<PAGE> PAGE 1
000 A000000 06/30/95
000 C000000 0000787978
000 D000000 N
000 E000000 NF
000 F000000 Y
000 G000000 N
000 H000000 N
000 I000000 3.0
000 J000000 U
001 A000000 STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
001 B000000 811-4558
001 C000000 6173571200
002 A000000 ONE FINANCIAL CENTER
002 B000000 BOSTON
002 C000000 MA
002 D010000 02111
002 D020000 2690
003 000000 N
004 000000 N
005 000000 N
006 000000 N
007 A000000 Y
007 B000000 5
007 C010100 1
007 C020100 STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT FUND
007 C030100 N
007 C010200 2
007 C020200 STATE STREET RESEARCH CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE FUD
007 C030200 N
007 C010300 3
007 C020300 STATE STREET RESEARCH NEW YORK TAX-FREE FUND
007 C030300 N
007 C010400 4
007 C020400 STATE STREET RESEARCH FLORIDA TAX-FREE FUND
007 C030400 N
007 C010500 5
007 C020500 STATE STREET RESEARCH PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE
007 C030500 N
007 C010600 6
007 C010700 7
007 C010800 8
007 C010900 9
007 C011000 10
018 00AA00 Y
019 A00AA00 Y
019 B00AA00 24
019 C00AA00 METLIFESTA
020 C000001 0
020 C000002 0
020 C000003 0
020 C000004 0
<PAGE> PAGE 2
020 C000005 0
020 C000006 0
020 C000007 0
020 C000008 0
020 C000009 0
020 C000010 0
021 000000 0
022 A000001 MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE FENNER & SMITH INC.
022 B000001 13-5674085
022 C000001 47530
022 D000001 0
022 A000002 SMITH BARNEY SHEARSON INC.
022 B000002 13-1912900
022 C000002 11243
022 D000002 2426
022 A000003 MORGAN STANLEY
022 B000003 13-2655998
022 C000003 7127
022 D000003 1742
022 A000004 LEHMAN BROTHERS INC.
022 B000004 13-2518466
022 C000004 1458
022 D000004 6556
022 A000005 KEMPER CLEARING
022 C000005 1997
022 D000005 1410
022 A000006 BRADFORD, (J.C.) & CO.
022 B000006 62-0136910
022 C000006 1003
022 D000006 1298
022 A000007 KEMPER SECURITIES
022 B000007 34-1542819
022 C000007 2175
022 D000007 6012
022 A000008 STONE & YOUNGBERG
022 C000008 308
022 D000008 1395
022 A000009 GOLDMAN SACHS & CO.
022 B000009 13-5108880
022 C000009 1594
022 D000009 0
022 A000010 SCOTT & SPRINGFELLOW
022 C000010 1450
022 D000010 0
023 C000000 103461
023 D000000 21729
066 A00AA00 N
067 00AA00 N
068 A00AA00 N
068 B00AA00 N
069 00AA00 N
<PAGE> PAGE 3
077 A000000 N
080 A00AA00 FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY
080 C00AA00 15000
081 A00AA00 Y
081 B00AA00 29
082 A00AA00 N
082 B00AA00 0
083 A00AA00 N
083 B00AA00 0
084 A00AA00 N
084 B00AA00 0
085 A00AA00 Y
085 B00AA00 N
086 A010000 0
086 A020000 0
086 B010000 0
086 B020000 0
086 C010000 0
086 C020000 0
086 D010000 0
086 D020000 0
086 E010000 0
086 E020000 0
086 F010000 0
086 F020000 0
028 A010100 2004
028 A020100 0
028 A030100 0
028 A040100 5267
028 B010100 1354
028 B020100 894
028 B030100 0
028 B040100 5035
028 C010100 1817
028 C020100 886
028 C030100 0
028 C040100 7129
028 D010100 2448
028 D020100 867
028 D030100 0
028 D040100 4314
028 E010100 3113
028 E020100 856
028 E030100 0
028 E040100 5426
028 F010100 2029
028 F020100 1695
028 F030100 0
028 F040100 6214
028 G010100 12765
028 G020100 5198
<PAGE> PAGE 4
028 G030100 0
028 G040100 33385
028 H000100 9218
029 000100 Y
030 A000100 272
030 B000100 4.50
030 C000100 0.00
031 A000100 33
031 B000100 0
032 000100 15
033 000100 224
034 000100 Y
035 000100 110
036 A000100 N
036 B000100 0
037 000100 N
038 000100 0
039 000100 N
040 000100 Y
041 000100 Y
042 A000100 1
042 B000100 0
042 C000100 0
042 D000100 94
042 E000100 3
042 F000100 0
042 G000100 2
042 H000100 0
043 000100 484
044 000100 142
055 A000100 N
055 B000100 N
056 000100 N
057 000100 N
062 A000100 Y
062 B000100 0.0
062 C000100 0.0
062 D000100 0.0
062 E000100 4.6
062 F000100 0.0
062 G000100 0.0
062 H000100 0.0
062 I000100 0.0
062 J000100 0.0
062 K000100 0.0
062 L000100 0.0
062 M000100 0.0
062 N000100 0.0
062 O000100 95.4
062 P000100 0.0
062 Q000100 0.0
<PAGE> PAGE 5
062 R000100 0.0
063 A000100 0
063 B000100 19.1
071 A000100 118263
071 B000100 136175
071 C000100 267446
071 D000100 44
072 A000100 6
072 B000100 8781
072 C000100 0
072 D000100 0
072 E000100 0
072 F000100 758
072 G000100 0
072 H000100 0
072 I000100 320
072 J000100 76
072 K000100 0
072 L000100 27
072 M000100 14
072 N000100 27
072 O000100 0
072 P000100 0
072 Q000100 0
072 R000100 16
072 S000100 5
072 T000100 485
072 U000100 0
072 V000100 0
072 W000100 9
072 X000100 1737
072 Y000100 0
072 Z000100 7044
072AA000100 3545
072BB000100 0
072CC010100 9492
072CC020100 0
072DD010100 6279
072DD020100 10
072EE000100 0
073 A010100 0.2100
073 A020100 0.1800
073 B000100 0.0000
073 C000100 0.0000
074 A000100 37
074 B000100 0
074 C000100 5000
074 D000100 259683
074 E000100 0
074 F000100 0
074 G000100 0
<PAGE> PAGE 6
074 H000100 0
074 I000100 0
074 J000100 3988
074 K000100 0
074 L000100 5647
074 M000100 81
074 N000100 274436
074 O000100 1114
074 P000100 450
074 Q000100 0
074 R010100 0
074 R020100 0
074 R030100 0
074 R040100 617
074 S000100 0
074 T000100 272255
074 U010100 29861
074 U020100 4971
074 V010100 7.82
074 V020100 7.80
074 W000100 0.0000
074 X000100 14997
074 Y000100 0
075 A000100 0
075 B000100 275619
076 000100 0.00
028 A010200 459
028 A020200 0
028 A030200 0
028 A040200 1306
028 B010200 100
028 B020200 86
028 B030200 0
028 B040200 482
028 C010200 520
028 C020200 84
028 C030200 0
028 C040200 942
028 D010200 153
028 D020200 80
028 D030200 0
028 D040200 447
028 E010200 249
028 E020200 80
028 E030200 0
028 E040200 367
028 F010200 514
028 F020200 158
028 F030200 0
028 F040200 467
028 G010200 1995
<PAGE> PAGE 7
028 G020200 488
028 G030200 0
028 G040200 4011
028 H000200 1403
029 000200 Y
030 A000200 529
030 B000200 4.50
030 C000200 0.00
031 A000200 61
031 B000200 0
032 000200 48
033 000200 420
034 000200 Y
035 000200 8
036 A000200 N
036 B000200 0
037 000200 N
038 000200 0
039 000200 N
040 000200 Y
041 000200 Y
042 A000200 1
042 B000200 1
042 C000200 0
042 D000200 81
042 E000200 10
042 F000200 0
042 G000200 7
042 H000200 0
043 000200 29
044 000200 141
055 A000200 N
055 B000200 N
056 000200 N
057 000200 N
062 A000200 Y
062 B000200 0.0
062 C000200 0.0
062 D000200 0.0
062 E000200 0.3
062 F000200 0.0
062 G000200 0.0
062 H000200 0.0
062 I000200 0.0
062 J000200 0.0
062 K000200 0.0
062 L000200 0.0
062 M000200 0.0
062 N000200 0.0
062 O000200 99.7
062 P000200 0.0
<PAGE> PAGE 8
062 Q000200 0.0
062 R000200 0.0
063 A000200 0
063 B000200 16.4
071 A000200 10225
071 B000200 11773
071 C000200 28125
071 D000200 36
072 A000200 6
072 B000200 902
072 C000200 0
072 D000200 0
072 E000200 0
072 F000200 78
072 G000200 0
072 H000200 0
072 I000200 45
072 J000200 46
072 K000200 0
072 L000200 13
072 M000200 6
072 N000200 5
072 O000200 0
072 P000200 0
072 Q000200 0
072 R000200 12
072 S000200 1
072 T000200 30
072 U000200 0
072 V000200 0
072 W000200 2
072 X000200 238
072 Y000200 87
072 Z000200 751
072AA000200 299
072BB000200 0
072CC010200 1393
072CC020200 0
072DD010200 483
072DD020200 16
072EE000200 0
073 A010200 0.2200
073 A020200 0.1800
073 B000200 0.0000
073 C000200 0.0000
074 A000200 32
074 B000200 0
074 C000200 900
074 D000200 28542
074 E000200 0
074 F000200 0
<PAGE> PAGE 9
074 G000200 0
074 H000200 0
074 I000200 0
074 J000200 883
074 K000200 14
074 L000200 548
074 M000200 2
074 N000200 30921
074 O000200 2045
074 P000200 43
074 Q000200 0
074 R010200 0
074 R020200 0
074 R030200 0
074 R040200 210
074 S000200 0
074 T000200 28623
074 U010200 2089
074 U020200 90
074 V010200 7.83
074 V020200 7.82
074 W000200 0.0000
074 X000200 1500
074 Y000200 0
075 A000200 0
075 B000200 28460
076 000200 0.00
028 A010300 562
028 A020300 0
028 A030300 0
028 A040300 1263
028 B010300 315
028 B020300 254
028 B030300 0
028 B040300 1355
028 C010300 826
028 C020300 255
028 C030300 0
