PAGE 1
The prospectus for the T. Rowe Price New York Tax-Free Funds,
dated July 1, 1995 should be inserted here.
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT
INVESTOR SERVICES
1-800-638-5660
1-410-547-2308
FOR EXISTING ACCOUNTS
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
1-800-225-5132
1-410-625-6500
FOR YIELDS AND PRICES
TELE*ACCESS(REGISTERED TRADEMARK)
1-800-638-2587
1-410-625-7676
24 HOURS, 7 DAYS
INVESTOR CENTERS
101 EAST LOMBARD ST.
BALTIMORE, MD
T. ROWE PRICE
FINANCIAL CENTER
10090 RED RUN BLVD.
OWINGS MILLS, MD
FARRAGUT SQUARE
900 17TH STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, DC
ARCO TOWER
31ST FLOOR
515 SOUTH FLOWER ST.
LOS ANGELES, CA
NYTF
Invest With Confidence
To help you achieve your financial goals, T. Rowe Price offers a wide range of
stock, bond, and money market investments, as well as convenient services and
timely, informative reports.
PROSPECTUS
T. ROWE PRICE
NEW YORK TAX-FREE FUNDS
T. ROWE PRICE
STATE TAX-FREE
INCOME TRUST
JULY 1, 1995
A bond fund and a money market fund for investors seeking income that is
exempt from federal and New York state and New York city income taxes.
Facts at a Glance
Investment Goals
The highest level of income exempt from federal and New York state and New
York city income taxes consistent with each fund's prescribed investment
program.
As with all mutual funds, these funds may not meet their goals.
Strategy and Risk/Reward
New York Tax-Free Money Fund. Invests in high-quality, short-term municipal
securities. YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY
THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, AND THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT THE FUND WILL BE ABLE TO
MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.
Risk/Reward: Lowest potential risk and reward.
New York Tax-Free Bond Fund. Invests primarily in investment-grade municipal
bonds. Dollar-weighted average maturity is expected to be 10 years or longer.
Risk/Reward: Significantly higher income than the money fund and greater
potential price fluctuation than a shorter-term bond fund.
Investor Profile
New York taxpayers who, because of their tax bracket, can benefit from income
that is exempt from federal, state, and local income taxes. Not appropriate
for tax-deferred retirement plans, such as IRAs.
Fees and Charges
100% no load. No fees or charges to buy or sell shares or to reinvest
dividends; no 12b-1 marketing fees; free telephone exchange.
Investment Manager
Founded in 1937 by the late Thomas Rowe Price, Jr., T. Rowe Price Associates,
Inc. ("T. Rowe Price") and its affiliates managed over $61 billion, including
approximately $5.5 billion in municipal bond assets, for over three million
individual and institutional investor accounts as of March 31, 1995.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
T. ROWE PRICE
STATE TAX-FREE
INCOME TRUST
JULY 1, 1995
PROSPECTUS
CONTENTS
________________________________________________________________
1 About the Funds
________________________________________________________________
Transaction and Fund Expenses 2
________________________________________________________________
Financial Highlights 4
________________________________________________________________
Fund, Market, and Risk Characteristics 5
________________________________________________________________
2 About Your Account
________________________________________________________________
Pricing Shares and Receiving Sale Proceeds 12
________________________________________________________________
Distributions and Taxes 13
________________________________________________________________
Transaction Procedures and Special Requirements 15
________________________________________________________________
3 More About the Funds
________________________________________________________________
Organization and Management 17
________________________________________________________________
Understanding Fund Performance 18
________________________________________________________________
Investment Policies and Practices 19
________________________________________________________________
4 Investing With T. Rowe Price
________________________________________________________________
Account Requirements and Transaction Information 26
________________________________________________________________
Opening a New Account 26
________________________________________________________________
Purchasing Additional Shares 27
________________________________________________________________
Exchanging and Redeeming 28
________________________________________________________________
Shareholder Services 28
________________________________________________________________
This prospectus contains information you should know before investing. Please
keep it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information about the
funds, dated July 1, 1995, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. To obtain a
free copy, call 1-800-638-5660.
1 ABOUT THE FUNDS
Transaction and Fund Expenses
These tables should help you understand the kinds of expenses you will bear
directly or indirectly as a fund shareholder.
The first part of the table, "Shareholder Transaction Expenses," shows that
you pay no sales charges. All the money you invest in a fund goes to work for
you, subject to the fees explained below. "Annual Fund Expenses" provides an
estimate of how much it will cost to operate the fund for a year, based on
1995 fiscal year expenses (and any applicable expense limitations). These are
costs you pay indirectly, because they are deducted from the fund's total
assets before the daily share price is calculated and before dividends and
other distributions are made. In other words, you will not see these expenses
on your account statement.
__________________________________________________________________________
LIKE ALL T. ROWE PRICE FUNDS, THE FUNDS ARE 100% NO LOAD.
________________________________________________________________
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995, THE MONEY AND BOND FUNDS PAID
$67,000 AND $107,000, RESPECTIVELY, TO T. ROWE PRICE SERVICES, INC., FOR
TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING FUNCTIONS AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES, AND
$70,000 AND $72,000, RESPECTIVELY, TO T. ROWE PRICE FOR ACCOUNTING SERVICES.
________________________________________________________________
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Money Fund Bond Fund
________________________________________________________________
Sales charge "load"
on purchases None None
________________________________________________________________
Sales charge "load"
on reinvested dividends None None
________________________________________________________________
Redemption fees None None
________________________________________________________________
Exchange fees None None
Annual Fund Expenses Percentage of Fiscal 1995
Average Net Assets
Money Fund Bond Fund
________________________________________________________________
Management fee (after
reduction) 0.19%a 0.38%b
________________________________________________________________
Marketing fees (12b-1) None None
________________________________________________________________
Total other (Shareholder
servicing, custodial,
auditing, etc.) 0.36% 0.27%
________________________________________________________________
Total fund expenses
(after reduction) 0.55%a 0.65%b
________________________________________________________________
a The money fund's management fee and its total
expense ratio would have been 0.44% and 0.80%,
respectively, had T. Rowe Price not agreed to
reduce management fees in accordance with the
expense limitation described below.
b The bond fund's management fee and its total
expense ratio would have been 0.44% and 0.71%,
respectively, had T. Rowe Price not agreed to
reduce management fees in accordance with the
expense limitation described below.
Note: The funds charge a $5 fee for wire redemptions
under $5,000, subject to change without notice.
________________________________________________________________
Table 1
The main types of expenses, which all mutual funds may charge against fund
assets, are:
o A management fee: the percent of fund assets paid to the funds'
investment manager. Each fund's fee is comprised of a group fee,
discussed later, and an individual fund fee of 0.10%.
o "Other" administrative expenses: primarily the servicing of shareholder
accounts, such as providing statements, reports, disbursing dividends, as
well as custodial services.
o Marketing or distribution fees: an annual charge ("12b-1") to existing
shareholders to defray the cost of selling shares to new shareholders. T.
Rowe Price funds do not levy 12b-1 fees.
For further details on fund expenses, please see "Organization and
Management."
o Hypothetical example: Assume you invest $1,000, the fund returns 5%
annually, expense ratios remain as previously listed, and you close your
account at the end of the time periods shown. Your expenses would be:
___________________________________________________________________________
THE TABLE AT RIGHT IS JUST AN EXAMPLE AND ACTUAL EXPENSES CAN BE HIGHER OR
LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
________________________________________________________________
Fund 1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years
________________________________________________________________
Money $6 $18 $31 $69
________________________________________________________________
Bond $7 $21 $36 $81
________________________________________________________________
Table 2A
Table 2B sets forth expense ratio limitations and the periods for which they
are effective. For each, T. Rowe Price has agreed to waive its fees and bear
any fund expenses to the extent such fees or expenses would cause a fund's
ratio of expenses to average net assets to exceed the indicated percentage
limitations. Subject to shareholder approval, fees waived or expenses paid or
assumed are subject to reimbursement to T. Rowe Price by each fund through the
indicated reimbursement date, but no reimbursement will be made if it would
result in a fund's expense ratio exceeding its specified limit.
________________________________________________________________
Expense Ratio Limitations
Fund Limitation Expense Ratio Reimbursement
Period Limitation Date
________________________________________________________________
Moneya March 1, 1995- 0.55% February 28,
February 28, 1997 1999
________________________________________________________________
Bondb March 1, 1995- 0.65% February 28,
February 28, 1997 1999
________________________________________________________________
a The money fund previously operated under a
0.55% limitation that expired February 28, 1995.
Effective March 1, 1995, T. Rowe Price agreed
to extend the existing expense limitation of
0.55% for a period of two years from March 1, 1995.
Subject to shareholder approval, fees waived
or expenses paid or assumed under these agreements
are subject to reimbursement to T. Rowe Price
whenever the expense ratio is below 0.55%; however,
no reimbursement will be made after February 28, 1997
(for the first agreement), or February 28, 1999
(for the second agreement), or if it would result
in the expense ratio exceeding 0.55%. Any amounts
reimbursed will have the effect of increasing fees
otherwise paid by the fund.
b The bond fund previously operated under a 0.60%
limitation that expired February 28, 1995. Effective
March 1, 1995, T. Rowe Price agreed to increase the
existing expense limitation of 0.60% to 0.65% for a
period of two years from March 1, 1995. Subject to
shareholder approval, fees waived or expenses paid
or assumed under these agreements are subject to
reimbursement to T. Rowe Price; however, no reimbursement
will be made after February 28, 1997 (for the first
agreement), or February 28, 1999 (for the second agreement),
or if it would result in the expense ratio exceeding 0.60%
(for the first agreement) or 0.65% (for the second agreement).
Any amounts reimbursed will have the effect of
increasing fees otherwise paid by the fund.
________________________________________________________________
Table 2B
Financial Highlights
The following table provides information about each fund's financial history.
It is based on a single share outstanding throughout each fiscal year. The
respective table is part of each fund's financial statements, which are
included in the funds' annual report and incorporated by reference into the
Statement of Additional Information. This document is available to
shareholders upon request. The financial statements in the annual report have
been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, whose
unqualified report covers the periods shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Investment Activities Distributions End of Period
Net Ratio
Realized of Net
and Total Ratio Invest-
Net Unreal- Return of Ex- ment
Asset Net ized Total Net (Incl- penses Income
Period Value, Invest- Gain from Net Asset udes Net to to Port-
Ended, Begin- ment (Loss) Invest- Invest- Net Value, Rein- Assets Aver- Aver- folio
Febr- ning In- on ment ment Real- Total End vested ($ age age Turn-
uary of come Invest- Activi- In- ized Distri- of Divi- Thou- Net Net over
28 Period (Loss) ments ties come Gain butions Period dends) sands) Assets Assets Rate
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Money Fund
1987a $1.000 $0.017b - $0.017 $(0.017) - $(0.017) $1.000 1.69% $17,093 0.80%bd 3.30%d -
1988c 1.000 0.037b - 0.037 (0.037) - (0.037) 1.000 3.78% 34,361 0.80%b 3.76% -
1989 1.000 0.043b - 0.043 (0.043) - (0.043) 1.000 4.42% 44,510 0.80%b 4.36% -
1990 1.000 0.051b - 0.051 (0.051) - (0.051) 1.000 5.23% 49,941 0.80%b 5.10% -
1991 1.000 0.047b - 0.047 (0.047) - (0.047) 1.000 4.79% 54,529 0.72%b 4.69% -
1992c 1.000 0.035b - 0.035 (0.035) - (0.035) 1.000 3.60% 53,429 0.55%b 3.54% -
1993 1.000 0.022b - 0.022 (0.022) - (0.022) 1.000 2.22% 53,904 0.55%b 2.21% -
1994 1.000 0.018b - 0.018 (0.018) - (0.018) 1.000 1.84% 57,736 0.55%b 1.82% -
1995 1.000 0.025b - 0.025 (0.025) - (0.025) 1.000 2.49% 66,154 0.55%b 2.48% -
Bond Fund
1987a $10.00 $0.33b $0.34 $0.67 $(0.33) - $(0.33) $10.34 6.78% $24,289 0.85%bd 6.16%d 125.8%d
1988c 10.34 0.60b (0.67) (0.07) (0.60) - (0.60) 9.67 (0.29)% 28,306 1.00%b 6.44% 146.7%
1989 9.67 0.61b (0.07) 0.54 (0.61) - (0.61) 9.60 5.81% 36,387 1.00%b 6.40% 88.5%
1990 9.60 0.62b 0.04 0.66 (0.62) - (0.62) 9.64 7.03% 47,287 0.96%b 6.40% 71.6%
1991 9.64 0.62b 0.10 0.72 (0.62) - (0.62) 9.74 7.73% 54,834 0.73%b 6.43% 61.5%
1992c 9.74 0.63b 0.38 1.01 (0.63) - (0.63) 10.12 10.67% 74,243 0.60%b 6.33% 48.7%
1993 10.12 0.62b 0.93 1.55 (0.62) - (0.62) 11.05 15.79% 112,026 0.60%b 5.91% 41.5%
1994 11.05 0.59b 0.09 0.68 (0.59) $(0.16)(0.75)10.986.31%130,347 0.60%b 5.31% 84.9%
1995 10.98 0.58b (0.53) 0.05 (0.58) (0.08)(0.66)10.370.74%117,8470.60%b 5.71% 134.3%
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
<FN>
a For the period August 28, 1986 (commencement of operations), to
February 28, 1987.
b For the money fund, excludes expenses in excess of a 0.55% voluntary
expense limitation in effect November 7, 1990, through February 28, 1995,
and a 0.80% voluntary expense limitation in effect through November 6, 1990.
For the bond fund, excludes expenses in excess of a 0.60% voluntary expense
limitation in effect November 7, 1990, through February 28, 1995, a 0.80%
voluntary expense limitation in effect November 1, 1989, through November 6, 1990,
a 1.00% voluntary expense limitation in effect during the years ended
February 28, 1989, and February 29, 1988, and a 0.85% voluntary expense limitation
in effect through February 28, 1987.
c Fiscal year ended February 29.
d Annualized.
</FN>
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
</TABLE>
Table 3
Fund, Market, and Risk Characteristics: What to Expect
To help you decide if the T. Rowe Price New York funds may be appropriate for
you, this section takes a closer look at their investment objectives and
approaches.
What are the funds' objectives and investment programs?
___________________________________________________________________________
INCOME FROM NEW YORK MUNICIPAL SECURITIES IS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL AND NEW YORK
STATE AND CITY INCOME TAXES.
o The New York Tax-Free Money Fund's objective is to provide the highest
possible current income exempt from federal, New York state, and New York
city income taxes consistent with preservation of principal and
liquidity. The fund generally invests in municipal securities which
mature in 13 months or less. The fund's yield will fluctuate in response
to changes in interest rates, but the share price is managed to remain
stable at $1.00. Although the fund has maintained a constant share price
since its inception, and fund managers will make every effort to continue
to meet this objective in the future, the price could drop below $1.00
under certain circumstances, such as a major change in interest rates or
default on one or more fund holdings. Unlike most bank accounts or
certificates of deposit, your investment in the fund is not insured or
guaranteed by the U.S. government.
o The New York Tax-Free Bond Fund's investment objective is to provide,
consistent with prudent portfolio management, the highest level of income
exempt from federal, New York state, and New York city income taxes by
investing primarily in investment-grade New York municipal bonds. The
fund's dollar-weighted average maturity will usually exceed 10 years.
Each fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in New York municipal
securities. However, due to seasonal variations or shortages in the supply of
suitable short-term New York securities, each fund may invest periodically in
municipals whose interest is exempt from federal but not New York state and
city income taxes. Every effort will be made to minimize such investments, but
they could compose up to 10% of the fund's annual income.
What are the funds' credit quality guidelines?
o The money fund will purchase securities which are rated within the two
highest rating categories assigned by established rating agencies, or, if
not rated, of equivalent investment quality as determined by T. Rowe
Price. All securities purchased by the fund will present minimal credit
risks in the opinion of T. Rowe Price.
o The bond fund will generally purchase investment-grade securities, which
means their ratings are within the four highest credit categories (e.g.,
AAA, AA, A, BBB) as determined by a national rating organization, or, if
unrated, by T. Rowe Price. The fund may occasionally purchase
below-investment-grade securities (including those with the lowest or no
rating), but no such purchase will be made if it would cause the fund's
noninvestment-grade bonds to exceed 5% of its net assets. Unrated bonds
may be less liquid than rated bonds.
Investment-grade securities include a range of securities from the highest
rated to medium quality (BBB). Securities in the BBB category may be more
susceptible to adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances and the
securities at the lower end of the BBB category have certain speculative
characteristics.
At its discretion, the bond fund may retain a security whose credit quality is
down-graded after purchase. The money fund may also do so but only in
accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
___________________________________________________________________________
A MORE DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THESE AND OTHER RISK CONSIDERATIONS IS CONTAINED
IN THE FUNDS' STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
What are the main risks of investing in municipal bond and money market funds?
Since they are managed to maintain a $1.00 share price, money market funds
should have little risk of principal loss. The potential for realizing a loss
of principal in a bond or money market fund could derive from:
o Interest rate or market risk: the decline in fixed-income securities and
funds that may accompany a rise in the overall level of interest rates
(please see Table 4). A sharp and unexpected rise in interest rates could
cause a money fund's price to drop below a dollar. However, the extremely
short-term securities held in money market portfolios-a means of
achieving an overall fund objective of principal safety-reduces much of
their potential for price fluctuation.
o Credit risk: the chance that any of a fund's holdings will have its
credit rating downgraded or will default (fail to make scheduled interest
and principal payments), potentially reducing the fund's income level
and/or share price. Money funds invest in very highly rated securities,
thus reducing this risk.
o Political risk: the chance that a significant restructuring of federal
income tax rates, or even serious discussion on the topic in Congress,
could cause municipal bond prices to fall. The demand for municipal bonds
is strongly influenced by the value of tax exempt income to investors.
Broadly lower tax rates could reduce the advantage of owning municipal
bonds.
o Geographical: the chance of price declines resulting from developments in
a single state.
___________________________________________________________________________
SIGNIFICANT POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN A STATE MAY HAVE
REPERCUSSIONS, DIRECT AND INDIRECT, ON VIRTUALLY ALL MUNICIPAL BONDS ISSUED IN
THE STATE.
What are the particular risks associated with single-state funds versus those
that invest nationally?
A fund investing within a single state is, by definition, less diversified
geographically than one investing across many states. The risk arises from the
fund's greater exposure to that state's economy and politics, factors that
loom large in establishing the credit quality of bonds issued by the state and
its political subdivisions. For example, general obligation bonds of a state
or locality that has a high income level, reasonable debt levels, and a
positive long-term outlook should have a higher credit rating than those of a
state without those attributes.
Of course, many municipal bonds are not general obligations backed by the
state's "full faith and credit" (its full taxing and revenue raising
resources) and may not rely on any government for money to service their debt.
Bonds issued by governmental authorities may depend wholly on revenues
generated by the project they financed or on other dedicated revenue streams.
The credit quality of these "revenue" bonds may vary significantly from that
of the state's or city's general obligations.
How does T. Rowe Price try to reduce risk?
Consistent with each fund's objective, the portfolio managers actively manage
the funds in an effort to manage risk and increase total return. Risk
management tools include:
o Diversification of assets to reduce the impact of a single holding on a
fund's net asset value.
o Thorough credit research by our own analysts.
o Adjustments in a fund's duration to try to reduce the negative impact of
rising interest rates or take advantage of the favorable effects of
falling rates. Depending on market outlook, the investment manager may
shorten or lengthen the fund's average effective maturity and duration
within the ranges and guidelines established in this prospectus.
___________________________________________________________________________
CREDIT RATINGS AND THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF THE STATE, LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS, PUBLIC AUTHORITIES, AND OTHERS IN WHICH THE FUNDS MAY INVEST ARE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.
What is the credit quality of New York State and City general obligations?
As of June 1, 1995, the state was rated A by Moody's, A- by Standard & Poor's,
and A+ by Fitch; the city's ratings were Baa1 by Moody's and A- by Standard &
Poor's and Fitch. The state constitution requires that all general obligations
debt be approved by the voters. New York State, New York City, and related
issuers experienced financial instability in the mid-1970s, including defaults
by New York City and the New York Urban Development Corporation on their
short-term obligations. Both entities recovered during the subsequent decade.
Beginning in 1989, the state again experienced fiscal stress as the economy
slowed. Budget balancing difficulties continued in each subsequent year,
resulting in repeated downgrades by the rating agencies, most recently in
January of 1992. A return to balanced operations in 1992 and the state's
financial outlook combined to improve in fiscal 1994 and 1995. The 1996
budget, enacted 2 months late, assumes that the state will be able to
implement significant spending reductions to balance against an emerging
economic slowdown.
New York City's revenue base has been affected by the slowdown in the
financial service industry and the absence of other private sector growth. The
state's failure to pass a budget in a timely fashion contributed to downgrades
of the city's short-term note ratings in 1990 and 1991. Although the city has
balanced its budget and avoided operating deficits for the past 15 years, it
faces a challenging budget environment for fiscal 1996 due to significantly
reduced state aid and a flat economic outlook.
___________________________________________________________________________
THE YIELD OF EACH FUND WILL FLUCTUATE WITH CHANGING MARKET CONDITIONS AND
INTEREST RATE LEVELS. THE SHARE PRICE OF THE BOND FUND WILL ALSO FLUCTUATE.
WHEN YOU SELL YOUR SHARES, YOU MAY LOSE MONEY.
What about the quality of the funds' other holdings?
In addition to the state's general obligations, the funds will invest a
portion of their assets in bonds that are rated according to the issuer's
individual creditworthiness, such as notes and bonds of local governments and
public authorities. While local governments in New York depend principally on
their own revenue sources, they could experience budget shortfalls due to
cutbacks in state aid.
The funds may invest in certain sectors with special risks, for example health
care, which could be affected by federal or state legislation; electric
utilities with exposure to nuclear power plants; and private activity bonds
without governmental backing.
The funds sometimes invest in obligations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
and its public corporations (as well as the U.S. territories of Guam and the
Virgin Islands) that are exempt from federal and New York state and local
income taxes. These investments require careful assessment of certain risk
factors, including reliance on substantial federal assistance and favorable
tax programs. As of June 1, 1995, Puerto Rico's general obligations were rated
Baa1 by Moody's and A by Standard & Poor's.
What are derivatives and can the funds invest in them?
The term derivative is used to describe financial instruments whose value is
derived from an underlying security (e.g., a stock or bond) or a market
benchmark (e.g., an interest rate index). Many types of investments
representing a wide range of potential risks and rewards fall under the
"derivatives" umbrella-from conventional instruments such as callable bonds,
futures, and options, to more exotic investments such as stripped mortgage
securities and structured notes. While it was only recently that the term
derivative has become widely known among the investing public, derivatives
have in fact been employed by investment managers for many years. The funds
will invest in derivatives only if the expected risks and rewards are
consistent with its objective, policies, and overall risk profile as described
in this prospectus. The money fund does not invest in high-risk, highly
leveraged derivatives. The bond fund limits its use of derivatives to
situations in which they may enable the fund to: increase yield; hedge against
a decline in principal value; invest in eligible asset classes with greater
efficiency and lower cost than is possible through direct investment; or
adjust duration. The bond fund will not invest in any high-risk, highly
leveraged derivative instrument which is expected to cause the price
volatility of the portfolio to be meaningfully different than that of a
long-term, investment-grade bond.
___________________________________________________________________________
BEFORE CHOOSING A FUND, YOU MAY WISH TO REVIEW THESE CHARACTERISTICS OF
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES.
Who issues municipal securities?
State and local governments and governmental authorities sell notes and bonds
(usually called "municipals") to pay for public projects and services.
Who buys municipal securities?
Individuals are the primary investors, and a principal way they invest is
through mutual funds. Prices of municipals may be affected by major changes in
flows of money into or out of municipal funds. For example, substantial and
sustained redemptions from municipal bond funds could result in lower prices
for these securities.
___________________________________________________________________________
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES ARE ALSO CALLED "TAX-EXEMPTS" BECAUSE THE INTEREST INCOME
THEY PROVIDE IS USUALLY EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAXES.
Is interest income from municipal issues always exempt from federal taxes?
No. For example, since 1986, income from so-called "private activity"
municipals has been subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT). For
instance, some bonds financing airports, stadiums, and student loan programs
fall into this category. Shareholders subject to the AMT must include income
derived from private activity bonds in their AMT calculation. Relatively few
taxpayers are required to pay the tax. Normally, the funds will not purchase
any security if, as a result, more than 20% of the funds' income would be
subject to the AMT. The fund will report annually to shareholders the portion
of income, if any, subject to AMT. (Please see "Distributions and Taxes-Taxes
on Fund Distributions.")
Why are yields on municipals usually below those on otherwise comparable
taxable securities?
Since the income provided by most municipals is exempt from federal taxation,
investors are willing to accept lower yields on a municipal bond than on an
otherwise similar (in quality and maturity) taxable bond.
Why are yields on New York bonds often below those of comparable issues from
other states?
Strong demand for New York securities, due to a relatively high state income
tax rate and an often limited supply, tends to push their prices up and yields
down.
Is there an easy way to compare after-tax yields on a New York fund with a
similar tax-exempt fund that invests nationally?
Subtract your state tax rate from 1 and multiply this number times the yield
on the national fund. The result is the yield to you on the national fund
after paying New York's income tax. Compare this with the New York fund's
yield.
What are the major differences between money market and bond funds?
o Price: Bond funds have a fluctuating share price. Money market funds are
managed to maintain a stable share price.
o Maturity: Short- and intermediate-term bond funds have longer average
maturities (from one to 10 years) than money market funds (90 days or
less). Longer-term bond funds have the longest average maturities (10
years or more).
o Income: Limited-term bond funds typically offer more income than money
market funds and less income than longer-term bond funds.
Is a fund's yield fixed or will it vary?
___________________________________________________________________________
YOU MAY WANT TO REVIEW SOME FUNDAMENTALS THAT APPLY TO ALL FIXED-INCOME
INVESTMENTS.
It will vary. The yield is calculated every day by dividing a fund's net
income per share, expressed at annual rates, by the share price. Since both
income and share price of the bond fund will fluctuate, its yield will also
vary. Although money fund prices are stable, income is variable.
Is a fund's "yield" the same thing as the "total return"?
No for bond funds. Your total return is the result of reinvested income and
the change in share price for a given time period. Income is always a positive
contributor to total return and can enhance a rise in share price or serve as
an offset to a drop in share price. Since money funds are managed to maintain
a stable share price, their yield and total return should be the same.
What is "credit quality" and how does it affect a fund's yield?
Credit quality refers to a bond issuer's expected ability to make all required
interest and principal payments in a timely manner. Because highly rated bond
issuers represent less risk, they can borrow at lower interest rates than less
creditworthy issuers. Therefore, a fund investing in high-quality securities
should have a lower yield than an otherwise comparable fund investing in lower
credit-quality securities.
What is meant by a bond's or bond fund's maturity?
Every bond has a stated maturity date when the issuer must repay the
security's entire principal value to the investor. Some types of bonds may
also have an "effective maturity" that is shorter than the stated date. Many
corporate and municipal bonds are "callable," meaning the principal can be
repaid before their stated maturity dates on (or after) specified call dates.
Bonds are most likely to be called when interest rates are falling, because
the issuer wants to refinance at a lower rate. In such an environment, a
bond's "effective maturity" is usually its nearest call date.
A bond or money market mutual fund has no maturity in the strict sense of the
word, but does have a dollar-weighted average maturity. This number is an
average of the stated maturities of the underlying bonds, with each maturity
"weighted" by the percentage of fund assets it represents. Funds that target
effective maturities would use the effective (rather than stated) maturities
of the underlying instruments when computing the average. Targeting effective
maturity provides additional flexibility in portfolio management but, all else
being equal, could result in higher volatility than a fund targeting a stated
maturity or maturity range.
What is meant by a bond's or bond fund's "duration"?
Duration is the time-weighted value of discounted future interest and
principal payments expressed in years. It measures bond price sensitivity to
interest rate changes more accurately than maturity because it takes into
account the time value of cash flows generated over the bond's life. Future
interest and principal payments are discounted to reflect their present value
and then are multiplied by the number of years they will be received to
produce a value that is expressed in years, i.e., the duration. Effective
duration takes into account call features and sinking fund payments which may
shorten a bond's life.
Since duration can also be computed for bond funds, you can estimate the
effect of interest rates on a bond fund's share price. Simply multiply the
fund's duration (available for T. Rowe Price bond funds in our quarterly
shareholder reports) by an expected change in interest rates. For example, the
price of a bond fund with a duration of five years would be expected to fall
approximately 5% if rates rose by one percentage point.
How is a municipal's price affected by changes in interest rates?
When interest rates rise, a municipal's price usually falls, and vice versa.
___________________________________________________________________________
GENERALLY SPEAKING, THE LONGER THE SECURITY'S MATURITY, THE GREATER THE PRICE
INCREASE OR DECREASE IN RESPONSE TO A CHANGE IN INTEREST RATES, AS SHOWN IN
THE TABLE AT RIGHT.
________________________________________________________________________
How Interest Rates Affect Bond Prices
Bond Coupon Price Per $1,000 of
Maturity Bond Face Value if Interest Rates
Increase Decrease
1% 2% 1% 2%
________________________________________________________________________
1 Year 4.30% $990 $981 $1,010 $1,020
________________________________________________________________
5 Years 4.90 957 917 1,045 1,092
________________________________________________________________
10 Years 5.35 927 860 1,080 1,169
________________________________________________________________
20 Years 5.95 893 801 1,126 1,275
________________________________________________________________
30 Years 6.00 875 774 1,155 1,348
________________________________________________________________
Table 4 Coupons reflect yields on AAA-rated municipals
as of April 30, 1995. This is an illustration and does
not represent expected yields or share price changes
of any T. Rowe Price fund.
Do money market securities react to changes in interest rates?
Yes. As interest rates change, the prices of money market securities
fluctuate, but changes are usually small because of their very short
maturities.
How can I decide which New York fund is most appropriate for me?
Review your own financial objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Use
Table 5 below, which summarizes the funds' main characteristics, to choose a
fund (or funds) suitable for your particular needs. If you will need your
principal in a relatively short time, the money fund may be a good choice.
However, if you are investing for the highest possible tax-free income and can
tolerate some price volatility, you should consider the longer-term bond fund.
________________________________________________________________
Differences Between Funds
Fund Credit Income Risk of Expected
Quality Share-Price Average
Categories Fluctuation Maturity
________________________________________________________________
Money Two Lowest Stable Not more
highest than 90 days
________________________________________________________________
Bond Primarily Higher than Greater than 10+ Years
Four a shorter- a shorter-
Highest term bond term bond
fund fund
________________________________________________________________
Table 5
___________________________________________________________________________
NEITHER FUND SHOULD BE RELIED UPON AS A COMPLETE INVESTMENT PROGRAM, NOR BE
USED FOR SHORT-TERM TRADING PURPOSES.
Is there additional information about the two funds to help me make a
decision?
You should review the "Investment Policies and Practices" section which
discusses the following: Types of Portfolio Securities (municipal securities,
private activity bonds, municipal lease obligations, municipal warrants,
securities with "puts" or other demand features, securities with credit
enhancements, synthetic or derivative securities, and private placements);
Types of Management Practices (cash position, when-issued securities and
forwards, interest rate futures, borrowing money and transferring assets,
portfolio turnover, sector concentration, and credit quality considerations).
2 ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
Pricing Shares and Receiving Sale Proceeds
Here are some procedures you should know when investing in a fund. This
section applies to all T. Rowe Price tax-free bond and money funds.
How and When Shares Are Priced
___________________________________________________________________________
THE VARIOUS WAYS YOU CAN BUY, SELL, AND EXCHANGE SHARES ARE EXPLAINED AT THE
END OF THIS PROSPECTUS AND ON THE NEW ACCOUNT FORM. THESE PROCEDURES MAY
DIFFER FOR INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTS.
Bond and money funds. The share price (also called "net asset value" or NAV
per share) for each fund is calculated at 4 p.m. ET each day the New York
Stock Exchange is open for business. To calculate the NAV, a fund's assets are
valued and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance, called net
assets, is divided by the number of shares outstanding.
Money fund NAVs, which are managed to remain at $1.00, are calculated at noon
ET each day as well as 4 p.m. Amortized cost or amortized market value is used
to value money fund securities that mature in 60 days or less.
How your purchase, sale, or exchange price is determined
If we receive your request in correct form before 4 p.m. ET, your transaction
will be priced at that day's NAV. If we receive it after 4 p.m., it will be
priced at the next business day's NAV.
We cannot accept orders that request a particular day or price for your
transaction or any other special conditions.
___________________________________________________________________________
WHEN FILLING OUT THE NEW ACCOUNT FORM, YOU MAY WISH TO GIVE YOURSELF THE
WIDEST RANGE OF OPTIONS FOR RECEIVING PROCEEDS FROM A SALE.
Note: The time at which transactions are priced and the time until which
orders are accepted may be changed in case of an emergency or if the New York
Stock Exchange closes at a time other than 4 p.m. ET.
How you can receive the proceeds from a sale
If your request is received by 4 p.m. ET in correct form, proceeds are usually
sent on the next business day. Proceeds can be sent to you by mail, or to your
bank account by ACH transfer or bank wire. Proceeds sent by ACH transfer
should be credited the second day after the sale. ACH (Automated Clearing
House) is an automated method of initiating payments from and receiving
payments in your financial institution account. ACH is a payment system
supported by over 20,000 banks, savings banks, and credit unions, which
electronically exchange the transactions primarily through the Federal Reserve
Banks. Proceeds sent by bank wire should be credited to your account the next
business day.
___________________________________________________________________________
IF FOR SOME REASON WE CANNOT ACCEPT YOUR REQUEST TO SELL SHARES, WE WILL
CONTACT YOU.
Exception:
o Under certain circumstances and when deemed to be in the fund's best
interests, your proceeds may not be sent for up to five business days
after receiving your sale or exchange request. If you were exchanging
into a bond or money fund, your new investment would not begin to earn
dividends until the sixth business day.
Useful Information on Distributions and Taxes
___________________________________________________________________________
THE FUNDS DISTRIBUTE ALL NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND REALIZED CAPITAL GAINS TO
SHAREHOLDERS.
Dividends and Other Distributions
Dividend and capital gain distributions are reinvested in additional fund
shares in your account unless you select another option on your New Account
Form. The advantage of reinvesting distributions arises from compounding; that
is, you receive interest and capital gain distributions on a rising number of
shares.
Dividends not reinvested are paid by check or transmitted to your bank account
via ACH. If the Post Office cannot deliver your check, or if your check
remains uncashed for six months, the fund reserves the right to reinvest your
distribution check in your account at the then current NAV and to reinvest all
subsequent distributions in shares of the fund.
Income dividends
o Bond funds declare income dividends daily at 4 p.m. ET to shareholders of
record at that time provided payment has been received on the previous
business day.
o Money funds declare income dividends daily at noon ET to shareholders of
record at that time provided payment has been received by that time.
o Bond and money funds pay dividends on the last business day of each
month.
o Bond and money fund shares will earn dividends through the date of
redemption; shares redeemed on a Friday or prior to a holiday will
continue to earn dividends until the next business day. Generally, if you
redeem all of your shares at any time during the month, you will also
receive all dividends earned through the date of redemption in the same
check. When you redeem only a portion of your shares, all dividends
accrued on those shares will be reinvested, or paid in cash, on the next
dividend payment date.
Capital gains
o A capital gain or loss is the difference between the purchase and sale
price of a security.
o If the fund has net capital gains for the year (after subtracting any
capital losses), they are usually declared and paid in December to
shareholders of record on a specified date that month. If a second
distribution is necessary, it is usually declared and paid during the
first quarter of the following year.
__________________________________________________________________________
THE FUNDS SEND TIMELY INFORMATION FOR YOUR TAX FILING NEEDS.
Tax Information
Although the regular monthly income dividends you receive from the funds are
expected to be exempt from federal and state and local (if any) income taxes,
you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:
o you sell fund shares, including an exchange from one fund to another; or
o the fund makes a short- and/or long-term capital gain distribution to
your account.
Due to 1993 tax legislation, a portion of the capital gains realized on the
sale of market discount bonds with maturities beyond one year may be treated
as ordinary income and cannot be offset by other capital losses. Therefore, to
the extent a fund invests in these securities, the likelihood of a taxable
gain distribution will be increased.
Note: You must report your total tax-exempt income on IRS Form 1040. The IRS
uses this information to help determine the tax status of any social security
payments you may have received during the year.
Taxes on fund redemptions. When you sell shares in any fund, you may realize a
gain or loss. An exchange from one fund to another is still a sale for tax
purposes. If you realize a loss on the sale or exchange of fund shares held
six months or less, your capital loss is reduced by the tax-exempt dividends
received on those shares.
In January, the funds will send you Form 1099-B, indicating the date and
amount of each sale you made in the fund during the prior year. This
information will also be reported to the IRS. For accounts opened new or by
exchange in 1983 or later, we will provide you the gain or loss of the shares
you sold during the year based on the "average cost" method. This information
is not reported to the IRS, and you do not have to use it. You may calculate
the cost basis using other methods acceptable to the IRS, such as "specific
identification."
To help you maintain accurate records, we send you a confirmation immediately
following each transaction (except for systematic purchases and redemptions)
and a year-end statement detailing all your transactions in each fund account
during the year.
___________________________________________________________________________
CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS ARE TAXABLE WHETHER REINVESTED IN ADDITIONAL SHARES
OR RECEIVED IN CASH.
Taxes on fund distributions. In January, the funds will send you Form 1099-DIV
indicating the tax status of any capital gain distribution made to you. This
information will also be reported to the IRS. All capital gain distributions
are taxable to you for the year in which they were paid. The only exception is
that distributions declared during the last three months of the year and paid
in January are taxed as though they were paid by December 31. Dividends are
expected to be tax-exempt.
Short-term capital gain distributions are taxable as ordinary income and
long-term gain distributions are taxable at the applicable long-term gain
rate. The gain is long- or short-term depending on how long the fund held the
securities, not how long you held shares in the fund. If you realize a loss on
the sale or exchange of fund shares held six months or less, your short-term
loss recognized is reclassified to long-term to the extent of any capital gain
distribution received.
If the funds invest in certain "private activity" bonds, shareholders who are
subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT) must include income generated by
these bonds in their AMT computation. The portion of your fund's income which
should be included in your AMT calculation, if any, will be reported to you in
January.
Tax effect of buying shares before a capital gain distribution. If you buy
shares shortly before or on the "record date"-the date that establishes you as
the person to receive the upcoming distribution-you will receive, in the form
of a taxable distribution, a portion of the money you just invested.
Therefore, you may wish to find out a fund's record date(s) before investing.
Of course, a fund's share price may, at any time, reflect undistributed
capital gains or unrealized appreciation.
Note: For shareholders who receive social security benefits, the receipt of
tax-exempt interest may increase the portion of benefits that are subject to
tax.
Transaction Procedures and Special Requirements
Purchase Conditions
__________________________________________________________________________
FOLLOWING THESE PROCEDURES HELPS ASSURE TIMELY AND ACCURATE TRANSACTIONS.
Nonpayment. If your payment is not received or you pay with a check or ACH
transfer that does not clear, your purchase will be cancelled. You will be
responsible for any losses or expenses incurred by the fund or transfer agent,
and the fund can redeem shares you own in this or another identically
registered T. Rowe Price fund as reimbursement. The fund and its agents have
the right to reject or cancel any purchase, exchange, or redemption due to
nonpayment.
U.S. dollars. All purchases must be paid for in U.S. dollars; checks must be
drawn on U.S. banks.
Sale (Redemption) Conditions
10-day hold. If you sell shares that you just purchased and paid for by check
or ACH transfer, the fund will process your redemption but will generally
delay sending you the proceeds for up to 10 calendar days to allow the check
or transfer to clear. If your redemption request was sent by mail or mailgram,
proceeds will be mailed no later than the seventh calendar day following
receipt unless the check or ACH transfer has not cleared. If, during the
clearing period, we receive a check drawn against your bond or money market
account, it will be returned marked "uncollected." (The 10-day hold does not
apply to purchases paid for by: bank wire; cashier's, certified, or
treasurer's checks; or automatic purchases through your paycheck.)
Telephone, Tele*Access (registered trademark), and PC*Access (registered
trademark) transactions. These exchange and redemption services are
established automatically when you sign the New Account Form unless you check
the box which states that you do not want these services. The funds use
reasonable procedures (including shareholder identity verification) to confirm
that instructions given by telephone are genuine and are not liable for acting
on these instructions. If these procedures are not followed, it is the opinion
of certain regulatory agencies that the funds may be liable for any losses
that may result from acting on the instructions given. All conversations are
recorded, and a confirmation is sent promptly after the telephone transaction.
Redemptions over $250,000. Large sales can adversely affect a portfolio
manager's ability to implement a fund's investment strategy by causing the
premature sale of securities that would otherwise be held. If in any 90-day
period, you redeem (sell) more than $250,000, or your sale amounts to more
than 1% of the fund's net assets, the fund has the right to delay sending your
proceeds for up to five business days after receiving your request, or to pay
the difference between the redemption amount and the lesser of the two
previously mentioned figures with securities from the fund.
__________________________________________________________________________
T. ROWE PRICE MAY BAR EXCESSIVE TRADERS FROM PURCHASING SHARES.
Excessive Trading
Frequent trades involving either substantial fund assets, or a substantial
portion of your account or accounts controlled by you, can disrupt management
of the fund and raise its expenses. We define "excessive trading" as exceeding
one purchase and sale involving the same fund within any 120-day period.
For example, you are in fund A. You can move substantial assets from fund A to
fund B and, within the next 120 days, sell your shares in fund B to return to
fund A or move to fund C.
If you exceed the number of trades described above, you may be barred
indefinitely from further purchases of T. Rowe Price funds.Three types of
transactions are exempt from excessive trading guidelines: (1) trades solely
between money market funds, (2) redemptions that are not part of exchanges,
and (3) systematic purchases or redemptions (see "Shareholder Services").
Keeping Your Account Open
Due to the relatively high cost to the fund of maintaining small accounts, we
ask you to maintain an account balance of at least $1,000. If your balance is
below $1,000 for three months or longer, the fund has the right to close your
account after giving you 60 days in which to increase your balance.
___________________________________________________________________________
A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT YOU AND THE FUND FROM FRAUD BY
VERIFYING YOUR SIGNATURE.
Signature Guarantees
You may need to have your signature guaranteed in certain situations, such as:
o Written requests 1) to redeem over $50,000 or 2) to wire redemption
proceeds.
o Remitting redemption proceeds to any person, address, or bank account not
on record.
o Transferring redemption proceeds to a T. Rowe Price fund account with a
different registration from yours.
o Establishing certain services after the account is opened.
You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks, savings institutions,
broker/dealers, and other guarantors acceptable to T. Rowe Price. We cannot
accept guarantees from notaries public or organizations that do not provide
reimbursement in the case of fraud.
3 MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
Organization and Management
___________________________________________________________________________
SHAREHOLDERS BENEFIT FROM T. ROWE PRICE'S 58 YEARS OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
EXPERIENCE.
How are the funds organized?
The T. Rowe Price State Tax-Free Income Trust was organized in 1986 as a
Massachusetts business trust and is a "nondiversified, open-end investment
company," or mutual fund. The money fund and the bond fund were both organized
in 1986. Mutual funds pool money received from shareholders and invest it to
try to achieve specified objectives.
What is meant by "shares"?
As with all mutual funds, investors purchase "shares" when they invest in a
fund. These shares are part of a fund's authorized capital stock, but share
certificates are not issued.
Each share and fractional share entitles the shareholder to:
o receive a proportional interest in a fund's income and capital gain
distributions;
o cast one vote per share on certain fund matters, including the election
of fund directors/trustees, changes in fundamental policies, or approval
of changes in a fund's management contract.
Does each fund have an annual shareholder meeting?
The funds are not required to hold annual meetings and do not intend to do so
except when certain matters, such as a change in a fund's fundamental
policies, are to be decided. In addition, shareholders representing at least
10% of all eligible votes may call a special meeting if they wish for the
purpose of voting on the removal of any fund trustee(s). If a meeting is held
and you cannot attend, you can vote by proxy. Before the meeting, the fund
will send you proxy materials that explain the issues to be decided and
include a voting card for you to mail back.
___________________________________________________________________________
ALL DECISIONS REGARDING THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND INVESTMENTS ARE MADE BY
T. ROWE PRICE-SPECIFICALLY BY THE FUNDS' PORTFOLIO MANAGERS.
Who runs the funds?
General Oversight. The funds are governed by a Board of Trustees that meets
regularly to review the funds' investments, performance, expenses, and other
business affairs. The Board elects the funds' officers. The policy of each
fund is that a majority of Board members will be independent of T. Rowe Price.
Portfolio Management. The funds have an Investment Advisory Committee,
composed of the following members: William T. Reynolds, Chairman, Janet G.
Albright, Patrice L. Berchtenbreiter, Paul W. Boltz, Michael P. Buckley,
Patricia S. Deford, Joseph K. Lynagh, Konstantine B. Mallas, Theodore E.
Robson, and William F. Snider, Jr. The Committee Chairman has day-to-day
responsibility for managing the portfolio and works with the Committee in
developing and executing the funds' investment programs. Mr. Reynolds has been
Chairman of the funds' Committee since 1990. He joined T. Rowe Price in 1981,
and has been managing investments since 1978.
Marketing. T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary
of T. Rowe Price, distributes (sells) shares of these and all other T. Rowe
Price funds.
Shareholder Services. T. Rowe Price Services, Inc., another wholly owned
subsidiary, acts as the funds' transfer and dividend disbursing agent and
provides shareholder and administrative services. The address for T. Rowe
Price Investment Services, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Services, Inc., is 100 East
Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202.
__________________________________________________________________________
THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT SPELLS OUT THE EXPENSES TO BE PAID BY EACH FUND.
How are fund expenses determined?
In addition to the management fee, each fund pays for the following:
shareholder service expenses; custodial, accounting, legal, and audit fees;
costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and reports sent to shareholders;
registration fees and expenses; proxy and annual meeting expenses (if any);
and director/trustee fees and expenses.
The Management Fee. This fee has two parts-an "individual fund fee" (discussed
under "Transaction and Fund Expenses"), which reflects the fund's particular
investment management costs, and a "group fee." The group fee, which is
designed to reflect the benefits of the shared resources of the T. Rowe Price
investment management complex, is calculated daily based on the combined net
assets of all T. Rowe Price funds (except Equity Index and the Spectrum Funds
and any institutional or private label mutual funds). The group fee schedule
(shown below) is graduated, declining as the asset total rises, so
shareholders benefit from the overall growth in mutual fund assets.
0.480% First $1 billion
0.450% Next $1 billion
0.420% Next $1 billion
0.390% Next $1 billion
0.370% Next $1 billion
0.360% Next $2 billion
0.350% Next $2 billion
0.340% Next $5 billion
0.330% Next $10 billion
0.320% Next $10 billion
0.310% Thereafter
Each fund's portion of the group fee is determined by the ratio of its daily
net assets to the daily net assets of all the Price funds as described above.
Based on combined Price funds' assets of over $38 billion at April 30, 1995,
the Group Fee was 0.34%.
Understanding Performance Information
___________________________________________________________________________
TOTAL RETURN IS THE MOST WIDELY USED PERFORMANCE MEASURE. DETAILED PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION IS INCLUDED IN THE FUNDS' ANNUAL REPORTS AND QUARTERLY SHAREHOLDER
REPORTS.
This section should help you understand the terms used to describe the funds'
performance. You will come across them in shareholder reports you receive from
us four times a year, in our newsletter, Insights, in reports, in T. Rowe
Price advertisements, and in the media.
Total Return
This tells you how much an investment in a fund has changed in value over a
given time period. It reflects any net increase or decrease in the share price
and assumes that all dividends and capital gains (if any) paid during the
period were reinvested in additional shares. Including reinvested
distributions means that total return numbers include the effect of
compounding, i.e., you receive income and capital gain distributions on a
rising number of shares.
Advertisements for a fund may include cumulative or compound average annual
total return figures, which may be compared with various indices, other
performance measures, or other mutual funds.
Cumulative Total Return
This is the actual rate of return on an investment for a specified period. A
cumulative return does not indicate how much the value of the investment may
have fluctuated between the beginning and the end of the period specified.
Average Annual Total Return
This is always hypothetical. Working backward from the actual cumulative
return, it tells you what constant year-by-year return would have produced the
actual, cumulative return. By smoothing out all the variations in annual
performance, it gives you an idea of the investment's annual contribution to
your portfolio provided you held it for the entire period in question.
___________________________________________________________________________
YOU WILL SEE FREQUENT REFERENCES TO THE FUNDS' YIELDS IN OUR REPORTS, IN
ADVERTISEMENTS, IN MEDIA STORIES, AND SO ON.
Yield
The current or "dividend yield" on the fund or any investment tells you the
relationship between the investment's current level of annual income and its
price on a particular day. The dividend yield reflects the actual income paid
to shareholders for a given period, annualized, and divided by the average
price during the given period. For example, a fund providing $5 of annual
income per share and a price of $50 has a current yield of 10%. Yields can be
calculated for any time period. The money fund may advertise a "current"
yield, reflecting the latest 7-day income annualized, or an "effective" yield,
which assumes the income has been reinvested in the fund.
The advertised or "SEC yield" is found by determining the net income per share
(as defined by the SEC) earned by the fund during a 30-day base period and
dividing this amount by the per-share price on the last day of the base
period. The "SEC yield" may differ from the dividend yield.
Investment Policies and Practices
___________________________________________________________________________
FUND MANAGERS HAVE CONSIDERABLE LEEWAY IN CHOOSING INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND
SELECTING SECURITIES THEY BELIEVE WILL HELP THE FUNDS ACHIEVE THEIR
OBJECTIVES.
This section takes a detailed look at some of the types of securities the
funds may hold in their portfolios and the various kinds of investment
practices that may be used in day-to-day portfolio management. Each fund's
investment program is subject to further restrictions and risks described in
the "Statement of Additional Information."
Shareholder approval is required to substantively change each fund's objective
and certain investment restrictions noted in the following section as
"fundamental policies." The managers also follow certain "operating policies"
which can be changed without shareholder approval. However, significant
changes are discussed with shareholders in fund reports.
Each fund adheres to applicable investment restrictions and policies at the
time it makes an investment. A later change in circumstances will not require
the sale of an investment if it was proper at the time it was made.
The fund's holdings of certain kinds of investments cannot exceed maximum
percentages of total assets, which are set forth herein. For instance, these
funds are not permitted to invest more than 10% of total assets in residual
interest bonds. While these restrictions provide a useful level of detail
about the fund's investment program, investors should not view them as an
accurate gauge of the potential risk of such investments. For example, in a
given period, a 5% investment in residual interest bonds could have
significantly more than a 5% impact on the fund's share price. The net effect
of a particular investment depends on its volatility and the size of its
overall return in relation to the performance of all the fund's other
investments.
Changes in the fund's holdings, the fund's performance, and the contribution
of various investments are discussed in the shareholder reports sent to you.
Types of Portfolio Securities
In seeking to meet their investment objectives, the funds may invest in any
type of municipal security or instrument (including certain potentially
high-risk derivatives) whose yield, credit quality, and maturity
characteristics are consistent with the funds' investment programs. These and
some of the other investment techniques the funds may use are described in the
following pages.
Fundamental policy: Each fund is registered as a nondiversified mutual fund.
This means that each fund may invest a greater portion of its assets in a
single issuer than a diversified fund which may subject the funds to greater
risk with respect to their portfolio securities. However, because each fund
intends to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal
Revenue Code, it must invest so that, at the end of each quarter, with respect
to 50% of their total assets, not more than 5% of its assets are invested in
the securities of a single issuer, and with respect to the remaining 50%, no
more than 25% of fund assets are invested in a single issuer.
___________________________________________________________________________
IN PURCHASING MUNICIPALS, THE FUNDS RELY ON THE OPINION OF THE ISSUER'S BOND
COUNSEL REGARDING THE TAX-EXEMPT STATUS OF THE INVESTMENT.
Municipal Securities. Each fund's assets are invested primarily in various
tax-free municipal debt securities. The issuers have a contractual obligation
to pay interest at a stated rate on specific dates and to repay principal (the
bond's face value) on a specified date or dates. An issuer may have the right
to redeem or "call" a bond before maturity, and the investor may have to
reinvest the proceeds at lower rates.
There are two broad categories of municipal bonds. General obligation bonds
are backed by the issuer's "full faith and credit," that is, its full taxing
and revenue raising power. Revenue bonds usually rely exclusively on a
specific revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service, to
generate money for debt service.
Private Activity Bonds. While income from most municipals is exempt from
federal income taxes, the income from certain types of so-called private
activity bonds (a type of revenue bond) may be subject to the alternative
minimum tax (AMT). However, only persons subject to AMT pay this tax. Private
activity bonds may be issued for purposes such as housing or airports or to
benefit a private company. (Being subject to the AMT does not mean the
investor necessarily pays this tax. For further information, please see
"Distributions and Taxes.")
Fundamental policy: Under normal market conditions, each fund will not
purchase any security if, as a result, less than 80% of the fund's income
would be exempt from federal and New York state and city income taxes. The
income included under the 80% test does not include income from securities
subject to the alternative minimum tax.
Operating policy: During periods of abnormal market conditions, for temporary
defensive purposes, the funds may invest without limit in high-quality,
short-term securities whose income is subject to federal and New York state
and city income tax.
In addition to general obligation and revenue bonds, the funds' investments
may include, but are not limited to, the following types of securities:
Municipal Lease Obligations. A lease is not a full faith and credit obligation
of the issuer and is usually backed only by the borrowing government's
unsecured pledge to make annual appropriation for lease payments. There have
been challenges to the legality of lease financing in numerous states and,
from time to time, certain municipalities have considered not appropriating
money to make lease payments. In deciding whether to purchase a lease
obligation, the funds would assess the financial condition of the borrower,
the merits of the project, the level of public support for the project, and
the legislative history of lease financing in the state. These securities may
be less readily marketable than other municipals. The funds may also purchase
unrated lease-obligations. Based on information supplied by T. Rowe Price, the
funds' Board of Trustees will periodically review the credit quality of
nonrated leases and assess the likelihood of their being cancelled.
Operating policy: Each fund may invest no more than 20% of its total assets in
lease obligations.
Municipal Warrants. Municipal warrants are essentially call options on
municipal bonds. In exchange for a premium, they give the purchaser the right,
but not the obligation, to purchase a municipal bond in the future. The fund
might purchase a warrant to lock in forward supply in an environment where the
current issuance of bonds is sharply reduced. Like options, warrants may
expire worthless and they may have reduced liquidity.
Operating policy: The fund will not invest more than 2% of its total assets in
municipal warrants.
Securities with "Puts" or other Demand Features. Some longer-term municipals
give the investor the right to "put" or sell the security at par (face value)
within a specified number of days following the investor's request-usually one
to seven days. This demand feature enhances a security's liquidity by
dramatically shortening its effective maturity and enables it to trade at a
price equal to or very close to par. If the demand feature were terminated
prior to being exercised, the funds would hold the longer-term security.
Securities with Credit Enhancements.
o Letters of Credit. Letters of credit are issued by a third party, usually
a bank, to enhance liquidity and/or ensure repayment of principal and any
accrued interest if the underlying municipal security should default.
o Municipal Bond Insurance. This insurance, which is usually purchased by
the bond issuer from a private, nongovernmental insurance company,
provides an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee that the insured
bond's principal and interest will be paid when due. Insurance does not
guarantee the price of a bond or the share price of any fund. The credit
rating of an insured bond reflects the credit rating of the insurer,
based on its claims paying ability. T. Rowe Price periodically reviews
the credit quality of the insurer.
The obligation of a municipal bond insurance company to pay a claim
extends over the life of each insured bond. Although defaults on insured
municipal bonds have been low to date and municipal bond insurers have
met these claims, there is no assurance this will continue. A higher than
expected default rate could strain the insurer's loss reserves and
adversely affect its ability to pay claims to bondholders, such as the
funds. The number of municipal bond insurers is relatively small, and not
all of them have the highest rating.
o Standby Repurchase Agreements. A Standby Bond Purchase Agreement (SBPA)
is a liquidity facility provided to pay the purchase price of bonds that
cannot be remarketed. The obligation of the liquidity provider (usually a
bank) is only to advance funds to purchase tendered bonds which cannot be
remarketed and does not cover principal or interest under any other
circumstances. The liquidity provider's obligations under the SBPA are
usually subject to numerous conditions, including the continued
creditworthiness of the underlying borrower.
Synthetic or Derivative Securities. These securities are created from existing
municipal bonds:
o Residual Interest Bonds (bond fund) (a potentially high-risk derivative).
The income stream provided by an underlying bond is divided to create two
securities, one short-term and one long-term. The interest rate on the
short-term component is reset by an index or auction process normally
every seven to 35 days. After income is paid on the short-term securities
at current rates, the residual income goes to the long-term securities.
Therefore, rising short-term interest rates result in lower income for
the longer-term portion, and vice versa. The longer-term bonds can be
very volatile and may be less liquid than other municipals of comparable
maturity.
Operating policy: The bond fund will not invest more than 10% of its
total assets in residual interest bonds.
o Participation Interests. This term covers various types of securities
created by converting fixed rate bonds into short-term, variable rate
certificates. These securities have been developed in the secondary
market to meet the demand for short-term, tax-exempt securities. The
funds will invest only in securities deemed tax-exempt by a nationally
recognized bond counsel, but there is no guarantee the interest will be
exempt because the IRS has not issued a definitive ruling on the matter.
o Embedded Interest Rate Swaps and Caps (bond fund). In a fixed rate,
long-term municipal bond with an interest rate swap attached to it, the
bondholder usually receives the bond's fixed coupon payment as well as a
variable rate payment that represents the difference between a fixed rate
for the term of the swap (which is typically shorter than the bond it is
attached to) and a variable rate short-term municipal index. The
bondholder receives excess income when short-term rates remain below the
fixed interest rate swap rate. If short-term rates rise above the
fixed-income swap rate, the bondholder's income is reduced. At the end of
the interest rate swap term, the bond reverts to a single fixed coupon
payment. Embedded interest rate swaps enhance yields, but also increase
interest rate risk.
An embedded interest rate cap allows the bondholder to receive payments
whenever short-term rates rise above a level established at the time of
purchase. They normally are used to hedge against rising short-term interest
rates.
Both instruments may be volatile and of limited liquidity and their use may
adversely affect a fund's total return.
Operating policy: The bond fund will not invest more than 10% of its total
assets in embedded interest rate swaps and caps.
Private Placements. The funds may seek to enhance their yield through the
purchase of private placements. These securities are sold through private
negotiations, usually to institutions or mutual funds, and may have resale
restrictions. Their yields are usually higher than comparable public
securities to compensate the investor for their limited marketability.
Operating policy: The bond fund may not invest more than 15% (10% for money
fund) of its net assets in illiquid securities, including unmarketable private
placements.
Types of Management Practices
___________________________________________________________________________
CASH RESERVES PROVIDE FLEXIBILITY AND SERVE AS A SHORT-TERM DEFENSE DURING
PERIODS OF UNUSUAL MARKET VOLATILITY.
Cash Position (bond fund). The fund will hold a portion of its assets in
short-term, tax-exempt money market securities maturing in one year or less.
The reserve position: provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, expenses,
and the timing of new investments; can help in structuring a fund's weighted
average maturity; and serves as a short-term defense during periods of unusual
market volatility. The fund's cash reserve position will be comprised of
short-term, investment-grade securities including tax-exempt commercial paper,
municipal notes and short-term maturity bonds. Some of these securities may
have adjustable, variable or floating rates.
When-Issued Securities (each fund) and Forwards (bond fund). New issues of
municipals are often sold on a "when-issued" basis, that is, delivery and
payment take place 15-45 days after the buyer has agreed to the purchase. Some
bonds, called "forwards," have longer than standard settlement dates, in some
cases exceeding one to three years. When buying these securities, each fund
identifies cash or high-grade marketable securities held by its custodian
equal in value to its commitment for these securities. The funds do not earn
interest on when-issued and forward securities until settlement, and the value
of the securities may fluctuate between purchase and settlement. Municipal
"forwards" typically carry a substantial yield premium to compensate the buyer
for their greater interest rate, credit, and liquidity risks.
Interest Rate Futures (bond fund). Futures (a potentially high-risk
derivative) are often used to manage risk, because they enable the investor to
buy or sell an asset in the future at an agreed upon price. Specifically, the
fund may use futures (and options on futures) to hedge against a potentially
unfavorable change in interest rates and to adjust its exposure to the
municipal bond market. The use of futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes
may not always be successful. Their prices can be highly volatile, using them
could lower the fund's total return, and the potential loss from their use
could exceed the fund's initial investment in such contracts.
Operating policy: Initial margin deposits on futures and premiums on options
used for non-hedging purposes will not equal more than 5% of the fund's net
asset value.
Borrowing Money and Transferring Assets. Each fund can borrow money from banks
as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption
requests, or for other proper purposes consistent with each fund's investment
objective and program. Such borrowings may be collateralized with fund assets,
subject to restrictions.
Fundamental policy: Borrowings may not exceed 331/3% of a fund's total assets.
Operating policy: Each fund may not transfer as collateral any portfolio
securities except as necessary in connection with permissible borrowings or
investments and then such transfers may not exceed 331/3% of a fund's total
assets. Each fund may not purchase additional securities when borrowings
exceed 5% of total assets.
Portfolio Turnover (bond fund). The fund generally purchases securities with
the intention of holding them for investment however, when market conditions
or other circumstances warrant, securities may be purchased and sold without
regard to the length of time held. Due to the nature of the fund's investment
program, its portfolio turnover rate may exceed 100%. Although the fund does
not expect to generate any taxable income, a high turnover rate may increase
transaction costs and may affect taxes paid by shareholders to the extent
short-term gains are distributed. The bond fund's portfolio turnover rates for
the fiscal years ended February 28, 1995, 1994, and 1993, were 134.3%, 84.9%,
and 41.5%, respectively.
Sector Concentration. It is possible that each fund could have a considerable
amount of assets (25% or more) in securities that would tend to respond
similarly to particular economic or political developments. An example would
be securities of issuers related to a single industry, such as health care or
nuclear energy.
Operating policy: Each fund will not invest more than 25% of total assets in
industrial development bonds of projects in the same industry (such as solid
waste, nuclear utility, or airlines). Bonds which are refunded with escrowed
U.S. government securities are not subject to the 25% limitation.
Credit Quality Considerations. The credit quality of most bond issues is
evaluated by rating agencies such as Moody's and Standard & Poor's. Credit
quality refers to the issuer's ability to meet all required interest and
principal payments. The highest ratings are assigned to issuers perceived to
be the best credit risks. T. Rowe Price research analysts also evaluate all
portfolio holdings of each fund, including those rated by outside agencies.
The lower the rating on a bond, the higher the yield, other things being
equal.
Table 6 shows the rating scale used by the major rating agencies. T. Rowe
Price considers publicly available ratings, but emphasizes its own credit
analysis when selecting investments.
_________________________________________________________________
Ratings of Municipal Debt Securities
Moody's Standard Fitch Definition
Investors & Poor's Investors
Service, Corpor- Service,
Inc. ation Inc.
_________________________________________________________________
Long- Aaa AAA AAA Highest
Term quality
______________________________________________________
Aa AA AA High
quality
______________________________________________________
A A A Upper medium
grade
_________________________________________________________________
Baa BBB BBB Medium
grade
Moody's S&P Fitch
_________________________________________________________________
Short- MIG1/ Best SP1+ Very F-1+ Exception-
Term VMIG1 quality strong ally
quality strong
quality
SP1 Strong F-1 Very
grade strong
quality
_____________________________________________________
MIG2/ High SP2 Satis- F-2 Good
VMIG2 quality factory credit
grade quality
________________________________________________________________
Comm- P-1 Superior A-1+ Extremely F-1+ Exception-
ercial quality strong ally
Paper quality strong
quality
A-1 Strong F-1 Very
quality strong
quality
_____________________________________________________
P-2 Strong A-2 Satis- F-2 Good
quality factory credit
quality quality
________________________________________________________________
Table 6
4 INVESTING WITH T. ROWE PRICE
Account Requirements and Transaction Information
___________________________________________________________________________
ALWAYS VERIFY YOUR TRANSACTIONS BY CAREFULLY REVIEWING THE CONFIRMATION WE
SEND YOU. PLEASE REPORT ANY DISCREPANCIES TO SHAREHOLDER SERVICES.
Tax Identification Number
We must have your correct social security or corporate tax identification
number on a signed New Account Form or W-9 Form. Otherwise, federal law
requires the funds to withhold a percentage (currently 31%) of your dividends,
capital gain distributions, and redemptions, and may subject you to an IRS
fine. If this information is not received within 60 days after your account is
established, your account may be redeemed, priced at the NAV on the date of
redemption.
Unless you request otherwise, one shareholder report will be mailed to
multiple account owners with the same tax identification number and same zip
code and to shareholders who have requested that their account be combined
with someone else's for financial reporting.
Institutional Accounts
Transaction procedures in the following sections may not apply to
institutional accounts. For procedures regarding institutional accounts,
please call your designated account manager or service representative.
Opening a New Account: $2,500 minimum initial investment; $1,000 for gifts or
transfers to minors (UGMA/UTMA) accounts
________________________________________________________________
REGULAR MAIL
T. ROWE PRICE
ACCOUNT SERVICES
P.O. BOX 17300
BALTIMORE, MD
21298-9353
MAILGRAM, EXPRESS,
REGISTERED, OR CERTIFIED MAIL
T. ROWE PRICE
ACCOUNT SERVICES
10090 RED RUN BLVD.
OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117
Account Registration
If you own other T. Rowe Price funds, be sure to register any new account just
like your existing accounts so you can exchange among them easily. (The name
and account type would have to be identical.)
By Mail
Please make your check payable to T. Rowe Price Funds (otherwise it will be
returned) and send your check together with the New Account Form to the
address at left. We do not accept third party checks to open new accounts.
By Wire
o Call Investor Services for an account number and give the following wire
address to your bank:
Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. of New York
ABA #021000238
T. Rowe Price [fund name]
AC-00153938
account name(s) and account number
o Complete a New Account Form and mail it to one of the appropriate
addresses listed at left.
Note: No services will be established and IRS penalty withholding may occur
until a signed New Account Form is received.
By Exchange
Call Shareholder Services or use Tele*Access or PC*Access (see "Automated
Services" under "Shareholder Services"). The new account will have the same
registration as the account from which you are exchanging. Services for the
new account may be carried over by telephone request if preauthorized on the
existing account. (See explanation of "Excessive Trading" under "Transaction
Procedures.")
In Person
Drop off your New Account Form at any of the locations listed on the cover and
obtain a receipt.
Note: The fund and its agents reserve the right to waive or lower investment
minimums; to accept initial purchases by telephone or mailgram; to cancel or
rescind any purchase or exchange (for example, if an account has been
restricted due to excessive trading or fraud) upon notice to the shareholder
within five business days of the trade or if the written confirmation has not
been received by the shareholder, whichever is sooner; to freeze any account
and suspend account services when notice has been received of a dispute
between the registered or beneficial account owners or there is reason to
believe a fraudulent transaction may occur; to otherwise modify the conditions
of purchase and any services at any time; or to act on instructions believed
to be genuine.
Purchasing Additional Shares: $100 minimum purchase; $50 minimum for Automatic
Asset Builder
By ACH Transfer
Use Tele*Access, PC*Access or call Investor Services if you have established
electronic transfers using the ACH network.
By Wire
Call Shareholder Services or use the wire address in "Opening a New Account."
________________________________________________________________
REGULAR MAIL
T. ROWE PRICE FUNDS
ACCOUNT SERVICES
P.O. BOX 89000
BALTIMORE, MD
21289-1500
By Mail
o Provide your account number and the fund name on your check.
o Make your check payable to T. Rowe Price Funds (otherwise it may be
returned).
o Mail the check to us at the address shown at left with either a fund
reinvestment slip or a note indicating the fund you want to buy and your
fund account number.
By Automatic Asset Builder
Fill out the Automatic Asset Builder section on the New Account or Shareholder
Services Form.
Exchanging and Redeeming Shares
By Phone
Call Shareholder Services. If you find our phones busy during unusually
volatile markets, please consider placing your order by Tele*Access ,
PC*Access (if you have previously authorized telephone services), mailgram or
express mail. For exchange policies, please see "Transaction Procedures and
Special Requirements-Excessive Trading."
Redemption proceeds can be mailed to your account address, sent by ACH
transfer, or wired to your bank (provided your bank information is already on
file). For charges, see "Electronic Transfers-By Wire" under "Shareholder
Services".
By Mail
Provide account name(s) and numbers, fund name(s), and exchange or redemption
amount. For exchanges, mail to the appropriate address below, indicate the
fund you are exchanging from and the fund(s) you are exchanging into. T. Rowe
Price requires the signatures of all owners exactly as registered, and
possibly a signature guarantee (please see "Transaction Procedures and Special
Requirements-Signature Guarantees").
Mailgram, Express, Registered, or
Certified Mail:
T. Rowe Price Account Services
10090 Red Run Boulevard
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Regular Mail:
T. Rowe Price Account Services
P.O. Box 89000
Baltimore, MD 21289-0220
Shareholder Services
________________________________________________________________
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
1-800-225-5132
1-410-625-6500
Many services are available to you as a T. Rowe Price shareholder; some you
receive automatically and others you must authorize on the New Account Form.
By signing up for services on the New Account Form rather than later on, you
avoid having to complete a separate form and obtain a signature guarantee.
This section reviews some of the principal services currently offered. Our
Services Guide contains detailed descriptions of these and other services.
If you are a new T. Rowe Price investor, you will receive a Services Guide
with our Welcome Kit.
Note: Corporate and other institutional accounts require an original or
certified resolution to establish services and to redeem by mail. For more
information, call Investor Services.
Retirement Plans
We offer a wide range of plans for individuals and institutions, including
large and small businesses: IRAs, SEP-IRAs, Keoghs (profit sharing, money
purchase pension), 401(k), and 403(b)(7). For information on IRAs, call
Investor Services. For information on all other retirement plans, please call
our Trust Company at 1-800-492-7670.
___________________________________________________________________________
INVESTOR SERVICES
1-800-638-5660
1-410-547-2308
Exchange Service
You can move money from one account to an existing identically registered
account, or open a new identically registered account. Remember, exchanges are
purchases and sales for tax purposes. (Exchanges into a state tax-free fund
are limited to investors living in states where the funds are registered.)
Some of the T. Rowe Price funds may impose a redemption fee of .50% to 2%,
payable to such funds, on shares held for less than one year, or in some
funds, six months.
Automated Services
Tele*Access. 24-hour service via toll-free number provides information on fund
yields and prices, dividends, account balances, and your latest transaction as
well as the ability to request prospectuses, account and tax forms, duplicate
statements, checks, and to initiate purchase, redemption and exchange orders
in your accounts (see "Electronic Transfers" below).
PC*Access. 24-hour service via dial-up modem provides the same information as
Tele*Access, but on a personal computer. Please call Investor Services for an
information guide.
Telephone and Walk-In Services
Buy, sell, or exchange shares by calling one of our service representatives or
by visiting one of our investor center locations whose addresses are listed on
the cover.
Electronic Transfers
By ACH. With no charges to pay, you can initiate a purchase or redemption for
as little as $100 or as much as $100,000 between your bank account and fund
account using the ACH network. Enter instructions via Tele*Access, PC*Access,
or call Shareholder Services.
By Wire. Electronic transfers can also be conducted via bank wire. There is
currently a $5 fee for wire redemptions under $5,000, and your bank may charge
for incoming or outgoing wire transfers regardless of size.
Checkwriting (Not available for equity funds, or the High Yield Bond or
Emerging Markets Bond Funds)
You may write an unlimited number of free checks on any money market fund and
most bond funds, with a minimum of $500 per check. Keep in mind, however, that
a check results in a redemption; a check written on a bond fund will create a
taxable event which you and we must report to the IRS.
Automatic Investing ($50 minimum)
You can invest automatically in several different ways, including:
o Automatic Asset Builder. You instruct us to move $50 or more once a month
or less often from your bank account, or you can instruct your employer
to send all or a portion of your paycheck to the fund or funds you
designate.
o Automatic Exchange. You can set up systematic investments from one fund
account into another, such as from a money fund into a stock fund.
__________________________________________________________________________
DISCOUNT BROKERAGE IS A DIVISION OF T. ROWE PRICE INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.
Discount Brokerage
You can trade stocks, bonds, options, precious metals, and other securities at
a savings over regular commission rates. Call Investor Services for
information.
Note: If you buy or sell T. Rowe Price funds through anyone other than T. Rowe
Price, such as broker-dealers or banks, you may be charged transaction or
service fees by those institutions. No such fees are charged by T. Rowe Price
Investment Services or the fund for transactions conducted directly with the
fund.
________________________________________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EDGAR FILING
AND PRINTED COPY
Information appearing in all capital letters before a paragraph in the Edgar
filing will appear, in the printed copy, as call-outs in the left margin.
PAGE 2
The prospectus for the T. Rowe Price Maryland Tax-Free Funds,
dated July 1, 1995 should be inserted here.
<PAGE> 1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS
---------------------------------------
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT
INVESTOR SERVICES T. ROWE PRICE
1-800-638-5660 MARYLAND TAX-FREE
1-410-547-2308 FUNDS
T. Rowe Price SHORT- AND LONG-
FOR EXISTING ACCOUNTS State Tax-Free TERM BOND FUNDS
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES Income Trust FOR INVESTORS
1-800-225-5132 July 1, 1995 SEEKING INCOME
1-410-625-6500 THAT IS EXEMPT
FROM FEDERAL AND
MARYLAND STATE
FOR YIELDS AND PRICES AND LOCAL INCOME
TELE*ACCESS(R) TAXES.
1-800-638-2587
1-410-625-7676
24 hours, 7 days
INVESTOR CENTERS
101 East Lombard St.
Baltimore, MD
T. Rowe Price
Financial Center
10090 Red Run Blvd.
Owings Mills, MD
Farragut Square
900 17th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC
ARCO Tower
31st Floor
515 South Flower St.
Los Angeles, CA
To help you achieve your
financial goals, T. Rowe Price
offers a wide range of stock,
bond, and money market
investments, as well as
convenient services and
timely, informative reports.
Invest With Confidence
[T. ROWE PRICE LOGO]
MDC
<PAGE> 2
T. ROWE PRICE
State Tax-Free
Income Trust
July 1, 1995
PROSPECTUS
Facts at a Glance
INVESTMENT GOALS
The highest level of income exempt from
federal and Maryland state and local income
taxes consistent with each fund's
prescribed investment program.
As with all mutual funds, these funds may
not meet their goals.
STRATEGY AND RISK/REWARD
MARYLAND SHORT-TERM TAX-FREE BOND FUND.
Invests primarily in short-term,
investment-grade Maryland municipal bonds.
Dollar-weighted average maturity will
range between one and three years.
Risk/Reward: Higher income than a municipal
money market fund and less potential
share-price fluctuation than the Maryland
Tax-Free Bond Fund.
MARYLAND TAX-FREE BOND FUND. Invests
primarily in investment-grade Maryland
municipal bonds. Dollar-weighted average
maturity is expected to be 10 years or
longer.
Risk/Reward: Higher income than the
Maryland Short-Term Bond Fund but also
greater potential price fluctuation.
INVESTOR PROFILE
Maryland taxpayers who, because of their
tax bracket, can benefit from income that
is exempt from federal and Maryland state
and local income taxes. Not appropriate
for tax-deferred retirement plans, such as
IRAs.
