of each applicable  Portfolio establish and
maintain  a  segregated  account  or  accounts  for and on  behalf  of each such
Portfolio,  into which  account  or  accounts  may be  transferred  cash  and/or
securities,  including  securities  maintained  in an account  by the  Cuctodian
pursuant to Section 2.12 hereof,  (i) in accordance  with tbe  provisions of any
agreement  among  the Fund on  behalf  of the  Portfolio,  the  Custodian  and a
broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a member of the NASD (or any
futures  commission  merchant  registered  under the  Commodity  Exchange  Act),
relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of
any registered  national  securities  exchange (or the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission or any registered contract market), or of any similar organization or
organizations,  regarding  escrow  or  other  arrangements  in  connection  with
transactions  by the  Portfolio,  (ii)  for  purposes  of  segregating  cash  or
securities  in  connection  with  options  purchased,  sold  or  written  by the
Portfolio or commodity futures contracts or options thereon purchased or sold by
the  Portfolio,  (iii) for the purposes of compliance by the Portfolio  with the
procedures  required  by  Investment  Company  Act  Release  No.  10666,  or any
subsequent  release  or  releases  of the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission
relating to the  maintenance  of segregated  accounts by  registered  investment
companies and (iv) for other proper corporate purposes, but only, in the case of
clause (iv), upon receipt of, in addition to Proper  Instructions  from the Fund
on behalf of the applicable  Portfolio,  a certified copy of a resolution of the
Board of Trustees  or of the  Executive  Committee  sig!led by an officer of the
Fund and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, setting forth the
purpose or purposes cf such segregated account and declaring such purposes to be
proper corporate purposes.


<PAGE>


     2.14 Ownership  Certificates for Tax Purposes.  The Custodian shall execute
ownership and other  certificates  and  affidavits for all federal and state tax
purposes in connection  with receipt of income or other payments with respect to
securities  of each  Portfolio  held by it and in connection  with  transfers of
securities.

     2.15 Proxies.  The Custodian  shall,  with respect to the  securities  held
hereunder,  cause to be  promptly  executed  by the  registered  holder  of such
securities,  if the securities are registered  otherwise than in the name of the
Portfolio or a nominee of the Portfolio,  all proxies, without indication of the
manner in which such proxies are to be voted,  and shall promptly deliver to the
Portfolio such proxies,  all proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating
to such securities.  2.16 Communications  Relating to Portfolio Securities.  The
Custodian  shall  transmit  promptly to the Fund for each  portfolio all written
information 'including, without limitation,  pendency of calls and maturities of
securities  and  expirations  of rights in  connection  therewith and notices of
exercise of call and put options  written by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
and the  maturity  of  futures  contracts  purchased  or sold by the  Portfolio)
received by the  Custodian  from  issuers of the  securities  being held for the
Yortfolio.  With  res?ect to tender or  exchange  offers,  the  Custodian  shall
transmit  promptly  to the  Portfolio  all written  information  received by the
Custodian from issuers of the securities  whose tender or exchange is sought and
from the party (or his  agents)  making the  tender or  exchange  offer.  If the
Portfolio  desires to take action  with  respect to any tender  offer,  exchange
offer or any other similar transaction, the Portfolio shall notify the Custodian
at least three business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take
such action.

     2.17 Proper  Instructions.  Proper  Instructions  as used  throughout  this
Article 2 means a writing  signed or initialled by one or more person or persons
as the Board of  Trustees  shall  have from time to time  authorized.  Each such
writing  shall  set  forth  the  specific  transaction  or type  of  transaction
involved, including a specific statement of the purpose for which such action is
requested.  Oral  instructions  will be considered  Proper  Instructions  if the
Custodian  reasonably believes them to have been given by a person authorized to
give such instructions with respect to the transaction involved.  The Fund shall
cause all oral  instructions  to be  confirmed  in  writing.  Upon  receipt of a
certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant  Secretary as to the  authorization
by the Board of Trustees of the Fund  accompanied  by a detailed  description of
procedures  approved by the Board of Trustees,  Proper  Instructions may include
communications  effected  directly  between   electro-mechanical  or  electronic
devices provided that the Board of Trustees and the Custodian are satisfied that
such procedures  afford  adequate  safeguards for the  Portfolios'  assets.  For
purposes  of  this  Section,  Proper  Instructions  shall  include  instructions
received by the Custodian pursuant to any three-party agreement which requires a
segregated asset account in accordance with Section 2.13.


