VANGUARD NEW JERSEY TAX FREE FUND
485APOS, 1997-03-21
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<PAGE>   1
 
================================================================================
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                   FORM N-1A
                  REGISTRATION STATEMENT (NO. 33-17351) UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                          PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.
   
                        POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 10
    
                                      AND
 
              REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY
                                  ACT OF 1940
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 12
    
                              VANGUARD NEW JERSEY
                                 TAX-FREE FUND
               (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN CHARTER)
 
                     P.O. BOX 2600, VALLEY FORGE, PA 19482
                    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE)
 
                  REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER (610) 669-1000
 
                         RAYMOND J. KLAPINSKY, ESQUIRE
                                  P.O. BOX 876
                             VALLEY FORGE, PA 19482
 
              IT IS PROPOSED THAT THIS AMENDMENT BECOME EFFECTIVE
   
 on March 28, 1997, pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485 of the Securities Act
                                    of 1933.
    
 
                 APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING:
  As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective*.
 
   
     WE HAVE ELECTED TO REGISTER AN INDEFINITE NUMBER OF SHARES PURSUANT TO
REGULATION 24f-2 UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940. WE FILED OUR RULE
24f-2 NOTICE FOR THE YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1996 ON JANUARY 31, 1997.
    
 
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
                       VANGUARD NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE FUND
 
                             CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         FORM N-1A
                        ITEM NUMBER                                   LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
<C>           <S>                                              <C>
    Item 1.   Cover Page....................................   Cover Page
    Item 2.   Synopsis......................................   Not Applicable
    Item 3.   Condensed Financial Information...............   Financial Highlights
    Item 4.   General Description of Registrant.............   The Fund's Objectives; Who Should
                                                               Invest; Investment Strategies;
                                                               Investment Policies; Investment
                                                               Limitations; Investment Performance;
                                                               General Information
    Item 5.   Management of the Fund........................   The Fund and Vanguard
    Item 6.   Capital Stock and Other Securities............   Buying Shares; Redeeming Shares;
                                                               Share Price; Dividends, Capital Gains
                                                               and Taxes; General Information
    Item 7.   Purchase of Securities Being Offered..........   Cover Page; Buying Shares
    Item 8.   Redemption or Repurchase......................   Redeeming Shares
    Item 9.   Pending Legal Proceedings.....................   Not Applicable
 
<CAPTION>
                         FORM N-1A                                     LOCATION IN STATEMENT
                        ITEM NUMBER                                  OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
<C>           <S>                                              <C>
   Item 10.   Cover Page....................................   Cover Page
   Item 11.   Table of Contents.............................   Cover Page
   Item 12.   General Information and History...............   Management of the Fund
   Item 13.   Investment Objective and Policies.............   Investment Limitations
   Item 14.   Management of the Fund........................   Management of the Fund; Investment
                                                               Management
   Item 15.   Control Persons and Principal Holders of
              Securities....................................   Management of the Fund
   Item 16.   Investment Advisory and Other Services........   Management of the Fund; Investment
                                                               Management
   Item 17.   Brokerage Allocation..........................   Not Applicable
   Item 18.   Capital Stock and Other Securities............   Financial Statements
   Item 19.   Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Securities
              Being Offered.................................   Purchase of Shares; Redemption of
                                                               Shares
   Item 20.   Tax Status....................................   Appendix
   Item 21.   Underwriters..................................   Not Applicable
   Item 22.   Calculations of Yield Quotations of Money
              Market Fund...................................   Calculation of Yield
   Item 23.   Financial Statements..........................   Financial Statements
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   3
VANGUARD
NEW JERSEY
TAX-FREE FUND

Prospectus
March 28, 1997




MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO


INSURED LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO



This prospectus contains financial data for the Fund through the fiscal year
ended November 30, 1996.


                               [GRAPHIC OF SHIP]


                                             [THE VANGUARD GROUP LOGO]
<PAGE>   4
VANGUARD NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE FUND                 A Federal And New Jersey State
                                                   Tax-Exempt Income Mutual Fund



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTENTS
<S>                              <C>    
Portfolio Expenses                               3

Financial Highlights                             4

A Word About Risk                                5

The Portfolios'
Objectives                                       6

Who Should Invest                                6

Investment Strategies                            7

Investment Policies                             10

Investment Limitations                          11

Investment
Performance                                     12

Share Price                                     12

Dividends, Capital
Gains, and Taxes                                13

The Fund and
Vanguard                                        14

Investment Adviser                              14

General Information                             14

Investing with
Vanguard                                        15

Services and Account
Features                                        15

Types of Accounts                               16

Distribution Options                            16

Buying Shares                                   17

Redeeming Shares                                19

Fund and Account
Updates                                         21

Prospectus Postscript                           23

Risk Quiz                                       24

Glossary                         Inside Back Cover
</TABLE>


INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund (the "Fund") is a non-diversified, open-end
investment company that includes two separate mutual fund portfolios: the Money
Market Portfolio and the Insured Long-Term Portfolio (the "Portfolios").

   Each Portfolio, intended for New Jersey residents only, seeks to provide
income that is exempt from both federal and New Jersey personal income taxes.
The Money Market Portfolio emphasizes stability; the Insured Long-Term Portfolio
emphasizes income over stability.

   IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO SEEKS TO MAINTAIN,
BUT DOES NOT GUARANTEE, A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE. IN
ADDITION, NEITHER OF THE PORTFOLIO'S SHARES ARE GUARANTEED OR INSURED BY THE
FDIC OR ANY OTHER AGENCY OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT OR THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
ALTHOUGH THE INTEREST AND PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS OF THE BONDS IN THE INSURED
LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO ARE GUARANTEED, THE VALUE OF THE BONDS THEMSELVES IS NOT
GUARANTEED. AS WITH ANY INVESTMENT IN BONDS, WHICH ARE SENSITIVE TO CHANGES IN
INTEREST RATES, YOU COULD LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN EITHER OF THE PORTFOLIOS.

FEES AND EXPENSES

The Portfolios are offered on a no-load basis, which means that you pay no sales
commissions or 12b-1 marketing fees. You will, however, incur expenses for
investment advisory, management, administrative, and distribution services,
which are included in each Portfolio's expense ratio.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIOS

A Statement of Additional Information (dated March 28, 1997) containing more
information about the Portfolios is, by reference, part of this prospectus and
may be obtained without charge by writing to Vanguard or by calling our Investor
Information Department at 1-800-662-7447.

WHY READING THIS PROSPECTUS IS IMPORTANT

This prospectus explains the objectives, risks, and strategies of each Portfolio
of Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund. To highlight terms and concepts important
to mutual fund investors, we have provided "Plain Talk" explanations along the
way. Reading the prospectus will help you to decide which Portfolio, if any, is
the right investment for you. We suggest that you keep it for future reference.



THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
<PAGE>   5
PORTFOLIO PROFILE                              Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund

WHO SHOULD INVEST (page 6)

- -  New Jersey residents seeking a municipal bond mutual fund as part of a
   balanced and diversified investment program.

- -  Income-oriented New Jersey residents in a high tax bracket.

WHO SHOULD NOT INVEST

- -  Investors primarily seeking growth of their investment over time.

- -  Investors unwilling to accept significant fluctuations in share price
   (Insured Long-Term Portfolio).

- -  Investors in a retirement account.

RISKS OF THE PORTFOLIO (pages 5-11)

Both Portfolios are subject to income risk (the chance that falling interest
rates will cause a Portfolio's income to decline) and objective risk (the
chance that a particular segment of the municipal bond market--such as long-term
or New Jersey-issued bonds--will trail returns from the overall municipal bond
market). The Insured Long-Term Portfolio is also subject to interest rate risk
(the chance that bond prices will decline because of rising interest rates).

   The Money Market Portfolio seeks to maintain, but does not guarantee, a
constant net asset value of $1.00 per share. The Insured Long-Term Portfolio's
total return will fluctuate within a wide range, so an investor could lose money
over short or even extended periods. More detailed information about
risk--including risks specific to each Portfolio--is provided beginning on page
5.

DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS (page 13)

Dividends are declared daily and paid on the first business day of each month.
Capital gains, if any, are paid annually in December.

INVESTMENT ADVISER (page 14)

Vanguard Fixed Income Group, Valley Forge, PA, manages both Portfolios.

MINIMUM INITIAL INVESTMENT: $3,000; $1,000 for custodial accounts for minors.

ACCOUNT FEATURES (page 15)

- -  Telephone Redemption

- -  Checkwriting

- -  Vanguard Direct Deposit Service(SM)

- -  Vanguard Automatic Exchange Service(SM)

- -  Vanguard Fund Express(R)

- -  Vanguard Dividend Express(SM)

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS--
PERIODS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      SINCE
                                          1 YEAR       5 YEARS      INCEPTION*
                                          --------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>
New Jersey
Money Market Portfolio                     3.2%          2.9%          4.0%

Lipper NJ Tax-Exempt
Money Market Average                       2.9           2.6           3.9

New Jersey Insured
Long-Term Portfolio                        4.8%          7.9%          8.4%

Lipper NJ Tax-Exempt
Municipal Bond Average                     4.8           7.0           7.8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

*February 3, 1988.




In evaluating past performance, remember that it is not indicative of future
performance. Performance figures include the reinvestment of any dividends and
capital gains distributions. The returns shown are net of expenses.  Note, too,
that both the return and (except for the Money Market Portfolio) principal value
of an investment will fluctuate so that investors' shares, when redeemed, may be
worth more or less than their original cost.


                                       1
<PAGE>   6
PORTFOLIO PROFILE (continued)                  Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    MONEY MARKET               INSURED LONG-TERM
                                     PORTFOLIO                     PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                        <C>
INCEPTION DATE:                        2/3/88                       2/3/88

NET ASSETS AS OF 11/30/96:          $918 million                 $849 million

PORTFOLIO'S EXPENSE RATIO FOR
THE YEAR ENDED 11/30/96:                 0.20%                        0.20%

LOADS, 12B-1 MARKETING FEES:             None                         None

SUITABLE FOR IRAS:                        No                           No

NEWSPAPER ABBREVIATION:                 VangNJ*                       NJIns

VANGUARD FUND NUMBER:                     095                          014
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>




*Money market funds are listed separately from the daily mutual fund listings.

                                       2
<PAGE>   7
PORTFOLIO EXPENSES

The examples below are designed to help you understand the various costs you
would bear, directly or indirectly, as an investor in one or both of the
Portfolios.