FEES AND CHARGES
100% no load. No fees or charges to buy or
sell shares or to reinvest dividends; no
12b-1 marketing fees; free telephone
exchange.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Founded in 1937 by the late Thomas Rowe
Price, Jr., T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
("T. Rowe Price") and its affiliates
managed over $61 billion, including
approximately $5.5 billion in municipal
bond assets, for over three million
individual and institutional investor
accounts as of March 31, 1995.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED
BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION,
OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION,
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Contents
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
--------------------------------
ABOUT THE FUNDS
1 --------------------------------
Transaction and Fund Expenses 2
--------------------------------
Financial Highlights 4
--------------------------------
Characteristics 5
Fund, Market, and Risk
--------------------------------
ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
2 --------------------------------
Pricing Shares;
Receiving Sale Proceeds 11
--------------------------------
Distributions and Taxes 12
--------------------------------
Transaction Procedures and
Special Requirements 14
--------------------------------
MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
3 --------------------------------
Organization and Management 16
--------------------------------
Understanding Fund Performance 17
--------------------------------
Investment Policies and
Practices 18
--------------------------------
INVESTING WITH T. ROWE PRICE
4 --------------------------------
Account Requirements and
Transaction Information 25
--------------------------------
Opening a New Account 25
--------------------------------
Purchasing Additional Shares 26
--------------------------------
Exchanging and Redeeming 27
--------------------------------
Shareholder Services 27
--------------------------------
</TABLE>
This prospectus contains information you should
know before investing. Please keep it for
future reference. A Statement of Additional
Information about the funds, dated July 1,
1995, has been filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and is incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. To obtain a free copy,
call 1-800-638-5660.
<PAGE> 3
- - 1 ABOUT THE FUNDS
1 ABOUT THE FUNDS
Transaction and Fund Expenses
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIKE ALL T. ROWE
PRICE
FUNDS, THE FUNDS ARE
100% NO LOAD.
These tables should help you understand the kinds of expenses
you will bear directly or indirectly as a fund shareholder.
In Table 1 below, "Shareholder Transaction Expenses," shows
that you pay no sales charges. All the money you invest in a
fund goes to work for you, subject to the fees explained
below. "Annual Fund Expenses" provides an estimate of how
much it will cost to operate each fund for a year, based on
1995 fiscal year expenses (and any applicable expense
limitations). These are costs you pay indirectly, because
they are deducted from the fund's total assets before the
daily share price is calculated and before dividends and
other distributions are made. In other words, you will not
see these expenses on your account statement.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDED FEBRUARY 28,
1995, THE SHORT-TERM
BOND AND TAX-FREE
BOND FUNDS PAID
$60,000 AND
$427,000,
RESPECTIVELY, TO
T. ROWE PRICE
SERVICES, INC., FOR
TRANSFER AND
DIVIDEND
DISBURSING FUNCTIONS
AND SHAREHOLDER
SERVICES, AND
$83,000
AND $81,000,
RESPECTIVELY, TO
T. ROWE PRICE FOR
ACCOUNTING SERVICES.
-------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SHORT-TERM TAX-FREE
BOND BOND
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales charge "load" on purchases NONE NONE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales charge "load" on reinvested dividends NONE NONE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption fees NONE NONE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exchange fees NONE NONE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERCENTAGE OF FISCAL 1995 AVERAGE NET ASSETS
ANNUAL FUND EXPENSES
SHORT-TERM TAX-FREE
BOND (AFTER REDUCTION) BOND
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee 0.30%(a) 0.44%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marketing fees (12b-1) NONE NONE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other (Shareholder servicing,
custodial, auditing, etc.) 0.35% 0.13%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL FUND EXPENSES 0.65%(a) 0.57%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The Short-Term Bond Fund's management fee and its total expense ratio would have been
0.44% and 0.79%, respectively, had T. Rowe Price not agreed to reduce management fees in
accordance with the expense limitation described below. To limit the fund's expenses
during its initial period of operations, T. Rowe Price agreed to waive its fees and bear
any expenses through February 28, 1995, which would cause the fund's ratio of expenses to
average net assets to exceed 0.65%. Effective March 1, 1995, T. Rowe Price agreed to
extend the existing expense limitation of 0.65% for a period of two years through February
28, 1997. Fees waived or expenses paid or assumed under these agreements are subject to
reimbursement to T. Rowe Price by the fund whenever the fund's expense ratio is below
0.65%; however, no reimbursement will be made after February 28, 1997 (for the first
agreement), or February 28, 1999 (for the second agreement), or if it would result in the
expense ratio exceeding 0.65%. Any amounts reimbursed will have the effect of increasing
fees otherwise paid by the fund.
Note: The funds charge a $5 fee for wire redemptions under $5,000, subject to change
without notice.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 1
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------
2 T. Rowe Price
<PAGE> 4
- - 1 ABOUT THE FUNDS
The main types of expenses, which all mutual funds may charge
against fund assets, are:
- A MANAGEMENT FEE: the percent of fund assets paid to the
funds' investment manager. Each fund's fee is comprised of a
group fee, discussed later, and an individual fund fee of
0.10%.
- "OTHER" ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES: primarily the servicing of
shareholder accounts, such as providing statements, reports,
disbursing dividends, as well as custodial services.
- MARKETING OR DISTRIBUTION FEES: an annual charge ("12b-1") to
existing shareholders to defray the cost of selling shares to
new shareholders. T. Rowe Price funds do not levy 12b-1 fees.
For further details on fund expenses, please see
"Organization and Management."
- HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE: Assume you invest $1,000, the fund
returns 5% annually, expense ratios remain as previously
listed, and you close your account at the end of the time
periods shown. Your expenses would be:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THE TABLE AT RIGHT
IS JUST AN EXAMPLE, AND
ACTUAL EXPENSES CAN
BE HIGHER OR LOWER
THAN THOSE SHOWN.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT-TERM BOND $7 $21 $36 $81
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAX-FREE BOND $6 $18 $32 $71
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 2
</TABLE>
--------------------------------
T. Rowe Price 3
<PAGE> 5
- - 1 ABOUT THE FUNDS
Financial Highlights
The following table provides information about each fund's
financial history. It is based on a single share outstanding
throughout each fiscal year. The table is part of each fund's
financial statements which are included in the funds' annual
report and incorporated by reference into the Statement of
Additional Information. This document is available to
shareholders upon request. The financial statements in the
annual report have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.,
independent accountants, whose unqualified report covers the
periods shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES DISTRIBUTIONS
Net
Net Asset Net Realized
Period Value, Investment and Total From Net Net
Ended, Beginning Income (Loss) on Investment Investment Realized
February 28 of Period (Loss) Investments Activities Income Gain
====================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SHORT-TERM BOND
1993(a) $ 5.00 $0.01(b) $ 0.07 $ 0.08 $(0.01) --
1994 5.07 0.15(b) 0.02 0.17 (0.15) --
1995 5.09 0.18(b) (0.05) 0.13 (0.18) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAX-FREE BOND
1988(d)(f) $10.00 $0.51 $(0.60) $(0.09) $(0.51) --
1989 9.40 0.57 (0.10) 0.47 (0.57) --
1990 9.30 0.60 0.18 0.78 (0.60) $(0.03)
1991 9.45 0.60 0.16 0.76 (0.60) --
1992(f) 9.61 0.59 0.26 0.85 (0.59) (0.05)
1993 9.82 0.57 0.73 1.30 (0.57) (0.05)
1994 10.50 0.56 0.05 0.61 (0.56) (0.10)
1995 10.45 0.56 (0.44) 0.12 (0.56) (0.02)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
==================================================================================================
DISTRIBUTIONS END OF PERIOD
Ratio
Net Total of Net
Asset Return Ratio of Investment
Period Value, (Includes Expense Income Portfolio
Ended, Total End of Reinvested Net Assets to Average to Average Turnover
February 28 Distributions Period Dividends) ($ Thousands) Net Assets Net Assets Rate
==================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SHORT-TERM
BOND
1993(a) $(0.01) $ 5.07 1.67% $ 10,094 0.65%(b)(c) 2.96%(c) 96.9%(c)
1994 (0.15) 5.09 3.49% 76,049 0.65%(b) 3.09% 20.5%
1995 (0.18) 5.04 2.64% 74,808 0.65%(b) 3.59% 105.3%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAX-FREE BOND
1988(d)(f) $(0.51) $ 9.40 (0.60)% $ 63,240 0.85%(c)(e) 6.15%(c) 177.8%(c)
1989 (0.57) 9.30 5.24% 113,528 0.92% 6.23% 63.8%
1990 (0.63) 9.45 8.54% 193,771 0.85% 6.29% 57.5%
1991 (0.60) 9.61 8.37% 300,974 0.68% 6.38% 52.2%
1992(f) (0.64) 9.82 9.13% 475,188 0.64% 6.04% 21.9%
1993 (0.62) 10.50 13.75% 724,469 0.61% 5.72% 22.3%
1994 (0.66) 10.45 5.93% 821,402 0.57% 5.31% 24.3%
1995 (0.58) 9.99 1.43% 724,823 0.57% 5.73% 28.9%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) For the period January 29, 1993 (commencement of operations) to February 28,
1993.
(b) Excludes expenses in excess of a 0.65% voluntary expense limitation in
effect through February 28, 1995.
(c) Annualized.
(d) For the period March 31, 1987 (commencement of operations) to February 29,
1988.
(e) Excludes expenses in excess of a 0.85% voluntary expense limitation in
effect through February 29, 1988.
(f) Year ended February 29.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 3
- --------------------------------
4 T. Rowe Price
<PAGE> 6
- - 1 ABOUT THE FUNDS
Fund, Market, and Risk Characteristics: What to Expect
To help you decide which of the T. Rowe Price Maryland bond
funds may be appropriate for you, this section takes a closer
look at their investment programs and the securities markets
in which they invest.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM MARYLAND
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
IS EXEMPT FROM
FEDERAL
AND MARYLAND STATE
AND LOCAL INCOME
TAXES.
WHAT ARE THE FUNDS' OBJECTIVES AND INVESTMENT PROGRAMS?
- The MARYLAND SHORT-TERM TAX-FREE BOND FUND'S objective is to
provide the highest level of income exempt from federal and
Maryland state and local income taxes consistent with modest
fluctuation in principal value. The fund will invest
primarily (at least 65% of its total assets) in
investment-grade Maryland municipal bonds. While the
portfolio's dollar-weighted average maturity will range
between one and three years, there is no maturity limit on
individual securities. The fund is expected to provide a
higher level of after-tax income than a money market fund and
less share price volatility than the Maryland Tax-Free Bond
Fund. Unlike a money market fund, the fund's share price will
fluctuate.
- The MARYLAND TAX-FREE BOND FUND'S investment objective is to
provide, consistent with prudent portfolio management, the
highest level of income exempt from federal and Maryland
state and local income taxes by investing primarily in
investment-grade Maryland municipal bonds. The fund will
invest at least 65% of its total assets in investment-grade
Maryland municipal bonds. The fund's dollar-weighted average
maturity will usually exceed 10 years. The fund is expected
to provide higher income and also experience greater
share-price fluctuation than the Maryland Short-Term Tax-Free
Bond Fund.
- Due to seasonal variations or shortages in the supply of
suitable short-term Maryland securities, each fund may invest
periodically in municipals whose interest is exempt from
federal but not Maryland state and local income taxes. Every
effort will be made to minimize such investments, but they
could compose up to 10% of each fund's annual income.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AT THEIR DISCRETION,
THE
FUNDS MAY RETAIN A
SECURITY WHOSE
CREDIT
QUALITY IS
DOWNGRADED
AFTER PURCHASE.
WHAT ARE THE FUNDS' CREDIT QUALITY GUIDELINES?
The funds will generally purchase investment-grade
securities, which means their ratings are within the four
highest credit categories (e.g., AAA, AA, A, BBB) as
determined by a national rating organization or, if unrated,
by T. Rowe Price. The funds may occasionally purchase
below-investment-grade securities (including those with the
lowest or no rating), but no such purchase will be made if it
would cause a fund's noninvestment-grade bonds to exceed 5%
of its net assets. Unrated bonds may be less liquid than
rated bonds.
Investment-grade securities include a range from the highest
rated to medium quality (BBB). Securities in the BBB category
may be more susceptible to adverse economic conditions or
changing circumstances and the securities at the lower end of
the BBB category have certain speculative characteristics.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A MORE DETAILED
DISCUSSION OF THESE
AND OTHER RISK
CONSIDERATIONS IS
CONTAINED IN THE
FUNDS'
STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN MUNICIPAL BOND FUNDS?
The potential for realizing a loss of principal in a bond
fund could derive from:
- Interest rate or market risk: the decline in fixed-income
securities and funds that may accompany a rise in the overall
level of interest rates (please see Table 4).
--------------------------------
T. Rowe Price 5
<PAGE> 7
- - 1 ABOUT THE FUNDS
- Credit risk: the chance that any of a fund's holdings will
have its credit rating downgraded or will default (fail to
make scheduled interest and principal payments), potentially
reducing the fund's income level and/or share price.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIGNIFICANT
POLITICAL
AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN
A STATE MAY HAVE
REPERCUSSIONS,
DIRECT
AND INDIRECT, ON
VIRTUALLY ALL
MUNICIPAL
BONDS ISSUED IN THE
STATE. - Political risk: the chance that a significant restructuring
of federal income tax rates, or even serious discussion on
the topic in Congress, could cause municipal bond prices to
fall. The demand for municipal bonds is strongly influenced
by the value of tax exempt income to investors. Broadly lower
tax rates could reduce the advantage of owning municipal
bonds.
- Geographical: the chance of price declines resulting from
developments in a single state.
WHAT ARE THE PARTICULAR RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SINGLE-STATE
FUNDS VERSUS THOSE THAT INVEST NATIONALLY?
A fund investing within a single state is, by definition,
less diversified geographically than one investing across
many states. The risk arises from the fund's greater exposure
to that state's economy and politics, factors that loom large
in establishing the credit quality of bonds issued by the
state and its political subdivisions. For example, general
obligation bonds of a state or locality that has a high
income level, reasonable debt levels, and a positive
long-term outlook should have a higher credit rating than
those of a state or locality without those attributes.
Of course, many municipal bonds are not general obligations
backed by the state's "full faith and credit" (its full
taxing and revenue raising resources) and may not rely on any
government for money to service their debt. Bonds issued by
governmental authorities may depend wholly on revenues
generated by the project they financed or on other dedicated
revenue streams. The credit quality of these "revenue" bonds
may vary significantly from that of the state's general
obligations.
HOW DOES T. ROWE PRICE TRY TO REDUCE RISK?
Consistent with each fund's objective, the portfolio manager
actively manages the funds in an effort to manage risk and
increase total return. Risk management tools include:
- Diversification of assets to reduce the impact of a single
holding on a fund's net asset value.
- Thorough credit research by our own analysts.
- Adjustments in a fund's duration to try to reduce the
negative impact of rising interest rates or take advantage of
the favorable effects of falling rates. Depending on market
outlook, the investment manager may shorten or lengthen the
fund's average effective maturity and duration within the
ranges and guidelines established in this prospectus.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CREDIT RATINGS AND
THE
FINANCIAL AND
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
OF THE STATE, LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS, PUBLIC
AUTHORITIES, AND
OTHERS
IN WHICH THE FUNDS
MAY INVEST ARE
SUBJECT
TO CHANGE AT ANY
TIME.
WHAT IS THE CREDIT QUALITY OF MARYLAND GENERAL OBLIGATIONS?
The major rating agencies (Moody's, Standard & Poor's, and
Fitch) have assigned a triple-A rating to Maryland general
obligations as of June 1, 1995. For more than a century, the
state has paid the principal and interest on its general
obligation bonds when due and has not issued short-term tax
anticipation notes or other similar short-term debt for its
own needs. There is no general debt limit on general
obligation bonds imposed under the state constitution or
public general laws. The constitution imposes a maturity
limit of 15 years on state general obligation bonds. The
state's Capital Debt Affordability Committee annually
recommends to the State General Assembly a yearly limit on
the issuance of new general obligation bonds.
- --------------------------------
6 T. Rowe Price
<PAGE> 8
- - 1 ABOUT THE FUNDS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE SHARE PRICE AND
YIELD OF EACH FUND
WILL
FLUCTUATE WITH
CHANGING MARKET
CONDITIONS AND
INTEREST
RATE LEVELS. WHEN
YOU
SELL YOUR SHARES,
YOU
MAY LOSE MONEY.
WHAT ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THE FUNDS' OTHER HOLDINGS?
In addition to the state's general obligations, the funds
will invest a substantial portion of their assets in bonds
that are rated according to the issuer's individual
creditworthiness, such as bonds of local governments and
public authorities. While local governments in Maryland
depend principally on their own revenue sources, they could
experience budget shortfalls due to cutbacks in state aid.
The funds may invest in certain sectors with special risks,
for example health care, which could be affected by federal
or state legislation, electric utilities with exposure to
nuclear power plants, and private activity bonds without
governmental backing.
The funds sometimes invest in obligations of the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico and its public corporations (as well as the
U.S. territories of Guam and the Virgin Islands) that are
exempt from federal and Maryland state and local income
taxes. These investments require careful assessment of
certain risk factors, including reliance on substantial
federal assistance and favorable tax programs. As of June 1,
1995, Puerto Rico's general obligations were rated Baa1 by
Moody's and A by Standard & Poor's.
WHAT ARE DERIVATIVES AND CAN THE FUNDS INVEST IN THEM?
The term derivative is used to describe financial instruments
whose value is derived from an underlying security (e.g., a
stock or bond) or a market benchmark (e.g., an interest rate
index). Many types of investments representing a wide range
of potential risks and rewards fall under the "derivatives"
umbrella--from conventional instruments such as callable
bonds, futures and options, to more exotic investments such
as stripped mortgage securities and structured notes. While
it was only recently that the term derivative has become
widely known among the investing public, derivatives have in
fact been employed by investment managers for many years.
Each fund will invest in derivatives only if the expected
risks and rewards are consistent with its objective,
policies, and overall risk profile as described in this
prospectus. The funds limit their use of derivatives to
situations in which they may enable the fund to: increase
yield; hedge against a decline in principal value; invest in
eligible asset classes with greater efficiency and lower cost
than is possible through direct investment; or, adjust the
fund's duration. These funds will not invest in any
high-risk, highly leveraged derivative instrument which is
expected to cause the price volatility of the portfolio to be
meaningfully different than that of 1) a three-year
investment-grade bond for the Short-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund;
or 2) a long-term investment-grade bond for the Tax-Free Bond
Fund.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BEFORE CHOOSING A
FUND, YOU MAY WISH
TO
REVIEW THESE
CHARACTERISTICS OF
MUNICIPAL
SECURITIES.
WHO ISSUES MUNICIPAL SECURITIES?
State and local governments and governmental authorities sell
notes and bonds (usually called "municipals") to pay for
public projects and services.
WHO BUYS MUNICIPAL SECURITIES?
Individuals are the primary investors, and a principal way
they invest is through mutual funds. Prices of municipals may
be affected by major changes in flows of money into or out of
municipal funds. For example, substantial and sustained
redemptions from municipal bond funds could result in lower
prices for these securities.
--------------------------------
T. Rowe Price 7
<PAGE> 9
- - 1 ABOUT THE FUNDS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
ARE ALSO CALLED
"TAX-
EXEMPTS" BECAUSE THE
INTEREST INCOME THEY
PROVIDE IS USUALLY
EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL
INCOME TAXES.
IS INTEREST INCOME FROM MUNICIPAL ISSUES ALWAYS EXEMPT FROM
FEDERAL TAXES?
No. For example, since 1986, income from so-called "private
activity" municipals has been subject to the federal
alternative minimum tax (AMT). For instance, some bonds
financing airports, stadiums, and student loan programs fall
into this category. Shareholders subject to the AMT must
include income derived from private activity bonds in their
AMT calculation. Relatively few taxpayers are required to pay
the tax. Normally, the funds will not purchase any security
if, as a result, more than 20% of the fund's income would be
subject to the AMT. The funds will report annually to
shareholders the portion of income, if any, subject to AMT.
(Please see "Distributions and Taxes--Taxes on Fund
Distributions.")
WHY ARE YIELDS ON MUNICIPALS USUALLY BELOW THOSE ON OTHERWISE
COMPARABLE TAXABLE SECURITIES?
Since the income provided by most municipals is exempt from
federal taxation, investors are willing to accept lower
yields on a municipal bond than on an otherwise similar (in
quality and maturity) taxable bond.
WHY ARE YIELDS ON MARYLAND BONDS OFTEN BELOW THOSE OF
COMPARABLE ISSUES FROM OTHER STATES?
Strong demand for Maryland securities, due to a relatively
high state income tax rate and an often limited supply, tends
to push their prices up and yields down.
IS THERE AN EASY WAY TO COMPARE AFTER-TAX YIELDS ON A
MARYLAND FUND WITH A SIMILAR TAX-EXEMPT
FUND THAT INVESTS NATIONALLY?
Subtract your state tax rate from 1 and multiply this number
times the yield on the national fund. The result is the yield
to you on the national fund after paying Maryland income tax.
Compare this with the Maryland fund's yield.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOU MAY WANT TO
REVIEW SOME
FUNDAMENTALS THAT
APPLY TO ALL
FIXED-INCOME
INVESTMENTS.
IS A FUND'S YIELD FIXED OR WILL IT VARY?
It will vary. The yield is calculated every day by dividing a
fund's net income per share, expressed at annual rates, by
the share price. Since both income and share price will
fluctuate, a fund's yield will also vary.
IS A FUND'S "YIELD" THE SAME THING AS THE "TOTAL RETURN"?
Not for bond funds. Your total return is the result of
reinvested income and the change in share price for a given
time period. Income is always a positive contributor to total
return and can enhance a rise in share price or serve as an
offset to a drop in share price.
WHAT IS "CREDIT QUALITY" AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT A FUND'S
YIELD?
Credit quality refers to a bond issuer's expected ability to
make all required interest and principal payments in a timely
manner. Because highly rated bond issuers represent less
risk, they can borrow at lower interest rates than less
creditworthy issuers. Therefore, a fund investing in
high-quality securities should have a lower yield than an
otherwise comparable fund investing in lower credit-quality
securities.
WHAT IS MEANT BY A BOND'S OR BOND FUND'S MATURITY?
Every bond has a stated maturity date when the issuer must
repay the security's entire principal value to the investor.
Some types of bonds may also have an "effective maturity"
that is shorter than the stated date. Many corporate and
municipal bonds are "callable," meaning the principal can be
repaid before their stated maturity dates on (or after)
specified call dates. Bonds are
- --------------------------------
8 T. Rowe Price
<PAGE> 10
- - 1 ABOUT THE FUNDS
most likely to be called when interest rates are falling,
because the issuer wants to refinance at a lower rate. In
such an environment, a bond's "effective maturity" is usually
its nearest call date.
A bond mutual fund has no maturity in the strict sense of the
word, but does have a dollar-weighted average maturity. This
number is an average of the stated maturities of the
underlying bonds, with each maturity "weighted" by the
percentage of fund assets it represents. Funds that target
effective maturities would use the effective (rather than
stated) maturities of the underlying instruments when
computing the average. Targeting effective maturity provides
additional flexibility in portfolio management but, all else
being equal, could result in higher volatility than a fund
targeting a stated maturity or maturity range.
WHAT IS MEANT BY A BOND'S OR BOND FUND'S "DURATION"?
Duration is the time-weighted value of discounted future
interest and principal payments expressed in years. It
measures bond price sensitivity to interest rate changes more
accurately than maturity because it takes into account the
time value of cash flows generated over the bond's life.
Future interest and principal payments are discounted to
reflect their present value and then are multiplied by the
number of years they will be received to produce a value that
is expressed in years, i.e., the duration. Effective duration
takes into account call features and sinking fund payments
which may shorten a bond's life.
Since duration can also be computed for bond funds, you can
estimate the effect of interest rates on a bond fund's share
price. Simply multiply the fund's duration (available for
T. Rowe Price bond funds in our shareholder reports) by an
expected change in interest rates. For example, the price of
a bond fund with a duration of five years would be expected
to fall approximately 5% if rates rose by one percentage
point.
HOW IS A MUNICIPAL'S PRICE AFFECTED BY CHANGES IN INTEREST
RATES?
When interest rates rise, a municipal's price usually falls,
and vice versa.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IN GENERAL, THE
LONGER
THE BOND'S MATURITY,
THE GREATER THE
PRICE
INCREASE OR DECREASE
IN RESPONSE TO A
GIVEN
CHANGE IN INTEREST
RATES, AS SHOWN IN
THE
TABLE TO THE RIGHT.-------------------------------------------------------------
HOW INTEREST RATES AFFECT BOND PRICES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BOND MATURITY COUPON PRICE PER $1,000 OF BOND FACE VALUE IF INTEREST RATES
Increase Decrease
1% 2% 1% 2%
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Year 4.30% $990 $981 $1,010 $1,020
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Years 4.90 957 917 1,045 1,092
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 Years 5.35 927 860 1,080 1,169
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 Years 5.95 893 801 1,126 1,275
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 Years 6.00 875 774 1,155 1,348
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Table 4 Coupons reflect yields on AAA-rated
municipals as of April 30, 1995. This is an
illustration and does not represent expected
yields or share price changes of any T. Rowe
Price fund.
HOW CAN I DECIDE WHICH MARYLAND FUND IS MOST APPROPRIATE FOR
ME?
Review your own financial objectives, time horizon, and risk
tolerance. Use Table 5, which summarizes the funds' main
characteristics, to choose a fund (or funds) suitable for
your
--------------------------------
T. Rowe Price 9
<PAGE> 11
- - 1 ABOUT THE FUNDS
particular needs. If you will need your principal in a
relatively short time, and/or want to minimize share price
volatility, the Short-Term Bond Fund may be a good choice.
However, if you are investing for the highest possible
tax-free income and can tolerate some price volatility, you
should consider the longer-term bond fund.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEITHER FUND SHOULD
BE
RELIED UPON AS A
COMPLETE INVESTMENT
PROGRAM, NOR BE USED
FOR SHORT-TERM
TRADING
PURPOSES.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FUNDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CREDIT RISK OF
QUALITY SHARE PRICE EXPECTED
FUND CATEGORIES INCOME FLUCTUATION AVERAGE MATURITY
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT-TERM BOND Primarily four Low to Low to Generally one to
highest moderate moderate three years
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAX-FREE BOND Primarily four High High 10+ Years
highest
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Table 5
IS THERE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS TO HELP ME
MAKE A DECISION?
You should review the investment policies and practices
section which discusses the following: Types of Portfolio
Securities (municipal securities, private activity bonds,
municipal lease obligations, municipal warrants, securities
with "puts" or other demand features, securities with credit
enhancements, synthetic or derivative securities, and private
placements); and Types of Management Practices (cash
position, when-issued securities and forwards, interest rate
futures, borrowing money and transferring assets, portfolio
turnover, sector concentration, and credit quality
considerations).
- --------------------------------
10 T. Rowe Price
<PAGE> 12
- - 2 ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
2 ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
Pricing Shares and Receiving Sale Proceeds
Here are some procedures you should know when investing in a
fund. This section applies to all T. Rowe Price tax-free bond
and money funds.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE VARIOUS WAYS YOU
CAN BUY, SELL, AND
EXCHANGE SHARES ARE
EXPLAINED AT THE END
OF THIS PROSPECTUS
AND
ON THE NEW ACCOUNT
FORM. THESE PROCE-
DURES MAY DIFFER FOR
INSTITUTIONAL
ACCOUNTS.
HOW AND WHEN SHARES ARE PRICED
BOND AND MONEY FUNDS. The share price (also called "net asset
value" or NAV per share) for each fund is calculated at 4
p.m. ET each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for
business. To calculate the NAV, a fund's assets are valued
and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance,
called net assets, is divided by the number of shares
outstanding.
Money fund NAVs, which are managed to remain at $1.00, are
calculated at noon ET each day as well as 4 p.m. Amortized
cost or amortized market value is used to value money fund
securities that mature in 60 days or less.
HOW YOUR PURCHASE, SALE, OR EXCHANGE PRICE IS DETERMINED
If we receive your request in correct form before 4 p.m. ET,
your transaction will be priced at that day's NAV. If we
receive it after 4 p.m., it will be priced at the next
business day's NAV.
We cannot accept orders that request a particular day or
price for your transaction or any other special conditions.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHEN FILLING OUT THE
NEW ACCOUNT FORM,
YOU MAY WISH TO GIVE
YOURSELF THE WIDEST
RANGE OF OPTIONS FOR
RECEIVING PROCEEDS
FROM A SALE.
Note: The time at which transactions are priced and the time
until which orders are accepted may be changed in case of an
emergency or if the New York Stock Exchange closes at a time
other than 4 p.m. ET.
HOW YOU CAN RECEIVE THE PROCEEDS FROM A SALE
If your request is received by 4 p.m. ET in correct form,
proceeds are usually sent on the next business day. Proceeds
can be sent to you by mail, or to your bank account by ACH
transfer or bank wire. Proceeds sent by ACH transfer should
be credited the second day after the sale. ACH (Automated
Clearing House) is an automated method of initiating payments
from and receiving payments in your financial institution
account. ACH is a payment system supported by over 20,000
banks, savings banks, and credit unions which electronically
exchange the transactions primarily through the Federal
Reserve Banks. Proceeds sent by bank wire should be credited
to your bank account the next business day.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IF FOR SOME REASON
WE
CANNOT ACCEPT YOUR
REQUEST TO SELL
SHARES,
WE WILL CONTACT YOU.
Exception:
- Under certain circumstances and when deemed to be in the
fund's best interests, your proceeds may not be sent for up
to five business days after receiving your sale or exchange
request. If you were exchanging into a bond or money fund,
your new investment would not begin to earn dividends until
the sixth business day.
--------------------------------
T. Rowe Price 11
<PAGE> 13
- - 2 ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
Useful Information on Distributions and Taxes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUNDS DISTRIBUTE
ALL NET INVESTMENT
INCOME AND REALIZED
CAPITAL GAINS TO
SHAREHOLDERS.
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividend and capital gain distributions are reinvested in
additional fund shares in your account unless you select
another option on your New Account Form. The advantage of
reinvesting distributions arises from compounding; that is,
you receive interest and capital gain distributions on a
rising number of shares.
Dividends not reinvested are paid by check or transmitted to
your bank account via ACH. If the Post Office cannot deliver
your check, or if your check remains uncashed for six months,
the fund reserves the right to reinvest your distribution
check in your account at the then current NAV and to reinvest
all subsequent distributions in shares of the fund.
INCOME DIVIDENDS
- Bond funds declare income dividends daily at 4 p.m. ET to
shareholders of record at that time provided payment has been
received on the previous business day.
- Money funds declare income dividends daily at noon ET to
shareholders of record at that time provided payment has been
received by that time.
- Bond and money funds pay dividends on the last business day
of each month.
- Bond and money fund shares will earn dividends through the
date of redemption; shares redeemed on a Friday or prior to a
holiday will continue to earn dividends until the next
business day. Generally, if you redeem all of your shares at
any time during the month, you will also receive all
dividends earned through the date of redemption in the same
check. When you redeem only a portion of your shares, all
dividends accrued on those shares will be reinvested, or paid
in cash, on the next dividend payment date.
CAPITAL GAINS
- A capital gain or loss is the difference between the purchase
and sale price of a security.
- If the fund has net capital gains for the year (after
subtracting any capital losses), they are usually declared
and paid in December to shareholders of record on a specified
date that month. If a second distribution is necessary, it is
usually declared and paid during the first quarter of the
following year.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUNDS SEND
TIMELY
INFORMATION FOR YOUR
TAX FILING NEEDS.
TAX INFORMATION
Although the regular monthly income dividends you receive
from the funds are expected to be exempt from federal and
state and local (if any) income taxes, you need to be aware
of the possible tax consequences when:
- you sell fund shares, including an exchange from one fund to
another; or
- the fund makes a short- and/or long-term capital gain
distribution to your account.
Due to 1993 tax legislation, a portion of the capital gains
realized on the sale of market discount bonds with maturities
beyond one year may be treated as ordinary income and cannot
be offset by other capital losses. Therefore, to the extent
the fund invests in these securities, the likelihood of a
taxable gain distribution will be increased.
- --------------------------------
12 T. Rowe Price
<PAGE> 14
- - 2 ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
Note: You must report your total tax-exempt income on IRS
Form 1040. The IRS uses this information to help determine
the tax status of any social security payments you may have
received during the year.
TAXES ON FUND REDEMPTIONS. When you sell shares in any fund,
you may realize a gain or loss. An exchange from one fund to
another is still a sale for tax purposes. If you realize a
loss on the sale or exchange of fund shares held six months
or less, your capital loss is reduced by the tax-exempt
dividends received on those shares.
In January, the funds will send you Form 1099-B, indicating
the date and amount of each sale you made in the fund during
the prior year. This information will also be reported to the
IRS. For accounts opened new or by exchange in 1983 or later,
we will provide you the gain or loss of the shares you sold
during the year based on the "average cost" method. This
information is not reported to the IRS, and you do not have
to use it. You may calculate the cost basis using other
methods acceptable to the IRS, such as "specific
identification."
To help you maintain accurate records, we send you a
confirmation immediately following each transaction (except
for systematic purchases and redemptions) and a year-end
statement detailing all your transactions in each fund
account during the year.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL GAIN
DISTRIBUTIONS ARE
TAXABLE WHETHER
REINVESTED IN
ADDITIONAL SHARES OR
RECEIVED IN CASH.
TAXES ON FUND DISTRIBUTIONS. In January, the funds will send
you Form 1099-DIV indicating the tax status of any capital
gain distribution made to you. This information will also be
reported to the IRS. All capital gain distributions are
taxable to you for the year in which they were paid. The only
exception is that distributions declared during the last
three months of the year and paid in January are taxed as
though they were paid by December 31. Dividends are expected
to be tax-exempt.
Short-term capital gain distributions are taxable as ordinary
income and long-term gain distributions are taxable at the
applicable long-term gain rate. The gain is long-term or
short-term depending on how long the fund held the
securities, not how long you held shares in the fund. If you
realize a loss on the sale or exchange of fund shares held
six months or less, your short-term loss recognized is
reclassified to long-term to the extent of any capital gain
distribution received.
If the funds invest in certain "private activity" bonds,
shareholders who are subject to the alternative minimum tax
(AMT) must include income generated by these bonds in their
AMT computation. The portion of your fund's income which
should be included in your AMT calculation, if any, will be
reported to you in January.
TAX EFFECT OF BUYING SHARES BEFORE A CAPITAL GAIN
DISTRIBUTION. If you buy shares shortly before or on the
"record date"--the date that establishes you as the person to
receive the upcoming distribution--you will receive, in the
form of a taxable distribution, a portion of the money you
just invested. Therefore, you may wish to find out a fund's
record date(s) before investing. Of course, a fund's share
price may, at any time, reflect undistributed capital gains
or unrealized appreciation.
Note: For shareholders who receive social security benefits,
the receipt of tax-exempt interest may increase the portion
of benefits that are subject to tax.
--------------------------------
T. Rowe Price 13
<PAGE> 15
- - 2 ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
Transaction Procedures and Special Requirements
PURCHASE CONDITIONS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOLLOWING THESE PRO-
CEDURES HELPS ASSURE
TIMELY AND ACCURATE
TRANSACTIONS. NONPAYMENT. If your payment is not received or you pay with a
check or ACH transfer that does not clear, your purchase will
be cancelled. You will be responsible for any losses or
expenses incurred by the fund or transfer agent, and the fund
can redeem shares you own in this or another identically
registered T. Rowe Price fund as reimbursement. The fund and
its agents have the right to reject or cancel any purchase,
exchange, or redemption due to nonpayment.
U.S. DOLLARS. All purchases must be paid for in U.S. dollars;
checks must be drawn on U.S. banks.
SALE (REDEMPTION) CONDITIONS
10-DAY HOLD. If you sell shares that you just purchased and
paid for by check or ACH transfer, the fund will process your
redemption but will generally delay sending you the proceeds
for up to 10 calendar days to allow the check or transfer to
clear. If your redemption request was sent by mail or
mailgram, proceeds will be mailed no later than the seventh
calendar day following receipt unless the check or ACH
transfer has not cleared. If, during the clearing period, we
receive a check drawn against your bond or money market
account, it will be returned marked "uncollected." (The
10-day hold does not apply to purchases paid for by: bank
wire; cashier's, certified, or treasurer's checks; or
automatic purchases through your paycheck.)
TELEPHONE, TELE*ACCESS(R), AND PC*ACCESS(R)
TRANSACTIONS. These exchange and redemption services are
established automatically when you sign the New Account Form
unless you check the box which states that you do not want
these services. The funds use reasonable procedures
(including shareholder identity verification) to confirm that
instructions given by telephone are genuine and are not
liable for acting on these instructions. If these procedures
are not followed, it is the opinion of certain regulatory
agencies that the funds may be liable for any losses that may
result from acting on the instructions given. All
conversations are recorded, and a confirmation is sent
promptly after the telephone transaction.
REDEMPTIONS OVER $250,000. Large sales can adversely affect a
portfolio manager's ability to implement a fund's investment
strategy by causing the premature sale of securities that
would otherwise be held. If in any 90-day period, you redeem
(sell) more than $250,000, or your sale amounts to more than
1% of the fund's net assets, the fund has the right to delay
sending your proceeds for up to five business days after
receiving your request, or to pay the difference between the
redemption amount and the lesser of the two previously
mentioned figures with securities from the fund.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T. ROWE PRICE MAY
BAR
EXCESSIVE TRADERS
FROM PURCHASING
SHARES. EXCESSIVE TRADING
Frequent trades involving either substantial fund assets, or
a substantial portion of your account or accounts controlled
by you, can disrupt management of the fund and raise its
expenses. We define "excessive trading" as exceeding one
purchase and sale involving the same fund within any 120-day
period.
- --------------------------------
14 T. Rowe Price
<PAGE> 16
- - 2 ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
For example, you are in fund A. You can move substantial
assets from fund A to fund B and, within the next 120 days,
sell your shares in fund B to return to fund A or move to
fund C.
If you exceed the number of trades described above, you may
be barred indefinitely from further purchases of T. Rowe
Price funds.
Three types of transactions are exempt from excessive trading
guidelines: (1) trades solely between money market funds, (2)
redemptions that are not part of exchanges, and (3)
systematic purchases or redemptions (see "Shareholder
Services").
KEEPING YOUR ACCOUNT OPEN
Due to the relatively high cost to the fund of maintaining
small accounts, we ask you to maintain an account balance of
at least $1,000. If your balance is below $1,000 for three
months or longer, the fund has the right to close your
account after giving you 60 days in which to increase your
balance.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A SIGNATURE
GUARANTEE
IS DESIGNED TO
PROTECT
YOU AND THE FUND
FROM
FRAUD BY VERIFYING
YOUR
SIGNATURE. SIGNATURE GUARANTEES
You may need to have your signature guaranteed in certain
situations, such as:
- Written requests 1) to redeem over $50,000 or 2) to wire
redemption proceeds.
- Remitting redemption proceeds to any person, address, or bank
account not on record.
- Transferring redemption proceeds to a T. Rowe Price fund
account with a different registration from yours.
- Establishing certain services after the account is opened.
You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks, savings
institutions, broker/dealers, and other guarantors acceptable
to T. Rowe Price. We cannot accept guarantees from notaries
public or organizations that do not provide reimbursement in
the case of fraud.
--------------------------------
T. Rowe Price 15
<PAGE> 17
- - 3 MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
3 MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
Organization and Management
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDERS BENEFIT
FROM T. ROWE PRICE'S
58 YEARS OF
INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT
EXPERIENCE.
HOW ARE THE FUNDS ORGANIZED?
The T. Rowe Price State Tax-Free Income Trust was organized
in 1986 as a Massachusetts business trust and is a
"nondiversified, open-end investment company," or mutual
fund. The Short-Term Bond Fund was organized in 1993 and the
Tax-Free Bond Fund was organized in 1987. Mutual funds pool
money received from shareholders and invest it to try to
achieve specified objectives.
WHAT IS MEANT BY "SHARES"?
As with all mutual funds, investors purchase "shares" when
they invest in a fund. These shares are part of a fund's
authorized capital stock, but share certificates are not
issued.
Each share and fractional share entitles the shareholder to:
- receive a proportional interest in a fund's income and
capital gain distributions;
- cast one vote per share on certain fund matters, including
the election of fund directors/ trustees, changes in
fundamental policies, or approval of changes in a fund's
management contract.
DOES EACH FUND HAVE AN ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING?
The funds are not required to hold annual meetings and do not
intend to do so except when certain matters, such as a change
in a fund's fundamental policies, are to be decided. In
addition, shareholders representing at least 10% of all
eligible votes may call a special meeting if they wish for
the purpose of voting on the removal of any fund trustee(s).
If a meeting is held and you cannot attend, you can vote by
proxy. Before the meeting, the fund will send you proxy
materials that explain the issues to be decided and include a
voting card for you to mail back.
WHO RUNS THE FUNDS?
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL DECISIONS
REGARD-
ING THE PURCHASE
AND SALE OF FUND
INVESTMENTS ARE
MADE BY
T. ROWE PRICE --
SPECIFICALLY BY
THE FUNDS'
PORTFOLIO
MANAGERS.
GENERAL OVERSIGHT. The funds are governed by a Board of
Trustees that meets regularly to review the funds'
investments, performance, expenses, and other business
affairs. The Board elects the funds' officers. The policy of
each fund is that a majority of Board members will be
independent of T. Rowe Price.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT. Each fund has an Investment Advisory
Committee, composed of the following members: Short-Term Bond
Fund--Mary J. Miller, Chairman, Paul W. Boltz, Patricia S.
Deford, Charles B. Hill, Laura L. McAree, Hugh D. McGuirk,
William T. Reynolds, and Alan P. Richman; and Tax-Free Bond
Fund--Mary J. Miller, Chairman, Paul W. Boltz, Patricia S.
Deford, Konstantine B. Mallas, Hugh D. McGuirk, William T.
Reynolds, and Alan P. Richman. The Committee Chairman has
day-to-day responsibility for managing the portfolio and
works with the Committee in developing and executing the
funds' investment programs. Mrs. Miller has been Chairman of
each fund's Committee since the Short-Term Bond Fund's
inception in 1993 and since 1991 for the Tax-Free Bond Fund.
She joined T. Rowe Price in 1983 and has been managing
investments since 1987.
- --------------------------------
16 T. Rowe Price
<PAGE> 18
- - 3 MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
MARKETING. T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of T. Rowe Price, distributes (sells) shares
of these and all other T. Rowe Price funds.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES. T. Rowe Price Services, Inc., another
wholly owned subsidiary, acts as the funds' transfer and
dividend disbursing agent and provides shareholder and
administrative services. The address for T. Rowe Price
Investment Services, Inc. and T. Rowe Price Services, Inc. is
100 East Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE MANAGEMENT
AGREEMENT SPELLS OUT
THE EXPENSES TO BE
PAID BY EACH FUND.
HOW ARE FUND EXPENSES DETERMINED?
In addition to the management fee, each fund pays for the
following: shareholder service expenses; custodial,
accounting, legal, and audit fees; costs of preparing and
printing prospectuses and reports sent to shareholders;
registration fees and expenses; proxy and annual meeting
expenses (if any); and director/trustee fees and expenses.
THE MANAGEMENT FEE. This fee has two parts--an "individual
fund fee" (discussed under "Transaction and Fund Expenses"),
which reflects the fund's particular investment management
costs, and a "group fee." The group fee, which is designed to
reflect the benefits of the shared resources of the T. Rowe
Price investment management complex, is calculated daily
based on the combined net assets of all T. Rowe Price funds
(except Equity Index and the Spectrum Funds and any
institutional or private label mutual funds). The group fee
schedule (shown below) is graduated, declining as the asset
total rises, so shareholders benefit from the overall growth
in mutual fund assets.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
0.480% First $1 billion 0.370% Next $1 billion 0.330% Next $10 billion
0.450% Next $1 billion 0.360% Next $2 billion 0.320% Next $10 billion
0.420% Next $1 billion 0.350% Next $2 billion 0.310% Thereafter
0.390% Next $1 billion 0.340% Next $5 billion
</TABLE>
Each fund's portion of the group fee is determined by the
ratio of its daily net assets to the daily net assets of all
the Price funds as described above. Based on combined Price
funds' assets of over $38 billion at April 30, 1995, the
Group Fee was 0.34%.
Understanding Performance Information
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN IS THE
MOST WIDELY USED
PERFORMANCE MEASURE.
DETAILED PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION IS
INCLUDED IN THE FUNDS'
ANNUAL REPORTS AND
QUARTERLY
SHAREHOLDER REPORTS.
This section should help you understand the terms used to
describe the funds' performance. You will come across them in
shareholder reports you receive from us four times a year, in
our newsletter, Insights, in reports, in T. Rowe Price
advertisements, and in the media.
TOTAL RETURN
This tells you how much an investment in a fund has changed
in value over a given time period. It reflects any net
increase or decrease in the share price and assumes that all
dividends and capital gains (if any) paid during the period
were reinvested in additional shares. Including reinvested
distributions means that total return numbers include the
effect of compounding, i.e., you receive income and capital
gain distributions on a rising number of shares.
--------------------------------
T. Rowe Price 17
<PAGE> 19
- - 3 MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
Advertisements for a fund may include cumulative or compound
average annual total return figures, which may be compared
with various indices, other performance measures, or other
mutual funds.
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
This is the actual rate of return on an investment for a
specified period. A cumulative return does not indicate how
much the value of the investment may have fluctuated between
the beginning and the end of the period specified.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
This is always hypothetical. Working backward from the actual
cumulative return, it tells you what constant year-by-year
return would have produced the actual, cumulative return. By
smoothing out all the variations in annual performance, it
gives you an idea of the investment's annual contribution to
your portfolio provided you held it for the entire period in
question.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOU WILL SEE
FREQUENT
REFERENCES TO THE
FUNDS' YIELDS IN OUR
REPORTS, IN ADVER-
TISEMENTS, IN MEDIA
STORIES, AND SO ON.
YIELD
The current or "dividend yield" on the fund or any investment
tells you the relationship between the investment's current
level of annual income and its price on a particular day. The
dividend yield reflects the actual income paid to
shareholders for a given period, annualized, and divided by
the average price during the given period. For example, a
fund providing $5 of annual income per share and a price of
$50 has a current yield of 10%. Yields can be calculated for
any time period.
The advertised or "SEC yield" is found by determining the net
income per share (as defined by the SEC) earned by the fund
during a 30-day base period and dividing this amount by the
per-share price on the last day of the base period. The "SEC
yield" may differ from the dividend yield.
Investment Policies and Practices
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND MANAGERS HAVE
CONSIDERABLE LEEWAY
IN CHOOSING INVEST-
MENT STRATEGIES AND
SELECTING SECURITIES
THEY BELIEVE WILL
HELP
THE FUNDS ACHIEVE
THEIR OBJECTIVES. This section takes a detailed look at some of the types of
securities the funds may hold in their portfolios and the
various kinds of investment practices that may be used in
day-to-day portfolio management. Each fund's investment
program is subject to further restrictions and risks
described in the "Statement of Additional Information."
Shareholder approval is required to substantively change each
fund's objective and certain investment restrictions noted in
the following section as "fundamental policies." The managers
also follow certain "operating policies" which can be changed
without shareholder approval. However, significant changes
are discussed with shareholders in fund reports. Each fund
adheres to applicable investment restrictions and policies at
the time it makes an investment. A later change in
circumstances will not require the sale of an investment if
it was proper at the time it was made.
The fund's holding of certain kinds of investments cannot
exceed maximum percentages of total assets, which are set
forth herein. For instance, these funds are not permitted to
invest more than 10% of total assets in residual interest
bonds. While these restrictions provide a useful level of
detail about the fund's investment program, investors should
not view them as an
- --------------------------------
18 T. Rowe Price
<PAGE> 20
- - 3 MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
accurate gauge of the potential risk of such investments. For
example, in a given period, a 5% investment in residual
interest bonds could have significantly more than a 5% impact
on the fund's share price. The net effect of a particular
investment depends on its volatility and the size of its
overall return in relation to the performance of all the
fund's other investments.
Changes in the fund's holdings, the fund's performance, and
the contribution of various investments are discussed in the
shareholder reports sent to you.
TYPES OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
In seeking to meet their investment objectives, the funds may
invest in any type of municipal security or instrument
(including certain potentially high-risk derivatives) whose
yield, credit quality, and maturity characteristics are
consistent with the funds' investment programs. These and
some of the other investment techniques the funds may use are
described in the following pages.
Fundamental policy: Each fund is registered as a
nondiversified mutual fund. This means that each fund may
invest a greater portion of its assets in a single issuer
than a diversified fund which may subject the funds to
greater risk with respect to their portfolio securities.
However, because each fund intends to qualify as a "regulated
investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code, it must
invest so that, at the end of each quarter, with respect to
50% of their total assets, not more than 5% of their assets
are invested in the securities of a single issuer, and with
respect to the remaining 50%, no more than 25% of fund assets
are invested in a single issuer.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IN PURCHASING
MUNICIPALS, THE
FUNDS
RELY ON THE OPINION
OF
THE ISSUER'S BOND
COUNSEL REGARDING
THE
TAX-EXEMPT STATUS OF
THE INVESTMENT.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. Each fund's assets are invested
primarily in various tax-free municipal debt securities. The
issuers have a contractual obligation to pay interest at a
stated rate on specific dates and to repay principal (the
bond's face value) on a specified date or dates. An issuer
may have the right to redeem or "call" a bond before
maturity, and the investor may have to reinvest the proceeds
at lower rates.
There are two broad categories of municipal bonds. General
obligation bonds are backed by the issuer's "full faith and
credit," that is, its full taxing and revenue raising power.
Revenue bonds usually rely exclusively on a specific revenue
source, such as charges for water and sewer service, to
generate money for debt service.
PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS. While income from most municipals is
exempt from federal income taxes, the income from certain
types of so-called private activity bonds (a type of revenue
bond) may be subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT).
However, only persons subject to AMT pay this tax. Private
activity bonds may be issued for purposes such as housing or
airports or to benefit a private company. (Being subject to
the AMT does not mean the investor necessarily pays this tax.
For further information, please see "Distributions and
Taxes.")
Fundamental policy: Under normal market conditions, the funds
will not purchase any security if, as a result, less than 80%
of the funds' income would be exempt from federal and
Maryland state and local income taxes. The income included
under the 80% test does not include income from securities
subject to the alternative minimum tax.
--------------------------------
T. Rowe Price 19
<PAGE> 21
- - 3 MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
Operating policy: During periods of abnormal market
conditions, for temporary defensive purposes, the funds may
invest without limit in high-quality, short-term securities
whose income is subject to federal and Maryland state and
local income tax.
In addition to general obligation and revenue bonds, the
funds' investments may include, but are not limited to, the
following types of securities:
MUNICIPAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS. A lease is not a full faith and
credit obligation of the issuer and is usually backed only by
the borrowing government's unsecured pledge to make annual
appropriation for lease payments. There have been challenges
to the legality of lease financing in numerous states and,
from time to time, certain municipalities have considered not
appropriating money to make lease payments. In deciding
whether to purchase a lease obligation, the funds would
assess the financial condition of the borrower, the merits of
the project, the level of public support for the project, and
the legislative history of lease financing in the state.
These securities may be less readily marketable than other
municipals. The funds may also purchase unrated lease
obligations. Based on information supplied by T. Rowe Price,
the funds' Board of Trustees will periodically review the
credit quality of nonrated leases and assess the likelihood
of their being cancelled.
Operating policy: Each fund may invest no more than 20% of
its total assets in lease obligations.
MUNICIPAL WARRANTS. Municipal warrants are essentially call
options on municipal bonds. In exchange for a premium, they
give the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, to
purchase a municipal bond in the future. The fund might
purchase a warrant to lock in forward supply in an
environment where the current issuance of bonds is sharply
reduced. Like options, warrants may expire worthless and they
may have reduced liquidity.
Operating policy: Each fund will not invest more than 2% of
its total assets in municipal warrants.
SECURITIES WITH "PUTS" OR OTHER DEMAND FEATURES. Some
longer-term municipals give the investor the right to "put"
or sell the security at par (face value) within a specified
number of days following the investor's request--usually one
to seven days. This demand feature enhances a security's
liquidity by dramatically shortening its effective maturity
and enables it to trade at a price equal to or very close to
par. If the demand feature were terminated prior to being
exercised, the funds would hold the longer-term security.
SECURITIES WITH CREDIT ENHANCEMENTS.
- Letters of Credit. Letters of credit are issued by a third
party, usually a bank, to enhance liquidity and/or ensure
repayment of principal and any accrued interest if the
underlying municipal security should default.
- Municipal Bond Insurance. This insurance, which is usually
purchased by the bond issuer from a private, nongovernmental
insurance company, provides an unconditional and irrevocable
guarantee that the insured bond's principal and interest will
be paid when due. Insurance does not guarantee the price of a
bond or the share price of any fund. The credit rating of an
insured
- --------------------------------
20 T. Rowe Price
<PAGE> 22
- - 3 MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
bond reflects the credit rating of the insurer, based on its
claims-paying ability. T. Rowe Price periodically reviews the
credit quality of the insurer.
The obligation of a municipal bond insurance company to pay a
claim extends over the life of each insured bond. Although
defaults on insured municipal bonds have been low to date and
municipal bond insurers have met these claims, there is no
assurance this will continue. A higher than expected default
rate could strain the insurer's loss reserves and adversely
affect its ability to pay claims to bondholders, such as the
funds. The number of municipal bond insurers is relatively
small, and not all of them have the highest rating.
- Standby Repurchase Agreements. A Standby Bond Purchase
Agreement (SBPA) is a liquidity facility provided to pay the
purchase price of bonds that cannot be remarketed. The
obligation of the liquidity provider (usually a bank) is only
to advance funds to purchase tendered bonds which cannot be
remarketed and does not cover principal or interest under any
other circumstances. The liquidity provider's obligations
under the SBPA are usually subject to numerous conditions,
including the continued creditworthiness of the underlying
borrower.
SYNTHETIC OR DERIVATIVE SECURITIES. These securities are
created from existing municipal bonds:
- Residual Interest Bonds (a potentially high-risk
derivative). The income stream provided by an underlying bond
is divided to create two securities, one short-term and one
long-term. The interest rate on the short-term component is
reset by an index or auction process normally every seven to
35 days. After income is paid on the short-term securities at
current rates, the residual income goes to the long-term
securities. Therefore, rising short-term interest rates
result in lower income for the longer-term portion, and vice
versa. The longer-term bonds can be very volatile and may be
less liquid than other municipals of comparable maturity.
Operating policy: Each fund will not invest more than 10% of
its total assets in residual interest bonds.
- Participation Interests. This term covers various types of
securities created by converting fixed rate bonds into
short-term, variable rate certificates. These securities have
been developed in the secondary market to meet the demand for
short-term, tax-exempt securities. The funds will invest only
in securities deemed tax-exempt by a nationally recognized
bond counsel, but there is no guarantee the interest will be
exempt because the IRS has not issued a definitive ruling on
the matter.
- Embedded Interest Rate Swaps and Caps. In a fixed rate,
long-term municipal bond with an interest rate swap attached
to it, the bondholder usually receives the bond's fixed
coupon payment as well as a variable rate payment that
represents the difference between a fixed rate for the term
of the swap (which is typically shorter than the bond it is
attached to) and a variable rate short-term municipal index.
The bondholder receives excess income when short-term rates
remain below the fixed interest rate swap rate. If short-term
rates rise above the fixed-income swap rate, the bondholder's
income is reduced. At the end of the interest rate swap term,
the bond reverts to a single fixed coupon payment. Embedded
interest rate swaps enhance yields, but also increase
interest rate risk.
--------------------------------
T. Rowe Price 21
<PAGE> 23
- - 3 MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
An embedded interest rate cap allows the bondholder to
receive payments whenever short-term rates rise above a level
established at the time of purchase. They normally are used
to hedge against rising short-term interest rates.
Both instruments may be volatile and of limited liquidity and
their use may adversely affect a fund's total return.
Operating policy: Each fund will not invest more than 10% of
its total assets in embedded interest rate swaps and caps.
PRIVATE PLACEMENTS. The funds may seek to enhance their yield
through the purchase of private placements. These securities
are sold through private negotiations, usually to
institutions or mutual funds, and may have resale
restrictions. Their yields are usually higher than comparable
public securities to compensate the investor for their
limited marketability.
Operating policy: Each fund may not invest more than 15% of
its net assets in illiquid securities, including unmarketable
private placements.
TYPES OF MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH RESERVES
PROVIDE
FLEXIBILITY AND
SERVE AS
A SHORT-TERM DEFENSE
DURING PERIODS OF
UNUSUAL MARKET
VOLATILITY.
CASH POSITION. Each fund will hold a portion of its assets in
short-term, tax-exempt money market securities maturing in
one year or less. The reserve position: provides flexibility
in meeting redemptions, expenses, and the timing of new
investments; can help in structuring a fund's weighted
average maturity; and serves as a short-term defense during
periods of unusual market volatility. Each fund's cash
reserve position will be comprised of short-term, investment-
grade securities including tax-exempt commercial paper,
municipal notes, and short-term maturity bonds. Some of these
securities may have adjustable, variable, or floating rates.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARDS. New issues of municipals
are often sold on a "when-issued" basis, that is, delivery
and payment take place 15-45 days after the buyer has agreed
to the purchase. Some bonds, called "forwards," have longer
than standard settlement dates, in some cases exceeding one
to three years. When buying these securities, each fund
identifies cash or high-grade marketable securities held by
its custodian equal in value to its commitment for these
securities. The funds do not earn interest on when-issued and
forward securities until settlement, and the value of the
securities may fluctuate between purchase and settlement.
Municipal "forwards" typically carry a substantial yield
premium to compensate the buyer for their greater interest
rate, credit, and liquidity risks.
INTEREST RATE FUTURES. Futures (a potentially high-risk
derivative) are often used to manage risk, because they
enable the investor to buy or sell an asset in the future at
an agreed-upon price. Specifically, the funds may use futures
(and options on futures) to hedge against a potentially
unfavorable change in interest rates and to adjust their
exposure to the municipal bond market. The use of futures for
hedging and non-hedging purposes may not always be
successful. Their prices can be highly volatile, using them
could lower the fund's total return, and the potential loss
from their use could exceed a fund's initial investment in
such contracts.
Operating policy: Initial margin deposits on futures and
premiums on options used for non-hedging purposes will not
equal more than 5% of a fund's net asset value.
- --------------------------------
22 T. Rowe Price
<PAGE> 24
- - 3 MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
BORROWING MONEY AND TRANSFERRING ASSETS. Each fund can borrow
money from banks as a temporary measure for emergency
purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other
proper purposes consistent with each fund's investment
objective and program. Such borrowings may be collateralized
with fund assets, subject to restrictions.
Fundamental policy: Borrowings may not exceed 33 1/3% of a
fund's total assets.
Operating policy: Each fund may not transfer as collateral
any portfolio securities except as necessary in connection
with permissible borrowings or investments, and then such
transfers may not exceed 33 1/3% of a fund's total assets.
Each fund may not purchase additional securities when
borrowings exceed 5% of total assets.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The funds generally purchase securities
with the intention of holding them for investment; however,
when market conditions or other circumstances warrant,
securities may be purchased and sold without regard to the
length of time held. Although the funds do not expect to
generate any taxable income, a high turnover rate may
increase transaction costs and may affect taxes paid by
shareholders to the extent short-term gains are distributed.
The Short-Term Bond Fund's portfolio turnover rates for the
fiscal years ended February 28, 1995 and 1994, were 105.3%
and 20.5%, respectively, and the annualized portfolio
turnover rate for the fiscal period ended February 28, 1993,
was 96.9%. The Tax-Free Bond Fund's portfolio turnover rates
for the fiscal years ended February 28, 1995, 1994, and 1993,
were 28.9%, 24.3%, and 22.3%, respectively.
SECTOR CONCENTRATION. It is possible that each fund could
have a considerable amount of assets (25% or more) in
securities that would tend to respond similarly to particular
economic or political developments. An example would be
securities of issuers related to a single industry, such as
health care or nuclear energy.
Operating policy: Each fund will not invest more than 25% of
total assets in industrial development bonds of projects in
the same industry (such as solid waste, nuclear utility, or
airlines). Bonds which are refunded with escrowed U.S.
government securities are not subject to the 25% limitation.
CREDIT QUALITY CONSIDERATIONS. The credit quality of most
bond issues is evaluated by rating agencies such as Moody's
and Standard & Poor's. Credit quality refers to the issuer's
ability to meet all required interest and principal payments.
The highest ratings are assigned to issuers perceived to be
the best credit risks. T. Rowe Price research analysts also
evaluate all portfolio holdings of each fund, including those
rated by outside agencies. The lower the rating on a bond,
the higher the yield, other things being equal.
--------------------------------
T. Rowe Price 23
<PAGE> 25
- - 3 MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
Table 6 shows the rating scale used by the major rating
agencies. T. Rowe Price considers publicly available ratings,
but emphasizes its own credit analysis when selecting
investments.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATINGS OF MUNICIPAL DEBT SECURITIES
MOODY'S STANDARD
INVESTORS & POOR'S FITCH INVESTORS
SERVICE, INC. CORPORATION SERVICE, INC. DEFINITION
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM Aaa AAA AAA Highest quality
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aa AA AA High quality
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A A A Upper medium grade
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baa BBB BBB Medium grade
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOODY'S S&P FITCH
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT-TERM MIG1/VMIG1 Best quality SP1+ Very strong quality F-1+ Exceptionally strong
quality
SP1 Strong grade
F-1 Very strong quality
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIG2/VMIG2 High quality SP2 Satisfactory grade F-2 Good credit quality
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL P-1 Superior quality A-1+ Extremely strong F-1+ Exceptionally strong
PAPER quality quality
A-1 Strong quality F-1 Very strong quality
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P-2 Strong quality A-2 Satisfactory quality F-2 Good credit quality
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 6
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------
24 T. Rowe Price
<PAGE> 26
4 INVESTING WITH T. ROWE PRICE
4 INVESTING WITH T. ROWE PRICE
Account Requirements and Transaction Information
ALWAYS VERIFY YOUR TRANSACTIONS BY CAREFULLY REVIEWING THE CONFIRMATION WE
SEND YOU. PLEASE REPORT ANY DISCREPANCIES TO SHAREHOLDER SERVICES.
TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
We must have your correct social security or corporate tax identification
number on a signed New Account Form or W-9 Form. Otherwise, federal law
requires the funds to withhold a percentage (currently 31%) of your dividends,
capital gain distributions, and redemptions, and may subject you to an IRS
fine. If this information is not received within 60 days after your account is
established, your account may be redeemed, priced at the NAV on the date of
redemption.
Unless you request otherwise, one shareholder report will be mailed to multiple
account owners with the same tax identification number and same zip code and to
shareholders who have requested that their account be combined with someone
else's for financial reporting.
INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTS
Transaction procedures in the following sections may not apply to institutional
accounts. For procedures regarding institutional accounts, please call your
designated account manager or service representative.
Opening a New Account: $2,500 minimum initial investment; $1,000 for gifts or
transfers to minors (UGMA/UTMA) accounts
REGULAR MAIL MAILGRAM, EXPRESS,
T. Rowe Price REGISTERED, OR CERTIFIED MAIL
Account Services T. Rowe Price
P.O. Box 17300 Account Services
Baltimore, MD 10090 Red Run Blvd.
21298-9353 Owings Mills, MD 21117
ACCOUNT REGISTRATION
If you own other T. Rowe Price funds, be sure to register any new account just
like your existing accounts so you can exchange among them easily. (The name
and account type would have to be identical.)
BY MAIL
Please make your check payable to T. Rowe Price Funds (otherwise it will be
returned) and send your check together with the New Account Form to the address
at left. We do not accept third party checks to open new accounts.
BY WIRE
o Call Investor Services for an account number and give the following wire
address to your bank:
Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. of New York
ABA #021000238
T. Rowe Price [fund name]
AC-00153938
account name(s) and account number
o Complete a New Account Form and mail it to one of the appropriate
addresses listed at left.
T. Rowe Price 25
<PAGE> 27
4 INVESTING WITH T. ROWE PRICE
Note: No services will be established and IRS penalty withholding may occur
until a signed New Account Form is received.
BY EXCHANGE
Call Shareholder Services or use Tele*Access or PC*Access (see "Automated
Services" under "Shareholder Services"). The new account will have the same
registration as the account from which you are exchanging. Services for the new
account may be carried over by telephone request if preauthorized on the
existing account. (See explanation of "Excessive Trading" under "Transaction
Procedures.")
IN PERSON
Drop off your New Account Form at any of the locations listed on the cover and
obtain a receipt.
Note: The fund and its agents reserve the right to waive or lower investment
minimums; to accept initial purchases by telephone or mailgram; to cancel or
rescind any purchase or exchange (for example, if an account has been
restricted due to excessive trading or fraud) upon notice to the shareholder
within five business days of the trade or if the written confirmation has not
been received by the shareholder, whichever is sooner; to freeze any account
and suspend account services when notice has been received of a dispute between
the registered or beneficial account owners or there is reason to believe a
fraudulent transaction may occur; to otherwise modify the conditions of
purchase and any services at any time; or to act on instructions believed to be
genuine.
Purchasing Additional Shares: $100 minimum purchase; $50 minimum for Automatic
Asset Builder
REGULAR MAIL
T. Rowe Price Funds
Account Services
P.O. Box 89000
Baltimore, MD
21289-1500
BY ACH TRANSFER
Use Tele*Access, PC*Access or call Investor Services if you have established
electronic transfers using the ACH network.
BY WIRE
Call Shareholder Services or use the wire address in "Opening a New Account."
BY MAIL
o Provide your account number and the fund name on your check.
o Make your check payable to T. Rowe Price Funds (otherwise it may be
returned).
o Mail the check to us at the address shown at left with either a fund
reinvestment slip or a note indicating the fund you want to buy and
your fund account number.
BY AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER
Fill out the Automatic Asset Builder section on the New Account or Shareholder
Services Form.
26 T. Rowe Price
<PAGE> 28
4 INVESTING WITH T. ROWE PRICE
EXCHANGING AND REDEEMING SHARES
BY PHONE
Call Shareholder Services. If you find our phones busy during unusually
volatile markets, please consider placing your order by Tele*Access , PC*Access
(if you have previously authorized telephone services), mailgram or express
mail. For exchange policies, please see "Transaction Procedures and Special
Requirements--Excessive Trading."
Redemption proceeds can be mailed to your account address, sent by ACH
transfer, or wired to your bank (provided your bank information is already on
file). For charges, see "Electronic Transfers--By Wire" under "Shareholder
Services".
BY MAIL
Provide account name(s) and numbers, fund name(s), and exchange or redemption
amount. For exchanges, mail to the appropriate address below, indicate the fund
you are exchanging from and the fund(s) you are exchanging into. T. Rowe Price
requires the signatures of all owners exactly as registered, and possibly a
signature guarantee (please see "Transaction Procedures and Special
Requirements--Signature Guarantees").
Mailgram, Express, Registered, or
Certified Mail: Regular Mail:
T. Rowe Price Account Services T. Rowe Price Account Services
10090 Red Run Boulevard P.O. Box 89000
Owings Mills, MD 21117 Baltimore, MD 21289-0220
Shareholder Services
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
1-800-225-5132
1-410-625-6500
Many services are available to you as a T. Rowe Price shareholder; some you
receive automatically and others you must authorize on the New Account Form. By
signing up for services on the New Account Form rather than later on, you avoid
having to complete a separate form and obtain a signature guarantee. This
section reviews some of the principal services currently offered. Our Services
Guide contains detailed descriptions of these and other services.
If you are a new T. Rowe Price investor, you will receive a Services Guide with
our Welcome Kit.
Note: Corporate and other institutional accounts require an original or
certified resolution to establish services and to redeem by mail. For more
information, call Investor Services.
RETIREMENT PLANS
We offer a wide range of plans for individuals and institutions, including
large and small businesses: IRAs, SEP-IRAs, Keoghs (profit sharing, money
purchase pension), 401(k), and 403(b)(7). For information on IRAs, call
Investor Services. For information on all other retirement plans, please call
our Trust Company at 1-800-492-7670.
T. Rowe Price 27
<PAGE> 29
4 INVESTING WITH T. ROWE PRICE
INVESTOR SERVICES
1-800-638-5660
1-410-547-2308
EXCHANGE SERVICE
You can move money from one account to an existing identically registered
account, or open a new identically registered account. Remember, exchanges are
purchases and sales for tax purposes. (Exchanges into a state tax-free fund are
limited to investors living in states where the funds are registered.) Some of
the T. Rowe Price funds may impose a redemption fee of .50% to 2%, payable to
such funds, on shares held for less than one year, or in some funds, six
months.
AUTOMATED SERVICES
TELE*ACCESS. 24-hour service via toll-free number provides information on fund
yields and prices, dividends, account balances, and your latest transaction as
well as the ability to request prospectuses, account and tax forms, duplicate
statements, checks, and to initiate purchase, redemption and exchange orders in
your accounts (see "Electronic Transfers" below).
PC*ACCESS. 24-hour service via dial-up modem provides the same information as
Tele*Access, but on a personal computer. Please call Investor Services for an
information guide.
TELEPHONE AND WALK-IN SERVICES
Buy, sell, or exchange shares by calling one of our service representatives or
by visiting one of our investor center locations whose addresses are listed on
the cover.
ELECTRONIC TRANSFERS
BY ACH. With no charges to pay, you can initiate a purchase or redemption for
as little as $100 or as much as $100,000 between your bank account and fund
account using the ACH network. Enter instructions via Tele*Access, PC*Access,
or call Shareholder Services.
BY WIRE. Electronic transfers can also be conducted via bank wire. There is
currently a $5 fee for wire redemptions under $5,000, and your bank may charge
for incoming or outgoing wire transfers regardless of size.
CHECKWRITING (NOT AVAILABLE FOR EQUITY FUNDS, OR THE HIGH YIELD BOND OR
EMERGING MARKETS BOND FUNDS)
You may write an unlimited number of free checks on any money market fund and
most bond funds, with a minimum of $500 per check. Keep in mind, however, that
a check results in a redemption; a check written on a bond fund will create a
taxable event which you and we must report to the IRS.
AUTOMATIC INVESTING ($50 MINIMUM)
You can invest automatically in several different ways, including:
o Automatic Asset Builder. You instruct us to move $50 or more once a
month or less often from your bank account, or you can instruct your
employer to send all or a portion of your paycheck to the fund or funds
you designate.
o Automatic Exchange. You can set up systematic investments from one fund
account into another, such as from a money fund into a stock fund.
28 T. Rowe Price
<PAGE> 30
4 INVESTING WITH T. ROWE PRICE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCOUNT BROKERAGE
IS A DIVISION OF
T. ROWE PRICE
INVESTMENT
SERVICES, INC.
DISCOUNT BROKERAGE
You can trade stocks, bonds, options, precious metals, and
other securities at a savings over regular commission rates.
Call Investor Services for information.
Note: If you buy or sell T. Rowe Price funds through anyone
other than T. Rowe Price, such as broker-dealers or banks, you
may be charged transaction or service fees by those
institutions. No such fees are charged by T. Rowe Price
Investment Services or the fund for transactions conducted
directly with the fund.
T. Rowe Price 29
PAGE 3
The prospectus for the T. Rowe Price Virginia Tax-Free Funds,
dated July 1, 1995 should be inserted here.
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT
INVESTOR SERVICES
1-800-638-5660
1-410-547-2308
FOR EXISTING ACCOUNTS
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
1-800-225-5132
1-410-625-6500
FOR YIELDS AND PRICES
TELE*ACCESS
1-800-638-2587
24 HOURS, 7 DAYS
INVESTOR CENTERS
101 EAST LOMBARD ST.
BALTIMORE, MD
T. ROWE PRICE
FINANCIAL CENTER
10090 RED RUN BLVD.
OWINGS MILLS, MD
FARRAGUT SQUARE
900 17TH STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, DC
ARCO TOWER
31ST FLOOR
515 SOUTH FLOWER ST.
LOS ANGELES, CA
Invest With Confidence
To help you achieve your financial goals, T. Rowe Price offers a wide range of
stock, bond, and money market investments, as well as convenient services and
timely, informative reports.
VAS
PROSPECTUS
T. ROWE PRICE
VIRGINIA TAX-FREE FUNDS
T. ROWE PRICE
STATE TAX-FREE
INCOME TRUST
JULY 1, 1995
Short- and long-term bond funds for investors seeking income that is exempt
from federal and Virginia state income taxes.
Facts at a Glance
Investment Goal
The highest level of income exempt from federal and Virginia state income
taxes consistent with each fund's prescribed investment program.
As with all mutual funds, these funds may not meet their goal.
Strategy and Risk/Reward
Virginia Short-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund. Invests primarily in short-term,
investment-grade Virginia municipal bonds. Dollar-weighted average maturity
will range between one and three years.
Risk/Reward: Higher income than a municipal money market fund and less
potential share-price fluctuation than the Virginia Tax-Free Bond Fund.
Virginia Tax-Free Bond Fund. Invests primarily in investment-grade Virginia
municipal bonds. Dollar-weighted average maturity is expected to be 10 years
or longer.
Risk/Reward: Higher income than the Virginia Short-Term Bond Fund but also
greater potential price fluctuation.
Investor Profile
Virginia taxpayers who, because of their tax bracket, can benefit from income
that is exempt from federal and Virginia state income taxes. Not appropriate
for tax-deferred retirement plans, such as IRAs.
Fees and Charges
100% no load. No fees or charges to buy or sell shares or to reinvest
dividends; no 12b-1 marketing fees; free telephone exchange.
Investment Manager
Founded in 1937 by the late Thomas Rowe Price, Jr., T. Rowe Price Associates,
Inc. ('T. Rowe Price") and its affiliates managed over $61 billion, including
approximately $5.5 billion in municipal bond assets, for over three million
individual and institutional investor accounts as of March 31, 1995.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
T. ROWE PRICE
STATE TAX-FREE
INCOME TRUST
JULY 1, 1995
PROSPECTUS
Contents
________________________________________________________________
1 About the Funds
________________________________________________________________
Transaction and Fund Expenses 2
________________________________________________________________
Financial Highlights 4
________________________________________________________________
2 Fund, Market, and Risk Characteristics 5
________________________________________________________________
About Your Account
________________________________________________________________
Pricing Shares; Receiving Sale Proceeds 11
________________________________________________________________
Distributions and Taxes 12
________________________________________________________________
Transaction Procedures and Special Requirements 14
________________________________________________________________
3 More About the Funds
________________________________________________________________
Organization and Management 16
________________________________________________________________
Understanding Fund Performance 17
________________________________________________________________
Investment Policies and Practices 18
________________________________________________________________
4 Investing With T. Rowe Price
________________________________________________________________
Account Requirements and Transaction Information 25
________________________________________________________________
Opening a New Account 25
________________________________________________________________
Purchasing Additional Shares 26
________________________________________________________________
Exchanging and Redeeming 27
________________________________________________________________
Shareholder Services 27
This prospectus contains information you should know before investing. Please
keep it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information about the
funds, dated July 1, 1995, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. To obtain a
free copy, call 1-800-638-5660.
1 ABOUT THE FUNDS
Transaction and Fund Expenses
__________________________________________________________________________
LIKE ALL T. ROWE PRICE FUNDS, THE FUNDS ARE 100% NO LOAD.
These tables should help you understand the kinds of expenses you will bear
directly or indirectly as a fund shareholder.
In Table 1 below, 'Shareholder Transaction Expenses," shows that you pay no
sales charges. All the money you invest in a fund goes to work for you,
subject to the fees explained below. 'Annual Fund Expenses" provides an
estimate of how much it will cost to operate each fund for a year, based on
1995 fiscal year expenses (and any applicable expense limitation). These are
costs you pay indirectly, because they are deducted from the fund's total
assets before the daily share price is calculated and before dividends and
other distributions are made. In other words, you will not see these expenses
on your account statement.
________________________________________________________________
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995, THE SHORT-TERM BOND FUND AND
TAX-FREE BOND FUND PAID $1,000 AND $156,000, RESPECTIVELY, TO T. ROWE PRICE
SERVICES, INC. FOR TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING FUNCTIONS AND SHAREHOLDER
SERVICES, AND $15,000 AND $60,000, RESPECTIVELY, TO T. ROWE PRICE FOR
ACCOUNTING SERVICES.
________________________________________________________________
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Short-Term Tax-Free
Bond Bond
________________________________________________________________
Sales charge "load" on purchases None None
________________________________________________________________
Sales charge "load" on reinvested
dividends None None
________________________________________________________________
Redemption fees None None
________________________________________________________________
Exchange fees None None
________________________________________________________________
Annual Fund Expenses Percentage of Fiscal
1995 Average Net Assets
Short-Term Tax-Free
Bond Bond
________________________________________________________________
Management fee (after reduction) 0.00% a 0.39% b
________________________________________________________________
Marketing fees (12b-1) None None
________________________________________________________________
Total other (Shareholder servicing,
custodial, auditing, etc.) 0.65% a 0.26%
________________________________________________________________
Total fund expenses (after reduction) 0.65% a 0.65% b
________________________________________________________________
a The fund's management fee, other expenses,
and its total expense ratio would have been
0.44%, 4.20%, and 4.64%, respectively, had
T. Rowe Price not agreed to reduce management
fees and assume other expenses in accordance
with the expense limitation described below.
b The fund's management fee and its total expense
ratio would have been 0.44% and 0.70%,
respectively, had T. Rowe Price not agreed to
reduce management fees in accordance with its
expense limitation described below.
