IDS LIFE VARIABLE ACCOUNT FOR SMITH BARNEY
N-30B-2, 1996-04-29
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(icon of)  four squares with a circle in the middle.

Smith Barney LifeVest(sm)

Smith
Barney
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Annual Financial Information

Report of Independent Auditors

The Board of Directors
IDS Life Insurance Company

We have audited the accompanying individual and combined statements
of net assets of the segregated asset subaccounts of IDS Life
Variable Account for Smith Barney for Single Premium Variable Life
Insurance as of December 31, 1995, and the related statements of
operations and changes in net assets for each of the three years in
the period then ended, except for the S95 subaccount which is for
the period January 1, 1993 to November 15, 1995 (date of maturity
of the securities in the Trust).  These financial statements are
the responsibility of the management of IDS Life Insurance Company. 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.

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

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



ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Minneapolis,  Minnesota
March 15, 1996
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PAGE 3
  <TABLE>
  <CAPTION>
  IDS Life Variable Account for Smith Barney
  Statements of Net Assets                                                                               Dec. 31, 1995
                                                                                                              Combined
                                                           Segregated Asset Subaccounts                       Variable
  Assets                          SAP            SMM          SHI          STR         SGO         S04         Account
  <S>                         <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
  Investments in shares of mutual
  fund portfolios and units of the
  trust, at market value:
  IDS Life Series Fund Equity
  Portfolio -- 482,246 shares at
  net asset value of $25.70 per
  share (cost $6,427,990).... $12,395,002   $       --   $       --   $       --   $       --   $     --   $12,395,002
  IDS Life Series Fund Income
  Portfolio -- 1,613,133 shares
  at net asset value of
  $1.00 per share
  (cost $1,613,002)............        --    1,612,990           --           --           --         --     1,612,990
  IDS Life Series Fund Money 
  Market Portfolio -- 135,142 shares
  at net asset value of $10.50 
  per share (cost $1,496,753).         --           --    1,419,263           --           --         --     1,419,263
  IDS Life Series Fund Managed
  Portfolio -- 379,973 shares
  at net asset value of $16.10
  per share (cost $5,098,927).         --           --           --    6,118,160           --         --     6,118,160
  IDS Life Series Fund
  Government Securities
  Portfolio -- 164,380 shares
  at net asset value of $10.57
  per share (cost $1,597,801).         --           --           --           --    1,737,945         --     1,737,945
  Smith Barney Inc. Stripped
  ("Zero Coupon") U.S. Treasury
  Securities Fund, Series A
  2004 Trust -- 364,385 units
  at net asset value of $0.61
  per unit (cost $141,643)....         --           --           --           --           --    223,247       223,247
                               12,395,002    1,612,990    1,419,263    6,118,160    1,737,945    223,247    23,506,607
  Dividends receivable........         --        6,187        7,404           --        7,885         --        21,476
  Receivable from mutual fund
  portfolios for share
  redemptions.................     51,962           --           --       11,856           --         --        63,818
  Total assets................ 12,446,964    1,619,177    1,426,667    6,130,016    1,745,830    223,247    23,591,901
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PAGE 4
 Liabilities                                                                                                          
  Payable to IDS Life for:
  Mortality and expense
  risk charge.................     49,091        3,126        2,704       24,853        3,310        141        83,225
  Minimum death benefit
  guarantee risk charge.......         --           --           --           --           --         94            94
  Issue and administrative
  expense charge..............         --           --           --           --           --         94            94
  Distribution expense charge.         --           --           --           --           --        118           118
  Mortality charge............         --           --           --           --           --         71            71
  Premium tax charge..........         --           --           --           --           --         47            47
  Transaction charge..........         --           --           --           --           --         59            59
  Contract terminations.......     51,962           --           --       11,856           --         --        63,818
  Payable to mutual fund 
  portfolios for investments
  purchased...................         --        3,061        4,700           --        4,575         --        12,336
  Total liabilities...........    101,053        6,187        7,404       36,709        7,885        624       159,862
  Net assets applicable
  to Variable Life contracts
  in accumulation period..... $12,345,911   $1,612,990   $1,419,263   $6,093,307   $1,737,945   $222,623   $23,432,039
  Accumulation units
  outstanding................   3,739,368    1,249,006    1,030,438    2,652,684    1,068,232    112,267
  Net asset value per
  accumulation unit.......... $      3.30   $     1.29   $     1.38   $     2.30   $     1.63   $   1.98
  See accompanying notes to financial statements.
  </TABLE>
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  <TABLE>
  <CAPTION>
  IDS Life Variable Account for Smith Barney
  Statements of Operations                                                                     Year ended Dec. 31, 1995
                                                                                                               Combined
                                                       Segregated Asset Subaccounts                            Variable
                                 SAP            SMM        SHI         STR          SGO       S95*      S04     Account
  <S>                        <C>             <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
  Investment income (loss): 
  Dividend income from
  mutual fund portfolios.....$  268,604      $ 63,687   $ 88,953   $  300,012    $ 97,485  $     -- $     -- $  818,741
  Expenses: 
  Mortality and expense
  risk charge (Note 4).......    69,242         7,380      7,802       44,426      12,045     4,122    1,646    146,663
  Minimum death benefit
  guarantee risk charge
  (Note 5)...................    46,254         4,930      5,212       22,999       5,788     2,748    1,097     89,028
  Issue and administrative
  expense charge (Note 6)....    46,254         4,930      5,212       22,999       5,788     2,748    1,097     89,028
  Distribution expense
  charge (Note 8)............    34,621         3,691      3,901       16,869       4,333     2,061      823     66,299
  Mortality charge (Note 3)..    57,610         6,140      6,492       28,646       7,209     3,435    1,371    110,903
  Premium tax charge
  (Note 7)...................    22,988         2,450      2,590       11,776       2,877     1,374      548     44,603
  Transaction charge (Note 9)        --            --         --           --          --     1,717      686      2,403
  Total expenses.............   276,969        29,521     31,209      147,715      38,040    18,205    7,268    548,927
  Investment income (loss) --
  net.......................     (8,365)       34,166     57,744      152,297      59,445   (18,205)  (7,268)   269,814

  Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments -- Net                                                            
  Net realized gain (loss) on sales
  of investments in mutual fund
  portfolios and in the trusts:
  Proceeds from sales........ 1,847,284       860,714    159,993    1,331,998     146,245   824,274  133,665  5,304,173
  Cost of investments sold... 1,081,307       860,734    184,473    1,182,522     141,246   683,352   87,161  4,220,795
  Net realized gain (loss)
  on investments.............   765,977           (20)   (24,480)     149,476       4,999   140,922   46,504  1,083,378
  Net change in unrealized
  appreciation or depreciation
  of investments............. 2,603,618            15    183,529      623,831     158,503   (98,959)  25,013  3,495,550
  Net gain (loss) on
  investments................ 3,369,595            (5)   159,049      773,307     163,502    41,963   71,517  4,578,928
  Net increase in
  net assets resulting from
  operations ................$3,361,230      $ 34,161   $216,793   $  925,604    $222,947  $ 23,758 $ 64,249 $4,848,742
  * For the period Jan. 1, 1995, to Nov. 15, 1995, date of maturity of securities in the 1995 Trust.
  See accompanying notes to financial statements.
  </TABLE>
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  <TABLE>
  <CAPTION>
  IDS Life Variable Account for Smith Barney
  Statements of Operations                                                                     Year ended Dec. 31, 1994
                                                                                                               Combined
                                                       Segregated Asset Subaccounts                            Variable
                                 SAP            SMM        SHI         STR          SGO       S95       S04     Account
  <S>                       <C>            <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>
  Investment income (loss): 
  Dividend income from
  mutual fund portfolios....$ 1,063,619    $   38,282  $  95,109    $ 758,258   $ 110,768  $     -- $     -- $ 2,066,036
  Expenses: 
  Mortality and expense
  risk charge (Note 4).......    70,402         6,483      2,628       44,393       9,859     4,854    1,318     139,937
  Minimum death benefit
  guarantee risk charge
  (Note 5)...................    37,747         4,330      6,513       25,122       6,586     3,236      879      84,413
  Issue and administrative
  expense charge (Note 6)....    37,747         4,330      6,513       25,122       6,586     3,236      879      84,413
  Distribution expense
  charge (Note 8)............    28,254         3,241      4,875       18,804       4,929     2,427      659      63,189
  Mortality charge (Note 3)..    47,015         5,394      8,112       31,289       8,203     4,045    1,095     105,153
  Premium tax charge
  (Note 7)...................    18,761         2,152      3,237       12,486       3,273     1,618      442      41,969
  Transaction charge (Note 9)        --            --         --           --          --     2,022      549       2,571
  Total expenses.............   239,926        25,930     31,878      157,216      39,436    21,438    5,821     521,645
  Investment income (loss) --
  net.......................    823,693        12,352     63,231      601,042      71,332   (21,438)  (5,821)  1,544,391

  Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments -- Net                                                             
  Net realized gain (loss) on sales
  of investments in mutual fund
  portfolios and in the trusts:
  Proceeds from sales........ 1,122,644     1,238,579    202,700      953,599     481,242   358,380   13,821   4,370,965
  Cost of investments sold...   737,207     1,238,587    235,785      849,236     462,641   312,437    9,126   3,845,019
  Net realized gain (loss)
  on investments.............   385,437            (8)   (33,085)     104,363      18,601    45,943    4,695     525,946
  Net change in unrealized
  appreciation or depreciation
  of investments.............(1,175,401)          (28)  (124,885)    (817,558)   (215,484)  (34,087) (26,816) (2,394,259)
  Net gain (loss) on
  investments................  (789,964)          (36)  (157,970)    (713,195)   (196,883)   11,856  (22,121) (1,868,313)
  Net increase (decrease) in
  net assets resulting from
  operations ...............$    33,729    $   12,316  $ (94,739)   $(112,153)  $(125,551) $ (9,582)$(27,942)$  (323,922)
  See accompanying notes to financial statements.
  </TABLE>
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  <TABLE>
  <CAPTION>
  IDS Life Variable Account for Smith Barney
  Statements of Operations                                                                               Year ended Dec. 31, 1993
                                                                                                                         Combined
                                                          Segregated Asset Subaccounts                                   Variable
                                  SAP            SMM          SHI          STR         SGO         S95         S04       Account 
  <S>                          <C>          <C>            <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
  Investment income (loss):
  Dividend income from mutual
  fund portfolios............  $  307,339   $   38,325     $ 95,105   $  656,815     $137,778   $     --   $     --    $1,235,362
  Expenses:
  Mortality and expense risk
  charge (Note 4)............      58,631        8,761        8,064       38,803       12,653      5,012      1,733       133,657
  Minimum death benefit
  guarantee risk charge
  (Note 5)...................      39,165        5,852        5,387       25,632        8,452      3,341      1,156        88,985
  Issue and administrative
  expense charge (Note 6)....      39,165        5,852        5,387       25,632        8,452      3,341      1,156        88,985
  Distribution expense charge
  (Note 8)...................      29,315        4,380        4,032       19,185        6,326      2,506        867        66,611
  Mortality charge (Note 3)..      48,781        7,289        6,709       31,924       10,527      4,179      1,440       110,849
  Premium tax charge
  (Note 7)...................      19,465        2,909        2,677       12,739        4,201      1,668        583        44,242
  Transaction charge
  (Note 9)...................          --           --           --           --           --      2,088        722         2,810
  Total expenses.............     234,522       35,043       32,256      153,915       50,611     22,135      7,657       536,139
  Investment income
  (loss) -- net..............      72,817        3,282       62,849      502,900       87,167    (22,135)    (7,657)      699,223
  Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments -- Net                                                                      
  Net realized gain (loss) on sales
  of investments in mutual fund
  portfolios and in the trusts:
  Proceeds from sales........   1,345,003    1,203,405       89,939      497,368      447,885     26,049    227,221     3,836,870
  Cost of investments sold...     828,587    1,203,397       98,000      441,282      402,245     22,666    146,742     3,142,919
  Net realized gain (loss)
  on investments.............     516,416            8       (8,061)      56,086       45,640      3,383     80,479       693,951
  Net change in unrealized
  appreciation or depreciation
  of investments.............     382,899          (12)      90,410      446,748       57,303     42,819    (14,049)    1,006,118
  Net gain (loss) on
  investments................     899,315           (4)      82,349      502,834      102,943     46,202     66,430     1,700,069
  Net increase in net assets
  resulting from operations..  $  972,132   $    3,278     $145,198   $1,005,734     $190,110   $ 24,067   $ 58,773    $2,399,292
  See accompanying notes to financial statements.
  </TABLE>
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  <TABLE>
  <CAPTION>
  IDS Life Variable Account for Smith Barney
  Statements of Changes in Net Assets                                                                Year ended Dec. 31, 1995
                                                                                                                     Combined
                                                             Segregated Asset Subaccounts                            Variable
  Operations                   SAP          SMM          SHI          STR          SGO         S95**       S04        Account
  <S>                    <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>       <C>
  Investment income
  (loss) -- net......... $    (8,365)  $   34,166   $   57,744  $   152,297   $   59,445  $ (18,205)   $  (7,268)$   269,814
  Net realized gain 
  (loss) on investments.     765,977          (20)     (24,480)     149,476        4,999    140,922       46,504   1,083,378
  Net change in unrealized
  appreciation or depreciation
  of investments........   2,603,618           15      183,529      623,831      158,503    (98,959)      25,013   3,495,550
  Net increase in
  net assets resulting from
  operations............   3,361,230       34,161      216,793      925,604      222,947     23,758       64,249   4,848,742
  Contract Transactions                                                                                                     
  Net transfers*........    (296,536)     715,785       37,201       41,957      230,395   (795,854)      67,927         875
  Transfers for policy
  loans.................    (300,101)     (17,359)     (51,160)    (230,174)      (9,698)      (502)        (446)   (609,440)
  Policy charges (Note 3)        (12)          --           (8)          --           --         --           --         (20)
  Contract terminations:
  Surrender benefits
  (Note 10).............    (524,947)     (92,138)     (20,709)    (854,418)     (91,812)    (8,017)    (126,106) (1,718,147)
  Death benefits........      (9,260)     (13,995)      (1,749)      (3,892)     (18,396)        --           --     (47,292)
  Increase (decrease) from
  contract transactions.  (1,130,856)     592,293      (36,425)  (1,046,527)     110,489   (804,373)     (58,625) (2,374,024)
  Net assets at beginning
  of year...............  10,115,537      986,536    1,238,895    6,214,230    1,404,509    780,615      216,999  20,957,321
  Net assets at end
  of year............... $12,345,911   $1,612,990   $1,419,263  $ 6,093,307   $1,737,945  $      --    $ 222,623 $23,432,039
  Accumulation Unit Activity                                                                                                
  Units outstanding at
  beginning of year.....   4,142,587      786,564    1,064,043    3,145,108      994,719    544,506      139,733
  Net transfers*........    (115,120)     558,464       29,935       13,084      151,909   (538,654)      39,068
  Transfers for policy
  loans.................    (106,416)     (13,520)     (45,198)    (107,778)      (6,626)      (347)        (253)
  Deductions for policy
  charges...............          (5)          --           (7)          --           --         --           --
  Contract terminations:
  Surrender benefits....    (178,399)     (71,634)     (16,837)    (395,731)     (59,983)    (5,505)     (66,281)
  Death benefits........      (3,279)     (10,868)      (1,498)      (1,999)     (11,787)        --           -- 
  Units outstanding at
  end of year...........   3,739,368    1,249,006    1,030,438    2,652,684    1,068,232         --      112,267 
 * Includes transfer activity from (to) other subaccounts.
 **For the period Jan. 1, 1995 to Nov. 15, 1995, date of maturity of securities in the 1995 Trust.
  See accompanying notes to financial statements.
  </TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 9
  <TABLE>
  <CAPTION>
  IDS Life Variable Account for Smith Barney
  Statements of Changes in Net Assets                                                               Year Ended Dec. 31, 1994
                                                                                                                    Combined
                                                             Segregated Asset Subaccounts                           Variable
  Operations                   SAP          SMM          SHI          STR         SGO        S95          S04        Account
  <S>                    <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
  Investment income
  (loss) -- net......... $   823,693   $   12,352   $   63,231   $  601,042   $   71,332  $ (21,438)  $ (5,821)  $ 1,544,391
  Net realized gain 
  (loss) on investments.     385,437           (8)     (33,085)     104,363       18,601     45,943      4,695       525,946
  Net change in unrealized
  appreciation or depreciation
  of investments........  (1,175,401)         (28)    (124,885)    (817,558)    (215,484)   (34,087)   (26,816)   (2,394,259)
  Net increase (decrease) in
  net assets resulting from
  operations............      33,729       12,316      (94,739)    (112,153)    (125,551)    (9,582)   (27,942)     (323,922)
  Contract Transactions                                                                                                      
  Net transfers*........     204,398       28,171       56,429       17,261     (316,901)     9,618      1,580           556
  Transfers for policy
  loans.................    (154,689)     (17,876)     (18,631)    (122,120)     (17,390)   (11,647)      (449)     (342,802)
  Contract terminations:
  Surrender benefits
  (Note 10).............    (252,988)    (253,707)    (109,500)    (377,514)     (53,297)  (162,800)        --    (1,209,806)
  Death benefits........     (67,012)          --      (21,013)     (20,525)      (3,470)        --         --      (112,020)
  Increase (decrease) from
  contract transactions.    (270,291)    (243,412)     (92,715)    (502,898)    (391,058)  (164,829)     1,131    (1,664,072)
  Net assets at beginning
  of year...............  10,352,099    1,217,632    1,426,349    6,829,281    1,921,118    955,026    243,810    22,945,315
  Net assets at end
  of year............... $10,115,537   $  986,536   $1,238,895   $6,214,230   $1,404,509  $ 780,615   $216,999   $20,957,321
  Accumulation Unit Activity                                                                                                
  Units outstanding at
  beginning of year.....   4,254,205      981,708    1,143,994    3,397,116    1,264,164    660,189    138,773
  Net transfers*........      86,542       22,488       45,456        8,100     (218,043)     5,961      1,251
  Transfers for policy
  loans.................     (64,791)     (14,355)     (15,372)     (61,148)     (11,674)    (8,155)      (291)
  Contract terminations:
  Surrender benefits....    (104,732)    (203,277)     (92,623)    (187,978)     (37,314)  (113,489)        --
  Death benefits........     (28,637)          --      (17,412)     (10,982)      (2,414)        --         --              
  Units outstanding at
  end of year...........   4,142,587      786,564    1,064,043    3,145,108      994,719    544,506    139,733              
  *Includes transfer activity from (to) other subaccounts.
  See accompanying notes to financial statements.
  </TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 10
  <TABLE>
  <CAPTION>
  IDS Life Variable Account for Smith Barney
  Statements of Changes in Net Assets                                                               Year Ended Dec. 31, 1993
                                                                                                                    Combined
                                                             Segregated Asset Subaccounts                           Variable
  Operations                   SAP          SMM          SHI          STR         SGO        S95          S04        Account 
  <S>                    <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>       <C>
  Investment income
  (loss) -- net......... $    72,817   $    3,282   $   62,849   $  502,900   $   87,167   $(22,135)   $  (7,657)$   699,223
  Net realized gain 
  (loss) on investments.     516,416            8       (8,061)      56,086       45,640      3,383       80,479     693,951
  Net change in unrealized
  appreciation or depreciation
  of investments........     382,899          (12)      90,410      446,748       57,303     42,819      (14,049)  1,006,118 
  Net increase in net assets
  resulting from
  operations............     972,132        3,278      145,198    1,005,734      190,110     24,067       58,773   2,399,292 
  Contract Transactions                                                                                                      
  Net transfers*........    (103,927)    (387,053)     287,269      164,627     (260,851)   521,208     (225,496)     (4,223)
  Transfers for policy
  loans.................    (308,346)      (7,070)      28,406     (200,579)     (51,754)    (9,440)      (1,725)   (550,508)
  Contract terminations:
  Surrender benefits
  (Note 10).............    (189,094)    (190,667)     (24,840)    (140,531)     (17,778)   (16,527)          --    (579,437)
  Death benefits........    (111,939)          --      (12,036)     (37,784)          --         --           --    (161,759)
  Increase (decrease) from
  contract transactions.    (713,306)    (584,790)     278,799     (214,267)    (330,383)   495,241     (227,221) (1,295,927)
  Net assets at beginning
  of year...............  10,093,273    1,799,144    1,002,352    6,037,814    2,061,391    435,718      412,258  21,841,950 
  Net assets at end
  of year............... $10,352,099   $1,217,632   $1,426,349   $6,829,281   $1,921,118   $955,026    $ 243,810 $22,945,315 
  Accumulation Unit Activity                                                                                                  
  Units outstanding at
  beginning of year.....   4,592,261    1,452,324      901,445    3,515,251    1,485,851    313,484      279,808
  Net transfers*........     (54,533)    (311,599)     247,635       89,671     (174,974)   364,753     (140,041)
  Transfers for policy
  loans.................    (142,193)      (5,688)      24,763     (110,894)     (35,008)    (6,596)        (994)
  Contract terminations:
  Surrender benefits....     (89,875)    (153,329)     (19,927)     (76,282)     (11,705)   (11,452)          --
  Death benefits........     (51,455)          --       (9,922)     (20,630)          --         --           --             
  Units outstanding at
  end of year...........   4,254,205      981,708    1,143,994    3,397,116    1,264,164    660,189      138,773             
  *Includes transfer activity from (to) other subaccounts.
  See accompanying notes to financial statements.
  </TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 11
IDS Life Variable Account for Smith Barney