   As noted in this table, you do not pay fees of any kind when you buy, sell,
or exchange shares of the Portfolios:

SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES

<TABLE>
<S>                                                         <C>
Sales Load Imposed on Purchases:                            None
Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends:                 None
Redemption Fees:                                            None
Exchange Fees:                                              None
</TABLE>

   The next table illustrates the operating expenses that you would incur as a
shareholder of either Portfolio. These expenses are deducted from the
Portfolio's income before it is paid to you. Expenses include investment
advisory fees as well as the costs of maintaining accounts, administering a
portfolio, providing shareholder services, and other activities. The expenses
shown in the table are for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1996.

ANNUAL PORTFOLIO OPERATING EXPENSES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                MONEY MARKET   INSURED LONG-TERM
                                                 PORTFOLIO         PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>
Management and
  Administrative Expenses:                             0.15%             0.16%
Investment Advisory Expenses:                          0.01%             0.01%
12b-1 Marketing Fees:                                  None              None
Other Expenses
  Marketing and Distribution
     Costs:                                    0.03%             0.02%
  Fund Insurance:                              None              0.00%
  Miscellaneous Expenses
     (e.g., Taxes, Auditing):                  0.01%             0.01%
                                               ----              ----
Total Other Expenses:                                  0.04%             0.03%
                                                       ----              ----

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
  (EXPENSE RATIO):                                     0.20%             0.20%
                                                       ====              ====
</TABLE>


   The following example illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would
incur on a $1,000 investment over various periods. The example assumes (1) that
the Portfolio provides a return of 5% a year and (2) that you redeem your
investment at the end of each period.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
      PORTFOLIO                  1 YEAR      3 YEARS       5 YEARS      10 YEARS
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
      Money Market                 $2          $6            $11          $26
      Insured Long-Term            $2          $6            $11          $26
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


THIS EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF ACTUAL EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE FROM THE PAST OR FOR THE FUTURE, WHICH MAY BE HIGHER OR LOWER THAN
THOSE SHOWN.




                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                             THE COSTS OF INVESTING

Costs are an important consideration in choosing a mutual fund. That's because
you, as a shareholder, pay the costs of operating a fund, plus any transaction
costs associated with buying, selling, or exchanging shares. These costs can
erode a substantial portion of the gross income or capital appreciation a fund
achieves. Even seemingly small differences in fund expenses can, over time, have
a dramatic impact on a fund's performance.





                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                                  FUND EXPENSES

All mutual funds have operating expenses. These expenses, which are deducted
from a fund's gross income, are expressed as a percentage of the net assets of
the fund. For example, the Insured Long-Term Portfolio's expense ratio in fiscal
year 1996 was 0.20%, or $2.00 per $1,000 of average net assets. The average
tax-exempt bond mutual fund (excluding money market funds) had expenses in 1996
of 1.01%, or $10.10 per $1,000 of average net assets, according to Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., which reports on the mutual fund industry.




                                       3
<PAGE>   8
                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                   HOW TO READ THE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS TABLE

This explanation uses the Money Market Portfolio as an example. The Portfolio
began fiscal 1996 with a net asset value (price) of $1.00 per share. During the
year, the Portfolio earned $0.032 per share from investment income (interest and
dividends). All of these earnings were returned to shareholders in the form of
dividend distributions. The earnings ($0.032 per share) less distributions
($0.032 per share) resulted in a share price of $1.00 at the end of the year.
Assuming that the shareholder had reinvested the distributions in the purchase
of more shares, total return from the Portfolio was 3.22% for the year.

   As of November 30, 1996, the Portfolio had $918 million in net assets; an
expense ratio of 0.20% ($2.00 per $1,000 of net assets); and net investment
income amounting to 3.17% of its average net assets.


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The following financial highlights tables show the results for a share
outstanding for each of the years ended November 30, beginning on February 3,
1988 (the inception date for both Portfolios of the Fund). The financial
highlights were audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants. You
should read this information in conjunction with each Portfolio's financial
statements and accompanying notes, which appear, along with the audit report
from Price Waterhouse, in the Fund's most recent Annual Report to shareholders.
The Annual Report is incorporated by reference in the Statement of Additional
Information and in this prospectus, and contains a more complete discussion of
each Portfolio's performance. You may have the Report sent to you without charge
by writing to Vanguard or by calling our Investor Information Department.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
                                   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                           2/3/88*-
                                     1996        1995        1994        1993      1992      1991      1990      1989    11/30/88
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
NET ASSET VALUE,
  BEGINNING OF PERIOD              $ 1.00      $ 1.00      $ 1.00      $ 1.00    $ 1.00    $ 1.00    $ 1.00    $ 1.00      $ 1.00
                                   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
  Net Investment Income              .032        .035        .025        .023      .030      .045      .056      .062        .041
  Net Realized and Unrealized
     Gain (Loss) on Investments        --          --          --          --        --        --        --        --          --
                                   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT
     OPERATIONS                      .032        .035        .025        .023      .030      .045      .056      .062        .041
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
  Dividends from Net
     Investment Income              (.032)      (.035)      (.025)      (.023)    (.030)    (.045)    (.056)    (.062)      (.041)
  Distributions from
     Realized Capital Gains            --          --          --          --        --        --        --        --          --
                                   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS               (.032)      (.035)      (.025)      (.023)    (.030)    (.045)    (.056)    (.062)      (.041)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE,
  END OF PERIOD                    $ 1.00      $ 1.00      $ 1.00      $ 1.00    $ 1.00    $ 1.00    $ 1.00    $ 1.00      $ 1.00
====================================================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN                         3.22%       3.60%       2.49%       2.31%     3.04%     4.54%     5.78%     6.33%       4.19%
====================================================================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of
  Period (Millions)                $  918      $  859      $  792      $  724    $  627    $  547    $  464    $  259      $   96
Ratio of Expenses to
  Average Net Assets                 0.20%       0.21%       0.21%       0.20%     0.24%     0.24%     0.24%     0.23%       0.29%**
Ratio of Net Investment
  Income to Average Net Assets       3.17%       3.53%       2.46%       2.29%     2.98%     4.43%     5.61%     6.16%       5.24%**
Fund Turnover Rate                    N/A         N/A         N/A         N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A         N/A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

*  Inception date.
** Annualized.




                                       4
<PAGE>   9
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     INSURED LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO
                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                          2/3/88*-
                                    1996      1995       1994       1993      1992      1991        1990       1989     11/30/88
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
NET ASSET VALUE,
  BEGINNING OF PERIOD             $11.78    $10.40    $ 11.77     $11.18    $10.75    $10.51     $ 10.45     $10.01       $10.00
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
  Net Investment Income             .616      .623       .622       .637      .659      .676        .692       .708         .569
  Net Realized and Unrealized
     Gain (Loss) on Investments    (.082)    1.380     (1.307)      .725      .438      .245        .073       .440         .010
  TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT
     OPERATIONS                     .534     2.003      (.685)     1.362     1.097      .921        .765      1.148         .579
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DISTRIBUTIONS
  Dividends from Net
     Investment Income             (.616)    (.623)     (.622)     (.637)    (.659)    (.676)      (.692)     (.708)       (.569)
  Distributions from
     Realized Capital Gains        (.058)       --      (.063)     (.135)    (.008)    (.005)     (0.130)        --           --
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS                (.674)    (.623)     (.685)     (.722)    (.667)    (.681)      (.705)     (.708)       (.569)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE,
     END OF PERIOD                $11.64    $11.78    $ 10.40     $11.77    $11.18    $10.75     $ 10.51     $10.45       $10.01
====================================================================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN                        4.75%    19.66%    -6.10%      12.53%    10.48%     9.01%       7.66%     11.80%        5.87%
====================================================================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of
  Period (Millions)               $  849    $  796    $   645     $  748    $  572    $  434     $   245     $  129       $   49
Ratio of Expenses to
  Average Net Assets                0.20%     0.21%      0.21%      0.20%     0.25%     0.24%+      0.25%+     0.24%+       0.29%+**
Ratio of Net Investment
  Income to AverageNet Assets       5.35%     5.50%      5.53%      5.47%     5.99%     6.33%       6.73%      6.88%        7.06%**
Fund Turnover Rate                    11%        7%        13%        12%       34%       18%          7%         0%           0%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

*  Inception date.

** Annualized.

+  For 1991 and the preceding years shown, insurance expenses represent .01%,
   .01% .02%, and .03%, respectively.



   From time to time, the Vanguard funds advertise yield and total return
figures. Yield is an historical measure of dividend income, and total return is
a measure of past dividend income (assuming that it has been reinvested) plus
realized and unrealized capital appreciation (or depreciation). Neither yield
nor total return should be used to predict the future performance of a fund.




A WORD ABOUT RISK

This prospectus describes the risks you will face as an investor in the
Portfolios of Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund. It is important to keep in mind
one of the main axioms of investing: the higher the risk of losing money, the
higher the potential reward. The reverse, also, is generally true: the lower the
risk, the lower the potential reward. However, as you consider an investment in
one or both of the Fund's Portfolios, you should take into account your need to
protect your investment as well as your desire for current income.

   Look for this "warning flag" symbol [FLAG] throughout the prospectus. It is
used to mark detailed information about each type of risk that you, as a
shareholder of one or both of the Portfolios, will confront.




                                       5
<PAGE>   10
                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                      TAXABLE VERSUS TAX-EXEMPT INVESTMENTS

You may not always profit from a state tax-exempt investment; sometimes a
taxable investment can serve you better. To determine which is more suitable for
you, figure out the state tax-exempt portfolio's taxable equivalent yield. You
do this by . . .

- - First figuring out your effective state bracket. Simply subtract your federal
tax bracket from 100%; then multiply that number by your state bracket. For
example, if you are in a 6.37% state tax bracket and a 36% federal tax bracket,
your effective state and local tax bracket would be 4.08% ([100% -36%] x 6.37).

- - Then add your federal tax bracket and effective state tax bracket together for
your combined tax bracket. In this example, your combined tax bracket would be
40.08% (36% + 4.08%).

- - Finally, divide the portfolio's tax-exempt yield by the difference of 100%
minus your combined tax bracket. Continuing with this example and assuming that
you are considering a state tax-exempt portfolio with a 5% yield, your taxable
equivalent yield would be 8.34% (5% divided by [100% -40.08%] ).

   In this example, you would choose the state tax-exempt portfolio if its
taxable equivalent yield of 8.34% were greater than the yield of a similar,
though taxable, investment.