Note: The funds charge a $5 fee for wire redemptions under $5,000, subject to
change without notice.
________________________________________________________________
Table 1
The main types of expenses, which all mutual funds may charge against fund
assets, are:
o A management fee: the percent of fund assets paid to the funds'
investment manager. Each fund's fee is comprised of a group fee,
discussed later, and an individual fund fee of 0.10%.
o 'Other" administrative expenses: primarily the servicing of shareholder
accounts, such as providing statements, reports, disbursing dividends, as
well as custodial services.
o Marketing or distribution fees: an annual charge ("12b-1") to existing
shareholders to defray the cost of selling shares to new shareholders. T.
Rowe Price funds do not levy 12b-1 fees. For further details on fund
expenses, please see "Organization and Management."
o Hypothetical example: Assume you invest $1,000, the fund returns 5%
annually, expense ratios remain as previously listed, and you close your
account at the end of the time periods shown. Your expenses would be:
___________________________________________________________________________
THE TABLE AT RIGHT IS JUST AN EXAMPLE; ACTUAL EXPENSES CAN BE HIGHER OR LOWER
THAN THOSE SHOWN.
________________________________________________________________
Fund 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
________________________________________________________________
Short-Term Bond $7 $21 $36 $81
________________________________________________________________
Tax-Free Bond $7 $21 $36 $81
________________________________________________________________
Table 2A
Table 2B sets forth expense ratio limitations and the periods for which they
are effective. For each, T. Rowe Price has agreed to waive its fees and bear
any fund expenses to the extent such fees or expenses would cause the fund's
ratio of expenses to average net assets to exceed the indicated percentage
limitations. Fees waived or expenses paid or assumed under these agreements
are subject to reimbursement to T. Rowe Price by the fund through the
indicated reimbursement date, but no reimbursement will be made if it would
result in the fund's expense ratio exceeding its specified limit.
________________________________________________________________
Expense Ratio Limitations
________________________________________________________________
Expense
Limitation Ratio Reimbursement
Fund Period Limitation Date
________________________________________________________________
Short-Term
Bond a November 29, 1994 - 0.65% February 28,
February 29, 1996 1998
________________________________________________________________
Tax-Free
Bond b March 1, 1995 - 0.65% February 28,
February 28, 1997 1999
________________________________________________________________
a To limit the Short-Term Bond Fund's expenses
during its initial period of operations, T. Rowe
Price has agreed to waive its fees and bear
any expenses through February 29, 1996, to
the extent such fees or expense would
cause the fund's ratio of expenses to average
net assets to exceed 0.65%. Fees waived or
expenses paid or assumed under this
agreement are subject to reimbursement to
T. Rowe Price whenever the expense ratio
is below 0.65%; however, no reimbursement
will be made after February 29, 1996, or
if it would result in the expense ratio
exceeding 0.65%. Any amounts reimbursed
will have the effect of increasing fees
otherwise paid by the fund.
b The Tax-Free Bond Fund previously operated
under 0.60% limitations that expired
February 28, 1993, and February 28, 1995.
Effective March 1, 1995, T. Rowe Price
agreed to increase the existing expense
limitation of 0.60% to 0.65% for a period
of two years from March 1, 1995. Fees
waived or expenses paid or assumed under
these agreements are subject to reimbursement
to T. Rowe Price; however, no reimbursement
will be made after February 28, 1995 (for
the first agreement), February 28, 1997
(for the second agreement), or February 28,
1999 (for the third agreement ), or if it
would result in the expense ratio
exceeding 0.65%. Any amounts reimbursed
will have the effect of increasing fees
otherwise paid by the fund.
________________________________________________________________
Table 2B
Financial Highlights
The following table provides information about each fund's financial history.
It is based on a single share outstanding throughout each fiscal year. The
table is part of the fund's audited financial statements which are included in
the fund's annual report, which is incorporated by reference into the
Statement of Additional Information. This document is available to
shareholders upon request. The financial statements in the annual report have
been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, whose
unqualified report covers the periods shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Investment Activities Distributions End of Period
Net Ratio
Realized of Net
and Total Ratio Invest-
Net Unreal- Return of Ex- ment
Per- Asset Net ized Total Net (Incl- penses Income
iod Value, Invest- Gain from Net Asset udes Net to to Port-
Ended, Begin- ment (Loss) Invest- Invest- Net Value, Rein- Assets Aver- Aver- folio
Febr- ning In- on ment ment Real- Total End vested ($ age age Turn-
uary of come Invest- Activi- In- ized Distri- of Divi- Thou- Net Net over
28 Period (Loss) ments ties come Gain butions Period dends) sands) Assets Assets Rate
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Short-Term Bond
1995ae $5.00 $0.05f $0.06 $0.11 $(0.05) - $(0.05) $5.06 2.28% $4,965 0.65%cd 4.43%c 14.8%c
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tax-Free Bond
1992be$10.00 $0.48d $0.31 $0.79 $(0.48) $(0.04) $(0.52) $10.27 8.12% $44,198 0.65%cd 5.80%c 76.3%c
1993 10.27 0.58d 0.82 1.40 (0.58) (0.03) (0.61) 11.06 14.11% 111,705 0.65%d 5.53% 68.5%
1994 11.06 0.56d 0.09 0.65 (0.56) (0.15) (0.71) 11.00 5.99% 168,715 0.65%d 5.03% 61.8%
1995 11.00 0.57d (0.43) 0.14 (0.57) (0.01) (0.58) 10.56 1.51% 155,278 0.65%d 5.49% 89.1%
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
<FN>
a For the period November 30, 1994 (commencement of operations), to
February 28, 1995.
b For the period April 30, 1991 (commencement of operations), to
February 29, 1992.
c Annualized.
d Excludes expenses in excess of a 0.65% voluntary expense limitation in effect
through February 28, 1995.
e Year ended February 29.
f Excludes expenses in excess of a 0.65% voluntary expense limitation in effect
through February 29, 1996.
</FN>
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Table 3
</TABLE>
Fund, Market, and Risk Characteristics: What to Expect
__________________________________________________________________________
INCOME FROM VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL SECURITIES IS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL AND VIRGINIA
STATE INCOME TAXES.
To help you decide which of the T. Rowe Price Virginia bond funds may be
appropriate for you, this section takes a closer look at their investment
objectives and approach.
What are the funds' objectives and investment programs?
The Virginia Short-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund's objective is to provide the
highest level of income exempt from federal and Virginia state income taxes
consistent with modest fluctuation in principal value. The fund will invest
primarily (at least 65% of its total assets) in investment-grade Virginia
municipal bonds. While the portfolio's dollar-weighted average maturity will
range between one and three years, there is no maturity limit on individual
securities. The fund is expected to provide a higher level of after-tax income
than a money market fund and less share price volatility than the Virginia
Tax-Free Bond Fund. Unlike a money market fund, the fund's share price will
fluctuate.
The Virginia Tax-Free Bond Fund's investment objective is to provide,
consistent with prudent portfolio management, the highest level of income
exempt from federal and Virginia state income taxes by investing primarily in
investment-grade Virginia municipal bonds. The fund's dollar-weighted average
maturity will usually exceed 10 years.
Due to seasonal variations or shortages in the supply of suitable short-term
Virginia securities, each fund may invest periodically in municipals whose
interest is exempt from federal but not Virginia state income taxes. Every
effort will be made to minimize such investments, but they could compose up to
10% of each fund's annual income.
___________________________________________________________________________
AT THEIR DISCRETION, THE FUNDS MAY RETAIN A SECURITY WHOSE CREDIT QUALITY IS
DOWNGRADED AFTER PURCHASE.
What are the funds' credit quality guidelines?
The funds will generally purchase investment-grade securities-securities whose
ratings are within the four highest credit categories (e.g., AAA, AA, A, BBB)
as determined by a national rating organization or, if unrated, by T. Rowe
Price. The funds may occasionally purchase below-investment-grade securities
(including those with the lowest or no rating), but no such purchase will be
made if it would cause a fund's noninvestment-grade bonds to exceed 5% of its
net assets. Unrated bonds may be less liquid than rated bonds.
Investment-grade securities include a range from the highest rated to medium
quality (BBB). Securities in the BBB category may be more susceptible to
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances, and the securities at
the lower end of the BBB category have certain speculative characteristics.
___________________________________________________________________________
A MORE DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THESE AND OTHER RISK CONSIDERATIONS IS CONTAINED
IN THE FUNDS' STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
What are the main risks of investing in municipal bond funds?
The potential for realizing a loss of principal in a bond fund could derive
from:
o Interest rate or market risk: the decline in fixed-income securities and
funds that may accompany a rise in the overall level of interest rates
(please see Table 4).
o Credit risk: the chance that any of a fund's holdings will have its
credit rating downgraded or will default (fail to make scheduled interest
and principal payments), potentially reducing the fund's income level
and/or share price.
o Political risk: the chance that a significant restructuring of federal
income tax rates, or even serious discussion on the topic in Congress,
could cause municipal bond prices to fall. The demand for municipal bonds
is strongly influenced by the value of tax exempt income to investors.
Broadly lower tax rates could reduce the advantage of owning municipal
bonds.
o Geographical: the chance of price declines resulting from developments in
a single state.
___________________________________________________________________________
SIGNIFICANT POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN A STATE MAY HAVE
REPERCUSSIONS, DIRECT AND INDIRECT, ON VIRTUALLY ALL MUNICIPAL BONDS ISSUED IN
THE STATE.
What are the particular risks associated with single-state funds versus those
that invest nationally?
A fund investing within a single state is, by definition, less diversified
geographically than one investing across many states. The risk arises from the
fund's greater exposure to that state's economy and politics, factors that
loom large in establishing the credit quality of bonds issued by the state and
its political subdivisions. For example, general obligation bonds of a state
that has a high income level, reasonable debt levels, and a positive long-term
outlook should have a higher credit rating than those of a state without those
attributes.
Of course, many municipal bonds are not general obligations backed by the
state's "full faith and credit" (its full taxing and revenue raising
resources) and may not rely on the state government for money to service their
debt. Bonds issued by governmental authorities may depend wholly on revenues
generated by the project they financed or on other dedicated revenue streams.
The credit quality of these "revenue" bonds may vary significantly from that
of the state's general obligations.
How does T. Rowe Price try to reduce risk?
Consistent with each fund's objective, the portfolio manager actively manages
the funds in an effort to manage risk and increase total return. Risk
management tools include:
o Diversification of assets to reduce the impact of a single holding on a
fund's net asset value.
o Thorough credit research by our own analysts.
o Adjustments in a fund's duration to try to reduce the negative impact of
rising interest rates or take advantage of the favorable effects of
falling rates. Depending on market outlook, the investment manager may
shorten or lengthen the fund's average effective maturity and duration
within the ranges and guidelines established in this prospectus.
___________________________________________________________________________
CREDIT RATINGS AND THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF THE STATE, LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS, PUBLIC AUTHORITIES, AND OTHERS IN WHICH THE FUNDS MAY INVEST ARE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.
What is the credit quality of Virginia general obligations?
The major rating agencies (Moody's, Standard & Poor's, and Fitch) assigned a
triple-A rating to Virginia general obligations as of June 1, 1995, and have
never rated the state below that level. For more than a century, the state has
paid the principal and interest on its general obligation bonds when due and
has not issued short-term tax anticipation notes or other similar short-term
debt for its own needs. The Virginia constitution limits the issuance of
general obligation bonds to 1.15 times average tax revenues for the past three
fiscal years. Additional restrictions are imposed for bonds issued for certain
other purposes. The state has substantial capacity to issue additional debt
within these legal debt limits.
___________________________________________________________________________
THE SHARE PRICE AND YIELD OF EACH FUND WILL FLUCTUATE WITH CHANGING MARKET
CONDITIONS AND INTEREST RATE LEVELS. WHEN YOU SELL YOUR SHARES, YOU MAY LOSE
MONEY.
What about the quality of the funds' other holdings?
In addition to the state's general obligations, the funds will invest a
substantial portion of their assets in bonds that are rated according to the
issuer's individual creditworthiness, such as bonds of local governments and
public authorities. While local governments in Virginia depend principally on
their own revenue sources, they could experience budget shortfalls due to
cutbacks in state aid.
The funds may invest in certain sectors with special risks-for example, health
care, which could be affected by federal or state legislation, electric
utilities with exposure to nuclear power plants, and private activity bonds
without governmental backing.
The funds may invest in obligations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its
public corporations (as well as the U.S. territories of Guam and the Virgin
Islands) that are exempt from federal and Virginia state income taxes. These
investments require careful assessment of certain risk factors, including
reliance on substantial federal assistance and favorable tax programs. As of
June 1, 1995, Puerto Rico's general obligation bonds were rated Baa1 by
Moody's and A by Standard & Poor's.
What are derivatives and can the funds invest in them?
The term derivative is used to describe financial instruments whose value is
derived from an underlying security (e.g., a stock or bond) or a market
benchmark (e.g., an interest rate index). Many types of investments
representing a wide range of potential risks and rewards fall under the
"derivatives" umbrella-from conventional instruments such as callable bonds,
futures and options, to more exotic investments such as stripped mortgage
securities and structured notes. While it was only recently that the term
derivative has become widely known among the investing public, derivatives
have in fact been employed by investment managers for many years. Each fund
will invest in derivatives only if the expected risks and rewards are
consistent with its objective, policies, and overall risk profile as described
in this prospectus. The funds limit their use of derivatives to situations in
which they may enable the fund to: increase yield; hedge against a decline in
principal value; invest in eligible asset classes with greater efficiency and
lower cost than is possible through direct investment; or adjust the funds'
duration. These funds will not invest in any high risk, highly leveraged
derivative instrument which is expected to cause the price volatility of the
portfolio to be meaningfully different than that of 1) a three-year
investment-grade bond for the Short-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund; or 2) a long-term
investment-grade bond for the Tax-Free Bond Fund.
___________________________________________________________________________
BEFORE CHOOSING A FUND, YOU MAY WISH TO REVIEW SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES.
Who issues municipal securities?
State and local governments and governmental authorities sell notes and bonds
(usually called "municipals") to pay for public projects and services.
Who buys municipal securities?
Individuals are the primary investors, and a principal way they invest is
through mutual funds. Prices of municipals may be affected by major changes in
flows of money into or out of municipal funds. For example, substantial and
sustained redemptions from municipal bond funds could result in lower prices
for these securities.
___________________________________________________________________________
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES ARE ALSO CALLED "TAX-EXEMPTS" BECAUSE THE INTEREST INCOME
THEY PROVIDE IS USUALLY EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAXES.
Is interest income from municipal issues always exempt from federal taxes?
No. For example, since 1986, income from so-called "private activity"
municipals must be included in the computation of the federal alternative
minimum tax (AMT). For instance, some bonds financing airports, stadiums, and
student loan programs fall into this category. Shareholders subject to the AMT
must include income derived from private activity bonds in their AMT
calculation. Relatively few taxpayers are required to pay the tax. Normally,
the funds will not purchase any security if, as a result, more than 20% of the
funds' income would be subject to the AMT. The funds will report annually to
shareholders the portion of income, if any, subject to AMT. (Please see
"Distributions and Taxes-Taxes on Fund Distributions.")
Why are yields on municipals usually below those on otherwise comparable
taxable securities?
Since the income provided by most municipals is exempt from federal taxation,
investors are willing to accept lower yields on a municipal bond than on an
otherwise similar (in quality and maturity) taxable bond.
Why are yields on Virginia bonds often below those of comparable issues from
other states?
Strong demand for Virginia securities, due to a relatively high state income
tax rate and an often limited supply, tends to push their prices up and yields
down.
Is there an easy way to compare after-tax yields on a Virginia fund with a
similar fund that invests nationally?
Subtract your state tax rate from 1 and multiply this number times the yield
on the national bond fund. The result is the yield to you on the national fund
after paying Virginia income tax. Compare this with the Virginia fund's yield.
___________________________________________________________________________
YOU MAY WANT TO REVIEW SOME FUNDAMENTALS THAT APPLY TO ALL FIXED-INCOME
INVESTMENTS.
Is a fund's yield fixed or will it vary?
It will vary. The yield is calculated every day by dividing a fund's net
income per share, expressed at annual rates, by the share price. Since both
income and share price will fluctuate, a fund's yield will also vary.
Is a fund's "yield" the same thing as the "total return"?
Not for bond funds. Your total return is the result of reinvested income and
the change in share price for a given time period. Income is always a positive
contributor to total return and can enhance a rise in share price or serve as
an offset to a drop in share price.
What is "credit quality" and how does it affect a fund's yield?
Credit quality refers to a bond issuer's expected ability to make all required
interest and principal payments in a timely manner. Because highly rated bond
issuers represent less risk, they can borrow at lower interest rates than less
creditworthy issuers. Therefore, a fund investing in high-quality securities
should have a lower yield than an otherwise comparable fund investing in lower
credit quality securities.
What is meant by a bond's or bond fund's maturity?
Every bond has a stated maturity date when the issuer must repay the
security's entire principal value to the investor. Some types of bonds may
also have an "effective maturity" that is shorter than the stated date. Many
corporate and municipal bonds are "callable," meaning the principal can be
repaid before their stated maturity dates on (or after) specified call dates.
Bonds are most likely to be called when interest rates are falling, because
the issuer wants to refinance at a lower rate. In such an environment, a
bond's "effective maturity" is usually its nearest call date.
A bond mutual fund has no maturity in the strict sense of the word, but does
have a dollar-weighted average maturity. This number is an average of the
stated maturities of the underlying bonds, with each maturity "weighted" by
the percentage of fund assets it represents. Funds that target effective
maturities would use the effective (rather than stated) maturities of the
underlying instruments when computing the average. Targeting effective
maturity provides additional flexibility in portfolio management but, all else
being equal, could result in higher volatility than a fund targeting a stated
maturity or maturity range.
What is meant by a bond's or bond fund's "duration"?
Duration is the time-weighted value of discounted future interest and
principal payments expressed in years. It measures bond price sensitivity to
interest rate changes more accurately than maturity because it takes into
account the time value of cash flows generated over the bond's life. Future
interest and principal payments are discounted to reflect their present value
and then are multiplied by the number of years they will be received to
produce a value that is expressed in years, i.e., the duration. A more refined
measure than average maturity, effective duration takes into account call
features and sinking fund payments which may shorten a bond's life.
Since duration can also be computed for bond funds, you can estimate the
effect of interest rates on a bond fund's share price. Simply multiply the
fund's duration (available for T. Rowe Price bond funds in our shareholder
reports) by an expected change in interest rates. For example, the price of a
bond fund with a duration of five years would be expected to fall
approximately 5% if rates rose by one percentage point.
___________________________________________________________________________
IN GENERAL, THE LONGER THE BOND'S MATURITY, THE GREATER THE PRICE INCREASE OR
DECREASE IN RESPONSE TO A GIVEN CHANGE IN INTEREST RATES, AS SHOWN IN THE
TABLE TO THE RIGHT.
How is a municipal's price affected by changes in interest rates?
When interest rates rise, a municipal's price usually falls, and vice versa.
________________________________________________________________________
How Interest Rates Affect Bond Prices
Bond Coupon Price Per $1,000 of
Maturity Bond Face Value if Interest Rates
Increase Decrease
1% 2% 1% 2%
________________________________________________________________
1 Year 4.30% $990 $981 $1,010 $1,020
________________________________________________________________
5 Years 4.90 957 917 1,045 1,092
________________________________________________________________
10 Years 5.35 927 860 1,080 1,169
________________________________________________________________
20 Years 5.95 893 801 1,126 1,275
________________________________________________________________
30 Years 6.00 875 774 1,155 1,348
________________________________________________________________
Table 4 Coupons reflect yields on AAA-rated municipals as of
April 30, 1995. This is an illustration and does
not represent expected yields or share price changes
of any T. Rowe Price fund.
___________________________________________________________________________
NEITHER FUND SHOULD BE RELIED UPON AS A COMPLETE INVESTMENT PROGRAM, NOR BE
USED FOR SHORT-TERM TRADING PURPOSES.
How can I decide which Virginia fund is most appropriate for me?
Review your own financial objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Use
the table below, which summarizes the funds' main characteristics, to choose a
fund (or funds) suitable for your particular needs. If you will need your
principal in a relatively short time, and/or want to minimize share price
volatility, the Short-Term Bond Fund may be a good choice. However, if you are
investing for the highest possible tax-free income and can tolerate greater
price volatility, you should consider the longer-term bond fund.
________________________________________________________________
Differences Between Funds
Fund Credit Income Risk of Expected
Quality Share Price Average
Categories Fluctuation Maturity
________________________________________________________________
Short-Term Primarily Low to Low to Generally
Bond four moderate moderate one to
highest three years
________________________________________________________________
Tax-Free Primarily High High 10+ Years
Bond four
highest
________________________________________________________________
Table 5
Is there additional information about the funds to help me make a decision?
You should review the investment policies and practices section which
discusses the following: Types of Portfolio Securities (municipal securities,
private activity bonds, municipal lease obligations, municipal warrants,
securities with "puts" or other demand features, securities with credit
enhancements, synthetic or derivative securities, embedded interest rate swaps
and caps, repurchase agreements, and private placements); Types of Management
Practices (cash position, when-issued securities and forwards, interest rate
futures, borrowing money and transferring assets, portfolio turnover, taxable
money market securities, and credit quality considerations).
2 ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
Pricing Shares and Receiving Sale Proceeds
Here are some procedures you should know when investing in a fund. This
section applies to all T. Rowe Price tax-free bond and money funds.
___________________________________________________________________________
THE VARIOUS WAYS YOU CAN BUY, SELL, AND EXCHANGE SHARES ARE EXPLAINED AT THE
END OF THIS PROSPECTUS AND ON THE NEW ACCOUNT FORM. THESE PROCEDURES MAY
DIFFER FOR INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTS.
How and When Shares Are Priced
Bond and money funds. The share price (also called "net asset value" or NAV
per share) for each fund is calculated at 4 p.m. ET each day the New York
Stock Exchange is open for business. To calculate the NAV, a fund's assets are
valued and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance, called net
assets, is divided by the number of shares outstanding.
Money fund NAVs, which are managed to remain at $1.00, are calculated at noon
ET each day as well as 4 p.m. Amortized cost or amortized market value is used
to value money fund securities that mature in 60 days or less.
___________________________________________________________________________
WHEN FILLING OUT THE NEW ACCOUNT FORM, YOU MAY WISH TO GIVE YOURSELF THE
WIDEST RANGE OF OPTIONS FOR RECEIVING PROCEEDS FROM A SALE.
How your purchase, sale, or exchange price is determined
If we receive your request in correct form before 4 p.m. ET, your transaction
will be priced at that day's NAV. If we receive it after 4 p.m., it will be
priced at the next business day's NAV.
We cannot accept orders that request a particular day or price for your
transaction or any other special conditions.
Note: The time at which transactions are priced and the time until which
orders are accepted may be changed in case of an emergency or if the New York
Stock Exchange closes at a time other than 4 p.m. ET.
___________________________________________________________________________
IF FOR SOME REASON WE CANNOT ACCEPT YOUR REQUEST TO SELL SHARES, WE WILL
CONTACT YOU.
How you can receive the proceeds from a sale
If your request is received by 4 p.m. ET in correct form, proceeds are usually
sent on the next business day. Proceeds can be sent to you by mail, or to your
bank account by ACH transfer or bank wire. Proceeds sent by ACH transfer
should be credited the second day after the sale. ACH (Automated Clearing
House) is an automated method of initiating payments from and receiving
payments in your financial institution account. ACH is a payment system
supported by over 20,000 banks, savings banks, and credit unions, which
electronically exchange the transactions primarily through the Federal Reserve
Banks. Proceeds sent by bank wire should be credited to your bank account the
next business day.
Exception:
o Under certain circumstances and when deemed to be in the fund's best
interests, your proceeds may not be sent for up to five business days
after receiving your sale or exchange request. If you were exchanging
into a bond or money fund, your new investment would not begin to earn
dividends until the sixth business day.
Useful Information on Distributions and Taxes
___________________________________________________________________________
THE FUND DISTRIBUTES ALL NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND REALIZED CAPITAL GAINS TO
SHAREHOLDERS.
Dividends and Other Distributions
Dividend and capital gain distributions are reinvested in additional fund
shares in your account unless you select another option on your New Account
Form. The advantage of reinvesting distributions arises from compounding; that
is, you receive interest and capital gain distributions on a rising number of
shares.
Dividends not reinvested are paid by check or transmitted to your bank account
via ACH. If the Post Office cannot deliver your check, or if your check
remains uncashed for six months, the fund reserves the right to reinvest your
distribution check in your account at the then current NAV and to reinvest all
subsequent distributions in shares of the fund.
Income dividends
o Bond funds declare income dividends daily at 4 p.m. ET to shareholders of
record at that time provided payment has been received on the previous
business day.
o Money funds declare income dividends daily at noon ET to shareholders of
record at that time provided payment has been received by that time.
o Bond and money funds pay dividends on the last business day of each
month.
o Bond and money fund shares will earn dividends through the date of
redemption; shares redeemed on a Friday or prior to a holiday will
continue to earn dividends until the next business day. Generally, if you
redeem all of your shares at any time during the month, you will also
receive all dividends earned through the date of redemption in the same
check. When you redeem only a portion of your shares, all dividends
accrued on those shares will be reinvested, or paid in cash, on the next
dividend payment date.
Capital gains
o A capital gain or loss is the difference between the purchase and sale
price of a security.
o If the fund has net capital gains for the year (after subtracting any
capital losses), they are usually declared and paid in December to
shareholders of record on a specified date that month. If a second
distribution is necessary, it is usually declared and paid during the
first quarter of the following year.
__________________________________________________________________________
THE FUNDS SEND TIMELY INFORMATION FOR YOUR TAX FILING NEEDS.
Tax Information
Although the regular monthly income dividends you receive from the funds are
expected to be exempt from federal and state and local (if any) income taxes,
you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:
o you sell fund shares, including an exchange from one fund to another, or
o the fund makes a short- and\or long-term capital gain distribution to
your account.
Due to 1993 tax legislation, a portion of the capital gains realized on the
sale of market discount bonds with maturities beyond one year may be treated
as ordinary income and cannot be offset by other capital losses. Therefore, to
the extent the fund invests in these securities, the likelihood of a taxable
gain distribution will be increased.
Note: You must report your total tax-exempt income on IRS Form 1040. The IRS
uses this information to help determine the tax status of any social security
payments you may have received during the year.
Taxes on fund redemptions. When you sell shares in any fund, you may realize a
gain or loss. An exchange from one fund to another is still a sale for tax
purposes. If you realize a loss on the sale or exchange of fund shares held
six months or less, your capital loss is reduced by the tax-exempt dividends
received on those shares.
In January, the funds will send you Form 1099-B, indicating the date and
amount of each sale you made in the fund during the prior year. This
information will also be reported to the IRS. For accounts opened new or by
exchange in 1983 or later, we will provide you the gain or loss of the shares
you sold during the year based on the "average-cost" method. This information
is not reported to the IRS, and you do not have to use it. You may calculate
the cost basis using other methods acceptable to the IRS, such as "specific
identification."
To help you maintain accurate records, we send you a confirmation immediately
following each transaction (except for systematic purchases and redemptions)
and a year-end statement detailing all your transactions in each fund account
during the year.
___________________________________________________________________________
CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS ARE TAXABLE WHETHER REINVESTED IN ADDITIONAL SHARES
OR RECEIVED IN CASH.
Taxes on fund distributions. In January, the funds will send you Form 1099-DIV
indicating the tax status of any capital gain distribution made to you. This
information will also be reported to the IRS. All capital gain distributions
are taxable to you for the year in which they were paid. The only exception is
that distributions declared during the last three months of the year and paid
in January are taxed as though they were paid by December 31. Dividends are
expected to be tax-exempt.
Short-term capital gain distributions are taxable as ordinary income and
long-term gain distributions are taxable at the applicable long-term gain
rate. The gain is long-term or short-term depending on how long the fund held
the securities, not how long you held shares in the fund. If you realize a
loss on the sale or exchange of fund shares held six months or less, your
short-term loss recognized is reclassified to long term to the extent of any
capital gain distribution received.
If the funds invest in certain "private activity" bonds, shareholders who are
subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT) must include income generated by
these bonds in their AMT computation. The portion of your fund's income which
should be included in your AMT calculation, if any, will be reported to you in
January.
Tax effect of buying shares before a capital gain distribution. If you buy
shares shortly before or on the "record date"-the date that establishes you as
the person to receive the upcoming distribution-you will receive, in the form
of a taxable distribution, a portion of the money you just invested.
Therefore, you may wish to find out a fund's record date(s) before investing.
Of course, a fund's share price may, at any time, reflect undistributed
capital gains or unrealized appreciation.
Note: For shareholders who receive social security benefits, the receipt of
tax-exempt interest may increase the portion of benefits that are subject to
tax.
Transaction Procedures and Special Requirements
__________________________________________________________________________
FOLLOWING THESE PROCEDURES HELPS ASSURE TIMELY AND ACCURATE TRANSACTIONS.
Purchase Conditions
Nonpayment. If your payment is not received or you pay with a check or ACH
transfer that does not clear, your purchase will be cancelled. You will be
responsible for any losses or expenses incurred by the fund or transfer agent,
and the fund can redeem shares you own in this or another identically
registered T. Rowe Price fund as reimbursement. The fund and its agents have
the right to reject or cancel any purchase, exchange, or redemption due to
nonpayment.
U.S. dollars. All purchases must be paid for in U.S. dollars; checks must be
drawn on U.S. banks.
Sale (Redemption) Conditions
10-day hold. If you sell shares that you just purchased and paid for by check
or ACH transfer, the fund will process your redemption but will generally
delay sending you the proceeds for up to 10 calendar days to allow the check
or transfer to clear. If your redemption request was sent by mail or mailgram,
proceeds will be mailed no later than the seventh calendar day following
receipt unless the check or ACH transfer has not cleared. If during the
clearing period we receive a check drawn against your bond or money market
account, it will be returned marked "uncollected." (The 10-day hold does not
apply to purchases paid for by bank wire; cashier's, certified, or treasurer's
checks; or automatic purchases through your paycheck.)
Telephone, Tele*Access (registered mark), and PC*Access (registered mark)
transactions. These exchange and redemption services are established
automatically when you sign the New Account Form unless you check the box that
states that you do not want these services. The fund uses reasonable
procedures (including shareholder identity verification) to confirm that
instructions given by telephone are genuine and is not liable for acting on
these instructions. If these procedures are not followed, it is the opinion of
certain regulatory agencies that the fund may be liable for any losses that
may result from acting on the instructions given. All conversations are
recorded, and a confirmation is sent promptly after the telephone transaction.
Redemptions over $250,000. Large sales can adversely affect the portfolio
manager's ability to implement a fund's investment strategy by causing the
premature sale of securities that would otherwise be held. If in any 90-day
period, you redeem (sell) more than $250,000, or your sale amounts to more
than 1% of the fund's net assets, the fund has the right to delay sending your
proceeds for up to five business days after receiving your request, or to pay
the difference between the redemption amount and the lesser of the two
previously mentioned figures with securities from the fund.
__________________________________________________________________________
T. ROWE PRICE MAY BAR EXCESSIVE TRADERS FROM PURCHASING SHARES.
Excessive Trading
Frequent trades involving either substantial fund assets, or a substantial
portion of your account or accounts controlled by you, can disrupt management
of the fund and raise its expenses. We define "excessive trading" as exceeding
one purchase and sale involving the same fund within any 120-day period.
For example, you are in fund A. You can move substantial assets from fund A to
fund B and, within the next 120 days, sell your shares in fund B to return to
fund A or move to fund C.
If you exceed the number of trades described above, you may be barred
indefinitely from further purchases of T. Rowe Price funds.
Three types of transactions are exempt from excessive trading guidelines: (1)
trades solely between money market funds, (2) redemptions that are not part of
exchanges, and (3) systematic purchases or redemptions (see "Shareholder
Services").
Keeping Your Account Open
Due to the relatively high cost to the funds of maintaining small accounts, we
ask you to maintain an account balance of at least $1,000. If your balance is
below $1,000 for three months or longer, the fund has the right to close your
account after giving you 60 days in which to increase your balance.
___________________________________________________________________________
A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT YOU AND THE FUND FROM FRAUD BY
VERIFYING YOUR SIGNATURE.
Signature Guarantees
You may need to have your signature guaranteed in certain situations, such as:
o Written requests 1) to redeem over $50,000 or 2) to wire redemption
proceeds.
o Remitting redemption proceeds to any person, address, or bank account not
on record.
o Transferring redemption proceeds to a T. Rowe Price fund account with a
different registration from yours.
o Establishing certain services after the account is opened.
You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks, savings institutions,
broker/dealers, and other guarantors acceptable to T. Rowe Price. We cannot
accept guarantees from notaries public or other organizations that do not
provide reimbursement in the case of fraud.
3 MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS
Organization and Management
___________________________________________________________________________
SHAREHOLDERS BENEFIT FROM T. ROWE PRICE'S 58 YEARS OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
EXPERIENCE.
How are the funds organized?
The T. Rowe Price State Tax-Free Income Trust was organized in 1986 as a
Massachusetts business trust and is a "nondiversified, open-end investment
company," or mutual fund. The Virginia Tax-Free Bond Fund was organized in
1991, and the Virginia Short-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund was organized in 1994.
Mutual funds pool money received from shareholders and invest it to try to
achieve specified objectives.
What is meant by "shares"?
As with all mutual funds, investors purchase "shares" when they invest in a
fund. These shares are part of a fund's authorized capital stock, but share
certificates are not issued.
Each share and fractional share entitles the shareholder to:
o receive a proportional interest in a fund's income and capital gain
distributions;
o cast one vote per share on certain fund matters, including the election
of fund directors, changes in fundamental policies, or approval of
changes in a fund's management contract.
Does each fund have an annual shareholder meeting?
The funds are not required to hold annual meetings and do not intend to do so
except when certain matters, such as a change in a fund's fundamental
policies, are to be decided. In addition, shareholders representing at least
10% of all eligible votes may call a special meeting if they wish for the
purpose of voting on the removal of any fund trustee(s). If a meeting is held
and you cannot attend, you can vote by proxy. Before the meeting, the fund
will send you proxy materials that explain the issues to be decided and
include a voting card for you to mail back.
___________________________________________________________________________
ALL DECISIONS REGARDING THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND INVESTMENTS ARE MADE BY
T. ROWE PRICE-SPECIFICALLY BY THE FUNDS' PORTFOLIO MANAGERS.
Who runs the funds?
General Oversight. The funds are governed by a Board of Trustees that meets
regularly to review the fund's investments, performance, expenses, and other
business affairs. The Board elects the funds' officers. The policy of each
fund is that a majority of Board members will be independent of T. Rowe Price.
Portfolio Management. Each fund has an Investment Advisory Committee, composed
of the following members: Short-Term Bond Fund-Charles B. Hill, Chairman,
Michael P. Buckley, Patricia S. Deford, Laura L. McAree, Hugh D. McGuirk, Mary
J. Miller, and William T. Reynolds; Tax-Free Bond Fund-Mary J. Miller,
Chairman, Paul W. Boltz, Michael P. Buckley, Patricia S. Deford, Hugh D.
McGuirk, Konstantine B. Mallas, and William T. Reynolds. The Committee
Chairman has day-to-day responsibility for managing the portfolio and works
with the Committee in developing and executing the funds' investment programs.
Mr. Hill has been Chairman of the Short-Term Bond Fund's Committee since the
fund's inception in 1994. He joined T. Rowe Price in 1991 and has been
managing investments since 1986. Mrs. Miller has been Chairman of the Tax-Free
Bond Fund since the fund's inception in 1991. She joined T. Rowe Price in 1983
and has been managing investments since 1987.
Marketing. T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary
of T. Rowe Price, distributes (sells) shares of this and all other T. Rowe
Price funds.
Shareholder Services. T. Rowe Price Services, Inc., another wholly owned
subsidiary, acts as the funds' transfer and dividend disbursing agent and
provides shareholder and administrative services. The address for T. Rowe
Price Investment Services, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Services, Inc. is 100 East
Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202.
__________________________________________________________________________
THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT SPELLS OUT THE EXPENSES TO BE PAID BY EACH FUND.
How are fund expenses determined?
In addition to the management fee, each fund pays for the following:
shareholder service expenses; custodial, accounting, legal, and audit fees;
costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and shareholder reports;
registration fees and expenses; proxy and annual meeting expenses (if any);
and director/trustee fees and expenses.
The Management Fee. This fee has two parts-an "individual fund fee" (discussed
under "Transaction and Fund Expenses"), which reflects the fund's particular
investment management costs, and a "group fee." The group fee, which reflects
the benefits each Price fund derives from sharing the resources of the T. Rowe
Price investment management complex, is calculated daily based on the combined
net assets of all T. Rowe Price funds (except Equity Index and the Spectrum
Funds). The group fee schedule (shown below) is graduated, declining as the
asset total rises, so shareholders benefit from the overall growth in mutual
fund assets.
0.480% First $1 billion
0.450% Next $1 billion
0.420% Next $1 billion
0.390% Next $1 billion
0.370% Next $1 billion
0.360% Next $2 billion
0.350% Next $2 billion
0.340% Next $5 billion
0.330% Next $10 billion
0.320% Next $10 billion
0.310% Thereafter
Each fund's portion of the group fee is determined by the ratio of its daily
net assets to the daily net assets of all the Price funds as described above.
Based on combined Price funds' assets of over $38 billion at April 30, 1995,
the group fee was 0.34%.
Understanding Performance Information
This section should help you understand the terms used to describe the funds'
performance. You will come across them in shareholder reports you receive from
us four times a year, in our newsletter, Insights, in reports, in T. Rowe
Price advertisements, and in the media.
___________________________________________________________________________
TOTAL RETURN IS THE MOST WIDELY USED PERFORMANCE MEASURE. DETAILED PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION IS INCLUDED IN THE FUNDS' ANNUAL REPORT AND QUARTERLY SHAREHOLDER
REPORTS.
Total Return
This tells you how much an investment in the fund has changed in value over a
given time period. It reflects any net increase or decrease in the share price
and assumes that all dividends and capital gains (if any) paid during the
period were reinvested in additional shares. Including reinvested
distributions means that total return numbers include the effect of
compounding, i.e., you receive income and capital gain distributions on a
rising number of shares.
Advertisements for a fund may include cumulative or compound average annual
total return figures, which may be compared with various indices, other
performance measures, or other mutual funds.
Cumulative Total Return
This is the actual rate of return on an investment for a specified period. A
cumulative return does not indicate how much the value of the investment may
have fluctuated between the beginning and the end of the period specified.
Average Annual Total Return
This is always hypothetical. Working backward from the actual cumulative
return, it tells you what constant year-by-year return would have produced the
actual, cumulative return. By smoothing out all the variations in annual
performance, it gives you an idea of the investment's annual contribution to
your portfolio provided you held it for the entire period in question.
___________________________________________________________________________
YOU WILL SEE FREQUENT REFERENCES TO THE FUNDS' YIELDS IN OUR REPORTS, IN
ADVERTISEMENTS, IN MEDIA STORIES, AND SO ON.
Yield
The current or "dividend yield" on the fund or any investment tells you the
relationship between the investment's current level of annual income and its
price on a particular day. The dividend yield reflects the actual income paid
to shareholders for a given period, annualized, and divided by the average
price during the given period. For example, a fund providing $5 of annual
income per share and a price of $50 has a current yield of 10%. Yields can be
calculated for any time period.
The advertised or "SEC yield" is found by determining the net income per share
(as defined by the SEC) earned by the fund during a 30-day base period and
dividing this amount by the per share price on the last day of the base
period. The "SEC yield" may differ from the dividend yield.
Investment Policies and Practices
___________________________________________________________________________
FUND MANAGERS HAVE CONSIDERABLE LEEWAY IN CHOOSING INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND
SELECTING SECURITIES THEY BELIEVE WILL HELP THE FUNDS ACHIEVE THEIR
OBJECTIVES.
This section takes a detailed look at some of the types of securities the
funds may hold in their portfolios and the various kinds of investment
practices that may be used in day-to-day portfolio management. Each fund's
investment program is subject to further restrictions and risks described in
the "Statement of Additional Information."
Shareholder approval is required to substantively change each fund's
objectives and certain investment restrictions noted in the following section
as "fundamental policies." The managers also follow certain "operating
policies" which can be changed without shareholder approval. However,
significant changes are discussed with shareholders in fund reports. Each fund
adheres to applicable investment restrictions and policies at the time it
makes an investment. A later change in circumstances will not require the sale
of an investment if it was proper at the time it was made.
Each fund's holdings of certain kinds of investments cannot exceed maximum
percentages of total assets, which are set forth herein. For instance, these
funds are not permitted to invest more than 10% of total assets in residual
interest bonds. While these restrictions provide a useful level of detail
about the fund's investment program, investors should not view them as an
accurate gauge of the potential risk of such investments. For example, in a
given period, a 5% investment in residual interest bonds could have
significantly more than a 5% impact on the fund's share price. The net effect
of a particular investment depends on its volatility and the size of its
overall return in relation to the performance of all the fund's other
investments.
Changes in a fund's holdings, a fund's performance, and the contribution of
various investments are discussed in the shareholder reports sent to you.
Types of Portfolio Securities
In seeking to meet their investment objectives, the funds may invest in any
type of municipal security or instrument (including certain potentially
high-risk derivatives) whose yield, credit quality, and maturity
characteristics are consistent with the funds' investment programs. These and
some of the other investment techniques the funds may use are described in the
following pages.
Fundamental policy: Each fund is registered as a nondiversified mutual fund.
This means that each fund may invest a greater portion of its assets in a
single issuer than a diversified fund which may subject each fund to greater
risk with respect to their portfolio securities. However, because each fund
intends to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal
Revenue Code, it must invest so that, at the end of each quarter, with respect
to 50% of its total assets, not more than 5% of its assets are invested in the
securities of a single issuer, and with respect to the remaining 50%, no more
than 25% of fund assets are invested in a single issuer.
___________________________________________________________________________
IN PURCHASING MUNICIPALS, THE FUNDS RELY ON THE OPINION OF THE ISSUER'S BOND
COUNSEL REGARDING THE TAX-EXEMPT STATUS OF THE INVESTMENT.
Municipal Securities. Each fund's assets are invested primarily in various
tax-free municipal debt securities. The issuers have a contractual obligation
to pay interest at a stated rate on specific dates and to repay principal (the
bond's face value) on a specified date or dates. An issuer may have the right
to redeem or "call" a bond before maturity, and the investor may have to
reinvest the proceeds at lower rates.
There are two broad categories of municipal bonds. General obligation bonds
are backed by the issuer's "full faith and credit," that is, its full taxing
and revenue raising power. Revenue bonds usually rely exclusively on a
specific revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service to
generate money for debt service.
Private Activity Bonds. While income from most municipals is exempt from
federal income taxes, the income from certain types of so-called private
activity bonds (a type of revenue bond) may be subject to the alternative
minimum tax (AMT). However, only persons subject to AMT pay this tax. Private
activity bonds may be issued for purposes such as housing or airports or to
benefit a private company. (Being subject to the AMT does not mean the
investor necessarily pays this tax. For further information, please see
"Distributions and Taxes.")
Fundamental policy: Under normal market conditions, the funds will not
purchase any security if, as a result, less than 80% of the funds' income
would be exempt from federal and Virginia state income taxes. The income
included under the 80% test does not include income from securities subject to
the alternative minimum tax.
Operating policy: During periods of abnormal market conditions, for temporary
defensive purposes, the funds may invest without limit in high-quality,
short-term securities whose income is subject to federal and Virginia state
income tax.
In addition to general obligation and revenue bonds, the funds' investments
may include, but are not limited to, the following types of securities:
Municipal Lease Obligations. A lease is not a full faith and credit obligation
of the issuer and is usually backed only by the borrowing government's
unsecured pledge to make annual appropriation for lease payments. There have
been challenges to the legality of lease financing in numerous states and,
from time to time, certain municipalities have considered not appropriating
money to make lease payments. In deciding whether to purchase a lease
obligation, the funds would assess the financial condition of the borrower,
the merits of the project, the level of public support for the project, and
the legislative history of lease financing in the state. These securities may
be less readily marketable than other municipals. The funds may also purchase
unrated lease obligations. Based on information supplied by T. Rowe Price, the
funds' Board of Trustees will periodically review the credit quality of
nonrated leases and assess the likelihood of their being cancelled.
Operating policy: Each fund may invest no more than 20% of its total assets in
lease obligations.
Municipal Warrants. Municipal warrants are essentially call options on
municipal bonds. In exchange for a premium, they give the purchaser the right,
but not the obligation, to purchase a municipal bond in the future. The fund
might purchase a warrant to lock in forward supply in an environment where the
current issuance of bonds is sharply reduced. Like options, warrants may
expire worthless and they may have reduced liquidity.
Operating policy: Each fund will not invest more than 2% of its total assets
in municipal warrants.
Securities with "Puts" or other Demand Features. Some longer-term municipals
give the investor the right to "put" or sell the security at par (face value)
within a specified number of days following the investor's request-usually one
to seven days. This demand feature enhances a security's liquidity by
dramatically shortening its effective maturity and enables it to trade at a
price equal to or very close to par. If the demand feature were terminated
prior to being exercised, the funds would hold the longer-term security.
Securities with Credit Enhancements.
___________________________________________________________________________
THE NUMBER OF MUNICIPAL BOND INSURERS IS RELATIVELY SMALL, AND NOT ALL OF THEM
HAVE THE HIGHEST RATING.
o Letters of Credit. Letters of credit are issued by a third party, usually
a bank, to enhance liquidity and/or ensure repayment of principal and any
accrued interest if the underlying municipal security should default.
o Municipal Bond Insurance. This insurance, which is usually purchased by
the bond issuer from a private, nongovernmental insurance company,
provides an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee that the insured
bond's principal and interest will be paid when due. Insurance does not
guarantee the price of a bond or the share price of any fund. The credit
rating of an insured bond reflects the credit rating of the insurer,
based on its claims-paying ability. T. Rowe Price periodically reviews
the credit quality of the insurer.
The obligation of a municipal bond insurance company to pay a claim
extends over the life of each insured bond. Although defaults on insured
municipal bonds have been low to date and municipal bond insurers have
met these claims, there is no assurance this will continue. A higher than
expected default rate could strain the insurer's loss reserves and
adversely affect its ability to pay claims to bondholders, such as the
funds.
o Standby Repurchase Agreements. A Standby Bond Purchase Agreement (SBPA)
is a liquidity facility provided to pay the purchase price of bonds that
cannot be remarketed. The obligation of the liquidity provider (usually a
bank) is only to advance funds to purchase tendered bonds which cannot be
remarketed and does not cover principal or interest under any other
circumstances. The liquidity provider's obligations under the SBPA are
usually subject to numerous conditions, including the continued
creditworthiness of the underlying borrower.
Synthetic or Derivative Securities. These securities are created from existing
municipal bonds:
o Residual Interest Bonds (a potentially high-risk derivative). The income
stream provided by an underlying bond is divided to create two
securities, one short term and one long term. The interest rate on the
short-term component is reset by an index or auction process normally
every 7 to 35 days. After income is paid on the short-term securities at
current rates, the residual income goes to the long-term securities.
Therefore, rising short-term interest rates result in lower income for
the longer-term portion, and vice versa. The longer-term bonds can be
very volatile and may be less liquid than other municipals of comparable
maturity.
Operating policy: Each fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets
in residual interest bonds.
o Participation Interests. This term covers various types of securities
created by converting fixed rate bonds into short-term, variable-rate
certificates. These securities have been developed in the secondary
market to meet the demand for short-term, tax-exempt securities. The
funds will invest only in securities deemed tax-exempt by a nationally
recognized bond counsel, but there is no guarantee the interest will be
exempt because the IRS has not issued a definitive ruling on the matter.
___________________________________________________________________________
EMBEDDED INTEREST RATE SWAPS ENHANCE YIELDS, BUT ALSO INCREASE INTEREST RATE
RISK.
o Embedded Interest Rate Swaps and Caps. In a fixed-rate, long-term
municipal bond with an interest rate swap attached to it, the bondholder
usually receives the bond's fixed coupon payment as well as a variable
rate payment that represents the difference between a fixed rate for the
term of the swap (which is typically shorter than the bond it is attached
to) and a variable rate short-term municipal index. The bondholder
receives excess income when short-term rates remain below the fixed
interest rate swap rate. If short-term rates rise above the fixed-income
swap rate, the bondholder's income is reduced. At the end of the interest
rate swap term, the bond reverts to a single fixed coupon payment.
An embedded interest rate cap allows the bondholder to receive payments
whenever short-term rates rise above a level established at the time of
purchase. They normally are used to hedge against rising short-term
interest rates.
Both instruments may be volatile and of limited liquidity and their use
may adversely affect the fund's total return.
Operating policy: Each fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets
in embedded interest rate swaps and caps.
Private Placements. The funds may seek to enhance their yield through the
purchase of private placements. These securities are sold through private
negotiations, usually to institutions or mutual funds, and may have resale
restrictions. Their yields are usually higher than comparable public
securities to compensate the investor for their limited marketability.
Operating policy: Each fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in
illiquid securities, including unmarketable private placements.
Types of Management Practices
___________________________________________________________________________
CASH RESERVES PROVIDE FLEXIBILITY AND SERVE AS A SHORT-TERM DEFENSE DURING
PERIODS OF UNUSUAL MARKET VOLATILITY.
Cash Position. Each fund will hold a portion of its assets in short-term,
tax-exempt money market securities maturing in one year or less. The reserve
position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, expenses, and the timing
of new investments; can help in structuring a fund's weighted average
maturity; and serves as a short-term defense during periods of unusual market
volatility. Each fund's cash reserve position will be composed of short-term,
investment-grade securities, including tax-exempt commercial paper, municipal
notes, and short-term maturity bonds. Some of these securities may have
adjustable, variable, or floating rates.
When-Issued Securities and Forwards. New issues of municipals are often sold
on a "when-issued" basis, that is, delivery and payment take place 15-45 days
after the buyer has agreed to the purchase. Some bonds, called "forwards,"
have longer than standard settlement dates, in some cases one to three years
or greater. When buying these securities, each fund identifies cash or
high-grade marketable securities held by its custodian equal in value to its
commitment for these securities. The funds do not earn interest on when-issued
and forward securities until settlement, and the value of the securities may
fluctuate between purchase and settlement. Municipal "forwards" typically
carry a substantial yield premium to compensate the buyer for their greater
interest rate, credit, and liquidity risks.
Interest Rate Futures. Futures (a potentially high-risk derivative) are often
used to manage risk, because they enable the investor to buy or sell an asset
in the future at an agreed upon price. Specifically, the funds may use futures
(and options on futures) to hedge against a potentially unfavorable change in
interest rates and to adjust their exposure to the municipal bond market. The
use of futures for hedging and nonhedging purposes may not always be
successful. Their prices can be highly volatile: using them could lower the
fund's total return, and the potential loss from their use could exceed a
fund's initial investment in such contracts.
Operating policy: Initial margin deposits on futures and premiums on options
used for non-hedging purposes will not equal more than 5% of a fund's net
asset value.
Borrowing Money and Transferring Assets. Each fund can borrow money from banks
as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption
requests, or for other proper purposes consistent with each fund's investment
objective and program. Such borrowings may be collateralized with fund assets,
subject to restrictions.
Fundamental policy: Borrowings may not exceed 331/3% of a fund's total assets.
Operating policy: Each fund may not transfer as collateral any portfolio
securities except as necessary in connection with permissible borrowings or
investments and then such transfers may not exceed 331/3% of a fund's total
assets. Each fund may not purchase additional securities when borrowings
exceed 5% of total assets.
Portfolio Turnover. The funds generally purchase securities with the intention
of holding them for investment; however, when market conditions or other
circumstances warrant, securities may be purchased and sold without regard to
the length of time held. Although the funds do not expect to generate any
taxable income, a high turnover rate may increase transaction costs and may
affect taxes paid by shareholders to the extent short-term gains are
distributed. The Short-Term Bond Fund's portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal
year ended February 28, 1995, was 14.8%. The Tax-Free Bond Fund's portfolio
turnover rates for the fiscal years ended February 28, 1995, 1994, and 1993
were 89.1%, 61.8%, and 68.5%, respectively.
Sector Concentration. It is possible that each fund could have a considerable
amount of assets (25% or more) in securities that would tend to respond
similarly to particular economic or political developments. An example would
be securities of issuers related to a single industry, such as health care or
nuclear energy.
Operating policy: Each fund will not invest more than 25% of total assets in
industrial development bonds of projects in the same industry (such as solid
waste, nuclear utility, or airports). Bonds which are refunded with escrowed
U.S. government securities are not subject to the 25% limitation.
Credit Quality Considerations. The credit quality of most bond issues is
evaluated by rating agencies such as Moody's and Standard & Poor's. Credit
quality refers to the issuer's ability to meet all required interest and
principal payments. The highest ratings are assigned to issuers perceived to
be the best credit risks. T. Rowe Price research analysts also evaluate all
portfolio holdings of each fund, including those rated by outside agencies.
The lower the rating on a bond, the higher the yield, other things being
equal.
Table 6 shows the rating scale used by the major rating agencies. T. Rowe
Price considers publicly available ratings, but emphasizes its own credit
analysis when selecting investments.
_________________________________________________________________
Ratings of Municipal Debt Securities
Moody's Standard Fitch Definition
Investors & Poor's Investors
Service, Corpor- Service,
Inc. ation Inc.
_________________________________________________________________
Long- Aaa AAA AAA Highest
Term quality
______________________________________________________
Aa AA AA High
quality
______________________________________________________
A A A Upper medium
grade
_________________________________________________________________
Baa BBB BBB Medium
grade
Moody's S&P Fitch
_________________________________________________________________
Short- MIG1/ Best SP1+ Very F-1+ Exception-
Term VMIG1 quality strong ally
quality strong
quality
SP1 Strong F-1 Very
grade strong
quality
_____________________________________________________
MIG2/ High SP2 Satis- F-2 Good
VMIG2 quality factory credit
grade quality
________________________________________________________________
Comm- P-1 Superior A-1+ Extremely F-1+ Exception-
ercial quality strong ally
Paper quality strong
quality
A-1 Strong F-1 Very
quality strong
quality
_____________________________________________________
P-2 Strong A-2 Satis- F-2 Good
quality factory credit
quality quality
________________________________________________________________
Table 6
4 Investing with T. Rowe Price
Account Requirements and Transaction Information
___________________________________________________________________________
ALWAYS VERIFY YOUR TRANSACTIONS BY CAREFULLY REVIEWING THE CONFIRMATION WE
SEND YOU. PLEASE REPORT ANY DISCREPANCIES TO SHAREHOLDER SERVICES.
Tax Identification Number
We must have your correct social security or corporate tax identification
number on a signed New Account Form or W-9 Form. Otherwise, federal law
requires the funds to withhold a percentage (currently 31%) of your dividends,
capital gain distributions, and redemptions, and may subject you to an IRS
fine. If this information is not received within 60 days after your account is
established, your account may be redeemed, priced at the NAV on the date of
redemption.
Unless you request otherwise, one shareholder report will be mailed to
multiple account owners with the same tax identification number and same zip
code and to shareholders who have requested that their account be combined
with someone else's for financial reporting.
Institutional Accounts
Transaction procedures in the following sections may not apply to
institutional accounts. For procedures regarding institutional accounts,
please call your designated account manager or service representative.
Opening a New Account: $2,500 minimum initial investment; $1,000 for gifts or
transfers to minors (UGMA/UTMA) accounts
________________________________________________________________
REGULAR MAIL
T. ROWE PRICE
ACCOUNT SERVICES
P.O. BOX 17300
BALTIMORE, MD
21298-9353
MAILGRAM, EXPRESS,
REGISTERED, OR CERTIFIED MAIL
T. ROWE PRICE
ACCOUNT SERVICES
10090 RED RUN BLVD.
OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117
Account Registration
If you own other T. Rowe Price funds, be sure to register any new account just
like your existing accounts so you can exchange among them easily. (The name
and account type would have to be identical.)
By Mail
Please make your check payable to T. Rowe Price Funds (otherwise it will be
returned) and send your check together with the New Account Form to the
address at left. We do not accept third party checks to open new accounts.
By Wire
o Call Investor Services for an account number and give the following wire
address to your bank:
Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. of New York
ABA #021000238
T. Rowe Price [fund name]
AC-00153938
account name(s) and account number
o Complete a New Account Form and mail it to one of the appropriate
addresses listed at left.
Note: No services will be established and IRS penalty withholding may occur
until a signed New Account Form is received.
By Exchange
Call Shareholder Services or use Tele*Access or PC*Access (see "Automated
Services" under "Shareholder Services"). The new account will have the same
registration as the account from which you are exchanging. Services for the
new account may be carried over by telephone request if preauthorized on the
existing account. (See explanation of "Excessive Trading" under "Transaction
Procedures.")
In Person
Drop off your New Account Form at any of the locations listed on the cover and
obtain a receipt.
Note: The fund and its agents reserve the right to waive or lower investment
minimums; to accept initial purchases by telephone or mailgram; to cancel or
rescind any purchase or exchange (for example, if an account has been
restricted due to excessive trading or fraud) upon notice to the shareholder
within five business days of the trade or if the written confirmation has not
been received by the shareholder, whichever is sooner; to freeze any account
and suspend account services when notice has been received of a dispute
between the registered or beneficial account owners or there is reason to
believe a fraudulent transaction may occur; to otherwise modify the conditions
of purchase and any services at any time; or to act on instructions believed
to be genuine.
Purchasing Additional Shares: $100 minimum purchase; $50 minimum for Automatic
Asset Builder
By ACH Transfer
Use Tele*Access, PC*Access or call Investor Services if you have established
electronic transfers using the ACH network.
By Wire
Call Shareholder Services or use the wire address in "Opening a New Account."
________________________________________________________________
REGULAR MAIL
T. ROWE PRICE FUNDS
ACCOUNT SERVICES
P.O. BOX 89000
BALTIMORE, MD
21289-1500
By Mail
o Provide your account number and the fund name on your check.
o Make your check payable to T. Rowe Price Funds (otherwise it may be
returned).
o Mail the check to us at the address shown at left with either a fund
reinvestment slip or a note indicating the fund you want to buy and your
fund account number.
By Automatic Asset Builder
Fill out the Automatic Asset Builder section on the New Account or Shareholder
Services Form.
Exchanging and Redeeming Shares
By Phone
Call Shareholder Services. If you find our phones busy during unusually
volatile markets, please consider placing your order by Tele*Access ,
PC*Access (if you have previously authorized telephone services), mailgram or
express mail. For exchange policies, please see "Transaction Procedures and
Special Requirements-Excessive Trading."
Redemption proceeds can be mailed to your account address, sent by ACH
transfer, or wired to your bank (provided your bank information is already on
file). For charges, see "Electronic Transfers-By Wire" under "Shareholder
Services".
By Mail
Provide account name(s) and numbers, fund name(s), and exchange or redemption
amount. For exchanges, mail to the appropriate address below, indicate the
fund you are exchanging from and the fund(s) you are exchanging into. T. Rowe
Price requires the signatures of all owners exactly as registered, and
possibly a signature guarantee (please see "Transaction Procedures and Special
Requirements-Signature Guarantees").
Mailgram, Express, Registered, or
Certified Mail:
T. Rowe Price Account Services
10090 Red Run Boulevard
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Regular Mail:
T. Rowe Price Account Services
P.O. Box 89000
Baltimore, MD 21289-0220
Shareholder Services
___________________________________________________________________________
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
1-800-225-5132
1-410-625-6500
Many services are available to you as a T. Rowe Price shareholder; some you
receive automatically and others you must authorize on the New Account Form.
By signing up for services on the New Account Form rather than later on, you
avoid having to complete a separate form and obtain a signature guarantee.
This section reviews some of the principal services currently offered. Our
Services Guide contains detailed descriptions of these and other services.
If you are a new T. Rowe Price investor, you will receive a Services Guide
with our Welcome Kit.
Note: Corporate and other institutional accounts require an original or
certified resolution to establish services and to redeem by mail. For more
information, call Investor Services.
Retirement Plans
We offer a wide range of plans for individuals and institutions, including
large and small businesses: IRAs, SEP-IRAs, Keoghs (profit sharing, money
purchase pension), 401(k), and 403(b)(7). For information on IRAs, call
Investor Services. For information on all other retirement plans, please call
our Trust Company at 1-800-492-7670.
___________________________________________________________________________
INVESTOR SERVICES
1-800-638-5660
1-410-547-2308
Exchange Service
You can move money from one account to an existing identically registered
account, or open a new identically registered account. Remember, exchanges are
purchases and sales for tax purposes. (Exchanges into a state tax-free fund
are limited to investors living in states where the funds are registered.)
Some of the T. Rowe Price funds may impose a redemption fee of .50% to 2%,
payable to such funds, on shares held for less than one year, or in some
funds, six months.
Automated Services
Tele*Access. 24-hour service via toll-free number provides information on fund
yields and prices, dividends, account balances, and your latest transaction as
well as the ability to request prospectuses, account and tax forms, duplicate
statements, checks, and to initiate purchase, redemption and exchange orders
in your accounts (see "Electronic Transfers" below).
PC*Access. 24-hour service via dial-up modem provides the same information as
Tele*Access, but on a personal computer. Please call Investor Services for an
information guide.
Telephone and Walk-In Services
Buy, sell, or exchange shares by calling one of our service representatives or
by visiting one of our investor center locations whose addresses are listed on
the cover.
Electronic Transfers
By ACH. With no charges to pay, you can initiate a purchase or redemption for
as little as $100 or as much as $100,000 between your bank account and fund
account using the ACH network. Enter instructions via Tele*Access, PC*Access,
or call Shareholder Services.
By Wire. Electronic transfers can also be conducted via bank wire. There is
currently a $5 fee for wire redemptions under $5,000, and your bank may charge
for incoming or outgoing wire transfers regardless of size.
Checkwriting (Not available for equity funds, or the High Yield Bond or
Emerging Markets Bond Funds)
You may write an unlimited number of free checks on any money market fund and
most bond funds, with a minimum of $500 per check. Keep in mind, however, that
a check results in a redemption; a check written on a bond fund will create a
taxable event which you and we must report to the IRS.
Automatic Investing ($50 minimum)
You can invest automatically in several different ways, including:
o Automatic Asset Builder. You instruct us to move $50 or more once a month
or less often from your bank account, or you can instruct your employer
to send all or a portion of your paycheck to the fund or funds you
designate.
o Automatic Exchange. You can set up systematic investments from one fund
account into another, such as from a money fund into a stock fund.
Discount Brokerage
__________________________________________________________________________
DISCOUNT BROKERAGE IS A DIVISION OF T. ROWE PRICE INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.
You can trade stocks, bonds, options, precious metals, and other securities at
a savings over regular commission rates. Call Investor Services for
information.
Note: If you buy or sell T. Rowe Price funds through anyone other than T. Rowe
Price, such as broker-dealers or banks, you may be charged transaction or
service fees by those institutions. No such fees are charged by T. Rowe Price
Investment Services or the fund for transactions conducted directly with the
fund.
________________________________________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EDGAR FILING
AND PRINTED COPY
Information appearing in all capital letters before a paragraph in the Edgar
filing will appear, in the printed copy, as call-outs in the left margin.
PAGE 4
The prospectus for the T. Rowe Price New Jersey Tax-Free Fund,
dated July 1, 1995 should be inserted here.
Table2B. Text51
PAGE 1
New Jersey Tax-Free Bond Fund
Facts at a Glance
Investment Goal
The highest level of income
exempt from federal and New Jersey
income taxes consistent with the
fund's prescribed investment
program.
As with all mutual funds, this fund
may not meet its goal.
Strategy
Invests primarily in investment-
grade New Jersey municipal bonds
whose income is exempt from
federal and New Jersey income
taxes. Dollar-weighted average
maturity is expected to exceed 10
years, or longer.
Risk/Reward
Higher income but also greater
potential price fluctuation than
shorter-term municipal bond funds.
Investor Profile
New Jersey taxpayers who, because
of their tax bracket, can benefit
from income that is exempt from
federal and New Jersey income
taxes. Not appropriate for tax-
deferred retirement plans, such as
IRAs.
Fees and Charges
100% no load. No fees or charges to
buy or sell shares or to reinvest
dividends; no 12b-1 marketing fees;
free telephone exchange.
Investment Manager
Founded in 1937 by the late
Thomas Rowe Price, Jr., T.
Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (``T. Rowe Price'') and its
affiliates managed over $61 billion,
including approximately $5.5 billion
in municipal bond assets, for over
three million individual and
institutional investor accounts as of
March 31, 1995.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN
APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION, OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION, OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION, PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
T. Rowe Price
State Tax-Free Income
Trust
July 1, 1995
Prospectus
Contents
________________________
1 About the Fund
________________________
Transaction and
Fund Expenses 2
________________________
Financial Highlights 3
________________________
Fund, Market, and Risk
Characteristics 4
________________________
2 About Your Account
________________________
Pricing Shares;
Receiving Sale
Proceeds 9
________________________
Distributions and
Taxes 10
________________________
Transaction Procedures
and Special
Requirements 12
________________________
3 More About the Fund
________________________
Organization and
Management 14
________________________
Understanding Fund
Performance 15
________________________
Investment Policies and
Practices 16
________________________
4 Investing With T. Rowe
Price
________________________
Account Requirements
and Transaction
Information 23
________________________
Opening a New Account 23
________________________
Purchasing Additional
Shares 24
________________________
Exchanging and Redeeming 25
________________________
Shareholder Services 25
________________________
This prospectus contains
information you should know
before investing. Please keep it
for future reference. A Statement
of Additional Information about
the fund, dated July 1, 1995, has
been filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and is
incorporated by reference in
thisprospectus. To obtain a free
copy, call 1-800-638-5660.
PAGE 3
1 About the Fund
Transaction and Fund Expenses
_________________________
Like all T. Rowe Price funds, this
fund is 100% no load.
These tables should help you
understand the kinds of expenses
you will bear directly or indirectly
as a fund shareholder.
In Table 1 below, "Shareholder
Transaction Expenses," shows that
you pay no sales charges. All the
money you invest in a fund goes to
work for you, subject to the fees
explained below. "Annual Fund
Expenses" provides an estimate of
how much it will cost to operate
the fund for a year, based on 1995
fiscal year expenses (and any
applicable expense limitations).
These are costs you pay indirectly,
because they are deducted from the
fund's total assets before the daily
share price is calculated and before
dividends and other distributions
are made. In other words, you will
not see these expenses on your
account statement.
_________________________
For the fiscal year ended
February 28, 1995, the fund paid
$76,000 to T. Rowe Price Services,
Inc. for transfer and dividend
disbursing functions and
shareholder services, and $60,000
to T. Rowe Price for accounting
services.
____________________________
_______________
Shareholder Transaction
Expenses
____________________________
______________
Sales charge None
"load" on purchases
____________________________
_______________
Sales charge None
"load" on reinvested
dividends
____________________________
_______________
Redemption fees None
____________________________
_______________
Exchange fees None
____________________________
_______________
Percentage
of Annual Fund Fiscal 1995
Average Expenses Net
Assets
____________________________
_______________
Management Fee
(after reduction) 0.23%a
____________________________
_______________
Marketing fees
(12b-1) None ___________________________________________
Total other 0.42%
(Shareholder servicing,
custodial, auditing, etc.)
____________________________
_______________
Total fund
expenses 0.65%a
(after reduction)
____________________________
_______________
a The fund's management fee and
its total expense ratio would have
been 0.44% and 0.86%, respectively,
had T. Rowe Price not agreed to
reduce management fees in
accordance with the expense
limitation described below. To limit the fund's
expenses during its initial period of
operations, T. Rowe Price agreed to
waive its fees and bear any
expenses through February 28,
1993, which would cause the fund's
ratio of expenses to average net
assets to exceed 0.65%. Effective
March 1, 1993, T. Rowe Price agreed
to extend the fund's 0.65% expense
limitation for a period of two years
through February 28, 1995.
Effective March 1, 1995, T. Rowe
Price agreed to extend the existing
expense limitation of 0.65% for a
period of two years through
February 28, 1997. Fees waived or
expenses paid or assumed under
these agreements are subject to
reimbursement to T. Rowe Price by
the fund whenever the fund's
expense ratio is below 0.65%;
however, no reimbursement will be
made after February 28, 1995 (for
the first agreement), February 28,
1997 (for the second agreement), or
February 28, 1999 (for the third
agreement), or if it would result in
the expense ratio exceeding 0.65%.
Any amounts reimbursed will have
the effect of increasing fees
otherwise paid by the fund.
Note: The fund charges a $5 fee for
wire redemptions under $5,000,
subject to change without notice.
____________________________
_______________
Table 1[/R]
The main types of expenses, which
all mutual funds may charge against
fund assets, are:
o A management fee: the percent of
fund assets paid to the fund's
investment manager. The fund's
fee is comprised of a group fee,
discussed later, and an individual
fund fee of 0.10%.
o "Other" administrative expenses:
primarily the servicing of
shareholder accounts, such as
providing statements, reports,
disbursing dividends, as well as
custodial services.
o Marketing or distribution fees: an
annual charge ("12b-1") to
existing shareholders to defray
the cost of selling shares to new
shareholders. T. Rowe Price funds
do not levy 12b-1 fees.
For further details on fund
expenses, please see
"Organization and Management."
o Hypothetical example: Assume
you invest $1,000, the fund
returns 5% annually, expense
ratios remain as previously
listed, and you close your
account at the end of the time
periods shown. Your expenses
would be:
_________________________
The table at right is just an
example and actual expenses can be
higher or lower than those shown.
____________________________
_______________
1 3 5 10
Year
Year
s
Year
s
Year
s
____________________________
_______________
$7 $21 $36 $81 ___________________________________________
Table 2
Financial Highlights
The following table provides
information about the fund's
financial history. It is based on a
single share outstanding throughout
each fiscal year. The table is part
of the fund's financial statements,
which are included in the fund's
annual report and incorporated by
reference into the Statement of
Additional Information. This
document is available to
shareholders upon request. The
financial statements in the annual
report have been audited by Coopers
& Lybrand L.L.P., independent
accountants, whose unqualified
report covers the periods shown.
Investment Activities Distributions
Net Real-
ized and
Net Unreal- Total
Asset Net ized Gain from
Value, Invest- (Loss) Invest- Net Net
Period Begin- ment on ment Invest- Real- Total
Ended ning of Income Invest- Activi- ment lized Distri-
February 28 Period (Loss) ments ties Income Gain butions
__________________________________________________________
_______
1992ad $10.00 $0.50b $0.34 $0.84 $(0.50) $(0.04) $(0.54)
1993 10.30 0.58b 1.00 1.58 (0.58) (0.07) (0.65)
1994 11.23 0.56b 0.10 0.66 (0.56) (0.14) (0.70)
1995 11.19 0.57b (0.55) 0.02 (0.57) (0.01) (0.58)
__________________________________________________________
_______
End of Period
Ratio
of
Ratio Net
of Invest-
Net Total Expenses ment Port-
Asset Return to Income folio
Year Value, (Includes Net Average to Aver- Turn-
Ended End of Reinvested Assets ($ Net ($ age Net over
February 28 Period Dividends) Thousands) Assets Thousands) Assets Rate
__________________________________________________________
_______
1992ad $10.30 10.26% $14,303 0.65%bc 5.86%c 152.2%c
1993 11.23 15.90% 38,347 0.65%b 5.47% 103.3%
1994 11.19 5.97% 63,160 0.65%b 4.90% 68.8%
1995 10.63 0.37% 58,074 0.65%b 5.41% 139.1%
__________________________________________________________
_______
a For the period April 30, 1991 (commencement of operations) to
February 29, 1992.
b Excludes expenses in excess of a 0.65% voluntary expense limitations
in effect through February 28, 1995.
c Annualized.
d Year ended February 29.
__________________________________________________________
_______ Table 3
Fund, Market, and Risk
Characteristics: What to Expect
To help you decide whether the fund
is appropriate for you, this section
takes a closer look at its
investment objectives and
approach.
_________________________
Income from New Jersey municipal
securities is exempt from federal
and New Jersey income taxes.
What is the fund's objective and
investment program?
The fund's investment objective is
to provide, consistent with prudent
portfolio management, the highest
level of income exempt from federal
and New Jersey income taxes by
investing primarily in investment-
grade New Jersey municipal bonds.
The fund will invest at least 65% of
its total assets in New Jersey
municipal bonds. The fund's dollar-
weighted average maturity will
usually exceed 10 years. Due to
seasonal variations or shortages in
the supply of suitable short-term
New Jersey securities, the fund
may invest periodically in
municipals whose interest is
exempt from federal but not New
Jersey income taxes. Every effort
will be made to minimize such
investments, but they could
compose up to 10% of the fund's
annual income.
What are the fund's credit quality
guidelines?
_________________________ At
its discretion, the fund may retain
a security whose credit quality is
after purchase.
The fund will generally purchase
investment-grade securities, which
means their ratings are within the
four highest credit categories (e.g.,
AAA, AA, A, BBB) as determined by
a national rating organization or, if
unrated, by T. Rowe Price. The fund
may occasionally purchase below-
investment-grade securities
(including those with the lowest or
no rating), but no such purchase
will be made if it would cause the
fund's noninvestment-grade bonds
to exceed 5% of its net assets.
Unrated bonds may be less liquid
than rated bonds.
Investment-grade securities
include a range from the highest
rated to medium quality (BBB).
Securities in the BBB category may
be more susceptible to adverse
economic conditions or changing
circumstances, and the securities at
the lower end of the BBB category
have certain speculative
characteristics.
What are the main risks of
investing in municipal bond funds?
The potential for realizing a
loss of principal in a bond fund
could derive from:
o Interest rate or market risk: the
decline in fixed-income
securities and funds that may
accompany a rise in the overall
level of interest rates. (please
Table 4)
_________________________ A more
detailed discussion of these and
other risk considerations is
contained in the funds Statement
of Additional Information.
o Credit risk: the chance that any
of a fund's holdings will have its
credit rating downgraded or will
default (fail to make scheduled
interest and principal payments),
potentially reducing the fund's
income level and/or share price.
o Political risk: the chance that a
significant restructuring of
federal income tax rates, or even
serious discussion on the topic in
Congress, could cause municipal
bond prices to fall. The demand
for municipal bonds is strongly
influenced by the value of tax-
exempt income to investors.
Broadly lower tax rates could
reduce the advantage of owning
municipal bonds.
o Geographical: the chance of
price declines resulting from
developments in a single
state.
What are the particular risks
associated with single-state funds
versus those that invest
nationally?
A fund investing within a single
state is, by definition, less
diversified geographically than one
investing across many states. The
risk arises from the fund's greater
exposure to that state's economy
and politics, factors that loom
large in establishing the credit
quality of bonds issued by the state
and its political subdivisions. For
example, general obligation bonds
of a state or locality that has a
high income level, reasonable debt
levels, and a positive long-term
outlook should have a higher credit
rating than those of a state without
those attributes.
Of course, many municipal bonds
are not general obligations backed
by the state's "full faith and credit"
(its full taxing and revenue raising
resources) and may not rely on any
government for money to service
their debt. Bonds issued by
governmental authorities may
depend wholly on revenues
generated by the project they
financed or on other dedicated
revenue streams. The credit quality
of these "revenue" bonds may vary
significantly from that of the
state's general obligations.
How does T. Rowe Price try to
reduce risk?
Consistent with the fund's
objective, the portfolio manager
actively manages the fund in an
effort to manage risk and increase
total return. Risk management
tools include:
o Diversification of assets to
reduce the impact of a single
holding on the fund's net asset
value.
o Thorough credit research by our
own analysts
o Adjustments in the fund's
duration to try to reduce the
negative impact of rising
interest rates or take advantage
of the favorable effects of
falling rates. Depending on
market outlook, the investment
manager may shorten or lengthen
the fund's average effective
maturity and duration within the
ranges and guidelines established
in this prospectus.