Notes to Financial Statements                                      
___________________________________________________________________
1.  Organization

IDS Life Variable Account for Smith Barney (the Variable Account)
was established on April 23, 1986 as a segregated asset account of
IDS Life Insurance Company (IDS Life) under Minnesota law and is
registered as a single unit investment trust under the Investment
Company Act of 1940.  Operations of the Variable Account commenced
on Oct. 3, 1986.

The Variable Account is comprised of six subaccounts.  Prior to
Nov. 15, 1995, the date of maturity of securities in the 1995
Trust, the Variable Account was comprised of seven subaccounts. 
The assets of each subaccount of the Variable Account are not
chargeable with liabilities arising out of the business conducted
by any other subaccount, account or by IDS Life.  The assets of the
Variable Account shall be available, however, to cover the
liabilities of IDS Life to the extent the assets of the Variable
Account exceed its liabilities arising under the policies supported
by it.  Five of the Variable Account subaccounts invest in shares
of the corresponding portfolios of the IDS Life Series Fund, Inc.
(the mutual fund).  The other subaccount invests in units of the
Smith Barney Inc. Stripped ("Zero Coupon") U.S.  Treasury
Securities Fund (the Trust).  Policy owners allocate their premium
payment to one or more of the six subaccounts.  Such funds are then
invested in shares of five portfolios of IDS Life Series Fund, Inc. 
or in  units of one Trust of Smith Barney Inc. Stripped ("Zero
Coupon") U.S.  Treasury Securities Fund, Series A.  The 1995 Trust
matured on Nov. 15, 1995 and is no longer available for investment.

The mutual fund, which commenced operations Jan. 20, 1986, is
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a
diversified, open-end management investment company.  Funds
allocated to Subaccount SAP are invested in the shares of the
Equity Portfolio; Subaccount SMM invests in the shares of the Money
Market Portfolio; Subaccount SHI invests in the shares of the
Income Portfolio; Subaccount STR invests in the shares of the
Managed Portfolio; and Subaccount SGO invests in the shares of the
Government Securities Portfolio.

The Trusts, which commenced operations Aug. 4, 1986, are registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a unit investment
trust.  Funds allocated to the 1995 subaccount (S95) were invested
in units of the 1995 Trust, and the 2004 subaccount (S04) invests
in units of the 2004 Trust. 

Prior to Dec. 28, 1990, the Subaccounts invested in the shares of
the Shearson Lehman Series Fund, which was formed on April 18,
1986.  It is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as
a diversified, open-end management investment company and commenced
operations on Nov. 3, 1986.  Prior to Dec. 28, 1990, funds
allocated to Subaccount SAP were invested in the shares of the
Appreciation Portfolio; Subaccount SMM invested in the shares of
the Money Market Portfolio; Subaccount SHI invested in the shares 
<PAGE>
PAGE 12
___________________________________________________________________
1.  Organization (continued)

of the High Income Bond Portfolio; Subaccount STR invested in the
shares of the Total Return Portfolio; and Subaccount SGO invested
in the shares of the Government Securities Portfolio.  

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

___________________________________________________________________
2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

<PAGE>
PAGE 13
___________________________________________________________________
3.  Mortality Charge

IDS Life deducts a mortality charge equal (except as explained
below), on an annual basis,  to 0.5 percent of the daily net asset
value of the Variable Account.  Prior to the maturity date of the
policy, the death benefit will always be higher than the policy
value.  This deduction will enable IDS Life to pay this additional
amount.  Although IDS Life does not expect to charge more than the
rate mentioned above, its charge for providing life insurance
protection could be greater.  If, at any time, IDS Life assesses a
charge higher than 0.5 percent for a policy, it will waive any
surrender charges which may exist on that policy.  IDS Life
guarantees that its charge will never be greater than an amount
based upon the 1958 Commissioners' Standard Ordinary Mortality
Table.

___________________________________________________________________
4.  Mortality and Expense Risk Charge

IDS Life makes contractual assurances to the Variable Account that
possible future adverse changes in administrative expense and
mortality experience of the policy owners and beneficiaries will
not affect the Variable Account.  The mortality and expense risk
fee paid to IDS Life is computed daily and is equal, on an annual
basis,  to 0.6 percent of the daily net asset value of the Variable
Account.

___________________________________________________________________
5.  Minimum Death Benefit Guarantee Risk Charge

IDS Life deducts a minimum death benefit guarantee risk charge
equal, on an annual basis,  to 0.4 percent of the daily net asset
value of the Variable Account.  This deduction is made to
compensate IDS Life for the risk it assumes by providing a
guaranteed minimum death benefit.  The deduction will be made from
the Variable Account and computed on a daily basis.  This charge is
guaranteed for the life of the contract and may not be increased.

___________________________________________________________________
6.  Issue and Administrative Expense Charge

IDS Life deducts a charge to compensate it for expenses it incurs
in administering the policy, such as the costs of underwriting the
policy, conducting any medical examinations, establishing and
maintaining records,  and providing reports to policy owners.  This
charge is deducted daily and is equivalent, on an annual basis,  to
0.4 percent of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account
during the first 10 years of the policy, and to 0.3 percent
thereafter.  There is not necessarily a relationship between the
amount of the charge imposed on a particular policy and the amount
of administrative expenses that may be attributable to that policy.
<PAGE>
PAGE 14
___________________________________________________________________
7.  Premium Tax Charge

To cover the premium taxes assessed by the various states and to
compensate IDS Life for the average premium tax expense it incurs
when issuing the policy, IDS Life deducts a charge equivalent, on
an annual basis,  to 0.2 percent of the daily net asset value of
the Variable Account during the first 10 policy years,  and 0
percent thereafter.