028 C040300 1128
028 D010300 769
028 D020300 250
028 D030300 0
028 D040300 1060
028 E010300 823
028 E020300 250
028 E030300 0
028 E040300 951
028 F010300 543
028 F020300 496
028 F030300 0
028 F040300 1186
<PAGE> PAGE 10
028 G010300 3838
028 G020300 1505
028 G030300 0
028 G040300 6943
028 H000300 2507
029 000300 Y
030 A000300 60
030 B000300 4.50
030 C000300 0.00
031 A000300 7
031 B000300 0
032 000300 0
033 000300 53
034 000300 Y
035 000300 34
036 A000300 N
036 B000300 0
037 000300 N
038 000300 0
039 000300 N
040 000300 Y
041 000300 Y
042 A000300 1
042 B000300 1
042 C000300 0
042 D000300 88
042 E000300 6
042 F000300 0
042 G000300 4
042 H000300 0
043 000300 91
044 000300 145
055 A000300 N
055 B000300 N
056 000300 N
057 000300 N
062 A000300 Y
062 B000300 0.0
062 C000300 0.0
062 D000300 0.0
062 E000300 0.7
062 F000300 0.0
062 G000300 0.0
062 H000300 0.0
062 I000300 0.0
062 J000300 0.0
062 K000300 0.0
062 L000300 0.0
062 M000300 0.0
062 N000300 0.0
062 O000300 99.3
<PAGE> PAGE 11
062 P000300 0.0
062 Q000300 0.0
062 R000300 0.0
063 A000300 0
063 B000300 15.9
071 A000300 28757
071 B000300 30743
071 C000300 72332
071 D000300 40
072 A000300 6
072 B000300 2319
072 C000300 0
072 D000300 0
072 E000300 0
072 F000300 201
072 G000300 0
072 H000300 0
072 I000300 94
072 J000300 50
072 K000300 0
072 L000300 19
072 M000300 0
072 N000300 7
072 O000300 0
072 P000300 0
072 Q000300 0
072 R000300 10
072 S000300 0
072 T000300 90
072 U000300 0
072 V000300 0
072 W000300 9
072 X000300 480
072 Y000300 80
072 Z000300 1919
072AA000300 725
072BB000300 0
072CC010300 2748
072CC020300 0
072DD010300 1131
072DD020300 18
072EE000300 0
073 A010300 0.2200
073 A020300 0.1800
073 B000300 0.0000
073 C000300 0.0000
074 A000300 30
074 B000300 0
074 C000300 800
074 D000300 73216
074 E000300 0
<PAGE> PAGE 12
074 F000300 0
074 G000300 0
074 H000300 0
074 I000300 0
074 J000300 0
074 K000300 12
074 L000300 1466
074 M000300 1
074 N000300 75525
074 O000300 1445
074 P000300 40
074 Q000300 0
074 R010300 0
074 R020300 0
074 R030300 0
074 R040300 316
074 S000300 0
074 T000300 73724
074 U010300 5076
074 U020300 105
074 V010300 7.90
074 V020300 7.89
074 W000300 0.0000
074 X000300 5054
074 Y000300 0
075 A000300 0
075 B000300 72953
076 000300 0.00
028 A010400 80
028 A020400 0
028 A030400 0
028 A040400 161
028 B010400 111
028 B020400 0
028 B030400 0
028 B040400 34
028 C010400 238
028 C020400 11
028 C030400 0
028 C040400 71
028 D010400 0
028 D020400 5
028 D030400 0
028 D040400 432
028 E010400 6
028 E020400 6
028 E030400 0
028 E040400 294
028 F010400 0
028 F020400 40
028 F030400 0
<PAGE> PAGE 13
028 F040400 27
028 G010400 435
028 G020400 62
028 G030400 0
028 G040400 1019
028 H000400 113
029 000400 Y
030 A000400 2
030 B000400 4.50
030 C000400 0.00
031 A000400 0
031 B000400 0
032 000400 0
033 000400 2
034 000400 Y
035 000400 11
036 A000400 N
036 B000400 0
037 000400 N
038 000400 0
039 000400 N
040 000400 Y
041 000400 Y
042 A000400 2
042 B000400 1
042 C000400 0
042 D000400 79
042 E000400 11
042 F000400 0
042 G000400 7
042 H000400 0
043 000400 26
044 000400 150
055 A000400 N
055 B000400 N
056 000400 N
057 000400 N
062 A000400 Y
062 B000400 0.0
062 C000400 0.0
062 D000400 0.0
062 E000400 3.7
062 F000400 0.0
062 G000400 0.0
062 H000400 0.0
062 I000400 0.0
062 J000400 0.0
062 K000400 0.0
062 L000400 0.0
062 M000400 0.0
062 N000400 0.0
<PAGE> PAGE 14
062 O000400 96.3
062 P000400 0.0
062 Q000400 0.0
062 R000400 0.0
063 A000400 0
063 B000400 9.9
071 A000400 2753
071 B000400 3357
071 C000400 10952
071 D000400 25
072 A000400 6
072 B000400 316
072 C000400 0
072 D000400 0
072 E000400 0
072 F000400 31
072 G000400 0
072 H000400 0
072 I000400 32
072 J000400 50
072 K000400 0
072 L000400 8
072 M000400 7
072 N000400 0
072 O000400 0
072 P000400 0
072 Q000400 0
072 R000400 8
072 S000400 5
072 T000400 26
072 U000400 3
072 V000400 0
072 W000400 2
072 X000400 172
072 Y000400 131
072 Z000400 275
072AA000400 30
072BB000400 0
072CC010400 574
072CC020400 0
072DD010400 93
072DD020400 30
072EE000400 0
073 A010400 0.2500
073 A020400 0.2100
073 B000400 0.0000
073 C000400 0.0000
074 A000400 72
074 B000400 0
074 C000400 200
074 D000400 10784
<PAGE> PAGE 15
074 E000400 0
074 F000400 0
074 G000400 0
074 H000400 0
074 I000400 0
074 J000400 516
074 K000400 24
074 L000400 202
074 M000400 22
074 N000400 11820
074 O000400 542
074 P000400 0
074 Q000400 0
074 R010400 0
074 R020400 0
074 R030400 0
074 R040400 84
074 S000400 0
074 T000400 11194
074 U010400 368
074 U020400 139
074 V010400 9.40
074 V020400 9.39
074 W000400 0.0000
074 X000400 189
074 Y000400 0
075 A000400 0
075 B000400 11285
076 000400 0.00
028 A010500 108
028 A020500 0
028 A030500 0
028 A040500 60
028 B010500 95
028 B020500 0
028 B030500 0
028 B040500 527
028 C010500 270
028 C020500 36
028 C030500 0
028 C040500 687
028 D010500 226
028 D020500 0
028 D030500 0
028 D040500 29
028 E010500 247
028 E020500 71
028 E030500 0
028 E040500 250
028 F010500 269
028 F020500 36
<PAGE> PAGE 16
028 F030500 0
028 F040500 184
028 G010500 1215
028 G020500 143
028 G030500 0
028 G040500 1737
028 H000500 756
029 000500 Y
030 A000500 21
030 B000500 4.50
030 C000500 0.00
031 A000500 2
031 B000500 0
032 000500 2
033 000500 17
034 000500 Y
035 000500 13
036 A000500 N
036 B000500 0
037 000500 N
038 000500 0
039 000500 N
040 000500 Y
041 000500 Y
042 A000500 1
042 B000500 1
042 C000500 0
042 D000500 83
042 E000500 9
042 F000500 0
042 G000500 6
042 H000500 0
043 000500 39
044 000500 148
055 A000500 N
055 B000500 N
056 000500 N
057 000500 N
062 A000500 Y
062 B000500 0.0
062 C000500 0.0
062 D000500 0.0
062 E000500 4.6
062 F000500 0.0
062 G000500 0.0
062 H000500 0.0
062 I000500 0.0
062 J000500 0.0
062 K000500 0.0
062 L000500 0.0
062 M000500 0.0
<PAGE> PAGE 17
062 N000500 0.0
062 O000500 95.4
062 P000500 0.0
062 Q000500 0.0
062 R000500 0.0
063 A000500 0
063 B000500 9.9
071 A000500 5961
071 B000500 6705
071 C000500 15894
071 D000500 37
072 A000500 6
072 B000500 480
072 C000500 0
072 D000500 0
072 E000500 0
072 F000500 45
072 G000500 0
072 H000500 0
072 I000500 31
072 J000500 49
072 K000500 0
072 L000500 10
072 M000500 7
072 N000500 2
072 O000500 0
072 P000500 0
072 Q000500 0
072 R000500 7
072 S000500 5
072 T000500 38
072 U000500 3
072 V000500 0
072 W000500 4
072 X000500 201
072 Y000500 141
072 Z000500 420
072AA000500 0
072BB000500 214
072CC010500 956
072CC020500 0
072DD010500 191
072DD020500 26
072EE000500 0
073 A010500 0.2600
073 A020500 0.2100
073 B000500 0.0000
073 C000500 0.0000
074 A000500 32
074 B000500 0
074 C000500 500
<PAGE> PAGE 18
074 D000500 15917
074 E000500 0
074 F000500 0
074 G000500 0
074 H000500 0
074 I000500 0
074 J000500 1131
074 K000500 25
074 L000500 221
074 M000500 16
074 N000500 17841
074 O000500 1040
074 P000500 21
074 Q000500 0
074 R010500 0
074 R020500 0
074 R030500 0
074 R040500 87
074 S000500 0
074 T000500 16693
074 U010500 762
074 U020500 121
074 V010500 9.39
074 V020500 9.38
074 W000500 0.0000
074 X000500 597
074 Y000500 0
075 A000500 0
075 B000500 16349
076 000500 0.00
SIGNATURE DOUGLAS R. ROMICH
TITLE ASSISTANT TREASURER
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT-TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 011
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT FUND CLASS A
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 259,539,105
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 264,683,682
<RECEIVABLES> 9,634,839
<ASSETS-OTHER> 117,815
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 274,436,336
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,113,989
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,067,792
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2,181,781