What is the credit quality of New
Jersey general obligations?
_________________________
Significant political and economic
developments within a state may
have repercussions, direct and
indirect, on virtually all municipal
bonds issued in the state.
The state's general obligations
were rated Aa1 by Moody's, and AA+
by Standard & Poor's and by Fitch as
of June 1, 1995. For more than a
century, the state has paid the
principal and interest on its general
obligation bonds when due and has
not issued short-term tax
anticipation notes or other similar
short-term debt for its own needs.
The New Jersey state
constitution imposes legal debt
limits equal to 1% of total
appropriations for the fiscal year
unless the debt has been approved
by a majority of voters at a general
election.
What about the quality of the fund's
other holdings?
_________________________
Credit ratings and the financial and
economic conditions of the state,
local governments, public
authorities, and others in which the
fund may invest are subject to
change at any time.
In addition to the state's general
obligations, the fund will invest a
significant portion of its assets in
bonds that are rated according to
the issuer's individual
creditworthiness, such as bonds of
local governments and public
authorities. While local
governments in New Jersey depend
principally on their own revenue
sources, they could experience
budget shortfalls due to cutbacks in
state aid.
The fund may invest in certain
sectors with special risks, such as
health care, which could be
affected by federal or state
legislation, electric utilities with
exposure to nuclear power plants;
and private activity bonds without
governmental backing.
_________________________ The share
price and yield of the fund will
fluctuate with changing market
conditions and interest rate levels.
When you sell your shared, you may
lose money.
The fund sometimes invests in
obligations of the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico and its public
corporations (as well as the U.S.
territories of Guam and the Virgin
Islands) that are exempt from
federal and New Jersey income
taxes. These investments require
careful assessment of certain risk
factors, including reliance on
substantial federal assistance and
favorable tax programs. As of June
1, 1995, Puerto Rico's general
obligations were rated Baa1 by
Moody's and A by Standard & Poor's.
What are derivatives and can the
fund invest in them?
The term derivative is used to
describe financial instruments
whose value is derived from an
underlying security (e.g., a stock or
bond) or a market benchmark (e.g.,
an interest rate index). Many types
of investments representing a wide
range of potential risks and
rewards fall under the "derivatives"
umbrella--from conventional
instruments such as callable bonds,
futures and options, to more exotic
investments such as stripped
mortgage securities and structured
notes. While it was only recently
that the term derivative has
become widely known among the
investing public, derivatives have
in fact been employed by
investment managers for many
years. The fund will invest in
derivatives only if the expected
risks and rewards are consistent
with its objective, policies, and
overall risk profile as described in
this prospectus. Accordingly, the
fund will not invest in any high-
risk, highly leveraged derivative
instrument which is expected to
cause the price volatility of the
portfolio to be meaningfully
different than that of a long-term
investment grade bond. The fund
limits its use of derivatives to
situations in which they may enable
the fund to: increase yield; hedge
against a decline in principal value;
invest in eligible asset classes
with greater efficiency and lower
cost than is possible through direct
investment; or adjust duration.
Who issues municipal securities?
_________________________
These are some characteristics
of municipal securities.
State and local governments and
governmental authorities sell notes
and bonds (usually called
"municipals") to pay for public
projects and services.
Who buys municipal securities?
Individuals are the primary
investors, and a principal way they
invest is through mutual funds.
Prices of municipals may be
affected by major changes in flows
of money into or out of municipal
funds. For example, substantial and
sustained redemptions from
municipal bond funds could result in
lower prices for these securities.
_________________________
Municipal securities are also called
"tax-exempts" because the interest
income they provide is usually
exempt from federal income taxes.
Is interest income from municipal
issues always exempt from federal
taxes?
No. For example, since 1986,
income from so-called "private
activity" municipals has been
subject to the federal alternative
minimum tax (AMT). For instance,
some bonds financing airports,
stadiums, and student loan
programs fall into this category.
Shareholders subject to the AMT
must include income derived from
private activity bonds in their AMT
calculation. Relatively few
taxpayers are required to pay the
tax. Normally, the fund will not
purchase any security, if as a
result, more than 20% of the fund's
income would be subject to the
AMT. The fund will report annually
to shareholders the portion of
income, if any, subject to AMT.
(Please see "Distributions and
Taxes--Taxes on Fund
Distributions.")
Why are yields on municipals
usually below those on otherwise
comparable taxable securities?
Since the income provided by most
municipals is exempt from federal
taxation, investors are willing to
accept lower yields on a municipal
bond than on an otherwise similar
(in quality and maturity) taxable
bond.
Why are yields on New Jersey bonds
often below those of comparable
issues from other states?
Strong demand for New Jersey
securities, due to a relatively high
state income tax rate and an often
limited supply, tends to push their
prices up and yields down.
Is there an easy way to compare
after-tax yields on a New Jersey
fund with a similar tax-exempt
fund that invests nationally?
Subtract your state tax rate from 1
and multiply this number times the
yield on the national fund. The
result is the yield to you on the
national fund after paying New
Jersey income tax. Compare this
with the New Jersey fund's yield.
Is a fund's yield fixed or will it
vary?
_________________________
You may want to review
some fundamentals that apply
to all fixed-income investments.
It will vary. The yield is calculated
every day by dividing a fund's net
income per share, expressed at
annual rates, by the share price.
Since both income and share price
will fluctuate, a fund's yield will
also vary.
Is a fund's "yield" the same thing as
the "total return"?
No, for bond funds. Your total
return is the result of reinvested
income and the change in share
price for a given time period.
Income is always a positive
contributor to total return and can
enhance a rise in share price or
serve as an offset to a drop in share
price.
What is "credit quality" and how
does it affect a fund's yield?
Credit quality refers to a bond
issuer's expected ability to make
all required interest and principal
payments in a timely manner.
Because highly rated bond issuers
represent less risk, they can
borrow at lower interest rates than
less creditworthy issuers.
Therefore, a fund investing in high-
quality securities should have a
lower yield than an otherwise
comparable fund investing in lower
credit-quality securities.
What is meant by a bond's or bond
fund's maturity?
Every bond has a stated maturity
date when the issuer must repay
the security's entire principal value
to the investor. Some types of
bonds may also have an "effective
maturity" that is shorter than the
stated date. Many corporate and
municipal bonds are "callable,"
meaning the principal can be repaid
before their stated maturity dates
on (or after) specified call dates.
Bonds are most likely to be
called when interest rates are
falling, because the issuer wants to
refinance at a lower rate. In such
an environment, a bond's "effective
maturity" is usually its nearest call
date.
A bond mutual fund has no maturity
in the strict sense of the word, but
does have a dollar-weighted
average maturity. This number is
an average of the stated maturities
of the underlying bonds, with each
maturity "weighted" by the
percentage of fund assets it
represents. Funds that target
effective maturities would use the
effective (rather than stated)
maturities of the underlying
instruments when computing the
average. Targeting effective
maturity provides additional
flexibility in portfolio management
but, all else being equal, could
result in higher volatility than a
fund targeting a stated maturity or
maturity range.
What is meant by a bond's or bond
fund's "duration"?
Duration is the time-weighted
value of discounted future interest
and principal payments expressed in
years. It measures bond price
sensitivity to interest rate changes
more accurately than maturity
because it takes into account the
time value of cash flows generated
over the bond's life. Future interest
and principal payments are
discounted to reflect their present
value and then are multiplied by the
number of years they will be
received to produce a value that is
expressed in years, i.e., the
duration. Effective duration takes
into account call features and
sinking fund payments which may
shorten a bond's life.
Since duration can also be computed
for bond funds, you can estimate
the effect of interest rates on a
bond fund's share price. Simply
multiply the fund's duration
(available for T. Rowe Price bond
funds in our shareholder reports) by
an expected change in interest
rates. For example, the price of a
bond fund with a duration of five
years would be expected to fall
approximately 5% if rates rose by
one percentage point.[/R]
How is a municipal's price affected by
changes in interest rates?
When interest rates rise, a
municipal's price usually falls, and
vice versa.
_________________________
In general, the longer the bond's
maturity, the greater the price
increase or decrease in response to
a given change in interest rates, as
shown in the table to the right.
____________________________
_______________
How Interest Rates Affect Bond
Prices
Price Per $1,000
Bond of Bond Face Value
Maturity Coupon if Interest
Rates
Increase Decrease
1% 2% 1% 2%
____________________________
_______________
1 Year 4.30% $990 $981 $1,010 $1,020
____________________________
_______________
5 Years 4.90 957 917 1,045 1,092
____________________________
_______________
10 Years 5.35 927 860 1,080 1,169
____________________________
_______________
20 Years 5.95 893 801 1,126 1,275
____________________________
_______________
30 Years 6.00 875 774 1,155 1,348
____________________________
_______________
Table 4 Coupons reflect yields on
AAA-rated municipals as
of April 30, 1995.This is
an illustration and does
not represent expected
yields or share price
changes of any T. Rowe
Price fund.
_________________________ The
fund should not be relied upon as a
complete investment program, nor
be used for short-term trading
purposes.
Is there additional information
about the fund to help me make a
decision?
You should review the
investment policies and practices
section which discusses the
following: Types of Portfolio
Securities (municipal securities,
private activity bonds, municipal
lease obligations, municipal
warrants, securities with "puts" or
other demand features, securities
with credit enhancements,
synthetic or derivative securities,
and private placements); Types of
Management Practices (cash
position, when-issued securities
and forwards, interest rate futures,
borrowing money and transferring
assets, portfolio turnover, sector
concentration, and credit quality
considerations).
2 About Your Account
Pricing Shares and Receiving Sale
Proceeds
Here are some procedures you
should know when investing in a
fund. This section applies to all T.
Rowe Price tax-free bond and
money funds.
How and When Shares Are Priced
_________________________ The
various ways you can buy, sell, and
exchange shares are explained at
the end of this prospectus and on
the New Account Form. These procedures
may differ for institutional
accounts.
Bond and money funds. The share
price (also called "net asset value"
or NAV per share) for each fund is
calculated at 4 p.m. ET each day the
New York Stock Exchange is open
for business. To calculate the NAV,
a fund's assets are valued and
totaled, liabilities are subtracted,
and the balance, called net assets,
is divided by the number of shares
outstanding.
Money fund NAVs, which are
managed to remain at $1.00, are
calculated at noon ET each day as
well as 4 p.m. Amortized cost or
amortized market value is used to
value money fund securities that
mature in 60 days or less.
How your purchase, sale, or
exchange price is determined
_________________________
When filling out the New Account
Form, you may wish to give yourself
the widest range of options for
receiving proceeds from a sale.
If we receive your request in
correct form before 4 p.m. ET, your
transaction will be priced at that
day's NAV. If we receive it after 4
p.m., it will be priced at the next
business day's NAV.
We cannot accept orders that
request a particular day or price for
your transaction or any other
special conditions.
Note: The time at which
transactions are priced and the
time until which orders are
accepted may be changed in case of
an emergency or if the New York
Stock Exchange closes at a time
other than 4 p.m. ET.
How you can receive the proceeds
from a sale
If your request is received by 4
p.m. ET in correct form, proceeds
are usually sent on the next
business day. Proceeds can be sent
to you by mail, or to your bank
account by ACH transfer or bank
wire. Proceeds sent by ACH transfer
should be credited the second day
after the sale. ACH (Automated
Clearing House) is an automated
method of initiating payments from
and receiving payments in your
financial institution account. ACH
is a payment system supported by
over 20,000 banks, savings banks,
and credit unions, which
electronically exchange the
transactions primarily through the
Federal Reserve Banks. Proceeds
sent by bank wire should be
credited to your bank account the
next business day.
_________________________ If
for some reason we cannot accept
your request to sell shares, we will
contact you.
Exception:
o Under certain circumstances and
when deemed to be in the fund's
best interests, your proceeds
may not be sent for up to five
business days after receiving
your sale or exchange request. If
you were exchanging into a bond
or money fund, your new
investment would not begin to
earn dividends until the sixth
business day.
Useful Information on Distributions
and
Taxes
_________________________
The fund distributes all net
investment income and realized
capital gains to shareholders.
Dividends and Other Distributions
Dividend and capital gain
distributions are reinvested in
additional fund shares in your
account unless you select another
option on your New Account Form.
The advantage of reinvesting
distributions arises from
compounding; that is, you receive
interest and capital gain
distributions on a rising number of
shares.
Dividends not reinvested are paid by
check or transmitted to your bank
account via ACH. If the Post Office
cannot deliver your check, or if your
check remains uncashed for six
months, the fund reserves the right
to reinvest your distribution check
in your account at the then current
NAV and to reinvest all subsequent
distributions in shares of the fund.
Income dividends
o Bond funds declare income
dividends daily at 4 p.m. ET to
shareholders of record at that
time provided payment has been
received on the previous business
day.
o Money funds declare income
dividends daily at noon ET to
shareholders of record at that
time provided payment has been
received by that time.
o Bond and money funds pay
dividends on the last business
day of each month.
o Bond and money fund shares will
earn dividends through the date
of redemption; shares redeemed
on a Friday or prior to a holiday
will continue to earn dividends
until the next business day.
Generally, if you redeem all of
your shares at any time during
the month, you will also receive
all dividends earned through the
date of redemption in the same
check. When you redeem only a
portion of your shares, all
dividends accrued on those
shares will be reinvested, or paid
in cash, on the next dividend
payment date.
Capital gains
o A capital gain or loss is the
difference between the purchase
and sale price of a security.
o If the fund has net capital gains
for the year (after subtracting
any capital losses), they are
usually declared in December to
shareholders of record on a
specified date that month. If a
second distribution is necessary,
it is usually declared and paid
during the first quarter of the
following year.
Tax Information
_________________________ The
fund sends timely information for
your tax filing needs.
Although the regular monthly
income dividends you receive from
the fund are expected to be exempt
from federal and state and local (if
any) income taxes, you need to be
aware of the possible tax
consequences when:
o you sell fund shares, including an
exchange from one fund to
another, or
o the fund makes a short- and/or
long-term capital gain
distribution to your account.
Due to 1993 tax legislation, a
portion of the capital gains realized
on the sale of market discount
bonds with maturities beyond one
year may be treated as ordinary
income and cannot be offset by
other capital losses. Therefore, to
the extent the fund invests in these
securities, the likelihood of a
taxable gain distribution will be
increased.
Note: You must report your total
tax-exempt income on IRS Form
1040. The IRS uses this
information to help determine the
tax status of any social security
payments you may have received
during the year.
Taxes on fund redemptions.
When you sell shares in any fund,
you may realize a gain or loss. An
exchange from one fund to another
is still a sale for tax purposes. If
you realize a loss on the sale or
exchange of fund shares held six
months or less, your capital loss is
reduced by the tax-exempt
dividends received on those shares.
In January, the fund will send you
Form 1099-B, indicating the date
and amount of each sale you made in
the fund during the prior year. This
information will also be reported to
the IRS. For accounts opened new or
by exchange in 1983 or later, we
will provide you the gain or loss of
the shares you sold during the year
based on the "average cost" method.
This information is not reported to
the IRS, and you do not have to use
it. You may calculate the cost basis
using other methods acceptable to
the IRS, such as "specific
identification."
To help you maintain accurate
records, we send you a confirmation
immediately following each
transaction (except for systematic
purchases and redemptions)
and a year-end statement
detailing all your transactions in
each fund account during the
year.[/R]
_________________________
Capital gain distributions are taxable
whether reinvested in additional
shares or received in cash.
Taxes on fund distributions. In
January, the fund will send you
Form 1099-DIV indicating the tax
status of any capital gain
distribution made to you. This
information will also be reported to
the IRS. All capital gain
distributions are taxable to you for
the year in which they were paid.
The only exception is that distributions
declared during the last three months
of the year and paid in January are
taxed as though they were paid by
December 31. Dividends are expected
to be tax-exempt.
Short-term capital gain
distributions are taxable as
ordinary income and long-term gain
distributions are taxable at the
applicable long-term gain rate. The
gain is long-term or short-term
depending on how long the fund held
the securities, not how long you held
shares in the fund. If you realize a
loss on the sale or exchange of fund
shares held six months or less, your
short-term loss recognized is
reclassified to long-term to the
extent of any capital gain
distribution received.
If the fund invests in certain
"private activity" bonds,
shareholders who are subject to the
alternative minimum tax (AMT)
must include income generated by
these bonds in their AMT
computation. The portion of your
fund's income which should be
included in your AMT calculation, if
any, will be reported to you in
January.
Tax effect of buying shares
before a
capital gain distribution. If you buy
shares shortly before or on the
"record date"--the date that
establishes you as the person to
receive the upcoming distribution-
- -you will receive, in the form of a
taxable distribution, a portion of
the money you just invested.
Therefore, you may wish to find out
a fund's record date(s) before
investing. Of course, a fund's share
price may, at any time, reflect
undistributed capital gains or
unrealized appreciation.
Note: For shareholders who
receive social security benefits,
the receipt of tax-exempt interest
may increase the portion of
benefits that are subject to
tax.
Transaction Procedures and Special
Requirements
_________________________
Following these procedures helps
assure timely and accurate
transactions.
Purchase Conditions
Nonpayment. If your payment is not
received or you pay with a check or
ACH transfer that does not clear,
your purchase will be cancelled. You
will be responsible for any losses
or expenses incurred by the fund or
transfer agent, and the fund can
redeem shares you own in this or
another identically registered T.
Rowe Price fund as reimbursement.
The fund and its agents have the
right to reject or cancel any
purchase, exchange, or redemption
due to nonpayment.
U.S. dollars. All purchases must
be paid for in U.S. dollars; checks
must be drawn on U.S. banks.
Sale (Redemption) Conditions
10-day hold. If you sell shares that
you just purchased and paid for by
check or ACH transfer, the fund will
process your redemption but will
generally delay sending you the
proceeds for up to 10 calendar days
to allow the check or transfer to
clear. If your redemption request
was sent by mail or mailgram,
proceeds will be mailed no later
than the seventh calendar day
following receipt unless the check
or ACH transfer has not cleared. If,
during the clearing period, we
receive a check drawn against your
bond or money market account, it
will be returned marked
"uncollected." (The 10-day hold does
not apply to purchases paid for by:
bank wire; cashier's, certified, or
treasurer's checks; or automatic
purchases through your paycheck.)
Telephone, Tele*Access;rm and
PC*Access;rm
Transactions. These exchange and
redemption services are
established automatically when you
sign the New Account Form unless
you check the box which states that
you do not want these services. The
fund uses reasonable procedures
(including shareholder identity
verification) to confirm that
instructions given by telephone are
genuine and is not liable for acting
on these instructions. If these procedures
are not followed, it is the opinion of
certain regulatory agencies that the
fund may be liable for any losses
that may result from acting on the
instructions given. All
conversations are recorded, and a
confirmation is sent promptly after
the telephone transaction.
Redemptions over $250,000. Large
sales can adversely affect a
portfolio manager's ability to
implement a fund's investment
strategy by causing the premature
sale of securities that would
otherwise be held. If in any 90-day
period you redeem (sell) more than
$250,000, or your sale amounts to
more than 1% of the fund's net
assets, the fund has the right to
delay sending your proceeds for up
to five business days after
receiving your request, or to pay
the difference between the
redemption amount and the lesser
of the two previously mentioned
figures with securities from the
fund.
Excessive Trading
_________________________ T.
Rowe Price may bar excessive
traders from purchasing shares.
Frequent trades involving either
substantial fund assets, or a
substantial portion of your account
or accounts controlled by you, can
disrupt management of the fund and
raise its expenses. We define
"excessive trading" as exceeding
one purchase and sale involving the
same fund within any 120-day
period.
For example, you are in fund A.
You can move substantial assets
from fund A to fund B and, within
the next 120 days, sell your shares
in fund B to return to fund A or
move to fund C.
If you exceed the number of trades
described above, you may be barred
indefinitely from further purchases
of T.Rowe Price funds.
Three types of transactions are
exempt from excessive trading
guidelines: (1) trades solely
between money market funds, (2)
redemptions that are not part of
exchanges, and (3) systematic
purchases or redemptions (see
"Shareholder Services").
Keeping Your Account Open
Due to the relatively high cost
to the fund of maintaining small
accounts, we ask you to maintain an
account balance of at least $1,000.
If your balance is below $1,000 for
three months or longer, the fund has
the right to close your account
after giving you 60 days in which to
increase your balance.
Signature Guarantees
_________________________ A
signature guarantee is designed to
protect you and the fund from fraud
by verifying your signature.
You may need to have your signature
guaranteed in certain situations,
such as:
o Written requests 1) to redeem
over $50,000 or 2) to wire
redemption proceeds.
o Remitting redemption proceeds
to any person, address, or bank
account not on record.
o Transferring redemption
proceeds to a T. Rowe Price fund
account with a different
registration from yours.
o Establishing certain services
after the account is opened.
You can obtain a signature
guarantee from most banks, savings
institutions, broker/dealers and
other guarantors
acceptable to T. Rowe Price. We
cannot accept guarantees from
notaries public or organizations
that do not provide reimbursement
in the case of fraud.
3 More About the Fund
Organization and
Management
_________________________
Shareholders benefit from T.
Rowe Price's 58 years of
investment management
experience.
How is the fund organized?
The T. Rowe Price State Tax-Free
Income Trust was organized in
1986 as a Massachusetts business
trust and is a "nondiversified,
open-end investment company," or
mutual fund. This fund was
organized in 1991. Mutual funds pool
money received from shareholders
and invest it to try to achieve
specified objectives.
What is meant by "shares"?
As with all mutual funds, investors
purchase "shares" when they invest
in the fund. These shares are part of
the fund's authorized capital stock,
but share certificates are not
issued.
Each share and fractional share
entitles the shareholder to:
o receive a proportional interest in
the fund's income and capital
gain distributions;
o cast one vote per share on
certain fund matters, including
the election of fund
directors/trustees, changes in
fundamental policies, or approval
of changes in the fund's
management contract.
Does the fund have an annual
shareholder meeting?
The fund is not required to hold
annual meetings and does not intend
to do so except when certain
matters, such as a change in the
fund's fundamental policies, are to
be decided. In addition,
shareholders representing at least
10% of all eligible votes may call a
special meeting if they wish for the
purpose of voting on the removal of
any fund trustee(s). If a meeting is
held and you
cannot attend, you can vote by
proxy. Before the meeting, the fund
will send you proxy materials that
explain the issues to be decided and
include a voting card for you to
mail back.
_________________________
All decisions regarding the
purchase and sale of fund
investments are made by T. Rowe
Price--specifically by the fund's
portfolio managers.
Who runs the fund?
General Oversight. The fund is
governed by a Board of Trustees
that meets regularly to review the
fund's investments, performance,
expenses, and other business
affairs. The Board elects the fund's
officers. The policy of the fund is
that a majority of Board Members will
be independent of T. Rowe Price.
Portfolio Management. The fund
has an Investment Advisory
Committee, composed of the
following members: William T.
Reynolds, Chairman, Paul W. Boltz,
Patricia S. Deford, Konstantine B.
Mallas, Mary J. Miller, Alan P.
Richman, and William F. Snider, Jr.
The Committee Chairman has day-
to-day responsibility for managing
the portfolio and works with the
Committee in developing and
executing the fund's investment
program. Mr. Reynolds has been
Chairman of the fund's Committee
since 1991. He joined T. Rowe
Price in 1981, and has been
managing investments since
1978.
Marketing. T. Rowe Price
Investment
Services, Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of T. Rowe Price,
distributes (sells) shares of this
and all other T. Rowe Price funds.
Shareholder Services. T. Rowe Price
Services, Inc., another
wholly owned subsidiary, acts as
the fund's transfer and dividend
disbursing agent and provides
shareholder and administrative
services. The address for T. Rowe
Price Investment Services, Inc., and
T. Rowe Price Services, Inc. is 100 East
Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202.
How are fund expenses determined?
The management agreement spells
out the expenses to be paid by the
fund. In addition to the
management fee, the fund pays for
the following: shareholder service
expenses; custodial, accounting,
legal, and audit fees; costs of
preparing and printing prospectuses
and reports sent to shareholders;
registration fees and expenses;
proxy and annual meeting expenses
(if any); and director/trustee fees
and expenses.
The Management Fee. This fee
has two parts--an "individual fund
fee" (discussed under "Transaction
and Fund Expenses"), which reflects
the fund's particular investment
management costs, and a "group
fee." The group fee, which is
designed to reflect the benefits of
the shared resources of the T. Rowe
Price investment management
complex, is calculated daily based
on the combined net assets of all T.
Rowe Price funds (except Equity
Index and the Spectrum Funds and
any institutional or private label
mutual funds). The group fee
schedule (shown below) is
graduated, declining as the asset
total rises, so shareholders benefit
from the overall growth in mutual
fund assets.
0.480% First $1 billion
0.450% Next $1 billion
0.420% Next $1 billion
0.390% Next $1 billion
0.370% Next $1 billion
0.360% Next $2 billion
0.350% Next $2 billion
0.340% Next $5 billion
0.330% Next $10 billion
0.320% Next $10 billion
0.310% Thereafter
The fund's portion of the group fee
is determined by the ratio of its
daily net assets to the daily net
assets of all the Price funds as
described above. Based on combined
Price funds' assets of
approximately $38 billion at April
30, 1995, the Group Fee was
0.34%.
Understanding Performance
Information
This section should help you
understand the terms used to
describe the fund's performance.
You will come across them in
shareholder reports you receive
from us four times a year, in our
newsletter, Insights, in reports, in
T. Rowe Price advertisements, and
in the media.
_________________________
Total return is the most widely
used performance measure. Detailed
performance information is
included in the fund's annual report
and quarterly shareholder reports.
Total Return
This tells you how much an
investment in the fund has changed
in value over a given time period. It
reflects any net increase or
decrease in the share price and
assumes that all dividends and
capital gains (if any) paid during
the period were reinvested in
additional shares. Including
reinvested distributions means that
total return numbers include the
effect of compounding, i.e., you
receive income and capital gain
distributions on a rising number of
shares.
Advertisements for the fund may
include cumulative or compound
average annual total return figures,
which may be compared with
various indices, other performance
measures, or other mutual funds.
Cumulative Total Return
This is the actual rate of return on
an investment for a specified
period. A cumulative return does
not indicate how much the value of
the investment may have fluctuated
between the beginning and the end
of the period specified.
Average Annual Total Return
This is always hypothetical.
Working backward from the actual
cumulative return, it tells you what
constant year-by-year return would
have produced the actual,
cumulative return. By smoothing out
all the variations in annual
performance, it gives you an idea of
the investment's annual
contribution to your portfolio
provided you held it for the entire
period in question.
_________________________ You
will see frequent references to the
fund's yields in our reports,
in advertisements, in media stories,
and so on.
Yield
The current or "dividend yield" on
the fund or any investment tells you
the relationship between the
investment's current level of annual
income and its price on a particular
day. The dividend yield reflects the
actual income paid to shareholders
for a given period, annualized, and
divided by the average
price during the given period. For
example, a fund providing $5 of
annual income per share and a price
of $50 has a current yield of 10%.
Yields can be calculated for any
time period.
The advertised or "SEC yield" is
found by determining the net
income per share (as defined by the
SEC) earned by the fund during a
30-day base period and dividing
this amount by the per-share price
on the last day of the base period.
The "SEC yield" may differ from the
dividend yield.
Investment Policies and Practices
This section takes a detailed look
at some of the types of securities
the fund may hold in its portfolio
and the various kinds of investment
practices that may be used in
day-to-day portfolio management.
The fund's investment program is
subject to further restrictions and
risks described in the "Statement
of Additional Information."
_________________________
Fund managers have considerable
leeway in choosing investment
strategies and selecting securities
they believe will help the fund
achieve its objective.
Shareholder approval is required to
substantively change the fund's
objective and certain investment
restrictions noted in the following
section as "fundamental policies."
The managers also follow certain
"operating policies" which can be
changed without shareholder
approval. However, significant
changes are discussed with
shareholders in fund reports. The
fund adheres to applicable
investment restrictions and
policies at the time it makes an
investment. A later change in
circumstances will not require the
sale of an investment if it was
proper at the time it was made.
The fund's holdings of certain
kinds of investments cannot exceed
maximum percentages of total
assets, which are set forth herein.
For instance, this fund is not
permitted to invest more than 10%
of total assets in residual interest
bonds. While these restrictions
provide a useful level of detail
about the fund's
investment program, investors
should not view them as an
accurate gauge of the potential risk
of such investments. For example,
in a given period a 5% investment in
residual interest bonds could have
significantly more than a 5% impact
on the fund's share price. The net
effect of a particular investment
depends on its volatility and the
size of its overall return in relation
to the performance of all the fund's
other investments.
Changes in the fund's holdings, the
fund's performance, and the
contribution of various investments
are discussed in the shareholder
reports sent to you.
Types of Portfolio Securities
In seeking to meet its
investment objective, the fund may
invest in any type of municipal
security or instrument (including
certain potentially high-risk
derivatives) whose yield, credit
quality, and maturity
characteristics are consistent with
the fund's investment program.
These and some of the other
investment techniques the fund may
use are described in the following
pages.
_________________________ In
purchasing municipals, the fund
relies on the opinion of the issuer's
bond counsel regarding the tax-
exempt status of the investment.
Fundamental policy: The fund is
registered as a nondiversified
mutual fund. This means that the
fund may invest a greater portion of
its assets in a single issuer than a diversified
fund which may subject the fund to
greater risk with respect to its
portfolio securities. However,
because the fund intends to qualify
as a "regulated investment
company" under the Internal
Revenue Code, it must invest so
that, at the end of each quarter,
with respect to 50% of its total
assets, not more than 5% of its
assets are invested in the
securities of a single issuer, and
with respect to the remaining 50%,
no more than 25% of fund assets are
invested in a single issuer.
Municipal Securities. The fund's
assets are invested primarily in
various tax-free municipal debt
securities. The issuers have a
contractual obligation to pay
interest at a stated rate on specific
dates and to repay principal (the
bond's face value) on a specified
date or dates. An issuer may have
the right to redeem or "call" a bond
before maturity, and the investor
may have to reinvest the proceeds
at lower rates.
There are two broad categories of
municipal bonds. General obligation
bonds are backed by the issuer's
"full faith and credit," that is, its
full taxing and revenue raising
power. Revenue bonds usually rely
exclusively on a specific revenue
source, such as charges for water
and sewer service, to generate
money for debt service.
Private Activity Bonds. While
income from most municipals is
exempt from federal income taxes,
the income from certain types of
so-called private activity bonds (a
type of revenue bond) may be
subject to the alternative minimum
tax (AMT). However, only persons
subject to AMT pay this tax. Private
activity bonds may be issued for
purposes such as housing or
airports or to benefit a private
company. (Being subject to the AMT
does not mean the investor
necessarily pays this tax. For
further information, please see
"Distributions and Taxes.")
Fundamental policy: Under normal
market conditions, the fund will not
purchase any security if, as a result,
less than 80% of the fund's income
would be exempt from federal and
New Jersey income taxes. The
income included under the 80% test
does not include income from
securities subject to the
alternative minimum tax.
Operating policy: During periods of
abnormal market conditions, for
temporary defensive purposes, the
fund may invest without limit in
high-quality, short-term securities
whose income is subject to federal
and New Jersey income tax.
In addition to general obligation and
revenue bonds, the fund's
investments may include, but are
not limited to, the following types
of securities:
Municipal Lease Obligations. A lease
is not a full faith and credit
obligation of the issuer and is
usually backed only by the
borrowing government's unsecured
pledge to make annual appropriation
for lease payments. There have
been challenges to the legality of
lease financing in numerous states
and, from time to time, certain
municipalities have considered not
appropriating money to make lease
payments. In deciding whether to
purchase a lease obligation, the
fund would assess the financial
condition of the borrower, the
merits of the project, the level of
public support for the project, and
the legislative history of lease
financing in the state. These
securities may be less readily
marketable than other municipals.
The fund may also purchase unrated
lease obligations. Based on
information supplied by T. Rowe
Price, the fund's Board of Trustees
will periodically review the credit
quality of nonrated leases and
assess the likelihood of their being
cancelled.
Operating policy: The fund may
invest no more than 20% of its total
assets in lease obligations.
Municipal Warrants. Municipal
warrants are essentially call
options on municipal bonds. In
exchange for a premium, they give
the purchaser the right, but not the
obligation, to purchase a municipal
bond in the future. The fund might
purchase a warrant to lock in
forward supply in an environment
where the current issuance of bonds
is sharply reduced. Like options,
warrants may expire worthless and
they may have reduced liquidity.
Operating policy: The fund will not
invest more than 2% of its total
assets in municipal warrants.
Securities with "Puts" or other
Demand Features. Some longer-term
municipals give the investor the
right to "put" or sell the security at
par (face value) within a specified
number of days following the
investor's request--usually one to
seven days. This demand feature
enhances a security's liquidity by
dramatically shortening its
effective maturity and enables it to
trade at a price equal to or very
close to par. If the demand feature
were terminated prior to being
exercised, the fund would hold the
longer-term security.
Securities with Credit
Enhancements.
0 Letters of Credit. Letters of
credit are issued by a third
party, usually a bank, to enhance
liquidity and/or ensure
repayment of principal and any
accrued interest if the
underlying municipal security
should default.
0 Municipal Bond Insurance. This
insurance, which is usually
purchased by the bond issuer
from a private,
nongovernmental insurance
company, provides an
unconditional and irrevocable
guarantee that the insured bond's
principal and interest will be
paid when due. Insurance does
not guarantee the price of a bond
or the share price of any fund.
The credit rating of an insured
bond reflects the credit rating of
the insurer, based on its claims
paying ability. T. Rowe Price
periodically reviews the credit
quality of the insurer.
The obligation of a municipal
bond insurance company to pay a
claim extends over the life of
each insured bond. Although
defaults on insured municipal
bonds have been low to date and
municipal bond insurers have met
these claims, there is no
assurance this will continue. A
higher than expected default
rate could strain the insurer's
loss reserves and adversely
affect its ability to pay claims
to bondholders, such as the fund.
The number of municipal bond
insurers is relatively small, and
not all of them have the highest
rating.
0 Standby Repurchase Agreements.
A Standby Bond Purchase
Agreement (SBPA) is a liquidity
facility provided to pay the
purchase price of bonds that
cannot be remarketed. The
obligation of the liquidity
provider (usually a bank) is only
to advance funds to purchase
tendered bonds which cannot be
remarketed and does not cover
principal or interest under any
other circumstances. The
liquidity provider's obligations
under the SBPA are usually
subject to numerous conditions,
including the continued
creditworthiness of the
underlying borrower.
Synthetic or Derivative Securities.
These securities are created from
existing municipal bonds:
0 Residual Interest Bonds (a
potentially high-risk
derivative). The income stream
provided by an underlying bond is
divided to create two securities,
one short-term and one
long-term. The interest rate on
the short-term component is
reset by an index or auction
process normally every seven to
35 days. After income is paid on
the short-term securities at
current rates, the residual
income goes to the long-term
securities. Therefore, rising
short-term interest rates result
in lower income for the
longer-term portion, and vice
versa. The longer-term bonds
can be very volatile and may be
less liquid than other municipals
of comparable maturity.
Operating policy: The fund will not
invest more than 10% of its total
assets in residual interest bonds.
0 Participation Interests. This
term covers various types of
securities created by converting
fixed rate bonds into
short-term, variable rate
certificates. These securities
have been developed in the
secondary market to meet the
demand for short-term,
tax-exempt securities. The fund
will invest only in securities
deemed tax-exempt by a
nationally recognized bond
counsel, but there is no
guarantee the interest will be
exempt because the IRS has not
issued a definitive ruling on the
matter.
0 Embedded Interest Rate Swaps
and Caps. In a fixed rate,
long-term municipal bond with
an interest rate swap attached
to it, the bondholder usually
receives the bond's fixed coupon
payment as well as a variable
rate payment that represents the
difference between a fixed rate
for the term of the swap (which
is typically shorter than the bond
it is attached to) and a variable
rate short-term municipal index.
The bondholder receives excess
income when short-term rates
remain below the fixed interest
rate swap rate. If short-term
rates rise above the
fixed-income swap rate, the
bondholder's income is reduced.
At the end of the interest rate
swap term, the bond reverts to a
single fixed coupon payment.
Embedded interest rate swaps
enhance yields, but also increase
interest rate risk.
An embedded interest rate cap
allows the bondholder to receive
payments whenever short-term
rates rise above a level
established at the time of
purchase. They normally are used
to hedge against rising
short-term interest rates.
Both instruments may be volatile
and of limited liquidity and their
use may adversely affect the
fund's total return.
Operating policy: The fund will not
invest more than 10% of its total
assets in embedded interest rate
swaps and caps.
Private Placements. The fund may
seek to enhance its yield through
the purchase of private placements.
These securities are sold through
private negotiations, usually to
institutions or mutual funds, and
may have resale restrictions. Their
yields are usually higher than
comparable public securities to
compensate the investor for their
limited marketability.
Operating policy: The fund may not
invest more than 15% of its net
assets in illiquid securities,
including unmarketable private
placements.
Types of Management Practices
_________________________Cas
h reserves provide flexibility and
serve as a short-term defense
during periods of unusual market
volatility.
Cash Position. The fund will hold a
portion of its assets in short-term,
tax-exempt money market
securities maturing in one year or
less. The reserve position: provides
flexibility in meeting redemptions,
expenses, and the timing of new
investments; can help in
structuring the fund's weighted
average maturity; and serves as a
short-term defense during periods
of unusual market volatility. The
fund's cash reserve position will be
comprised of short-term,
investment-grade securities
including tax-exempt commercial
paper, municipal notes, and
short-term maturity bonds. Some of
these securities may have
adjustable, variable, or floating
rates.
When-Issued Securities and
Forwards. New issues of municipals
are often sold on a "when-issued"
basis, that is, delivery and payment
take place 15-45 days after the
buyer has agreed to the purchase.
Some bonds, called "forwards," have
longer than standard settlement
dates, in some cases exceeding one
to three years. When buying these
securities, the fund identifies cash
or high-grade marketable securities
held by its custodian equal in value
to its commitment for these
securities. The fund does not earn
interest on when-issued and
forward securities until
settlement, and the value of the
securities may fluctuate between
purchase and settlement. Municipal
"forwards" typically carry a
substantial yield premium to
compensate the buyer for their
greater interest rate, credit, and
liquidity risks.
Interest Rate Futures. Futures (a
potentially high-risk derivative)
are often used to manage risk,
because they enable the investor to
buy or sell an asset in the future at
an agreed-upon price. Specifically,
the fund may use futures (and
options on futures) to hedge against
a potentially unfavorable change in
interest rates and to adjust its
exposure to the municipal bond
market. The use of futures for
hedging and non-hedging purposes
may not always be successful. Their
prices can be highly volatile, using
them could lower the fund's total
return, and the potential loss from
their use could exceed the fund's
initial investment in such
contracts.
Operating policy: Initial margin
deposits on futures and premiums
on options used for non-hedging
purposes will not equal more than
5% of the fund's net asset value.
Borrowing Money and Transferring
Assets. The fund can borrow money
from banks as a temporary measure
for emergency purposes, to
facilitate redemption requests, or
for other proper purposes
consistent with the fund's
investment objective and program.
Such borrowings may be
collateralized with fund assets,
subject to restrictions.
Fundamental policy: Borrowings
may not exceed 33 1/3% of total
fund assets.
Operating policy: The fund may not
transfer as collateral any portfolio
securities except as necessary in
connection with permissible
borrowings or investments and then
such transfers may not exceed 33
1/3% of the fund's total assets. The
fund may not purchase additional
securities when borrowings exceed
5% of total assets.
Portfolio Turnover. The fund
generally purchases securities with
the intention of holding them for
investment; however, when market
conditions or other circumstances
warrant, securities may be
purchased and sold without regard
to the length of time held. Although
the fund does not expect to
generate any taxable income, a high
turnover rate may increase
transaction costs and may affect
taxes paid by shareholders to the
extent short-term gains are
distributed. The fund's portfolio
turnover rates for the fiscal years
ended February 28, 1995, 1994, and
1993 were 139.1%, 68.8%, and
103.3%, respectively.
Sector Concentration. It is possible
that the fund could have a
considerable amount of assets (25%
or more) in securities that would
tend to respond similarly to
particular economic or political
developments. An example would be,
securities of issuers related to a
single industry, such as health care
or nuclear energy.
Operating policy: The fund will not
invest more than 25% of total
assets in industrial development
bonds of projects in the same
industry (such as solid waste,
nuclear utility, or airlines). Bonds
which are refunded with escrowed
U.S. government securities are not
subject to the 25% limitation.
Credit Quality Considerations. The
credit quality of most bond issues
is evaluated by rating agencies such
as Moody's and Standard & Poor's.
Credit quality refers to the issuer's
ability to meet all required interest
and principal payments. The highest
ratings are assigned to issuers
perceived to be the best credit
risks. T. Rowe Price research
analysts also evaluate all portfolio
holdings of the fund, including
those rated by outside agencies. The
lower the rating on a bond, the
higher the yield, other things being
equal.
Table 5 shows the rating scale used
by the major rating agencies. T.
Rowe Price considers publicly
available ratings, but emphasizes
its own credit analysis when
selecting investments.
____________________________
_______________
Ratings of Municipal Debt
Securities
Moody's Standard Fitch Definition Investors & Poor's Investors
Service, Corpora- Service,
Inc. tion Inc.
____________________________
_______________
Long-Term Aaa AAA AAA Highest quality
_______________________
__________
Aa AA AA High
quality
_______________________
__________
A A A Upper
medium
grade
_______________________
__________
Baa BBB BBB Medium
grade
_______________________
__________
Moody's S&P
Fitch
____________________________
_______________
Short- MIG1/VMIG1
SP1+ Very F-1+
Term Best quality
strong Exception-
quality ally
SP1 Strong
strong
grade quality
F-1 Very
strong
quality
_______________________
____________
MIG2/VMIG2 SP2
F-2 Good
High quality Satisfac-
credit
tory quality
grade
____________________________
_______________
Commer- P-1 Superior
A-1+ F-1+
cial quality Extremely
Exception-
paper strong
ally strong
quality quality
A-1 Strong
F-1 Very
quality strong
quality
_______________________
____________
P-2 Strong A-2
F-2 Good
quality Satisfac-
credit
tory quality
quality
____________________________
_______________
Table 5
To Open an
Account
Investor Services
1-800-638-5660
1-410-547-2308
For Existing
Accounts
Shareholder
Services
1-800-225-5132
1-410-625-6500
For Yields and
Prices
Tele*Access(regis
tered trademark)
1-800-638-2587
1-410-625-7676
24 hours, 7 days
Investor Centers
101 East Lombard
St.
Baltimore, MD
T. Rowe Price
Financial Center
10090 Red Run
Blvd.
Owings Mills, MD
Farragut Square
900 17th Street,
N.W.
Washington, DC
ARCO Tower
31st Floor
515 South Flower
St.
Los Angeles, CA
To help you
achieve your
financial goals, T.
Rowe Price offers
a wide range of
stock, bond, and
money market
investments, as
well as convenient
services and
timely,
informative
reports.
Prospectus
T. Rowe Price
New Jersey Tax-
Free Bond Fund
T. Rowe Price
State Tax-Free
Income Trust
July 1,
1995
T. Rowe Price
Invest With
Confidence
(registered
trademark)
______________
A long-term bond
fund for investors
seeking income
that is exempt
from federal and
New Jersey
income taxes.
4 INVESTING WITH T. ROWE PRICE
Account Requirements and Transaction Information
Always verify your transactions by carefully reviewing the confirmation we
send you. Please report any discrepancies to Shareholder Services.
TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
We must have your correct social security or corporate tax identification
number on a signed New Account Form or W-9 Form. Otherwise, federal law
requires the funds to withhold a percentage (currently 31%) of your dividends,
capital gain distributions, and redemptions, and may subject you to an IRS
fine. If this information is not received within 60 days after your account is
established, your account may be redeemed, priced at the NAV on the date of
redemption.
Unless you request otherwise, one shareholder report will be mailed to
multiple account owners with the same tax identification number and same zip
code and to shareholders who have requested that their account be combined
with someone else's for financial reporting.
T. Rowe Price
Trust Company
1-800-492-7670
1-410-625-6585
EMPLOYER-SPONSORED RETIREMENT PLANS AND INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTS
Transaction procedures in the following sections may not apply to
employer-sponsored retirement plans and institutional accounts. For procedures
regarding employer-sponsored retirement plans, please call T. Rowe Price Trust
Company or consult your plan administrator. For institutional account
procedures, please call your designated account manager or
service representative.
Opening a New Account: $2,500 minimum initial investment; $1,000 for
retirement or gifts or transfers to minors (UGMA/UTMA) accounts
Regular Mail
T. Rowe Price Funds
Account Services
P.O. Box 89000
Baltimore, MD
21289-1500
ACCOUNT REGISTRATION
If you own other T. Rowe Price funds, be sure to register any new account just
like your existing accounts so you can exchange among them easily. (The name
and account type would have to be identical.)
BY MAIL
Please make your check payable to T. Rowe Price Funds (otherwise it will be
returned) and send your check together with the New Account Form to the
address at left. We do not accept third party checks, except for IRA Rollover
checks, to open new accounts.
Mailgram, Express,
Registered, or Certified Mail
T. Rowe Price
Account Services
10090 Red Run Blvd.
Owings Mills, MD 21117
BY WIRE
o Call Investor Services for an account number and give the following
wire address to your bank:
Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. of New York
ABA# 021000238
T. Rowe Price [fund name]
AC-00153938
account name(s), and account number.
o Complete a New Account Form and mail it to one of the appropriate
addresses listed on the previous page.
Note: No services will be established and IRS penalty withholding may occur
until a signed New Account Form is received. Also, retirement plans cannot be
opened by wire.
BY EXCHANGE
Call Shareholder Services or use Tele*Access or PC*Access (see "Automated
Services" under "Shareholder Services"). The new account will have the same
registration as the account from which you are exchanging. Services for the
new account may be carried over by telephone request if preauthorized on the
existing account. (See explanation of "Excessive Trading" under "Transaction
Procedures."
IN PERSON
Drop off your New Account Form at any of the locations listed below and obtain
a receipt.
Drop-off locations
101 East Lombard St. T. Rowe Price Farragut Square ARCO Tower
Baltimore, MD Financial Center 900 17th St., N.W. 31st Floor
10090 Red Run Blvd. Wash., D.C. 515 S. Flower St.
Owings Mills, MD Los Angeles, CA
NOTE: The fund and its agents reserve the right to waive or lower investment
minimums; to accept initial purchases by telephone or mailgram; cancel or
rescind any purchase or exchange (for example, if an account has been
restricted due to excessive trading or fraud) upon notice to the shareholder
within five business days of the trade or if the written confirmation has not
been received by the shareholder, whichever is sooner, to freeze any account
and temporarily suspend services on the account when notice has been received
of a dispute between the registered or beneficial account owners or there is
reason to believe a fraudulent transaction may occur; to otherwise modify the
conditions of purchase and any services at any time; or to act on instructions
believed to be genuine.
Purchasing Additional Shares: $100 minimum purchase;
$50 minimum for retirement plans and Automatic Asset Builder
BY ACH TRANSFER
Use Tele*Access(R), PC*Access(R) or call Investor Services if you have
established electronic transfers using the ACH network.
BY WIRE
Call Shareholder Services or use the wire address in "Opening a New Account."
Regular Mail
T. Rowe Price
Account Services
P.O. Box 17300
Baltimore, MD
21298-9353
BY MAIL
o Provide your account number and the fund name on your check
o Mail the check to us at the address shown at left either with a fund
reinvestment slip or a note indicating the fund you want and your fund
account number.
BY AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER
Fill out the Automatic Asset Builder section on the New Account or Shareholder
Services Form ($50 minimum).
Exchanging and Redeeming Shares
BY PHONE
Call Shareholder Services. If you find our phones busy during unusually
volatile markets, please consider placing your order by Tele*Access, PC*Access
(if you have previously
authorized telephone services), mailgram or by express mail. For exchange
policies, please see "Transaction Procedures and Special
Requirements--Excessive Trading."
Redemption proceeds can be mailed to your account address, sent by ACH
transfer, or wired to your bank. (provided your bank information is already
on file). For charges, see "Electronic Transfers - By Wire" under
"Shareholder Services".
Mailgram, Express,
Registered, or
Certified Mail
(See "Opening a
New Account".)
BY MAIL
Provide account name(s) and numbers, fund name(s), and exchange or redemption
amount. For exchanges, mail to the appropriate address, below or at left,
indicate the fund you are exchanging from and the fund(s) you are exchanging
into. T. Rowe Price requires the signatures of all owners exactly as
registered and possibly a signature guarantee (see "Transaction Procedures and
Special Requirements--Signature Guarantees").
REGULAR MAIL
For nonretirement and IRA accounts For employer-sponsored retirement
accounts
T. Rowe Price Account Services T. Rowe Price Trust Company
P.O. Box 89000 P.O. Box 89000
Baltimore, MD 21289-0220 Baltimore, MD 212898-0300
NOTE: Redemptions from retirement accounts, including IRAs, must be in
writing. Please call Shareholder Services to obtain an IRA Distrobution
Request Form.
Shareholder Services
Shareholder Services
1-800-225-5132
1-410-625-6500
Many services are available to you as a T. Rowe Price shareholder: some you
receive automatically and others you must authorize on the New Account Form.
By signing up for services on the New Account Form rather than later on, you
avoid having to complete a separate form and obtain a signature guarantee.
This section reviews some of the principal services currently offered. Our
Services Guide contains detailed descriptions of these and other services.
If you are a new T. Rowe Price investor, you will receive a Services Guide
with our Welcome Kit.
NOTE: Corporate and other institutional accounts require an original or
certified resolution to establish services and to redeem by mail. For more
information, call Investor Services.
Investor Services
1-800-638-5660
1-410-547-2308
RETIREMENT PLANS
We offer a wide range of plans for individuals and institutions, including
large and small busineses: IRAs, SEP-IRAs, Keoghs (profit sharing, money
purchase pension), 401(k), and 403(b)(7). For information on IRAs, call
Investor Services. For information on all other retirement plans, please call
our Trust Company at 1-800-492-7670.
EXCHANGE SERVICE
You can move money from one account to an existing identically registered
account, or open a new identically registered account. Remember, exchanges are
purchases and sales for tax purposes. (Exchanges into a state tax-free fund
are limited to investors living in states where the funds are registered.)
Some of the T. Rowe Price funds may impose a redemption fee of .50% to 2%,
payable to such funds, on shares held for less than one year, or in some
funds, six months.
Note: Shares purchased by telephone may not be exchanged to another fund until
payment for the original purchase has been received.
AUTOMATED SERVICES
TELE*ACCESS. 24-hour service via toll-free number provides information on fund
yields and prices, dividends, account balances, and your latest transaction as
well as the ability to request prospectuses, account and tax forms, duplicate
statements, checks, and to initiate purchase, redemption and exchange orders
in your accounts (see "Electronic Transfers" below).
PC*ACCESS. 24-hour service via dial-up modem provides the same information as
Tele*Access, but on a personal computer. Please call Investor Services for an
information guide.
TELEPHONE AND WALK-IN SERVICES
Buy, sell, or exchange shares by calling one of our service representatives or
by visiting one of our four investor center locations whose addresses are
listed on the cover.
ELECTRONIC TRANSFERS
BY ACH. With no charges to pay, you can initiate a purchase or redemption for
as little as $100 or as much as $100,000 between your bank account and fund
account using the ACH network. Enter instructions via Tele*Access, PC*Access
or call Shareholder Services.
BY WIRE. Electronic transfers can also be conducted via bank wire. There is
currently a $5 fee for wire redemptions under $5,000, and your bank may charge
for incoming or outgoing wire transfers regardless of size.
CHECKWRITING (NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE HIGH YIELD FUND)
You may write an unlimited number of free checks on any money market fund, and
most bond funds, with a minimum of $500 per check. Keep in mind, however that
a check results in a redemption; a check written on a bond fund will create a
taxable event which you and we must report to the IRS.
AUTOMATIC INVESTING ($50 MINIMUM)
You can invest automatically in several different ways, including:
o AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER. You instruct us to move $50 or more once a
month or less often from your bank account, or you can instruct your employer
to send all or a portion of your paycheck to the fund or funds you
designate.
o AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE. Enables you to set up systematic investments of
$50 or more from one fund account into another, such as from a money fund
into a stock fund.
DISCOUNT BROKERAGE
You can trade stocks, bonds, options, precious metals and other securities at
a substantial savings over regular commission rates. Call Investor Services
for information.
NOTE: If you buy or sell T. Rowe Price Funds through anyone other than T. Rowe
Price, such as broker-dealers or banks, you may be charged transaction or
service fees by those institutions. No such fees are charged by T. Rowe Price
Investment Services or the fund for transactions conducted directly with the
fund.
PAGE 5
The prospectus for the T. Rowe Price Georgia Tax-Free Fund, dated
July 1, 1995 should be inserted here.
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT
INVESTOR SERVICES
1-800-638-5660
1-410-547-2308
FOR EXISTING ACCOUNTS
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
1-800-225-5132
1-410-625-6500
FOR YIELDS AND PRICES
TELE*ACCESS(REGISTERED TRADEMARK)
1-800-638-2587
1-410-625-7676
24 HOURS, 7 DAYS
INVESTOR CENTERS
101 EAST LOMBARD ST.
BALTIMORE, MD
T. ROWE PRICE
FINANCIAL CENTER
10090 RED RUN BLVD.
OWINGS MILLS, MD
FARRAGUT SQUARE
900 17TH STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, DC
ARCO TOWER
31ST FLOOR
515 SOUTH FLOWER ST.
LOS ANGELES, CA
GAB
Invest With Confidence
To help you achieve your financial goals, T. Rowe Price offers a wide range of
stock, bond, and money market investments, as well as convenient services and
timely, informative reports.
PROSPECTUS
T. ROWE PRICE
GEORGIA TAX-FREE
BOND FUND
T. ROWE PRICE
STATE TAX-FREE
INCOME TRUST
JULY 1, 1995
A bond fund for investors seeking income that is exempt from federal and
Georgia state income taxes.
Facts at a Glance
Investment Goal
The highest level of income exempt from federal and Georgia state income
taxes.
As with all mutual funds, this fund may not meet its goal.
Strategy
Invests primarily in investment-grade Georgia municipal bonds.
Dollar-weighted average maturity is expected to be 10 years or longer.
Risk/Reward
Higher income but also greater potential price fluctuation than shorter-term
municipal bond funds.
Investor Profile
Georgia taxpayers who, because of their tax bracket, can benefit from income
that is exempt from federal and Georgia state income taxes. Not appropriate
for tax-deferred retirement plans, such as IRAs.
Fees and Charges
100% no load. No fees or charges to buy or sell shares or to reinvest
dividends; no 12b-1 marketing fees; free telephone exchange.
Investment Manager
Founded in 1937 by the late Thomas Rowe Price, Jr., T. Rowe Price Associates,
Inc. ("T. Rowe Price") and its affiliates managed over $61 billion, including
approximately $5.5 billion in municipal bond assets, for over three million
individual and institutional investor accounts as of March 31, 1995.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
T. ROWE PRICE
STATE TAX-FREE
INCOME TRUST
JULY 1, 1995
PROSPECTUS
________________________________________________________________________
Contents
________________________________________________________________________
1 About the Fund
________________________________________________________________________
Transaction and Fund Expenses 2
________________________________________________________________________
Financial Highlights 3
________________________________________________________________________
Fund, Market, and Risk Characteristics 4
________________________________________________________________________
2 About Your Account
________________________________________________________________________
Pricing Shares; Receiving Sale Proceeds 9
________________________________________________________________________
Distributions and Taxes 10
________________________________________________________________________
Transaction Procedures and Special Requirements 12
________________________________________________________________________
3 More About the Fund
________________________________________________________________________
Organization and Management 14
________________________________________________________________________
Understanding Fund Performance 15
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Investment Policies and Practices 16
________________________________________________________________________
4 Investing With T. Rowe Price
________________________________________________________________________
Account Requirements and Transaction Information 23
________________________________________________________________________
Opening a New Account 23
________________________________________________________________________
Purchasing Additional Shares 24
________________________________________________________________________
Exchanging and Redeeming 25
________________________________________________________________________
Shareholder Services 25
________________________________________________________________________
This prospectus contains information you should know before investing. Please
keep it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information about the
fund, dated July 1, 1995, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. To obtain a
free copy, call 1-800-638-5660.
________________________________________________________________________
1 ABOUT THE FUND
Transaction and Fund Expenses
__________________________________________________________________________
LIKE ALL T. ROWE PRICE FUNDS, THE FUND IS 100% NO LOAD.
These tables should help you understand the kinds of expenses you will bear
directly or indirectly as a fund shareholder.
In Table 1 below, "Shareholder Transaction Expenses," shows that you pay no
sales charges. All the money you invest in the fund goes to work for you,
subject to the fees explained below. "Annual Fund Expenses" provides an
estimate of how much it will cost to operate the fund for a year, based on
1995 fiscal year expenses (and any applicable expense limitations). These are
costs you pay indirectly, because they are deducted from the fund's total
assets before the daily share price is calculated and before dividends and
other distributions are made. In other words, you will not see these expenses
on your account statement.
___________________________________________________________________________
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995, THE FUND PAID $55,000 TO T. ROWE
PRICE SERVICES, INC., FOR TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING FUNCTIONS AND
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES, AND $60,000 TO T. ROWE PRICE FOR ACCOUNTING SERVICES.
________________________________________________________________________
Shareholder Annual Percentage
Transaction Fund Expenses of Fiscal 1995
Expenses Average Net Assets
________________________________________________________________________
Sales charge " None Management 0.00%a
load" on fee (after
purchases reduction)
________________________________________________________________________
Sales charge None Marketing None
"load" on fees (12b-1)
reinvested
dividends
________________________________________________________________________
Redemption None Total 0.65%
fees other
(Shareholder
servicing,
custodial,
auditing, etc.)
________________________________________________________________________
Exchange fees None
________________________________________________________________________
Total fund 0.65%a
expenses
(after
reduction)
________________________________________________________________________
a The fund's management fee, other expenses, and total
expense ratio would have been 0.44%, 0.99% and 1.43%,
respectively, had T. Rowe Price not agreed to reduce
management fees and assume other expenses in accordance
with the expense limitation described below. To limit the
fund's expenses during its initial period of operations,
T. Rowe Price agreed to waive fees and bear any expenses
through February 28, 1995, to the extent such fees or expenses
would cause the fund's ratio of expenses to average net assets
to exceed 0.65%. Effective March 1, 1995, T. Rowe Price agreed to
extend the existing expense limitation of 0.65% for a
period of two years through February 28, 1997. Fees
waived or expenses paid orassumed under these agreements
are subject to reimbursement to T. Rowe Price by the
fund whenever the fund's expense ratio is below 0.65%;
however, no reimbursement will be made after February 28,
1997 (for the first agreement), or February 28, 1999
(for the second agreement), or if it would result in the
expense ratio exceeding 0.65%. Any amounts reimbursed will
have the effect of increasing fees otherwise paid by the fund.
Note: The fund charges a $5 fee for wire redemptions under $5,000, subject to
change without notice.
________________________________________________________________________
Table 1
The main types of expenses, which all mutual funds may charge against fund
assets, are:
o A management fee: the percent of fund assets paid to the fund's
investment manager. The fund's fee is comprised of a group fee, discussed
later, and an individual fund fee of 0.10%.
o "Other" administrative expenses: primarily the servicing of shareholder
accounts, such as providing statements, reports, disbursing dividends, as
well as custodial services.
o Marketing or distribution fees: an annual charge ("12b-1") to existing
shareholders to defray the cost of selling shares to new shareholders. T.
Rowe Price funds do not levy 12b-1 fees.
For further details on fund expenses, please see "Organization and
Management."
o Hypothetical example: Assume you invest $1,000, the fund returns 5%
annually, expense ratios remain as previously listed, and you close your
account at the end of the time periods shown. Your expenses would be:
___________________________________________________________________________
THE TABLE AT RIGHT IS JUST AN EXAMPLE AND ACTUAL EXPENSES CAN BE HIGHER OR
LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
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1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years
________________________________________________________________________
$7 $21 $36 $81
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Table 2
Financial Highlights
The following table provides information about the fund's financial history.
It is based on a single share outstanding throughout each fiscal year. The
table is part of the fund's financial statements, which are included in the
fund's annual report and incorporated by reference into the Statement of
Additional Information. This document is available to shareholders upon
request. The financial statements in the annual report have been audited by
Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, whose unqualified report covers
the periods shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Investment Activities Distributions End of Period
Net Ratio
Realized of Net
and Total Ratio Invest-
Net Unreal- Return of Ex- ment
Asset Net ized Total Net (Incl- penses Income
PeriodValue, Invest- Gain from Net Asset udes Net to to Port-
Ended,Begin- ment (Loss) Invest- Invest- Net Value, Rein- Assets Aver- Aver- folio
Febr- ning In- on ment ment Real- Total End vested ($ age age Turn-
uary of come Invest- Activi- In- ized Distri- of Divi- Thou- Net Net over
28 Period (Loss) ments ties come Gain butions Period dends) sands) Assets Assets Rate
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1994a $10.00 $0.43b $0.41 $0.84 $(0.43) $(0.04) $(0.47) $10.37 8.45% $22,614 0.65%bc 4.48%c 154.8%c
1995 10.37 0.51b (0.39) 0.12 (0.51) (0.05) (0.56) 9.93 1.42 23,338 0.65b 5.26 170.2
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
<FN>
a For the period March 31, 1993 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 1994.
b Excludes expenses in excess of a 0.65% voluntary expense limitation in effect
through February 28, 1995.
c Annualized.
</FN>
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
</TABLE>
Table 3
Fund, Market, and Risk Characteristics: What to Expect
To help you decide whether the fund is appropriate for you, this section takes
a closer look at its investment objective and approach.
___________________________________________________________________________
INCOME FROM GEORGIA MUNICIPAL SECURITIES IS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL AND GEORGIA
STATE INCOME TAXES.
What is the fund's objective and investment program?
The fund's investment objective is to provide, consistent with prudent
portfolio management, the highest level of income exempt from federal and
Georgia state income taxes by investing primarily in investment-grade Georgia
municipal bonds.
The fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in Georgia municipal
bonds. The fund's dollar weighted average maturity will usually exceed 10
years. Due to seasonal variations or shortages in the supply of suitable
short-term Georgia securities, the fund may invest periodically in municipals
whose interest is exempt from federal but not state income taxes. Every effort
will be made to minimize such investments, but they could compose up to 10% of
the fund's annual income.
___________________________________________________________________________
AT ITS DISCRETION, THE FUND MAY RETAIN A SECURITY WHOSE CREDIT QUALITY IS
DOWNGRADED AFTER PURCHASE.
What are the fund's credit quality guidelines?
The fund will generally purchase investment-grade securities, which means
their ratings are within the four highest credit categories (e.g., AAA, AA, A,
BBB) as determined by a national rating organization or, if unrated, by T.
Rowe Price. The fund may occasionally purchase below-investment-grade
securities (including those with the lowest or no rating), but no such
purchase will be made if it would cause the fund's noninvestment-grade bonds
to exceed 5% of its net assets. Unrated bonds may be less liquid than rated
bonds.
Investment-grade securities include a range from the highest rated to medium
quality (BBB). Securities in the BBB category may be more susceptible to
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances and the securities at
the lower end of the BBB category have certain speculative characteristics.
___________________________________________________________________________
A MORE DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THESE AND OTHER RISK CONSIDERATIONS IS CONTAINED
IN THE FUND'S STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
What are the main risks of investing in municipal bond funds?
The potential for realizing a loss of principal in a bond fund could derive
from:
o Interest rate or market risk: the decline in fixed-income securities and
funds that may accompany a rise in the overall level of interest rates
(please see Table 4).
o Credit risk: the chance that any of a fund's holdings will have its
credit rating downgraded or will default (fail to make scheduled interest
and principal payments), potentially reducing the fund's income level
and/or share price.
o Political risk: the chance that a significant restructuring of federal
income tax rates, or even serious discussion on the topic in Congress,
could cause municipal bond prices to fall. The demand for municipal bonds
is strongly influenced by the value of tax exempt income to investors.
Broadly lower tax rates could reduce the advantage of owning municipal
bonds.
o Geographical: the chance of price declines resulting from developments in
a single state.
___________________________________________________________________________
SIGNIFICANT POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN A STATE MAY HAVE
REPERCUSSIONS, DIRECT AND INDIRECT, ON VIRTUALLY ALL MUNICIPAL BONDS ISSUED IN
THE STATE.
What are the particular risks associated with single-state funds versus those
that invest nationally?
A fund investing within a single state is, by definition, less diversified
geographically than one investing across many states. The risk arises from the
fund's greater exposure to that state's economy and politics, factors that
loom large in establishing the credit quality of bonds issued by the state and
its political subdivisions. For example, general obligation bonds of a state
or locality that has a high income level, reasonable debt levels, and a
positive long-term outlook should have a higher credit rating than those of a
state without those attributes.
Of course, many municipal bonds are not general obligations backed by the
state's "full faith and credit" (its full taxing and revenue raising
resources) and may not rely on any government for money to service their debt.
Bonds issued by governmental authorities may depend wholly on revenues
generated by the project they financed or on other dedicated revenue streams.
The credit quality of these "revenue" bonds may vary significantly from that
of the state's general obligations.
How does T. Rowe Price try to reduce risk?
Consistent with the fund's objective, the portfolio manager actively manages
the fund in an effort to manage risk and increase total return. Risk
management tools include:
o Diversification of assets to reduce the impact of a single holding on the
fund's net asset value;
o Thorough credit research by our own analysts; and
o Adjustments in the fund's duration to try to reduce the negative impact
of rising interest rates or take advantage of the favorable effects of
falling rates. Depending on market outlook, the investment manager may
shorten or lengthen the fund's average effective maturity and duration
within the ranges and guidelines established in this prospectus.
___________________________________________________________________________
CREDIT RATINGS AND THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF THE STATE, LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS, PUBLIC AUTHORITIES, AND OTHERS IN WHICH THE FUND MAY INVEST ARE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.
What is the credit quality of Georgia general obligations?
As of June 1, 1995, the state was rated Aaa by Moody's, AA+ by Standard &
Poor's and AAA by Fitch. Since 1973, the state of Georgia has financed its
capital needs through the issuance of general obligation bonds. The state
constitution and current law limit maximum annual debt service on general
obligation debt to 10% of total revenue receipts of the state treasury. The
state has never defaulted on the payment of principal and interest on its
general obligation bonds and has not issued short-term tax anticipation notes
for its seasonal cash flow requirements.
What about the quality of the fund's other holdings?
In addition to the state's general obligations, the fund will invest a
substantial portion of assets in bonds that are rated according to the
issuer's individual creditworthiness, such as bonds of local governments and
public authorities. While local governments in Georgia depend principally on
their own revenue sources, they could experience budget shortfalls due to
cutbacks in state aid.
The fund may invest in certain sectors with special risks, for example health
care, which could be affected by federal or state legislation, electric
utilities with exposure to nuclear power plants, and private activity bonds
without governmental backing.
___________________________________________________________________________
THE SHARE PRICE AND YIELD OF THE FUND WILL FLUCTUATE WITH CHANGING MARKET
CONDITIONS AND INTEREST RATE LEVELS. WHEN YOU SELL YOUR SHARES, YOU MAY LOSE
MONEY.
The fund sometimes invests in obligations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
and its public corporations (as well as the U.S. territories of Guam and the
Virgin Islands) that are exempt from federal and Georgia state income taxes.
These investments require careful assessment of certain risk factors,
including reliance on substantial federal assistance and favorable tax
programs. As of June 1, 1995, Puerto Rico's general obligations were rated
Baa1 by Moody's and A by Standard & Poor's.
What are derivatives and can the fund invest in them?
The term derivative is used to describe financial instruments whose value is
derived from an underlying security (e.g., a stock or bond) or a market
benchmark (e.g., an interest rate index). Many types of investments
representing a wide range of potential risks and rewards fall under the
"derivatives" umbrella-from conventional instruments such as callable bonds,
futures and options, to more exotic investments such as stripped mortgage
securities and structured notes. While it was only recently that the term
derivative has become widely known among the investing public, derivatives
have in fact been employed by investment managers for many years. The fund
will invest in derivatives only if the expected risks and rewards are
consistent with its objective, policies, and overall risk profile as described
in this prospectus. Accordingly, the fund will not invest in any high risk,
highly leveraged derivative instrument which is expected to cause the price
volatility of the portfolio to be meaningfully different than that of a
long-term investment grade bond. The fund limits its use of derivatives to
situations in which they may enable the fund to: increase yield; hedge against
a decline in principal value; invest in eligible asset classes with greater
efficiency and lower cost than is possible through direct investment; or
adjust duration.
__________________________________________________________________________
THESE ARE SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES.
Who issues municipal securities?
State and local governments and governmental authorities sell notes and bonds
(usually called "municipals") to pay for public projects and services.
Who buys municipal securities?
Individuals are the primary investors, and a principal way they invest is
through mutual funds. Prices of municipals may be affected by major changes in
flows of money into or out of municipal funds. For example, substantial and
sustained redemptions from municipal bond funds could result in lower prices
for these securities.
___________________________________________________________________________
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES ARE ALSO CALLED "TAX-EXEMPTS" BECAUSE THE INTEREST INCOME
THEY PROVIDE IS USUALLY EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAXES.
Is interest income from municipal issues always exempt from federal taxes?
No. For example, since 1986, income from so-called "private activity"
municipals has been subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT). For
example, some bonds financing airports, stadiums, and student loan programs
fall into this category. Shareholders subject to the AMT must include income
derived from private activity bonds in their AMT calculation. Relatively few
taxpayers are required to pay the tax. Normally, the fund will not purchase
any security if as a result, more than 20% of the fund's income would be
subject to the AMT. The fund will report annually to shareholders the portion
of income, if any, subject to AMT. (Please see "Distributions and Taxes-Taxes
on Fund Distributions.")
Why are yields on municipals usually below those on otherwise comparable
taxable securities?
Since the income provided by most municipals is exempt from federal taxation,
investors are willing to accept lower yields on a municipal bond than on an
otherwise similar (in quality and maturity) taxable bond.
Why are yields on Georgia bonds often below those of comparable issues from
other states?
Strong demand for Georgia securities, due to a relatively high state income
tax rate and an often limited supply, tends to push their prices up and yields
down.
Is there an easy way to compare after-tax yields on a Georgia fund with a
similar tax-exempt fund that invests nationally?
Subtract your state tax rate from 1 and multiply this number times the yield
on the national fund. The result is the yield to you on the national fund
after paying Georgia income tax. Compare this with the Georgia fund's yield.
___________________________________________________________________________
YOU MAY FIND IT HELPFUL TO REVIEW SOME FUNDAMENTALS THAT APPLY TO ALL
FIXED-INCOME INVESTMENTS.
Is a fund's yield fixed or will it vary?
It will vary. The yield is calculated every day by dividing a fund's net
income per share, expressed at annual rates, by the share price. Since both
income and share price will fluctuate, a fund's yield will also vary.
Is a fund's "yield" the same thing as the "total return"?
Not for bond funds. Your total return is the result of reinvested income and
the change in share price for a given time period. Income is always a positive
contributor to total return and can enhance a rise in share price or serve as
an offset to a drop in share price.
What is "credit quality" and how does it affect a fund's yield?
Credit quality refers to a bond issuer's expected ability to make all required
interest and principal payments in a timely manner. Because highly rated bond
issuers represent less risk, they can borrow at lower interest rates than less
creditworthy issuers. Therefore, a fund investing in high-quality securities
should have a lower yield than an otherwise comparable fund investing in lower
credit-quality securities.
What is meant by a bond's or bond fund's maturity?
Every bond has a stated maturity date when the issuer must repay the
security's entire principal value to the investor. Some types of bonds may
also have an "effective maturity" that is shorter than the stated date. Many
corporate and municipal bonds are "callable," meaning the principal can be
repaid before their stated maturity dates on (or after) specified call dates.
Bonds are most likely to be called when interest rates are falling, because
the issuer wants to refinance at a lower rate. In such an environment, a
bond's "effective maturity" is usually its nearest call date.
A bond mutual fund has no maturity in the strict sense of the word, but does
have a dollar-weighted average maturity. This number is an average of the
stated maturities of the underlying bonds, with each maturity "weighted" by
the percentage of fund assets it represents. Funds that target effective
maturities would use the effective (rather than stated) maturities of the
underlying instruments when computing the average. Targeting effective
maturity provides additional flexibility in portfolio management but, all else
being equal, could result in higher volatility than a fund targeting a stated
maturity or maturity range.
What is meant by a bond's or bond fund's "duration"?
Duration is the time-weighted value of discounted future interest and
principal payments expressed in years. It measures bond price sensitivity to
interest rate changes more accurately than maturity because it takes into
account the time value of cash flows generated over the bond's life. Future
interest and principal payments are discounted to reflect their present value
and then are multiplied by the number of years they will be received to
produce a value that is expressed in years, i.e., the duration. Effective
duration takes into account call features and sinking fund payments that may
shorten a bond's life.
Since duration can also be computed for bond funds, you can estimate the
effect of interest rates on a bond fund's share price. Simply multiply the
fund's duration (available for T. Rowe Price bond funds in our shareholder
reports) by an expected change in interest rates. For example, the price of a
bond fund with a duration of five years would be expected to fall
approximately 5% if rates rose by one percentage point.
How is a municipal's price affected by changes in interest rates?
When interest rates rise, a municipal's price usually falls, and vice versa.
___________________________________________________________________________
IN GENERAL, THE LONGER THE BOND'S MATURITY, THE GREATER THE PRICE INCREASE OR
DECREASE IN RESPONSE TO A GIVEN CHANGE IN INTEREST RATES, AS SHOWN IN THE
TABLE TO THE RIGHT.
________________________________________________________________________
How Interest Rates Affect Bond Prices
Bond Coupon Price Per $1,000 of
Maturity Bond Face Value if Interest Rates
Increase Decrease
1% 2% 1% 2%
________________________________________________________________________
1 Year 4.30% $990 $981 $1,010 $1,020
________________________________________________________________________
5 Years 4.90 957 917 1,045 1,092
________________________________________________________________________
10 Years 5.35 927 860 1,080 1,169
________________________________________________________________________
20 Years 5.95 893 801 1,126 1,275
________________________________________________________________________
30 Years 6.00 875 774 1,155 1,348
________________________________________________________________________
Table 4 Coupons reflect yields on AAA-rated municipals
as of April 30, 1995. This is an illustration
and does not represent expected yields or
share-price changes of any T. Rowe Price fund.
___________________________________________________________________________
THE FUND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS A COMPLETE INVESTMENT PROGRAM, NOR BE
USED FOR SHORT-TERM TRADING PURPOSES.
Is there additional information about the fund to help me make a decision?
You should review the investment policies and practices section which
discusses the following: Types of Portfolio Securities (municipal securities,
private activity bonds, municipal lease obligations, municipal warrants,
securities with "puts" or other demand features, securities with credit
enhancements, synthetic or derivative securities, and private placements); and
Types of Management Practices (cash position, when-issued securities and
forwards, interest rate futures, borrowing money and transferring assets,
portfolio turnover, sector concentration, and credit quality considerations).
2 About Your Account
Pricing Shares and Receiving Sale Proceeds
Here are some procedures you should know when investing in a fund. This
section applies to all T. Rowe Price tax-free bond and money funds.
How and When Shares Are Priced
___________________________________________________________________________
THE VARIOUS WAYS YOU CAN BUY, SELL, AND EXCHANGE SHARES ARE EXPLAINED AT THE
END OF THIS PROSPECTUS AND ON THE NEW ACCOUNT FORM. THESE PROCEDURES MAY
DIFFER FOR INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTS.
Bond and money funds. The share price (also called "net asset value" or NAV
per share) for each fund is calculated at 4 p.m. ET each day the New York
Stock Exchange is open for business. To calculate the NAV, a fund's assets are
valued and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance, called net
assets, is divided by the number of shares outstanding.
Money fund NAVs, which are managed to remain at $1.00, are calculated at noon
ET each day as well as 4 p.m. Amortized cost or amortized market value is used
to value money fund securities that mature in 60 days or less.
How your purchase, sale, or exchange price is determined
If we receive your request in correct form before 4 p.m. ET, your transaction
will be priced at that day's NAV. If we receive it after 4 p.m., it will be
priced at the next business day's NAV.
We cannot accept orders that request a particular day or price for your
transaction or any other special conditions.