___________________________________________________________________
8.  Distribution Expense Charge

IDS Life incurs certain sales and other distribution expenses at
the time the policies are issued.  This charge is equal, on an
annual basis,  to 0.3 percent of the daily average net asset value
of the Variable Account for the first 10 policy years and 0 percent
thereafter.  IDS Life anticipates that this charge, together with
any  applicable surrender charge, will cover the expected costs of
distributing the policies.  In no event will the sum of the
surrender charge deducted on surrender and cumulative distribution
expense charges previously deducted exceed 9 percent of the single 
premium paid.

___________________________________________________________________
9. Transaction Charge

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

___________________________________________________________________
10.  Surrender Charge

IDS Life will use a surrender charge to help it recover certain
selling expenses.  The surrender charge will be deducted during the
first eight policy years.  Further, IDS Life guarantees that the
total cumulative distribution expense charges and the surrender
charge will never exceed 9 percent of the single premium.  Charges
by IDS Life for surrenders are not available on an individual
segregated asset account basis.  Charges for all segregated asset
accounts amounted to $10,125,762 in 1995, $6,969,493 in 1994 and
$4,408,562 in 1993. Such charges are not an expense of the
subaccounts or Variable Account.  They are deducted from contract
surrender benefits paid by IDS Life.
<PAGE>
PAGE 15
___________________________________________________________________
11.  Investment Transactions

The subaccounts' purchases of portfolio shares or trust units (net
of charges), including reinvestment of dividend distributions, 
were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Year Ended Dec. 31,
  Subaccount    Investment                             1995          1994              1993   
  <S>           <C>                                <C>               <C>           <C>
  SAP           Equity Portfolio.................. $  717,367        $1,673,247    $  706,537
  SMM           Money Market Portfolio............  1,487,172         1,007,521       621,896
  SHI           Income Portfolio..................    181,311           173,216       431,587
  STR           Managed Portfolio.................    438,831         1,047,157       789,666
  SGO           Government Securities Portfolio...    316,179           161,516       204,669
  S95           1995 Trust........................         --*          171,662       500,326
  S04           2004 Trust........................     67,928             9,056        (8,389)
                                                   $3,208,788        $4,243,375    $3,246,292 
* For the period Jan. 1, 1995 to Nov. 15, 1995, date of maturity of securities in the 1995 Trust.
 </TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 16
<TABLE>
<CAPTIION>

Condensed Financial Information (unaudited)                                                                         Period from
                                                                                                                     Oct. 3, to
                                                                       Year Ended Dec. 31,                            Dec. 31, 
                                            1995   1994     1993     1992     1991     1990     1989     1988      1987   1986*
<S>                                        <C>    <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>     <C>
Subaccount SAP (invests in Equity Portfolio)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period.................................... $2.44  $2.43    $2.20    $2.14    $1.32    $1.35    $1.05    $0.97     $1.01   $1.00
Accumulation unit value at end of period.. $3.30  $2.44    $2.43    $2.20    $2.14    $1.32    $1.35    $1.05     $0.97   $1.01
Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period (000 omitted)............ 3,739  4,143    4,254    4,592    4,902    5,464    5,590    6,111     7,324   1,048
Subaccount SMM (invests in Money Market Portfolio)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period.................................... $1.25  $1.24    $1.24    $1.23    $1.18    $1.13    $1.08    $1.04     $1.01   $1.00
Accumulation unit value at end of period.. $1.29  $1.25    $1.24    $1.24    $1.23    $1.18    $1.13    $1.08     $1.04   $1.01
Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period (000 omitted)............ 1,249    787      982    1,452    1,822    2,038    2,005    1,603     2,169     102
Subaccount SHI (invests in Income Portfolio)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period.................................... $1.16  $1.24    $1.11    $1.04    $0.92    $1.13    $1.18    $1.06     $1.01   $1.00
Accumulation unit value at end of period.. $1.38  $1.16    $1.24    $1.11    $1.04    $0.92    $1.13    $1.18     $1.06   $1.01
Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period (000 omitted)............ 1,030  1,064    1,144      901      947    1,310    2,331    3,401     2,666     541
Subaccount STR (invests in Managed Portfolio)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period.................................... $1.98  $2.01    $1.72    $1.59    $1.23    $1.25    $1.09    $0.95     $1.00   $1.00
Accumulation unit value at end of period.. $2.30  $1.98    $2.01    $1.72    $1.59    $1.23    $1.25    $1.09     $0.95   $1.00
Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period (000 omitted)............ 2,653  3,145    3,397    3,515    3,784    4,173    4,388    4,789     4,668     409
Subaccount SGO (invests in Government Securities Portfolio)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period.................................... $1.41  $1.52    $1.39    $1.33    $1.17    $1.12    $1.04    $1.00     $1.01   $1.00
Accumulation unit value at end of period.. $1.63  $1.41    $1.52    $1.39    $1.33    $1.17    $1.12    $1.04     $1.00   $1.01
Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period (000 omitted)............ 1,068    995    1,264    1,486    1,724    1,548    1,598    1,672     1,792     360
Subaccount S95 (invests in 1995 Trust)**
Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period.................................... $1.43  $1.44    $1.39    $1.32    $1.17    $1.09    $0.97    $0.92     $1.00      --
Accumulation unit value at end of period.. $  --  $1.43    $1.44    $1.39    $1.32    $1.17    $1.09    $0.97     $0.92      --
Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period (000 omitted)............    --    545      660      313      585      811      499      467       176      --
Subaccount S04 (invests in 2004 Trust)
Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period.................................... $1.55  $1.74    $1.47    $1.38    $1.17    $1.16    $0.96    $0.86     $0.98   $1.00
Accumulation unit value at end of period.. $1.98  $1.55    $1.74    $1.47    $1.38    $1.17    $1.16    $0.96     $0.86   $0.98
Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period (000 omitted)............   112    140      139      280      261      605      636      464       282      72
* Operations commenced on Oct. 3, 1986.
**For the period Jan. 6, 1987 to Nov. 15, 1995, date of maturity of securities in the 1995 Trust.  Subaccount S95 commenced
  operations on Jan. 6, 1987. 