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 272,757,712
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 29,860,742
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 31,905,134
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 793,577
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (6,235,092)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 4,938,358
<NET-ASSETS> 272,254,555
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 8,781,083
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 1,737,203
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 7,043,880
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 3,545,319
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 9,491,977
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 20,081,176
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (6,279,255)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,176,844
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (3,809,240)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 588,004
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (2,472,832)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 880,566
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (9,780,411)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 757,953
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 1,737,203
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 275,619,273
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 7.46
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.20
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.36
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.20)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 7.82
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.16
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 012
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT FUND CLASS B
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 259,539,105
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 264,683,682
<RECEIVABLES> 9,634,839
<ASSETS-OTHER> 117,815
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 274,436,336
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,113,989
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,067,792
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2,181,781
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 272,757,712
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 4,779,340
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 4,737,867
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 793,577
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (6,235,092)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 4,938,358
<NET-ASSETS> 272,254,555
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 8,781,083
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 1,737,203
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 7,043,880
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 3,545,319
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 9,491,977
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 20,081,176
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (817,879)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 409,139
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (450,284)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 82,618
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (2,472,832)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 880,566
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (9,780,411)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 757,953
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 1,737,203
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 275,619,273
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 7.46
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.17
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.36
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.18)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 7.81
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.91
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EMEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 013
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT FUND CLASS C
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 259,539,105
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 264,683,682
<RECEIVABLES> 9,634,839
<ASSETS-OTHER> 117,815
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 274,436,336
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,113,989
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,067,792
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2,181,781
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 272,757,712
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 46,835
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 44,788
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 793,577
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (6,235,092)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 4,938,358
<NET-ASSETS> 272,254,555
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 8,781,083
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 1,737,203
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 7,043,880
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 3,545,319
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 9,491,977
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 20,081,176
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (10,270)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 9,373
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (8,510)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1,184
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (2,472,832)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 880,566
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (9,780,411)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 757,953
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 1,737,203
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 275,619,273
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 7.45
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.21
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.35
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.21)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 7.80
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.91
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 014
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT FUND CLASS D
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 259,539,105
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 264,683,682
<RECEIVABLES> 9,634,839
<ASSETS-OTHER> 117,815
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 274,436,336
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,113,989
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,067,792
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2,181,781
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 272,757,712
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 144,825
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 128,502
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 793,577
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (6,235,092)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 4,938,358
<NET-ASSETS> 272,254,555
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 8,781,083
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 1,737,203
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 7,043,880