___________________________________________________________________________
WHEN FILLING OUT THE NEW ACCOUNT FORM, YOU MAY WISH TO GIVE YOURSELF THE
WIDEST RANGE OF OPTIONS FOR RECEIVING PROCEEDS FROM A SALE.
Note: The time at which transactions are priced and the time until which
orders are accepted may be changed in case of an emergency or if the New York
Stock Exchange closes at a time other than 4 p.m. ET.
How you can receive the proceeds from a sale
If your request is received by 4 p.m. ET in correct form, proceeds are usually
sent on the next business day. Proceeds can be sent to you by mail, or to your
bank account by ACH transfer or bank wire. Proceeds sent by ACH transfer
should be credited the second day after the sale. ACH (Automated Clearing
House) is an automated method of initiating payments from and receiving
payments in your financial institution account. ACH is a payment system
supported by over 20,000 banks, savings banks, and credit unions, which
electronically exchange the transactions primarily through the Federal Reserve
Banks. Proceeds sent by bank wire should be credited to your bank account the
next business day.
___________________________________________________________________________
IF FOR SOME REASON WE CANNOT ACCEPT YOUR REQUEST TO SELL SHARES, WE WILL
CONTACT YOU.
Exception:
o Under certain circumstances and when deemed to be in the fund's best
interests, your proceeds may not be sent for up to five business days
after receiving your sale or exchange request. If you were exchanging
into a bond or money fund, your new investment would not begin to earn
dividends until the sixth business day.
Useful Information on Distributions and Taxes
Dividends and Other Distributions
___________________________________________________________________________
THE FUND DISTRIBUTES ALL NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND REALIZED CAPITAL GAINS TO
SHAREHOLDERS.
Dividend and capital gain distributions are reinvested in additional fund
shares in your account unless you select another option on your New Account
Form. The advantage of reinvesting distributions arises from compounding; that
is, you receive interest and capital gain distributions on a rising number of
shares.
Dividends not reinvested are paid by check or transmitted to your bank account
via ACH. If the Post Office cannot deliver your check, or if your check
remains uncashed for six months, the fund reserves the right to reinvest your
distribution check in your account at the then current NAV and to reinvest all
subsequent distributions in shares of the fund.
Income dividends
o Bond funds declare income dividends daily at 4 p.m. ET to shareholders of
record at that time provided payment has been received on the previous
business day.
o Money funds declare income dividends daily at noon ET to shareholders of
record at that time provided payment has been received by that time.
o Bond and money funds pay dividends on the last business day of each
month.
o Bond and money fund shares will earn dividends through the date of
redemption; also, shares redeemed on a Friday or prior to a holiday will
continue to earn dividends until the next business day. Generally, if you
redeem all of your shares at any time during the month, you will also
receive all dividends earned through the date of redemption in the same
check. When you redeem only a portion of your shares, all dividends
accrued on those shares will be reinvested, or paid in cash, on the next
dividend payment date.
Capital gains
o A capital gain or loss is the difference between the purchase and sale
price of a security.
o If the fund has net capital gains for the year (after subtracting any
capital losses), they are usually declared in December to shareholders of
record on a specified date that month. If a second distribution is
necessary, it is usually declared and paid during the first quarter of
the following year.
__________________________________________________________________________
THE FUND SENDS TIMELY INFORMATION FOR YOUR TAX FILING NEEDS.
Tax Information
Although the regular monthly income dividends you receive from the fund are
expected to be exempt from federal and state and local (if any) income taxes,
you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:
o you sell fund shares, including an exchange from one fund to another, or
o the fund makes a short- and/or long-term capital gain distribution to
your account.
Due to 1993 tax legislation, a portion of the capital gains realized on the
sale of market discount bonds with maturities beyond one year may be treated
as ordinary income and cannot be offset by other capital losses. Therefore, to
the extent the fund invests in these securities, the likelihood of a taxable
gain distribution will be increased.
___________________________________________________________________________
INVESTMENTS IN THE FUND ARE SUBJECT TO THE GEORGIA INTANGIBLE PERSONAL
PROPERTY TAX OF 0.01% APPLICABLE TO MASSACHUSETTS BUSINESS TRUSTS.
Note: You must report your total tax-exempt income on IRS Form 1040. The IRS
uses this information to help determine the tax status of any social security
payments you may have received during the year.
Taxes on fund redemptions. When you sell shares in any fund, you may realize a
gain or loss. An exchange from one fund to another is still a sale for tax
purposes. If you realize a loss on the sale or exchange of fund shares held
six months or less, your capital loss is reduced by the tax-exempt dividends
received on those shares.
In January, the fund will send you Form 1099-B, indicating the date and amount
of each sale you made in the fund during the prior year. This information will
also be reported to the IRS. For accounts opened new or by exchange in 1983 or
later, we will provide you the gain or loss of the shares you sold during the
year based on the "average cost" method. This information is not reported to
the IRS, and you do not have to use it. You may calculate the cost basis using
other methods acceptable to the IRS, such as "specific identification."
To help you maintain accurate records, we send you a confirmation immediately
following each transaction (except for systematic purchases and redemptions)
and a year-end statement detailing all your transactions in each fund account
during the year.
___________________________________________________________________________
CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS ARE TAXABLE WHETHER REINVESTED IN ADDITIONAL SHARES
OR RECEIVED IN CASH.
Taxes on fund distributions. In January, the fund will send you Form 1099-DIV
indicating the tax status of any capital gain distribution made to you. This
information will also be reported to the IRS. All capital gain distributions
are taxable to you for the year in which they were paid. The only exception is
that distributions declared during the last three months of the year and paid
in January are taxed as though they were paid by December 31. Dividends are
expected to be tax exempt.
Short-term capital gain distributions are taxable as ordinary income and
long-term gain distributions are taxable at the applicable long-term gain
rate. The gain is long-term or short-term depending on how long the fund held
the securities, not how long you held shares in the fund. If you realize a
loss on the sale or exchange of fund shares held six months or less, your
short-term loss recognized is reclassified to long-term to the extent of any
capital gain distribution received.
If the fund invests in certain "private activity" bonds, shareholders who are
subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT) must include income generated by
these bonds in their AMT computation. The portion of your fund's income which
should be included in your AMT calculation, if any, will be reported to you in
January.
Tax effect of buying shares before a capital gain distribution. If you buy
shares shortly before or on the "record date"-the date that establishes you as
the person to receive the upcoming distribution-you will receive, in the form
of a taxable distribution, a portion of the money you just invested.
Therefore, you may wish to find out a fund's record date(s) before investing.
Of course, a fund's share price may, at any time, reflect undistributed
capital gains or unrealized appreciation.
Note: For shareholders who receive social security benefits, the receipt of
tax-exempt interest may increase the portion of benefits that are subject to
tax.
Transaction Procedures and Special Requirements
__________________________________________________________________________
FOLLOWING THESE PROCEDURES HELPS ASSURE TIMELY AND ACCURATE TRANSACTIONS.
Purchase Conditions
Nonpayment. If your payment is not received or you pay with a check or ACH
transfer that does not clear, your purchase will be cancelled. You will be
responsible for any losses or expenses incurred by the fund or transfer agent,
and the fund can redeem shares you own in this or another identically
registered T. Rowe Price fund as reimbursement. The fund and its agents have
the right to reject or cancel any purchase, exchange, or redemption due to
nonpayment.
U.S. dollars. All purchases must be paid for in U.S. dollars; checks must be
drawn on U.S. banks.
Sale (Redemption) Conditions
10-day hold. If you sell shares that you just purchased and paid for by check
or ACH transfer, the fund will process your redemption but will generally
delay sending you the proceeds for up to 10 calendar days to allow the check
or transfer to clear. If your redemption request was sent by mail or mailgram,
proceeds will be mailed no later than the seventh calendar day following
receipt unless the check or ACH transfer has not cleared. If, during the
clearing period, we receive a check drawn against your bond or money market
account, it will be returned marked "uncollected." (The 10-day hold does not
apply to purchases paid for by: bank wire; cashier's, certified, or
treasurer's checks; or automatic purchases through your paycheck.)
Telephone, Tele*Access(registered trademark), and PC*Access(registered
trademark) transactions. These exchange and redemption services are
established automatically when you sign the New Account Form unless you check
the box which states that you do not want these services. The fund uses
reasonable procedures (including shareholder identity verification) to confirm
that instructions given by telephone are genuine and is not liable for acting
on these instructions. If these procedures are not followed, it is the opinion
of certain regulatory agencies that the fund may be liable for any losses that
may result from acting on the instructions given. All conversations are
recorded, and a confirmation is sent promptly after the telephone transaction.
Redemptions over $250,000. Large sales can adversely affect a portfolio
manager's ability to implement a fund's investment strategy by causing the
premature sale of securities that would otherwise be held. If in any 90-day
period you redeem (sell) more than $250,000, or your sale amounts to more than
1% of the fund's net assets, the fund has the right to delay sending your
proceeds for up to five business days after receiving your request, or to pay
the difference between the redemption amount and the lesser of the two
previously mentioned figures with securities from the fund.
__________________________________________________________________________
T. ROWE PRICE MAY BAR EXCESSIVE TRADERS FROM PURCHASING SHARES.
Excessive Trading
Frequent trades involving either substantial fund assets, or a substantial
portion of your account or accounts controlled by you, can disrupt management
of the fund and raise its expenses. We define "excessive trading" as exceeding
one purchase and sale involving the same fund within any 120-day period.
For example, you are in fund A. You can move substantial assets from fund A to
fund B and, within the next 120 days, sell your shares in fund B to return to
fund A or move to fund C.
If you exceed the number of trades described above, you may be barred
indefinitely from further purchases of T. Rowe Price funds.
Three types of transactions are exempt from excessive trading guidelines: (1)
trades solely between money market funds, (2) redemptions that are not part of
exchanges, and (3) systematic purchases or redemptions (see "Shareholder
Services").
Keeping Your Account Open
Due to the relatively high cost to the fund of maintaining small accounts, we
ask you to maintain an account balance of at least $1,000. If your balance is
below $1,000 for three months or longer, the fund has the right to close your
account after giving you 60 days in which to increase your balance.
___________________________________________________________________________
A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT YOU AND THE FUND FROM FRAUD BY
VERIFYING YOUR SIGNATURE.
Signature Guarantees
You may need to have your signature guaranteed in certain situations, such as:
o Written requests 1) to redeem over $50,000 or 2) to wire redemption
proceeds.
o Remitting redemption proceeds to any person, address, or bank account not
on record.
o Transferring redemption proceeds to a T. Rowe Price fund account with a
different registration from yours.
o Establishing certain services after the account is opened.
You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks, savings institutions,
broker/dealers, and other guarantors acceptable to T. Rowe Price. We cannot
accept guarantees from notaries public or organizations that do not provide
reimbursement in the case of fraud.
3 More About the Fund
Organization and Management
___________________________________________________________________________
SHAREHOLDERS BENEFIT FROM T. ROWE PRICE'S 58 YEARS OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
EXPERIENCE.
How is the fund organized?
The T. Rowe Price State Tax-Free Income Trust was organized in 1986 as a
Massachusetts business trust and is registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as a "non-diversified, open-end investment company," or
mutual fund. This fund was organized in 1993. Mutual funds pool money received
from shareholders and invest it to try to achieve specified objectives.
What is meant by "shares"?
As with all mutual funds, investors purchase "shares" when they invest in the
fund. These shares are part of the fund's authorized capital stock, but share
certificates are not issued.
Each share and fractional share entitles the shareholder to:
o receive a proportional interest in the fund's income and capital gain
distributions; and
o cast one vote per share on certain fund matters, including the election
of fund directors/ trustees, changes in fundamental policies, or approval
of changes in the fund's management contract.
Does the fund have an annual shareholder meeting?
The fund is not required to hold annual meetings and does not intend to do so
except when certain matters, such as a change in the fund's fundamental
policies, are to be decided. In addition, shareholders representing at least
10% of all eligible votes may call a special meeting if they wish for the
purpose of voting on the removal of any fund trustee(s). If a meeting is held
and you cannot attend, you can vote by proxy. Before the meeting, the fund
will send you proxy materials that explain the issues to be decided and
include a voting card for you to mail back.
___________________________________________________________________________
ALL DECISIONS REGARDING THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND INVESTMENTS ARE MADE BY
T. ROWE PRICE-SPECIFICALLY BY THE FUND'S PORTFOLIO MANAGERS.
Who runs the fund?
General Oversight. The fund is governed by a Board of Trustees that meets
regularly to review the fund's investments, performance, expenses, and other
business affairs. The Board elects the fund's officers. The policy of the fund
is that a majority of Board members will be independent of T. Rowe Price.
Portfolio Management. The fund has an Investment Advisory Committee, composed
of the following members: Mary J. Miller, Chairman, Patricia S. Deford,
Charles O. Holland, Hugh D. McGuirk, and William T. Reynolds. The Committee
Chairman has day-to-day responsibility for managing the portfolio and works
with the Committee in developing and executing the fund's investment program.
Mrs. Miller has been Chairman of the fund's Committee since the fund's
inception in 1993. She joined T. Rowe Price in 1983 and has been managing
investments since 1987.
Marketing. T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary
of T. Rowe Price, distributes (sells) shares of this and all other T. Rowe
Price funds.
Shareholder Services. T. Rowe Price Services, Inc., another wholly owned
subsidiary, acts as the fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent and
provides shareholder and administrative services. The address for T. Rowe
Price Investment Services, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Services, Inc. is 100 East
Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202.
__________________________________________________________________________
THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT SPELLS OUT THE EXPENSES TO BE PAID BY THE FUND.
How are fund expenses determined?
In addition to the management fee, the fund pays for the following:
shareholder service expenses; custodial, accounting, legal, and audit fees;
costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and reports sent to shareholders;
registration fees and expenses; proxy and annual meeting expenses (if any);
and director/trustee fees and expenses.
The Management Fee. This fee has two parts-an "individual fund fee" (discussed
under "Transaction and Fund Expenses"), which reflects the fund's particular
investment management costs, and a "group fee." The group fee, which is
designed to reflect the benefits of the shared resources of the T. Rowe Price
investment management complex, is calculated daily based on the combined net
assets of all T. Rowe Price funds (except Equity Index and the Spectrum Funds
and any institutional or private label mutual funds). The group fee schedule
(shown below) is graduated, declining as the asset total rises, so
shareholders benefit from the overall growth in mutual fund assets.
0.480% First $1 billion
0.450% Next $1 billion
0.420% Next $1 billion
0.390% Next $1 billion
0.370% Next $1 billion
0.360% Next $2 billion
0.350% Next $2 billion
0.340% Next $5 billion
0.330% Next $10 billion
0.320% Next $10 billion
0.310% Thereafter
The fund's portion of the group fee is determined by the ratio of its daily
net assets to the daily net assets of all the Price funds as described above.
Based on combined Price funds' assets of approximately $38 billion at April
30, 1995, the Group Fee was 0.34%.
Understanding Performance Information
___________________________________________________________________________
TOTAL RETURN IS THE MOST WIDELY USED PERFORMANCE MEASURE. DETAILED PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION IS INCLUDED IN THE FUND'S ANNUAL REPORT AND QUARTERLY SHAREHOLDER
REPORTS.
This section should help you understand the terms used to describe the fund's
performance. You will come across them in shareholder reports you receive from
us four times a year, in our newsletter, Insights, in reports, in T. Rowe
Price advertisements, and in the media.
Total Return
This tells you how much an investment in the fund has changed in value over a
given time period. It reflects any net increase or decrease in the share price
and assumes that all dividends and capital gains (if any) paid during the
period were reinvested in additional shares. Including reinvested
distributions means that total return numbers include the effect of
compounding, i.e., you receive income and capital gain distributions on a
rising number of shares.
Advertisements for the fund may include cumulative or compound average annual
total return figures, which may be compared with various indices, other
performance measures, or other mutual funds.
Cumulative Total Return
This is the actual rate of return on an investment for a specified period. A
cumulative return does not indicate how much the value of the investment may
have fluctuated between the beginning and the end of the period specified.
Average Annual Total Return
This is always hypothetical. Working backward from the actual cumulative
return, it tells you what constant year-by-year return would have produced the
actual, cumulative return. By smoothing out all the variations in annual
performance, it gives you an idea of the investment's annual contribution to
your portfolio provided you held it for the entire period in question.
___________________________________________________________________________
YOU WILL SEE FREQUENT REFERENCES TO THE FUND'S YIELDS IN OUR REPORTS, IN
ADVERTISEMENTS, IN MEDIA STORIES, AND SO ON.
Yield
The current or "dividend yield" on the fund or any investment tells you the
relationship between the investment's current level of annual income and its
price on a particular day. The dividend yield reflects the actual income paid
to shareholders for a given period, annualized, and divided by the average
price during the given period. For example, a fund providing $5 of annual
income per share and a price of $50 has a current yield of 10%. Yields can be
calculated for any time period.
The advertised or "SEC yield" is found by determining the net income per share
(as defined by the SEC) earned by the fund during a 30-day base period and
dividing this amount by the per-share price on the last day of the base
period. The "SEC yield" may differ from the dividend yield.
Investment Policies and Practices
___________________________________________________________________________
FUND MANAGERS HAVE CONSIDERABLE LEEWAY IN CHOOSING INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND
SELECTING SECURITIES THEY BELIEVE WILL HELP THE FUND ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVE.
This section takes a detailed look at some of the types of securities the fund
may hold in its portfolio and the various kinds of investment practices that
may be used in day-to-day portfolio management. The fund's investment program
is subject to further restrictions and risks described in the "Statement of
Additional Information."
Shareholder approval is required to substantively change the fund's objective
and certain investment restrictions noted in the following section as
"fundamental policies." The managers also follow certain "operating policies"
which can be changed without shareholder approval. However, significant
changes are discussed with shareholders in fund reports. The fund adheres to
applicable investment restrictions and policies at the time it makes an
investment. A later change in circumstances will not require the sale of an
investment if it was proper at the time it was made.
The fund's holdings of certain kinds of investments cannot exceed maximum
percentages of total assets, which are set forth herein. For instance, this
fund is not permitted to invest more than 10% of total assets in residual
interest bonds. While these restrictions provide a useful level of detail
about the fund's investment program, investors should not view them as an
accurate gauge of the potential risk of such investments. For example, in a
given period, a 5% investment in residual interest bonds could have
significantly more than a 5% impact on the fund's share price. The net effect
of a particular investment depends on its volatility and the size of its
overall return in relation to the performance of all the fund's other
investments.
Changes in the fund's holdings, the fund's performance, and the contribution
of various investments are discussed in the shareholder reports sent to you.
Types of Portfolio Securities
In seeking to meet its investment objective, the fund may invest in any type
of municipal security or instrument (including certain potentially high-risk
derivatives) whose yield, credit quality, and maturity characteristics are
consistent with the fund's investment program. These and some of the other
issuer investment techniques the fund may use are described in the following
pages.
Fundamental policy: The fund is registered as a nondiversified mutual fund.
This means that the fund may invest a greater portion of its assets in a
single issuer than a diversified fund which may subject the fund to greater
risk with respect to its portfolio securities. However, because the fund
intends to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal
Revenue Code, it must invest so that, at the end of each quarter, with respect
to 50% of its total assets, not more than 5% of its assets are invested in the
securities of a single issuer, and with respect to the remaining 50%, no more
than 25% of fund assets are invested in a single issuer.
___________________________________________________________________________
IN PURCHASING MUNICIPALS, THE FUND RELIES ON THE OPINION OF THE ISSUER'S BOND
COUNSEL REGARDING THE TAX-EXEMPT STATUS OF THE INVESTMENT.
Municipal Securities. The fund's assets are invested primarily in various
tax-free municipal debt securities. The issuers have a contractual obligation
to pay interest at a stated rate on specific dates and to repay principal (the
bond's face value) on a specified date or dates. An issuer may have the right
to redeem or "call" a bond before maturity, and the investor may have to
reinvest the proceeds at lower rates.
There are two broad categories of municipal bonds. General obligation bonds
are backed by the issuer's "full faith and credit," that is, its full taxing
and revenue raising power. Revenue bonds usually rely exclusively on a
specific revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service, to
generate money for debt service.
Private Activity Bonds. While income from most municipals is exempt from
federal income taxes, the income from certain types of so-called private
activity bonds (a type of revenue bond) may be subject to the alternative
minimum tax (AMT). However, only persons subject to AMT pay this tax. Private
activity bonds may be issued for purposes such as housing or airports or to
benefit a private company. (Being subject to the AMT does not mean the
investor necessarily pays this tax. For further information, please see
"Distributions and Taxes.")
Fundamental policy: Under normal market conditions, the fund will not purchase
any security if, as a result, less than 80% of the fund's income would be
exempt from federal and Georgia state income taxes. The income included under
the 80% test does not include income from securities subject to the
alternative minimum tax.
Operating policy: During periods of abnormal market conditions, for temporary
defensive purposes, the fund may invest without limit in high-quality,
short-term securities whose income is subject to federal and Georgia state
income tax.
In addition to general obligation and revenue bonds, the fund's investments
may include, but are not limited to, the following types of securities:
Municipal Lease Obligations. A lease is not a full faith and credit obligation
of the issuer and is usually backed only by the borrowing government's
unsecured pledge to make annual appropriation for lease payments. There have
been challenges to the legality of lease financing in numerous states and,
from time to time, certain municipalities have considered not appropriating
money to make lease payments. In deciding whether to purchase a lease
obligation, the fund would assess the financial condition of the borrower, the
merits of the project, the level of public support for the project, and the
legislative history of lease financing in the state. These securities may be
less readily marketable than other municipals. The fund may also purchase
unrated lease obligations. Based on information supplied by T. Rowe Price, the
fund's Board of Trustees will periodically review the credit quality of
nonrated leases and assess the likelihood of their being cancelled.
Operating policy: The fund may invest no more than 20% of its total assets in
lease obligations.
Municipal Warrants. Municipal warrants are essentially call options on
municipal bonds. In exchange for a premium, they give the purchaser the right,
but not the obligation, to purchase a municipal bond in the future. The fund
might purchase a warrant to lock in forward supply in an environment where the
current issuance of bonds is sharply reduced. Like options, warrants may
expire worthless and they may have reduced liquidity.
Operating policy: The fund will not invest more than 2% of its total assets in
municipal warrants.
Securities with "Puts" or other Demand Features. Some longer-term municipals
give the investor the right to "put" or sell the security at par (face value)
within a specified number of days following the investor's request-usually one
to seven days. This demand feature enhances a security's liquidity by
dramatically shortening its effective maturity and enables it to trade at a
price equal to or very close to par. If the demand feature were terminated
prior to being exercised, the fund would hold the longer-term security.
Securities with Credit Enhancements.
o Letters of Credit. Letters of credit are issued by a third party, usually
a bank, to enhance liquidity and/or ensure repayment of principal and any
accrued interest if the underlying municipal security should default.
o Municipal Bond Insurance. This insurance, which is usually purchased by
the bond issuer from a private, nongovernmental insurance company,
provides an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee that the insured
bond's principal and interest will be paid when due. Insurance does not
guarantee the price of a bond or the share price of any fund. The credit
rating of an insured bond reflects the credit rating of the insurer,
based on its claims-paying ability. T. Rowe Price periodically reviews
the credit quality of the insurer.
The obligation of a municipal bond insurance company to pay a claim
extends over the life of each insured bond. Although defaults on insured
municipal bonds have been low to date and municipal bond insurers have
met these claims, there is no assurance this will continue. A higher than
expected default rate could strain the insurer's loss reserves and
adversely affect its ability to pay claims to bondholders, such as the
fund. The number of municipal bond insurers is relatively small, and not
all of them have the highest rating.
o Standby Repurchase Agreements. A Standby Bond Purchase Agreement (SBPA)
is a liquidity facility provided to pay the purchase price of bonds that
cannot be remarketed. The obligation of the liquidity provider (usually a
bank) is only to advance funds to purchase tendered bonds which cannot be
remarketed and does not cover principal or interest under any other
circumstances. The liquidity provider's obligations under the SBPA are
usually subject to numerous conditions, including the continued
creditworthiness of the underlying borrower.
Synthetic or Derivative Securities. These securities are created from existing
municipal bonds:
o Residual Interest Bonds (a potentially high-risk derivative). The income
stream provided by an underlying bond is divided to create two
securities, one short-term and one long-term. The interest rate on the
short-term component is reset by an index or auction process normally
every seven to 35 days. After income is paid on the short-term securities
at current rates, the residual income goes to the long-term securities.
Therefore, rising short-term interest rates result in lower income for
the longer-term portion, and vice versa. The longer-term bonds can be
very volatile and may be less liquid than other municipals of comparable
maturity.
Operating policy: The fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets
in residual interest bonds.
o Participation Interests. This term covers various types of securities
created by converting fixed rate bonds into short-term, variable rate
certificates. These securities have been developed in the secondary
market to meet the demand for short-term, tax-exempt securities. The fund
will invest only in securities deemed tax-exempt by a nationally
recognized bond counsel, but there is no guarantee the interest will be
exempt because the IRS has not issued a definitive ruling on the matter.
o Embedded Interest Rate Swaps and Caps. In a fixed rate, long-term
municipal bond with an interest rate swap attached to it, the bondholder
usually receives the bond's fixed coupon payment as well as a variable
rate payment that represents the difference between a fixed rate for the
term of the swap (which is typically shorter than the bond it is attached
to) and a variable rate short-term municipal index. The bondholder
receives excess income when short-term rates remain below the fixed
interest rate swap rate. If short-term rates rise above the fixed-income
swap rate, the bondholder's income is reduced. At the end of the interest
rate swap term, the bond reverts to a single fixed coupon payment.
Embedded interest rate swaps enhance yields, but also increase interest
rate risk.
An embedded interest rate cap allows the bondholder to receive payments
whenever short-term rates rise above a level established at the time of
purchase. They normally are used to hedge against rising short-term
interest rates.
Both instruments may be volatile and of limited liquidity and their use
may adversely affect the fund's total return.
Operating policy: The fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets
in embedded interest rate swaps and caps.
Private Placements. The fund may seek to enhance its yield through the
purchase of private placements. These securities are sold through private
negotiations, usually to institutions or mutual funds, and may have resale
restrictions. Their yields are usually higher than comparable public
securities to compensate the investor for their limited marketability.
Operating policy: The fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in
illiquid securities, including unmarketable private placements.
Types of Management Practices
___________________________________________________________________________
CASH RESERVES PROVIDE FLEXIBILITY AND SERVE AS A SHORT-TERM DEFENSE DURING
PERIODS OF UNUSUAL MARKET VOLATILITY.
Cash Position. The fund will hold a portion of its assets in short-term,
tax-exempt money market securities maturing in one year or less. The reserve
position: provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, expenses, and the
timing of new investments; can help in structuring a fund's weighted average
maturity; and serves as a short-term defense during periods of unusual market
volatility. The fund's cash reserve position will be comprised of short-term,
investment-grade securities including tax-exempt commercial paper, municipal
notes, and short-term maturity bonds. Some of these securities may have
adjustable, variable, or floating rates.
When-Issued Securities and Forwards. New issues of municipals are often sold
on a "when-issued" basis, that is, delivery and payment take place 15-45 days
after the buyer has agreed to the purchase. Some bonds, called "forwards,"
have longer than standard settlement dates, in some cases exceeding one to
three years. When buying these securities, the fund identifies cash or
high-grade marketable securities held by its custodian equal in value to its
commitment for these securities. The fund does not earn interest on
when-issued and forward securities until settlement, and the value of the
securities may fluctuate between purchase and settlement. Municipal "forwards"
typically carry a substantial yield premium to compensate the buyer for their
greater interest rate, credit, and liquidity risks.
Interest Rate Futures. Futures (a potentially high-risk derivative) are often
used to manage risk, because they enable the investor to buy or sell an asset
in the future at an agreed-upon price. Specifically, the fund may use futures
(and options on futures) to hedge against a potentially unfavorable change in
interest rates and to adjust its exposure to the municipal bond market. The
use of futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes may not always be
successful. Their prices can be highly volatile, using them could lower the
fund's total return, and the potential loss from their use could exceed the
fund's initial investment in such contracts.
Operating policy: Initial margin deposits on futures and premiums on options
used for non-hedging purposes will not equal more than 5% of the fund's net
asset value.
Borrowing Money and Transferring Assets. The fund can borrow money from banks
as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption
requests, or for other proper purposes consistent with the fund's investment
objective and program. Such borrowings may be collateralized with fund assets,
subject to restrictions.
Fundamental policy: Borrowings may not exceed 331/3% of total fund assets.
Operating policy: The fund may not transfer as collateral any portfolio
securities except as necessary in connection with permissible borrowings or
investments, and then such transfers may not exceed 331/3% of the fund's total
assets. The fund may not purchase additional securities when borrowings exceed
5% of total assets.
Portfolio Turnover. The fund generally purchases securities with the intention
of holding them for investment, however, when market conditions or other
circumstances warrant, securities may be purchased and sold without regard to
the length of time held. Although the fund does not expect to generate any
taxable income, a high turnover rate may increase transaction costs and may
affect taxes paid by shareholders to the extent short-term gains are
distributed. The fund's portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years ended
February 28, 1995 and 1994, were 170.2% and 154.8%, respectively.
Sector Concentration. It is possible that the fund could have a considerable
amount of assets (25% or more) in securities that would tend to respond
similarly to particular economic or political developments. An example would
be securities of issuers related to a single industry, such as health care or
nuclear energy.
Operating policy: The fund will not invest more than 25% of total assets in
industrial development bonds of projects in the same industry (such as solid
waste, nuclear utility, or airlines). Bonds which are refunded with escrowed
U.S. government securities are not subject to the 25% limitation.
Credit Quality Considerations. The credit quality of most bond issues is
evaluated by rating agencies such as Moody's and Standard & Poor's. Credit
quality refers to the issuer's ability to meet all required interest and
principal payments. The highest ratings are assigned to issuers perceived to
be the best credit risks. T. Rowe Price research analysts also evaluate all
portfolio holdings of the fund, including those rated by outside agencies. The
lower the rating on a bond, the higher the yield, other things being equal.
Table 5 shows the rating scale used by the major rating agencies. T. Rowe
Price considers publicly available ratings, but emphasizes its own credit
analysis when selecting investments.
________________________________________________________________________
Ratings of Municipal Debt Securities
Moody's Standard Fitch Definition
Investors & Poor's Investors
Service, Corpor- Service,
Inc. ation Inc.
________________________________________________________________________
Long- Aaa AAA AAA Highest quality
Term _____________________________________________________________
Aa AA AA High quality
_____________________________________________________________
A A A Upper medium grade
________________________________________________________________________
Baa BBB BBB Medium grade
Moody's S&P Fitch
________________________________________________________________________
Short- MIG1/VMIG1 Best SP1+ Very F-1+ Exceptionally
Term quality strong strong
quality quality
SP1 Strong F-1 Very strong
grade quality
_____________________________________________________________
MIG2/VMIG2 High SP2 Satis- F-2 Good
quality factory credit
grade quality
________________________________________________________________________
Comm- P-1 Superior A-1+ Extremely F-1+ Exceptionally
ercial quality strong strong
Paper quality quality
A-1 Strong F-1 Very strong
quality quality
_____________________________________________________________
P-2 Strong A-2 Satis- F-2 Good
quality factory credit
quality quality
________________________________________________________________________
Table 5
4 Investing with T. Rowe Price
Account Requirements and Transaction Information
___________________________________________________________________________
ALWAYS VERIFY YOUR TRANSACTIONS BY CAREFULLY REVIEWING THE CONFIRMATION WE
SEND YOU. PLEASE REPORT ANY DISCREPANCIES TO SHAREHOLDER SERVICES.
Tax Identification Number
We must have your correct social security or corporate tax identification
number on a signed New Account Form or W-9 Form. Otherwise, federal law
requires the funds to withhold a percentage (currently 31%) of your dividends,
capital gain distributions, and redemptions, and may subject you to an IRS
fine. If this information is not received within 60 days after your account is
established, your account may be redeemed, priced at the NAV on the date
of redemption.
Unless you request otherwise, one shareholder report will be mailed to
multiple account owners with the same tax identification number and same zip
code and to shareholders who have requested that their account be combined
with someone else's for financial reporting.
Institutional Accounts
Transaction procedures in the following sections may not apply to
institutional accounts. For procedures regarding institutional accounts,
please call your designated account manager or service representative.
Opening a New Account: $2,500 minimum initial investment; $1,000 for gifts or
transfers to minors (UGMA/UTMA) accounts
________________________________________________________________________
REGULAR MAIL
T. ROWE PRICE
ACCOUNT SERVICES
P.O. BOX 17300
BALTIMORE, MD
21298-9353
MAILGRAM, EXPRESS,
REGISTERED, OR CERTIFIED MAIL
T. ROWE PRICE
ACCOUNT SERVICES
10090 RED RUN BLVD.
OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117
Account Registration
If you own other T. Rowe Price funds, be sure to register any new account just
like your existing accounts so you can exchange among them easily. (The name
and account type would have to be identical.)
By Mail
Please make your check payable to T. Rowe Price Funds (otherwise it will be
returned) and send your check together with the New Account Form to the
address at left. We do not accept third party checks to open new accounts.
By Wire
o Call Investor Services for an account number and give the following wire
address to your bank:
Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. of New York
ABA #021000238
T. Rowe Price [fund name]
AC-00153938
account name(s) and account number
o Complete a New Account Form and mail it to one of the appropriate
addresses listed at left.
Note: No services will be established and IRS penalty withholding may occur
until a signed New Account Form is received.
By Exchange
Call Shareholder Services or use Tele*Access or PC*Access (see "Automated
Services" under "Shareholder Services"). The new account will have the same
registration as the account from which you are exchanging. Services for the
new account may be carried over by telephone request if preauthorized on the
existing account. (See explanation of "Excessive Trading" under "Transaction
Procedures.")
In Person
Drop off your New Account Form at any of the locations listed on the cover and
obtain a receipt.
Note: The fund and its agents reserve the right to waive or lower investment
minimums; to accept initial purchases by telephone or mailgram; to cancel or
rescind any purchase or exchange (for example, if an account has been
restricted due to excessive trading or fraud) upon notice to the shareholder
within five business days of the trade or if the written confirmation has not
been received by the shareholder, whichever is sooner; to freeze any account
and suspend account services when notice has been received of a dispute
between the registered or beneficial account owners or there is reason to
believe a fraudulent transaction may occur; to otherwise modify the conditions
of purchase and any services at any time; or to act on instructions believed
to be genuine.
Purchasing Additional Shares: $100 minimum purchase; $50 minimum for Automatic
Asset Builder
By ACH Transfer
Use Tele*Access, PC*Access or call Investor Services if you have established
electronic transfers using the ACH network.
By Wire
Call Shareholder Services or use the wire address in "Opening a New Account."
________________________________________________________________________
REGULAR MAIL
T. ROWE PRICE FUNDS
ACCOUNT SERVICES
P.O. BOX 89000
BALTIMORE, MD
21289-1500
By Mail
o Provide your account number and the fund name on your check.
o Make your check payable to T. Rowe Price Funds (otherwise it may be
returned).
o Mail the check to us at the address shown at left with either a fund
reinvestment slip or a note indicating the fund you want to buy and your
fund account number.
By Automatic Asset Builder
Fill out the Automatic Asset Builder section on the New Account or Shareholder
Services Form.
Exchanging and Redeeming Shares
By Phone
Call Shareholder Services. If you find our phones busy during unusually
volatile markets, please consider placing your order by Tele*Access ,
PC*Access (if you have previously authorized telephone services), mailgram or
express mail. For exchange policies, please see "Transaction Procedures and
Special Requirements-Excessive Trading."
Redemption proceeds can be mailed to your account address, sent by ACH
transfer, or wired to your bank (provided your bank information is already on
file). For charges, see "Electronic Transfers-By Wire" under "Shareholder
Services".
By Mail
Provide account name(s) and numbers, fund name(s), and exchange or redemption
amount. For exchanges, mail to the appropriate address below, indicate the
fund you are exchanging from and the fund(s) you are exchanging into. T. Rowe
Price requires the signatures of all owners exactly as registered, and
possibly a signature guarantee (please see "Transaction Procedures and Special
Requirements-Signature Guarantees").
Mailgram, Express, Registered, or
Certified Mail:
T. Rowe Price Account Services
10090 Red Run Boulevard
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Regular Mail:
T. Rowe Price Account Services
P.O. Box 89000
Baltimore, MD 21289-0220
Shareholder Services
___________________________________________________________________________
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
1-800-225-5132
1-410-625-6500
Many services are available to you as a T. Rowe Price shareholder; some you
receive automatically and others you must authorize on the New Account Form.
By signing up for services on the New Account Form rather than later on, you
avoid having to complete a separate form and obtain a signature guarantee.
This section reviews some of the principal services currently offered. Our
Services Guide contains detailed descriptions of these and other services.
If you are a new T. Rowe Price investor, you will receive a Services Guide
with our Welcome Kit.
Note: Corporate and other institutional accounts require an original or
certified resolution to establish services and to redeem by mail. For more
information, call Investor Services.
Retirement Plans
We offer a wide range of plans for individuals and institutions, including
large and small businesses: IRAs, SEP-IRAs, Keoghs (profit sharing, money
purchase pension), 401(k), and 403(b)(7). For information on IRAs, call
Investor Services. For information on all other retirement plans, please call
our Trust Company at 1-800-492-7670.
__________________________________________________________________________
INVESTOR SERVICES
1-800-638-5660
1-410-547-2308
Exchange Service
You can move money from one account to an existing identically registered
account, or open a new identically registered account. Remember, exchanges are
purchases and sales for tax purposes. (Exchanges into a state tax-free fund
are limited to investors living in states where the funds are registered.)
Some of the T. Rowe Price funds may impose a redemption fee of .50% to 2%,
payable to such funds, on shares held for less than one year, or in some
funds, six months.
Automated Services
Tele*Access. 24-hour service via toll-free number provides information on fund
yields and prices, dividends, account balances, and your latest transaction as
well as the ability to request prospectuses, account and tax forms, duplicate
statements, checks, and to initiate purchase, redemption and exchange orders
in your accounts (see "Electronic Transfers" below).
PC*Access. 24-hour service via dial-up modem provides the same information as
Tele*Access, but on a personal computer. Please call Investor Services for an
information guide.
Telephone and Walk-In Services
Buy, sell, or exchange shares by calling one of our service representatives or
by visiting one of our investor center locations whose addresses are listed on
the cover.
Electronic Transfers
By ACH. With no charges to pay, you can initiate a purchase or redemption for
as little as $100 or as much as $100,000 between your bank account and fund
account using the ACH network. Enter instructions via Tele*Access, PC*Access,
or call Shareholder Services.
By Wire. Electronic transfers can also be conducted via bank wire. There is
currently a $5 fee for wire redemptions under $5,000, and your bank may charge
for incoming or outgoing wire transfers regardless of size.
Checkwriting (Not available for equity funds, or the High Yield Bond or
Emerging Markets Bond Funds)
You may write an unlimited number of free checks on any money market fund and
most bond funds, with a minimum of $500 per check. Keep in mind, however, that
a check results in a redemption; a check written on a bond fund will create a
taxable event which you and we must report to the IRS.
Automatic Investing ($50 minimum)
You can invest automatically in several different ways, including:
o Automatic Asset Builder. You instruct us to move $50 or more once a month
or less often from your bank account, or you can instruct your employer
to send all or a portion of your paycheck to the fund or funds you
designate.
o Automatic Exchange. You can set up systematic investments from one fund
account into another, such as from a money fund into a stock fund.
__________________________________________________________________________
DISCOUNT BROKERAGE IS A DIVISION OF T. ROWE PRICE INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.
Discount Brokerage
You can trade stocks, bonds, options, precious metals, and other securities at
a savings over regular commission rates. Call Investor Services for
information.
Note: If you buy or sell T. Rowe Price funds through anyone other than T. Rowe
Price, such as broker-dealers or banks, you may be charged transaction or
service fees by those institutions. No such fees are charged by T. Rowe Price
Investment Services or the fund for transactions conducted directly with the
fund.
________________________________________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EDGAR FILING
AND PRINTED COPY
Information appearing in all capital letters before a paragraph in the Edgar
filing will appear, in the printed copy, as call-outs in the left margin.
PAGE 6
The prospectus for the T. Rowe Price Florida Insured Intermediate
Fund, dated July 1, 1995 should be inserted here.
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT
INVESTOR SERVICES
1-800-638-5660
1-410-547-2308
FOR EXISTING ACCOUNTS
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
1-800-225-5132
1-410-625-6500
FOR YIELDS AND PRICES
TELE*ACCESS(REGISTERED TRADEMARK)
1-800-638-2587
1-410-625-7676
24 HOURS, 7 DAYS
INVESTOR CENTERS
101 EAST LOMBARD ST.
BALTIMORE, MD
T. ROWE PRICE
FINANCIAL CENTER
10090 RED RUN BLVD.
OWINGS MILLS, MD
FARRAGUT SQUARE
900 17TH STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, DC
ARCO TOWER
31ST FLOOR
515 SOUTH FLOWER ST.
LOS ANGELES, CA
FLI
Invest With Confidence
To help you achieve your financial goals, T. Rowe Price offers a wide range of
stock, bond, and money market investments, as well as convenient services and
timely, informative reports.
PROSPECTUS
T. ROWE PRICE
FLORIDA INSURED INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE
FUND
T. ROWE PRICE
STATE TAX-FREE INCOME TRUST
JULY 1, 1995
A bond fund for investors seeking income exempt from federal income taxes and
principal exempt from the Florida intangibles tax.
Facts at a Glance
Investment Goal
The highest level of income exempt from federal income taxes. An investment
in this fund is also expected to be exempt from Florida's intangible property
tax.
As with all mutual funds, the fund may not meet its goal.
Strategy
Invests primarily in high-quality, insured Florida municipal bonds whose
interest and principal payments are guaranteed by private insurance companies.
Dollar-weighted average maturity will range between 5 and 10 years.
Risk/Reward
Higher income than a short-term municipal bond fund and less potential share
price fluctuation than a long-term fund. Insurance does not guarantee the
market value of portfolio holdings, which will fluctuate in response to market
conditions. (See discussion on insurance in the section entitled "Investment
Policies and Practices.")
Investor Profile
Florida taxpayers who, because of their tax bracket, can benefit from an
investment in municipal bonds whose income is exempt from federal income taxes
and whose principal is exempt from the state's intangible property tax. Not
appropriate for tax-deferred retirement plans, such as IRAs.
Fees and Charges
100% no load. No fees or charges to buy or sell shares or to reinvest
dividends; no 12b-1 marketing fees; free telephone exchange.
Investment Manager
Founded in 1937 by the late Thomas Rowe Price, Jr., T. Rowe Price Associates,
Inc. ("T. Rowe Price") and its affiliates managed over $61 billion, including
approximately $5.5 billion in municipal bond assets, for over three million
individual and institutional investor accounts as of March 31, 1995.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
T. ROWE PRICE
STATE TAX-FREE
INCOME TRUST
JULY 1, 1995
Prospectus
Contents
________________________________________________________________
1 About the Fund
________________________________________________________________
Transaction and Fund Expenses 2
________________________________________________________________
Financial Highlights 3
________________________________________________________________
Fund, Market, and Risk Characteristics 4
________________________________________________________________
2 About Your Account
________________________________________________________________
Pricing Shares; Receiving Sale Proceeds 10
________________________________________________________________
Distributions and Taxes 11
________________________________________________________________
Transaction Proceduresand Special Requirements 13
________________________________________________________________
3 More About the Fund
________________________________________________________________
Organization and Management 15
________________________________________________________________
Understanding Fund Performance 16
________________________________________________________________
Investment Policies and Practices 17
________________________________________________________________
4 Investing With T. Rowe Price
________________________________________________________________
Account Requirements and Transaction Information 23
________________________________________________________________
Opening a New Account 24
________________________________________________________________
Purchasing Additional Shares 25
________________________________________________________________
Exchanging and Redeeming 25
________________________________________________________________
Shareholder Services 26
________________________________________________________________
This prospectus contains information you should know before investing. Please
keep it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information about the
fund, dated July 1, 1995, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. To obtain a
free copy, call 1-800-638-5660.
1 ABOUT THE FUND
Transaction and Fund Expenses
__________________________________________________________________________
LIKE ALL T. ROWE PRICE FUNDS, THE FUND IS 100% NO LOAD.
These tables should help you understand the kinds of expenses you will bear
directly or indirectly as a fund shareholder.
In Table 1 below, "Shareholder Transaction Expenses," shows that you pay no
sales charges. All the money you invest in a fund goes to work for you,
subject to the fees explained below. "Annual Fund Expenses" provides an
estimate of how much it will cost to operate the fund for a year, based on
1995 fiscal year expenses (and any applicable expense limitations). These are
costs you pay indirectly, because they are deducted from the fund's total
assets before the daily share price is calculated and before dividends and
other distributions are made. In other words, you will not see these expenses
on your account statement.
___________________________________________________________________________
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995, THE FUND PAID $63,000 TO T. ROWE
PRICE SERVICES, INC. FOR TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING FUNCTIONS AND
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES, AND $60,000 TO T. ROWE PRICE FOR ACCOUNTING SERVICES.
________________________________________________________________
Shareholder Annual Percentage of
Transaction Fund Fiscal 1995
Expenses Expenses Average Net Assets
________________________________________________________________
Sales charge "load" None Management 0.03%a
on purchases fee
(after
reduction) 0.03%a
________________________________________________________________
Sales charge "load" None Marketing None
on reinvested fees
dividends (12b-1)
________________________________________________________________
Redemption fees None Total other 0.57%a
(Shareholder
servicing,
custodial,
auditing, etc.)
________________________________________________________________
Exchange fees None
Total fund
expenses
(after
reduction) 0.60%a
________________________________________________________________
a The fund's management fee and its total expense
ratio would have been 0.39% and 0.96%,
respectively, had T. Rowe Price not agreed
to reduce management fees and assume other
expenses in accordance with the expense
limitation described below. To limit the fund's
expenses during its initial period of operations,
T. Rowe Price agreed to waive fees and bear
any expenses through February 28, 1995, to the
extent such fees or expenses would cause the fund's
ratio of expenses to average net assets to
exceed 0.60%. Effective March 1, 1995, T. Rowe
Price agreed to extend the fund's 0.60%
expense limitation for a period of two years
through February 28, 1997. Fees waived or expenses
paid or assumed under these agreements are subject
to reimbursement to T. Rowe Price by the fund
whenever the fund's expense ratio is below 0.60%;
however, no reimbursement will be made after February 28,
1997 (for the first agreement), or February 28, 1999
(for the second agreement), or if it would result in the
expense ratio exceeding 0.60%. Any amounts reimbursed
will have the effect of increasing fees otherwise paid
by the fund.
Note: The fund charges a $5 fee for wire redemptions under $5,000, subject to
change without notice.
________________________________________________________________
Table 1
The main types of expenses, which all mutual funds may charge against fund
assets, are:
o A management fee: the percent of fund assets paid to the fund's
investment manager. The fund's fee is comprised of a group fee, discussed
later, and an individual fund fee of 0.05%.
o "Other" administrative expenses: primarily the servicing of shareholder
accounts, such as providing statements, reports, disbursing dividends, as
well as custodial services.
o Marketing or distribution fees: an annual charge ("12b-1") to existing
shareholders to defray the cost of selling shares to new shareholders. T.
Rowe Price funds do not levy 12b-1 fees.
For further details on fund expenses, please see "Organization and
Management."
o Hypothetical example: Assume you invest $1,000, the fund returns 5%
annually, expense ratios remain as previously listed, and you close your
account at the end of the time periods shown. Your expenses would be:
___________________________________________________________________________
THE TABLE AT RIGHT IS JUST AN EXAMPLE AND ACTUAL EXPENSES CAN BE HIGHER OR
LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
________________________________________________________________
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
________________________________________________________________
$6 $19 $33 $75
________________________________________________________________
Table 2
Financial Highlights
The following table provides information about the fund's financial history.
It is based on a single share outstanding throughout each fiscal year. The
table is part of the fund's financial statements which are included in the
fund's annual report and incorporated by reference into the Statement of
Additional Information. This document is available to shareholders upon
request. The financial statements in the annual report have been audited by
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, whose unqualified report
covers the periods shown.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Investment Activities Distributions End of Period
Net Ratio
Realized of Net
and Total Ratio Invest-
Net Unreal- Return of Ex- ment
Per- Asset Net ized Total Net (Incl- penses Income
iod Value, Invest- Gain from Net Asset udes Net to to Port-
Ended, Begin- ment (Loss) Invest- Invest- Net Value, Rein- Assets Aver- Aver- folio
Febr- ning In- on ment ment Real- Total End vested ($ age age Turn-
uary of come Invest- Activi- In- ized Distri- of Divi- Thou- Net Net over
28 Period (Loss) ments ties come Gain butions Period dends) sands) Assets Assets Rate
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1994a $10.00 $0.37b $0.31 $0.68 $(0.37) $(0.01) $(0.38) $10.30 6.84% $37,868 0.60%bc 3.57%c 70.6%c
1995 10.30 0.43b (0.14) 0.29 (0.43) (0.02) (0.45) 10.14 3.01% 51,922 0.60%b 4.38% 140.5%
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
<FN>
a For the period March 31, 1993 (commencement of operations), to February 28, 1994.
b Excludes expenses in excess of a 0.60% voluntary expense limitation in effect
through February 28, 1995.
c Annualized.
</FN>
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
</TABLE>
Table 3<PAGE>
Fund, Market, and Risk Characteristics: What to Expect
To help you decide whether the fund is appropriate for you, this section takes
a closer look at its investment objectives and program.
___________________________________________________________________________
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE FUND'S INCOME WILL BE EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME
TAXES, AND ITS PRINCIPAL EXEMPT FROM THE STATE'S INTANGIBLE PROPERTY TAX.
What is the fund's objective and investment program?
The fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of income exempt
from federal income taxes while minimizing credit risk by investing primarily
in insured Florida municipal bonds. The fund invests primarily in
high-quality, AAA-rated bonds which are insured as to timely interest and
principal payment. The fund's dollar-weighted average maturity will usually
vary between 5 and 10 years. An investment in the fund is expected to be
exempt from the Florida intangible personal property tax. (For a detailed
discussion of this tax and the fund's eligibility for exemption, please see
"Useful Information on Distributions and Taxes.")
Due to seasonal variations or shortages in the supply of suitable Florida
securities, and when deemed by T. Rowe Price to be in the fund's best
interest, the fund may invest up to 35% of its net assets in a fiscal year in
municipal securities that are not exempt from the Florida intangible property
tax. Every effort will be made to minimize such investments.
___________________________________________________________________________
AT ITS DISCRETION, THE FUND MAY RETAIN A SECURITY WHOSE CREDIT QUALITY IS
DOWNGRADED AFTER PURCHASE.
What are the fund's credit quality guidelines?
At least 65% of total assets will consist of insured Florida municipal bonds
carrying the highest credit rating (e.g., AAA) from a national rating
organization, (Standard & Poor's Corporation, Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
or a similar service). The fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in
high-quality municipal securities rated AA (Aa) or higher, or, if unrated,
believed to be of a comparable quality. Up to 5% of the fund's assets may be
invested in upper-medium-quality, A-rated bonds. The fund will not invest in
any bond rated below A at the time of purchase.
The insured bonds purchased by the fund will, at the time of purchase, carry
the highest credit rating available from a national rating agency. Insurance,
which is provided by private (nongovernmental) insurers, guarantees the timely
payment of principal and interest on the insured bond, not their market value
or the value of the fund's shares.
___________________________________________________________________________
A MORE DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THESE AND OTHER RISK CONSIDERATIONS IS CONTAINED
IN THE FUND'S STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
What are the main risks of investing in municipal bond funds?
The fund's intermediate-term maturity structure should help reduce interest
rate risk because shorter-term bonds are less sensitive to rising interest
rates than long-term bonds. There is, however, no limitation on the maturity
of individual securities in the fund's portfolio. Credit risk should be
reduced by the extra protection provided by municipal bond insurance. (For
more discussion of municipal bond insurance, please see "Investment Policies
and Practices.")
The potential for realizing a loss of principal in a bond fund could derive
from:
o Interest rate or market risk: the decline in fixed-income securities and
funds that may accompany a rise in the overall level of interest rates
(please see Table 4).
o Credit risk: the chance that any of a fund's holdings will have its
credit rating downgraded or will default (fail to make scheduled interest
and principal payments), potentially reducing the fund's income level
and/or share price.
o Political risk: the chance that a significant restructuring of federal
income tax rates, or even serious discussion on the topic in Congress,
could cause municipal bond prices to fall. The demand for municipal bonds
is strongly influenced by the value of tax exempt income to investors.
Broadly lower tax rates could reduce the advantage of owning municipal
bonds.
o Geographical: the chance of price declines resulting from developments in
a single state.
___________________________________________________________________________
SIGNIFICANT POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN A STATE MAY HAVE
REPERCUSSIONS, DIRECT AND INDIRECT, ON VIRTUALLY ALL MUNICIPAL BONDS ISSUED IN
THE STATE.
What are the particular risks associated with single-state funds versus those
that invest nationally?
A fund investing within a single state is, by definition, less diversified
geographically than one investing across many states. The risk arises from the
fund's greater exposure to that state's economy and politics, factors that
loom large in establishing the credit quality of bonds issued by the state and
its political subdivisions. For example, general obligation bonds of a state
or locality that has a high income level, reasonable debt levels, and a
positive long-term outlook should have a higher credit rating than those of a
state without those attributes.
Of course, many municipal bonds are not general obligations backed by the
state's "full faith and credit" (its full taxing and revenue raising
resources) and may not rely on any government for money to service their debt.
Bonds issued by governmental authorities may depend wholly on revenues
generated by the project they financed or on other dedicated revenue streams.
The credit quality of these "revenue" bonds may vary significantly from that
of the state's general obligations.
How does T. Rowe Price try to reduce risk?
Consistent with the fund's objective, the portfolio manager actively manages
the fund in an effort to minimize risk and increase total return. Risk
management tools include:
o diversification of assets to reduce the impact of a single holding on the
fund's net asset value;
o thorough credit research by our own analysts; and
o adjustments in the fund's duration to try to reduce the negative impact
of rising interest rates or take advantage of the favorable effects of
falling rates. Depending on market outlook, the investment manager may
shorten or lengthen the fund's average effective maturity and duration
within the ranges and guidelines established in this prospectus.
___________________________________________________________________________
CREDIT RATINGS AND THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF THE STATE, LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS, PUBLIC AUTHORITIES, AND OTHERS IN WHICH THE FUND MAY INVEST ARE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.
What is the credit quality of Florida general obligations?
The major rating agencies (Moody's, Standard & Poor's, and Fitch) have
assigned a double-A rating to Florida general obligations as of June 1, 1995.
The Florida Constitution and Statutes mandate that the state budget be kept in
balance. The state's revenue structure is narrowly based, relying heavily on
the sales and use tax. Florida's financial performance has improved over the
last several years supported by above average economic growth. However, the
demand for governmental services will continue to grow because of population
growth and state demographics.
___________________________________________________________________________
THE SHARE PRICE AND YIELD OF THE FUND WILL FLUCTUATE WITH CHANGING MARKET
CONDITIONS AND INTEREST RATE LEVELS. WHEN YOU SELL YOUR SHARES, YOU MAY LOSE
MONEY.
What about the quality of the fund's other holdings?
In addition to the state's general obligations, the fund will invest a
substantial portion of its assets in bonds that are rated according to the
issuer's individual creditworthiness, such as bonds of local governments and
public authorities. While local governments in Florida depend principally on
their own revenue sources, they could experience budget shortfalls due to
cutbacks in state aid.
The fund may invest in certain sectors with special risks, for example health
care, which could be affected by federal or state legislation, electric
utilities with exposure to nuclear power plants, and private activity bonds
without governmental backing.
The fund sometimes invests in obligations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
and its public corporations that are exempt from federal taxes. These
investments require careful assessment of certain risk factors, including
reliance on substantial federal assistance and favorable tax programs. As of
June 1, 1995, Puerto Rico general obligations were rated Baa1 by Moody's and A
by Standard & Poor's.
What are derivatives and can the fund invest in them?
The term derivative is used to describe financial instruments whose value is
derived from an underlying security (e.g., a stock or bond) or a market
benchmark (e.g., an interest rate index). Many types of investments
representing a wide range of potential risks and rewards fall under the
"derivatives" umbrella-from conventional instruments such as callable bonds,
futures and options, to more exotic investments such as stripped mortgage
securities and structured notes. While it was only recently that the term
derivative has become widely known among the investing public, derivatives
have in fact been employed by investment managers for many years. The fund
will invest in derivatives only if the expected risks and rewards are
consistent with its objective, policies, and overall risk profile as described
in this prospectus. Accordingly, the fund will not invest in any high risk,
highly leveraged derivative instrument which is expected to cause the price
volatility of the portfolio to be meaningfully different than that of an
intermediate-term investment-grade bond. The fund limits its use of
derivatives to situations in which they may enable the fund to: increase
yield; hedge against a decline in principal value; invest in eligible asset
classes with greater efficiency and lower cost than is possible through direct
investment; or adjust duration.
Who issues municipal securities?
State and local governments and governmental authorities sell notes and bonds
(usually called "municipals") to pay for public projects and services.
__________________________________________________________________________
THESE ARE SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES.
Who buys municipal securities?
Individuals are the primary investors, and a principal way they invest is
through mutual funds. Prices of municipals may be affected by major changes in
flows of money into or out of municipal funds. For example, substantial and
sustained redemptions from municipal bond funds could result in lower prices
for these securities.
___________________________________________________________________________
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES ARE ALSO CALLED "TAX-EXEMPTS" BECAUSE THE INTEREST INCOME
THEY PROVIDE IS USUALLY EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAXES.
Is interest income from municipal issues always exempt from federal taxes?
No. For example, since 1986, income from so-called "private activity"
municipals has been subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT). For
instance, some bonds financing airports, stadiums, and student loan programs
fall into this category. Shareholders subject to the AMT must include income
derived from private activity bonds in their AMT calculation. Relatively few
taxpayers are required to pay the tax. Normally, the funds will not purchase
any security if as a result, more than 20% of the fund's income would be
subject to the AMT. The fund will report annually to shareholders the portion
of income, if any, subject to AMT. (Please see "Distributions and Taxes-Taxes
on Fund Distributions.")
Why are yields on municipals usually below those on otherwise comparable
taxable securities?
Since the income provided by most municipals is exempt from federal taxation,
investors are willing to accept lower yields on a municipal bond than on an
otherwise similar taxable bond. In addition, Florida investors may accept a
lower yield on Florida securities because their principal is exempt from the
Florida intangibles personal property tax.
Why are yields on Florida bonds often below those of comparable issues from
other states?
Strong demand for Florida securities tends to push their prices up and yields
down.
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YOU MAY WANT TO REVIEW SOME FUNDAMENTALS THAT APPLY TO ALL FIXED-INCOME
INVESTMENTS.
Is the fund's yield fixed or will it vary?
It will vary. The yield is calculated every day by dividing a fund's net
income per share, expressed at annual rates, by the share price. Since both
income and share price will fluctuate, a fund's yield will also vary.
Is a fund's "yield" the same thing as the "total return"?
Not for bond funds. Your total return is the result of reinvested income and
the change in share price for a given time period. Income is always a positive
contributor to total return and can enhance a rise in share price or serve as
an offset to a drop in share price.
What is "credit quality" and how does it affect a fund's yield?
Credit quality refers to a bond issuer's expected ability to make all required
interest and principal payments in a timely manner. Because highly rated bond
issuers represent less risk, they can borrow at lower interest rates than less
creditworthy issuers. Therefore, a fund investing in high-quality securities
should have a lower yield than an otherwise comparable fund investing in lower
credit quality securities.
What is meant by a bond's or bond fund's maturity?
Every bond has a stated maturity date when the issuer must repay the
security's entire principal value to the investor. Some types of bonds may
also have an "effective maturity" that is shorter than the stated date. Many
corporate and municipal bonds are "callable," meaning the principal can be
repaid before their stated maturity dates on (or after) specified call dates.
Bonds are most likely to be called when interest rates are falling, because
the issuer wants to refinance at a lower rate. In such an environment, a
bond's "effective maturity" is usually its nearest call date.
A bond mutual fund has no maturity in the strict sense of the word, but does
have a dollar-weighted average maturity. This number is an average of the
stated maturities of the underlying bonds, with each maturity "weighted" by
the percentage of fund assets it represents. Funds that target effective
maturities would use the effective (rather than stated) maturities of the
underlying instruments when computing the average. Targeting effective
maturity provides additional flexibility in portfolio management but, all else
being equal, could result in higher volatility than a fund targeting a stated
maturity or maturity range.
What is meant by a bond's or bond fund's "duration"?
Duration is the time-weighted value of discounted future interest and
principal payments expressed in years. It measures bond price sensitivity to
interest rate changes more accurately than maturity because it takes into
account the time value of cash flows generated over the bond's life. Future
interest and principal payments are discounted to reflect their present value
and then are multiplied by the number of years they will be received to
produce a value that is expressed in years, i.e., the duration. Effective
duration takes into account call features and sinking fund payments which may
shorten a bond's life.
Since duration can also be computed for bond funds, you can estimate the
effect of interest rates on a bond fund's share price. Simply multiply the
fund's duration (available for T. Rowe Price bond funds in our shareholder
reports) by an expected change in interest rates. For example, the price of a
bond fund with a duration of five years would be expected to fall
approximately 5% if rates rose by one percentage point.
How is a municipal's price affected by changes in interest rates?
When interest rates rise, a municipal's price usually falls, and vice versa.
___________________________________________________________________________
IN GENERAL, THE LONGER THE BOND'S MATURITY, THE GREATER THE PRICE INCREASE OR
DECREASE IN RESPONSE TO A GIVEN CHANGE IN INTEREST RATES, AS SHOWN IN THE
TABLE TO THE RIGHT.
________________________________________________________________________
How Interest Rates Affect Bond Prices
Bond Coupon Price Per $1,000 of
Maturity Bond Face Value if Interest Rates
Increase Decrease
1% 2% 1% 2%
________________________________________________________________________
1 Year 4.30% $990 $981 $1,010 $1,020
________________________________________________________________
5 Years 4.90 957 917 1,045 1,092
________________________________________________________________
10 Years 5.35 927 860 1,080 1,169
________________________________________________________________
20 Years 5.95 893 801 1,126 1,275
________________________________________________________________
30 Years 6.00 875 774 1,155 1,348
________________________________________________________________
Table 4 Coupons reflect yields on AAA-rated municipals
as of April 30, 1995. This is an illustration
and does not represent expected yields or share
price changes of any T. Rowe Price fund.
___________________________________________________________________________
THE FUND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS A COMPLETE INVESTMENT PROGRAM, NOR BE
USED FOR SHORT-TERM TRADING PURPOSES.
Is there additional information about the fund to help me make a decision?
You should review the investment policies and practices section which
discusses the following: Types of Portfolio Securities (municipal securities,
private activity bonds, municipal lease obligations, municipal warrants,
securities with "puts" or other demand features, securities with credit
enhancements, synthetic or derivative securities, and private placements);
Types of Management Practices (cash position, when-issued securities and
forwards, interest rate futures, borrowing money and transferring assets,
portfolio turnover, sector concentration, and credit quality considerations)
2 ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
Pricing Shares and Receiving Sale Proceeds
Here are some procedures you should know when investing in a fund. This
section applies to all T. Rowe Price tax-free bond and money funds.
___________________________________________________________________________
THE VARIOUS WAYS YOU CAN BUY, SELL, AND EXCHANGE SHARES ARE EXPLAINED AT THE
END OF THIS PROSPECTUS AND ON THE NEW ACCOUNT FORM. THESE PROCEDURES MAY
DIFFER FOR INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTS.
How and When Shares Are Priced
Bond and money funds. The share price (also called "net asset value" or NAV
per share) for each fund is calculated at 4 p.m. ET each day the New York
Stock Exchange is open for business. To calculate the NAV, a fund's assets are
valued and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance, called net
assets, is divided by the number of shares outstanding.
Money fund NAVs, which are managed to remain at $1.00, are calculated at noon
ET each day as well as 4 p.m. Amortized cost or amortized market value is used
to value money fund securities that mature in 60 days or less.
How your purchase, sale, or exchange price is determined
If we receive your request in correct form before 4 p.m. ET, your transaction
will be priced at that day's NAV. If we receive it after 4 p.m., it will be
priced at the next business day's NAV.
We cannot accept orders that request a particular day or price for your
transaction or any other special conditions.
___________________________________________________________________________
WHEN FILLING OUT THE NEW ACCOUNT FORM, YOU MAY WISH TO GIVE YOURSELF THE
WIDEST RANGE OF OPTIONS FOR RECEIVING PROCEEDS FROM A SALE.
Note: The time at which transactions are priced and the time until which
orders are accepted may be changed in case of an emergency or if the New York
Stock Exchange closes at a time other than 4 p.m. ET.
How you can receive the proceeds from a sale
If your request is received by 4 p.m. ET in correct form, proceeds are usually
sent on the next business day. Proceeds can be sent to you by mail, or to your
bank account by ACH transfer or bank wire. Proceeds sent by ACH transfer
should be credited the second day after the sale. ACH (Automated Clearing
House) is an automated method of initiating payments from and receiving
payments in your financial institution account. ACH is a payment system
supported by over 20,000 banks, savings banks, and credit unions, which
electronically exchange the transactions primarily through the Federal Reserve
Banks. Proceeds sent by bank wire should be credited to your account the next
business day.
___________________________________________________________________________
IF FOR SOME REASON WE CANNOT ACCEPT YOUR REQUEST TO SELL SHARES, WE WILL
CONTACT YOU.
Exception:
o Under certain circumstances and when deemed to be in the fund's best
interests, your proceeds may not be sent for up to five business days
after receiving your sale or exchange request. If you were exchanging
into a bond or money fund, your new investment would not begin to earn
dividends until the sixth business day.
Useful Information on Distributions and Taxes
The fund distributes all net investment income and realized capital gains to
shareholders.
Dividends and Other Distributions
Dividend and capital gain distributions are reinvested in additional fund
shares in your account unless you select another option on your New Account
Form. The advantage of reinvesting distributions arises from compounding; that
is, you receive interest and capital gain distributions on a rising number of
shares.
Dividends not reinvested are paid by check or transmitted to your bank account
via ACH. If the Post Office cannot deliver your check, or if your check
remains uncashed for six months, the fund reserves the right to reinvest your
distribution check in your account at the then current NAV and to reinvest all
subsequent distributions in shares of the fund.
Income dividends
o Bond funds declare income dividends daily at 4 p.m. ET to shareholders of
record at that time provided payment has been received on the previous
business day.
o Money funds declare income dividends daily at noon ET to shareholders of
record at that time provided payment has been received by that time.
o Bond and money funds pay dividends on the last business day of each
month.
o Bond and money fund shares will earn dividends through the date of
redemption; shares redeemed on a Friday or prior to a holiday will
continue to earn dividends until the next business day. Generally, if you
redeem all of your shares at any time during the month, you will also
receive all dividends earned through the date of redemption in the same
check. When you redeem only a portion of your shares, all dividends
accrued on those shares will be reinvested, or paid in cash, on the next
dividend payment date.
Capital gains
o A capital gain or loss is the difference between the purchase and sale
price of a security.
o If the fund has net capital gains for the year (after subtracting any
capital losses), they are usually declared in December to shareholders of
record on a specified date that month. If a second distribution is
necessary, it is usually declared and paid during the first quarter of
the following year.
__________________________________________________________________________
T. ROWE PRICE SENDS TIMELY INFORMATION FOR YOUR TAX FILING NEEDS.
Tax Information
Although the regularly monthly income dividends you receive from the fund are
expected to be exempt from federal and state and local (if any) income taxes,
you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:
o you sell fund shares, including an exchange from one fund to another, or
o the fund makes a short- and/or long-term capital gain distribution to
your account.
Due to 1993 tax legislation, a portion of the capital gains realized on the
sale of market discount bonds with maturities beyond one year may be treated
as ordinary income and cannot be offset by other capital losses. Therefore, to
the extent the fund invests in these securities, the likelihood of a taxable
gain distribution will be increased.
Note: You must report your total tax-exempt income on IRS Form 1040. The IRS
uses this information to help determine the tax status of any social security
payments you may have received during the year.
Taxes on fund redemptions. When you sell shares in any fund, you may realize a
gain or loss. An exchange from one fund to another is still a sale for tax
purposes. If you realize a loss on the sale or exchange of fund shares held
six months or less, your capital loss is reduced by the tax-exempt dividends
received on those shares.
In January, the funds will send you Form 1099-B, indicating the date and
amount of each sale you made during the prior year. This information will also
be reported to the IRS. For accounts opened new or by exchange in 1983 or
later, we will provide you the gain or loss of the shares you sold during the
year based on the "average cost" method. This information is not reported to
the IRS, and you do not have to use it. You may calculate the cost basis using
other methods acceptable to the IRS, such as "specific identification."
To help you maintain accurate records, we send you a confirmation immediately
following each transaction (except for systematic purchases and redemptions)
and a year-end statement detailing all your transactions in each fund account
during the year.
___________________________________________________________________________
CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS ARE TAXABLE WHETHER REINVESTED IN ADDITIONAL SHARES
OR RECEIVED IN CASH.
Taxes on fund distributions. In January, the funds will send you Form 1099-DIV
indicating the tax status of any capital gain distribution made to you. This
information will also be reported to the IRS. All capital gain distributions
are taxable to you for the year in which they were paid. The only exception is
that distributions declared during the last three months of the year and paid
in January are taxed as though they were paid by December 31. Dividends are
expected to be tax-exempt.
Short-term capital gain distributions are taxable as ordinary income and
long-term gain distributions are taxable at the applicable long-term gain
rate. The gain is long-term or short-term depending on how long the fund held
the securities, not how long you held shares in the fund. If you realize a
loss on the sale or exchange of fund shares held six months or less,
your short-term loss recognized is reclassified to long-term to the extent of
any capital gain distribution received.
If the funds invest in certain "private activity" bonds, shareholders who are
subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT) must include income generated by
these bonds in their AMT computation. The portion of your fund's income which
should be included in your AMT calculation, if any, will be reported to you in
January.
Tax effect of buying shares before a capital gain distribution. If you buy
shares shortly before or on the "record date"-the date that establishes you as
the person to receive the upcoming distribution-you will receive, in the form
of a taxable distribution, a portion of the money you just invested.
Therefore, you may wish to find out a fund's record date(s) before investing.
Of course, a fund's share price may, at any time, reflect undistributed
capital gains or unrealized appreciation.
Intangibles Tax. Although Florida does not have a state income tax, it does
impose an intangible property tax that applies to shares of mutual funds.
However, a fund that is invested solely in Florida municipal obligations, U.S.
government obligations, and certain other designated securities on January 1
is exempt from the intangibles tax. If a fund's portfolio is not 100% invested
in these exempt securities on January 1, the exemption applies only to the
portion of assets (if any) invested in U.S. government obligations.
The fund will make every effort to have its portfolio invested exclusively in
exempt securities on January 1 and, therefore, expects that the value of all
fund shares will be exempt from the intangibles tax. Nevertheless, exemption
is not guaranteed, since the fund has the right under certain conditions to
invest in non-exempt securities.
Note: For shareholders who receive Social Security benefits, the receipt of
tax-exempt interest may increase the portion of benefits that are subject to
tax.
__________________________________________________________________________
FOLLOWING THESE PROCEDURES HELPS ASSURE TIMELY AND ACCURATE TRANSACTIONS.
Transaction Procedures and Special Requirements
Purchase Conditions
Nonpayment. If your payment is not received or you pay with a check or ACH
transfer that does not clear, your purchase will be cancelled. You will be
responsible for any losses or expenses incurred by the fund or transfer agent,
and the fund can redeem shares you own in this or another identically
registered T. Rowe Price fund as reimbursement. The fund and its agents have
the right to reject or cancel any purchase, exchange, or redemption due to
nonpayment.
U.S. dollars. All purchases must be paid for in U.S. dollars; checks must be
drawn on U.S. banks.
Sale (Redemption) Conditions
10-day hold. If you sell shares that you just purchased and paid for by check
or ACH transfer, the fund will process your redemption but will generally
delay sending you the proceeds for up to 10 calendar days to allow the check
or transfer to clear. If your redemption request was sent by mail or mailgram,
proceeds will be mailed no later than the seventh calendar day following
receipt unless the check or ACH transfer has not cleared. If, during the
clearing period, we receive a check drawn against your bond or money market
account, it will be returned marked "uncollected." (The 10-day hold does not
apply to purchases paid for by: bank wire; cashier's, certified, or
treasurer's checks; or automatic purchases through your paycheck.)
Telephone, Tele*Access', and PC*Access' transactions. These exchange and
redemption services are established automatically when you sign the New
Account Form unless you check the box that states that you do not want these
services. The fund uses reasonable procedures (including shareholder identity
verification) to confirm that instructions given by telephone are genuine and
is not liable for acting on these instructions. If these procedures are not
followed, it is the opinion of certain regulatory agencies that the fund may
be liable for any losses that may result from acting on the instructions
given. All conversations are recorded, and a confirmation is sent promptly
after the telephone transaction.
Redemptions over $250,000. Large sales can adversely affect a portfolio
manager's ability to implement a fund's investment strategy by causing the
premature sale of securities that would otherwise be held. If in any 90-day
period you redeem (sell) more than $250,000, or your sale amounts to more than
1% of the fund's net assets, the fund has the right to delay sending your
proceeds for up to five business days after receiving your request, or to pay
the difference between the redemption amount and the lesser of the two
previously mentioned figures with securities from the fund.
__________________________________________________________________________
T. ROWE PRICE MAY BAR EXCESSIVE TRADERS FROM PURCHASING SHARES.
Excessive Trading
Frequent trades involving either substantial fund assets, or a substantial
portion of your account or accounts controlled by you, can disrupt management
of the fund and raise its expenses. We define "excessive trading" as exceeding
one purchase and sale involving the same fund within any 120-day period.
For example, you are in fund A. You can move substantial assets from fund A to
fund B and, within the next 120 days, sell your shares in fund B to return to
fund A or move to fund C.
If you exceed the number of trades described above, you may be barred
indefinitely from further purchases of T. Rowe Price funds.
Three types of transactions are exempt from excessive trading guidelines: (1)
trades solely between money market funds, (2) redemptions that are not part of
exchanges, and (3) systematic purchases or redemptions (see "Shareholder
Services").
Keeping Your Account Open
Due to the relatively high cost to the fund of maintaining small accounts, we
ask you to maintain an account balance of at least $1,000. If your balance is
below $1,000 for three months or longer, the fund has the right to close your
account after giving you 60 days in which to increase your balance.
___________________________________________________________________________
A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT YOU AND THE FUND FROM FRAUD BY
VERIFYING YOUR SIGNATURE.
Signature Guarantees
You may need to have your signature guaranteed in certain situations, such as:
o Written requests 1) to redeem over $50,000 or 2) to wire redemption
proceeds.
o Remitting redemption proceeds to any person, address, or bank account not
on record.
o Transferring redemption proceeds to a T. Rowe Price fund account with a
different registration from yours.
o Establishing certain services after the account is opened.
You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks, savings institutions,
broker/dealers and other guarantors acceptable to T. Rowe Price. We cannot
accept guarantees from notaries public or organizations that do not provide
reimbursement in the case of fraud.
3 MORE ABOUT THE FUND
Organization and Management
___________________________________________________________________________
SHAREHOLDERS BENEFIT FROM T. ROWE PRICE'S 58 YEARS OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
EXPERIENCE.
How is the fund organized?
The T. Rowe Price State Tax-Free Income Trust was organized in 1986 as a
Massachusetts business trust and is "nondiversified, open-end investment
company," or mutual fund. This fund was organized in 1993. Mutual funds pool
money received from shareholders and invest it to try to achieve specified
objectives.
What is meant by "shares"?
As with all mutual funds, investors purchase "shares" when they invest in the
fund. These shares are part of the fund's authorized capital stock, but share
certificates are not issued.
Each share and fractional share entitles the shareholder to:
o receive a proportional interest in the fund's income and capital gain
distributions;
o cast one vote per share on certain fund matters, including the election
of fund trustees, changes in fundamental policies, or approval of changes
in a fund's management contract.
Does the fund have an annual shareholder meeting?