   Remember that we have used assumed tax brackets in this example. Please
verify your actual tax brackets--both federal and state, and local--before
calculating taxable equivalent yields of your own.




THE PORTFOLIOS' OBJECTIVES

Both Portfolios seek to provide varying amounts of income that is exempt from
federal and New Jersey personal income taxes. The Money Market Portfolio also
seeks to maintain, but does not guarantee, a constant net asset value of $1.00
per share. These objectives are fundamental, which means that they cannot be
changed unless a majority of Portfolio shareholders vote to do so.

[FLAG]   BECAUSE OF THE SEVERAL TYPES OF RISKS DESCRIBED ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES,
         YOUR INVESTMENT IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE PORTFOLIOS, AS WITH ANY
         INVESTMENT IN BONDS, COULD LOSE MONEY.


WHO SHOULD INVEST

Either of the Portfolios may be a suitable investment for you if you are a New
Jersey resident and. . .

- -  You wish to add a municipal bond income fund to your existing holdings, which
   could include other tax-exempt--as well as stock, money market, and taxable
   bond--investments.

- -  You seek income that is exempt from federal and New Jersey personal income
   taxes.

   However, one Portfolio may more closely meet your personal investment
objectives than the other. For instance, the Money Market Portfolio may be
suitable for you if:

- -  You do not want fluctuation in the share price of your investment.

- -  You are seeking a short-term investment vehicle.

   The Insured Long-Term Portfolio may be suitable for you if:

- -  You are seeking a potentially greater amount of tax-exempt income and are
   willing to accept significant fluctuations in share price.

   Neither Portfolio is an appropriate investment if you are a market-timer.
Investors who engage in excessive in-and-out trading activity generate
additional costs that are borne by all of the shareholders in a Portfolio. To
minimize such costs, which reduce the ultimate returns achieved by you and other
shareholders, the Fund has adopted the following policies:

- -  Each Portfolio reserves the right to reject any purchase request--including
   exchanges from other Vanguard funds--that it regards as disruptive to the
   efficient management of the Portfolios. This could be because of the timing
   of the investment or because of a history of excessive trading by the
   investor.

- -  There is a limit on the number of times you can exchange into or out of a
   Portfolio (see "Redeeming Shares" in the INVESTING WITH VANGUARD section).

- -  The Fund reserves the right to stop offering shares at any time.




                                       6
<PAGE>   11
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

This section explains how the Portfolios' investment adviser seeks to provide
income that is exempt from federal and New Jersey personal income taxes. It also
explains important risks--income risk, interest rate risk, call risk, objective
risk, credit risk, and manager risk--faced by the Portfolios' shareholders.
Unlike the Portfolios' investment objectives, the adviser's investment
strategies are not fundamental and can be changed by the Fund's board of
trustees without shareholder approval. However, before making any important
change in its strategies, the Fund will give shareholders 30-days notice, in
writing.

MARKET EXPOSURE

Both Portfolios invest primarily in tax-exempt New Jersey state and local
municipal bonds that, depending on their maturity and quality, provide varying
amounts of tax-exempt income.

[FLAG]   EACH PORTFOLIO IS SUBJECT TO INCOME RISK, WHICH IS THE POSSIBILITY
         THAT A PORTFOLIO'S DIVIDENDS (INCOME) WILL DECLINE DUE TO FALLING
         INTEREST RATES. INCOME RISK IS GENERALLY THE GREATEST FOR SHORT-TERM
         BONDS (LIKE THOSE IN THE MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO) AND THE LEAST FOR
         LONG-TERM BONDS (LIKE THOSE IN THE INSURED LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO).

   Changes in interest rates can affect bond prices as well as bond income.

[FLAG]   THE INSURED LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO IS PARTICULARLY SUBJECT TO INTEREST
         RATE RISK, WHICH IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT BOND PRICES OVERALL WILL
         DECLINE OVER SHORT OR EVEN EXTENDED PERIODS DUE TO RISING INTEREST
         RATES. INTEREST RATE RISK SHOULD BE MODEST FOR SHORTER-TERM BONDS,
         MODERATE FOR INTERMEDIATE-TERM BONDS, AND HIGH FOR LONGER-TERM BONDS.

   In the past, bond investors have seen the value of their investment rise and
fall--sometimes significantly--with changes in interest rates. Between December
1976 and September 1981, for instance, rising interest rates caused long-term
bond prices to fall by almost 48%.

   Because the Insured Long-Term Portfolio invests mainly in longer-term bonds,
changes in interest rates will have a significant impact on the value of that
Portfolio's assets. To illustrate how much of an impact, the following table
shows the effect of a 1% change and a 2% change (both up and down) in interest
rates on a bond with a face value of $1,000, similar to those held by the
Insured Long-Term Portfolio on December 31, 1996.




                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                                 MUNICIPAL BONDS

Municipal bonds are securities issued by state and local governments and
regional government authorities as a way of raising money for public
construction projects (for example, highways, airports, housing); for operating
expenses; or for loans to public institutions and facilities.


                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                            BONDS AND INTEREST RATES

When interest rates rise, bond prices fall. The opposite is also true: bond
prices go up when interest rates fall. Why do bond prices and interest rates
move in opposite directions? Let's assume that you hold a bond offering a 5%
yield. A year later, interest rates are on the rise and bonds are offered with a
6% yield. With higher-yielding bonds available, you would have trouble selling
your 5% bond for the price you paid--causing you to lower your asking price. On
the other hand, if interest rates were falling and 4% bonds were being offered,
you would be able to sell your 5% bond for more than you paid.


                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                                 BOND MATURITIES

A bond is issued with a specific maturity date--the date when the bond's issuer
must pay back the bond's initial value (known as its "face value"). Bond
maturities generally range from less than one year (short term) to 30 years
(long term). The longer a bond's maturity, the more risk you, as a bond
investor, face as interest rates rise--but also the more interest you could
receive. Long-term bonds are more suitable for investors willing to take greater
risks in hope of higher yields; short-term bond investors should be willing to
accept lower yields in return for less fluctuation in the value of their
investment.




                                       7
<PAGE>   12
                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                                 CALLABLE BONDS

Although bonds are issued with clearly defined maturities, a bond issuer may be
able to redeem, or call, a bond earlier than its maturity date. The bond holder
must now replace the called bond with a bond that may have a lower yield than
the original. One way for bond investors to protect themselves against call risk
is to purchase a bond early in its lifetime, when it is less likely to be
called. Another way is to buy bonds with call protection--that is, assurance
that a bond will not be called for a specific time period, such as ten years.



                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                                 CREDIT QUALITY

A bond's credit quality depends on the issuer's ability to pay interest on the
bond and, ultimately, to repay the debt. The lower the rating by one of the
independent bond-rating agencies (for example, Moody's or Standard & Poor's),
the greater the chance (in the rating agency's opinion) the bond issuer will
default, or fail to meet its payment obligations. Most bond-rating agencies use
a descending alphabet scale to rate bonds (for example, Aaa is among the highest
ratings, C among the poorest quality). All things being equal, the lower a
bond's credit rating, the higher the yield the bond seeks to pay (as
compensation for the risks an investor must take).



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  HOW INTEREST RATE CHANGES AFFECT INVESTMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YIELD/AVERAGE                1%              1%             2%             2%
MATURITY                  INCREASE        DECREASE       INCREASE       DECREASE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>
4.91%/10.5 years            $923           $1,085          $852          $1,180
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


   These figures are for illustration only and should not be regarded as an
indication of future returns from the municipal bond market as a whole, or any
Portfolio in particular.

   Falling interest rates can cause other problems for bond portfolio
shareholders.

[FLAG]   THE INSURED LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO, BUT NOT THE MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO, IS
         SUBJECT TO CALL RISK, WHICH IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT DURING PERIODS OF
         FALLING INTEREST RATES, A BOND ISSUER WILL "CALL"--OR REPAY--ITS
         HIGH-YIELDING BOND BEFORE ITS MATURITY DATE. FORCED TO INVEST THE
         UNANTICIPATED PROCEEDS AT LOWER INTEREST RATES, THE PORTFOLIO WOULD
         EXPERIENCE A DECLINE IN INCOME--AND THE POTENTIAL FOR TAXABLE CAPITAL
         GAINS.

   Longer-term bonds, like those held by the Insured Long-Term Portfolio
generally have "call protection"--that is, assurance that a bond will not be
called for a specific period, such as ten years.

SECURITY SELECTION

Vanguard Fixed Income Group, adviser to the Portfolios, selects bonds issued by
New Jersey state and local governments. The municipal bonds held by the two
Portfolios, though, differ significantly in terms of maturity and quality.

[FLAG]   THE PORTFOLIOS ARE SUBJECT TO OBJECTIVE RISK, WHICH IS THE POSSIBILITY
         THAT RETURNS FROM A PARTICULAR BOND MARKET SEGMENT (FOR EXAMPLE,
         LONG-TERM BONDS OR BONDS ISSUED BY THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY) WILL TRAIL
         RETURNS FROM THE OVERALL BOND MARKET.

   The MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO invests at least 80% of its assets in a variety of
high-quality, short-term New Jersey municipal securities. The Portfolio seeks to
provide a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share by investing in securities
with a effective maturity of 13 months or less and by maintaining an average
weighted maturity of 90 days or less. An investment in a money market fund is
neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. government, and there can be no
assurance that the portfolio will be able to maintain a stable net asset value
of $1.00 per share.

   Under unusual circumstances, such as a national financial emergency, up to
20% of the Money Market Portfolio's assets may be invested in securities other
than New Jersey municipal obligations.


                                       8
<PAGE>   13
   The INSURED LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO buys longer-term municipal bonds issued by
the state of New Jersey, its local governments, and public financing authorities
(and, possibly, by certain U.S. territories). The Portfolio may also buy
industrial revenue bonds and bonds issued by hospitals and universities.

   Normally, a fund that concentrates its assets in one state would be exposed
to considerable credit risk. (Details of the risks of investing in one state can
be found in the Statement of Additional Information.) To provide a level
of credit protection, at least 80% of the Insured Long-Term Portfolio's assets
are invested in New Jersey municipal bonds whose principal and interest payments
are guaranteed by top-rated insurance companies at the time of purchase. This
insurance coverage may take one of several forms:

- -  A new issue insurance policy, which is purchased by a bond issuer at the time
   the security is issued. This insurance is likely to increase the credit
   rating of the security, as well as its purchase price and resale value.