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 3,545,319
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 9,491,977
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 20,081,176
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (23,465)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 35,566
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (20,439)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1,196
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (2,472,832)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 880,566
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (9,780,411)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 757,953
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 1,737,203
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 275,619,273
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 7.46
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.17
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.36
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.18)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 7.81
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.91
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 021
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH NEW YORK TAX-FREE FUND CLASS A
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 71,202,023
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 74,016,078
<RECEIVABLES> 1,478,137
<ASSETS-OTHER> 31,069
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 75,525,284
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,444,768
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 356,468
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,801,236
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 73,223,820
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 2,052,754
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 2,419,194
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 123,998
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (2,437,825)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 2,814,055
<NET-ASSETS> 73,724,048
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 2,319,664
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 400,392
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 1,919,272
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 725,186
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 2,747,947
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 5,392,405
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (503,722)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 319,960
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (288,540)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 52,140
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 1,854,408
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 141,050
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (3,163,011)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 200,622
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 480,289
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 72,953,455
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 7.53
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.20
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.37
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.21)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 7.89
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.10
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 022
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH NEY YORK TAX-FREE FUND CLASS B
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 71,202,023
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 74,016,078
<RECEIVABLES> 1,478,137
<ASSETS-OTHER> 31,069
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 75,525,284
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,444,768
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 356,468
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,801,236
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 73,223,820
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 1,651,780
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 1,611,873
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 123,998
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (2,437,825)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 2,814,055
<NET-ASSETS> 73,724,048
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 2,319,664
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 400,392
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 1,919,272
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 725,186
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 2,747,947
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 5,392,405
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (283,727)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 145,390
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (134,672)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 29,189
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 1,854,408
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 141,050
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (3,163,011)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 200,622
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 480,298
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 72,953,455
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 7.53
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.18
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.36
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.18)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 7.89
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.85
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 023
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH NEW YORK TAX-FREE FUND CLASS C
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 71,202,023
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 74,016,078
<RECEIVABLES> 1,478,137
<ASSETS-OTHER> 31,069
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 75,525,284
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,444,768
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 356,468
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,801,236
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 73,223,820
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 5,075,629
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 5,407,309
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 123,998
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (2,437,825)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 2,814,055
<NET-ASSETS> 73,724,048
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 2,319,664
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 400,392
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 1,919,272
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 725,186
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 2,747,947
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 5,392,405
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (1,130,603)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 20,864
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (462,640)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 110,096
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 1,854,408
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 141,050
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (3,163,011)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 200,622