<PAGE>


     2.18 Actions Permitted without Express Authority.  The Custodian may in its
discretion, without express authority from the Fund on behalf of each applicable
Portfolio:


1)         make  payments  to itself or others for minor  expenses  of  handling
           securities or other  similar items  relating to its duties under this
           Contract,  provided that all such payments  shall be accounted for to
           the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio;


2)        surrender securities in temporary form  for securities in 
          definitive form;


3)        endorse for collection, in the name of  the Fortfolio, checks, drafts 
          and other negotiable instruments; and

4)       in general, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection
         with the sale,  exchange,  substitution,  purchase,  transfer and
         other  dealings with the securities and property of the Portfolio
         except as  otherwise  directed  by the Board of  Trustees  of the
         Fund.


     2.19 Evidence of Authority. The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon
any instructions,  notice, request, consent,  certificate or other instrument or
paper  believed by it to be genuine and to have been properly  executed by or on
behalf of the Fund.  The Custodian may receive and accept a certified  copy of a
vote of the Board of  Trustees  of the Fund as  conclusive  evidence  (a) of the
authority  of any  person  to act in  accordance  with  such  vote or (b) of any
determination  or of any  action  by  the  Board  of  Trustees  pursuant  to the
Declaration  of Trust as described in such vote, and such vote may be considered
as in full force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of written  notice to
the contrary.


<PAGE>


     3. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and Calculation
of Net Asset Value and Net Income. The Custodian shall keep the books of account
of each  Portfolio and compute the net asset value per share of the  outstanding
shares of each  Portfolio.  The  Custodian  shall also  calculate  daily the net
income  of  the  Portfolio  as  described  in  the  Fund's  currently  effective
prospectus  related to such Portfolio and shall advise the Fund and the Transfer
Agent  daily of the  total  amounts  of such net  income  and shall  advise  the
Transfer Agent periodically of the division of such net income among its various
components.  The  calculations  of the net  asset  value per share and the daily
income of each Portfolio  shall be made at the time or times described from time
to time in the Fund's currently effective prospectus related to such Portfolio.

     4. Records The Custodian. shall with respect to each  Portfolio  create and
maintain  all records  relating to its  activities  and  obligations  under this
Contract  in such  manner as will  meet the  obligations  of the Fund  under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, with particular  attention to Section 31 thereof
and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder,  applicable federal and state tax laws and
any other law or  administrative  rules or procedures which may be applicable to
the Fund.  All such  records  shall be the property of the Fund and shall at all
times during the regular  business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection
by duly authorized  officers,  employees or agents of the Fund and employees and
agents of the Securities and Exchange  Commission.  The Custodian  shall, at the
Fund's  request,  supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities  owned by each
Portfolio and held by the Custodian  and shall,  when  requested to do so by the
Fund and for such  compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the
Custodian, include certificate numbers in such tabulations.




     5. Opinion of Fund's Independent  Accountant.  The Custodian shall take all
reasonable  action, as the Fund on behalf of each applicable  Portfolio may from
time to time request,  to obtain from year to year  favorable  Gpinions from the
Fund's  independent  accountanLs  with  respect to its  activities  hereunder in
connection with the preparation of the Fund's Form N-lA, and Form N-SAR or other
annual reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission and with respect to any
other requirements of such Commission.
 
     6. Reports to Fund by Independent Public  Accountants.  The Custodian shall
provide the Fund, on behalf of each of the  Portfolios at such times as the Fund
may reasonably  require,  with reports by independent  public accountants on the
accounting system,  internal  accounting control and procedures for safeguarding
securities,  futures  contracts  and  options  on futures  contracts,  including
securities  deposited and/or maintained in a Securities System,  relating to the
services provided by the Custodian under this Contract;  such reports,  shall be
of sufficient scope and in sufficient  detail,  as may reasonably be required by
the Fund to provide reasonable assurance that any material inadequacies would be
disclosed  by such  examination,  and,  if there are no such  inadequacies,  the
reports shall so state.  

     7.  Compensation of Custodian The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable
compensation  for its services and  expenses as  Custodian,  as agreed upon from
time to time  between the Fund on behalf of each  applicable  Portfolio  and the
Custodian.