- -  A mutual fund insurance policy, which is used to guarantee specific bonds
   only while held by a mutual fund. For the Insured Long-Term Portfolio (which
   has obtained a policy from Financial Guaranty Insurance Company), the annual
   premiums for the policy may reduce the Portfolio's current yield.

- -  A secondary market insurance policy, which is purchased by an investor (such
   as the Insured Long-Term Portfolio) after a bond has been issued and insures
   the bond until its maturity date.

   Typically, an insured municipal bond in the Portfolio will be covered by only
one of the three policies. For instance, if a bond is covered by a new issue
insurance policy or a secondary market insurance policy, the security will
probably not be insured under the Portfolio's mutual fund insurance policy.

   The remaining 20% of the Insured Long-Term Portfolio's assets may be invested
in municipal securities with a minimum quality rating of Aa by Moody's and AA by
Standard & Poor's. Although the Portfolio has no limitations as to maturity, its
dollar-weighted maturity is expected to be between 15 and 25 years.

   In addition, up to 20% of either Portfolio may be invested in bonds that are
subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

   As tax-advantaged investments, the Portfolios are particularly vulnerable to
federal and New Jersey state tax law changes (for instance, if the Internal
Revenue Service ruled that the income from certain types of state-issued bonds
could no longer be considered tax-exempt).

[FLAG]   THE PORTFOLIOS ARE SUBJECT TO CREDIT RISK, WHICH IS THE POSSIBILITY
         THAT A BOND ISSUER WILL FAIL TO REPAY INTEREST AND PRINCIPAL IN A
         TIMELY MANNER.

   The Money Market Portfolio invests primarily in high-quality, short-term New
Jersey municipal securities, and the Insured Long-Term Portfolio invests
primarily in bonds insured by top-rated




                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                             ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX

Certain tax-exempt bonds whose proceeds are used to fund private, for-profit
organizations are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)--a special tax
system that insures that individuals pay at least some federal taxes. Although
AMT bond income is exempt from federal income tax, a very limited number of
taxpayers who have many tax deductions may have to pay Alternative Minimum Tax
on the income from bonds considered "tax-preference items."




                                       9
<PAGE>   14
                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                               PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

Before investing in a mutual fund, you should review its portfolio turnover rate
for an indication of the potential effect of transaction costs on the fund's
future returns. In general, the greater the volume of buying and selling by the
fund, the greater the impact that brokerage commissions and other transaction
costs will have on its return. Also, funds with high portfolio turnover rates
may be more likely than low-turnover funds to generate capital gains that must
be distributed to shareholders as taxable income. The average turnover rate for
actively managed tax-exempt bond funds (excluding money market funds) is 48%.




                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                                   Derivatives

A derivative is a financial contract whose value is based on (or "derived" from)
a traditional security (such as a stock or a bond), an asset (such as a
commodity like gold), or a market index (such as the S&P 500 Index). Futures and
options are derivatives that have been trading on regulated exchanges for more
than two decades. These "traditional" derivatives are standardized contracts
that can easily be bought and sold, and whose market values are determined and
published daily. It is these characteristics that differentiate futures and
options from the relatively new, exotic types of derivatives--some of which can
carry considerable risks.




insurance companies against the possible default of an issuer. Therefore, credit
risk should be low for the Money Market Portfolio and very low for the Insured
Long-Term Portfolio. The average qualities of the Money Market Portfolio and the
Insured Long-Term Portfolio, as rated by Moody's on November 30, 1996, were
MIG-1 and Aaa, respectively.

   The Portfolios try to minimize credit risk by purchasing a wide selection of
New Jersey municipal securities. As a result, there is less chance that a
Portfolio will be hurt significantly by a particular bond issuer's failure to
repay either principal or interest.

[FLAG]   THE PORTFOLIOS ARE SUBJECT TO MANAGER RISK, WHICH IS THE POSSIBILITY
         THAT VANGUARD FIXED INCOME GROUP WILL DO A POOR JOB OF SELECTING
         SECURITIES.

   To help you distinguish between the two Portfolios and their various risks, a
summary table is presented below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             RISKS OF THE PORTFOLIOS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             INCOME      INTEREST       CALL            CREDIT
PORTFOLIO                    RISK        RATE RISK      RISK            RISK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>         <C>            <C>             <C>
Money Market                 High        Low            Negligible      Low
Insured Long-Term            Low         High           High            Very Low
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

Although the Insured Long-Term Portfolio generally seeks to invest for the long
term, it retains the right to sell securities regardless of how long they have
been held. The Insured Long-Term Portfolio's average turnover rate since
inception has been about 11%. (A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would occur,
for example, if the Portfolio sold and replaced securities valued at 100% of its
total net assets within a one-year period.) The Money Market Portfolio will have
a much higher turnover rate because of the short-term nature of money market
instruments. This high turnover rate should not increase Portfolio costs,
however, since brokerage commissions are not usually charged for the purchase or
sale of money market instruments.


INVESTMENT POLICIES

Besides investing in high-quality municipal bonds, each Portfolio may follow a
number of other investment policies to achieve its objectives.

[FLAG]   THE INSURED LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO, BUT NOT THE MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO,
         MAY INVEST, TO A LIMITED EXTENT, IN BOND (INTEREST RATE) FUTURES AND
         OPTIONS CONTRACTS, AND OTHER TYPES OF DERIVATIVES.



                                       10
<PAGE>   15
   Losses (or gains) involving futures can sometimes be substantial--in part
because a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in an
immediate and substantial loss (or gain) for a portfolio. The Insured Long-Term
Portfolio will not use futures and options for speculative purposes or as
leveraged investments that magnify the gains or losses of an investment. Rather,
the Portfolio will keep separate cash reserves or short-term cash-equivalent
securities in the amount of the obligation underlying the futures contract. Only
a limited percentage of the Portfolio's assets--up to 5% if required for deposit
and no more than 20% of total assets--may be committed to such contracts.

   The reasons for which the Insured Long-Term Portfolio may use futures and
options are:

- -  To keep cash on hand to meet shareholder redemptions or other needs while
   simulating full investment in bonds.

- -  To make it easier to trade.

- -  To reduce costs by buying futures instead of actual bonds when futures are
   cheaper.

   The Statement of Additional Information offers a detailed explanation of the
other types of derivatives in which the Insured Long-Term Portfolio may invest.

   The Insured Long-Term Portfolio will usually hold only a small percentage of
its assets in cash reserves, although if the investment adviser believes that
market conditions warrant a temporary defensive measure, the Portfolio may hold
cash reserves without limit.


INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

To reduce risk and maintain diversification, the Portfolios have adopted
limits on some of their investment policies. Specifically, each Portfolio will
not:

- -  Invest more than 25% of its assets in the securities of a single issuer,
   except the U.S. government and cash reserves.

- -  Invest more than 50% of its assets in bonds that make up more than 5% of the
   Portfolio's total assets.

- -  Borrow money, except for the purpose of meeting shareholder requests to
   redeem shares, and not in amounts to exceed 10% of the Portfolio's net
   assets.

   The limitations listed in this prospectus and in the Statement of Additional
Information are fundamental and may be changed only by approval of a majority of
a Portfolio's shareholders.




                                       11
<PAGE>   16
                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                                PAST PERFORMANCE

Whenever you see information on a fund's performance, do not consider the
figures to be an indication of the performance you could expect by making an
investment in the fund today. The past is an imperfect guide to the future;
history does not repeat itself in neat, predictable patterns.




INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE

The Portfolios of Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund invest in bonds with a
variety of maturities from a variety of issuers in New Jersey, so their
performance will differ depending on the performance of specific bond market
segments. Historically, changes in interest rates have been--and remain--the
strongest influence on bond market performance.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
                       FOR PERIODS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        SINCE
                                            1 YEAR        5 YEARS     INCEPTION*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>           <C>         <C>
New Jersey Tax-Free
  Money Market Portfolio                     3.2%          2.9%          4.0%
Lipper NJ Tax-Exempt
  Money Market Average                       2.9           2.6           3.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey Insured
  Long-Term Portfolio                        4.8%          7.9%          8.4%
Lipper NJ Tax-Exempt
  Municipal Bond Average                     4.8           7.0           7.8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

*February 3, 1988.

   The results shown on previous page represent the Portfolios' "average annual
total return" performance, which assumes that any distributions of capital gains
and dividends were reinvested for the indicated periods. Also included is
comparative information for each Portfolio's unmanaged benchmark index.

SHARE PRICE

Each Portfolio's share price, called its net asset value, is calculated each
business day after the close of trading (generally 4 p.m. Eastern time) of the
New York Stock Exchange. The net asset value per share is calculated by adding
up the total assets of the Portfolio, subtracting all of its liabilities, or
debts, and then dividing by the number of Portfolio shares outstanding:

                          TOTAL ASSETS  -  LIABILITIES
   NET ASSET VALUE  =  ----------------------------------
                          NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING

   The daily net asset value, or NAV, is useful to you as a shareholder because
the NAV, multiplied by the number of Portfolio shares you own, gives you the
dollar amount you would have received had you sold all of your shares back to
the Portfolio that day.

   The Insured Long-Term Portfolio's share price can be found daily in the
mutual fund listings of most major newspapers under the heading Vanguard Group.
Different newspapers use different

                                       12
<PAGE>   17
abbreviations of the Portfolio's name, but the most common is NJIns. The Money
Market Portfolio is listed, along with other money market funds, separately from
other mutual funds; its abbreviation is VangNJ. The Money Market Portfolio's
share price is expected--although not guaranteed--to remain at a constant $1.00.



DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS, AND TAXES

The Portfolios' dividends accrue daily. On the first business day of every
month, the Portfolios distribute to shareholders virtually all of their income
from interest and dividends as dividend distributions. These dividend
distributions are expected to be free from federal, New Jersey personal, and (to
the extent relevant) municipal income taxes. Any capital gains realized from the
sale of securities are distributed annually in December. Your distributions of
income and capital gains are automatically invested in more shares of the
Portfolio unless you elect to receive the distributions in cash. In either case,
distributions of capital gains (but not dividends) that are declared in
December--even if paid to you in January--are taxed as if they had been paid to
you in December. Vanguard will process your dividend distributions and send you
a statement each year showing the tax status of all your distributions.

- -  The short-term capital gains that you receive are taxable to you as ordinary
   dividend income. Any distributions of net long-term capital gains by a
   Portfolio are taxable to you as long-term capital gains, no matter how long
   you've owned shares in the Portfolio. Capital gains distributions are taxable
   to you whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Although
   the Portfolios do not seek to realize any particular amount of capital gains
   during a year, such gains are realized from time to time as byproducts of the
   ordinary investment activities of the Portfolios.