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 17
IDS Life Financial Information

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

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

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

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

Total receivables                                            153,495             139,576

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

Total assets                                             $42,900,078         $35,747,543
                                                          ==========          ==========
<PAGE>
PAGE 18

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 19
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                                              Years ended Dec. 31,
                                                      1995           1994           1993  
                                                                      (thousands)
<S>                                                <C>           <C>            <C>
Revenues:
Premiums:
Traditional life insurance                         $   50,193    $   48,184     $   48,137
Disability income and long-term care insurance        111,337        96,456         79,108

Total premiums                                        161,530       144,640        127,245

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Income taxes                                          195,842       176,343        142,647

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

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 20
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Three years ended December 31, 1995 (thousands)

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

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

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

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

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 21
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                                                Years ended Dec. 31,
                                                        1995           1994           1993  
                                                                      (thousands)
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>           <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income                                            $ 364,940     $ 336,169     $ 270,079
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Policy loan issuance, excluding universal
life-type insurance:                                    (46,011)      (37,110)      (35,886)
Policy loan repayments, excluding universal
life-type insurance                                      36,416        33,384        29,557
Change in reinsurance receivable                        (34,083)      (25,006)      (55,298)
Change in other accounts receivable                      16,078       (28,286)       (1,364)
Change in accrued investment income                     (30,498)      (10,333)      (22,057)
Change in deferred policy acquisition costs, net       (196,963)     (192,768)     (211,509)
Change in liabilities for future policy
benefits for traditional life, disability income,
health and long-term care insurance                      85,575        55,354        79,695
Change in policy claims and other policyholders' funds    6,255         5,552        (5,383)
Change in deferred income taxes                         (33,810)      (19,176)      (44,237)
Change in other liabilities                              (6,548)         (122)       56,515
Amortization of premium (accretion
of discount), net                                       (22,528)       30,921       (27,438)
Net loss on investments                                   4,898         4,282         6,737
Premiums related to universal life--type insurance      465,631       409,035       397,883
Surrenders and death benefits related to
universal life--type insurance                         (306,600)     (290,427)     (255,133)
Interest credited to account balances related
to universal life--type insurance                       162,222       150,955       156,885
Policyholder and contractholder charges, non-cash      (140,506)     (126,918)     (115,140)
Other, net                                                    2        (8,974)       (1,907)

Net cash provided by operating activities             $ 324,470     $ 286,532     $ 221,999
<PAGE>
PAGE 22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PAGE 23
IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
($ thousands)

1. Summary of significant accounting policies

Nature of business

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

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

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

The Company's principal insurance product is the flexible-premium,
adjustable-benefit universal life insurance policy.  In this type
of insurance policy, each premium payment accumulates interest in 
a cash value account.  The policyholder has access to the cash
surrender value in whole or in part after the first year.  The size
of the cash value of the fund can also be controlled by the
policyholder by increasing or decreasing premiums, subject only to 
<PAGE>
PAGE 24
1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

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

Basis of presentation

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

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

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

Investments

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

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

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

Realized investment gain or loss is determined on an identified
cost basis.<PAGE>
PAGE 25
1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

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

Statements of cash flows

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

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

Recognition of profits on fixed annuity contracts and insurance
policies

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

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

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

Premiums on traditional life, disability income, health and long-
term care insurance policies are recognized as revenue when
collected or due, and related benefits and expenses are associated
with premium revenue in a manner that results in recognition of
profits over the lives of the insurance policies.  This association
is accomplished by means of the provision for future policy
benefits and the deferral and subsequent amortization of policy
acquisition costs.<PAGE>
PAGE 26
1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Deferred policy acquisition costs

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

Liabilities for future policy benefits

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

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

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

Liabilities for future disability income policy benefits have been
computed principally by the net level premium method, based on the
1964 Commissioners Disability Table with the 1958 Commissioners 
Standard Ordinary Mortality Table at 3 percent interest for persons
disabled in 1980 and prior, 8 percent interest for persons disabled
from 1981 to 1991, 7 percent interest for persons disabled in 1992
and 6 percent interest for persons disabled after 1992.<PAGE>
PAGE 27
1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

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

Reinsurance

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

Federal income taxes

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

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

Separate account business

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

The Company makes contractual mortality assurances to the variable
annuity contract owners that the net assets of the separate
accounts will not be affected by future variations in the actual
life expectancy experience of the annuitants and the beneficiaries
from the mortality assumptions implicit in the annuity contracts. <PAGE>
PAGE 28
1. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

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

Accounting changes

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

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

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

Reclassification

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

2. Investments

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

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

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

<PAGE>
PAGE 29
2. Investments (continued)

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. Government agency
obligations                        $  128,093     $    756    $  1,517    $   127,332
State and municipal obligations        11,008          702          --         11,710
Corporate bonds and obligations     1,142,321       24,166       7,478      1,159,009
Mortgage-backed securities          7,177,706        9,514     467,716      6,719,504
Total fixed maturities              8,459,128       35,138     476,711      8,017,555
Equity securities                       4,663           --       2,757          1,906
                                   $8,463,791     $ 35,138    $479,468    $ 8,019,461
/TABLE
<PAGE>
PAGE 30
2. Investments (continued)

The amortized cost and fair value of investments in fixed
maturities at Dec. 31, 1995 by contractual maturity are shown
below.  Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities
because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations
with or without call or prepayment penalties.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     Amortized             Fair
Held to maturity                        Cost               Value
<S>                                <C>                  <C>
Due in one year or less            $   268,363          $   272,808
Due from one to five years           1,692,030            1,783,047
Due from five to ten years           5,467,302            5,833,309
Due in more than ten years           1,570,195            1,696,516
Mortgage-backed securities           2,259,701            2,292,697
                                   $11,257,591          $11,878,377

                                     Amortized             Fair
Available for sale                      Cost               Value
<S>                                <C>                  <C>
Due in one year or less            $   118,996          $   120,019
Due from one to five years             849,800              913,175
Due from five to ten years           1,301,191            1,397,237
Due in more than ten years             339,423              366,798
Mortgage-backed securities           7,536,726            7,718,983
                                   $10,146,136          $10,516,212
</TABLE>
During the year ended Dec. 31, 1995, fixed maturities classified as
held to maturity were sold with proceeds of $332,154 and gross
realized gains and losses on such sales were $14,366 and $15,720,
respectively.  The sale of these fixed maturities was due to
significant deterioration in the issuers' creditworthiness.  As a
result of adopting the FASB Special Report, "A Guide to
Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities," the Company
reclassified securities with a book value of $91,760 and net
unrealized gains of $881 from held to maturity to available for
sale in December 1995.
        
In addition, fixed maturities available for sale were sold during
1995 with proceeds of $136,825 and gross realized gains and losses
on such sales were $nil and $5,781, respectively.
        
During the year ended Dec. 31, 1994, fixed maturities classified as
held to maturity were sold with proceeds of $58,001 and gross
realized gains and losses on such sales were $226 and $3,515,
respectively.  The sale of these fixed maturities was due to 
significant deterioration in the issuers' creditworthiness.
        