<PAGE>

     8. Responsibility of Custodian.  So long as and to the extent that it is in
the exercise of reasonable  care, the Custodian sha]l not be responsible for the
title9  validity or  genuineness  of any  property or evidence of title  thereto
received by it or  delivered  by it pursuant to this  Contract and shall be held
harmless in acting  upon any  notice,  request,  consent,  certificate  or other
instrument  reasonably  believed  by it to be  genuine  and to be  signed by the
proper  party or parties,  including  any  futures  commission  merchant  acting
pursuant  to the  terms of a  three-party  futures  or  options  agreement.  The
Custodian  shall be held to the exercise of reasonable  care in carrying out the
provisions  of this  Contract,  but  shall be kept  indemnified  by and shall be
without  liability  to the Fund for any  action  taken or  omitted by it in good
faith  without  negligence.  It  shall be  entitled  to rely on and may act upon
advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund) on all matters, and shall be
without  liability for any action  reasonably  taken or omitted pursuant to such
advice.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the responsibility of the Custodian with
respect to redemptions  effected by check shall be in accordance with a separate
Agreement entered into between the Custodian and the Fund. If the Fund on behalf
of a  Portfolio  requires  the  Custodian  to take any  action  with  respect to
securities,  which action  involves the payment of money or which action may, in
the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned to
the Fund or the Portfolio being liable for the payment of the Custodian's  money
or the Custodian  incurring  liability of some other form, the Fund on behalf of
the Portfolio, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take such action,
shall provide  indemnity to the Custodian Ln an amount and form  satisfactory to
it. If the Fund  requires  the  Custodian  to advance  the  Custodian's  cash or
securities  for any purpose for the benefit of a Portfolio  or in the event that
the  Custodian  or its nominee  shall incur or be assessed  any taxes,  charges,
expenses,  assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the performance
of this  Contract,  except  such as may  arise  from  its or its  nominee's  own
negligent action,  negligent failure to act or willful misconduct,  any property
at any time held for the account of the applicable  Portfolio  shall be security
therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the Custodian
shall be entitled to utilize  available cash and to dispose of such  Portfolio's
assets to the extent  necessary to obtain  reimbursement.  

     9. Effective Period,  Termination and Amendment. This Contract shall become
effective  as of its  execution,  shall  continue in full force and effect until
terminated  as  hereinafter  provided,  may be  amended  at any  time by  mutual
agreement  of the parties  hereto and may be  terminated  by either  party by an
instrument in writing  delivered or mailed,  postage prepaid to the other party,
such  termination to take effect not sooner than ninety (90) days after the date
of such delivery or mailing; provided, however that the Custodian shall not with
respect to a Portfolio  act under  Section 2.12 hereof in the absence of receipt
of an initial  certificate  of the Secretary or an Assistant  Secretary that the
Board of Trustees  of the Fund llas  approved  the  initial use of a  particular
Securities System by such Portfolio and the receipt of an annual  certificate of
the Secretary or an Assistant  Secretary that the Board of Trustees has reviewed
the use by such Portfolio of such Securities System, as required in each case by
Rule 17f-4 under the  Investment  Company  Act of 1940,  as amended and that the
Custodian  shall not with respect to a Portfolio  act under Section 2.12A hereof
in the  absence  of receipt of an initial  certificate  of the  Secretary  or an
Assistant  Secretary  that the Board of Trustees has approved the initial use of
the  Direct  Paper  System  by such  Portfolio  and  the  receipt  of an  annual
certificate  of the  Secretary  or an  Assistant  Secretary  that  the  Board of
Trustees  has reviewed  the use by such  Portfolio  of the Direct Paper  System;
provided  further,  however,  that neither  party shall amend or terminate  this
Contract in contravention of any applicable federal or state regulations, or any
provision of the Declaration of Trust,  and further  provided,  that the Fund on
behalf of one or more of the  Portfolios  may at any time by action of its Board
of Trustees (i)  substitute  another bank or trust  company for the Custodian by
giving notice as described above to the Custodian, or (ii) immediately terminate
this Contract in the event of the  appointment  of a conservator or receiver for
the Custodian by the Comptroller of the Currency or upon the happening of a like
event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent
jurisdiction.  Upon  termination  of the  Contract,  the Fund on  behalf of each
applicable  Portfolio shall pay to the Custodian such compensation as may be due
as of the date of such  termination  and shall likewise  reimburse the Custodian
for its costs, expenses and disbursements.