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 480,298
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 72,953,455
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 7.54
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.22
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.36
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.22)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 7.90
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.85
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 024
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH NEW YORK TAX-FREE FUND CLASS D
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 71,202,023
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 74,016,078
<RECEIVABLES> 1,478,137
<ASSETS-OTHER> 31,069
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 75,525,284
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,444,768
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 356,468
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,801,236
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 73,223,820
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 104,675
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 102,688
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 123,998
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (2,437,825)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 2,814,055
<NET-ASSETS> 73,724,048
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 2,319,664
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 400,392
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 1,919,272
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 725,186
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 2,747,947
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 5,392,405
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (18,272)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 3,427
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1,621)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 181
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 1,854,408
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 141,050
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (3,163,011)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 200,622
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 480,298
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 72,953,455
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 7.53
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.17
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.38
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.18)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 7.90
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.85
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 031
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE FUND CLASS A
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 28,336,238
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 29,442,188
<RECEIVABLES> 1,444,404
<ASSETS-OTHER> 33,930
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 30,920,522
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 2,045,262
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 251,960
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2,297,222
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 28,483,958
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 1,032,698
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 1,089,993
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 45,652
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (0,012,260)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 1,105,950
<NET-ASSETS> 28,623,300
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 902,158
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 150,736
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 751,422
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 298,964
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 1,393,476
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 2,443,862
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (207,189)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 178,894
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (256,293)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 20,104
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 129,703
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 81,439
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (1,311,224)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 78,266
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 237,917
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 28,460,364
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 7.38
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.21
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.44
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.21)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 7.82
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.10
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 031
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE FUND CLASS B
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JAN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 28,336,238
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 29,442,188
<RECEIVABLES> 1,444,404
<ASSETS-OTHER> 33,930
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 30,920,522
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 2,045,262
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 251,960
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2,297,222
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 28,483,958
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 1,032,698
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 1,089,993
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 45,652
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (1,012,260)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 1,105,950
<NET-ASSETS> 28,623,300
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 902,158
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 150,736
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 751,422
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 298,964
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 1,393,476
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 2,443,862
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (207,189)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 178,894
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (256,293)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 20,104
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 129,703
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 81,439
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (1,211,224)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 78,266
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 237,917
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 28,460,364
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 7.38
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.21
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.44
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.21)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 7.82
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.10
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 033
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE FUND CLASS C
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 28,336,238