The fund is not required to hold annual meetings and does not intend to do so
except when certain matters, such as a change in the fund's fundamental
policies, are to be decided. In addition, shareholders representing at least
10% of all eligible votes may call a special meeting if they wish for the
purpose of voting on the removal of any fund trustee(s). If a meeting is held
and you cannot attend, you can vote by proxy. Before the meeting, the fund
will send you proxy materials that explain the issues to be decided and
include a voting card for you to mail back.
___________________________________________________________________________
ALL DECISIONS REGARDING THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND INVESTMENTS ARE MADE BY
T. ROWE PRICE-SPECIFICALLY BY THE FUND'S PORTFOLIO MANAGERS.
Who runs the fund?
General Oversight. The fund is governed by a Board of Trustees that meets
regularly to review the fund's investments, performance, expenses, and other
business affairs. The Board elects the fund's officers. The policy of the fund
is that a majority of Board members will be independent of T. Rowe Price.
Portfolio Management. The fund has an Investment Advisory Committee, composed
of the following members: William T. Reynolds, Chairman, Michael P. Buckley,
Patricia S. Deford, Charles B. Hill, Konstantine B. Mallas, Laura L. McAree,
Mary J. Miller, and William F. Snider, Jr. The Committee Chairman has
day-to-day responsibility for managing the portfolio and works with the
Committee in developing and executing the fund's investment program. Mr.
Reynolds has been Chairman of the fund's Committee since the fund's inception
in 1993. He joined T. Rowe Price in 1981, and has been managing investments
since 1978.
Marketing. T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary
of T. Rowe Price, distributes (sells) shares of this and all other T. Rowe
Price funds.
Shareholder Services. T. Rowe Price Services, Inc., another wholly owned
subsidiary, acts as the fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent and
provides shareholder and administrative services.The address for T. Rowe Price
Investment Services, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Services, Inc. is 100 East Pratt
St., Baltimore, MD 21202.
__________________________________________________________________________
THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT SPELLS OUT THE EXPENSES TO BE PAID BY THE FUND.
How are fund expenses determined?
In addition to the management fee, the fund pays for the following:
shareholder service expenses; custodial, accounting, legal, and audit fees;
costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and reports sent to shareholders;
registration fees and expenses; proxy and annual meeting expenses (if any);
and director/trustee fees and expenses.
The Management Fee. This fee has two parts-an "individual fund fee" (discussed
under "Transaction and Fund Expenses"), which reflects the fund's particular
investment management costs, and a "group fee." The group fee, which is
designed to reflect the benefits of the shared resources of the T. Rowe Price
investment management complex, is calculated daily based on the combined net
assets of all T. Rowe Price funds (except Equity Index and the Spectrum Funds
and any institutional or private label mutual funds). The group fee schedule
(shown below) is graduated, declining as the asset total rises, so
shareholders benefit from the overall growth in mutual fund assets.
0.480% First $1 billion
0.450% Next $1 billion
0.420% Next $1 billion
0.390% Next $1 billion
0.370% Next $1 billion
0.360% Next $2 billion
0.350% Next $2 billion
0.340% Next $5 billion
0.330% Next $10 billion
0.320% Next $10 billion
0.310% Thereafter
The fund's portion of the group fee is determined by the ratio of its daily
net assets to the daily net assets of all the Price funds as described above.
Based on combined Price funds' assets of approximately $38 billion at April
30, 1995, the Group Fee was 0.34%.
___________________________________________________________________________
TOTAL RETURN IS THE MOST WIDELY USED PERFORMANCE MEASURE. DETAILED PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION IS INCLUDED IN THE FUND'S ANNUAL REPORT AND QUARTERLY SHAREHOLDER
REPORTS.
Understanding Performance Information
This section should help you understand the terms used to describe the fund's
performance. You will come across them in shareholder reports you receive from
us four times a year, in our newsletter, Insights, in reports, in T. Rowe
Price advertisements, and in the media.
Total Return
This tells you how much an investment in the fund has changed in value over a
given time period. It reflects any net increase or decrease in the share price
and assumes that all dividends and capital gains (if any) paid during the
period were reinvested in additional shares. Including reinvested
distributions means that total return numbers include the effect of
compounding, i.e., you receive income and capital gain distributions on a
rising number of shares.
Advertisements for the fund may include cumulative or compound average annual
total return figures, which may be compared with various indices, other
performance measures, or other mutual funds.
Cumulative Total Return
This is the actual rate of return on an investment for a specified period. A
cumulative return does not indicate how much the value of the investment may
have fluctuated between the beginning and the end of the period specified.
Average Annual Total Return
This is always hypothetical. Working backward from the actual cumulative
return, it tells you what constant year-by-year return would have produced the
actual, cumulative return. By smoothing out all the variations in annual
performance, it gives you an idea of the investment's annual contribution to
your portfolio provided you held it for the entire period in question.
Yield
You will see frequent references to the fund's yields in our reports, in
advertisements, in media stories, and so on.
The current or "dividend yield" on the fund or any investment tells you the
relationship between the investment's current level of annual income and its
price on a particular day. The dividend yield reflects the actual income paid
to shareholders for a given period, annualized, and divided by the average
price during the given period. For example, a fund providing $5 of annual
income per share and a price of $50 has a current yield of 10%. Yields can be
calculated for any time period.
The advertised or "SEC yield" is found by determining the net income per share
(as defined by the SEC) earned by the fund during a 30-day base period and
dividing this amount by the per share price on the last day of the base
period. The "SEC yield" may differ from the dividend yield.
Investment Policies and Practices
This section takes a detailed look at some of the types of securities the fund
may hold in its portfolio and the various kinds of investment practices that
may be used in day-to-day portfolio management. The fund's investment program
is subject to further restrictions and risks described in the "Statement of
Additional Information."
___________________________________________________________________________
FUND MANAGERS HAVE CONSIDERABLE LEEWAY IN CHOOSING INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND
SELECTING SECURITIES THEY BELIEVE WILL HELP THE FUND ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVE.
Shareholder approval is required to substantively change the fund's objective
and certain investment restrictions noted in the following section as
"fundamental policies." The managers also follow certain "operating policies"
which can be changed without shareholder approval. However, significant
changes are discussed with shareholders in fund reports. The fund adheres to
applicable investment restrictions and policies at the time it makes an
investment. A later change in circumstances will not require the sale of an
investment if it was proper at the time it was made.
The fund's holdings of certain kinds of investments cannot exceed maximum
percentages of total assets, which are set forth herein. For instance, this
fund is not permitted to invest more than 10% of total assets in residual
interest bonds. While these restrictions provide a useful level of detail
about the fund's investment program, investors should not view them as an
accurate gauge of the potential risk of such investments. For example, in a
given period, a 5% investment in residual interest bonds could have
significantly more than a 5% impact on the fund's share price. The net effect
of a particular investment depends on its volatility and the size of its
overall return in relation to the performance of all the fund's other
investments.
Changes in the fund's holdings, the fund's performance, and the contribution
of various investments are discussed in the shareholder reports sent to you.
Types of Portfolio Securities
In seeking to meet its investment objective, the fund may invest in any type
of municipal security or instrument (including certain potentially high-risk
derivatives) whose yield, credit quality, and maturity characteristics are
consistent with the funds' investment programs. These and some of the other
investment techniques the fund may use are described in the following pages.
Fundamental policy: The fund is registered as a nondiversified mutual fund.
This means that the fund may invest a greater portion of its assets in a
single issuer than a diversified fund which may subject the fund to greater
risk with respect to its portfolio securities. However, because the fund
intends to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal
Revenue Code, it must invest so that, at the end of each quarter, with respect
to 50% of its total assets, not more than 5% of its assets are invested in the
securities of a single issuer, and with respect to the remaining 50%, no more
than 25% of fund assets are invested in a single issuer.
___________________________________________________________________________
IN PURCHASING MUNICIPALS, THE FUND RELIES ON THE OPINION OF THE ISSUER'S BOND
COUNSEL REGARDING THE TAX-EXEMPT STATUS OF THE INVESTMENT.
Municipal Securities. The fund's assets are invested primarily in various
tax-free municipal debt securities. The issuers have a contractual obligation
to pay interest at a stated rate on specific dates and to repay principal (the
bond's face value) on a specified date or dates. An issuer may have the right
to redeem or "call" a bond before maturity, and the investor may have to
reinvest the proceeds at lower rates.
There are two broad categories of municipal bonds. General obligation bonds
are backed by the issuer's "full faith and credit," that is, its full taxing
and revenue raising power. Revenue bonds usually rely exclusively on a
specific revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service, to
generate money for debt service.
Private Activity Bonds. While income from most municipals is exempt from
federal income taxes, the income from certain types of so-called private
activity bonds (a type of revenue bond) may be subject to the alternative
minimum tax (AMT). However, only persons subject to AMT pay this tax. Private
activity bonds may be issued for purposes such as housing or airports or to
benefit a private company. (Being subject to the AMT does not mean the
investor necessarily pays this tax. For further information, please see
"Distributions and Taxes.")
Fundamental policy: Under normal market conditions, the fund will not purchase
any security if, as a result, less than 80% of the fund's income would be
exempt from federal income taxes. The income included under the 80% test does
not include income from securities subject to the alternative minimum tax.
Operating policy: During periods of abnormal market conditions, for temporary
defensive purposes, the fund may invest without limit in high-quality,
short-term securities whose income is subject to federal, state, and/or local
income tax.
In addition to general obligation and revenue bonds, the fund's investments
may include, but are not limited to, the following types of securities:
Municipal Lease Obligations. A lease is not a full faith and credit obligation
of the issuer and is usually backed only by the borrowing government's
unsecured pledge to make annual appropriation for lease payments. There have
been challenges to the legality of lease financing in numerous states and,
from time to time, certain municipalities have considered not appropriating
money to make lease payments. In deciding whether to purchase a lease
obligation, the fund would assess the financial condition of the borrower, the
merits of the project, the level of public support for the project, and the
legislative history of lease financing in the state. These securities may be
less readily marketable than other municipals. The fund may also purchase
unrated lease-obligations. Based on information supplied by T. Rowe Price, the
fund's Board of Trustees will periodically review the credit quality of
non-rated leases and assess the likelihood of their being cancelled.
Operating policy: The fund may invest no more than 20% of its total assets in
lease obligations.
Municipal Warrants. Municipal warrants are essentially call options on
municipal bonds. In exchange for a premium, they give the purchaser the right,
but not the obligation, to purchase a municipal bond in the future. The fund
might purchase a warrant to lock in forward supply in an environment where the
current issuance of bonds is sharply reduced. Like options, warrants may
expire worthless and they may have reduced liquidity.
Operating policy: The fund will not invest more than 2% of its total assets in
municipal warrants.
Securities with "Puts" or other Demand Features. Some longer-term municipals
give the investor the right to "put" or sell the security at par (face value)
within a specified number of days following the investor's request-usually one
to seven days. This demand feature enhances a security's liquidity by
dramatically shortening its effective maturity and enables it to trade at a
price equal to or very close to par. If the demand feature were terminated
prior to being exercised, the fund would hold the longer-term security.
Securities with Credit Enhancements.
o Letters of Credit. Letters of credit are issued by a third party, usually
a bank, to enhance liquidity and/or ensure repayment of principal and any
accrued interest if the underlying municipal security should default.
o Municipal Bond Insurance. This insurance, which is usually purchased by
the bond issuer from a private, nongovernmental insurance company,
provides an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee that the insured
bond's principal and interest will be paid when due. Insurance does not
guarantee the price of a bond or the share price of any fund. The credit
rating of an insured bond reflects the credit rating of the insurer,
based on its claims-paying ability.
T. Rowe Price periodically reviews the credit quality of the insurer.
The obligation of a municipal bond insurance company to pay a claim extends
over the life of each insured bond. Although defaults on insured municipal
bonds have been low to date and municipal bond insurers have met these claims,
there is no assurance this will continue. A higher than expected default rate
could strain the insurer's loss reserves and adversely affect its ability to
pay claims to bondholders, such as the fund. The number of municipal bond
insurers is relatively small, and not all of them have the highest rating.
o Standby Repurchase Agreements. A Standby Bond Purchase Agreement (SBPA)
is a liquidity facility provided to pay the purchase price of bonds that
cannot be remarketed. The obligation of the liquidity provider (usually a
bank) is only to advance funds to purchase tendered bonds which cannot be
remarketed and does not cover principal or interest under any other
circumstances. The liquidity provider's obligations under the SBPA are
usually subject to numerous conditions, including the continued
creditworthiness of the underlying borrower.
Synthetic or Derivative Securities. These securities are created from existing
municipal bonds:
o Residual Interest Bonds (a potentially high-risk derivative). The income
stream provided by an underlying bond is divided to create two
securities, one short-term and one long-term. The interest rate on the
short-term component is reset by an index or auction process normally
every 7 to 35 days. After income is paid on the short-term securities at
current rates, the residual income goes to the long-term securities.
Therefore, rising short-term interest rates result in lower income for
the longer-term portion, and vice versa. The longer-term bonds can be
very volatile and may be less liquid than other municipals of comparable
maturity.
Operating policy: The fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets
in residual interest bonds.
o Participation Interests. This term covers various types of securities
created by converting fixed-rate bonds into short-term, variable rate
certificates. These securities have been developed in the secondary
market to meet the demand for short-term, tax-exempt securities. The fund
will invest only in securities deemed tax-exempt by a nationally
recognized bond counsel, but there is no guarantee the interest will be
exempt because the IRS has not issued a definitive ruling on the matter.
o Embedded Interest Rate Swaps and Caps. In a fixed rate, long-term
municipal bond with an interest rate swap attached to it, the bondholder
usually receives the bond's fixed coupon payment as well as a variable
rate payment that represents the difference between a fixed rate for the
term of the swap (which is typically shorter than the bond it is attached
to) and a variable rate short-term municipal index. The bondholder
receives excess income when short-term rates remain below the fixed
interest rate swap rate. If short-term rates rise above the fixed-income
swap rate, the bondholder's income is reduced. At the end of the interest
rate swap term, the bond reverts to a single fixed coupon payment.
Embedded interest rate swaps enhance yields, but also increase interest
rate risk.
An embedded interest rate cap allows the bondholder to receive payments
whenever short-term rates rise above a level established at the time of
purchase. They normally are used to hedge against rising short-term
interest rates.
Both instruments may be volatile and of limited liquidity and their use
may adversely affect the fund's total return.
Operating policy: The fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets
in embedded interest rate swaps and caps.
Private Placements. The fund may seek to enhance its yield through the
purchase of private placements. These securities are sold through private
negotiations, usually to institutions or mutual funds, and may have resale
restrictions. Their yields are usually higher than comparable public
securities to compensate the investor for their limited marketability.
Operating policy: The fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in
illiquid securities, including unmarketable private placements.
___________________________________________________________________________
CASH RESERVES PROVIDE FLEXIBILITY AND SERVE AS A SHORT-TERM DEFENSE DURING
PERIODS OF UNUSUAL MARKET VOLATILITY.
Types of Management Practices
Cash Position. The fund will hold a portion of its assets in short-term,
tax-exempt money market securities maturing in one year or less. The reserve
position: provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, expenses, and the
timing of new investments; can help in structuring a fund's weighted average
maturity; and serves as a short-term defense during periods of unusual market
volatility. The fund's cash reserve position will be comprised of short-term,
investment-grade securities including tax-exempt commercial paper, municipal
notes, and short-term maturity bonds. Some of these securities may have
adjustable, variable, or floating rates.
When-Issued Securities and Forwards. New issues of municipals are often sold
on a "when-issued" basis, that is, delivery and payment take place 15-45 days
after the buyer has agreed to the purchase. Some bonds, called "forwards,"
have longer than standard settlement dates, in some cases exceeding one to
three years. When buying these securities, the fund identifies cash or
high-grade marketable securities held by its custodian equal in value to its
commitment for these securities. The fund does not earn interest on
when-issued and forward securities until settlement, and the value of the
securities may fluctuate between purchase and settlement. Municipal "forwards"
typically carry a substantial yield premium to compensate the buyer for their
greater interest rate, credit, and liquidity risks.
Interest Rate Futures. Futures (a potentially high-risk derivative) are often
used to manage risk, because they enable the investor to buy or sell an asset
in the future at an agreed upon price. Specifically, the fund may use futures
(and options on futures) to hedge against a potentially unfavorable change in
interest rates and to adjust its exposure to the municipal bond market. The
use of futures for hedging and nonhedging purposes may not always be
successful. Their prices can be highly volatile, using them could lower the
fund's total return, and the potential loss from their use could exceed the
fund's initial investment in such contracts.
Operating policy: Initial margin deposits on futures and premiums on options
used for non-hedging purposes will not equal more than 5% of the fund's net
asset value.
Borrowing Money and Transferring Assets. The fund can borrow money from banks
as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption
requests, or for other proper purposes consistent with the fund's investment
objective and program. Such borrowings may be collateralized with fund assets,
subject to restrictions.
Fundamental policy: Borrowings may not exceed 331/3% of total fund assets.
Operating policy: The fund may not transfer as collateral any portfolio
securities except as necessary in connection with permissible borrowings or
investments and then such transfers may not exceed 331/3% of the fund's total
assets. The fund may not purchase additional securities when borrowings exceed
5% of total assets.
Portfolio Turnover. The fund generally purchases securities with the intention
of holding them for investment, however, when market conditions or other
circumstances warrant, securities may be purchased and sold without regard to
the length of time held. Although the fund does not expect to generate any
taxable income, a high turnover rate may increase transaction costs and may
affect taxes paid by shareholders to the extent short-term gains are
distributed. The fund's portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years ended
February 28, 1995 and 1994, was 140.5% and 70.6%, respectively.
Sector Concentration. It is possible that the fund could have a considerable
amount of assets (25% or more) in securities that would tend to respond
similarly to particular economic or political developments. An example would
be securities of issuers related to a single industry, such as health care or
nuclear energy.
Operating policy: The fund will not invest more than 25% of total assets in
industrial development bonds of projects in the same industry (such as solid
waste, nuclear utility, or airlines). Bonds which are refunded with escrowed
U.S. government securities are not subject to the 25% limitation.
Credit Quality Considerations. The credit quality of most bond issues is
evaluated by rating agencies such as Moody's and Standard & Poor's. Credit
quality refers to the issuer's ability to meet all required interest and
principal payments. The highest ratings are assigned to issuers perceived to
be the best credit risks. T. Rowe Price research analysts also evaluate all
portfolio holdings of the fund, including those rated by outside agencies. The
lower the rating on a bond, the higher the yield, other things being equal.
Table 5 shows the rating scale used by the major rating agencies. T. Rowe
Price considers publicly available ratings, but emphasizes its own credit
analysis when selecting investments.
_________________________________________________________________
Ratings of Municipal Debt Securities
Moody's Standard Fitch Definition
Investors & Poor's Investors
Service, Corpor- Service,
Inc. ation Inc.
_________________________________________________________________
Long- Aaa AAA AAA Highest
Term quality
______________________________________________________
Aa AA AA High
quality
______________________________________________________
A A A Upper medium
grade
_________________________________________________________________
Baa BBB BBB Medium
grade
Moody's S&P Fitch
_________________________________________________________________
Short- MIG1/ Best SP1+ Very F-1+ Exception-
Term VMIG1 quality strong ally
quality strong
quality
SP1 Strong F-1 Very
grade strong
quality
_____________________________________________________
MIG2/ High SP2 Satis- F-2 Good
VMIG2 quality factory credit
grade quality
________________________________________________________________
Comm- P-1 Superior A-1+ Extremely F-1+ Exception-
ercial quality strong ally
Paper quality strong
quality
A-1 Strong F-1 Very
quality strong
quality
_____________________________________________________
P-2 Strong A-2 Satis- F-2 Good
quality factory credit
quality quality
________________________________________________________________
Table 5
4 INVESTING WITH T. ROWE PRICE
Account Requirements and Transaction Information
___________________________________________________________________________
ALWAYS VERIFY YOUR TRANSACTIONS BY CAREFULLY REVIEWING THE CONFIRMATION WE
SEND YOU. PLEASE REPORT ANY DISCREPANCIES TO SHAREHOLDER SERVICES.
Tax Identification Number
We must have your correct social security or corporate tax identification
number on a signed New Account Form or W-9 Form. Otherwise, federal law
requires the funds to withhold a percentage (currently 31%) of your dividends,
capital gain distributions, and redemptions, and may subject you to an IRS
fine. If this information is not received within 60 days after your account is
established, your account may be redeemed, priced at the NAV on the date of
redemption.
Unless you request otherwise, one shareholder report will be mailed to
multiple account owners with the same tax identification number and same zip
code and to shareholders who have requested that their account be combined
with someone else's for financial reporting.
Institutional Accounts
Transaction procedures in the following sections may not apply to
institutional accounts. For procedures regarding institutional accounts,
please call your designated account manager or service representative.
Opening a New Account: $2,500 minimum initial investment; $1,000 for gifts or
transfers to minors (UGMA/UTMA) accounts
________________________________________________________________
REGULAR MAIL
T. ROWE PRICE
ACCOUNT SERVICES
P.O. BOX 17300
BALTIMORE, MD
21298-9353
MAILGRAM, EXPRESS,
REGISTERED, OR CERTIFIED MAIL
T. ROWE PRICE
ACCOUNT SERVICES
10090 RED RUN BLVD.
OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117
Account Registration
If you own other T. Rowe Price funds, be sure to register any new account just
like your existing accounts so you can exchange among them easily. (The name
and account type would have to be identical.)
By Mail
Please make your check payable to T. Rowe Price Funds (otherwise it will be
returned) and send your check together with the New Account Form to the
address at left. We do not accept third party checks to open new accounts.
By Wire
o Call Investor Services for an account number and give the following wire
address to your bank:
Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. of New York
ABA #021000238
T. Rowe Price [fund name]
AC-00153938
account name(s) and account number
o Complete a New Account Form and mail it to one of the appropriate
addresses listed at left.
Note: No services will be established and IRS penalty withholding may occur
until a signed New Account Form is received.
By Exchange
Call Shareholder Services or use Tele*Access or PC*Access (see "Automated
Services" under "Shareholder Services"). The new account will have the same
registration as the account from which you are exchanging. Services for the
new account may be carried over by telephone request if preauthorized on the
existing account. (See explanation of "Excessive Trading" under "Transaction
Procedures.")
In Person
Drop off your New Account Form at any of the locations listed on the cover and
obtain a receipt.
Note: The fund and its agents reserve the right to waive or lower investment
minimums; to accept initial purchases by telephone or mailgram; to cancel or
rescind any purchase or exchange (for example, if an account has been
restricted due to excessive trading or fraud) upon notice to the shareholder
within five business days of the trade or if the written confirmation has not
been received by the shareholder, whichever is sooner; to freeze any account
and suspend account services when notice has been received of a dispute
between the registered or beneficial account owners or there is reason to
believe a fraudulent transaction may occur; to otherwise modify the conditions
of purchase and any services at any time; or to act on instructions believed
to be genuine.
Purchasing Additional Shares: $100 minimum purchase; $50 minimum for Automatic
Asset Builder
By ACH Transfer
Use Tele*Access, PC*Access or call Investor Services if you have established
electronic transfers using the ACH network.
By Wire
Call Shareholder Services or use the wire address in "Opening a New Account."
__________________________________________________________________________
REGULAR MAIL
T. Rowe Price Funds
Account Services
P.O. Box 89000
Baltimore, MD
21289-1500
By Mail
o Provide your account number and the fund name on your check.
o Make your check payable to T. Rowe Price Funds (otherwise it may be
returned).
o Mail the check to us at the address shown at left with either a fund
reinvestment slip or a note indicating the fund you want to buy and your
fund account number.
By Automatic Asset Builder
Fill out the Automatic Asset Builder section on the New Account or Shareholder
Services Form.
Exchanging and Redeeming Shares
By Phone
Call Shareholder Services. If you find our phones busy during unusually
volatile markets, please consider placing your order by Tele*Access ,
PC*Access (if you have previously authorized telephone services), mailgram or
express mail. For exchange policies, please see "Transaction Procedures and
Special Requirements-Excessive Trading."
Redemption proceeds can be mailed to your account address, sent by ACH
transfer, or wired to your bank (provided your bank information is already on
file). For charges, see "Electronic Transfers-By Wire" under "Shareholder
Services".
By Mail
Provide account name(s) and numbers, fund name(s), and exchange or redemption
amount. For exchanges, mail to the appropriate address below, indicate the
fund you are exchanging from and the fund(s) you are exchanging into. T. Rowe
Price requires the signatures of all owners exactly as registered, and
possibly a signature guarantee (please see "Transaction Procedures and Special
Requirements-Signature Guarantees").
Mailgram, Express, Registered, or
Certified Mail:
T. Rowe Price Account Services
10090 Red Run Boulevard
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Regular Mail:
T. Rowe Price Account Services
P.O. Box 89000
Baltimore, MD 21289-0220
Shareholder Services
__________________________________________________________________________
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
1-800-225-5132
1-410-625-6500
Many services are available to you as a T. Rowe Price shareholder; some you
receive automatically and others you must authorize on the New Account Form.
By signing up for services on the New Account Form rather than later on, you
avoid having to complete a separate form and obtain a signature guarantee.
This section reviews some of the principal services currently offered. Our
Services Guide contains detailed descriptions of these and other services.
If you are a new T. Rowe Price investor, you will receive a Services Guide
with our Welcome Kit.
Note: Corporate and other institutional accounts require an original or
certified resolution to establish services and to redeem by mail. For more
information, call Investor Services.
Retirement Plans
We offer a wide range of plans for individuals and institutions, including
large and small businesses: IRAs, SEP-IRAs, Keoghs (profit sharing, money
purchase pension), 401(k), and 403(b)(7). For information on IRAs, call
Investor Services. For information on all other retirement plans, please call
our Trust Company at 1-800-492-7670.
___________________________________________________________________________
INVESTOR SERVICES
1-800-638-5660
1-410-547-2308
Exchange Service
You can move money from one account to an existing identically registered
account, or open a new identically registered account. Remember, exchanges are
purchases and sales for tax purposes. (Exchanges into a state tax-free fund
are limited to investors living in states where the funds are registered.)
Some of the T. Rowe Price funds may impose a redemption fee of .50% to 2%,
payable to such funds, on shares held for less than one year, or in some
funds, six months.
Automated Services
Tele*Access. 24-hour service via toll-free number provides information on fund
yields and prices, dividends, account balances, and your latest transaction as
well as the ability to request prospectuses, account and tax forms, duplicate
statements, checks, and to initiate purchase, redemption and exchange orders
in your accounts (see "Electronic Transfers" below).
PC*Access. 24-hour service via dial-up modem provides the same information as
Tele*Access, but on a personal computer. Please call Investor Services for an
information guide.
Telephone and Walk-In Services
Buy, sell, or exchange shares by calling one of our service representatives or
by visiting one of our investor center locations whose addresses are listed on
the cover.
Electronic Transfers
By ACH. With no charges to pay, you can initiate a purchase or redemption for
as little as $100 or as much as $100,000 between your bank account and fund
account using the ACH network. Enter instructions via Tele*Access, PC*Access,
or call Shareholder Services.
By Wire. Electronic transfers can also be conducted via bank wire. There is
currently a $5 fee for wire redemptions under $5,000, and your bank may charge
for incoming or outgoing wire transfers regardless of size.
Checkwriting (Not available for equity funds, or the High Yield Bond or
Emerging Markets Bond Funds)
You may write an unlimited number of free checks on any money market fund and
most bond funds, with a minimum of $500 per check. Keep in mind, however, that
a check results in a redemption; a check written on a bond fund will create a
taxable event which you and we must report to the IRS.
Automatic Investing ($50 minimum)
You can invest automatically in several different ways, including:
o Automatic Asset Builder. You instruct us to move $50 or more once a month
or less often from your bank account, or you can instruct your employer
to send all or a portion of your paycheck to the fund or funds you
designate.
o Automatic Exchange. You can set up systematic investments from one fund
account into another, such as from a money fund into a stock fund.
__________________________________________________________________________
DISCOUNT BROKERAGE IS A DIVISION OF T. ROWE PRICE INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.
Discount Brokerage
You can trade stocks, bonds, options, precious metals, and other securities at
a savings over regular commission rates. Call Investor Services for
information.
Note: If you buy or sell T. Rowe Price funds through anyone other than T. Rowe
Price, such as broker-dealers or banks, you may be charged transaction or
service fees by those institutions. No such fees are charged by T. Rowe Price
Investment Services or the fund for transactions conducted directly with the
fund.
________________________________________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EDGAR FILING
AND PRINTED COPY
Information appearing in all capital letters before a paragraph in the Edgar
filing will appear, in the printed copy, as call-outs in the left margin.
PAGE 7
The STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for the T. Rowe Price
State Tax-Free Income Trust, dated July 1, 1995, should be
inserted here.
PAGE 1
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
T. Rowe Price State Tax-Free Income Trust
(the "Trust")
New York Tax-Free Money Fund
New York Tax-Free Bond Fund
Maryland Tax-Free Bond Fund
Maryland Short-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund
Virginia Tax-Free Bond Fund
Virginia Short-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund
New Jersey Tax-Free Bond Fund
Georgia Tax-Free Bond Fund
Florida Insured Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
(collectively the "Funds" and individually the "Fund")
T. Rowe Price California Tax-Free Income Trust
(the "Trust")
California Tax-Free Bond Fund
California Tax-Free Money Fund
(collectively the "Funds" and individually the "Fund")
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus
but should be read in conjunction with the appropriate Fund
prospectus dated July 1, 1995, which may be obtained from T. Rowe
Price Investment Services, Inc., 100 East Pratt Street,
Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The purchase or exchange of shares in
any of the above-listed funds is limited to investors residing in
states where the funds are qualified for sale.
The date of this Statement of Additional Information is July
1, 1995.
PAGE 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Page
Capital Stock . . . . . . . . Portfolio Management
Code of Ethics . . . . . . . Practices . . . . . . . . .
Custodian . . . . . . . . . . Pricing of Securities Being
Determination of Maturity of Offered . . . . . . . . . .
Money Market Securities . . Principal Holders of
Distributor for the Trusts . Securities . . . . . . . .
Dividends . . . . . . . . . . Ratings of Commercial Paper .
Federal and State Registration Ratings of Municipal Debt
of Shares . . . . . . . . . Securities . . . . . . . .
Forwards . . . . . . . . . . Ratings of Municipal Notes
Futures Contracts . . . . . . and Variable Securities .
Independent Accountants . . . Risk Factors Associated with a
Investment Management California Portfolio . . .
Services . . . . . . . . . Risk Factors Associated with a
Investment in Taxable Money Florida Portfolio
Market Securities . . . . . Risk Factors Associated with a
Investment Objectives and Georgia Portfolio . . . . .
Policies . . . . . . . . . Risk Factors Associated with a
Investment Performance . . . Maryland Portfolio . . . .
Investment Programs . . . . . Risk Factors Associated with a
Investment Restrictions . . . New Jersey Portfolio . . .
Legal Counsel . . . . . . . . Risk Factors Associated with a
Management of the Trusts . . New York Portfolio . . . .
Municipal Securities . . . . Risk Factors Associated with a
Net Asset Value Per Share . . Virginia Portfolio . . . .
Options . . . . . . . . . . . Tax-Exempt vs. Taxable Yield
Organization of the Trusts . Tax Status . . . . . . . . .
Risk Factors . . . . . . . . When-Issued Securities . . .
Portfolio Transactions . . . Yield Information . . . . . .
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The following information supplements the discussion of each
Fund's investment objectives and policies discussed in each
Fund's prospectus. The Funds will not make a material change in
their investment objectives without obtaining shareholder
approval. Unless otherwise specified, the investment programs
and restrictions of the Funds are not fundamental policies. Each
Fund's operating policies are subject to change by each Trust's
Board of Trustees without shareholder approval. However,
shareholders will be notified of a material change in an
operating policy. The fundamental policies of each Fund may not
be changed without the approval of at least a majority of the
outstanding shares of the Fund or, if it is less, 67% of the
PAGE 3
shares represented at a meeting of shareholders at which the
holders of 50% or more of the shares of the Fund are represented.
RISK FACTORS
All Funds
The Funds are designed for investors who, because of their
tax bracket, can benefit from investment in municipal bonds whose
income is exempt from federal taxes. The Funds are not
appropriate for qualified retirement plans where income is
already tax deferred.
Municipal Securities
There can be no assurance that the Funds will achieve their
investment objectives. Yields on municipal securities are
dependent on a variety of factors, including the general
conditions of the money market and the municipal bond market, the
size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation,
and the rating of the issue. Municipal securities with longer
maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally
subject to potentially greater capital appreciation and
depreciation than obligations with shorter maturities and lower
yields. The market prices of municipal securities usually vary,
depending upon available yields. An increase in interest rates
will generally reduce the value of portfolio investments, and a
decline in interest rates will generally increase the value of
portfolio investments. The ability of all the Funds to achieve
their investment objectives is also dependent on the continuing
ability of the issuers of municipal securities in which the Funds
invest to meet their obligations for the payment of interest and
principal when due. The ratings of Moody's, S&P, and Fitch
represent their opinions as to the quality of municipal
securities which they undertake to rate. Ratings are not
absolute standards of quality; consequently, municipal securities
with the same maturity, coupon, and rating may have different
yields. There are variations in municipal securities, both
within a particular classification and between classifications,
depending on numerous factors. It should also be pointed out
that, unlike other types of investments, municipal securities
have traditionally not been subject to regulation by, or
registration with, the SEC, although there have been proposals
which would provide for regulation in the future.
The federal bankruptcy statutes relating to the debts of
political subdivisions and authorities of states of the United
States provide that, in certain circumstances, such subdivisions
or authorities may be authorized to initiate bankruptcy
PAGE 4
proceedings without prior notice to or consent of creditors,
which proceedings could result in material and adverse changes in
the rights of holders of their obligations.
Proposals have been introduced in Congress to restrict or
eliminate the federal income tax exemption for interest on
municipal securities, and similar proposals may be introduced in
the future. Proposed "Flat Tax" and "Value Added Tax" proposals
would also have the effect of eliminating the tax preference for
municipal securities. Some of the past proposals would have
applied to interest on municipal securities issued before the
date of enactment, which would have adversely affected their
value to a material degree. If such a proposal were enacted, the
availability of municipal securities for investment by the Funds
and the value of a Fund's portfolio would be affected and, in
such an event, a Fund would reevaluate its investment objectives
and policies.
Although the banks and securities dealers with which the
Fund will transact business will be banks and securities dealers
that T. Rowe Price believes to be financially sound, there can be
no assurance that they will be able to honor their obligations to
the Fund with respect to such securities.
After purchase by a Fund, a security may cease to be rated
or its rating may be reduced below the minimum required for
purchase by the Fund. For the Money Funds, the procedures set
forth in Rule 2a-7, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, may
require the prompt sale of any such security. For the other
Funds, neither event would require a sale of such security by the
Fund. However, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. ("T. Rowe Price")
will consider such event in its determination of whether the Fund
should continue to hold the security. To the extent that the
ratings given by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"),
Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P"), or Fitch Investors
Service, Inc. ("Fitch") may change as a result of changes in such
organizations or their rating systems, the Fund will attempt to
use comparable ratings as standards for investments in accordance
with the investment policies contained in the prospectus. When
purchasing unrated securities, T. Rowe Price, under the
supervision of the Fund's Board of Trustees, determines whether
the unrated security is of a quality comparable to that which the
Fund is allowed to purchase.
Municipal Bond Insurance. All of the Funds may purchase
insured bonds from time to time. The Florida Insured
Intermediate Tax-Free Fund must purchase such bonds. Municipal
bond insurance provides an unconditional and irrevocable
guarantee that the insured bond's principal and interest will be
PAGE 5
paid when due. The guarantee is purchased from a private, non-
governmental insurance company.
There are two types of insured securities that may be
purchased by the Funds, bonds carrying either (1) new issue
insurance or (2) secondary insurance. New issue insurance is
purchased by the issuer of a bond in order to improve the bond's
credit rating. By meeting the insurer's standards and paying an
insurance premium based on the bond's total debt service, the
issuer is able to obtain a higher credit rating for the bond.
Once purchased, municipal bond insurance cannot be cancelled, and
the protection it affords continues as long as the bonds are
outstanding and the insurer remains solvent.
The Funds may also purchase bonds which carry secondary
insurance purchased by an investor after a bond's original
issuance. Such policies insure a security for the remainder of
its term. Generally, the Funds expect that portfolio bonds
carrying secondary insurance will have been insured by a prior
investor. However, the Funds may, on occasion, purchase
secondary insurance on their own behalf.
Each of the municipal bond insurance companies has
established reserves to cover estimated losses. Both the method
of establishing these reserves and the amount of the reserves
vary from company to company. The obligation of a municipal bond
insurance company to pay a claim extends over the life of each
insured bond. Municipal bond insurance companies are obligated
to pay a bond's interest and principal when due if the issuing
entity defaults on the insured bond. Although defaults on
insured municipal bonds have been low to date and municipal
insurers have met these claims, there is no assurance this low
rate will continue in the future. A higher than expected default
rate could deplete loss reserves and adversely affect the ability
of a municipal bond insurer to pay claims to holders of insured
bonds, such as the Fund.
Money Funds
The Money Funds will limit their purchases of portfolio
instruments to those U.S. dollar-denominated securities which the
Fund's Board of Trustees determines present minimal credit risk,
and which are Eligible Securities as defined in Rule 2a-7 under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act). Eligible
Securities are generally securities which have been rated (or
whose issuer has been rated or whose issuer has comparable
securities rated) in one of the two highest short-term rating
categories by nationally recognized statistical rating
organizations or, in the case of any instrument that is not so
rated, is of comparable high quality as determined by T. Rowe
PAGE 6
Price pursuant to written guidelines established under the
supervision of the Fund's Board of Trustees. In addition, the
Funds may treat variable and floating rate instruments with
demand features as short-term securities pursuant to Rule 2a-7
under the 1940 Act.
There can be no assurance that the Money Funds will achieve
their investment objectives or be able to maintain their net
asset value per share at $1.00. The price stability and
liquidity of the Money Funds may not be equal to that of a
taxable money market fund which exclusively invests in short-term
taxable money market securities. The taxable money market is a
broader and more liquid market with a greater number of
investors, issuers, and market makers than the short-term
municipal securities market. The weighted average maturity of
the Money Funds varies (subject to a 90 day maximum under Rule
2a-7): the shorter the average maturity of a portfolio, the less
its price will be impacted by interest rate fluctuations.
Bond Funds
Because of their investment policies, the Bond Funds may not
be suitable or appropriate for all investors. The Funds are
designed for investors who wish to invest in non-money market
funds for income, and who would benefit, because of their tax
bracket, from receiving income that is exempt from federal income
taxes. The Funds' investment programs permit the purchase of
investment grade securities that do not meet the high quality
standards of the Money Funds. Since investors generally perceive
that there are greater risks associated with investment in lower
quality securities, the yields from such securities normally
exceed those obtainable from higher quality securities. In
addition, the principal value of long term lower-rated securities
generally will fluctuate more widely than higher quality
securities. Lower quality investments entail a higher risk of
default--that is, the nonpayment of interest and principal by the
issuer than higher quality investments. The value of the
portfolio securities of the Bond Funds will fluctuate based upon
market conditions. Although these Funds seek to reduce credit
risk by investing in a diversified portfolio, such
diversification does not eliminate all risk. The Funds are also
not intended to provide a vehicle for short-term trading
purposes.
Special Risks of High Yield Investing
Junk bonds are regarded as predominantly speculative with
respect to the issuer's continuing ability to meet principal and
interest payments. Because investment in low and lower-medium
PAGE 7
quality bonds involves greater investment risk, to the extent the
Bond Funds invest in such bonds, achievement of their investment
objectives will be more dependent on T. Rowe Price's credit
analysis than would be the case if the Funds were investing in
higher quality bonds. High yield bonds may be more susceptible
to real or perceived adverse economic conditions than investment
grade bonds. A projection of an economic downturn, or higher
interest rates, for example, could cause a decline in high yield
bond prices because such events could lessen the ability of
highly leverage issuers to make principal and interest payments
on their debt securities. In addition, the secondary trading
market for high yield bonds may be less liquid than the market
for higher grade bonds, which can adversely affect the ability of
a Fund to dispose of its portfolio securities. Bonds for which
there is only a "thin" market can be more difficult to
value inasmuch as objective pricing data may be less available
and judgment may play a greater role in the valuation process.
Reference is also made to the sections entitled "Types of
Securities" and "Portfolio Management Practices" for discussions
of the risks associated with the investments and practices
described therein.
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH A NEW YORK PORTFOLIO
The Funds' concentration in the debt obligations of one
state carries a higher risk than a portfolio that is
geographically diversified. In addition to State general
obligation bonds and notes and the debt of various state
agencies, the fund will invest in local bond issues, lease
obligations and revenue bonds, the credit quality and risk of
which will vary according to each security's own structure and
underlying economics.
The Funds' ability to maintain a high level of "triple-
exempt" income is primarily dependent upon the ability of New
York issuers to continue to meet debt service obligations in a
timely fashion. In 1975 the State, New York City, and other
related issuers experienced serious financial difficulties that
ultimately resulted in much lower credit ratings and loss of
access to the public debt markets. A series of fiscal reforms
and an improved economic climate allowed these entities to return
to financial stability by the early 1980s. Credit ratings were
restored or raised and access to the public credit markets was
also restored. During fiscal years 1990-1992, the State and City
experienced renewed fiscal pressures due to sharp shortfalls in
anticipated revenues. During fiscal years 1993 and 1994, the
financial situation of both the State and the City stabilized,
PAGE 8
with revenues coming in at or above budgeted amounts. The fiscal
outlook for the City shifted during fiscal year 1995 as a weak
economic recovery contributed to shortfalls in City revenues
which required adjustments in City spending. Both the City and
State face challenging budgets for fiscal year 1996.
New York State
The State, its agencies, and local governments issued $18.84
billion in long-term municipal bonds in 1994. Approximately 31.4%
was general obligation debt, backed by the taxing power of the
issuer and 68.6% were revenue bonds and lease backed obligations,
issued for a wide variety of purposes, including transportation,
housing, education and healthcare.
As of March 31, 1995, total State-related bonded debt was
$34.75 billion, of which $5.37 billion was general obligation
debt, $7.26 billion was State moral obligation debt, and $16.60
billion was financed under lease-purchase or other contractual
obligations. In addition, the State had $224 million in bond
anticipation notes outstanding. Since 1993, the State has not
issued Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes (TRANs) terminating the
practice of annual seasonal borrowing which had occurred since
1952. As of June 1, 1995, the State's general obligation bonds
were rated A by Moody's, A- by Standard & Poor's and A+ by Fitch.
All general obligation bonds must be approved by the voter prior
to issuance.
The fiscal stability of the State is also important for
numerous authorities which have responsibilities for financing,
constructing, and operating revenue-producing public benefit
facilities. As of September 30, 1993 there were 18 authorities
that had aggregate debt outstanding, including refunding bonds,
of $63.5 billion.
The authorities most reliant upon annual direct State
support include the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), the
Urban Development Authority (UDC), and the New York Housing
Finance Agency (HFA). In February 1975, the UDC defaulted on
approximately $1.0 billion of short-term notes. The default was
ultimately cured by the creation of the Project Finance Authority
(PFA), through which the State provided assistance to the UDC,
including support for debt service. Since then, there have been
no additional defaults by State authorities although substantial
annual assistance is required by the MTA and the HFA in
particular.
Subsequent to the fiscal crisis of the mid-70's New York
State maintained balanced operations on a cash basis, although by
1992 it had built up an accumulated general fund deficit of over
PAGE 9
$6 billion on a "Generally Accepted Accounting Principles" (GAAP)
basis. This deficit consisted mainly of overdue tax refunds and
payments due localities.
To resolve its accumulated general fund deficit the State
established the Local Government Assistance Corporation (LGAC) in
1990. To date, a total of $4.0 billion in LGAC bonds have been
issued. The proceeds of these bonds are used to provide the
State's assistance to localities and school districts, enabling
the State to reduce its accumulated general fund deficit to
$1.637 billion by the end of fiscal year 1994. State short-term
borrowing requirements, which peaked at a record $5.9 billion in
fiscal 1991, have been reduced to zero for fiscal year 1995. No
TRAN borrowing is planned for fiscal year 1996.
New York State has a large, diversified economy which has
witnessed a basic shift away from manufacturing toward more
service sector employment. Growth in personal income has
exceeded national averages each year since 1981. In 1992, per
capita income in New York State was $24,623, 18.3% above the
national average. Like most northeastern states, New York
suffered a population loss during the 1970s. However, during the
1980s that trend reversed and population actually increased
slightly, standing at 18,197,000 in 1993. During 1990-1992, the
State experienced a slowing of economic growth evidenced by the
loss of 425,000 jobs. Conditions improved slightly in 1993 as
the state added 40,000 jobs. Job growth continued into mid-1994
and then ceased. The state expects employment growth during 1995
to slow to less than 0.5%. Such economic trends are important as
they influence the growth or contraction of State revenues
available for operations and debt service.
New York City
The financial problems of New York City were acute between
1975 and 1979, highlighted by a default on the City's short-term
obligations. In the subsequent decade, the City made a
significant recovery. The most important contribution to the
City's fiscal recovery was the creation of the Municipal
Assistance Corporation for the City of New York (MAC). Backed by
sales, use, stock transfer, and other taxes, MAC issued bonds and
used the proceeds to purchase City bonds and notes. Although the
MAC bonds met with reluctance by investors at first, the program
has proven to be very successful over the past fifteen years.
Over the past six years, MAC returned substantial funds to the
City for general use as large surplus balances accumulated.
Much progress has been made since the fiscal crisis of 1975.
By 1981, the City achieved a budget balanced in accordance with
PAGE 10
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and has continued
to generate small surpluses on an operating basis. By 1983, the
City eliminated its accumulated General Fund deficit and as of
the fiscal year ending June 30, 1994, had a total General Fund
balance of $88 million. Although the City continues to finance
its seasonal cash flow needs through public borrowings, the total
amount of these borrowings has not exceeded 5% of any year's
revenues and all have been repaid by the end of the fiscal year.
As of June 1, 1995 the City's general obligation bonds are
rated Baa by Moody's, A- by Standard & Poor's and A- by Fitch.
The City's general obligation bonds have been on Standard &
Poor's credit watch with a "negative" outlook since January 1995.
While New York City has sustained a decade long record of
relative financial stability, during the last four fiscal years
budgetary pressures have been evident. Its major revenue
sources, income and sales taxes, were slowed and a downturn in
the real estate market reduced property tax revenues. Also,
State aid cuts were significant, in the $400 to 500 million range
in fiscal years 1992 and 1993. Nonetheless, the City concluded
the 1993 fiscal year with an operating surplus of $409 million,
which was used to prepay fiscal year 1994 operating expenses.
Revenues and expenditures for the 1994 fiscal year were balanced
in accordance with GAAP. New York City will require substantial
cuts in expenditures and state approval of several hundred
million dollars in new revenue sources to achieve permanent
fiscal balance in future fiscal years.
Long Island and LILCO
The Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO) is the single
largest property taxpayer in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
LILCO has experienced substantial financial difficulty primarily
arising from problems related to its completed but unlicensed 809
megawatt Shoreham Nuclear Power Facility located in Suffolk
County. In 1987, the State Legislature created the Long Island
Power Authority (LIPA). In February, 1989, an agreement was
reached with the state of New York to transfer ownership of the
Shoreham Plant to LIPA for one dollar in exchange for certain
rate benefits to LILCO. The New York Power Authority is
overseeing the decommissioning of Shoreham.
LILCO has challenged various property tax assessments levied
in Suffolk County on its facilities and seeks substantial
refunds. As a result of its Shoreham takeover, LIPA agreed to
make, in-lieu-of-tax payments to Suffolk County, in an amount
equal to the taxes or assessment which would have been paid by
LILCO in the year during which LIPA acquired the Shoreham
facility. In each succeeding year, payments decrease 10% until
PAGE 11
such time as payments equal the taxes or assessment which would
have been paid by LILCO based on a nonoperative Shoreham plant.
Various provisions of this agreement are under appeal.
Sectors
Certain areas of potential investment concentration present
unique risks. In 1994, $2.79 billion of tax-exempt debt issued
in New York was for public or non-profit hospitals. A
significant portion of the Fund's assets may be invested in
health care issues. Since 1983, the hospital industry has been
under significant pressure to reduce expenses and shorten length
of stay, a phenomenon which has negatively affected the financial
health of many hospitals. While each hospital bond issue is
separately secured by the individual hospital's revenues, third
party reimbursement sources such as the federal Medicare and
state Medicaid programs or private insurers are common to all
hospitals. To the extent these third party payors reduce
reimbursement levels, the individual hospitals may be affected.
The fiscal 1996 State budget calls for sizeable reductions in the
state's support of Medicaid and health services.
The Funds may from time to time invest in electric revenue
issues which have exposure to or participate in nuclear power
plants which could affect the issuers' financial performance.
Such risks include delay in construction and operation due to
increased regulation, unexpected outages or plan shutdowns,
increased Nuclear Regulatory Commission surveillance or
inadequate rate relief.
The Funds may invest in private activity bond issues for
corporate and non-profit borrowers. These issues sold through
various governmental conduits, are backed solely by the revenues
pledged by the respective borrowing corporations. No
governmental support is implied. This category accounted for
1.73% of the tax-exempt debt issued in New York during 1994.
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH A CALIFORNIA PORTFOLIO
The Funds' concentration in debt obligations of one state
carries a higher risk than a portfolio that is geographically
diversified. In addition to State general obligations and notes,
the funds will invest in local bond issues, lease obligations and
revenue bonds, the credit quality and risk of which will vary
according to each security's own structure and underlying
economics.
Debt. The State, its agencies and local governmental
entities issued $25.9 billion in long term municipal bonds in
PAGE 12
1994. Approximately 36.6% was general obligation debt, backed by
the taxing power of the issuer, and 63.4% were revenue bonds and
lease backed obligations, issued for a wide variety of purposes,
including transportation, housing, education and healthcare.
As of March 1, 1995, the State of California had
approximately $18.9 billion outstanding general obligation bonds
secured by the State's revenue and taxing power. An additional
$3.6 billion authorized but unissued state general obligation
debt remains to be issued to comply with voter initiatives and
legislative mandates. Debt service on roughly 20% of the State's
outstanding debt is met from revenue producing projects such as
water, harbor, and housing facilities. As part of its cash
management program, the State regularly issues short-term notes
to meet its disbursement requirements in advance of revenue
collections. During fiscal 1995, the State issued $7.0 billion
in short-term notes for this purpose.
The State also supports $5.5 billion in lease-purchase
obligations attributable to the State Public Works Board. These
obligations are not backed by the full faith and credit of the
State but instead, are subject to annual appropriations from the
State's General Fund.
In addition to the State obligations described above, bonds
have been issued by special public authorities in California that
are not obligations of the State. These include bonds issued by
the California Housing Finance Agency, the Department of Water
Resources, the Department of Veterans Affairs, California State
University and the California Transportation Commission.
Economy. California's economy is the largest among the 50
states and one of the largest in the world. The 1994 population
of 31 million represents 12% of the U.S. total. The State's per
capita personal income in 1993 exceeded the U.S. average by 3%.
Due in part to its rapidly growing population, the
California economy has proven to be more cyclical than that of
the nation. During the recessionary period of the early 1980s
and again in the early 1990s, California's unemployment levels
averaged above the national rate. Federal defense spending cuts
and military base closings have negatively affected the
California economy in recent years. The level of economic
activity within the State is important as it influences the
growth or contraction of State and local government revenues
available for operations and debt service.
Recessionary influences and the effects of overbuilding in
selected areas have resulted in a contraction in real estate
values in many regions of the State during the last five years.
PAGE 13
A decline in property values could have a negative effect on the
ability of certain local governments to meet their obligations.
As a state, California is more prone to earthquakes than
most other states in the country, creating potential economic
losses from damages. On January 17, 1994, a major earthquake,
measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, hit Southern California
centered in the area of Northridge. Total damage has been
estimated at $20 billion. Significant federal aid has been
committed.
Legislative. Due to the Funds' concentration in California
state and its municipal issuers, the Funds may be affected by
certain amendments to the California constitution and state
statutes which limit the taxing and spending authority of
California governmental entities and may affect their ability to
meet their debt service obligations.
In 1978, California voters approved "Proposition 13" adding
Article XIIIA, an amendment to the state constitution which
limits ad valorem taxes on real property to 1% of "full cash
value" and restricts the ability of taxing entities to increase
real property taxes. The full cash value may be adjusted
annually to reflect increases (not to exceed 2%) or decreases in
the consumer price index or comparable local data, or declining
property value caused by damage, destruction or other factors.
In subsequent action, the State substantially increased General
Fund expenditures to provide assistance to its local governments
to offset the losses in revenues and to maintain essential local
services. Due to fiscal pressures at the State level, the
Administration is in the process of phasing out this aid, forcing
local governments to look for alternative revenue sources.
Another constitutional amendment, Article XIIIB, was passed
by voters in 1979 prohibiting the State from spending revenues
beyond its annually adjusted "appropriations limit". Any
revenues exceeding this limit must be returned to the taxpayers
as a revision in the tax rate or fee schedule over the following
two years. Such a refund, in the amount of $1.1 billion,
occurred in fiscal year 1987. Excluded from the appropriation
limit are certain expenditures including debt service on
indebtedness incurred or authorized prior to January 1, 1979 or
subsequently approved by voters.
An effect of the tax and spending limitations in California
has been a broad scale shift by local governments away from
general obligation debt that requires voter approval and pledging
future tax revenues, towards lease revenue financing that is
subject to annual appropriations and does not require voter
PAGE 14
approval. Lease backed debt is generally viewed as a less secure
form of borrowing and therefore entails greater credit risk.
Local governments also raise capital through the use of Mello-
Roos, 1915 Act, and Tax Increment Bonds, all of which are
generally riskier than general obligation debt as they rely on
tax revenues to be generated by future development for their
support.
Proposition 98, enacted in 1988, changed the State's method
of funding education for grades below the university level.
Under this constitutional amendment, the schools are guaranteed a
minimum share of State General Fund revenues. The major effect
of Proposition 98 has been to restrict the State's flexibility to
respond to fiscal stress.
Future initiatives, if proposed and adopted or future court
decisions could create renewed pressure on California governments
and their ability to raise revenues. The State and its
underlying localities have displayed flexibility, however, in
overcoming the negative effects of past initiatives.
Financial. California's finances have been under pressure
since 1990 as the effects of recession took their toll on the
State. During fiscal years 1990 through 1995, tax collections
have fallen below estimates. Nevertheless, the State posted
small general fund operating surpluses in 1994 and 1995. From
1991 through 1994, accumulated deficits were carried over into
the following years. Fiscal 1995 is now expected to end with a
general fund balance of $177 million. The Governor has proposed
a balanced budget for fiscal 1996, with a potential budget gap
closed through program cuts in the health and welfare area. We
are unable to predict whether the budget package will be
negotiated in a timely manner by the Governor and the
legislature.
As a result of the State's fiscal imbalance, the rating
services have downgraded California's general obligation bonds
from their prior AAA levels. As of June 1, 1995, the State's
general obligation bonds are rated A1 by Moody's, A by Standard &
Poor's and A by Fitch.
The consequences of the State's financial problems reach
beyond its own general obligation bond ratings. Many state
agencies and local governments which depend upon state
appropriations have realized significant cutbacks in funding in
recent years. These entities have been forced to make program
reductions or to increase fees or raise special taxes to cover
their debt service and lease obligations.
PAGE 15
On December 6, 1994, Orange County filed for protection
under Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code after reports of
significant losses in its investment pool. Upon restructuring,
the realized losses in the pool were $1.7 billion or 22% of
assets. More than 190 public entities, most of which, but not
all, are located in Orange County were also depositors in the
pool. The County has defaulted on a number of its investment
obligations and further County defaults are possible. Under the
terms of a settlement agreement with the pool depositors, most
outside depositors eventually expect to receive their investment
balances in full and at the present time have recovered 77% of
their assets. While the State of California is not obligated to
assist the County or any of its depositors in the recovery
process, it may be necessary for the State to intervene to
maintain County administered programs or school district
educational standards. Any significant financial assistance may
reflect negatively on the State's financial condition.
Sectors
Certain areas of potential investment concentration present
unique risks. In 1993, $3 billion of tax-exempt debt issued in
California was for public or non-profit hospitals. A significant
portion of the Funds' assets may be invested in health care
issues. Since 1983 the hospital industry has been under
significant pressure to reduce expenses and shorten length of
stay, a phenomenon which has negatively affected the financial
health of many hospitals. While each hospital bond issue is
separately secured by the individual hospital's revenues, third
party reimbursement sources such as the federal Medicare and
state MediCal programs or private insurers are common to all
hospitals. To the extent these third party payors reduce
reimbursement levels, the individual hospitals may be affected.
The Funds may from time to time invest in electric revenue
issues which have exposure to or participate in nuclear power
plants which could affect the issuers' financial performance.
Such risks include delay in construction and operation due to
increased regulation, unexpected outages or plant shutdowns,
increased Nuclear Regulatory Commission surveillance or
inadequate rate relief.
The Funds may invest in private activity bond issues for
corporate and non-profit borrowers. These issues sold through
various governmental conduits, are backed solely by the revenues
pledged by the respective borrower corporations. No governmental
support is implied.
PAGE 16
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH A MARYLAND PORTFOLIO
Each Fund's concentration in the debt obligations of one
state carries a higher risk than a portfolio that is
geographically diversified. In addition to State of Maryland
general obligations and state agency issues, the fund will invest
in local bond issues, lease obligations and revenue bonds, the
credit quality and risk of which will vary according to each
security's own structure and underlying economics.
Debt. The State of Maryland and its local governments issue
three basic types of debt, with varying degrees of credit risk:
general obligation bonds backed by the unlimited taxing power of
the issuer, revenue bonds secured by specific pledged fees or
charges for a related project, and tax-exempt lease obligations,
secured by annual appropriations by the issuer, usually with no
implied tax or specific revenue appropriations by the issuer. In
1994, $3.4 billion in state and local debt was issued in
Maryland, with approximately 44.2% representing general
obligation debt and 55.8% revenue bonds and lease backed debt,
compared to 35% general obligation and 65% revenue backed bonds
nationally.
Total combined debt outstanding of the State, Baltimore
City, and all of the counties, towns, and special districts
within Maryland totaled $11.4 billion as of June 30, 1993. The
State of Maryland had $2.50 billion in general obligation bonds
outstanding as of June 30, 1994 along with an additional $1.3
billion in other tax-supported debt. General obligation debt of
the State of Maryland is rated Aaa by Moody's, AAA by Standard &
Poor's and AAA by Fitch. There is no general debt limit imposed
by the State Constitution or public general laws, but State debt
on a per capita basis or as a percentage of property values has
declined over the last five years. The State Constitution
imposes a 15 year maturity limit on State general obligation
bonds. Although voters approved a constitutional amendment in
1982 permitting the State to borrow up to $100 million in short-
term notes in anticipation of taxes and revenues, the State has
not made use of this authority.
Many agencies and other instrumentalities of the State
government are authorized to borrow money under legislation which
expressly provides that the loan obligations shall not be deemed
to constitute a debt or a pledge of the faith and credit of the
State. The Community Development Administration of the
Department of Housing and Community Development, the Maryland
Stadium Authority, the Board of Trustees of St. Mary's College of
Maryland, the Maryland Environmental Service, the Board of
Regents of the University of Maryland System, the Board of
Regents of Morgan State University, the Maryland Food Center
PAGE 17
Authority, and the Maryland Water Quality Financing
Administration have issued and have outstanding bonds of this
type. The principal of and interest on bonds issued by these
bodies are payable solely from various sources, principally fees
generated from use of the facilities, enterprises financed by the
bonds, or other dedicated fees. Total outstanding revenue and
enterprise debt of these State units, the Maryland Transportation
Authority, and the Maryland Department of Transportation at June
30, 1994 was $4.00 billion.
Economy. The economy of the State of Maryland generally
demonstrates strong performance relative to the nation; however,
the State did witness the loss of 120,000 jobs during the
recession of 1990 to 1992. Employment levels recovered in 1993
and 1994 with a gain of 52,000 jobs in 1993 and 80,000 jobs in
1994. Unemployment was 5.4% in 1994, compared to a national
average of 6.1%. The State's population in 1992 was 5.0 million,
with 83% concentrated in the Baltimore-Washington corridor.
Financial. To a large degree, the risk of the Funds is
dependent upon the financial strength of the State of Maryland
and its localities. Over the long term, Maryland's financial
condition has been strong; however, in fiscal 1992, the State
experienced unanticipated shortfalls in revenues, as collections
of major taxes fell during the recession. To address this loss,
the governor enacted a series of mid-year reductions in
expenditures, primarily cuts in local aid.
Balancing the state budget for fiscal year 1993 involved a
variety of additional taxes, including a higher income tax on
upper income households and an expanded sales tax. The
legislature also adopted further cuts in State aid to localities,
but this action was offset by the ability of localities to
increase the local "piggyback" tax from 50 percent to 60 percent
of the State rate. These actions were successful in restoring
the State's financial condition and replenishing reserves. The
State concluded fiscal 1993 with a General Fund balance of $113
million (1.3% of General Fund expenditures). During fiscal 1994
economic conditions improved, allowing the state to meet or
slightly exceed its revenue forecast for major taxes. The State
concluded fiscal year 1994 with a general fund balance of $505
million (5.95% of General Fund expenses). The results of fiscal
year 1995 are projected to show a drawdown in reserves to a level
of $280 million. The reserves are funded to address possible
cutbacks in federal funding. The fiscal 1996 budget does not
enact any substantial cuts in income taxes. Tax cuts are likely
to be discussed during the 1996 legislative session.
Many local Maryland governments also suffered from fiscal
stress and general declines in financial performance during the
PAGE 18
recession. Downturns in real estate related receipts, declines in
the growth of income tax revenues, lower cash positions and
reduced interest income have been the common problems. State aid
to local governments was also reduced during that period. Local
governments closed these gaps by increasing property and local
income tax rates, implementing program cuts, and curtailing pay
raises. Certain counties in Maryland are subject to voter
approval limitations on property tax levy increases or on
increases in governmental spending which limits their flexibility
in responding to external changes.
Initiatives to reform existing tax structures in certain
counties were placed on the November 1992 election ballot and
were adopted in November of 1992. These counties are now
assessing the impacts of these restrictions. Future initiatives,
if proposed and adopted, could create pressure on the counties
and other local governments and their ability to raise revenues.
The Funds cannot predict the impact of any such future tax
limitations on debt quality.
Sectors. Certain areas of potential investment
concentration present unique risks. In recent years, 6 to 12% of
tax-exempt debt issued in Maryland was for public or non-profit
hospitals. A significant portion of the Funds' assets may be
invested in health care issues. Since 1983, the hospital
industry has been under significant pressure to reduce expenses
and shorten length of stay, a phenomenon which has negatively
affected the financial health of many hospitals. While each
hospital bond issue is separately secured by the individual
hospital's revenues, third party reimbursement mechanisms are
common to the group. At the present time Maryland hospitals
operate under a system which reimburses hospitals according to a
State administered set of rates and charges rather than the
Federal Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) system for Medicare
payments. Since 1983, Maryland hospitals, on average over the
trailing three year period, have increased hospital charges at a
level below the national average in terms of Medicare cost
increases, allowing them to continue operating under a Medicare
waiver. Any loss of this waiver in the future may have an
adverse impact upon the credit quality of Maryland hospitals.
The Funds may from time to time invest in electric revenue
issues which have exposure to or participate in nuclear power
plants which could affect the issuers' financial performance.
Such risks include delay in construction and operation due to
increased regulation, unexpected outages or plan shutdowns,
increased Nuclear Regulatory Commission surveillance or
inadequate rate relief.
PAGE 19
The Funds may invest in private activity bond issues for
corporate and non-profit borrowers. These issues sold through
various governmental conduits, are backed solely by the revenues
pledged by the respective borrowing corporations. No
governmental support is implied. This category accounted for
less than 1% of the tax-exempt debt issued in Maryland during
1993.
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH A VIRGINIA PORTFOLIO
The Fund's concentration in the debt obligations of one
state carries a higher risk than a portfolio that is
geographically diversified. In addition to State of Virginia
general obligations and state agency issues, the fund will invest
in local bond issues, lease obligations and revenue bonds, the
credit quality and risk of which will vary according to each
security's own structure and underlying economics.
Debt. The State of Virginia and its local governments
issued $4.5 billion municipal bonds in 1994, approximately 25%
general obligation debt backed by the unlimited taxing power of
the issuer and 75% revenue bonds secured by specific pledged fees
or charges for an enterprise or project. Included within the
revenue bond category are tax-exempt lease obligations that are
subject to annual appropriations of a governmental body to meet
debt service, usually with no implied tax or specific revenue
pledge. Debt issued in 1994 was for a wide variety of public
purposes, including transportation, housing, education, health
care, and industrial development.
As of June 30, 1994 the State of Virginia had $791 million
outstanding general obligation bonds secured by the State's
revenue and taxing power, a modest amount compared to many other
states. Under state law, general obligation debt is limited to
1.15 times the average of the preceding three years' income tax
and sales and use tax collections. The State's outstanding
general obligation debt is well below that limit and over 90% of
the debt service is actually met from revenue producing capital
projects such as universities and toll roads. Debt service
payments on all general obligation bonds represented 1.36% of the
State's Governmental Funds expenditures in fiscal year 1994.
The State also supports $734 million in debt issued by the
Virginia Public Building Authority, the Virginia College Building
Authority, the Virginia Port Authority, and the Innovative
Technology Authority. These bonds are not backed by the full
faith and credit of the State but instead, are subject to annual
appropriations from the State's General Fund.
PAGE 20
In addition to the State and public authorities described
above, an additional $6.5 billion bonds have been issued by
special public authorities in Virginia that are not obligations
of the State. These bonds include debt issued by the Virginia
Education Loan Authority, the Virginia Public School Authority,
the Virginia Resources Authority, and the Virginia Housing
Development Authority.
Economy. The State of Virginia has a population of
approximately 6.5 million, making it the twelfth largest state.
Since the 1930s the State's population has grown at a rate
exceeding the national average. Stable to strong economic growth
during the 1980s was led by the northern Virginia area outside of
Washington, D.C. where approximately 25% of the State's
population is concentrated. The next largest metropolitan area
is the Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News area, followed by the
Richmond-Petersburg area, including the State's capital of
Richmond. The State's economy is broadly based with a large
concentration in service and governmental jobs, followed by
manufacturing. Virginia ranks second in both federal defense
employees and expenditures, making it vulnerable to future
cutbacks. Per capita income exceeds national averages while
unemployment figures have consistently tracked below national
averages.
Financial. To a large degree, the risk of the portfolio is
dependent on the financial strength of the State of Virginia and
its localities. As of June 1, 1994, the State was rated Aaa by
Moody's, AAA by Standard & Poor's and AAA by Fitch. The State's
budget is prepared on a biennial basis. From 1970 through 1994
the State's General Fund showed a positive balance for all of its
two year budgetary periods. The national recession and its
negative effects on State personal income tax collections did,
however, force the State to draw down its General Fund balances
to a deficit of $122 million in 1992. Mid-cycle spending cuts
and improved economic conditions allowed for positive operations
in fiscal 1994, boosting the General Fund balance to the $185
million level (2.8% of revenues). A balanced budget was adopted
for the 1994-1996 biennium which began on July 1, 1994.
A significant portion of the Fund's assets is expected to be
invested in the debt obligations of local governments and public
authorities with investment grade ratings of BBB or higher.
While local governments in Virginia are primarily reliant on
independent revenue sources, such as property taxes, they are not
immune to budget shortfalls caused by cutbacks in State aid.
Likewise, certain enterprises such as toll roads or hospitals may
be affected by changes in economic activity.
PAGE 21
Sectors. Certain areas of potential investment
concentration present unique risks. In 1994, $397 million of
tax-exempt debt issued in Virginia was for public or non-profit
hospitals. A significant portion of the Fund's assets may be
invested in health care issues. Since 1983 the hospital industry
has been under significant pressure to reduce expenses and
shorten length of stay, a phenomenon which has negatively
affected the financial health of many hospitals. While each
hospital bond issue is separately secured by the individual
hospital's revenues, third party reimbursement sources such as
the federal Medicare and state Medicaid programs or private
insurers are common to all hospitals. To the extent these payors
reduce reimbursement levels, the individual hospitals may be
affected.
The Fund may from time to time invest in electric revenue
issues which have exposure to or participate in nuclear power
plants which could affect the issuers' financial performance.
Such risks include delay in construction and operation due to
increased regulation, unexpected outages or plant shutdowns,
increased Nuclear Regulatory Commission surveillance or
inadequate rate relief.
The Fund may invest in private activity bond issues for
corporate and non-profit borrowers. These issues sold through
various governmental conduits, are backed solely by the revenues
pledged by the respective borrowing corporations. No
governmental support is implied.
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH A NEW JERSEY PORTFOLIO
The Fund's concentration in the debt obligations of one
state carries a higher risk than a portfolio that is
geographically diversified. In addition to State of New Jersey
general obligation bonds, notes and state agency issues, the fund
will invest in local bond issues, lease obligations and revenue
bonds, the credit quality and risk of which will vary according
to each security's own structure and underlying economics.
Debt. The State of New Jersey and its local governments
issued $5.7 billion of municipal bonds in 1994. Of this amount,
approximately 22% was general obligation debt backed by the
unlimited taxing power of the issuer and 77% were revenue bonds
secured by specific pledged fees or charges for an enterprise or
project. Included within the revenue bond sector are tax-exempt
lease obligations that are subject to annual appropriations of a
governmental body, usually with no implied tax or specific
revenue pledge. Debt issued in 1994 was for a wide array of
PAGE 22
public purposes, including water and sewer projects, health care,
housing, education, transportation, and pollution control.
The State of New Jersey has approximately $3.6 billion
outstanding general obligation bonds secured by the State's
revenue and taxing power. As of June 1, 1995, its general
obligation bonds were rated Aa1 by Moody's, AA+ by Standard &
Poor's and AA+ by Fitch. In addition to the State's direct debt,
it is obligated for certain lease backed debt issued through the
Mercer County Improvement Authority, the New Jersey Economic
Development Authority and the New Jersey Building Authority.
Under state law, the obligations of certain local school
districts and county college districts have been supported by
State appropriations. The State has also entered into a "moral
obligation" (as opposed to a legal commitment) to make up debt
service shortfalls for the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage
Finance Agency as well as the South Jersey Port Corporation.
While no assistance has ever been required for the New Jersey
Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, from time to time, the State
has supported the operations and debt service of the South Jersey
Port Corporation. The related obligations of the State described
in this paragraph total an additional $1.7 billion.
A number of other state-created agencies issue tax-exempt
revenue bonds that are not a debt or liability of the State. The
largest such entities include the New Jersey Turnpike Authority,
the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority and the New
Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority. Altogether,
sixteen agencies have approximately $10 billion in outstanding
debt.
A significant portion of the portfolio's assets is expected
to be invested in the debt obligations of local governments and
public authorities with investment grade ratings of BBB or
higher. While local governments in New Jersey are primarily
reliant on independent revenue sources, such as property taxes,
they are not immune to budget shortfalls caused by economic
downturns or cutbacks in State aid. Likewise, certain
enterprises such as toll roads or hospitals may be affected by
changes in economic activity. Under the New Jersey Local Budget
Law, the State oversees the budget preparation of local
governments and has certain powers to enforce balanced budgets,
limit short term borrowing and regulate overall debt limits.
Economy. New Jersey is the ninth largest and most densely
populated state with 7.9 million residents, and an average of
1,050 persons per square mile. The economic base is diversified
among manufacturing, construction, services, and agricultural
uses. The average per capita income of $26,732 ranks the State
as the second highest in the United States. Over the long term,
PAGE 23
the State's economy has been a strong performer, with
unemployment levels generally below national averages. In 1992,
however, New Jersey's unemployment rose above the national
average to a rate of 8.4% versus 7.4% for the nation. During
1993, employment losses continued as the State lagged the U.S. in
recovery from the recession. A modest recovery began in 1993 and
employment levels stabilized in 1993 and showed modest growth in
1994. The state unemployment rate in 1994 was 6.8% compared to a
national average of 6.1%.
Financial. To a large degree, the risk of the portfolio is
dependent on the financial strength of the State of New Jersey
and its localities. Characteristically the State has
demonstrated solid financial performance, but operations
suffered as the State's economy stagnated during the recent
recession. In fiscal 1990 and 1991 New Jersey utilized non-
recurring revenues and expenditure deferrals to achieve balance,
ending with minimal reserves. In fiscal 1992, the general fund
cushion improved to a 5% level, largely due to a one-time
transfer from the pension fund and a large tax increase.
Improved revenue collections in fiscal 1993 allowed the State to
close out the fiscal year with higher reserves. The State's
General Fund balance at year end 1993 was $1.9 billion (a strong
11.4% of revenues.) The fiscal 1994 budget, however, relied on
nearly $1 billion in non-recurring revenue to achieve balance.
The State concluded fiscal year 1994 with a general fund balance
of $1.93 billion (12.9% of general fund expenses). Additional
budgetary pressures are expected for fiscal 1995 and beyond, as
the new Governor seeks to implement her campaign promise to
reduce state income taxes by 30 percent over the next three
years. The income tax rollbacks, if fully implemented, would
reduce state revenues by $1.5 billion.
Sectors. Certain areas of potential investment
concentration present unique risks. In 1994, 15% of tax-exempt
debt issued in New Jersey was for public or non-profit hospitals.
A significant portion of the Fund's assets may be invested in
health care issues. Since 1983, the hospital industry has been
under significant pressure to reduce expenses and shorten length
of stay, a phenomenon which has negatively affected the financial
health of many hospitals. While each hospital bond issue is
separately secured by the individual hospital's revenues, third
party reimbursement sources such as the federal Medicare and
state Medicaid programs or private insurers are common to all
hospitals. To the extent these payors reduce reimbursement
levels, the individual hospitals may be affected.
On January 1, 1993, the State of New Jersey implemented
legislation that deregulated hospital reimbursements. This
replaced a highly regulated reimbursement system which governed
PAGE 24
hospital charges and provided subsidies for uncompensated care
from a statewide pool. Under the new system, hospitals negotiate
their rates directly with private payors. This deregulation has
forced the State's hospitals to adjust to competition in a
market-driven environment. Each hospital's ability to adapt will
be critical to its ongoing financial success.
The Fund may from time to time invest in electric revenue
issues which have exposure to or participate in nuclear power
plants which could affect the issuers' financial performance.
Such risks include delay in construction and operation due to
increased regulation, unexpected outages or plant shutdowns,
increased Nuclear Regulatory Commission surveillance or
inadequate rate relief.
The Fund may invest in private activity bond issues for
corporate and non-profit borrowers. These issues sold through
governmental conduits, such as the New Jersey Economic
Development Authority and various local issuers, are backed
solely by the revenues pledged by the respective borrowing
corporations. No governmental support is implied. This category
accounted for 13.4% of the tax-exempt debt issued in New Jersey
during 1994. In the past, a number of New Jersey Economic
Development Authority issues have defaulted as a result of
borrower financial difficulties.
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH A GEORGIA PORTFOLIO
The Fund's concentration in the debt obligations of one
state carries a higher risk than a portfolio that is
geographically diversified. In addition to State of Georgia
general obligations and state agency issues, the fund will invest
in local bond issues, lease obligations and revenue bonds, the
credit quality and risk of which will vary according to each
security's own structure and underlying economics.
Debt. The State of Georgia and its local governments issued
$4.7 billion in municipal bonds in 1994, with approximately 30%
general obligation debt backed by the unlimited taxing power of
the issuer and 70% revenue bonds secured by specific pledged fees
or charges for an enterprise or project. As of June 1, 1994, the
State was rated Aaa by Moody's, AA+ by Standard & Poor's and AAA
by Fitch.
As of January 31, 1995, the State of Georgia had net direct
obligations of $4.3 billion. Since 1973, when a Constitutional
Amendment authorizing the issuance of state general obligation
(GO) bonds was implemented, the State has funded most of its
capital needs through the issuance of general obligation (GO)
PAGE 25
bonds. Previously, capital requirements were funded through the
issuance of bonds by ten separate authorities and secured by
lease rental agreements and annual state appropriations. The
State Constitution permits the State to issue bonds for two types
of public purposes: (1) general obligation debt and (2)
guaranteed revenue debt. The Constitution imposes certain debt
limits and controls. GO debt service cannot exceed 10% of total
revenue receipts less refunds of the state treasury. GO bonds
have a maximum maturity of 25 years. Currently, maximum GO debt
service requirements are well below the legal limit and are
estimated at 5.0% of Fiscal Year 1995 treasury receipts. Debt
service payments on all general obligation bonds accounted for
4.98% of budget allotments for fiscal year 1994. Debt levels are
expected to increase in fiscal 1995 due to the planned issuance
of additional G.O. bonds.