     10. Successor  Custodian.  If a successor custodian for the Fund, of one or
more of the Portfolios  shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Fund,
the Custodian shall,  upon termination,  deliver to such successor  custodian at
the office of the  Custodian,  duly endorsed and in the form for  transfer,  all
securities  of each  applicable  Portfolio  then held by it hereunder  and shall
transfer to an account of the successor  custodian all of the securities,  funds
or other property of each such Portfolio held in a Securities System. If no such
successor  custodian  shall be appointed,  the Custodian  shall, in like manner,
upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board of Trustees of the Fund,
deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer such  securities,  funds and
other  properties  in  accordance  with such vote.  In the event that no written
order designating a successor custodian or certified copy of a vote of the Board
of Trustees  shall have been  delivered  to the  Custodian on or before the date
when such termination shall become effective,  then the Custodian shall have the
right to deliver to a bank or trust company, which is a "bank" as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, doing business in Boston, Massachusetts,  of its
own selection,  having an aggregate capital,  surplus, and undivided profits, as
shown  by  its  last  published  report,  of  not  less  than  $100,000,00;  all
securities,  funds and Gther properties held by the C-Jstodian of behalf of each
applicable  Portfolio and ail instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto
and all  other  property  held by it  under  this  Contract  on  behalf  of each
applicable  Portfolio and to transfer to an account of such successor  custodian
all of the  securities of each such  Portfolio  held in any  Securities  System.
Thereafter,  such bank or trust  company shall be the successor of the Custodian
under this Contract.  In the event that  securities,  funds and other properties
remain in the possession of the Custodian  after the date of termination  hereof
owing to failure of the Fund to procure the certified  copy of the vote referred
to or of the Board of Trustees to appoint a successor  custodian,  the Custodian
shall be entitled to fair  compensation  for its services  during such period as
the Custodian retains possession of such securities,  funds and other properties
and the  provisions of this Contract  relating to the duties and  obligations of
the  Custodian  shall  remain in full force and  effect.  

     11. Interpretive and Additional Provisions In connection with the operation
of  this  Contract,  the  Custodian  anc  the  Fund  on  behalf  of  each of the
Portfolios, may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in
addition to the  provisions  of this  Contract as may in their joint  opinion be
consistent  with the general tenor of this Contract.  Any such  interpretive  or
additional  provisions shall be in a writing signed by both parties and shall be
annexed  hereto,  provided that no such  interpretive  or additional  provisions
shall contrevene any applicable federal or state regulations or any provision of
the Declaration of Trust of the Fund. No  interpret;ve or additional  provisions
made as provided in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of
this Contract.

     l2. Additional Funds. In the event that the Fund  establishes  one or more
series   of   Shares   in   addition    to    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  with  respect  to which it desires to have
the Custodian  render services as custodian under the terms hereof,  it shall so
notify the  Custodian  in  writing,  and if the  Custodian  agrees in writing to
provide such services, such series of Shares shall become a Portfolio hereunder.

     13.  Massachusetts  Law to Apply This Contract.  shall be construed and the
provisions  thereof  interpreted  under  and  in  accordance  with  laws  of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  

     14. Prior Contracts This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date
hereof, all prior contracts between the Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios
and the Custodian relating to the custody of the Fund's assets.

                            RIDER A



15. Trustees Not Bound.  

     The obligations of the Funds hereunder are not personally binding upon, nor
shall  resort  be  had  to  the  private  property  of,  any  of  the  Trustees,
shareholders,  officers,  employees  or agents  of the Fund and only the  Fund's
property shall be bound.





                              See Rider A attached

               IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,   each  of  the  parties  has  caused  this
instrument  to be  executed  in its  name  and  behalf  by its  duly  authorized
representative and its seal to be hereunder affixed as of the XX day of XXXXXXX,
19XX.






<PAGE>


ATTEST                                             XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


                                                   By



ATTEST                                             STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST
COMPANY

                                                  By



*******************************************************************************



                        INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT 
                                     


The Board of Trustees 
Evergreen Tax Free Trust: 

     With respect to the Prospectuses  and Statements of Additional  Information
included in this Post Effective  Amendment No. 25 to the Registration  Statement
on Form N-1A of Evergreen Tax Free Trust,  formerly FFB Funds Trust,  we consent
to the use of our reports,  dated April 27, 1995,  incorporated by reference and
to the references to our Firm under the headings "Financial  Highlights" in Part
A of the  Registration  Statement and  "Financial  Statements"  in Part B of the
Registration Statement.


By: KPMG Peat Marwick LLP 
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP 
New York, New York
February 7, 1996






                       DISTRIBUTION PLAN OF CLASS B SHARES

                          THE EVERGREEN TAX FREE TRUST

                    EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX FREE INCOME FUND

     Section  1. The  Evergreen  Tax Free  Trust  (the  "Trust")  may act as the
distributor  of  securities  which are  issued in  respect of one or more of its
separate investment series,  pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company
Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act")  according to the terms of this  Distribution  Plan
("Plan").