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 29,442,188
<RECEIVABLES> 1,444,404
<ASSETS-OTHER> 33,930
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 30,920,522
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 2,045,262
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 251,960
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2,297,222
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 28,483,958
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 2,088,885
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 2,271,994
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 45,652
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (1,012,260)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 1,105,950
<NET-ASSETS> 28,623,300
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 902,158
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 150,736
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 751,422
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 298,964
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 1,393,476
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 2,443,862
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (483,485)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 6,554
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (224,539)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 34,876
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 129,703
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 81,439
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (1,311,224)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 78,266
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 237,917
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 28,460,364
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 7.39
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.22
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.44
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.22)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 7.83
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.85
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 034
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE CLASS D
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 28,336,238
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 29,442,188
<RECEIVABLES> 1,444,404
<ASSETS-OTHER> 33,930
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 30,920,522
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 2,045,262
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 251,960
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2,297,222
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 28,483,958
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 89,776
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 73,326
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 45,652
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (1,012,260)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 1,105,950
<NET-ASSETS> 28,623,300
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 902,158
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 150,736
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 751,422
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 298,964
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 1,393,476
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 2,443,862
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (16,105)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 22,369
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (6,334)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 415
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 129,703
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 81,439
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (1,311,224)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 78,266
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 237,917
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 28,460,364
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 7.39
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.17
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.45
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.18)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 7.83
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.85
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 041
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH FLORIDA TAX-FREE FUND CLASS A
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 10,697,594
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 10,984,140
<RECEIVABLES> 742,486
<ASSETS-OTHER> 93,798
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 11,820,424
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 542,423
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 83,703
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 626,126
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 11,435,789
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 353,718
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 405,524
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 38,342
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (566,379)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 286,546
<NET-ASSETS> 11,194,298
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 315,440
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 40,489
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 274,951
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 29,561
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 573,648
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 878,160
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (91,516)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 11,229
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (66,523)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 3,488
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 77,502
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 40,510
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (595,940)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 31,034
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 171,984
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 11,285,091
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 8.92
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.24
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.48
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.24)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 9.40
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.50
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 042
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH FLORIDA TAX-FREE FUND CLASS B
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 10,697,594
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 10,984,140
<RECEIVABLES> 742,486
<ASSETS-OTHER> 93,798
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 11,820,424
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 542,423
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 83,703
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 626,126
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 11,435,789
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 330,494
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 322,805
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 38,342
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (566,379)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 286,546