In addition to the general obligation and lease backed debt
described above, an additional $257 million bonds have been
issued by the Georgia World Congress Authority and $850 million
bonds have been issued and are outstanding by the Georgia State
Housing Authority, none of which represent direct obligations of
the State.
Economy. The State of Georgia has a population of
approximately 7.0 million, making it the 11th largest state.
Since the 1960s, the State's population has grown at a rate
exceeding the national average, with the growth rate during the
1980s nearly twice that of the entire country. Stable to strong
economic growth during the 1980s was led by the Atlanta
metropolitan statistical area, where approximately 45% of the
State's population is located. This area includes the capital
city of Atlanta, and 18 surrounding counties. The next largest
metropolitan area is the Columbus-Muscogee area followed by the
Macon area.
The State's economy is well diversified. The current labor
force of 3.6 million is largely concentrated in wholesale/retail
trade and service jobs, followed by lesser amounts in
manufacturing and government. Employment gains have
substantially exceeded the region and the U.S. since 1980. The
State's economy should continue to grow, boosted by the upcoming
Summer Olympics and the continued demand for consumer durables.
Georgia's per capita income has steadily improved against the
national average since the 1960s and currently is 93% of the U.S,
ranking it 30th among the states.
Financial. To a large degree, the creditworthiness of the
portfolio is dependent on the financial strength of the State of
Georgia and its localities. During the 1980s, the State's strong
PAGE 26
economic performance translated into solid financial performance
and the accumulation of substantial governmental fund balances.
During fiscal 1989 to 1991, the State's financial condition
was affected by three years of revenue shortfalls brought on by
recession. During these periods, the Governor called special
legislative sessions to enact sizeable spending cuts to achieve
budget balance. Economic conditions improved in 1992, allowing
the State to restore its financial cushion. Results for fiscal
1993 showed a continuation of this positive trend with an ending
general fund balance of $247 million, or 1.9% of revenues.
A significant portion of the portfolio's assets is expected
to be invested in the debt obligations of local governments and
public authorities with investment grade ratings of BBB or
higher. While local governments in Georgia are primarily reliant
on independent revenue sources, such as property taxes, they are
not immune to budget shortfalls caused by cutbacks in State aid.
The Fund may purchase obligations issued by public authorities in
Georgia which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the
State and may or may not be subject to annual appropriations from
the State's General Fund. Likewise, certain enterprises such as
water and sewer systems or hospitals may be affected by changes
in economic activity.
Sectors. Certain areas of potential investment
concentration present unique risks. In 1994, $387 million of
tax-exempt debt issued in Georgia was for public or non-profit
hospitals. A significant portion of the Fund's assets may be
invested in health care issues. Since 1983, the hospital
industry has been under significant pressure to reduce expenses
and shorten length of stay, a phenomenon which has negatively
affected the financial health of many hospitals. While each
hospital bond issue is separately secured by the individual
hospital's revenues, third party reimbursement sources such as
the federal Medicare and state Medicaid programs or private
insurers are common to all hospitals. To the extent these payors
reduce reimbursement levels, the individual hospitals may be
affected.
The Fund may from time to time invest in electric revenue
issues which have exposure to or participate in nuclear power
plants which could affect the issuers' financial performance.
Such risks include delay in construction and operation due to
increased regulation, unexpected outages or plant shutdowns,
increased Nuclear Regulatory Commission surveillance or
inadequate rate relief.
The Fund may invest in private activity bond issues for
corporate and non-profit borrowers. These issues sold through
PAGE 27
various governmental conduits, are backed solely by the revenues
pledged by the respective borrowing corporations. No
governmental support is implied. This category accounted for
2.4% of the tax-exempt debt issued in Georgia during 1994.
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH A FLORIDA PORTFOLIO
The Fund's program of investing primarily in insured, AAA-
rated Florida municipal bonds should significantly lessen the
credit risks which would be associated with a portfolio of
uninsured Florida bonds. Nevertheless, to a certain degree, the
Fund's concentration in securities issued by the State of Florida
and its political subdivisions involves greater risk than a fund
broadly invested in insured bonds across many states and
municipalities. The credit quality of the Fund will depend upon
the continued financial strength of the insurance companies
insuring the bonds purchased by the Fund as well as the State of
Florida and the numerous public bodies, municipalities and other
issuers of debt securities in Florida.
Debt. The State of Florida and its local governments issue
three basic types of debt, with varying degrees of credit risk:
general obligation bonds backed by the unlimited taxing power of
the issuer, revenue bonds secured by specific pledged funds or
charges for a related project, and tax-exempt lease obligations,
supported by annual appropriations from the issuer, usually with
no implied tax or specific revenue pledge. During 1994, $7.7
billion in state and local debt was issued in Florida, with
approximately 16% representing general obligation debt and 84%
representing revenue bonds and lease-backed obligations. Debt
issued in 1994 was for a wide variety of public purposes,
including transportation, housing, education, health care and
industrial development.
As of June 30, 1994, the State of Florida had $6.0 billion
outstanding general obligation bonds secured by the State's full
faith and credit and taxing power. General bonded debt service
accounted for a modest 1.7% of all governmental expenditures in
fiscal year 1994. An additional $2.8 billion in bonds, issued by
the State and secured by limited state tax and revenue sources
was outstanding as of June 30, 1994. General obligation debt of
the State of Florida is rated Aa by Moody's, AA by Standard &
Poor's and AA by Fitch as of June 1, 1994. State debt may only
be used to fund capital outlay projects; Florida is not
authorized to issue obligations to fund operations.
Several agencies of the State are also authorized to issue
debt which does not represent a pledge of the state's credit.
The Florida Housing Finance Authority and Florida Board of
PAGE 28
Regents are the largest issuers of this type. The principal and
interest on bonds issued by these bodies are payable solely from
specified sources such as mortgage repayments and university
tuition and fees.
Economy. The State of Florida has a population of
approximately 13.9 million, making it the fourth largest state.
Due to a large immigration of residents, the State's population
has grown at a rate exceeding the national average for four
decades. Florida's economy is broadly based with a large
concentration in the service and trade sectors. Tourism is one
of Florida's most important industries. Visitor traffic dropped
by 4% in fiscal 1994 as the tourism industry suffered from the
effects of negative publicity regarding crime against tourists.
Positive growth is expected to resume over the next several
years.
During most of the 1980's, as Florida's population and
employment base grew, its job growth rate was double that of the
nation. However, beginning in 1988, job grown slowed and
unemployment rates began trending above national levels. During
1992, Florida's unemployment rate was 8.2% versus 7.4% for the
U.S. In 1994, Florida's unemployment rate has fallen back into
line with the national average. Every major employment sector
grew in 1994, as total non-farm jobs grew by 4.0%. State per
capita income is 99% of the national average, well above norms
for the Southeast.
Legislative. The State of Florida does not have a personal
income tax. A constitutional amendment would be required in
order to implement such a tax. Although the probability appears
very low, the Fund cannot rule out the possibility that a
personal income tax may be implemented at some time in the
future. If such a tax were to be imposed, there is no assurance
that interest earned on Florida Municipal Obligations would be
exempt from this tax.
Under current Florida law, shares of the Fund will be exempt
from the State's intangible personal property tax to the extent
that on the annual assessment date (January 1) its assets are
solely invested in Florida Municipal Obligations and U.S.
government securities, certain short-term cash investments, or
other exempt securities. There can be no assurance that this
exemption for Florida securities will be maintained. Also, the
constitutionality of the intangibles tax has been challenged in
court. If the constitutionality of the tax were struck down, the
tax-favored status of Florida bonds versus other investments
would be eliminated.
PAGE 29
The Florida Constitution limits the total ad valorem
property tax that may be levied by each county, municipality and
school district to ten mills (1.0% of value). The limit applies
only to taxes levied for operating purposes and excludes taxes
levied for the payment of bonds. This restricts the operating
flexibility of local governments in the State and may result from
time to time in budget deficits for some local units.
Financial. The Florida Constitution and Statutes mandate
that the State budget as a whole, and each separate fund within
the State budget, be kept in balance from currently available
revenues each State fiscal year (July 1 - June 30.) The Governor
and Comptroller are responsible for insuring that sufficient
revenues are collected to meet appropriations and that no deficit
occurs in any State fund.
The State's revenue structure is narrowly based, relying on
the sales and use tax for 69% of its general revenues. This
structure, combined with the effects of the recession and heavy
spending demands, created budget shortfalls in fiscal years 1991
and 1992. Through mid-year spending adjustments and a draw upon
its reserves, the State was able to achieve budget balance for
both fiscal years. The State's finances received a substantial
boost in fiscal 1993 as a result of increased economic activity
associated with rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Andrew, which
hit south Florida on August 24, 1992. At the end of 1994, the
State had reserves of $445 million in the General Revenue Fund
(3.6% of revenues). Much of the windfall revenue attributable to
hurricane rebuilding has been transferred to a special Hurricane
Trust Fund for use in state and local rebuilding projects.
In November 1994, State voters passed a proposal to limit
State revenue growth to the average annual growth in personal
income over the previous five years. The cap excludes revenue to
pay certain expenditures, including debt service. The limitation
should no pose an onerous burden on State finance. However, the
demand for governmental services continues to grow because of
above average population growth and demographics.
Sectors. Certain areas of potential investment
concentration present unique risks. In recent years, 10-15% of
tax-exempt debt issued in Florida was for public or non-profit
hospitals. A significant portion of the Fund's assets may be
invested in health care issues.
Since 1983, the hospital industry has been under significant
pressure to reduce expenses and shorten length of stay, a
phenomenon which has negatively affected the financial health of
many hospitals. While each hospital bond issue is separately
secured by the individual hospital's revenues, third party
PAGE 30
reimbursement sources such as the federal Medicare and state
Medicaid programs or private insurers are common to all
hospitals. To the extent these payors reduce reimbursement
levels, the individual hospitals may be affected. Due to the
high proportion of elderly residents, Florida hospitals tend to
be highly dependent on Medicare. In addition to the regulation
imposed by Medicare, the State also regulates healthcare. A
State board must approve the budgets of all Florida hospitals;
certificates of need are required for all significant capital
expenditures. The primary management objective is cost control.
The inability of some hospitals to achieve adequate cost control
while operating in a competitive environment has led to a number
of hospital bond defaults.
The Fund may from time to time invest in electric revenue
issues which have exposure to or participate in nuclear power
plants which could affect the issuers' financial performance.
Such risks include delay in construction and operation due to
increased regulation, unexpected outages or plant shutdowns,
increased Nuclear Regulatory Commission surveillance or
inadequate rate relief.
The Fund may invest in private activity bond issues for
corporate and non-profit borrowers. These issues, sold through
various governmental conduits, are backed solely by the revenues
pledged by the respective borrowing corporations. No government
support is implied. This category accounted for only 6% of the
tax-exempt debt issued in Florida during 1994.
All Funds
Puerto Rico
From time to time the Funds invest in obligations of the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its public corporations which are
exempt from federal, state and city or local income taxes. The
majority of the Commonwealth's debt is issued by ten of the major
public agencies that are responsible for many of the islands'
public functions, such as water, wastewater, highways,
telecommunications, education, and public construction. As of
March 31, 1995, public sector debt issued by the Commonwealth and
its public corporations totaled $15.2 billion.
Since the 1980s, Puerto Rico's economy and financial
operations have paralleled the economic cycles of the United
States. The island's economy, particularly the manufacturing
sector, has experienced substantial gains in employment. Much of
these economic gains are attributable in part to favorable
treatment under Section 936 of the Federal Internal Revenue Code
for United States corporations doing business in Puerto Rico.
PAGE 31
The number of persons employed in Puerto Rico during fiscal 1994
averaged 1 million persons -- a record level. Unemployment,
however, still remains high at around 16 percent.
Debt ratios for the Commonwealth are high as it assumes much
of the responsibility for local infrastructure. Sizeable
infrastructure improvements are ongoing to upgrade the island's
water, sewer, and road systems. The Commonwealth's general
obligation debt is secured by a first lien on all available
revenues. The Commonwealth has maintained a fiscal policy which
seeks to correlate the growth in public sector debt to the growth
of the economic base available to service that debt. Between
fiscal years 1990 and 1994, debt increased 21% while gross
product rose 23%. Short term debt remains a modest 7% of total
debt outstanding as of June 30, 1994. The maximum annual debt
service requirement on Commonwealth general obligation debt
totalled 10.1% of governmental revenues for fiscal 1994. This is
well below the 15% limit imposed by the Constitution of Puerto
Rico.
After recording 3 years of positive operating results in the
1989 to 1991 period, the Commonwealth's General Fund moved into a
deficit position, with a $62 million cash deficit for fiscal 1992
and a $116.5 million deficit for fiscal 1993. The fiscal 1994
budget was balanced with an increase in the "tollgate" tax on
Section 936 companies and improved revenue collections, which
enabled the Commonwealth to record a strong turnaround in the
General Fund balance to $309 million (6.8% of general fund
expenses). A General Fund balance of $213 million is projected
for the end of fiscal year 1995.
The Commonwealth's economy remains vulnerable to changes in
oil prices, American trade, foreign policy, and levels of federal
assistance. Per capita income levels, while being the highest in
the Caribbean, lag far behind the United States. In November
1993, the voters of Puerto Rico were asked in a non-binding
referendum to consider the options of statehood, continued
Commonwealth status, or independence. 48.4% of the voters
favored continuation of Commonwealth status, 46.2% were for
statehood, and 4.4% were for independence. The status question
appears to be settled for the time being. Any conversion to
statehood or independence in the future would likely have an
adverse effect on the continuation of the Section 936 federal tax
credit program, which has been the principal stimulus for the
growth in Puerto Rico's manufacturing base.
Two events occurred in 1993 which are likely to have a long-
term impact on Puerto Rico's economy and government finances.
First, federal tax legislation was passed which revised the tax
benefits received by U.S. corporations (Section 936 firms) that
PAGE 32
operate manufacturing facilities in Puerto Rico. The legislation
provides these firms with two options: a 5 year phased reduction
of the income based tax credit to 40% of the previously allowable
credit or the conversion to a wage based standard, allowing a tax
credit for the first 60% of qualified compensation paid to
employees as defined in the IRS Code. At present, it is
difficult to forecast what the short and long term effects of the
new limitations to the Section 936 credit will have on the
economy of Puerto Rico. Preliminary econometric studies
conducted by the Commonwealth and private sector economists
project only a slight reduction in average annual real growth
rates.
Second, the U. S. Congress passed the North American Free
Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1993. This agreement may have a
negative impact on the textile industry on the island. However,
the opening up of trade with Mexico and Canada is likely to be
positive for the pharmaceutical and High Technology industries.
No estimates have been developed for the employment impacts from
NAFTA.
A final risk factor with the Commonwealth is the large
amount of unfunded pension liabilities. The two main public
pension systems are largely underfunded. The employees
retirement system has a funded ratio of 18% and an unfunded
liability of $4.6 billion. The teachers retirement system has a
funded ratio of 46% and an unfunded liability of $1.3 billion. A
measure enacted by the legislature in 1990 is designed to address
the solvency of the plans over a 50 year period.
INVESTMENT PROGRAMS
(Throughout the discussion on Investments, the term "the Fund" is
intended to refer to each of the Funds eligible to invest in the
security or engage in the practice being described.)
Municipal Securities
All Funds
Subject to the investment objective and program described in
the prospectus and the additional investment restrictions
described in this Statement of Additional Information, each
Fund's portfolio may consist of any combination of the various
types of municipal securities described below or others that may
be developed. The amount of each Fund's assets invested in any
particular type of municipal security can be expected to vary.
PAGE 33
The term "municipal securities" means obligations issued by
or on behalf of states, territories, and possessions of the
United States and the District of Columbia and their political
subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, as well as certain
other persons and entities, the interest from which is exempt
from federal, state, and/or city or local, if applicable, income
tax. In determining the tax-exempt status of a municipal
security, the Funds rely on the opinion of the issuer's bond
counsel at the time of the issuance of the security. However, it
is possible this opinion could be overturned, and as a result,
the interest received by the Funds from such a security might not
be exempt from federal, state, and/or city or local income tax.
Municipal securities are classified by maturity as notes,
bonds, or adjustable rate securities.
Municipal Notes. Municipal notes generally are used to
provide for short-term operating or capital needs and generally
have maturities of one year or less. Municipal notes include:
Tax Anticipation Notes. Tax anticipation notes are
issued to finance working capital needs of
municipalities. Generally, they are issued in
anticipation of various seasonal tax revenue, such as
income, property, use and business taxes, and are
payable from these specific future taxes.
Revenue Anticipation Notes. Revenue anticipation
notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other
types of revenue, such as federal or state revenues
available under the revenue sharing or grant programs.
Bond Anticipation Notes. Bond anticipation notes are
issued to provide interim financing until long-term
financing can be arranged. In most cases, the
long-term bonds then provide the money for the
repayment of the notes.
Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper. Tax-exempt commercial
paper is a short-term obligation with a stated
maturity of 270 days or less. It is issued by state
and local governments or their agencies to finance
seasonal working capital needs or as short-term
financing in anticipation of longer term financing.
Municipal Bonds. Municipal bonds, which meet longer
term capital needs and generally have maturities of
more than one year when issued, have two principal
classifications: general obligation bonds and revenue
bonds. Two additional categories of potential
PAGE 34
purchases are lease revenue bonds and
pre-refunded/escrowed to maturity bonds. Another type
of municipal bond is referred to as an Industrial
Development Bond.
General Obligation Bonds. Issuers of general
obligation bonds include states, counties, cities,
towns, and special districts. The proceeds of these
obligations are used to fund a wide range of public
projects, including construction or improvement of
schools, public buildings, highways and roads, and
general projects not supported by user fees or
specifically identified revenues. The basic security
behind general obligation bonds is the issuer's pledge
of its full faith and credit and taxing power for the
payment of principal and interest. The taxes that can
be levied for the payment of debt service may be
limited or unlimited as to the rate or amount of
special assessments. In many cases voter approval is
required before an issuer may sell this type of bond.
Revenue Bonds. The principal security for a revenue
bond is generally the net revenues derived from a
particular facility, or enterprise, or in some cases,
the proceeds of a special charge or other pledged
revenue source. Revenue bonds are issued to finance a
wide variety of capital projects including: electric,
gas, water and sewer systems; highways, bridges, and
tunnels; port and airport facilities; colleges and
universities; and hospitals. Revenue bonds are
sometimes used to finance various privately operated
facilities provided they meet certain tests
established for tax-exempt status.
Although the principal security behind these bonds may
vary, many provide additional security in the form of
a mortgage or debt service reserve fund. Some
authorities provide further security in the form of
the state's ability (without obligation) to make up
deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund.
Revenue bonds usually do not require prior voter
approval before they may be issued.
Lease Revenue Bonds. Municipal borrowers may also
finance capital improvements or purchases with
tax-exempt leases. The security for a lease is
generally the borrower's pledge to make annual
appropriations for lease payments. The lease payment
is treated as an operating expense subject to
appropriation risk and not a full faith and credit
PAGE 35
obligation of the issuer. Lease revenue bonds are
generally considered less secure than a general
obligation or revenue bond and often do not include a
debt service reserve fund. To the extent the Board
determines such securities are illiquid, they will be
subject to the Funds' 15% limit on illiquid securities
(10% limit for the Money Funds). There have also been
certain legal challenges to the use of lease revenue
bonds in various states.
The liquidity of such securities will be determined
based on a variety of factors which may include, among
others: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the
obligation; (2) the number of dealers willing to
purchase or sell the security and the number of other
potential buyers; (3) the willingness of dealers to
undertake to make a market in the security; (4) the
nature of the marketplace trades, including, the time
needed to dispose of the security, the method of
soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer; and
(5) the rating assigned to the obligation by an
established rating agency or T. Rowe Price.
Pre-refunded/Escrowed to Maturity Bonds. Certain
municipal bonds have been refunded with a later bond
issue from the same issuer. The proceeds from the
later issue are used to defease the original issue.
In many cases the original issue cannot be redeemed or
repaid until the first call date or original maturity
date. In these cases, the refunding bond proceeds
typically are used to buy U.S. Treasury securities
that are held in an escrow account until the original
call date or maturity date. The original bonds then
become "pre-refunded" or "escrowed to maturity" and
are considered as high quality investments. While
still tax-exempt, the security is the proceeds of the
escrow account. To the extent permitted by the
Securities and Exchange Commission and the Internal
Revenue Service, a Fund's investment in such
securities refunded with U.S. Treasury securities
will, for purposes of diversification rules applicable
to the Fund, be considered as an investment in the
U.S. Treasury securities.
Private Activity Bonds. Under current tax law all
municipal debt is divided broadly into two groups:
governmental purpose bonds and private activity bonds.
Governmental purpose bonds are issued to finance
traditional public purpose projects such as public
buildings and roads. Private activity bonds may be
PAGE 36
issued by a state or local government or public
authority but principally benefit private users and
are considered taxable unless a specific exemption is
provided.
The tax code currently provides exemptions for certain
private activity bonds such as not-for-profit hospital
bonds, small-issue industrial development revenue
bonds and mortgage subsidy bonds, which may still be
issued as tax-exempt bonds. Some, but not all,
private activity bonds are subject to alternative
minimum tax.
Industrial Development Bonds. Industrial development
bonds are considered Municipal Bonds if the interest
paid is exempt from federal income tax. They are
issued by or on behalf of public authorities to raise
money to finance various privately operated facilities
for business and manufacturing, housing, sports, and
pollution control. These bonds are also used to
finance public facilities such as airports, mass
transit systems, ports, and parking. The payment of
the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent
solely on the ability of the facility's user to meet
its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of
real and personal property so financed as security for
such payment.
Adjustable Rate Securities. Municipal securities may
be issued with adjustable interest rates that are
reset periodically by pre-determined formulas or
indexes in order to minimize movements in the
principal value of the investment. Such securities
may have long-term maturities, but may be treated as a
short-term investment under certain conditions.
Generally, as interest rates decrease or increase, the
potential for capital appreciation or depreciation on
these securities is less than for fixed-rate
obligations. These securities may take the following
forms:
Variable Rate Securities. Variable rate instruments
are those whose terms provide for the adjustment of
their interest rates on set dates and which, upon such
adjustment, can reasonably be expected to have a
market value that approximates its par value. Subject
to the provisions of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act): (1) a variable rate
instrument, the principal amount of which is scheduled
to be paid in 397 days or less, is deemed to have a
PAGE 37
maturity equal to the period remaining until the next
readjustment of the interest; (2) a variable rate
instrument which is subject to a demand feature
entitles the purchaser to receive the principal amount
of the underlying security or securities either (i)
upon notice of usually 30 days, or (ii) at specified
intervals not exceeding 397 days and upon no more than
30 days' notice is deemed to have a maturity equal to
the longer of the period remaining until the next
readjustment of the interest rate or the period
remaining until the principal amount can be recovered
through demand; and (3) an instrument that is issued
or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any agency
thereof which has a variable rate of interest
readjusted no less frequently than every 762 days may
be deemed to have a maturity equal to the period
remaining until the next readjustment of the interest
rate. Should the provisions of Rule 2a-7 change, the
Fund will determine the maturity of these securities
in accordance with the amended provisions of such
Rule.
Floating Rate Securities. Floating rate instruments
are those whose terms provide for the adjustment of
their interest rates whenever a specified interest
rate changes and which, at any time, can reasonably be
expected to have a market value that approximates its
par value. Subject to the provisions of Rule 2a-7
under the 1940 Act: (1) the maturity of a floating
rate instrument is deemed to be the period remaining
until the date (noted on the face of the instrument)
on which the principal amount must be paid, or in the
case of an instrument called for redemption, the date
on which the redemption payment must be made and (2)
floating rate instruments with demand features are
deemed to have a maturity equal to the period
remaining until the principal amount can be recovered
through demand. Should the provisions of Rule 2a-7
change, the Fund will determine the maturity of these
securities in accordance with the amended provisions
of such Rule.
Put Option Bonds. Long-term obligations with
maturities longer than one year may provide purchasers
an optional or mandatory tender of the security at par
value at predetermined intervals, often ranging from
one month to several years (e.g., a 30-year bond with
a five-year tender period). These instruments are
deemed to have a maturity equal to the period
remaining to the put date.
PAGE 38
Residual Interest Bonds (These are a type of
potentially high-risk derivative)(Bond Funds only).
The Funds may purchase municipal bond issues that are
structured as two-part, residual interest bond and
variable rate security offerings. The issuer is
obligated only to pay a fixed amount of tax-free
income that is to be divided among the holders of the
two securities. The interest rate for the holders of
the variable rate securities will be determined by an
auction process held approximately every 35 days while
the bond holders will receive all interest paid by the
issuer minus the amount given to the variable rate
security holders and a nominal auction fee.
Therefore, the coupon of the residual interest bonds,
and thus the income received, will move inversely with
respect to short-term, 35 day tax-exempt interest
rates. There is no assurance that the auction will be
successful and that the variable rate security will
provide short-term liquidity. The issuer is not
obligated to provide such liquidity. In general,
these securities offer a significant yield advantage
over standard municipal securities, due to the
uncertainty of the shape of the yield curve (i.e.,
short-term versus long-term rates)and consequent
income flows. Unlike many adjustable rate securities,
residual interest bonds are not necessarily expected
to trade at par and in fact present significant market
risks. In certain market environments, residual
interest bonds may carry substantial premiums or be at
deep discounts. This is a relatively new product in
the municipal market with limited liquidity to date.
Participation Interests. The Funds may purchase from
third parties participation interests in all or part
of specific holdings of municipal securities. The
purchase may take different forms: in the case of
short-term securities, the participation may be backed
by a liquidity facility that allows the interest to be
sold back to the third party (such as a trust, broker
or bank) for a predetermined price of par at stated
intervals. The seller may receive a fee from the
Funds in connection with the arrangement.
In the case of longer-term bonds, the Funds may
purchase interests in a pool of municipal bonds or a
single municipal bond or lease without the right to
sell the interest back to the third party.
PAGE 39
The Funds will not purchase participation interests
unless a satisfactory opinion of counsel or ruling of
the Internal Revenue Service has been issued that the
interest earned from the municipal securities on which
the Funds holds participation interests is exempt from
federal, state, and/or city or local income tax to the
Funds. However, there is no guarantee the IRS would
treat such interest income as tax-exempt.
Embedded Interest Rate Swaps and Caps (Bond Funds).
In a fixed-rate, long-term municipal bond with an
interest rate swap attached to it, the bondholder
usually receives the bond's fixed-coupon payment as
well as a variable rate payment that represents the
difference between a fixed rate for the term of the
swap (which is typically shorter than the bond it is
attached to) and a variable rate short-term municipal
index. The bondholder receives excess income when
short-term rates remain below the fixed interest rate
swap rate. If short-term rates rise above the fixed-
income swap rate, the bondholder's income is reduced.
At the end of the interest rate swap term, the bond
reverts to a single fixed-coupon payment. Embedded
interest rate swaps enhance yields, but also increase
interest rate risk.
An embedded interest rate cap allows the bondholder to
receive payments whenever short-term rates rise above
a level established at the time of purchase. They
normally are used to hedge against rising short-term
interest rates.
Both instruments may be volatile and of limited
liquidity and their use may adversely affect a Fund's
total return.
The Funds may invest in other types of derivative
instruments as they become available.
There are, of course, other types of municipal
securities that are, or may become, available, and the
Funds reserve the right to invest in them.
For the purpose of the Funds' investment restrictions,
the identification of the "issuer" of municipal
securities which are not general obligation bonds is
made by the Funds' investment manager, T. Rowe Price,
on the basis of the characteristics of the obligation
as described above, the most significant of which is
PAGE 40
the source of funds for the payment of principal and
interest on such securities.
When-Issued Securities
All Funds
New issues of municipal securities are often offered on a
when-issued basis; that is, delivery and payment for the
securities normally takes place 15 to 45 days or more after the
date of the commitment to purchase. The payment obligation and
the interest rate that will be received on the securities are
each fixed at the time the buyer enters into the commitment. A
Fund will only make a commitment to purchase such securities with
the intention of actually acquiring the securities. However, a
Fund may sell these securities before the settlement date if it
is deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy. Each
Fund will establish a segregated account in which it will
maintain cash and high-grade marketable debt securities equal in
value to commitments for when-issued securities. Such segregated
securities either will mature or, if necessary, be sold on or
before the settlement date. Securities purchased on a
when-issued basis and the securities held in a Fund's portfolio
are subject to changes in market value based upon the public
perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and changes in
the level of interest rates (which will generally result in
similar changes in value; i.e., both experiencing appreciation
when interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates
rise). Therefore, to the extent a Fund remains substantially
fully invested at the same time that it has purchased securities
on a when-issued basis, there will be greater fluctuations in its
net asset value than if it solely set aside cash to pay for
when-issued securities. In the case of the Money Funds, this
could increase the possibility that the market value of a Fund's
assets could vary from $1.00 per share.
In addition, there will be a greater potential for the
realization of capital gains, which are not exempt from federal,
state and/or city or local income tax. When the time comes to
pay for when-issued securities, a Fund will meet its obligations
from then-available cash flow, sale of securities or, although it
would not normally expect to do so, from sale of the when-issued
securities themselves (which may have a value greater or less
than the payment obligation). The policies described in this
paragraph are not fundamental and may be changed by a Fund upon
notice to its shareholders.
PAGE 41
Forwards
Bond Funds
The Funds also may purchase bonds on a when-issued basis
with longer than standard settlement dates, in some cases
exceeding one to two years. In such cases, the Funds must
execute a receipt evidencing the obligation to purchase the bond
on the specified issue date, and must segregate cash internally
to meet that forward commitment. Municipal "forwards" typically
carry a substantial yield premium to compensate the buyer for the
risks associated with a long when-issued period, including:
shifts in market interest rates that could materially impact the
principal value of the bond, deterioration in the credit quality
of the issuer, loss of alternative investment options during the
when-issued period, changes in tax law or issuer actions that
would affect the exempt interest status of the bonds and prevent
delivery, failure of the issuer to complete various steps
required to issue the bonds, and limited liquidity for the buyer
to sell the escrow receipts during the when-issued period. Each
Fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets in
forwards.
Investment in Taxable Money Market Securities
Although the Funds expect to be invested solely in municipal
securities, it is anticipated that, when it is deemed to be in
the best interests of each Fund's shareholders to do so, the
Funds may also invest a portion of their respective assets on a
temporary basis, in the taxable money market instruments set
forth below. The interest earned on these money market
securities is not exempt from federal, state, and/or city or
local income tax and may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary
income.
U.S. Government Obligations - direct obligations of the
government and its agencies and instrumentalities;
U.S. Government Agency Securities - obligations issued or
guaranteed by U.S. government sponsored enterprises, federal
agencies and international institutions. Some of these
securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Treasury; others are supported by the right of the issuer; and
the remainder are supported only by the credit of the
instrumentality;
Bank Obligations - certificates of deposit, bankers'
acceptances, and other short-term obligations of U.S. and
Canadian banks and their foreign branches;
PAGE 42
Commercial Paper - paper rated A-2 or better by S&P, Prime-2
or better by Moody's, or F-2 or better by Fitch or, if not rated,
is issued by a corporation having an outstanding debt
issue rated A or better by Moody's, S&P or Fitch, and, with
respect to the Money Funds, is of equivalent investment quality
as determined by the Board of Trustees; and
Short-Term Corporate Debt Securities - short-term corporate
debt securities rated at least AA by S&P, Moody's or Fitch.
Determination of Maturity of Money Market Securities
The Money Funds may only purchase securities which at the
time of investment have remaining maturities of 397 calendar days
or less, or with respect to U.S. government securities, have
remaining maturities of 762 calendar days or less. The Bond
Funds may also purchase money-market securities. In determining
the maturity of money market securities, the Funds will follow
the provisions of Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Futures Contracts (Bond Funds only)
Futures are a type of potentially high-risk derivative.
Transactions in Futures
The Fund may enter into interest rate futures contracts
("futures" or "futures contracts"). Interest rate futures
contracts may be used as a hedge against changes in prevailing
levels of interest rates in order to establish more definitely
the effective return on securities held or intended to be
acquired by the Fund. The Fund could sell interest rate futures
as an offset against the effect of expected increases in interest
rates and purchase such futures as an offset against the effect
of expected declines in interest rates. Futures can also be used
as an efficient means of regulating a Fund's exposure to the
market.
The Fund will enter into futures contracts which are traded
on national futures exchanges and are standardized as to maturity
date and underlying financial instrument. A public market exists
in futures contracts covering various taxable fixed income
securities as well as municipal bonds. Futures exchanges and
trading in the United States are regulated under the Commodity
Exchange Act by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
("CFTC"). Although techniques other than the sale and purchase
of futures contracts could be used for the above-referenced
PAGE 43
purposes, futures contracts offer an effective and relatively low
cost means of implementing the Fund's objectives in these areas.
Regulatory Limitations
The Fund will engage in futures contracts and options
thereon only for bona fide hedging, yield enhancement, and risk
management purposes, in each case in accordance with rules and
regulations of the CFTC and applicable state law.
The Fund may not purchase or sell futures contracts or
related options if, with respect to positions which do not
quality as bona fide hedging under applicable CFTC rules, the sum
of the amounts of initial margin deposits and premiums paid on
those positions would exceed 5% of the net asset value of the
Fund after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized
losses on any such contracts it has entered into; provided,
however, that in the case of an option that is in-the-money at
the time of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in
calculating the 5% limitation. For purposes of this policy,
options on futures contracts and options traded on a commodities
exchange will be considered "related options." This policy may
be modified by the Board of Trustees without a shareholder vote
and does not limit the percentage of the Fund's assets at risk to
5%.
In accordance with the rules of the State of California, the
Fund will apply the above 5% test without excluding the value of
initial margin and premiums paid for bona fide hedging purposes.
The Fund's use of futures will not result in leverage.
Therefore, to the extent necessary, in instances involving the
purchase of futures contracts or the writing of calls or put
options thereon by the Fund, an amount of cash, U.S. government
securities or other liquid, high-grade debt obligations, equal to
the market value of the futures contracts and options thereon
(less any related margin deposits), will be identified in an
account with the Fund's custodian to cover the position, or
alternative cover (such as owning an offsetting position) will be
employed. Assets used as cover or held in an identified account
cannot be sold while the position in the corresponding option or
future is open, unless they are replaced with similar assets. As
a result, the commitment of a large portion of a Fund's assets to
cover or identified accounts could impede portfolio management or
the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other current
obligations.
If the CFTC or other regulatory authorities adopt different
(including less stringent) or additional restrictions, the Fund
would comply with such new restrictions.
PAGE 44
Trading in Futures Contracts
A futures contract provides for the future sale by one party
and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific
financial instrument (e.g., units of a debt security) for a
specified price, date, time and place designated at the time the
contract is made. Brokerage fees are incurred when a futures
contract is bought or sold and margin deposits must be
maintained. Entering into a contract to buy is commonly referred
to as buying or purchasing a contract or holding a long position.
Entering into a contract to sell is commonly referred to as
selling a contract or holding a short position.
It is possible that the Fund's hedging activities will occur
primarily through the use of municipal bond index futures
contracts since the uniqueness of that index contract should
better correlate with the Fund's portfolio and thereby be more
effective. However, there may be times when it is deemed in the
best interest of shareholders to engage in the use of Treasury
bond futures, and the Fund reserves to right to use Treasury bond
futures at any time. Use of these futures could occur, as an
example, when both the Treasury bond contract and municipal bond
index futures contract are correlating well with municipal bond
prices, but the Treasury bond contract is trading at a more
advantageous price making the hedge less expensive with the
Treasury bond contract than would be obtained with the municipal
bond index futures contract. The Fund's activity in futures
contracts generally will be limited to municipal bond index
futures contracts and Treasury bond and note contracts.
Unlike when the Fund purchases or sells a security, no price
would be paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale
of a futures contract. Upon entering into a futures contract,
and to maintain the Fund's open positions in futures contracts,
the Fund would be required to deposit with its custodian in a
segregated account in the name of the futures broker an amount of
cash, U.S. government securities, suitable money market
instruments, or liquid, high-grade debt securities, known as
"initial margin." The margin required for a particular futures
contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded,
and may be significantly modified from time to time by the
exchange during the term of the contract. Futures contracts are
customarily purchased and sold on margins that may range upward
from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.
If the price of an open futures contract changes (by
increase in the case of a sale or by decrease in the case of a
purchase) so that the loss on the futures contract reaches a
point at which the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin
PAGE 45
requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin.
However, if the value of a position increases because of
favorable price changes in the futures contract so that the
margin deposit exceeds the required margin, the broker will pay
the excess to the Fund.
These subsequent payments, called "variation margin," to and
from the futures broker, are made on a daily basis as the price
of the underlying assets fluctuate making the long and short
positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a
process known as "marking to the market." The Fund expects to
earn interest income on its margin deposits.
Although certain futures contracts, by their terms, require
actual future delivery of and payment for the underlying
instruments, in practice most futures contracts are usually
closed out before the delivery date. Closing out an open futures
contract purchase or sale is effected by entering into an
offsetting futures contract sale or purchase, respectively, for
the same aggregate amount of the identical securities and the
same delivery date. If the offsetting purchase price is less
than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is
more, the Fund realizes a loss. Conversely, if the offsetting
sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund
realizes a gain; if it is less, the Fund realizes a loss. The
transaction costs must also be included in these calculations.
There can be no assurance, however, that the Fund will be able to
enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular
futures contract at a particular time. If the Fund is not able
to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue
to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures
contract.
As an example of an offsetting transaction in which the
underlying instrument is not delivered, the contractual
obligations arising from the sale of one contract of September
municipal bond index futures on an exchange may be fulfilled at
any time before delivery of the contract is required (i.e., on a
specified date in September, the "delivery month") by the
purchase of one contract of September municipal bond index
futures on the same exchange. In such instance, the difference
between the price at which the futures contract was sold and the
price paid for the offsetting purchase, after allowance for
transaction costs, represents the profit or loss to the Fund.
Special Risks of Transactions in Futures Contracts
Volatility and Leverage. The prices of futures contracts
are volatile and are influenced, among other things, by actual
and anticipated changes in the market and interest rates, which
PAGE 46
in turn are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and national
and international political and economic events.
Most United States futures exchanges limit the amount of
fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single
trading day. The daily limit establishes the maximum amount that
the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from
the previous day's settlement price at the end of a trading
session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular
type of futures contract, no trades may be made on that day at a
price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price
movement during a particular trading day and therefore does not
limit potential losses, because the limit may prevent the
liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures contract prices
have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several
consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby
preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and subjecting
some futures traders to substantial losses.
Because of the low margin deposits required, futures trading
involves an extremely high degree of leverage. As a result, a
relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result
in immediate and substantial loss, as well as gain, to the
investor. For example, if at the time of purchase, 10% of the
value of the futures contract is deposited as margin, a
subsequent 10% decrease in the value of the futures contract
would result in a total loss of the margin deposit, before any
deduction for the transaction costs, if the account were then
closed out. A 15% decrease would result in a loss equal to 150%
of the original margin deposit, if the contract were closed out.
Thus, a purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in
losses in excess of the amount invested in the futures contract.
However, the Fund would presumably have sustained comparable
losses if, instead of the futures contract, it had invested in
the underlying financial instrument and sold it after the
decline. Furthermore, in the case of a futures contract
purchase, in order to be certain that the Fund has sufficient
assets to satisfy its obligations under a futures contract, the
Fund earmarks to the futures contract money market instruments
equal in value to the current value of the underlying instrument
less the margin deposit.
Liquidity. The Fund may elect to close some or all of its
futures positions at any time prior to their expiration. The
Fund would do so to reduce exposure represented by long futures
positions or short futures positions. The Fund may close its
positions by taking opposite positions which would operate to
terminate the Fund's position in the futures contracts. Final
determinations of variation margin would then be made, additional
PAGE 47
cash would be required to be paid by or released to the Fund, and
the Fund would realize a loss or a gain.
Futures contracts may be closed out only on the exchange or
board of trade where the contracts were initially traded.
Although the Fund intends to purchase or sell futures contracts
only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be an
active market, there is no assurance that a liquid market on an
exchange or board of trade will exist for any particular contract
at any particular time. In such event, it might not be possible
to close a futures contract, and in the event of adverse price
movements, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily
cash payments of variation margin. However, in the event futures
contracts have been used to hedge the underlying instruments, the
Fund would continue to hold the underlying instruments subject to
the hedge until the futures contracts could be terminated. In
such circumstances, an increase in the price of underlying
instruments, if any, might partially or completely offset losses
on the futures contract. However, as described below, there is
no guarantee that the price of the underlying instruments will,
in fact, correlate with the price movements in the futures
contract and thus provide an offset to losses on a futures
contract.
Hedging Risk. A decision of whether, when, and how to hedge
involves skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may
be unsuccessful to some degree because of unexpected market
behavior, market or interest rate trends. There are several
risks in connection with the use by the Fund of futures contracts
as a hedging device. One risk arises because of the imperfect
correlation between movements in the prices of the futures
contracts and movements in the prices of the underlying
instruments which are the subject of the hedge. T. Rowe Price
will, however, attempt to reduce this risk by entering into
futures contracts whose movements, in its judgment, will have a
significant correlation with movements in the prices of the
Fund's underlying instruments sought to be hedged.
Successful use of futures contracts by the Fund for hedging
purposes is also subject to T. Rowe Price's ability to correctly
predict movements in the direction of the market. It is possible
that, when the Fund has sold futures to hedge its portfolio
against a decline in the market, the index, indices, or
instruments underlying futures are written might advance and the
value of the underlying instruments held in the Fund's portfolio
might decline. If this were to occur, the Fund would lose money
on the futures and also would experience a decline in value in
its underlying instruments. However, while this might occur to a
certain degree, T. Rowe Price believes that over time the value
of the Fund's portfolio will tend to move in the same direction
PAGE 48
as the market indices used to hedge the portfolio. It is also
possible that if the Fund were to hedge against the possibility
of a decline in the market (adversely affecting the underlying
instruments held in its portfolio) and prices instead increased,
the Fund would lose part or all of the benefit of increased value
of those underlying instruments that it has hedged, because it
would have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In
addition, in such situations, if the Fund had insufficient cash,
it might have to sell underlying instruments to meet daily
variation margin requirements. Such sales of underlying
instruments might be, but would not necessarily be, at increased
prices (which would reflect the rising market). The Fund might
have to sell underlying instruments at a time when it would be
disadvantageous to do so.
In addition to the possibility that there might be an
imperfect correlation, or no correlation at all, between price
movements in the futures contracts and the portion of the
portfolio being hedged, the price movements of futures contracts
might not correlate perfectly with price movements in the
underlying instruments due to certain market distortions. First,
all participants in the futures market are subject to margin
deposit and maintenance requirements. Rather than meeting
additional margin deposit requirements, investors might close
futures contracts through offsetting transactions, which could
distort the normal relationship between the underlying
instruments and futures markets. Second, the margin requirements
in the futures market are less onerous than margin requirements
in the securities markets, and as a result the futures market
might attract more speculators than the securities markets do.
Increased participation by speculators in the futures market
might also cause temporary price distortions. Due to the
possibility of price distortion in the futures market and also
because of the imperfect correlation between price movements in
the underlying instruments and movements in the prices of futures
contracts, even a correct forecast of general market trends by T.
Rowe Price might not result in a successful hedging transaction
over a very short time period.
Options on Futures Contracts
The Fund might trade in municipal bond index option futures
or similar options on futures developed in the future. In
addition, the Fund may also trade in options on futures contracts
on U.S. government securities and any U.S. government securities
futures index contract which might be developed. In the opinion
of T. Rowe Price, there is a high degree of correlation in the
interest rate, and price movements of U.S. government securities
and municipal securities. However, the U.S. government
PAGE 49
securities market and municipal securities markets are
independent and may not move in tandem at any point in time.
The Fund will purchase put options on futures contracts to
hedge its portfolio of municipal securities against the risk of
rising interest rates, and the consequent decline in the prices
of the municipal securities it owns. The Funds will also write
call options on futures contracts as a hedge against a modest
decline in prices of the municipal securities held in the Fund's
portfolio. If the futures price at expiration of a written call
option is below the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full
amount of the option premium, thereby partially hedging against
any decline that may have occurred in the Fund's holdings of debt
securities. If the futures price when the option is exercised is
above the exercise price, however, the Fund will incur a loss,
which may be wholly or partially offset by the increase of the
value of the securities in the Fund's portfolio which were being
hedged.
Writing a put option on a futures contract serves as a
partial hedge against an increase in the value of securities the
Fund intends to acquire. If the futures price at expiration of
the option is above the exercise price, the Fund will retain the
full amount of the option premium which provides a partial hedge
against any increase that may have occurred in the price of the
debt securities the Fund intends to acquire. If the futures
price when the option is exercised is below the exercise price,
however, the Fund will incur a loss, which may be wholly or
partially offset by the decrease in the price of the securities
the Fund intends to acquire.
Options on futures are similar to options on underlying
instruments except that options on futures give the purchaser the
right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a
futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a
short position if the option is a put), rather than to purchase
or sell the futures contract, at a specified exercise price at
any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the
option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the
option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by
delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer's futures
margin account which represents the amount by which the market
price of the futures contract, at exercise, exceeds (in the case
of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise
price of the option on the futures contract. Purchasers of
options who fail to exercise their options prior to the exercise
date suffer a loss of the premium paid.
From time to time a single order to purchase or sell futures
contracts (or options thereon) may be made on behalf of the Fund
PAGE 50
and other T. Rowe Price Funds. Such aggregated orders would be
allocated among the Fund and the other T. Rowe Price Funds in a
fair and non-discriminatory manner.
Special Risks of Transactions in Options on Futures Contracts
The risks described under "Special Risks of Transactions on
Futures Contracts" are substantially the same as the risks of
using options on futures. In addition, where the Fund seeks to
close out an option position by writing or buying an offsetting
option covering the same index, underlying instrument or contract
and having the same exercise price and expiration date, its
ability to establish and close out positions on such options will
be subject to the maintenance of a liquid secondary market.
Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an
exchange include the following: (i) there may be insufficient
trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions may be
imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing
transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other
restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or
series of options, or underlying instruments; (iv) unusual or
unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an
exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or a clearing
corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current
trading volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic
or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to
discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or
series of options), in which event the secondary market on that
exchange (or in the class or series of options) would cease to
exist, although outstanding options on the exchange that had been
issued by a clearing corporation as a result of trades on that
exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with
their terms. There is no assurance that higher than anticipated
trading activity or other unforeseen events might not, at times,
render certain of the facilities of any of the clearing
corporations inadequate, and thereby result in the institution by
an exchange of special procedures which may interfere with the
timely execution of customers' orders. In the event no such
market exists for a particular contract in which the Fund
maintains a position, in the case of a written option, the Fund
would have to wait to sell the underlying securities or futures
positions until the option expires or is exercised. The Fund
would be required to maintain margin deposits on payments until
the contract is closed. Options on futures are treated for
accounting purposes in the same way as the analogous option on
securities are treated.
In addition, the correlation between movements in the price
of options on futures contracts and movements in the price of the
securities hedged can only be approximate. This risk is
PAGE 51
significantly increased when an option on a U.S. government
securities future or an option on a municipal securities index
future is used to hedge a municipal bond portfolio. Another risk
is that the movements in the price of options on futures
contracts may not move inversely with changes in interest rates.
If the Fund has written a call option on a futures contract and
the value of the call increases by more than the increase in the
value of the securities held as cover, the Fund may realize a
loss on the call which is not completely offset by the
appreciation in the price of the securities held as cover and the
premium received for writing the call.
The successful use of options on futures contracts requires
special expertise and techniques different from those involved in
portfolio securities transactions. A decision of whether, when
and how to hedge involves skill and judgment, and even a well-
conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of
unexpected market behavior or interest rate trends. During
periods when municipal securities market prices are appreciating,
the Fund may experience poorer overall performance than if it had
not entered into any options on futures contracts.
General Considerations
Transactions by the Fund in options on futures will be
subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges,
boards of trade or other trading facilities governing the maximum
number of options in each class which may be written or purchased
by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert,
regardless of whether the options are written on the same or
different exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities
or are held or written in one or more accounts or through one or
more brokers. Thus, the number of contracts which the Fund may
write or purchase may be affected by contracts written or
purchased by other investment advisory clients of T. Rowe Price.
An exchange, board of trade or other trading facility may order
the liquidations of positions found to be in excess of these
limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.
Additional Futures and Options Contracts
Although the Funds have no current intention of engaging in
futures and options on futures transactions other than those
described above, they reserve the right to do so. Such futures
and options trading might involve risks which differ from those
involved in the futures and options described above.
PAGE 52
Federal Tax Treatment of Futures Contracts
Although the Fund invests almost exclusively in securities
which generate income which is exempt from federal income taxes,
the instruments described above are not exempt from such taxes.
Therefore, use of the investment techniques described above could
result in taxable income to shareholders of the Fund.
Generally, the Fund is required, for federal income tax
purposes, to recognize as income for each taxable year its net
unrealized gains and losses on futures contracts as of the end of
the year as well as those actually realized during the year.
Gain or loss recognized with respect to a futures contract will
generally be 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-
term capital gain or loss, without regard to the holding period
of the contract.
Futures contracts which are intended to hedge against a
change in the value of securities may be classified as "mixed
straddles," in which case the recognition of losses may be
deferred to a later year. In addition, sales of such futures
contracts on securities may affect the holding period of the
hedged security and, consequently, the nature of the gain or loss
on such security on disposition.
In order for the Fund to continue to qualify for federal
income tax treatment as a regulated investment company, at least
90% of its gross income for a taxable year must be derived from
qualifying income; i.e., dividends, interest, income derived from
loans of securities, and gains from the sale of securities.
Gains realized on the sale or other disposition of securities,
including futures contracts on securities held for less than
three months, must be limited to less than 30% of the Fund's
annual gross income. In order to avoid realizing excessive gains
on securities held less than three months, the Fund may be
required to defer the closing out of futures contracts beyond the
time when it would otherwise be advantageous to do so. It is
anticipated that unrealized gains on futures contracts, which
have been open for less than three months as of the end of the
Fund's fiscal year and which are recognized for tax purposes,
will not be considered gains on securities held less than three
months for purposes of the 30% test.
The Fund will distribute to shareholders annually any net
gains which have been recognized for federal income tax purposes
from futures transactions (including unrealized gains at the end
of the Fund's fiscal year). Such distributions will be combined
with distributions of ordinary income or capital gains realized
on the Fund's other investments. Shareholders will be advised of
the nature of the payments. The Fund's ability to enter into
PAGE 53
transactions in options on futures contracts may be limited by
the Internal Revenue Code's requirements for qualification as a
regulated investment company.
Options on Securities
Options are another type of potentially high-risk
derivative.
Bond Funds
The Funds have no current intention of investing in options
on securities, although they reserve the right to do so.
Appropriate disclosure would be added to the Funds' prospectus
and Statement of Additional Information when and if the Funds
decide to invest in options.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Fundamental policies of the Funds may not be changed without
the approval of the lesser of (1) 67% of a Fund's shares present
at a meeting of shareholders if the holders of more than 50% of
the outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy or (2)
more than 50% of a Fund's outstanding shares. Other
restrictions, in the form of operating policies, are subject to
change by the Trusts' Board of Trustees without shareholder
approval. Any investment restriction which involves a maximum
percentage of securities or assets shall not be considered to be
violated unless an excess over the percentage occurs immediately
after, and is caused by, an acquisition of securities or assets
of, or borrowings by, a Fund.
Fundamental Policies
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:
(1) Borrowing. Borrow money except that the Fund may (i)
borrow for non-leveraging, temporary or emergency
purposes and (ii) engage in reverse repurchase
agreements and make other investments or engage in
other transactions, which may involve a borrowing, in a
manner consistent with the Fund's investment objective
and program, provided that the combination of (i) and
(ii) shall not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the
Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed)
less liabilities (other than borrowings) or such other
percentage permitted by law. Any borrowings which come
to exceed this amount will be reduced in accordance
with applicable law. The Fund may borrow from banks,
PAGE 54
other Price Funds or other persons to the extent
permitted by applicable law.
(2) Commodities. Purchase or sell physical commodities;
except that the Fund (other than the Money Funds) may
enter into futures contracts and options thereon;
(3) Industry Concentration. Purchase the securities of any
issuer if, as a result, more than 25% of the value of
the Fund's total assets would be invested in the
securities of issuers having their principal business
activities in the same industry;
(4) Loans. Make loans, although the Fund may (i) lend
portfolio securities and participate in an interfund
lending program with other Price Funds provided that no
such loan may be made if, as a result, the aggregate of
such loans would exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the
Fund's total assets; (ii) purchase money market
securities and enter into repurchase agreements; and
(iii) acquire publicly-distributed or privately-placed
debt securities and purchase debt;
(5) Percent Limit on Assets Invested in Any One Issuer
(California Funds only). Purchase a security if, as a
result, with respect to 75% of the value of its total
assets, more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total
assets would be invested in the securities of a single
issuer, except securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities;
(6) Percent Limit on Share Ownership of Any One Issuer
(California Funds only). Purchase a security if, as a
result, with respect to 75% of the value of the Fund's
total assets, more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of any issuer would be held by the Fund
(other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities);
(7) Real Estate. Purchase or sell real estate unless
acquired as a result of ownership of securities or
other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund
from investing in securities or other instruments
backed by real estate or securities of companies
engaged in the real estate business);
(8) Senior Securities. Issue senior securities except in
compliance with the Investment Company Act of 1940;
PAGE 55
(9) Taxable Securities. During periods of normal market
conditions, purchase any security if, as a result, less
than 80% of the Fund's income would be exempt from
federal and, if applicable, state, city or local income
tax. The income included under the 80% test does not
include income from securities subject to the
alternative minimum tax (AMT); or
(10) Underwriting. Underwrite securities issued by other
persons, except to the extent that the Fund may be
deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the purchase
and sale of its portfolio securities in the ordinary
course of pursuing its investment program.
NOTES
The following Notes should be read in connection with
the above-described fundamental policies. The Notes
are not fundamental policies.
With respect to investment restrictions (1) and (4) the
Fund will not borrow from or lend to any other T. Rowe
Price Fund unless they apply for and receive an
exemptive order from the SEC or the SEC issues rules
permitting such transactions. The Fund has no current
intention of engaging in any such activity and there is
no assurance the SEC would grant any order requested by
the Fund or promulgate any rules allowing the
transactions.
With respect to investment restriction (1), the Money
Funds have no current intention of engaging in any
borrowing transactions. With respect to investment
restriction (2), the Fund does not consider hybrid
instruments to be commodities.
For purposes of investment restriction (3), U.S., state
or local governments, or related agencies or
instrumentalities, are not considered an industry.
Industrial development bonds issued by nongovernmental
users are not considered municipal securities for
purposes of this exception.
Operating Policies
As a matter of operating policy, the Fund may not:
PAGE 56
(1) Borrowing. The Fund will not purchase additional
securities when money borrowed exceeds 5% of its total
assets.
(2) Control of Portfolio Companies. Invest in companies
for the purpose of exercising management or control;
(3) Equity Securities. Purchase any equity security or
security convertible into an equity security provided
that the Fund (other than the Money Funds) may invest
up to 10% of its total assets in equity securities
which pay tax-exempt dividends and which are otherwise
consistent with the Fund's investment objective and,
further provided, that the Money Funds may invest up to
10% of their total assets in equity securities of other
tax-free open-end money market funds;
(4) Futures Contracts. Purchase a futures contract or an
option thereon if, with respect to positions in futures
or options on futures which do not represent bona fide
hedging, the aggregate initial margin and premiums on
such positions would exceed 5% of the Fund's net asset
value.
(5) Illiquid Securities. Purchase illiquid securities if,
as a result, more than 15% (10% for the Money Funds) of
its net assets would be invested in such securities;
(6) Investment Companies. Purchase securities of open-end
or closed-end investment companies except in compliance
with the Investment Company Act of 1940 and applicable
state law provided that, the Money Funds may only
purchase the securities of other tax-free open-end
money market investment companies;
(7) Margin. Purchase securities on margin, except (i) for
use of short-term credit necessary for clearance of
purchases of portfolio securities and (ii) it may make
margin deposits in connection with futures contracts or
other permissible investments;
(8) Mortgaging. Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or, in any
manner, transfer any security owned by the Fund as
security for indebtedness except as may be necessary in
connection with permissible borrowings or investments
and then such mortgaging, pledging or hypothecating may
not exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets at the
time of borrowing or investment;
PAGE 57
(9) Oil and Gas Programs. Purchase participations or other
direct interests or enter into leases with respect to,
oil, gas, or other mineral exploration or development
programs;
(10) Options, Etc. Invest in puts, calls, straddles,
spreads, or any combination thereof, except to the
extent permitted by the prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information;
(11) Ownership of Portfolio Securities by Officers and
Directors. Purchase or retain the securities of any
issuer if, those officers and directors of the Fund,
and of its investment manager, who each own
beneficially more than .5% of the outstanding
securities of such issuer, together own beneficially
more than 5% of such securities.
(12) Short Sales. Effect short sales of securities;
(13) Unseasoned Issuers. Purchase a security (other than
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S., any
foreign, state or local government, their agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 5% of the
value of the Fund's total assets would be invested in
the securities issuers which at the time of purchase
had been in operation for less than three years (for
this purpose, the period of operation of any issuer
shall include the period of operation of any
predecessor or unconditional guarantor of such issuer).
This restriction does not apply to securities of pooled
investment vehicles or mortgage or asset-backed
securities; or
(14) Warrants. Invest in warrants if, as a result thereof,
more than 2% of the value of the net assets of the Fund
would be invested in warrants which are not listed on
the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock
Exchange, or a recognized foreign exchange, or more
than 5% of the value of the net assets of the Fund
would be invested in warrants whether or not so listed.
For purposes of these percentage limitations, the
warrants will be valued at the lower of cost or market
and warrants acquired by the Fund in units or attached
to securities may be deemed to be without value.
For purposes of investment restriction (6), the Fund has no
current intention of purchasing the securities of other
investment companies. Duplicate fees could result from any
such purchases.
PAGE 58
For purposes of investment restriction (13), the Fund will
not consider industrial development bonds issued by
nongovernmental users as municipal securities.
RATINGS OF MUNICIPAL DEBT SECURITIES
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Aaa - Bonds rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.
They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are
generally referred to as "gilt edge."
Aa - Bonds rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are
generally known as high grade bonds.
A - Bonds rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade
obligations.
Baa - Bonds rated Baa are considered as medium grade
obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly
secured. Interest payments and principal security appear
adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be
lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as
well.
Ba - Bonds rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements:
their futures cannot be considered as well assured. Often the
protection of interest and principal payments may be very
moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and
bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterize
bonds in this class.
B - Bonds rated B generally lack the characteristics of a
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal
payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over
any long period of time may be small.
Caa - Bonds rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may
be in default or there may be present elements of danger with
respect to principal or interest.
Ca - Bonds rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default
or have other marked short-comings.
PAGE 59
C - Lowest-rated; extremely poor prospects of ever attaining
investment standing.
Standard & Poor's Corporation
AAA - This is the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's to a debt obligation and indicates an extremely strong
capacity to pay principal and interest.
AA - Bonds rated AA also qualify as high-quality debt
obligations. Capacity to pay principal and interest is very
strong.
A - Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay principal
and interest, although they are somewhat more susceptible to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic
conditions.
BBB - Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate
capacity to pay principal and interest. Whereas they normally
exhibit adequate protection parameters, adverse economic
conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a
weakened capacity to pay principal and interest for bonds in this
category than for bonds in the A category.
BB, C, CCC, CC - Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, and CC are regarded
on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to the
issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB
indicates the lowest degree of speculation and CC the highest
degree of speculation. While such bonds will likely have some
quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by
large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
conditions.
D - In default.
Fitch Investors Service, Inc.
AAA - Bonds rated AAA are considered to be investment grade and
of the highest credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally
strong ability to pay interest and repay principal, which is
unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
AA - Bonds rated AA are considered to be investment grade and of
very high credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest
and repay principal is very strong, although not quite as strong
as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds rated in the AAA and AA
categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future
developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rate
F-1+.
PAGE 60
A - Bonds rated A are considered to be investment grade and of
high credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal is considered to be strong, but may be more
vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB - Bonds rated BBB are considered to be investment grade and
of satisfactory credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay
interest and repay principal is considered to be adequate.
Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances,
however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds,
and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the
ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher
than for bonds with higher ratings.
BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded on balance as predominantly
speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to repay
interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the
obligation for bond issues not in default. BB indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of
speculation. The rating takes into consideration special
features of the issue, its relationship to other obligations of
the issuer, and the current and prospective financial condition
and operating performance of the issuer.
RATINGS OF MUNICIPAL NOTES AND VARIABLE SECURITIES
Moody's Investors Services, Inc.
VMIG-1/MIG-1: the best quality. VMIG-2/MIG-2: high quality,
with margins of protection ample though not so large as in the
preceding group.
VMIG-3/MIG-3: favorable quality, with all security elements
accounted for, but lacking the undeniable strength of the
preceding grades. Market access for refinancing, in particular,
is likely to be less well established. VMIG-4/MIG-4: adequate
quality but there is specific risk.
Standard & Poor's Corporation
SP-1: very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and
interest. Those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety
characteristics will be given a plus (+) designation. SP-2:
satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
SP-3: speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
PAGE 61
Fitch Investors Service, Inc.
F-1+: exceptionally strong credit quality, strongest degree of
assurance for timely payment. F-1: very strong credit quality.
F-2: good credit quality, having a satisfactory degree of
assurance for timely payment. F-3: fair credit quality,
assurance for timely payment is adequate but adverse changes
could cause the securities to be rated below investment grade.
F-S: weak credit quality, having characteristics suggesting a
minimal degree of assurance for timely payment.
RATINGS OF COMMERCIAL PAPER
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
P-1: Superior capacity for repayment. P-2: strong capacity for
repayment.
P-3: acceptable capacity for repayment of short-term promissory
obligations.
Standard & Poor's Corporation
A-1: highest category, degree of safety regarding timely payment
is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong
safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+)
designation. A-2: satisfactory capacity to pay principal and
interest.
A-3: adequate capacity for timely payment, but are vulnerable to
adverse effects of changes in circumstances than higher rated
issues. B, and C: speculative capacity to pay principal and
interest.
Fitch Investors Service, Inc.
F-1+: exceptionally strong credit quality, strongest degree of
assurance for timely payment. F-1: very strong credit quality.
F-2: good credit quality, having a satisfactory degree of
assurance for timely payment. F-3: fair credit quality,
assurance for timely payment is adequate but adverse changes
could cause the securities to be rated below investment grade.
F-5: weak credit quality, having characteristics suggesting a
minimal degree of assurance for timely payment.
PAGE 62
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUSTS
The officers and trustees of each Trust are listed below.
Unless otherwise noted, the address of each is 100 East Pratt
Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Except as indicated, each has
been an employee of T. Rowe Price for more than five years. In
the list below, the trustees who are considered "interested
persons" of T. Rowe Price or the Funds as defined under Section
2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 are noted with an
asterisk (*). These trustees are referred to as inside trustees
by virtue of their officership, directorship, and/or employment
with T. Rowe Price.
ROBERT P. BLACK, Trustee--Retired; formerly President, Federal
Reserve Bank of Richmond; Address: 10 Dahlgren Road, Richmond,
Virginia 23233
CALVIN W. BURNETT, PH.D., Trustee--President, Coppin State
College; Board of Directors, McDonogh School, Inc. and Provident
Bank of Maryland; President, Baltimore Area Council Boy Scouts of
America; Vice President, Board of Directors, The Walters Art
Gallery; Address: 2000 North Warwick Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland
21216
aGEORGE J. COLLINS, Chairman of the Board--President, Chief
Executive Officer and Managing Director, T. Rowe Price; Director,
Price-Fleming, T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. and
T. Rowe Price Trust Company; Chartered Investment Counselor
ANTHONY W. DEERING, Trustee--Director, President and Chief
Executive Officer, The Rouse Company, real estate developers,
Columbia, Maryland; Advisory Director, Kleinwort, Benson (North
America) Corporation, a registered broker-dealer; Address: 10275
Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Maryland 21044
F. PIERCE LINAWEAVER, Trustee--President, F. Pierce Linaweaver &
Associates, Inc.; formerly (1987-1991) Executive Vice President,
EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., and (1987-1990)
President, EA Engineering, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland; Address:
The Legg Mason Tower, 111 South Calvert Street, Suite 2700,
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
JOHN G. SCHREIBER, Trustee--President, Schreiber Investments,
Inc., a real estate investment company; Director and formerly
(1/80-12/90) Executive Vice President, JMB Realty Corporation, a
national real estate investment manager and developer; Address:
1115 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
ANNE MARIE WHITTEMORE, Trustee--Partner, law firm of McGuire,
Woods, Battle & Boothe, L.L.P., Richmond, Virginia; formerly,
Chairman (1991-1993) and Director (1989-1993), Federal Reserve
Bank of Richmond; Director, Owens & Minor, Inc., USF&G
Corporation, James River Corporation and Wilderness Conservancy
at Mountain Lake, Inc.; Board of Visitors, Old Dominion
University; Member, Virginia State Bar and American Bar
PAGE 63
Association; Address: One James Center, 901 East Cary Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219-4030
aWILLIAM T. REYNOLDS, President and Trustee--Managing Director,
T. Rowe Price
JAMES S. RIEPE, Vice President and Trustee--Managing Director, T.
Rowe Price; Chairman of the Board, T. Rowe Price Services, Inc.,
T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. and T. Rowe Price
Trust Company; President and Director, T. Rowe Price Investment
Services, Inc.; Director, Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Inc.
bMARY J. MILLER, President--Managing Director, T. Rowe Price
JANET G. ALBRIGHT, Vice President--Vice President, T. Rowe Price
PATRICE L. BERCHTENBREITER, Vice President--Vice President, T.
Rowe Price
MICHAEL P. BUCKLEY, Vice President--Vice President, T. Rowe Price
PATRICIA S. DEFORD, Vice President--Vice President, T. Rowe Price
CHARLES B. HILL, Vice President--Assistant Vice President, T.
Rowe Price; formerly (9/86-11/91) managed municipal bonds at
Riggs National Bank, Washington, D.C.
CHARLES O. HOLLAND, Vice President--Vice President, T. Rowe Price
HENRY H. HOPKINS, Vice President--Vice President, Price-Fleming
and T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc.; Managing
Director, T. Rowe Price; Vice President and Director, T. Rowe
Price Investment Services, Inc., T. Rowe Price Services, Inc. and
T. Rowe Price Trust Company
LAURA MCAREE, Vice President--Assistant Vice President, T. Rowe
Price; formerly (4/90-11/90) trader, Boeing Company, Seattle,
Washington and (8/87-3/90) financial analyst, Harvard Management
Company, Boston, Massachusetts
HUGH D. MCGUIRK, Vice President--Assistant Vice President, T.
Rowe Price; formerly (1987-1989) account marketing
representative, IBM, (summer of 1990) summer associate in capital
markets, Goldman Sachs & Company, and (1991-1993) municipal
underwriter, Alex. Brown & Sons, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland
KONSTANTINE B. MALLAS, Vice President--Assistant Vice President,
T. Rowe Price
ALAN P. RICHMAN, Vice President--Vice President, T. Rowe Price;
formerly (10/89-6/91) Manager, Public Finance, Credit Local de
France, New York, New York and Public Finance, Tokai Bank, New
York, New York
cTHEODORE E. ROBSON, Vice President--Employee, T. Rowe Price
WILLIAM F. SNIDER, JR., Vice President--Assistant Vice President,
T. Rowe Price
C. STEPHEN WOLFE, II, Vice President--Vice President, T. Rowe
Price
GWENDOLYN G. WAGNER, Vice President--Assistant Vice President and
Economist, T. Rowe Price
LENORA V. HORNUNG, Secretary--Vice President, T. Rowe Price
PATRICIA S. BUTCHER, Assistant Secretary--Assistant Vice
President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price Investment Services,
Inc.
PAGE 64
CARMEN F. DEYESU, Treasurer--Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T.
Rowe Price Services, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company
DAVID S. MIDDLETON, Controller--Vice President, T. Rowe Price,
and T. Rowe Price Trust Company
ROGER L. FIERY, Assistant Vice President--Vice President, Price-
Fleming and T. Rowe Price
JOSEPH LYNAGH, Assistant Vice President--Employee, T. Rowe Price
EDWARD T. SCHNEIDER, Assistant Vice President--Vice President, T.
Rowe Price
INGRID I. VORDEMBERGE, Assistant Vice President--Employee, T.
Rowe Price
a Mr. Reynolds is President and Trustee of the State Tax-Free
Income Trust and Vice President and Trustee of the
California Tax-Free Income Trust.
b Ms. Miller is President of the California Tax-Free Income
Trust and Executive Vice President of the State Tax-Free
Income Trust.
c Mr. Robson is an Assistant Vice President of the State Tax-
Free Income Trust only.
Each Trust's Executive Committee, comprised of Messrs.
Collins, Reynolds, and Riepe, has been authorized by its Board of
Trustees to exercise all powers of the Board to manage the Funds
in the intervals between meetings of the Board, except the powers
prohibited by statute from being delegated.
COMPENSATION TABLE
_________________________________________________________________
Pension or Total Compensation
Aggregate Retirement from Fund and
Name of Compensation Benefits Fund Group
Person, from Accrued as Paid to
Position Fund(a) Part of Fund(b) Directors(c)
_________________________________________________________________
California Tax-Free Bond Fund
Robert P. Black,
Director $1,024 N/A $52,667
Calvin W. Burnett,
Director 1,024 N/A 55,583
George J. Collins,
Director(d) -- N/A --
Anthony W. Deering,
Director 1,024 N/A 66,333
PAGE 65
F. Pierce Linaweaver,
Director 1,024 N/A 55,583
William T. Reynolds,
Director(d) -- N/A --
James S. Riepe,
Director(d) -- N/A --
John Schreiber,
Director 1,024 N/A 55,667
Anne Marie Whittemore,
Director 1,024 N/A 32,667
_________________________________________________________________
California Tax-Free Money Fund
Robert P. Black,
Director $941 N/A $52,667
Calvin W. Burnett,
Director 941 N/A 55,583
George J. Collins,
Director(d) -- N/A --
Anthony W. Deering,
Director 941 N/A 66,333
F. Pierce Linaweaver,
Director 941 N/A 55,583
William T. Reynolds,
Director(d) -- N/A --
James S. Riepe,
Director(d) -- N/A --
John Schreiber,
Director 941 N/A 55,667
Anne Marie Whittemore,
Director 941 N/A 32,667
_________________________________________________________________
Florida Insured Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
Robert P. Black,
Director $848 N/A $52,667
PAGE 66
Calvin W. Burnett,
Director 848 N/A 55,583
George J. Collins,
Director(d) -- N/A --
Anthony W. Deering,
Director 848 N/A 66,333
F. Pierce Linaweaver,
Director 848 N/A 55,583
William T. Reynolds,
Director(d) -- N/A --
James S. Riepe,
Director(d) -- N/A --
John Schreiber,
Director 848 N/A 55,667
Anne Marie Whittemore,
Director 848 N/A 32,667
_________________________________________________________________
Georgia Tax-Free Bond Fund
Robert P. Black,
Director $812 N/A $52,667
Calvin W. Burnett,
Director 812 N/A 55,583
George J. Collins,
Director(d) -- N/A --
Anthony W. Deering,
Director 812 N/A 66,333
F. Pierce Linaweaver,
Director 812 N/A 55,583
William T. Reynolds,
Director(d) -- N/A --
James S. Riepe,
Director(d) -- N/A --
John Schreiber,
Director 812 N/A 55,667
PAGE 67
Anne Marie Whittemore,
Director 812 N/A 32,667
_________________________________________________________________
Maryland Tax-Free Bond Fund
Robert P. Black,
Director $2,413 N/A $52,667
Calvin W. Burnett,
Director 2,413 N/A 55,583
George J. Collins,
Director(d) -- N/A --
Anthony W. Deering,
Director 2,413 N/A 66,333
F. Pierce Linaweaver,
Director 2,413 N/A 55,583
William T. Reynolds,
Director(d) -- N/A --
James S. Riepe,
Director(d) -- N/A --
John Schreiber,
Director 2,413 N/A 55,667
Anne Marie Whittemore,
Director 2,413 N/A 32,667
_________________________________________________________________
Maryland Short-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund
Robert P. Black,
Director $935 N/A $52,667
Calvin W. Burnett,
Director 935 N/A 55,583
George J. Collins,
Director(d) -- N/A --
Anthony W. Deering,
Director 935 N/A 66,333
F. Pierce Linaweaver,
Director 935 N/A 55,583
PAGE 68
William T. Reynolds,
Director(d) -- N/A --
James S. Riepe,
Director(d) -- N/A --
John Schreiber,
Director 935 N/A 55,667
Anne Marie Whittemore,
Director 935 N/A 32,667
_________________________________________________________________
New Jersey Tax-Free Bond Fund
Robert P. Black,
Director $971 N/A $52,667
Calvin W. Burnett,
Director 971 N/A 55,583
George J. Collins,
Director(d) -- N/A --
Anthony W. Deering,
Director 971 N/A 66,333
F. Pierce Linaweaver,
Director 971 N/A 55,583
William T. Reynolds,
Director(d) -- N/A --
James S. Riepe,
Director(d) -- N/A --
John Schreiber,
Director 971 N/A 55,667
Anne Marie Whittemore,
Director 971 N/A 32,667
_________________________________________________________________
New York Tax-Free Bond Fund
Robert P. Black,
Director $1,026 N/A $52,667
Calvin W. Burnett,
Director 1,026 N/A 55,583
PAGE 69
George J. Collins,
Director(d) -- N/A --
Anthony W. Deering,
Director 1,026 N/A 66,333
F. Pierce Linaweaver,
Director 1,026 N/A 55,583
William T. Reynolds,
Director(d) -- N/A --
James S. Riepe,
Director(d) -- N/A --
John Schreiber,
Director 1,026 N/A 55,667
Anne Marie Whittemore,
Director 1,026 N/A 32,667
_________________________________________________________________
New York Tax-Free Money Fund
Robert P. Black,
Director $900 N/A $52,667
Calvin W. Burnett,
Director 900 N/A 55,583
George J. Collins,
Director(d) -- N/A --
Anthony W. Deering,
Director 900 N/A 66,333
F. Pierce Linaweaver,
Director 900 N/A 55,583
William T. Reynolds,
Director(d) -- N/A --
James S. Riepe,
Director(d) -- N/A --
John Schreiber,
Director 900 N/A 55,667
Anne Marie Whittemore,
Director 900 N/A 32,667
PAGE 70
_________________________________________________________________
Virginia Tax-Free Bond Fund
Robert P. Black,
Director $1,104 N/A $52,667
Calvin W. Burnett,
Director 1,104 N/A 55,583
George J. Collins,
Director(d) -- N/A --
Anthony W. Deering,
Director 1,104 N/A 66,333
F. Pierce Linaweaver,
Director 1,104 N/A 55,583
William T. Reynolds,
Director(d) -- N/A --
James S. Riepe,
Director(d) -- N/A --
John Schreiber,
Director 1,104 N/A 55,667
Anne Marie Whittemore,
Director 1,104 N/A 32,667
_________________________________________________________________
Virginia Short-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund(e)
Robert P. Black,
Director $473 N/A $52,667
Calvin W. Burnett,
Director 473 N/A 55,583
George J. Collins,
Director(d) -- N/A --
Anthony W. Deering,
Director 473 N/A 66,333
F. Pierce Linaweaver,
Director 473 N/A 55,583
William T. Reynolds,
Director(d) -- N/A --
PAGE 71
James S. Riepe,
Director(d) -- N/A --
John Schreiber,
Director 473 N/A 55,667
Anne Marie Whittemore,
Director 473 N/A 32,667
a Amounts in this Column are for the period March 1, 1994 to
February 28, 1995.
b Not applicable. The Fund does not pay pension or retirement
benefits to officers or directors/trustees of the Fund.
c Amounts in this column are for fiscal year 1995, including 68
funds at February 28, 1995.
d Any director/trustee of the Fund who is an officer or
employee of T. Rowe Price receives no remuneration from the
Fund.
e Amounts for this Fund include estimated future payments.