- -  If you sell or exchange shares of a Portfolio, any gain or loss you have is a
   taxable event, which means that you may have a capital gain to report as
   income, or a capital loss to report as a deduction, when you complete your
   federal income tax return.

- -  Distributions of capital gains, and capital gains or losses from your sale or
   exchange of shares of a Portfolio, may be subject to state and local income
   taxes as well.

   The tax information in this prospectus is provided as general information.
You should consult your own tax adviser about the tax consequences of an
investment in either of the Portfolios.



                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                                  DISTRIBUTIONS

As a shareholder, you are entitled to your share of a portfolio's income from
interest and dividends, and gains from the sale of investments. You receive such
earnings as either income dividend or capital gains distributions. Income
dividends come from interest the portfolio earns from its money market and bond
investments. Capital gains are realized whenever the portfolio sells securities
for higher prices than it paid for them. These capital gains are either
short-term or long-term depending on whether the portfolio held the securities
for less than or more than one year.

                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                             "BUYING A CAPITAL GAIN"

It is not to your advantage to buy shares of a portfolio shortly before it makes
a capital gains distribution, because part of your investment will come back to
you as a taxable distribution. This is known as "buying a capital gain." For
example: on December 15, you invest $5,000, buying 250 shares for $20 each. If
the Portfolio pays a capital gains distribution of $1 per share on December 16,
its share price would drop to $19 (not counting market change). You would still
have only $5,000 (250 shares x $19 = $4,750 in share value, plus 250 shares x $1
= $250 in capital gains distributions), but you would owe tax on the $250
capital gain you received, even if you had reinvested it in more shares. To
avoid "buying a capital gain" check the Portfolio's distribution schedule before
you invest.




                                       13
<PAGE>   18
                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                      VANGUARD'S UNIQUE CORPORATE STRUCTURE

The Vanguard Group, Inc. is the only MUTUAL mutual fund company. It is owned
jointly by the funds it oversees and by the shareholders in those funds. Other
mutual funds are operated by for-profit management companies that may be owned
by one person, by a group of individuals, or by investors who bought the
management company's publicly traded stock. Because of its structure, Vanguard
operates its funds at cost. Instead of distributing profits from operations to a
separate management company, Vanguard returns profits to fund shareholders in
the form of lower operating expenses.




                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                               THE FUND'S ADVISER

Vanguard Fixed Income Group currently manages more than $79 billion in assets
and provides investment advisory services on an at-cost basis to more than 40
Vanguard Portfolios.

   The managers responsible for the Fund are:

   IAN A. MACKINNON, Senior Vice President of Vanguard; fixed income investment
adviser since 1974, primarily responsible for Vanguard's internal fixed income
policy and strategy since 1980; B.A. from Lafayette College, M.B.A. from
Pennsylvania State University.

   JOHN M. CARBONE, Principal of Vanguard; Money Market Portfolio manager since
1996; 11 years investment experience; B.S. from Babson College, M.B.A. from
Southern Methodist University.

   DANINE MUELLER, Principal of Vanguard; Insured Long-Term Portfolio manager
since 1996; 11 years investment experience; B.S. from Villanova University.



THE FUND AND VANGUARD

Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund is a member of The Vanguard Group, a family of
more than 30 investment companies with more than 90 distinct investment
portfolios and total net assets of more than $250 billion. All of the Vanguard
funds share in the expenses associated with business operations, such as
personnel, office space, equipment, and advertising.

   Vanguard also provides marketing services to the funds. Although shareholders
do not pay sales commissions or 12b-1 marketing fees, each fund pays its
allocated share of The Vanguard Group's costs.

   A list of the Fund's trustees and officers, and their present positions and
principal occupations during the past five years, can be found in the Statement
of Additional Information.


INVESTMENT ADVISER

Vanguard Fixed Income Group, P.O. Box 2600, Valley Forge, PA 19482, provides
investment advisory services to the Portfolios of Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free
Fund on an at-cost basis, subject to the control of the officers and trustees of
the Fund.

   The Fixed Income Group chooses brokers or dealers to handle the purchase and
sale of the Portfolios' securities, and is responsible for getting the best
available price and most favorable execution for all transactions. When the
Portfolios purchase a newly issued security at a fixed price, the Group may
designate certain members of the underwriting syndicate to receive compensation
associated with that transaction.  Certain dealers have agreed to rebate a
portion of such compensation directly to the Portfolios to offset their
management expenses.


GENERAL INFORMATION

Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund is a Pennsylvania business trust. Shareholders
of the Fund have rights and privileges similar to those enjoyed by other
corporate shareholders. If any matters are to be voted on by shareholders (such
as a change in a fundamental investment objective or the election of trustees),
each share outstanding at that point would be entitled to one vote. Annual
meetings will not be held by the Portfolios except as required by the Investment
Company Act of 1940. A meeting will be scheduled (for example, to vote on the
removal of a trustee) if the holders of at least 10% of a Portfolio's shares
request a meeting in writing.




                                       14
<PAGE>   19
INVESTING WITH VANGUARD

Are you looking for the most convenient way to open or add money to a Vanguard
account? Obtain instant access to fund information? Establish an account for a
minor child?

   Vanguard can help. Our goal is to make it easy and pleasant for you to do
business with us.

   The following sections of the prospectus briefly explain the many services we
offer you as a shareholder of one of the Portfolios of Vanguard New Jersey
Tax-Free Fund. Booklets providing detailed information are available on the
services marked with a [BOOK GRAPHIC]. Please call us to request copies.



SERVICES AND ACCOUNT FEATURES

Vanguard offers many services that make it convenient to buy, sell, or exchange
shares.

TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS         Automatically set up for each portfolio unless you
(SALES AND EXCHANGES)         notify us otherwise.

CHECKWRITING                  Method for drawing money from your account by
                              writing a check for $250 or more.

VANGUARD DIRECT DEPOSIT       Automatic method for depositing your paycheck or
SERVICE                       U.S. government payment (including Social Security
[BOOK GRAPHIC]                and Government pension checks) into your account.

VANGUARD AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE   Automatic method for moving a fixed amount of
SERVICE                       money from one Vanguard fund account to another.*
[BOOK GRAPHIC]

VANGUARD FUND EXPRESS         Electronic method for buying or selling shares.
[BOOK GRAPHIC]                You can transfer money between your Vanguard fund
                              account and an account at your bank, savings and
                              loan, or credit union on a systematic schedule or
                              whenever you wish.*

VANGUARD DIVIDEND EXPRESS     Electronic method for transferring dividend and/or
[BOOK GRAPHIC]                capital gains distributions directly from your
                              Vanguard fund account to your bank, savings and
                              loan, or credit union account, or to another
                              Vanguard fund account.

VANGUARD BROKERAGE SERVICES   A cost-effective way to trade stocks, bonds, and
(VBS)                         options on major exchanges, Nasdaq, and other
[BOOK GRAPHIC]                domestic over-the-counter markets at reduced
                              rates, and to buy and sell shares of non-Vanguard
                              mutual funds. Call VBS (1-800-992-8327) for
                              additional information and the appropriate forms.

*Can be used to "dollar-cost average" [BOOK GRAPHIC].




INVESTOR INFORMATION  1-800-662-7447   -   CLIENT SERVICES  1-800-662-2739   -
TELE-ACCOUNT  1-800-662-6273




                                       15
<PAGE>   20
INVESTOR INFORMATION  1-800-662-7447   -   CLIENT SERVICES  1-800-662-2739   -
TELE-ACCOUNT  1-800-662-6273


TYPES OF ACCOUNTS

INDIVIDUAL OR OTHER ENTITY

Vanguard's account registration form can be used to establish a variety of
accounts.

FOR ONE OR MORE PEOPLE        To open an account in the name of one (individual)
                              or more (joint tenants) people. $3,000 minimum
                              initial investment.

FOR A MINOR CHILD             To open an account as an UGMA/UTMA (Uniform
[BOOK GRAPHIC]                Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act). Age of majority
                              and other requirements are set by state law.
                              $1,000 minimum initial investment.

FOR HOLDING TRUST ASSETS      To invest assets held in an existing trust. $3,000
[BOOK GRAPHIC]                minimum initial investment.

FOR AN ORGANIZATION           To open an account as a corporation, partnership,
                              or other entity. These accounts may require a
                              corporate resolution or other documents to name
                              the individuals authorized to act. $3,000 minimum
                              initial investment.



DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS

You can receive distributions of dividends and/or capital gains in a number of
ways:

REINVESTMENT                  Dividends and capital gains are automatically
                              reinvested in additional shares of the Portfolio
                              unless you requested a different distribution
                              method.

DIVIDENDS IN CASH             Dividends are paid by check and mailed to your
                              account's address of record, and capital gains are
                              reinvested in additional shares of the Portfolio.

DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS   Both dividends and capital gains are paid by check
IN CASH                       and mailed to your account's address of record.

To electronically transfer cash dividends and/or capital gains to your bank,
savings and loan, or credit union account, or to another Vanguard fund account,
see Vanguard Dividend Express under "Services and Account Features."




                                       16
<PAGE>   21
BUYING SHARES

   For the Insured Long-Term Portfolio, you buy your shares at the Portfolio's
next-determined net asset value after Vanguard receives your request, provided
we receive your request before 4 p.m. Eastern time (the close of trading on the
New York Stock Exchange). You begin earning dividends the calendar day after
your account is credited. 

   Before it can begin earning dividends, your investment in the Money Market
Portfolio must be converted to federal funds, which usually takes about one
business day. (Federal funds are Federal Reserve deposits that banks and other
financial institutions "borrow" from one another to meet short-term cash needs;
portfolio advisers must use federal funds to pay for the securities they buy).
You begin earning dividends the calendar day after your account is credited.
For instance, if we received your check before 4 p.m. on a Thursday, your
account would be credited Friday, and you would begin earning dividends
Saturday. If the check arrives after 4 p.m. Eastern time, your account is
credited after two business days, and you begin earning dividends the calendar
day after that. (If we received your check after 4 p.m. on a Thursday, your
account would be credited Monday, and you would begin earning dividends
Tuesday.)

   Each of the Fund's Portfolios is offered on a no-load basis, meaning that you
do not pay sales commissions or 12b-1 marketing fees.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   OPEN A NEW ACCOUNT                     ADD TO AN EXISTING ACCOUNT
<S>                                <C>                                    <C>
MINIMUM INVESTMENT                 $3,000 (regular account); $1,000       $100 by mail or exchange; $1,000
                                   (custodial accounts for minors).       by wire.