<NET-ASSETS> 11,194,298
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 315,440
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 40,489
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 274,951
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 29,561
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 573,648
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 878,160
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (63,209)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 35,784
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (30,794)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 2,699
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 77,502
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 40,510
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (595,940)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 31,034
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 171,984
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 11,285,091
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 8.92
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.21
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.47
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.21)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 9.39
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.25
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 043
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH FLORIDA TAX-FREE FUND CLASS C
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 10,697,594
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 10,984,140
<RECEIVABLES> 742,486
<ASSETS-OTHER> 93,798
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 11,820,424
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 542,423
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 83,703
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 626,126
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 11,435,789
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 368,120
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 367,834
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 38,342
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (566,379)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 286,546
<NET-ASSETS> 11,194,298
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 315,440
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 40,489
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 274,951
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 29,561
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 573,648
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 878,160
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (92,580)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 274
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 0
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 12
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 77,502
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 40,510
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (595,940)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 31,034
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 171,984
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 11,285,091
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 8.93
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.25
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.47
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.25)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 9.40
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.25
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 044
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH FLORIDA TAX-FREE FUND CLASS D
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 10,697,594
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 10,984,140
<RECEIVABLES> 742,486
<ASSETS-OTHER> 93,798
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 11,820,424
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 542,423
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 83,703
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 626,126
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 11,435,789
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 138,585
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 149,962
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 38,342
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (566,379)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 286,546
<NET-ASSETS> 11,194,298
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 315,440
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 40,489
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 274,951
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 29,561
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 573,648
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 878,160
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (29,814)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 113
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (12,171)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 681
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 77,502
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 40,510
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (595,940)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 31,034
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 171,984
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 11,285,091
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 8.92
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.20
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.49
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.21)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 9.40
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.25
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 051
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE FUND CLASS A
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 16,133,549
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 16,417,030
<RECEIVABLES> 1,375,905
<ASSETS-OTHER> 48,068
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 17,841,003
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,039,569
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 108,436
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,148,005
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 17,045,695
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 762,257
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 817,559
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 60,642
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (696,820)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 283,481
<NET-ASSETS> 16,692,998
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 479,701
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 59,520
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 420,181
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (213,952)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 956,231
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 1,162,460
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (190,574)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 96,398
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (161,591)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 9,891
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 361,951
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 61,003