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
As of the date of the prospectus, the officers and trustees
of the Funds, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding
shares of each Fund.
As of April 30, 1995, the following shareholder of the New
York Money Fund beneficially owned more than 5% of the
outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Fund:
Coleman M. Brandt and Grace L. Brandt JT TEN, 330 West 72nd
Street, Apt. 10A, New York, New York 10023-2649.
H. Mark Glasberg and Paula D. Glasberg, Jt. Ten., 205 West
End Avenue, New York, New York 10023-4804.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Services
Under the Management Agreement with each Trust relating to
its Funds, T. Rowe Price provides each Fund with discretionary
investment services. Specifically, T. Rowe Price is responsible
for supervising and directing the investments of each Fund in
accordance with each Fund's investment objective, program, and
restrictions as provided in its prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information. T. Rowe Price is also responsible for
effecting all security transactions on behalf of each Fund,
PAGE 72
including the allocation of principal business and portfolio
brokerage and the negotiation of commissions. In addition to
these services, T. Rowe Price provides each Fund with certain
administrative services, including: maintaining each Trust's
existence and records; registering and qualifying each Fund's
shares of beneficial interest under federal and state laws;
monitoring the financial, accounting, and administrative
functions of each Fund; maintaining liaison with the agents
employed by each Trust such as the Funds' custodian and transfer
agent; assisting the Funds in the coordination of such agents'
activities; and permitting T. Rowe Price employees to serve as
officers, trustees, and committee members of the Funds without
cost to the Funds.
The Management Agreements also provide that T. Rowe Price,
its directors, officers, employees, and certain other persons
performing specific functions for the Funds will only be liable
to the Funds for losses resulting from willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of duty.
Management Fee
Each Fund pays T. Rowe Price a fee ("Fee") which consists of
two components: a Group Management Fee ("Group Fee") and an
Individual Fund Fee ("Fund Fee"). The Fee is paid monthly to T.
Rowe Price on the first business day of the next succeeding
calendar month and is calculated as described below.
The monthly Group Fee ("Monthly Group Fee") is the sum of
the daily Group Fee accruals ("Daily Group Fee Accruals") for
each month. The Daily Group Fee Accrual for any particular day
is computed by multiplying the Price Funds' group fee accrual as
determined below ("Daily Price Funds' Group Fee Accrual") by the
ratio of each Fund's net assets for that day to the sum of the
aggregate net assets of the Price Funds for that day. The Daily
Price Funds' Group Fee Accrual for any particular day is
calculated by multiplying the fraction of one (1) over the number
of calendar days in the year by the annualized Daily Price Funds'
Group Fee Accrual for that day as determined in accordance with
the following schedule:
PAGE 73
Price Funds'
Annual Group Base Fee
Rate for Each Level of Assets
_____________________________
0.480% First $1 billion
0.450% Next $1 billion
0.420% Next $1 billion
0.390% Next $1 billion
0.370% Next $1 billion
0.360% Next $2 billion
0.350% Next $2 billion
0.340% Next $5 billion
0.330% Next $10 billion
0.320% Next $10 billion
0.310% Thereafter
For the purpose of calculating the Group Fee, the Price
Funds include all the mutual funds distributed by T. Rowe Price
Investment Services, Inc. (excluding T. Rowe Price Spectrum Fund,
Inc. and Equity Index Fund and any institutional or private label
mutual funds). For the purpose of calculating the Daily Price
Funds' Group Fee Accrual for any particular day, the net assets
of each Price Fund are determined in accordance with each Fund's
prospectus as of the close of business on the previous business
day on which the Fund was open for business.
The monthly Fund Fee ("Monthly Fund Fee") is the sum of the
daily Fund Fee accruals ("Daily Fund Fee Accruals") for each
month. The Daily Fund Fee Accrual for any particular day is
computed by multiplying the fraction of one (1) over the number
of calendar days in the year by the Individual Fund Fee Rate of
0.10% (0.05% for the Florida Insured Intermediate Fund) and
multiplying this product by the net assets of each Fund for that
day, as determined in accordance with each Fund's prospectus as
of the close of business on the previous business day on which
the Funds were open for business.
The following chart sets forth the total management fees, if
any, paid to T. Rowe Price by the Funds for each of the last
three fiscal years:
New York Money New York Bond
1995 $122,000 1995 $392,000
1994 77,000 1994 410,000
1993 56,429 1993 240,464
PAGE 74
California Money California Bond
1995 $169,000 1995 $492,000
1994 127,000 1994 575,000
1993 96,485 1993 405,811
Maryland Bond Maryland Short-Term Bond
1995 $3,243,000 1995 $242,000
1994 3,517,000 1994 59,000
1993 2,644,367 1993 0+
Virginia Bond Virginia Short-Term Bond
1995 $611,000 1995 +
1994 532,000
1993 168,131
Florida Tax-Free Georgia Bond
1995 $13,000 1995 +
1994 + 1994 +
1993 * 1993 *
New Jersey Bond
1995 $135,000
1994 87,000
1993 0+
+ Due to effect of expense limitation discussed below, the
Virginia Short-Term and Georgia Bond Funds did not pay T. Rowe
Price an investment management fee.
* Prior to commencement of operations.
Limitation on Fund Expenses
All Funds
The Management Agreements between each Fund and T. Rowe
Price provides that each Fund will bear all expenses of its
operations not specifically assumed by T. Rowe Price. However,
in compliance with certain state regulations, T. Rowe Price will
reimburse each Fund for any expenses (excluding interest, taxes,
brokerage, other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and extraordinary
expenses) which in any year exceed the limits prescribed by any
state in which that Fund's shares are qualified for sale.
Currently, the State Tax-Free Income Trust has not qualified any
PAGE 75
Fund's shares for sale in any state which prescribes such expense
ratio limitations. However, the California Tax-Free Income Trust
is subject to the most restrictive expense limitation imposed by
any state, which is 2.5% of the first $30 million of each Fund's
average daily net assets, 2.0% of the next $70 million of each
Fund's assets, and 1.5% of net assets in excess of $100 million.
For the purpose of determining whether a Fund is entitled to
reimbursement, the expenses of the Fund are calculated on a
monthly basis. If a Fund is entitled to reimbursement, that
month's management fee will be reduced or postponed, with any
adjustment made after the end of the year.
New York and California Funds
Pursuant to the present expense limitations for the
California Bond and Money Funds, $102,000 and $179,000,
respectively, of management fees were not accrued for the year
ended February 28, 1995 and $154,000 and $225,000 remain
unaccrued from prior periods for the California Bond and Money
Funds, respectively. Pursuant to these present expense
limitations, $132,000 and $158,000 of management fees for the New
York Bond and Money Funds, respectively, were not accrued for the
year ended February 28, 1995 and $228,000 and $377,000 remain
unaccrued from prior periods for the New York Bond and Money
Funds, respectively. Subject to shareholder approval, these
expenses may be reimbursed to T. Rowe Price, provided that the
recapture of fees would not cause the ratio of expenses to
average net assets to exceed the above-mentioned ratios.
Pursuant to a past expense limitation, $364,000 and $485,000,
respectively, of unaccrued fees for the California Bond and Money
Funds have been permanently waived at February 28, 1995.
Pursuant to a past expense limitation, $362,000 and $432,000 of
unaccrued fees for the New York Bond and Money Funds,
respectively, have been permanently waived at February 28, 1995.
Maryland Short-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund
Pursuant to its present expense limitation, $106,000 of
management fees were not accrued by the Maryland Short-Term Fund
for the year ended February 28, 1995. Additionally, $157,000 of
unaccrued fees and expenses from the prior period are subject to
future reimbursement.
Virginia Tax-Free and New Jersey Funds
Pursuant to the past and present expense limitations,
$123,000 of management fees were not accrued by the New Jersey
PAGE 76
Fund for the year ended February 28, 1995. Pursuant to Virginia
Bond Fund's present expense limitation, $69,000 of management
fees were not accrued by the Fund for the year ended February 28,
1995. Additionally, $144,000 and $119,000 of unaccrued fees and
expenses for the New Jersey and Virginia Funds, respectively,
from the prior period are subject to reimbursement through
February 28, 1995. Pursuant to a past expense limitation,
$292,000 and $260,000 of unaccrued fees for the Virginia Bond and
New Jersey Bond Funds, respectively, have been permanently waived
at February 28, 1995.
Georgia Fund
Pursuant to the present expense limitations, $94,000 of
management fees for the Georgia Bond Fund were not accrued for
the year ended February 28, 1995, and $72,000 of other Fund
expenses for the Georgia Bond Fund were borne by T. Rowe Price
and are subject to future reimbursement. Additionally, $119,000
remains unaccrued.
Florida Fund
Pursuant to the present expense limitation, $147,000 of
management fees for the Florida Insured Fund were not accrued for
the year ended February 28, 1995, and $130,000 of other Fund
expenses for the Florida Insured Fund were borne by T. Rowe Price
and are subject to future reimbursement.
Virginia Short-Term Bond Fund
Pursuant to the present expense limitation, $3,000 of
management fees for the Virginia Short-Term Bond Fund were not
accrued for the year ended February 28, 1995, and $23,000 of
other Fund expenses for the Virginia Short-Term Bond Fund were
borne by T. Rowe Price and are subject to future reimbursement.
DISTRIBUTOR FOR THE TRUSTS
T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc. (Investment
Services), a Maryland corporation formed in 1980 as a
wholly-owned subsidiary of T. Rowe Price, serves as the
distributor of each Trust. Investment Services is registered as
a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is
a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
The offering of shares of beneficial interest pertaining to each
Fund is continuous.
PAGE 77
Investment Services is located at the same address as the
Trusts and T. Rowe Price Associates -- 100 East Pratt Street,
Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
Investment Services serves as distributor to the Trusts
pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement ("Underwriting Agreement"),
which provides that each Fund will pay all fees and expenses in
connection with: registering and qualifying its shares under the
various state "blue sky" laws; preparing, setting in type,
printing, and mailing its prospectuses and reports to
shareholders; and issuing its shares, including expenses of
confirming purchase orders.
The Underwriting Agreement provides that Investment Services
will pay all fees and expenses in connection with: printing and
distributing prospectuses and reports for use in offering and
selling Fund shares; preparing, setting in type, printing, and
mailing all sales literature and advertising; Investment
Services' federal and state registrations as a broker-dealer; and
offering and selling Fund shares, except for those fees and
expenses specifically assumed by the Funds. Investment Services'
expenses are paid by T. Rowe Price.
Investment Services acts as the agent of the Trusts in
connection with the sale of the Funds' shares in all states in
which the shares are qualified and in which Investment Services
is qualified as a broker-dealer. Under the Underwriting
Agreement, Investment Services accepts orders for Fund shares at
net asset value. No sales charges are paid by investors or the
Funds.
CUSTODIAN
State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Bank") is the
custodian for each Fund's securities and cash, but it does not
participate in the Funds' investment decisions. Each Trust, on
behalf of the Funds, has authorized the Bank to deposit certain
portfolio securities in central depository systems as allowed by
Federal law. In addition, the Funds are authorized to maintain
certain of its securities, in particular variable rate demand
notes, in uncertificated form in the proprietary deposit systems
of various dealers in municipal securities. State Street Bank's
main office is 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
PAGE 78
CODE OF ETHICS
The Fund's investment adviser (T. Rowe Price) has a written
Code of Ethics which requires all employees to obtain prior
clearance before engaging in any personal securities
transactions. In addition, all employees must report their
personal securities transactions within ten days of execution.
Employees will not be permitted to effect transactions in a
security: If there are pending client orders in the security;
the security has been purchased or sold by a client within seven
calendar days; the security is being considered for purchase for
a client; a change has occurred in T. Rowe Price's rating of the
security within five days; or the security is subject to internal
trading restrictions. In addition, employees are prohibited from
engaging in short-term trading (e.g., purchases and sales
involving the same security within 60 days). Any material
violation of the Code of Ethics is reported to the Board of the
Fund. The Board also reviews the administration of the Code of
Ethics on an annual basis.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Investment or Brokerage Discretion
Decisions with respect to the purchase and sale of portfolio
securities on behalf of the Fund are made by T. Rowe Price. T.
Rowe Price is also responsible for implementing these decisions,
including the negotiation of commissions and the allocation of
portfolio brokerage and principal business. The Fund's purchases
and sales of portfolio securities are normally done on a
principal basis and do not involve the payment of a commission
although they may involve the designation of selling concessions.
That part of the discussion below relating solely to brokerage
commissions would not normally apply to the Funds. However, it
is included because T. Rowe Price does manage a significant
number of common stock portfolios which do engage in agency
transactions and pay commissions and because some research and
services resulting from the payment of such commissions may
benefit the Fund.
How Brokers and Dealers are Selected
Fixed Income Securities
Fixed income securities are generally purchased from the
issuer or a primary market-maker acting as principal for the
securities on a net basis, with no brokerage commission being
paid by the client although the price usually includes an
PAGE 79
undisclosed compensation. Transactions placed through dealers
serving as primary market-makers reflect the spread between the
bid and asked prices. Securities may also be purchased from
underwriters at prices which include underwriting fees.
T. Rowe Price may effect principal transactions on behalf of
the Fund with a broker or dealer who furnishes brokerage and/or
research services, designate any such broker or dealer to receive
selling concessions, discounts or other allowances, or otherwise
deal with any such broker or dealer in connection with the
acquisition of securities in underwritings. T. Rowe Price may
receive brokerage and research services in connection with such
designations in fixed price underwritings.
How Evaluations are Made of the Overall Reasonableness of
Brokerage Commissions Paid
On a continuing basis, T. Rowe Price seeks to determine what
levels of commission rates are reasonable in the marketplace for
transactions executed on behalf of the Fund. In evaluating the
reasonableness of commission rates, T. Rowe Price considers: (a)
historical commission rates, both before and since rates have
been fully negotiable; (b) rates which other institutional
investors are paying, based on available public information; (c)
rates quoted by brokers and dealers; (d) the size of a particular
transaction, in terms of the number of shares, dollar amount, and
number of clients involved; (e) the complexity of a particular
transaction in terms of both execution and settlement; (f) the
level and type of business done with a particular firm over a
period of time; and (g) the extent to which the broker or dealer
has capital at risk in the transaction.
Description of Research Services Received from Brokers and
Dealers
T. Rowe Price receives a wide range of research services
from brokers and dealers. These services include information on
the economy, industries, groups of securities, individual
companies, statistical information, accounting and tax law
interpretations, political developments, legal developments
affecting portfolio securities, technical market action, pricing
and appraisal services, credit analysis, risk measurement
analysis, performance analysis and analysis of corporate
responsibility issues. These services provide both domestic and
international perspective. Research services are received
primarily in the form of written reports, computer generated
services, telephone contacts and personal meetings with security
analysts. In addition, such services may be provided in the form
of meetings arranged with corporate and industry spokespersons,
PAGE 80
economists, academicians and government representatives. In some
cases, research services are generated by third parties but are
provided to T. Rowe Price by or through broker-dealers.
Research services received from brokers and dealers are
supplemental to T. Rowe Price's own research effort and, when
utilized, are subject to internal analysis before being
incorporated by T. Rowe Price into its investment process. As a
practical matter, it would not be possible for T. Rowe Price to
generate all of the information presently provided by brokers and
dealers. T. Rowe Price pays cash for certain research services
received from external sources. T. Rowe Price also allocates
brokerage for research services which are available for cash.
While receipt of research services from brokerage firms has not
reduced T. Rowe Price's normal research activities, the expenses
of T. Rowe Price could be materially increased if it attempted to
generate such additional information through its own staff. To
the extent that research services of value are provided by
brokers or dealers, T. Rowe Price may be relieved of expenses
which it might otherwise bear.
T. Rowe Price has a policy of not allocating brokerage
business in return for products or services other than brokerage
or research services. In accordance with the provisions of
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, T. Rowe
Price may from time to time receive services and products which
serve both research and non-research functions. In such event,
T. Rowe Price makes a good faith determination of the anticipated
research and non-research use of the product or service and
allocates brokerage only with respect to the research component.
Commissions to Brokers who Furnish Research Services
Certain brokers and dealers who provide quality brokerage
and execution services also furnish research services to T. Rowe
Price. With regard to the payment of brokerage commissions, T.
Rowe Price has adopted a brokerage allocation policy embodying
the concepts of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, which permits an investment adviser to cause an account to
pay commission rates in excess of those another broker or dealer
would have charged for effecting the same transaction, if the
adviser determines in good faith that the commission paid is
reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research
services provided. The determination may be viewed in terms of
either the particular transaction involved or the overall
responsibilities of the adviser with respect to the accounts over
which it exercises investment discretion. Accordingly, while T.
Rowe Price cannot readily determine the extent to which
commission rates or net prices charged by broker-dealers reflect
the value of their research services, T. Rowe Price would expect
PAGE 81
to assess the reasonableness of commissions in light of the total
brokerage and research services provided by each particular
broker. T. Rowe Price may receive research, as defined in
Section 28(e), in connection with selling concessions and
designations in fixed price offerings in which the Funds
participate.
Internal Allocation Procedures
T. Rowe Price has a policy of not precommitting a specific
amount of business to any broker or dealer over any specific time
period. Historically, the majority of brokerage placement has
been determined by the needs of a specific transaction such as
market-making, availability of a buyer or seller of a particular
security, or specialized execution skills. However, T. Rowe
Price does have an internal brokerage allocation procedure for
that portion of its discretionary client brokerage business where
special needs do not exist, or where the business may be
allocated among several brokers or dealers which are able to meet
the needs of the transaction.
Each year, T. Rowe Price assesses the contribution of the
brokerage and research services provided by brokers or dealers,
and attempts to allocate a portion of its brokerage business in
response to these assessments. Research analysts, counselors,
various investment committees, and the Trading Department each
seek to evaluate the brokerage and research services they receive
from brokers or dealers and make judgments as to the level of
business which would recognize such services. In addition,
brokers or dealers sometimes suggest a level of business they
would like to receive in return for the various brokerage and
research services they provide. Actual brokerage received by any
firm may be less than the suggested allocations but can, and
often does, exceed the suggestions, because the total business is
allocated on the basis of all the considerations described above.
In no case is a broker or dealer excluded from receiving business
from T. Rowe Price because it has not been identified as
providing research services.
Miscellaneous
T. Rowe Price's brokerage allocation policy is consistently
applied to all its fully discretionary accounts, which represent
a substantial majority of all assets under management. Research
services furnished by brokers or dealers through which T. Rowe
Price effects securities transactions may be used in servicing
all accounts (including non-Fund accounts) managed by T. Rowe
Price. Conversely, research services received from brokers or
dealers which execute transactions for the Fund are not
PAGE 82
necessarily used by T. Rowe Price exclusively in connection with
the management of the Fund.
From time to time, orders for clients may be placed through
a computerized transaction network. The Fund does not allocate
business to any broker-dealer on the basis of its sales of the
Fund's shares. However, this does not mean that broker-dealers
who purchase Fund shares for their clients will not receive
business from the Fund.
Some of T. Rowe Price's other clients have investment
objectives and programs similar to those of the Fund. T. Rowe
Price may occasionally make recommendations to other clients
which result in their purchasing or selling securities
simultaneously with the Fund. As a result, the demand for
securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold
may increase, and this could have an adverse effect on the price
of those securities. It is T. Rowe Price's policy not to favor
one client over another in making recommendations or in placing
orders. T. Rowe Price frequently follows the practice of
grouping orders of various clients for execution which generally
results in lower commission rates being attained. In certain
cases, where the aggregate order is executed in a series of
transactions at various prices on a given day, each participating
client's proportionate share of such order reflects the average
price paid or received with respect to the total order. T. Rowe
Price has established a general investment policy that it will
ordinarily not make additional purchases of a common stock of a
company for its clients (including the T. Rowe Price Funds) if,
as a result of such purchases, 10% or more of the outstanding
common stock of such company would be held by its clients in the
aggregate.
To the extent possible, T. Rowe Price intends to recapture
solicitation fees paid in connection with tender offers through
T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., the Fund's distributor.
At the present time, T. Rowe Price does not recapture commissions
or underwriting discounts or selling group concessions in
connection with taxable securities acquired in underwritten
offerings. T. Rowe Price does, however, attempt to negotiate
elimination of all or a portion of the selling-group concession
or underwriting discount when purchasing tax-exempt municipal
securities on behalf of its clients in underwritten offerings.
Other
The Funds engaged in portfolio transactions involving
broker-dealers in the following amounts for the fiscal years
ended February 28, 1995, February 28, 1994, and February 28,
1993:
PAGE 83
1995 1994 1993
New York Tax-Free
Money Fund $ 318,998,000 $ 314,975,000 $347,427,000
New York Tax-Free
Bond Fund 523,495,000 443,455,000 190,586,907
California Tax-Free
Money Fund 531,661,000 142,908,000 500,683,740
California Tax-Free
Bond Fund 360,305,000 544,865,000 348,247,460
Maryland Tax-Free
Bond Fund 1,004,363,000 815,516,000 743,400,957
Maryland Short-Term
Tax-Free Bond 318,873,000 232,994,000 34,180,169+
Virginia Tax-Free
Bond Fund 513,098,000 477,407,000 325,426,540
New Jersey Tax-Free
Bond Fund 295,898,000 201,915,000 164,425,076
Georgia Tax-Free
Bond Fund 117,380,000 112,606,000* **
Florida Insured
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund 116,527,000 142,908,000* **
Virginia Short-Term
Tax-Free Bond Fund 10,600,000 * *
The following amounts consisted of principal transactions as
to which the Funds have no knowledge of the profits or losses
realized by the respective broker-dealers for the fiscal years
ended February 28, 1995, February 28, 1994, and February 28,
1993:
1995 1994 1993
New York Tax-Free
Money Fund $318,998,000 $314,975,000 $343,371,806
New York Tax-Free
Bond Fund 510,410,000 413,748,000 176,478,095
California Tax-Free
Money Fund 531,661,000 340,724,000 500,683,740
California Tax-Free
Bond Fund 351,902,000 492,219,000 335,622,104
Maryland Tax-Free
Bond Fund 969,185,000 667,535,000 691,453,707
Maryland Short-Term
Tax-Free Bond Fund 313,554,000 221,759,000 33,681,314+
Virginia Tax-Free
Bond Fund 484,867,000 430,706,000 318,014,247
PAGE 84
New Jersey Tax-Free
Bond Fund 288,542,000 192,008,000 162,241,723
Georgia Tax-Free
Bond Fund 109,324,000 108,245,000 *
Florida Insured
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund 114,179,000 136,112,000 *
Virginia Short-Term
Tax-Free Bond Fund 10,550,000 * *
The following amounts involved trades with brokers
acting as agents or underwriters for the fiscal years ended
February 28, 1995, February 28, 1994, and February 28, 1993:
1995 1994 1993
New York Tax-Free
Money Fund $ 0 $ 0 $4,055,019
New York Tax-Free
Bond Fund 13,085,000 29,707,000 14,108,812
California Tax-Free
Money Fund 0 0 0
California Tax-Free
Bond Fund 8,403,000 52,646,000 12,625,356
Maryland Tax-Free
Bond Fund 35,178,000 147,981,000 51,947,250
Maryland Short-Term
Tax-Free Bond Fund 5,319,000 11,235,000 498,855+
Virginia Tax-Free
Bond Fund 28,231,000 46,702,000 7,412,293
New Jersey Tax-Free
Bond Fund 7,356,000 9,907,000 2,183,353
Georgia Tax-Free
Bond Fund 8,056,000 4,360,000* **
Florida Insured
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund 2,348,000 6,796,000* **
Virginia Short-Term
Tax-Free Bond Fund 50,000 ** **
The following amounts involved trades with brokers acting as
agents or underwriters, in which such brokers received total
commissions, including discounts received in connection with
underwritings for the fiscal years ended February 28, 1995,
February 28, 1994, and February 28, 1993:
PAGE 85
1995 1994 1993
New York Tax-Free Money Fund $ 0 $ 0 $ 8,938
New York Tax-Free Bond Fund 51,875 150,000 99,728
California Tax-Free Money Fund 0 0 0
California Tax-Free Bond Fund 43,750 323,000 88,219
Maryland Tax-Free Bond Fund 204,475 990,000 271,901
Maryland Short-Term Tax-Free 17,620 55,000 2,500 +
Bond Fund
Virginia Tax-Free Bond Fund 38,201 332,000 50,088
New Jersey Tax-Free Bond Fund 43,375 70,000 17,700
Georgia Tax-Free Bond Fund 52,475 25,000 * **
Florida Insured Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund 11,625 64,000 **
Virginia Short-Term Tax-Free
Bond Fund 188 ** **
* For the 11-month fiscal period ended February 28, 1994.
** Prior to commencement of operations.
+ For the one-month fiscal period ended February 28, 1993.
++ For the 10-month fiscal period ended February 29, 1992.
Of all such portfolio transactions, none were placed with
firms which provided research, statistical, or other services to
T. Rowe Price in connection with the management of the Funds, or
in some cases, to the Funds.
The portfolio turnover rates of the Funds for the fiscal
years ended February 28, 1995, February 28, 1994, and February
28, 1993, have been as follows:
1995 1994 1993
New York Tax-Free Money Fund N/A N/A N/A
New York Tax-Free Bond Fund 134.3% 84.9% 41.5%
California Tax-Free Money Fund N/A N/A N/A
California Tax-Free Bond Fund 78.0% 73.4% 57.5%
Maryland Tax-Free Bond Fund 28.9% 24.3% 22.3%
Maryland Short-Term
Tax-Free Bond Fund 105.3% 20.5% 96.9%+
Virginia Tax-Free Bond Fund 89.1% 61.8% 68.5%
New Jersey Tax-Free Bond Fund 139.1% 68.8% 103.3%
Georgia Tax-Free Bond Fund 170.2% 154.8%* **
Florida Insured Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund 140.5% 70.6%* **
Virginia Short-Term Tax-Free
Bond Fund 14.8% ** **
* Figure is annualized and is for the 11-month fiscal period
ended February 28, 1994.
PAGE 86
** Prior to commencement of operations.
+ Figure is annualized and is for the one-month fiscal period
ended February 28, 1993.
++ Figure is annualized and is for the 10-month fiscal period
ended February 29, 1992.
PRICING OF SECURITIES BEING OFFERED
Fixed income securities are generally traded in the over-
the-counter market. Investments in securities with remaining
maturities of one year or more are stated at fair value using a
bid-side valuation as furnished by dealers who make markets in
such securities or by an independent pricing service, which
considers yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon,
maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make
markets in such securities.
Except with respect to certain securities held by the Money
Funds, securities with remaining maturities less than one
year are stated at fair value which is determined by using a
matrix system that establishes a value for each security based on
bid-side money market yields. Securities originally purchased by
the Money Funds with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are
valued at amortized cost. In addition, securities purchased by
the Money Funds with maturities in excess of 60 days, but which
currently have maturities of 60 days or less, are valued at their
amortized cost for the 60 days prior to maturity--such
amortization being based on the fair value of the securities on
the 61st day prior to maturity.
There are a number of pricing services available, and the
Boards of Trustees, on the basis of ongoing evaluation of these
services, may use or may discontinue the use of any pricing
service in whole or in part.
Securities or other assets for which the above valuation
procedures are inappropriate or are deemed not to reflect fair
value will be appraised at prices deemed best to reflect their
fair value. Such determinations will be made in good faith by or
under the supervision of officers of the Funds, as authorized by
its Board of Trustees.
Maintenance of New York and California Money Funds' Net Asset
Value Per Share at $1.00
It is the policy of the Funds to attempt to maintain a net
asset value of $1.00 per share by rounding to the nearest one
cent. This method of valuation is commonly referred to as "penny
PAGE 87
rounding" and is permitted by Rule 2a-7 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Under Rule 2a-7:
(a) The Board of Trustees of each Fund must undertake to
assure, to the extent reasonably practical taking
into account current market conditions affecting a
Fund's investment objectives, that a Fund's net
asset value will not deviate from $1.00 per share;
(b) Each Fund must (i) maintain a dollar-weighted
average portfolio maturity appropriate to its
objective of maintaining a stable price per share,
(ii) not purchase any instrument with a remaining
maturity greater than 397 days (in the case of U.S.
government securities greater than 762 days), and
(iii) maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio
maturity of 90 days or less;
(c) Each Fund must limit its purchase of portfolio
instruments, including repurchase agreements, to
those U.S. dollar-denominated instruments which a
Fund's Board of Trustees determines present minimal
credit risks, and which are eligible securities as
defined by Rule 2a-7. Eligible securities are
generally securities which have been rated (or whose
issuer has been rated or whose issuer has comparable
securities rated) in or of the two highest rating
categories by nationally recognized statistical
rating organizations or, in the case of any
instrument that is not so rated, is of comparable
quality as determined by procedures adopted by the
Funds' Boards of Trustees; and
(d) Each Board of Trustees must determine that (i) it is
in the best interest of a Fund and its shareholders
to maintain a stable price per share under the penny
rounding method; and (ii) a Fund will continue to
use the penny rounding method only so long as each
Board of Trustees believes that it fairly reflects
the market based net asset value per share.
Although the Funds believe that it will be able to maintain
its net asset value at $1.00 per share under most conditions,
there can be no absolute assurance that it will be able to do so
on a continuous basis. If a Fund's net asset value per share
declined, or was expected to decline, below $1.00 (rounded to the
nearest one cent), the Board of Trustees of a Fund might
temporarily reduce or suspend dividend payments in an effort to
maintain the net asset value at $1.00 per share. As a result of
such reduction or suspension of dividends, an investor would
PAGE 88
receive less income during a given period than if such a
reduction or suspension had not taken place. Such action could
result in an investor receiving no dividend for the period during
which he holds his shares and in his receiving, upon redemption,
a price per share lower than that which he paid. On the other
hand, if a Fund's net asset value per share were to increase, or
were anticipated to increase above $1.00 (rounded to the nearest
one cent), the Board of Trustees of a Fund might supplement
dividends in an effort to maintain the net asset value at $1.00
per share.
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
The purchase and redemption price of each Fund's shares is
equal to that Fund's net asset value per share (or share price).
Each Fund determines its net asset value per share by subtracting
its liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends
payable) from its total assets (the market value of the
securities a Fund holds plus cash and other assets, including
income accrued but not yet received) and dividing the result by
the total number of shares outstanding. The net asset value per
share of each Fund is calculated as of the close of trading on
the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") every day the NYSE is open
for trading. The NYSE is closed on the following days: New
Year's Day, Washington's Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Determination of net asset value (and the offering, sale,
redemption and repurchase of shares) for a Fund may be suspended
at times (a) during which the NYSE is closed, other than
customary weekend and holiday closings, (b) during which trading
on the NYSE is restricted (c) during which an emergency exists as
a result of which disposal by a Fund of securities owned by it is
not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable
for a Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or
(d) during which a governmental body having jurisdiction over the
Funds may by order permit such a suspension for the protection of
the Funds' shareholders; provided that applicable rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (or any
succeeding governmental authority) shall govern as to whether the
conditions prescribed in (b), (c), or (d) exist.
DIVIDENDS
Unless you elect otherwise, each Fund's annual capital gain
distribution, if any, will be reinvested on the reinvestment date
using the NAV per share of that date. The reinvestment date
normally precedes the payment date by about 10 days although the
exact timing is subject to change.
PAGE 89
TAX STATUS
Each Fund intends to qualify as a "regulated investment
company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended ("Code").
Dividends and distributions paid by the Funds are not
eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporate
shareholders. For tax purposes, it does not make any difference
whether dividends and capital gain distributions are paid in cash
or in additional shares. Each Fund must declare by its year end
dividends equal to at least 90% of net tax-exempt income (as of
its tax year-end) to permit the pass-through of tax-exempt income
to shareholders, and declare by December 31, 98% of capital gains
(as of October 31) in order to avoid a federal excise tax and
distribute within 12 months, 100% of capital gains (as of its tax
year-end) to avoid federal income tax.
At the time of your purchase, each Fund's net asset value
may reflect undistributed capital gains or net unrealized
appreciation of securities held by the Funds. A subsequent
distribution to you of such amounts, although constituting a
return of your investment, would be taxable as a capital gain
distribution. For federal income tax purposes, the Funds are
permitted to carry forward its net realized capital losses, if
any, for eight years and realize net capital gains up to the
amount of such losses without being required to pay taxes on, or
distribute such gains. On April 30, 1995, the books of each Fund
indicated that the Fund's aggregate net assets included:
Realized Capital Unrealized
Gains/(Losses) Appreciation
(Depreciation)
________________ ____________
New York Tax-Money Fund $ 0 $ (3,392)
New York Tax-Free Bond Fund 109,899 (644,287)
California Tax-Free Money Fund 56 4,649
California Tax-Free Bond Fund 288,776 (813,889)
Maryland Tax-Free Bond Fund 429,154 (2,813,060)
Maryland Short-Term Tax-Free
Bond Fund 800 14,039
Virginia Tax-Free Bond Fund 366,024 (892,086)
New Jersey Tax-Free Bond Fund 136,623 (414,779)
Georgia Tax-Free Bond Fund 10,432 (134,108)
Florida Insured Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund 159,969 (200,362)
Virginia Short-Term Tax-Free
Bond Fund 2,243 (2,223)
PAGE 90
If, in any taxable year, a Fund should not qualify as a
regulated investment company under the Code: (i) the Fund would
be taxed at normal corporate rates on the entire amount of its
taxable income, if any, without deduction for dividends or other
distributions to shareholders and (ii) the Fund's distributions
to the extent made out of the Fund's current or accumulated
earnings and profits would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary
dividends (regardless of whether they would otherwise have been
considered capital gain dividends or tax-exempt dividends).
The Funds anticipate acquiring bonds after initial issuance
at a price less than the principal amount of such bonds ("market
discount bonds"). Gain on the disposition of such bonds is
treated as taxable ordinary income to the extent of accrued
market discount. Such gains cannot be offset by losses on the
sale of other securities but must be distributed to shareholders
annually and taxed as ordinary income.
Each year, the Funds will mail you information on the tax
status of dividends and distributions. The Funds anticipate that
substantially all of the dividends to be paid by each Fund will
be exempt from federal, state, and/or city or local income taxes,
as applicable. However, due to seasonal variations in the supply
of short-term investments, there may be periods when it would not
be unusual for a certain percentage of dividends of a Fund to be
derived from out of state securities. Any such dividends would
be subject to state and local income taxes (if any). If any
portion of a Fund's dividends is not exempt from federal income
taxes, you will receive a Form 1099 stating the taxable portion.
The Funds will also advise you of the percentage of your
dividends, if any, which should be included in the computation of
alternative minimum tax. Social security recipients who receive
interest from tax-exempt securities may have to pay taxes on a
portion of their social security benefits.
Because the interest on municipal securities is tax exempt,
any interest on money you borrow that is directly or
indirectly used to purchase shares of a Fund is not deductible.
(See Section 265(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.) Further,
entities or persons who are "substantial users" (or persons
related to "substantial users") of facilities financed by
industrial development bonds should consult their tax advisers
before purchasing shares of a Fund. The income from such bonds
may not be tax exempt for such substantial users.
Georgia Tax-Free Bond Fund
Investments in the Fund are subject to the Georgia
intangible personal property tax. Because the Fund is a series
PAGE 91
of the T. Rowe Price State Tax-Free Income Trust, a Massachusetts
business trust, investments in the Fund are taxed at a lower rate
than would be applied if the Fund were organized as a
corporation.
Florida Insured Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
Although Florida does not have a state income tax, it does
impose an intangible personal property tax (intangibles tax) on
assets, including shares of mutual funds. This tax is based on
the net asset value of shares owned on January 1.
Under Florida law, shares of the Fund will be exempt from
the intangibles tax to the extent that, on January 1, the Fund's
assets are solely invested in certain exempt Florida securities,
U.S. government securities, certain short-term cash investments,
or other exempt securities. If, on January 1, the Fund's assets
are invested in these tax-exempt securities and other non-tax-
exempt securities, only that portion of a share's net asset value
represented by U.S. government securities will be exempt from the
intangibles tax. Because the Fund will make every effort to have
its portfolio invested exclusively in exempt Florida municipal
obligations (and other qualifying investments) on January 1,
shares of the Fund should be exempt from the intangibles tax.
However, under certain circumstances, the Fund may invest in
securities other than Florida municipal obligations and there can
be no guarantee that such non-exempt investments would not be in
the Fund's portfolio on January 1. In such cases, all or a
portion of the value of the Fund's shares may be subject to the
intangibles tax, and a portion of the Fund's income may be
subject to federal income taxes.
YIELD INFORMATION
Bond Funds
From time to time, the Funds may advertise a yield figure
calculated in the following manner:
An income factor is calculated for each security in the
portfolio based upon the security's market value at the beginning
of the period and yield as determined in conformity with
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
income factors are then totalled for all securities in the
portfolio. Next, expenses of each Fund for the period net of
expected reimbursements are deducted from the income to arrive at
net income, which is then converted to a per-share amount by
dividing net income by the average number of shares outstanding
during the period. The net income per share is divided by the
PAGE 92
net asset value on the last day of the period to produce a
monthly yield which is then annualized. A taxable equivalent
yield is calculated by dividing this yield by one minus the sum
of the effective federal, state, and/or city or local income tax
rates. Quoted yield factors are for comparison purposes only,
and are not intended to indicate future performance or forecast
the dividend per share of each Fund.
The yield of each Fund calculated under the above-described
method for the month ended February 28, 1995, was as follows:
New York Tax-Free Bond Fund 5.64%
California Tax-Free Bond Fund 5.59%
Maryland Tax-Free Bond Fund 5.54%
Maryland Short-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund 4.18%
Virginia Tax-Free Bond Fund 5.56%
New Jersey Tax-Free Bond Fund 5.62%
Georgia Tax-Free Bond Fund 5.51%
Florida Insured Intermediate 4.77%
Tax-Free Fund
The tax equivalent yields (assuming a federal tax bracket of
31.0%) for each Fund for the same period were as follows:
New York Tax-Free Bond Fund(a) 9.28%
California Tax-Free Bond Fund(b) 9.00%
Maryland Tax-Free Bond Fund(c) 8.72%
Maryland Short-Term Tax-Free 6.58%
Bond Fund(c)
Virginia Tax-Free Bond Fund(d) 8.55%
New Jersey Tax-Free Bond Fund(e) 8.73%
Georgia Tax-Free Bond Fund(f) 8.49%
Florida Insured Intermediate 7.11%
Tax-Free Fund(g)
(a) Assumes a state tax bracket of 7.50% and a local tax bracket
of 4.4%
(b) Assumes a state tax bracket of 10.0%.
(c) Assumes a state tax bracket of 5.0% and a local tax bracket
of 3.0%.
(d) Assumes a state tax bracket of 5.75%.
(e) Assumes a state tax bracket of 6.65%.
(f) Assumes a state tax bracket of 6.0%.
(g) Assumes an intangible tax rate of 0.2%.
The tax equivalent yields (assuming a federal tax bracket of
28.0%) for each Fund for the same period were as follows:
PAGE 93
New York Tax-Free Bond Fund(a) 8.90%
California Tax-Free Bond Fund(b) 8.56%
Maryland Tax-Free Bond Fund(c) 8.37%
Maryland Short-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund(c) 6.31%
Virginia Tax-Free Bond Fund(d) 8.19%
New Jersey Tax-Free Bond Fund(e) 8.31%
Georgia Tax-Free Bond Fund(f) 8.14%
Florida Insured Intermediate 6.83%
Tax-Free Fund(g)
(a) Assumes a state tax bracket of 7.50% and a local tax bracket
of 4.4%
(b) Assumes a state tax bracket of 9.3%.
(c) Assumes a state tax bracket of 5.0% and a local tax bracket
of 3.0%.
(d) Assumes a state tax bracket of 5.75%.
(e) Assumes a state tax bracket of 6.18%.
(f) Assumes a state tax bracket of 6.0%.
(g) Assumes an intangible tax rate of 0.2%.
New York Money and California Money Funds
Each Fund's current and historical yield for a period is
calculated by dividing the net change in value of an account
(including all dividends accrued and dividends reinvested in
additional shares) by the account value at the beginning of the
period to obtain the base period return. This base period return
is divided by the number of days in the period then multiplied by
365 to arrive at the annualized yield for that period. Each
Fund's annualized compound yield for such period is compounded by
dividing the base period return by the number of days in the
period, and compounding that figure over 365 days.
The Money Funds' current yield and compound yield for the
seven days ended February 28, 1995 were:
Current Compound
Yield Yield
_______ ________
New York Tax-Free Money Fund 3.39% 3.45%
California Tax-Free Money Fund 3.41% 3.47%
From time to time, a Fund may also illustrate the effect of
tax equivalent yields using information such as that set forth
below:
PAGE 94
TAX-EXEMPT VS. TAXABLE YIELDS
New York Funds
_________________________________________________________________
Your Taxable Income (1995)(a) Tax Rates
Joint Return Single Return Comb-
Federal(d) Local(b) ined
State Margin-
al(c)
_________________________________________________________________
$ 27,001- $ 39,000 $15,001- $23,350 15.0 7.50 4.40 25.1
39,001- 94,250 23,351- 56,550 28.0 7.50 4.40 36.6
94,251- 108,000 56,551- 60,000 31.0 7.50 4.40 39.2
108,001- 143,600 60,001- 117,950 31.0 7.50 4.46 39.3
143,601- 256,500 117,951- 256,500 36.0 7.50 4.46 43.7
256,501 and above 256,501 and above 39.6 7.50 4.46 46.8
_________________________________________________________________
A Tax-Exempt Yield Of:
3% 4% 5% 6% 7% 8% 9% 10%
Is Equivalent to a Taxable Yield of:
_________________________________________________________________
4.01 5.34 6.68 8.01 9.35 10.68 12.02 13.35
4.73 6.31 7.89 9.46 11.04 12.62 14.20 15.77
4.93 6.58 8.22 9.87 11.51 13.16 14.80 16.45
4.94 6.59 8.24 9.88 11.53 13.18 14.83 16.47
5.33 7.10 8.88 10.66 12.43 14.21 15.99 17.76
5.64 7.52 9.40 11.28 13.16 15.04 16.92 18.80
(a) Net amount subject to federal income tax after deductions
and exemptions.
(b) Tax rates are for New York City Residents.
(c) Combined marginal rate assumes the deduction of state and
local income taxes on the federal return.
(d) Marginal rates may vary depending on family size and nature
and amount of itemized deductions.
PAGE 95
California Funds
_________________________________________________________________
Your Taxable Income (1995)(a) Marginal Tax Rates
Joint Return Single Return Comb-
Federal(c) ined
Margin-
State al(b)
_________________________________________________________________
$35,325- $39,000 $17,663- $23,350 15.0 6.0 20.1
39,001- 49,038 23,351- 24,519 28.0 6.0 32.3
49,039- 61,974 24,520- 30,987 28.0 8.0 33.8
61,975- 94,250 30,988- 56,550 28.0 9.3 34.7
94,251- 143,600 56,551- 107,464 31.0 9.3 37.4
107,465- 117,950 31.0 10.0 37.9
143,601- 214,928 36.0 9.3 42.0
214,929- 256,500 117,951- 214,929 36.0 10.0 42.4
214,930- 256,500 36.0 11.0 43.0
256,501- 429,858 39.6 10.0 45.6
429,859 and above 256,501 and above 39.6 11.0 46.2
_________________________________________________________________
A Tax-Exempt Yield Of:
3% 4% 5% 6% 7% 8% 9% 10%
Is Equivalent to a Taxable Yield of:
_________________________________________________________________
3.75 5.01 6.26 7.51 8.76 10.01 11.26 12.52
4.43 5.91 7.39 8.86 10.34 11.82 13.29 14.77
4.53 6.04 7.55 9.0 10.57 12.08 13.60 15.11
4.59 6.13 7.66 9.19 10.72 12.25 13.78 15.31
4.79 6.39 7.99 9.58 11.18 12.78 14.38 15.97
4.83 6.44 8.05 9.66 11.27 12.88 14.49 16.10
5.17 6.90 8.62 10.34 12.07 13.79 15.52 17.24
5.21 6.94 8.68 10.42 12.15 13.89 15.63 17.36
5.26 7.02 8.77 10.53 12.28 14.04 15.79 17.54
5.51 7.35 9.19 11.03 12.87 14.71 16.54 18.38
5.58 7.43 9.29 11.15 13.01 14.87 16.73 18.59
(a) Net amount subject to federal income tax after deductions
and exemptions.
(b) Combined marginal rate assumes the deduction of state income
taxes on the federal return.
(c) Marginal rates may vary depending on family size and nature
and amount of itemized deductions.
PAGE 96
Maryland Funds
_________________________________________________________________
Your Taxable Income (1995)(a) Marginal Tax Rates
Joint Return Single Return Combined
Federal(d) Local(b) Mar-
State ginal(c)
_________________________________________________________________
$39,001- $94,250 $23,351- $56,550 28.0 5.0 3.0 33.8
94,251- 143,600 56,551- 100,000 31.0 5.0 3.0 36.5
100,001- 117,950 31.0 5.0 3.0 36.5
143,601- 150,000 36.0 5.0 3.0 41.1
150,001- 256,500 117,951- 256,500 36.0 5.0 3.0 41.1
256,501 and above 256,501 and above 39.6 5.0 3.0 44.4
_________________________________________________________________
A Tax-Exempt Yield Of:
3% 4% 5% 6% 7% 8% 9% 10%
Is Equivalent to a Taxable Yield of:
_________________________________________________________________
4.53 6.04 7.55 9.06 10.57 12.08 13.60 15.11
4.72 6.30 7.87 9.45 11.02 12.60 14.17 15.75
4.72 6.30 7.87 9.45 11.02 12.60 14.17 15.75
5.09 6.79 8.49 10.19 11.88 13.58 15.28 16.98
5.09 6.79 8.49 10.19 11.88 13.58 15.28 16.98
5.40 7.19 8.99 10.79 12.59 14.39 16.19 17.99
_________________________________________________________________
(a) Net amount subject to federal income tax after deductions
and exemptions.
(b) Assumes a local tax rate equal to 60% of the state rate for
residents in the 5% state bracket.
(c) Combined marginal rate assumes the deduction of state and
local income taxes on the federal return.
(d) Marginal rates may vary depending on family size and nature
and amount of itemized deductions.
PAGE 97
New Jersey Fund
_________________________________________________________________
Your Taxable Income (1995)(a) Tax Rates
Joint Return Single Return Combined
Federal(c)State Mar-
ginal(b)
_________________________________________________________________
$ 0- $20,000 $ 0- $20,000 15.00 1.90 16.60
20,001- 39,000 20,001- 23,350 15.00 2.38 17.00
39,001- 50,000 23,351- 35,000 28.00 2.38 29.70
50,001- 70,000 28.00 3.33 30.40
70,001- 80,000 35,001- 40,000 28.00 4.75 31.40
80,001- 94,250 40,001- 56,550 28.00 6.18 32.40
94,251- 143,600 56,551- 75,000 31.00 6.18 35.30
75,001- 117,950 31.00 6.65 35.60
143,601- 150,000 36.00 6.18 40.00
150,001- 256,500 117,951- 256,500 36.00 6.65 40.30
256,501 and above 256,501 and above 39.60 6.65 43.60
_________________________________________________________________
A Tax-Exempt Yield Of:
3% 4% 5% 6% 7% 8% 9% 10%
Is Equivalent to a Taxable Yield of:
_________________________________________________________________
3.60 4.80 6.00 7.19 8.39 9.59 10.79 11.99
3.61 4.82 6.02 7.23 8.43 9.64 10.84 12.05
4.27 5.69 7.11 8.53 9.96 11.38 12.80 14.22
4.31 5.75 7.18 8.62 10.06 11.49 12.93 14.37
4.37 5.83 7.29 8.75 10.20 11.66 13.12 14.58
4.44 5.92 7.40 8.88 10.36 11.83 13.31 14.79
4.64 6.18 7.73 9.27 10.82 12.36 13.91 15.46
4.66 6.21 7.76 9.32 10.87 12.42 13.98 15.53
5.00 6.67 8.33 10.00 11.67 13.33 15.00 16.67
5.03 6.70 8.38 10.05 11.73 13.40 15.08 16.75
5.32 7.09 8.87 10.64 12.41 14.18 15.96 17.73
_________________________________________________________________
(a) Net amount subject to federal income tax after deductions
and exemptions.
(b) Combined marginal rate assumes the deduction of state income
taxes on the federal return.
(c) Marginal rates may vary depending on family size and nature
and amount of itemized deductions.
PAGE 98
Virginia Funds
_________________________________________________________________
Your Taxable Income (1995)(a) Marginal Tax Rates
Joint Return Single Return Combined
Federal(c) State Mar-
ginal(b)
_________________________________________________________________
$39,001- $94,250 $23,351- $56,550 28.0 5.75 32.1
94,251- 143,600 56,551- 117,950 31.0 5.75 35.0
143,601- 256,500 117,951- 256,500 36.0 5.75 39.7
256,501 and above 256,501 and above 39.6 5.75 43.1
_________________________________________________________________
A Tax-Exempt Yield Of:
3% 4% 5% 6% 7% 8% 9% 10%
Is Equivalent to a Taxable Yield of:
_________________________________________________________________
4.42 5.89 7.36 8.84 10.31 11.78 13.25 14.73
4.62 6.15 7.69 9.23 10.77 12.31 13.85 15.38
4.98 6.63 8.29 9.95 11.61 13.27 14.93 16.58
5.27 7.03 8.79 10.54 12.30 14.06 15.82 17.57
_________________________________________________________________
(a) Net amount subject to federal income tax after deductions
and exemptions.
(b) Combined marginal rate assumes the deduction of state income
taxes on the federal return.
(c) Marginal rates may vary depending on family size and nature
and amount of itemized deductions.
PAGE 99
Georgia Tax-Free Bond Fund
_________________________________________________________________
Your Taxable Income (1995)(a) Tax Rates
Joint Return Single Return Combined
Federal(c) State Mar-
ginal(b)
_________________________________________________________________
$39,001- $94,250 $23,351- $56,550 28.0 6.00 32.3
94,251- 143,600 56,551- 117,950 31.0 6.00 35.1
143,601- 256,500 117,951- 256,500 36.0 6.00 39.8
256,501 and above 256,501 and above 39.6 6.00 43.2
_________________________________________________________________
A Tax-Exempt Yield Of:
3% 4% 5% 6% 7% 8% 9% 10%
Is Equivalent to a Taxable Yield of:
_________________________________________________________________
4.43 5.91 7.39 8.86 10.34 11.82 13.29 14.77
4.62 6.16 7.70 9.24 10.79 12.33 13.87 15.41
4.98 6.64 8.31 9.97 11.63 13.29 14.95 16.61
5.28 7.04 8.80 10.56 12.32 14.08 15.85 17.61
_________________________________________________________________
(a) Net amount subject to federal income tax after deductions
and exemptions.
(b) Combined marginal rate assumes the deduction of state income
taxes on the federal return.
(c) Marginal rates may vary depending on family size and nature
and amount of itemized deductions.
PAGE 100
Florida Fund
EFFECTIVE YIELD FACTORING IN INTANGIBLES TAX
_________________________________________________________________
Your Taxable Income (1995)(a)
Joint Return Single Return Federal Intangible
Tax Rate(c) Tax Rate
_________________________________________________________________
$ 39,001- $ 94,250 $ 23,351- $ 56,550
And Your Intangible Assets on 1/1/95 Total:
40,000 or less 20,000 or less 28 N/A
40,001- 200,000 20,001- 100,000 28 0.1
200,001 and above 100,001 and above 28 0.2
_________________________________________________________________
$ 94,251- $143,600 $ 56,551- $117,950
And Your Intangible Assets on 1/1/95 Total:
40,000 or less 20,000 or less 31 N/A
40,001- 200,000 20,001- 100,000 31 0.1
200,001 and above 100,001 and above 31 0.2
_________________________________________________________________
$143,601- $256,500 $117,951- $256,500
And Your Intangible Assets on 1/1/95 Total:
40,000 or less 20,000 or less 36 N/A
40,001- 200,000 20,001- 100,000 36 0.1
200,001 and above 100,001 and above 36 0.2
_________________________________________________________________
$256,501 and above+ $256,501 and above+
And Your Intangible Assets on 1/1/95 Total:
40,000 or less 20,000 or less 39.6 N/A
40,001- 200,000 20,001- 100,000 39.6 0.1
200,001 and above 100,001 and above 39.6 0.2
_________________________________________________________________
A Tax-Exempt Yield Of (b):
3% 4% 5% 6% 7% 8% 9% 10% 11%
Is Equivalent to a Taxable Yield of:
_________________________________________________________________
4.17 5.56 6.94 8.33 9.72 11.11 12.50 13.89 15.28
4.27 5.66 7.04 8.43 9.82 11.21 12.60 13.99 15.38
4.37 5.76 7.14 8.53 9.92 11.31 12.70 14.09 15.48
_________________________________________________________________
4.35 5.80 7.25 8.70 10.14 11.59 13.04 14.49 15.94
4.45 5.90 7.35 8.80 10.24 11.69 13.14 14.59 16.04
4.55 6.00 7.45 8.90 10.34 11.79 13.24 14.69 16.14
_________________________________________________________________
PAGE 101
4.69 6.25 7.81 9.38 10.94 12.50 14.06 15.63 17.19
4.79 6.35 7.91 9.48 11.04 12.60 14.16 15.73 17.29
4.89 6.45 8.01 9.58 11.14 12.70 14.26 15.83 17.39
________________________________________________________________
4.97 6.62 8.28 9.93 11.59 13.25 14.90 16.56 18.21
5.07 6.72 8.38 10.03 11.69 13.35 15.00 16.66 18.31
5.17 6.82 8.48 10.13 11.79 13.45 15.10 16.76 18.41
_________________________________________________________________
(a) Net amount subject to federal income tax after deductions
and exemptions.
(b) Assumes 100% exemption from federal income and Florida
intangible property taxes.
(c) Federal rates may vary depending on family size and nature
and amount of itemized deductions.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE
Total Return Performance
Each Fund's calculation of total return performance includes
the reinvestment of all capital gain distributions and income
dividends for the period or periods indicated, without regard to
tax consequences to a shareholder in each Fund. Total return is
calculated as the percentage change between the beginning value
of a static account in each Fund and the ending value of that
account measured by the then current net asset value, including
all shares acquired through reinvestment of income and capital
gains dividends. The results shown are historical and should not
be considered indicative of the future performance of each Fund.
Each average annual compound rate of return is derived from the
cumulative performance of each Fund over the time period
specified. The annual compound rate of return for each Fund over
any other period of time will vary from the average.
Cumulative Performance Percentage Change
Since
Inception
1 Year 5 Years Date
Inception Ended Ended through
Date 2/28/95 2/28/95 2/28/95
________ ________ ________ ________
New York Tax-Free Bond Fund 8/28/86 0.74%(a) 47.85% 78.29%(b)
California Tax-Free Bond Fund 9/15/86 1.60%(c) 45.35% 69.11%(d)
Maryland Tax-Free Bond Fund 3/31/87 1.43%(e) 44.53% 64.10%(f)
PAGE 102
Maryland Short-Term Tax-Free
Bond Fund 1/29/93 2.64%(g) N/A 7.99%(h)
Virginia Tax-Free Bond Fund 4/30/91 1.51%(i) N/A 32.74%(j)
New Jersey Tax-Free Bond Fund 4/30/91 0.37%(k) N/A 33.81%(l)
Florida Insured Intermediate
Bond Fund 3/31/93 3.01% N/A 10.05%
Georgia Tax-Free Bond Fund 3/31/93 1.42% N/A 9.99%(o)
Average Annual Compound Rates of Return
Since
Inception
1 Year 5 Years Date
Inception Ended Ended through
Date 2/28/95 2/28/95 2/28/95
________ ________ ________ ________
New York Tax-Free Bond Fund 8/28/86 0.74%(a) 8.13% 7.04%(b)
California Tax-Free Bond Fund 9/15/86 1.60%(c) 7.77% 6.41%(d)
Maryland Tax-Free Bond Fund 3/31/87 1.43%(e) 7.64% 6.46%(f)
Maryland Short-Term Tax-Free
Bond Fund 1/29/93 2.64%(g) N/A 3.76%(h)
Virginia Tax-Free Bond Fund 4/30/91 1.51%(i) N/A 7.67%(j)
New Jersey Tax-Free Bond Fund 4/30/91 0.37%(k) N/A 7.89%(l)
Florida Insured Intermediate
Bond Fund 3/31/93 3.01%(m) N/A 5.13%(n)
Georgia Tax-Free Bond Fund 3/31/93 1.42%(o) N/A 5.10%(p)
(a) If you invested $1,000 on 2/28/94, the total return of the
New York Bond Fund on 2/28/95 would be $1,007.40.10 ($1,000
x 1.0074).
(b) Assumes purchase of one share of the New York Bond Fund at
the inception price of $10.00 on 8/25/86.
(c) If you invested $1,000 on 2/28/94, the total return of the
California Bond Fund on 2/28/95 would be $1,016.00 ($1,000 x
1.0160).
(d) Assumes purchase of one share of the California Bond Fund at
the inception price of $10.00 on 9/11/86.
(e) If you invested $1,000 on 2/28/94, the total return of the
Maryland Bond Fund on 2/28/95 would be $1,014.30 ($1,000 x
1.0143).
(f) Assumes purchase of one share of the Maryland Bond Fund at
the inception price of $10.00 on 3/31/87.
(g) If you invested $1,000 at the 2/28/94, the total return of
the Maryland Short-Term Fund on 2/28/95 would be $1,026.40
($1,000 x 1.0264).
(h) Assumes purchase of one share of the Maryland Short-Term
Fund at the inception price of $5.00 on 1/29/93.
PAGE 103
(i) If you invested $1,000 on 2/28/94, the total return of the
Virginia Bond Fund on 2/28/95 would be $1,015.10 ($1,000 x
1.0151).
(j) Assumes purchase of one share of the Virginia Bond Fund at
the inception price of $10.00 on 4/30/91.
(k) If you invested $1,000 on 2/28/94, the total return of the
New Jersey Bond Fund on 2/28/95 would be $1,003.70 ($1,000 x
1.0037).
(l) Assumes purchase of one share of the New Jersey Bond Fund at
the inception price of $10.00 on 4/30/91.
(m) If you invested $1,000 on 2/28/94,, the total return of the
Florida Insured Fund on 2/28/95 would be $1,030.10 ($1,000 x
1.0301).
(n) Assumes purchase of one share of the Florida Insured Fund at
the inception price of $10.00 on 3/31/93.
(o) If you invested $1,000 on 2/28/94, the total return of the
Georgia Bond Fund on 2/28/95 would be $1,014.20 ($1,000 x
1.0142).
(p) Assumes purchase of one share of the Georgia Bond Fund at
the inception price of $10.00 on 3/31/93.
Outside Sources of Information
From time to time, in reports and promotional literature,
each Fund's performance will be compared to any one or
combination of the following: (1) indices of broad groups of
managed and unmanaged securities considered to be representative
of or similar to Fund portfolio holdings, (2) other mutual funds,
or (3) other measures of performance set forth in publications
such as:
Bond Buyer 20 - an estimation of the yield which would be offered
on 20-year general obligation bonds with a composite rating of
approximately "A." Published weekly by The Bond Buyer, a trade
paper of the municipal securities industry;
Donoghue's Tax-Exempt Money Fund Avg. - an average of municipal
money market funds as reported in Donoghue's Money Fund Report,
which tracks the performance of all money market mutual funds;
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. - a widely used independent
research firm which ranks mutual funds by overall performance,
investment objectives, and assets;
Lipper General Purpose Municipal Bond Avg. - an average of
municipal mutual funds which invest 60% or more of their assets
in the top four tax-exempt credit ratings;
PAGE 104
Lipper High-Yield Municipal Bond Avg. - an average of municipal
mutual funds which may utilize lower rated bonds for 50% of their
portfolio;
Lipper Intermediate Municipal Avg. - an average of municipal
mutual funds which restrict their holdings to bonds with
maturities between 5 and 10 years;
Lipper Short Municipal Debt Avg. - an average of municipal funds
that invest in municipal debt issues with dollar-weighted average
maturities of less than five years;
Lipper State Municipal Bond Funds Average - an average of
municipal mutual funds which limit at least 80% of their
investments to those securities which are exempt from taxation of
state and/or city income taxation;
Morningstar, Inc. - a widely used independent research firm which
rates mutual funds by overall performance, investment objectives,
and assets;
Prime General Obligations - bonds with maturities from 1-30 years
which are secured by the full faith and credit of issuers with
taxing power; and
Shearson Lehman/American Express Municipal Bond Index - a
composite measure of the total return performance of the
municipal bond market. Based upon approximately 1500 bonds.
New York and California Funds only
Donoghue's Tax-Exempt State Money Fund Average - an average of
municipal money market funds which concentrate their investments
in securities which are exempt from state and/or city income
taxes, as reported in Donoghue's Money Fund Report, which tracks
the performance of all money market mutual funds; and
Lipper State Short-Term Municipal Funds Average - an average of
municipal mutual funds concentrating their investments in
securities which are exempt from state and/or city income taxes.
This average is compiled from the Lipper Short-Term Municipal
Bond Funds average which restricts inclusion to those funds with
an average weighted maturity of no more than 90 days. Most funds
restrict their longest maturity to one year.
Indices prepared by the research departments of such a
financial organizations as Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith,
Inc., will be used, as well as information provided by the
Federal Reserve Board.
PAGE 105
Information reported in the Bank Rate Monitor, an
independent publication which tracks the performance of certain
bank products, such as money market deposit accounts and
certificates of deposit, will also be used. Bank Certificates of
Deposit differ from mutual funds in several ways: the interest
rate established by the sponsoring bank is fixed for the term of
a CD; there are penalties for early withdrawal from CDs; and the
principal on a CD is insured.
Performance rankings and ratings reported periodically in
national financial publications such as MONEY, FORBES, BUSINESS
WEEK, and BARRON'S may also be used.
Other Features and Benefits
The Funds are members of the T. Rowe Price Family of Funds
and may help investors achieve various long-term investment
goals, such as saving for a down payment on a home or paying
college costs. To explain how the Funds could be used to assist
investors in planning for these goals and to illustrate basic
principles of investing, various worksheets and guides prepared
by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and/or T. Rowe Price Investment
Services, Inc. may be made available. These currently include:
the Asset Mix Worksheet which is designed to show shareholders
how to reduce their investment risk by developing a diversified
investment plan; the College Planning Guide which discusses
various aspects of financial planning to meet college expenses
and assists parents in projecting the costs of a college
education for their children; Tax Considerations for Investors
discusses the tax advantages of annuities and municipal bonds and
how to assess whether they are suitable for your portfolio,
reviews pros and cons of placing assets in a gift to minors
account and summarizes the benefits and types of tax-deferred
retirement plans currently available; Personal Strategy Planner
simplifies investment decision making by helping investors define
personal financial goals establish length of time the investor
intends to invest, determine risk "comfort zone" and select
diversified investment mix; and How to Choose a Bond Fund guide
which discusses how to choose an appropriate bond fund for your
portfolio. From time to time, other worksheets and guides may be
made available as well. Of course, an investment in a Fund
cannot guarantee that such goals will be met.
To assist investors in understanding the different returns
and risk characteristics of various investments, the
aforementioned guides will include presentation of historical
returns of various investments using published indices. An
example of this is shown below.
PAGE 106
Historical Returns for Different Investments
Annualized returns for periods ended 12/31/94
50 years 20 years 10 years 5 years
Small-Company Stocks 14.4% 20.3% 11.1% 11.8%
Large-Company Stocks 11.9 14.6 14.4 8.7
Foreign Stocks N/A 16.3 17.9 1.8
Long-Term Corporate Bonds 5.3 10.0 11.6 8.4
Intermediate-Term U.S.
Gov't. Bonds 5.6 9.3 9.4 7.5
Treasury Bills 4.7 7.3 5.8 4.7
U.S. Inflation 4.5 5.5 3.6 3.5
Sources: Ibbotson Associates, Morgan Stanley. Foreign stocks
reflect performance of The Morgan Stanley Capital International
EAFE Index, which includes some 1,000 companies representing the
stock markets of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Far
East. This chart is for illustrative purposes only and should
not be considered as performance for, or the annualized return
of, any T. Rowe Price Fund. Past performance does not guarantee
future results.
Also included will be various portfolios demonstrating how
these historical indices would have performed in various
combinations over a specified time period in terms of return. An
example of this is shown below.
PAGE 107
Performance of Portfolios*
Asset Mix Average Annualized Value
Returns 20 Years of
Ended 12/31/94 $10,000
Investment
After Period
________________ __________________ ____________
Nominal Real Best Worst
Portfolio Growth Income Safety Return Return** Year Year
I. Low
Risk 40% 40% 20% 12.4% 6.9% 24.9% 0.1%$ 92,515
II. Moderate
Risk 60% 30% 10% 13.5% 8.1% 29.1% -1.8%$118,217
III. High
Risk 80% 20% 0% 14.5% 9.1% 33.4% -5.2%$149,200
Source: T. Rowe Price Associates; data supplied by Lehman
Brothers, Wilshire Associates, and Ibbotson Associates.
* Based on actual performance for the 20 years ended 1994 of
stocks (85% Wilshire 5000 and 15% Europe, Australia, Far East
[EAFE] Index), bonds (Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index
from 1976-94 and Lehman Brothers Government/Corporate Bond
Index from 1975), and 30-day Treasury bills from January 1975
through December 1994. Past performance does not guarantee
future results. Figures include changes in principal value
and reinvested dividends and assume the same asset mix is
maintained each year. This exhibit is for illustrative
purposes only and is not representative of the performance of
any T. Rowe Price fund.
** Based on inflation rate of 5.5% for the 20-year period ended
12/31/94.
Insights
From time to time, Insights, a T. Rowe Price publication of
reports on specific investment topics and strategies, may be
included in each Fund's fulfillment kit. Such reports may
include information concerning: calculating taxable gains and
losses on mutual fund transactions, coping with stock market
volatility, benefiting from dollar cost averaging, understanding
international markets, investing in high-yield "junk" bonds,
growth stock investing, conservative stock investing, value
investing, investing in small companies, tax-free investing,
PAGE 108
fixed income investing, investing in mortgage-backed securities,
as well as other topics and strategies. Personal Strategy Planner
simplifies investment decision making by helping investors define
personal financial goals, establish length of time the investor
intends to invest, determine risk "comfort zone" and select
diversified investment mix.
Other Publications
From time to time, in newsletters and other publications
issued by T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., reference may
be made to economic, financial and political developments in the
U.S. and abroad and their effect on securities prices. Such
discussions may take the form of commentary on these developments
by T. Rowe Price mutual fund portfolio managers and their views
and analysis on how such developments could affect investments in
mutual funds.
No-Load Versus Load and 12b-1 Funds
Unlike the T. Rowe Price funds, many mutual funds charge
sales fees to investors or use fund assets to finance
distribution activities. These fees are in addition to the
normal advisory fees and expenses charged by all mutual funds.
There are several types of fees charged which vary in magnitude
and which may often be used in combination. A sales charge (or
"load") can be charged at the time the fund is purchased
(front-end load) or at the time of redemption (back-end load).
Front-end loads are charged on the total amount invested.
Back-end loads or "redemption fees" are charged either on the
amount originally invested or on the amount redeemed. 12b-1
plans allow for the payment of marketing and sales expenses from
fund assets. These expenses are usually computed daily as a
fixed percentage of assets.
The Funds are no-load funds which impose no sales charges or
12b-1 fees. No-load funds are generally sold directly to the
public without the use of commissioned sales representatives.
This means that 100% of your purchase is invested for you.
Redemptions in Kind
In the unlikely event a shareholder were to receive an in
kind redemption of portfolio securities of the Funds, brokerage
fees could be incurred by the shareholder in a subsequent sale of
such securities.
PAGE 109
Issuance of Fund Shares for Securities
Transactions involving issuance of Fund shares for
securities or assets other than cash will be limited to (1) bona
fide reorganizations; (2) statutory mergers; or (3) other
acquisitions of portfolio securities that: (a) meet the
investment objective and policies of a Fund; (b) are acquired for
investment and not for resale except in accordance with
applicable law; (c) have a value that is readily ascertainable
via listing on or trading in a recognized United States or
international exchange or market; and (d) are not illiquid.
ORGANIZATION OF THE TRUSTS
For tax and business reasons, the Trusts were organized in
1986 as Massachusetts Business Trusts. The State Tax-Free Income
Trust and California Tax-Free Income Trust are registered with
the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 as, respectively, a non-diversified and
diversified, open-end investment company, commonly known as a
"mutual fund."
The Declaration of Trust permits the Board of Trustees to
issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of
beneficial interest of a single class without par value.
Currently, the State Tax-Free Income Trust consists of nine
series (i.e., the New York Tax-Free Bond Fund, the New York
Tax-Free Money Fund, the Maryland Tax-Free Bond Fund, the
Maryland Short-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund, the Virginia Tax-Free
Bond Fund, Virginia Short-Term Tax-Free Bond Fund the New Jersey
Tax-Free Bond Fund, the Georgia Tax-Free Bond Fund, and the
Florida Insured Intermediate Tax-Free Fund), and the California
Tax-Free Income Trust consists of two series (i.e., the Bond Fund
and the Money Fund) each of which represents a separate class of
each Trust's shares and has different objectives and investment
policies. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Board
of Trustees may issue additional series of shares. Each share of
each Fund represents an equal proportionate beneficial interest
in that Fund, with each other share, and is entitled to such
dividends and distributions of income belonging to that fund as
are declared by the Trustees. In the event of the liquidation of
a Fund, each share is entitled to a pro rata share of the net
assets of that Fund.
Shareholders of each Fund are entitled to one vote for each
full share held (and fractional votes for fractional shares held)
irrespective of the relative net asset values of the Funds' share
and will vote in the election of or removal of trustees (to the
extent hereinafter provided); however, on matters affecting an
PAGE 110
individual Fund, a separate vote of that Fund is required.
Shareholders of a Fund are not entitled to vote on any matter
which does not affect that Fund and which requires a separate
vote of the other Funds. There will normally be no meetings of
shareholders for the purpose of electing trustees unless and
until such time as less than a majority of the trustees holding
office have been elected by shareholders, at which time the
trustees then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for the
election of trustees. Pursuant to Section 16(c) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, holders of record of not less
than two-thirds of the outstanding shares may remove a trustee by
a vote cast in person or by proxy at a meeting called for that
purpose. Except as set forth above, the trustees shall continue
to hold office and may appoint successor trustees. Voting rights
are not cumulative, so that the holders of more than 50% of the
shares voting in the election of trustees can, if they choose to
do so, elect all the trustees of each Trust, in which event the
holders of the remaining shares will be unable to elect any
person as a trustee.
Shares have no preemptive or conversion rights; the right of
redemption and the privilege of exchange are described in the
prospectus. Shares are fully paid and nonassessable, except as
set forth below. The Trusts may be terminated (i) upon the sale
of its assets to another diversified, open-end management
investment company, if approved by the vote of the holders of
two-thirds of the outstanding shares of each Trust, or (ii) upon
liquidation and distribution of the assets of each Trust, if
approved by the vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of each Trust. If not so terminated, each
Trust will continue indefinitely. Under Massachusetts law,
shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for the obligations of each Trust. However,
the Declarations of Trust disclaims shareholder liability for
acts or obligations of the Trusts and requires that notice of
such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation or
instrument entered into or executed by the Trusts or a Trustee.
The Declarations of Trust provides for indemnification from Trust
property for all losses and expenses of any shareholder held
personally liable for the obligations of the Trusts. Thus, the
risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of
shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which each
Trust itself would be unable to meet its obligations, a
possibility which Price Associates believes is remote. Upon
payment of any liability incurred by a Fund, the shareholders of
the Fund paying such liability will be entitled to reimbursement
from the general assets of the Fund. The Trustees intend to
conduct the operations of each Fund in such a way so as to avoid,
as far as possible, ultimate liability of the shareholders for
liabilities of such Fund.
PAGE 111
FEDERAL AND STATE REGISTRATION OF SHARES
Each Fund's shares are registered for sale under the
Securities Act of 1933 and each Fund or their shares are
registered under the laws of all states which require
registration, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto
Rico.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman, LLP whose address is
919 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022, is legal counsel to
the Funds.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Georgia Fund
Price Waterhouse LLP, 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 1700,
Baltimore, Maryland 21202, are independent accountants to the
Fund. The financial statements of the Georgia Fund for the
fiscal year ended February 28, 1995 and the report of independent
accountants are included in the Fund's Annual Report for the
fiscal year ended February 28, 1995 on pages 4-11. A copy of the
Annual Report accompanies this Statement of Additional
Information. The following financial statements and the report
of independent accountants appearing in the Annual Report for the
fiscal year ended February 28, 1995 are incorporated into this
Statement of Additional Information by reference:
Georgia
Fund's Annual
Report Page
___________
Report of Independent Accountants 11
Statement of Net Assets, February 28, 1995 4-5
Statement of Operations, year
ended February 28, 1995 6
Statement of Changes in Net Assets, years
ended February 28, 1995 and February 28, 1994 7
Notes to Financial Statements, February 28, 1995 8-9
Financial Highlights 10
All Funds except Georgia Fund
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., 217 East Redwood Street,
Baltimore, Maryland 21202, are independent accountants to the
PAGE 112
Trusts. The financial statements of the New York, California,
Maryland, Virginia Tax-Free Bond, New Jersey, and Florida Funds
for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1995 and the report of
independent accountants, are included in each Fund's Annual
Report for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1995 on pages 7-18,
8-19, 7-22, 6-17, 5-13, and 4-11, respectively. A copy of the
Annual Report accompanies this Statement of Additional
Information. The following financial statements and the report
of independent accountants appearing in each Annual Report for
the fiscal year ended February 28, 1995 are incorporated into
this Statement of Additional Information by reference:
New York
Funds' Annual
Report Page
____________
Report of Independent Accountants 18
Statement of Net Assets, February 28, 1995 7-11
Statement of Operations, year ended
February 28, 1995 12
Statement of Changes in Net Assets, years ended
February 28, 1995 and February 28, 1994 13
Notes to Financial Statements, February 28, 1995 14-15
Financial Highlights 16-17
California
Funds' Annual
Report Page
_____________
Report of Independent Accountants 19
Statement of Net Assets, February 28, 1995 8-12
Statement of Operations, year ended
February 28, 1995 13
Statement of Changes in Net Assets, years
ended February 28, 1995 and February 28, 1994 14
Notes to Financial Statements, February 28, 1995 15-16
Financial Highlights 17-18
PAGE 113
Maryland
Fund's Annual
Report Page
______________
Report of Independent Accountants 22
Statement of Net Assets, February 28, 1995 7-15
Statement of Operations, year ended
February 28, 1995 16
Statement of Changes in Net Assets, years
ended February 28, 1995 and February 28, 1994 17
Notes to Financial Statements, February 28, 1995 18-19
Financial Highlights 20-21
Virginia
Fund's Annual
Report Page
_____________
Report of Independent Accountants 17
Portfolio of Investments, February 28, 1995 6-7
Statement of Assets and Liabilities,
February 28, 1995 7
Statement of Net Assets, year ended
February 28, 1995 8-10
Statement of Operations, year
ended February 28, 1995 11
Statement of Changes in Net Assets, years
ended February 28, 1995 and February 28, 1994 12
Notes to Financial Statements, February 28, 1995 13-14
Financial Highlights 15-16
New Jersey
Fund's Annual
Report Page
___________
Report of Independent Accountants 13
Statement of Net Assets, February 28, 1995 5-7
Statement of Operations, year
ended February 28, 1995 8
Statement of Changes in Net Assets, years
ended February 28, 1995 and February 28, 1994 9
Notes to Financial Statements, February 28, 1995 10-11
Financial Highlights 12
PAGE 114
Florida
Fund's Annual
Report Page
_____________
Report of Independent Accountants 11
Statement of Net Assets, February 28, 1995 4-5
Statement of Operations, year
ended February 28, 1995 6
Statement of Changes in Net Assets, years
ended February 28, 1995 and February 28, 1994 7
Notes to Financial Statements, February 28, 1995 8-9
Financial Highlights 10