BY MAIL                            Complete and sign the                  Mail your check with an
[ENVELOPE]                         application form.                      Invest-By-Mail form detached
                                                                          from your confirmation statement
FIRST-CLASS mail to:                                                      to the address listed on the
The Vanguard Group                                                        form.
P.O. Box 2600
Valley Forge, PA 19482             Make your check payable to:            Make your check payable to:
                                   The Vanguard Group -- (appropriate     The Vanguard Group -- (appropriate
EXPRESS or REGISTERED mail to:     Portfolio number; see below)           Portfolio number; see below)
The Vanguard Group                 Money Market                  95       Money Market                  95
455 Devon Park Drive               Insured Long-Term             14       Insured Long-Term             14
Wayne, PA 19087
                                   All purchases must be made in          All purchases must be made in
                                   U.S. dollars, and checks must be       U.S. dollars, and checks must be
                                   drawn on U.S. banks.                   drawn on U.S. banks.
</TABLE>

IMPORTANT NOTE: To prevent check fraud, Vanguard will not accept checks made
payable to third parties.




INVESTOR INFORMATION  1-800-662-7447   -   CLIENT SERVICES  1-800-662-2739   -
TELE-ACCOUNT  1-800-662-6273




                                       17
<PAGE>   22
INVESTOR INFORMATION  1-800-662-7447   -   CLIENT SERVICES  1-800-662-2739   -
TELE-ACCOUNT  1-800-662-6273


BUYING SHARES (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   OPEN A NEW ACCOUNT                 ADD TO AN EXISTING ACCOUNT
<S>                                <C>                                <C>
BY TELEPHONE                       Call Vanguard Tele-Account* 24     Call Vanguard Tele-Account* 24
[TELEPHONE RECEIVER]               hours a day--or Client Services    hours a day--or Client Services
1-800-662-6273                     during business hours--to          during business hours--to
Vanguard Tele-Account(R)           exchange from another Vanguard     exchange from another Vanguard
                                   fund account with the same         fund account with the same
1-800-662-2739                     registration (name, address,       registration (name, address,
Client Services                    taxpayer I.D., and account         taxpayer I.D., and account
                                   type).                             type).

                                                                      Use Vanguard Fund Express (see
                                                                      "Services and Account Features")
                                                                      to transfer assets from your
                                                                      bank account. Call Client
                                                                      Services before your first use
                                                                      to verify that this option is in
                                                                      place.

<S>                               <C>
                                   *You must obtain a Personal Identification Number through
                                   Tele-Account at least seven days before you request your first
                                   exchange.
</TABLE>

FOR THE MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO ONLY: If you buy Portfolio shares through an
exchange from another Vanguard Fund by 4 p.m. Eastern time, your investment does
not have to be converted to federal funds; you begin earning dividends the next
calendar day.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Once a telephone transaction has been approved by you and a
confirmation number assigned, it cannot be revoked. We reserve the right to
refuse any purchase.

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>                                <C>
BY WIRE                            Call Client Services to arrange    Call Client Services to arrange
[WIRE]                             your wire transaction.             your wire transaction.

Wire to:
CoreStates Bank, N.A.
ABA 031000011
CoreStates No 0141-1274
[Temporary Account Number]
Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund
[Portfolio Name]
[Account Registration]
Attention Vanguard
</TABLE>

FOR THE MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO ONLY: If you buy Portfolio shares through a
federal funds wire, your investment begins earning dividends the next calendar
day. You can begin earning dividends immediately if you notify Vanguard by 10:45
a.m. Eastern time that you intend to make a wire purchase that day.

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>                                <C>
AUTOMATICALLY                                     --                  Vanguard offers a variety of
[GRAPHIC OF ARROWS IN A CIRCLE]                                       ways that you can add to your
                                                                      account automatically. See
                                                                      "Services and Account Features."
</TABLE>

You can redeem (that is, sell or exchange) shares purchased by check or Vanguard
Fund Express at any time. However, while your redemption request will be
processed at the next determined net asset value after it is received, your
redemption proceeds will not be available until payment for your purchase is
collected, which may take up to ten days.

NOTE: If you buy Portfolio shares through a registered broker-dealer or
investment adviser, the broker-dealer or adviser may charge you a service fee.

   It is important that you call Vanguard before you invest a large dollar
amount by wire or check. We must consider the interests of all Portfolio
shareholders and so reserve the right to delay or refuse any purchase that will
disrupt the Portfolio's operation or performance.

                                       18

<PAGE>   23
REDEEMING SHARES

IMPORTANT TAX NOTE: Any sale or exchange of Portfolio shares could result in a
taxable gain or a loss. However, because the Money Market Portfolio seeks to
maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share, you will not incur a
taxable gain or loss when you sell or exchange shares of this Portfolio.

The ability to redeem (that is, sell or exchange) Portfolio shares by telephone
is automatically established for your account unless you tell us in writing that
you do not want this option.

   To protect your account from unauthorized or fraudulent telephone
instructions, Vanguard follows specific security procedures. When we receive a
call requesting an account transaction, we require the caller to provide:

   -  Portfolio name.

   -  10-digit account number.

   -  Name and address exactly as registered on that account.

   -  Social Security or Employer Identification number as registered on that
      account.

   If you call to sell shares, the sale proceeds will be made payable to you, as
the registered shareholder, and mailed to your account's address of record.

   If we follow reasonable security procedures, neither the Fund nor Vanguard
will be responsible for the authenticity of transaction instructions received by
telephone. We believe that these procedures are reasonable and that, if we
follow them, you bear the risk of any losses resulting from unauthorized or
fraudulent telephone transactions on your account.


HOW TO SELL SHARES

You may withdraw any part of your account, at any time, by selling shares.

   One way to sell shares is the checkwriting option (established when you set
up your account or by calling Client Services). Your personalized Vanguard
checks work in much the same way as bank checks, except that Vanguard checks are
considered drafts and cannot be cashed immediately like a bank check.

   When you sell shares by telephone or mail, sale proceeds are normally mailed
within two business days after Vanguard receives your request. The sale price of
your shares will be the Portfolio's next-determined net asset value after
Vanguard receives your request in good order. Good order means that the request
includes:

   -  Portfolio name and account number.

   -  Amount of the transaction (in dollars or shares).

   -  Signatures of all owners exactly as registered on the account.

   -  Signature guarantees (if required).

   -  Any supporting legal documentation that may be required.

   -  Any certificates you are holding for the account.

   Sales or exchange requests received after the close of trading on the New
York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m. Eastern time) are processed the next
business day.

   The Portfolios reserve the right to close any account whose balance falls
below the minimum initial investment. The Portfolios will deduct a $10 annual
fee if your account balance falls below $2,500 or if your UGMA/UTMA account
balance falls below $500. The fee is waived if your total Vanguard account
assets are $50,000 or more.

Some written requests require a signature guarantee from a bank, broker, or
other acceptable financial institution. A notary public cannot provide a
signature guarantee.




INVESTOR INFORMATION  1-800-662-7447   -   CLIENT SERVICES  1-800-662-2739   -
TELE-ACCOUNT  1-800-662-6273




                                       19
<PAGE>   24
INVESTOR INFORMATION  1-800-662-7447   -   CLIENT SERVICES  1-800-662-2739   -
TELE-ACCOUNT  1-800-662-6273




REDEEMING SHARES (continued)

HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES

An exchange is the selling of shares of one Vanguard fund to purchase shares of
another.

   Although we make every effort to maintain the exchange privilege, Vanguard
reserves the right to revise or terminate the exchange privilege, limit the
amount of an exchange, or reject any exchange, at any time, without notice.

   Because excessive exchanges can potentially disrupt the management of the
Portfolios and increase transaction costs, Vanguard limits exchange activity to
two substantive exchange redemptions (at least 30 days apart) from each
Portfolio (except the Money Market Portfolio) during any 12-month period.
"Substantive" means either a dollar amount large enough to have a negative
impact on a Portfolio or a series of movements between Vanguard funds.

   Before you exchange into a new Vanguard fund, be sure to read its prospectus.
For a copy and for answers to questions you might have, call Investor
Information.

SELLING OR EXCHANGING SHARES       INSTRUCTIONS

BY TELEPHONE                       Call Vanguard Tele-Account* 24 hours a
[TELEPHONE]                        day--or Client Services during business
1-800-662-6273                     hours--to sell or exchange shares. You can
Vanguard Tele-Account              exchange shares from either Portfolio to open
                                   an account in another Vanguard fund or to add
1-800-662-2739                     to an existing Vanguard fund account with an
Client Services                    identical registration.

                                   *You must obtain a Personal Identification
                                   Number through Tele-Account at least seven
                                   days before you request your first
                                   redemption.

BY MAIL                            Send a letter of instruction signed by all
[ENVELOPE]                         registered account holders. Include the
FIRST-CLASS mail to:               portfolio name and account number and (if you
The Vanguard Group                 are selling) a dollar amount or number of
Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund  shares OR (if you are exchanging) the name of
P.O. Box 1120                      the portfolio you want to exchange into and a
Valley Forge, PA 19482             dollar amount or number of shares.

EXPRESS or REGISTERED mail to:
The Vanguard Group
Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund
455 Devon Park Drive
Wayne, PA 19087

BY CHECK                           You can sell shares by writing a check for
[CHECK GRAPHIC]                    $250 or more.

AUTOMATICALLY                      Vanguard offers several ways to sell or
[GRAPHIC OF ARROWS IN A CIRCLE]    exchange shares automatically (see "Services
                                   and Account Features"). Call Investor
                                   Information for the appropriate booklet and
                                   application if you did not elect a feature
                                   when you opened your account.

   It is important that you call Vanguard before you redeem a large dollar
amount. We must consider the interests of all Portfolio shareholders and so
reserve the right to delay your redemption proceeds--up to seven days--if the
amount will disrupt a Portfolio's operation or performance.




                                       20
<PAGE>   25
                         A NOTE ON UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Vanguard reserves the right to revise or terminate the telephone redemption
privilege at any time, without notice. In addition, Vanguard can stop selling
shares or postpone payment at times when the New York Stock Exchange is closed
or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission. If you experience difficulty making a
telephone redemption during periods of drastic economic or market change, you
can send us your request by regular or express mail. Follow the instructions on
selling or exchanging shares by mail in the "Redeeming Shares" section.



FUND AND ACCOUNT UPDATES

STATEMENTS AND REPORTS

We will send you clear, concise account and tax statements to help you keep
track of your Portfolio account throughout the year as well as when you are
preparing your income tax returns.