In addition, fixed maturities available for sale were sold during
1994 with proceeds of $374,564 and gross realized gains and losses
on such sales were $1,861 and $7,602, respectively.
        
At Dec. 31, 1995, bonds carried at $12,761 were on deposit with
various states as required by law.<PAGE>
PAGE 31
2. Investments (continued)

Net investment income for the years ended Dec. 31 is summarized as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      1995             1994           1993  
<S>                                <C>             <C>            <C>
Interest on fixed maturities       $1,656,136      $1,556,756     $1,589,802
Interest on mortgage loans            232,827         196,521        175,063
Other investment income                35,936          38,366         29,345
Interest on cash equivalents            5,363           6,872          2,137
                                    1,930,262       1,798,515      1,796,347
Less investment expenses               22,953          16,642         13,128
                                   $1,907,309      $1,781,873     $1,783,219
</TABLE>
At Dec. 31, 1995, investments in fixed maturities comprised 86
percent of the Company's total invested assets.  These securities
are rated by Moody's and Standard & Poor's (S&P), except for
securities carried at approximately $2.3 billion which are rated by
American Express Financial Corporation internal analysts using
criteria similar to Moody's and S&P.  A summary of investments in
fixed maturities, at amortized cost, by rating on Dec. 31 is as
follows:

     Rating                    1995               1994  

Aaa/AAA                    $ 9,907,664        $ 9,708,047
Aaa/AA                           3,112                 --
Aa/AA                          279,403            242,914
Aa/A                           154,846            119,952
A/A                          3,104,122          2,567,947
A/BBB                          871,782            725,755
Baa/BBB                      4,417,654          3,849,188
Baa/BB                         657,633            796,063
Below investment grade       2,007,511          1,719,123
                           $21,403,727        $19,728,989
        
At Dec. 31, 1995, 95 percent of the securities rated Aaa/AAA are
GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC mortgage-backed securities.  No holdings of
any other issuer are greater than 1 percent of the Company's  total
investments in fixed maturities.
        
At Dec. 31, 1995, approximately 11.6 percent of the Company's
invested assets were mortgage loans on real estate.  Summaries of
mortgage loans by region of the United States and by type of real
estate at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Dec. 31, 1995                   Dec. 31, 1994       
                          On Balance    Commitments      On Balance     Commitments
      Region                Sheet       to Purchase        Sheet        to Purchase
<S>                      <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>
East North Central       $  720,185      $ 67,206       $  581,142      $ 62,291
West North Central          303,113        34,411          257,996         7,590
South Atlantic              732,529       111,967          597,896        63,010
Middle Atlantic             508,634        37,079          408,940        34,478
New England                 244,816        40,452          209,867        23,087
Pacific                     168,272        23,161          138,900            --
West South Central           61,860        27,978           50,854            --
East South Central           58,462        10,122           67,503            --
Mountain                    184,964        16,774          122,668        18,750
                          2,982,835       369,150        2,435,766       209,206
Less allowance
for losses                   37,340            --           35,252            --
                         $2,945,495      $369,150       $2,400,514      $209,206<PAGE>
PAGE 32
2. Investments (continued)

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

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

As of January 1, 1995, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for
Impairment of a Loan" (SFAS No. 114), as amended by Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 118, "Accounting by Creditors
for Impairment of a Loan - Income Recognition and Disclosures". 
The adoption of the new rules did not have a material impact on the
Company's results of operations or financial condition.
        
SFAS No. 114 applies to all loans except for smaller-balance
homogeneous loans, that are collectively evaluated for impairment.  
Impairment is measured as the excess of the loan's recorded
investment over its present value of expected principal and
interest payments discounted at the loan's effective interest rate,
or the fair value of collateral.  The amount of the impairment is
recorded as a reserve for investment losses.
        
Based on management's judgment as to the ultimate collectibility of
principal, interest payments received are either recognized as
income or applied to the recorded investment in the loan until it
has been recovered.  Once the recorded investment has been
recovered, any additional payments are recognized as interest
income.
        
The reserve for investment losses is maintained at a level that
management believes is adequate to absorb estimated credit losses
in the portfolio.  The level of the reserve account is determined
based on several factors, including historical experience, expected
future principal and interest payments, estimated collateral 
<PAGE>
PAGE 33
2. Investments (continued)

values, and current and anticipated economic and political 
conditions.  Management regularly evaluates the adequacy of the
reserve for investment losses.

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

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

                                              1995  

Balance, Jan. 1                             $35,252

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

Balance, Dec. 31                            $37,340

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

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

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

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

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

<PAGE>
PAGE 34
3. Income taxes (continued)

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

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

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

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

The Company is required to establish a valuation allowance for any
portion of the deferred tax assets that management believes will
not be realized.  In the opinion of management, it is more
likely than not that the Company will realize the benefit of the
deferred tax assets, and, therefore, no such valuation allowance
has been established.
<PAGE>
PAGE 35
4. Stockholder's equity

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

                                    1995         1994        1993  

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

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

5. Related party transactions

The Company has loaned funds to American Express Financial
Corporation under two loan agreements.  The balance of the first
loan was $25,800 and $40,000 at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.  This loan can be increased to a maximum of $75,000
and pays interest at a rate equal to the preceding month's
effective new money rate for the Company's permanent investments. 
It is collateralized by equities valued at $122,978 at Dec. 31,
1995.  The second loan was used to fund the construction of the IDS
Operations Center.  This loan was paid off during 1994.  The loan
was secured by a first lien on the IDS Operations Center property
and had an interest rate of 9.89 percent.  The Company also had a
loan to an affiliate which was used to fund construction of the IDS
Learning Center.  This loan was sold to the American Express       <PAGE>
PAGE 36
5. Related party transactions (continued)

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

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

The Company has a reinsurance agreement to cede 50 percent of its
long-term care insurance business to Amex Life. The accompanying
consolidated balance sheets at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994 include
$95,484 and $65,123, respectively, of reinsurance receivables
related to this agreement.  Premiums ceded amounted to $25,553,
$20,360 and $16,230 and reinsurance recovered from reinsurers
amounted to $760, $62 and $404 for the years ended Dec. 31, 1995,
1994 and 1993, respectively.
        
The Company has a reinsurance agreement to assume deferred annuity
contracts from Amex Life.  At October 1, 1995 a $803,618 block of 
deferred annuities and $28,327 of deferred policy acquisition costs
were transferred to the Company.  The accompanying consolidated
balance sheet at Dec. 31, 1995 includes $828,298 of future policy
benefits related to this agreement.
        
Until July 1, 1995 the Company participated in the IDS Retirement
Plan of American Express Financial Corporation which covered all
permanent employees age 21 and over who had met certain employment
requirements.  Effective July 1, 1995, the IDS Retirement Plan was
merged with American Express Company's American Express Retirement
Plan, which simultaneously was amended to include a cash balance
formula and a lump sum distribution option.  Employer contributions
to the plan are based on participants' age, years of service
and total compensation for the year.  Funding of retirement costs
for this plan complies with the applicable minimum funding
requirements specified by ERISA.  The Company's share of the total
net periodic pension cost was $nil in 1995, 1994 and 1993.
        