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (482,868)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 44,959
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 200,819
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 16,348,727
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 8.97
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.25
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.41
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.25)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 9.38
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.50
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 052
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE FUND CLASS B
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 16,133,549
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 16,417,030
<RECEIVABLES> 1,375,905
<ASSETS-OTHER> 48,068
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 17,841,003
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,039,569
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 108,436
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,148,005
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 17,045,695
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 528,091
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 513,552
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 60,642
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (696,820)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 283,481
<NET-ASSETS> 16,692,998
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 479,701
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 59,520
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 420,181
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (213,952)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 956,231
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 1,162,460
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (109,239)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 47,104
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (38,556)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 5,991
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 361,951
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 61,003
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (482,868)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 44,959
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 200,819
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 16,348,727
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 8.96
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.21
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.42
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.21)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 9.38
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.25
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 053
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE FUND CLASS C
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 16,133,549
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 16,417,030
<RECEIVABLES> 1,375,905
<ASSETS-OTHER> 48,068
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 17,841,003
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,039,569
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 108,436
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,148,005
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 17,045,695
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 368,283
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 368,244
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 60,642
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (696,820)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 283,481
<NET-ASSETS> 16,692,998
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 479,701
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 59,520
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 420,181
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (213,952)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 956,231
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 1,162,460
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (94,872)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 227
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (217)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 29
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 361,951
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 61,003
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (482,868)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 44,959
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 200,819
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 16,348,727
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 8.97
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.26
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.42
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.26)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 9.39
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.25
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000787978
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH TAX-EXEMPT TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 054
<NAME> STATE STREET RESEARCH PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE FUND CLASS D
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 16,133,549
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 16,417,030
<RECEIVABLES> 1,375,905
<ASSETS-OTHER> 48,068
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 17,841,003
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,039,569
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 108,436
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,148,005
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 17,045,695
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 121,100
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 122,070
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 60,642
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (696,820)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 283,481
<NET-ASSETS> 16,692,998
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 479,701
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 59,520
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 420,181
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (213,952)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 956,231
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 1,162,460
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (25,857)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 85
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (2,319)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1,264
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 361,951
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 61,003
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (482,868)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 44,959
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 200,819
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 16,348,727
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 8.97
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.21
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.41
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.21)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 9.38
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.25
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