   In addition, you will receive financial reports about each Portfolio twice a
year. These comprehensive reports include an assessment of each Portfolio's
performance (and a comparison with its industry benchmark), an overview of the
markets, a report from the adviser, as well as a listing of its holdings and
other financial statements.

CONFIRMATION STATEMENT             Sent each time you buy, sell, or exchange
                                   shares; confirms the date and the amount of
                                   your transaction.

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY                  Mailed quarterly; shows the market value of
                                   your account at the close of the statement
                                   period, as well as distributions, purchases,
                                   sales, and exchanges for the current calendar
                                   year.

FUND FINANCIAL REPORTS             Mailed in January and July for each
                                   Portfolio.

TAX STATEMENTS                     Generally mailed in January; report previous
                                   year's taxable distributions and proceeds
                                   from the sale of Portfolio shares.

AVERAGE COST STATEMENT             Issued quarterly (accompanies your Portfolio
[BOOK GRAPHIC]                     Summary); shows the average cost of shares
                                   that you redeemed during the calendar year,
                                   using the average cost single category
                                   method.

AUTOMATED TELEPHONE ACCESS

VANGUARD TELE-ACCOUNT              Toll-free access to Vanguard fund and account
1-800-662-6273                     information--as well as some
Any time, seven days a week,       transactions--through any TouchTone(TM)
from anywhere in the continental   telephone. Tele-Account provides total
United States and Canada.          return, share price, price change, and yield
[BOOK GRAPHIC]                     quotations for all Vanguard funds; gives your
                                   account balances and history (e.g., last
                                   transaction, latest dividend distribution,
                                   redemptions by check during the last three
                                   months); and allows you to sell or exchange
                                   fund shares.




INVESTOR INFORMATION  1-800-662-7447   -   CLIENT SERVICES  1-800-662-2739   -
TELE-ACCOUNT  1-800-662-6273




                                       21
<PAGE>   26
INVESTOR INFORMATION  1-800-662-7447   -   CLIENT SERVICES  1-800-662-2739   -
TELE-ACCOUNT  1-800-662-6273


FUND AND ACCOUNT UPDATES (continued)

COMPUTER ACCESS

VANGUARD ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB     Use your personal computer to visit
http://www.vanguard.com            Vanguard's education-oriented website, which
                                   provides timely news and information about
                                   Vanguard funds and services; an on-line
                                   "university" that offers a variety of mutual
                                   fund classes; and easy-to-use, interactive
                                   tools to help you create your own investment
                                   and retirement strategies.

VANGUARD ONLINE(SM)                Use your personal computer to learn more
KEYWORD: Vanguard                  about Vanguard funds and services; keep in
                                   touch with your Vanguard accounts; map out a
                                   long-term investment strategy; and ask
                                   questions, make suggestions, and send
                                   messages to Vanguard. Vanguard Online is
                                   offered through America Online(R) (AOL). To
                                   establish an AOL account, call
                                   1-800-238-6336.




                                       22
<PAGE>   27
PROSPECTUS POSTSCRIPT

This prospectus is designed to provide you with pertinent information about the
Portfolios of Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund, including its investment
objectives, risks, strategies, and expenses, as well as services available to
you as a shareholder.

   It is important that you understand these facts so that you can decide
whether an investment in this Portfolio is right for you. The following
questions offer a quick review of some of the subjects covered by this
prospectus.

IN READING THE PROSPECTUS, DID YOU LEARN . . .

   / /  Each Portfolio's objective? (page 6)

   / /  Each Portfolio's investment strategies? (page 7)

   / /  Who should invest in each Portfolio? (page 6)

   / /  The risks associated with each Portfolio? (pages 5-11)

   / /  Whether each Portfolio is Federally insured? (inside front cover)

   / /  Each Portfolio's expenses? (page 3)

   / /  The background of the Portfolio's investment managers? (page 14)

   / /  How to open an account? (page 17)

   / /  How to sell or exchange shares? (page 19)

   / /  How often you'll receive statements and financial reports? (page 21)





                                PLAIN TALK ABOUT

                             KEEPING YOUR PROSPECTUS

Reading this prospectus will help you to decide whether one or both of the
Portfolios is suitable for your investment goals. If you decide to invest, don't
throw the prospectus out; you will no doubt need it for future reference.




                                       23
<PAGE>   28
                                 ABOUT THE QUIZ

Knowing your risk tolerance is important when you are making an investment
decision. To give you a general idea of your comfort level with investing,
circle the response that most closely matches your personal situation. Keep in
mind, though, that there is no "foolproof" way to accurately gauge your risk
tolerance. Scoring for the quiz is below.




                              HOW TO SCORE THE QUIZ

Use the number of your answer as the number of points scored. For instance, if
you chose answer #3 to a question, that's worth three points. Add up your points
and check below for the type of investor you are. (Note: if you chose answer #1
or #2 to Question C, subtract five points from your total score.)

- - If you scored between 0 and 25 points, you are considered a conservative
investor.

- - If you scored between 26 and 32 points, you are considered a moderate
investor.

- - If you scored between 33 and 35 points, you are considered an aggressive
investor.




A SIMPLE RISK QUIZ

A.  I HAVE BEEN INVESTING IN STOCK AND BOND MUTUAL FUNDS (OR IN INDIVIDUAL
    STOCKS OR BONDS) FOR . . .

    1.  Less than a year
    2.  1-2 years
    3.  3-4 years
    4.  5-9 years
    5.  10 years or more

B.  WHEN IT COMES TO INVESTING IN STOCK OR BOND MUTUAL FUNDS (OR INDIVIDUAL
    STOCKS OR BONDS), I WOULD SAY I'M . . .

    1.  A very inexperienced investor
    2.  A somewhat inexperienced investor
    3.  A somewhat experienced investor
    4.  An experienced investor
    5.  A very experienced investor

C.  I AM COMFORTABLE WITH INVESTMENTS THAT MAY LOSE MONEY FROM TIME TO TIME IF
    THEY OFFER THE POTENTIAL FOR HIGHER RETURNS.

    1.  I strongly disagree
    2.  I disagree
    3.  I somewhat agree
    4.  I agree
    5.  I strongly agree

D.  I WILL KEEP AN INVESTMENT EVEN IF IT LOSES 10% OF ITS VALUE OVER THE COURSE
    OF A YEAR.

    1.  I strongly disagree
    2.  I disagree
    3.  I somewhat agree
    4.  I agree
    5.  I strongly agree

E.  IN ADDITION TO MY LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS, I HAVE EMERGENCY SAVINGS EQUAL TO
    ____ MONTHS OF MY TAKE-HOME PAY.

    1.  Zero
    2.  One
    3.  Two
    4.  Three
    5.  Four or more

F.  I FIND IT EASY TO PAY MY MONTHLY BILLS FROM MY CURRENT PAY.

    1.  I strongly disagree
    2.  I disagree
    3.  I somewhat agree
    4.  I agree
    5.  I strongly agree

G.  OVERALL, MY PERSONAL FINANCIAL SITUATION IS SECURE.

    1.  I strongly disagree
    2.  I disagree
    3.  I somewhat agree
    4.  I agree
    5.  I strongly agree




                                       24
<PAGE>   29
GLOSSARY OF INVESTMENT TERMS

ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX (AMT)

A separate tax system designed to assure that individuals pay at least a minimum
amount of federal income taxes. Certain securities used to fund private,
for-profit activities are subject to AMT.

BOND

A debt security (IOU) issued by a corporation, government, or government agency
in exchange for the money you lend it. In most instances, the issuer agrees to
pay back the loan by a specific date and make regular interest payments until
that date.

CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTION

Payment to mutual fund shareholders of gains realized during the year on
securities that the fund has sold at a profit, minus any realized losses.

CASH RESERVES

Cash deposits as well as short-term bank deposits, money market instruments,
bank CDs, repurchase agreements, and U.S. Treasury bills.

DIVIDEND INCOME

Payment to shareholders of income from interest or dividends generated by a
fund's investments.

DURATION

A measure of the sensitivity of bond--and bond fund--prices to interest rate
movements. For example, if a bond has a duration of two years, its price would
fall by about 2% when interest rates rose one percentage point. On the other
hand, the bond's price would rise by about 2% when interest rates fell by one
percentage point.

EXPENSE RATIO

The percentage of a fund's average net assets used to pay its expenses. The
expense ratio includes management fees, administrative fees, and any 12b-1
marketing fees.

FACE VALUE

The value of a bond at the time it was issued (that is, initially sold).

FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES

Investments, such as bonds, that have a fixed payment schedule. While the level
of income offered by these securities is predetermined, their prices may
fluctuate.

INSURED BONDS

Bonds whose payments of both principal and interest are guaranteed. The
insurance does not guarantee the value of the bonds, only that bond payments
will be made in a timely fashion.

INVESTMENT ADVISER

An organization that makes the day-to-day decisions regarding a portfolio's
investments.

INVESTMENT GRADE

Bonds whose credit quality is considered by independent bond-rating agencies to
be among the highest.

MATURITY

The date when a bond issuer agrees to return the bond's principal, or face
value, to the bond's buyer.

MUNICIPAL BOND

A bond issued by a state or local government. Dividend income from municipal
bonds is generally free from federal income taxes, as well as taxes in the state
in which it was issued.

NET ASSET VALUE (NAV)

The market value of a mutual fund's total assets, minus liabilities, divided by
the number of shares outstanding. The value of a single share is called its
share value or share price.

TOTAL RETURN

A percentage change, over a specified time period, in a mutual fund's net asset
value, with the ending net asset value adjusted to account for the reinvestment
of all distributions of dividends and capital gains.

VOLATILITY

The fluctuations in value of a mutual fund or other security. The greater a
fund's volatility, the wider the fluctuations between its high and low prices.