The Company also participates in defined contribution pension plans
of American Express Company which cover all employees who have met
certain employment requirements.  Company contributions to the
plans are a percent of either each employee's eligible compensation
or basic contributions.  Costs of these plans charged to operations
in 1995, 1994 and 1993 were $815, $957 and $2,008, respectively.
<PAGE>
PAGE 37
5. Related party transactions (continued)

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

6. Commitments and contingencies

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

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

7. Lines of credit

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

<PAGE>
PAGE 38
8. Derivative financial instruments
        
The Company enters into transactions involving derivative financial
instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate risk, including
hedging specific transactions.  The Company manages risks
associated with these instruments as described below.  The Company
does not hold derivative instruments for trading purposes.

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

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

The fair values of derivative financial instruments are based on
market values, dealer quotes or pricing models.  The financial
futures contracts expired in 1995.  The interest rate caps expire
on various dates from 1996 to 2000.
        
<PAGE>
PAGE 39
8. Derivative financial instruments (continued)

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

9. Fair values of financial instruments

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

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

At Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994, the carrying amount and fair value of
future policy benefits for fixed annuities exclude life
insurance-related contracts carried at $1,070,598 and $971,897,
respectively, and policy loans of $74,973 and $64,212,
respectively.  The fair value of these benefits is based on the
status of the annuities at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994.  The fair value
of deferred annuities is estimated as the carrying amount less any <PAGE>
PAGE 40
9. Fair values of financial instruments (continued)

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

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

10. Segment information

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

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

Capital expenditures and depreciation expense are not material, and
consequently, are not reported.
<PAGE>
PAGE 41






Report of Independent Auditors

The Board of Directors
IDS Life Insurance Company

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

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

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

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



Ernst & Young LLP
February 2, 1996
Minneapolis, Minnesota
<PAGE>
PAGE 42
[ARTICLE]                                               6
[NAME]        IDS Life Variable Account for Smith Barney
[FISCAL-YEAR-END]                           DEC-31-1995
[PERIOD-START]                              JAN-01-1995
[PERIOD-END]                                DEC-31-1995
[PERIOD-TYPE]                                      YEAR
[EXCHANGE-RATE]                                       1
[INVESTMENTS-AT-COST]                          16376116
[INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE]                         23506607
[RECEIVABLES]                                     85294
[ASSETS-OTHER]                                        0
[OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS]                                  0
[TOTAL-ASSETS]                                 23591901
[PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES]                              0
[SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT]                               0
[OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES]                       (159862)
[TOTAL-LIABILITIES]                             (159862)
[SENIOR-EQUITY]                                       0
[PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON]                              0
[SHARES-COMMON-STOCK]                           9851995
[SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR]                          10817260
[ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT]                             0
[OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII]                                0
[ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS]                               0
[OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS]                              0
[ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC]                              0
[NET-ASSETS]                                   23432039
[DIVIDEND-INCOME]                                818741
[INTEREST-INCOME]                                     0
[OTHER-INCOME]                                        0
[EXPENSES-NET]                                  (548927)
[NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME]                          269814
[REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT]                        1083378
[APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT]                       3495550
[NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS]                           4848742
[EQUALIZATION]                                        0
[DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME]                             0
[DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS]                              0
[DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER]                                 0
[NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD]                          792460
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED                     (1757725)
[SHARES-REINVESTED]                                   0
[NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS]                          2474718
[ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR]                               0
[ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR]                             0
[OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR]                               0
[OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR]                            0
[GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES]                                 0
[INTEREST-EXPENSE]                                    0
[GROSS-EXPENSE]                                 (548927)
[AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS]                           22194680
[PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN]                                 0
[PER-SHARE-NII]                                       0
[PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC]                               0
[PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS]                             0
<PAGE>
PAGE 43
[RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL]                                  0
[PER-SHARE-NAV-END]                                   0
[EXPENSE-RATIO]                                       0
[AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING]                                0
[AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE]                                  0
<PAGE>
PAGE 44
[ARTICLE]                                             7
[CIK]                                        0000768836
[NAME]                       IDS Life Insurance Company
[MULTIPLIER]                                       1000
[CURRENCY]                                  U.S. DOLLAR
[FISCAL-YEAR-END]           DEC-31-1994     DEC-31-1995
[PERIOD-START]              JAN-01-1994     JAN-01-1995
[PERIOD-END]                DEC-31-1994     DEC-31-1995
[PERIOD-TYPE]                      YEAR            YEAR
[EXCHANGE-RATE]                       1               1
[DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE]            8017555        10516212
[DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE]          11269861        11257591
[DEBT-MARKET-VALUE]            10694800        11878377
[EQUITIES]                         1906            3517
[MORTGAGE]                      2400514         2945495
[REAL-ESTATE]                     20835           28796
[TOTAL-INVEST]                 22121637        25290211
[CASH]                           267774           72147
[RECOVER-REINSURE]                 1110            1849
[DEFERRED-ACQUISITION]          1865324         2025725
[TOTAL-ASSETS]                 35747543        42900078
[POLICY-LOSSES]                22708910        25018089
[UNEARNED-PREMIUMS]                   0               0
[POLICY-OTHER]                        0               0
[POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS]             50068           56323
[NOTES-PAYABLE]                       0               0
[COMMON]                           3000            3000
[PREFERRED-MANDATORY]                 0               0
[PREFERRED]                           0               0
[OTHER-SE]                      1585691         2328708
[TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY]   35747543        42900078
[PREMIUMS]                       144640          161530
[INVESTMENT-INCOME]             1781873         1907309
[INVESTMENT-GAINS]                (4282)          (4898)
[OTHER-INCOME]                   384105          472035
[BENEFITS]                      1303351         1483431
[UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION]      280372          280121
[UNDERWRITING-OTHER]             210101          211642
[INCOME-PRETAX]                  512512          560782
[INCOME-TAX]                     176343          195842
[INCOME-CONTINUING]              336169          364940
[DISCONTINUED]                        0               0
[EXTRAORDINARY]                       0               0
[CHANGES]                             0               0
[NET-INCOME]                     336169          364940
[EPS-PRIMARY]                         0               0
[EPS-DILUTED]                         0               0
[RESERVE-OPEN]                    20636           23228
[PROVISION-CURRENT]               93683          117478
[PROVISION-PRIOR]                     0               0
[PAYMENTS-CURRENT]                91091          116514
[PAYMENTS-PRIOR]                      0               0
[RESERVE-CLOSE]                   23228           24192
[CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY]               0               0



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