   Section 2. The Trust may expend daily  amounts at an annual rate of 1% of the
average daily net asset value of the Class B Shares  ("Shares") of its Evergreen
Intermediate  Term  Government  Securities Fund ("Fund") to finance any activity
which is principally intended to result in the sale of Shares including, without
limitation,  expenditures  consisting of payments to a principal  underwriter of
the Fund (Principal  Underwriter) or others in order:  (i) to enable payments to
be made by the  Principal  Underwriter  or  others  for any  activity  primarily
intended to result in the sale of Shares,  including,  without  limitation,  (a)
compensation to public relations  consultants or other persons  assisting in, or
providing   services  in  connection  with,  the  distribution  of  Shares,  (b)
advertising,   (c)  printing  and  mailing  of  prospectuses   and  reports  for
distribution  to persons other than existing  shareholders,  (d) preparation and
distribution  of  advertising  material  and sales  literature,  (e)  commission
payments,  and principal and interest expenses  associated with the financing of
commission  payments,  made by the Principal  Underwriter in connection with the
sale of Shares and (f)  conducting  public  relations  efforts such as seminars;
(ii) to enable the Principal  Underwriter  or others to receive,  pay or to have
paid to others  who have sold  Shares,  or who  provide  services  to holders of
Shares, a maintenance or other fee in respect of services provided to holders of
Shares, at such intervals as the Principal Underwriter may determine, in respect
of Shares previously sold and remaining outstanding during the period in respect
of which such fee is or has been paid;  and/or (iii) to compensate the Principal
Underwriter for its efforts in respect of sales of Shares since inception of the
Plan.  Appropriate  adjustments  shall be made to the payments  made pursuant to
this Section 2 to the extent  necessary to ensure that no payment is made by the
Fund with respect to any Class in

                                                   1




<PAGE>



excess of the  applicable  limit imposed on asset based,  front end and deferred
sales charges under  subsection (d) of Section 26 of Article III of the Rules of
Fair  Practice of the National  Association  of  Securities  Dealers,  Inc. (the
"NASD").  In addition,  to the extent any amounts paid hereunder fall within the
definition  of an "asset based sales  charge" under said NASD Rule such payments
shall be limited to .75 of 1% of the  aggregate net asset value of the Shares on
an annual basis and, to the extent that any such payments are made in respect of
"shareholder  services" as that term is defined in the NASD Rule,  such payments
shall be limited to .25 of 1% of the  aggregate net asset value of the Shares on
an annual  basis and  shall  only be made in  respect  of  shareholder  services
rendered during the period in which such amounts are accrued.

   Section 3. This Plan shall not take effect with  respect to any Fund until it
has been approved by votes of a majority of (a) the  outstanding  Shares of such
Series,  (b) the Trustees of the Trust,  and (c) those Trustees of the Trust who
are not  "interested  persons"  of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who
have no direct or indirect  financial  interest in the operation of this Plan or
any  agreements of the Trust related  hereto or any other person related to this
Plan  ("Disinterested  Trustees"),  cast in person at a meeting  called  for the
purpose of voting on this Plan. In addition,  any agreement related to this Plan
and entered into by the Fund in connection therewith shall not take effect until
it has been  approved by votes of a majority of (a) the Board of Trustees of the
Trust, and (c) the Disinterested Trustees of the Trust.

   Section 4. Unless  sooner  terminated  pursuant to Section 6, this Plan shall
continue  in effect  for a period of one year from the date it takes  effect and
thereafter shall continue in effect for additional periods that shall not exceed
one year so long as such  continuance  is  specifically  approved  by votes of a
majority  of  both  (a)  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Trust  and  (b)  the
Disinterested  Trustees of the Trust, cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on this Plan.

   Section 5. Any person  authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or
payable  pursuant to this Plan or any  related  agreement  shall  provide to the
Trust's Board and the Board shall review at least  quarterly a written report of
the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.

    Section 6. This Plan may be  terminated at any time with respect to any Fund
by vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees, or by vote of a majority of
the Shares of the Fund.

                                                   2




<PAGE>


    Section 7. Any agreement of the Trust, with respect to any Fund,  related to
this Plan shall be in writing and shall provide:

     A. That such agreement may be terminated with respect to a Fund at any time
without  payment  of any  penalty,  by vote of a majority  of the  Disinterested
Trustees  or by a vote of a majority of the  outstanding  Shares of such Fund on
not more than sixty days written notice to any other party to the agreement; and

     B. That such agreement  shall terminate  automatically  in the event of its
assignment.

     Section 8. This Plan may not be amended to increase  materially  the amount
of distribution expenses provided for in Section 2 with respect to a Fund unless
such  amendment  is approved by a vote of at least a majority (as defined in the
1940 Act) of the outstanding  Shares of such Fund, and no material  amendment to
this Plan shall be made unless  approved by votes of a majority of (a) the Board
of Trustees of the Trust, and (c) the Disinterested  Trustees of the Trust, cast
in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such amendment.

DATED:

January 19, 1996



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