YIELD

Current income (interest or dividends) earned by an investment, expressed as a
percentage of the investment's price.
<PAGE>   30
                                                           [GRAPHIC OF SHIP]    
                                                       [THE VANGUARD GROUP LOGO]
                                                         Post Office Box 2600
                                                        Valley Forge, PA 19482




INVESTOR INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
1-800-662-7447 (SHIP)
TEXT TELEPHONE:
1-800-952-3335

For information on our funds, fund services, and retirement accounts; requests
for literature


CLIENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
1-800-662-2739 (CREW)
TEXT TELEPHONE:
1-800-662-2738

For information on your account, account transactions, account statements


VANGUARD BROKERAGE SERVICES
1-800-992-8327

For information on trading stocks, bonds, and options at reduced commissions


VANGUARD TELE-ACCOUNT(R)
1-800-662-6273 (ON-BOARD)

For 24-hour automated access to price and yield, information on your account,
certain transactions


ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO THE VANGUARD MUTUAL FUND EDUCATION AND INFORMATION CENTER

World Wide Web
http://www.vanguard.com


E-mail
[email protected]


                                                     (C) 1997 Vanguard Marketing
                                                     Corporation, Distributor
                                                     
                                                     P014N
<PAGE>   31
 
                                     PART B
 
                       VANGUARD NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE FUND
 
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
   
                                 MARCH 28, 1997
    
 
   
     This Statement is not a prospectus but should be read in conjunction with
the Fund's current Prospectus dated March 28, 1997. To obtain this Prospectus,
please call:
    
 
                   VANGUARD'S INVESTOR INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
                                 1-800-662-7447
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            PAGE
                                                                                            -----
<S>                                                                                         <C>
Investment Limitations....................................................................    B-1
Investment Policies.......................................................................    B-2
New Jersey Risk Factors...................................................................    B-5
Yield and Total Return....................................................................    B-7
Calculation of Yield......................................................................    B-7
Performance Measures......................................................................    B-8
Investment Management.....................................................................   B-10
Portfolio Transactions....................................................................   B-10
Purchase of Shares........................................................................   B-11
Redemption of Shares......................................................................   B-11
Valuation of Shares.......................................................................   B-11
Management of the Fund....................................................................   B-13
Description of Shares and Voting Rights...................................................   B-16
Financial Statements......................................................................   B-16
Appendix A -- Description of Municipal Bonds and their Ratings............................   B-17
Appendix B -- Municipal Lease Obligations.................................................   B-19
</TABLE>
    
 
                             INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
 
     The following limitations cannot be changed without the consent of the
holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares (as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), including a majority of the
shares of each Portfolio.
 
   
          1. Each Portfolio will not invest in securities other than municipal
     bonds except that each Portfolio may make temporary investments in (a)
     notes issued by or on behalf of municipal or corporate issuers, obligations
     of the U.S. Government and its agencies, commercial paper, bank
     certificates of deposit; (b) investment companies investing in such
     securities which have investment objectives consistent with those of the
     Portfolio to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act; and (c) any such
     securities or municipal bonds subject to repurchase agreements;
    
 
   
          2. Each Portfolio will limit the aggregate value of all issuers
     (except U.S. Government and cash items, as defined under Subchapter M of
     the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code")), each of which exceeds 5% of the
     Portfolio's total assets, to an aggregate amount of 50% of such assets;
    
 
   
          3. Each Portfolio will limit the aggregate value of holdings of a
     single issuer (except U.S. Government and cash items, as defined in the
     Code) to a maximum of 25% of the Portfolio's total assets;
    
 
   
          4. Each Portfolio will not borrow money except for temporary or
     emergency purposes and then only in an amount not exceeding 10% of the
     value of the total assets of that Portfolio. The Portfolio will repay all
     borrowings before making additional investments. Interest paid on such
     borrowings will reduce income;
    
 
                                       B-1
<PAGE>   32
 
   
           5. Each Portfolio will not pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets
     to any extent greater than 10% of the value of the total assets of the
     Portfolio;
    
 
   
           6. Each Portfolio will not issue senior securities as defined in the
     1940 Act;
    
 
   
           7. Each Portfolio will not engage in the business of underwriting
     securities issued by other persons, except to the extent that the Portfolio
     may technically be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933,
     as amended, in disposing of Portfolio securities;
    
 
   
           8. Each Portfolio will not purchase or sell real estate, but this
     shall not prevent investments in Municipal Bonds secured by real estate or
     interests therein;
    
 
   
           9. Each Portfolio will not make loans to other persons, except by the
     purchase of bonds, debentures or similar obligations which are publicly
     distributed. In addition, although the Portfolios have no present intention
     to do so, each Portfolio reserves the right to lend its investment
     securities to qualified institutions in accordance with guidelines of the
     Securities and Exchange Commission;
    
 
   
          10. Each Portfolio will not purchase on margin or sell short, except
     as specified below in Investment Limitation No. 12;
    
 
          11. Each Portfolio will not purchase or retain securities of an issuer
     if those Trustees of the Fund, each of whom owns more than 1/2 of 1% of
     such securities, together own more than 5% of the securities of such
     issuer;
 
   
          12. Each Portfolio will not purchase or sell commodities or
     commodities contracts, except that the New Jersey Insured Long-Term
     Portfolio may invest in bond futures contracts, bond options and options on
     bond futures contracts to the extent that not more than 5% of the
     Portfolio's assets are required as deposit on futures contracts and not
     more than 20% of the Portfolio's assets are invested in futures contracts
     and/or options transactions at any time;
    
 
          13. Each Portfolio will not invest its assets in securities of other
     investment companies except as they may be acquired as part of a merger,
     consolidation, reorganization or acquisition of assets or otherwise, to the
     extent permitted by Section 12 of the 1940 Act;
 
   
          14. Each Portfolio will not invest in put, call, straddle or spread
     options (except as described above in investment limitation No. 12) or
     interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development programs;
     and
    
 
   
          15. Each Portfolio will not purchase or otherwise acquire any
     securities, if as a result, more than 15% (10% with respect to the Money
     Market Portfolio) of its net assets would be invested in securities that
     are illiquid (included in this limitation is the Fund's investment in The
     Vanguard Group, Inc.).
    
 
     The above-mentioned investment limitations are considered at the time
investment securities are purchased. Notwithstanding these limitations, each
Portfolio may own all or any portion of the securities of, or make loans to, or
contribute to the costs or other financial requirements of, any company which
will be (1) wholly owned by the Fund and one or more other investment companies
and (2) primarily engaged in the business of providing, at cost, management,
administrative, distribution and/or related services to the Fund and such other
investment companies. Additionally, the Fund may invest in when-issued
securities without limitation. Please see the Prospectus for a description of
securities.
 
   
                              INVESTMENT POLICIES
    
 
   
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS
    
 
     The Insured Long-Term Portfolio may enter into futures contracts, options,
and options on futures contracts for several reasons: to maintain cash reserves
while simulating full investment, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction
costs, or to seek higher investment returns when a futures contract is priced
more attractively than the underlying municipal security or index. Futures
contracts provide for the future sale by
 
                                       B-2
<PAGE>   33
 
   
one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific
security at a specified future time and at a specified price. Futures contracts
which are standardized as to maturity date and underlying financial instrument
are traded on national futures exchanges. Futures exchanges and trading are
regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act by the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission ("CFTC"), a U.S. Government Agency. Assets committed to futures
contracts will be segregated at the Fund's custodian bank to the extent required
by law.
    
 
   
     Most futures contracts are closed out before the settlement date without
the making or taking of delivery. Closing out an open futures position is done
by taking an opposite position ("buying" a contract which has previously been
"sold," or "selling" a contract previously purchased) in an identical contract
to terminate the position. Brokerage commissions are incurred when a futures
contract is bought or sold.
    
 
   
     Futures traders are required to make a good faith margin deposit in cash or
securities with a broker or custodian to initiate and maintain open positions in
futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to assure completion of the
contract (delivery or acceptance of the underlying security) if it is not
terminated prior to the specified delivery date. Minimal initial margin
requirements are established by the futures exchange and may be changed. Brokers
may establish deposit requirements which are higher than the exchange minimums.
Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold with margin at prices which
may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.
The Fund expects to earn interest income on its margin deposits.
    
 
   
     After a futures contract position is opened, the value of the contract is
marked to market daily. If the futures contract price changes, to the extent
that the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, payment of
additional "variation" margin will be required. Conversely, changes in the
contract value may reduce the required margin, resulting in a repayment of
excess margin to the contract holder. Variation margin payments are made to and
from the futures broker for as long as the contract remains open.
    
 
   
     Traders in futures contracts may be broadly classified as either "hedgers"
or "speculators." Hedgers use the futures markets primarily to offset
unfavorable changes in the value of securities otherwise held for investment
purposes or expected to be acquired by them. Speculators are less inclined to
own the securities underlying the futures contracts which they trade, and use
futures contracts with the expectation of realizing profits from fluctuations in
the prices of underlying securities. The Fund intends to use futures contracts
only for bona fide hedging purposes.
    
 
   
     Regulations of the CFTC applicable to the Fund require that all of its
futures transactions constitute bona fide hedging transactions. The Portfolio
will only sell futures contracts to protect securities it owns against price
declines or purchase contracts to protect against an increase in the price of
securities it intends to purchase.
    
 
     Although techniques other than the sale and purchase of futures contracts
could be used to control the Portfolio's exposure to market fluctuations, the
use of futures contracts may be a more effective means of hedging this exposure.
While the Portfolio will incur commission expenses in both opening and closing
out futures positions, these costs are lower than transaction costs incurred in
the purchase and sale of the underlying securities.
 
RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF FUTURES CONTRACTS
 
     The Insured Long-Term Portfolio will not enter into futures contract
transactions to the extent that, immediately thereafter, the sum of its initial
margin deposits on open contracts exceeds 5% of the market value of the Fund's
total assets. In addition, the Portfolio will not enter into futures contracts
to the extent that its outstanding obligations to purchase securities under
these contracts would exceed 20% of the Portfolio's total assets. Assets
committed to futures contracts or options will be held in a segregated account
at the Fund's custodian bank.
 
                                       B-3
<PAGE>   34
 
RISK FACTORS IN FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
 
     Positions in futures contracts may be closed out only on an Exchange which
provides a secondary market for such futures. However, there can be no assurance
that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular futures contract at
any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close a futures position. In
the event of adverse price movements, the Insured Long-Term Portfolio would
continue to be required to make daily cash payments to maintain its required
margin. In such situations, if the Portfolio has insufficient cash, it may have
to sell portfolio securities to meet daily margin requirements at a time when it
may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, the Portfolio may be required to
make delivery of the instruments underlying futures contracts it holds. The
inability to close options and futures positions also could have an adverse
impact on the ability to effectively hedge it.
 
     The Insured Long-Term Portfolio will minimize the risk that it will be
unable to close out a futures contract by only entering into futures which are
traded on national futures exchanges and for which there appears to be a liquid
secondary market. The principal interest rate futures exchanges in the United
States are the Board of Trade of the City of Chicago and the Chicago Mercantile
Exchange.
 
   
     The risk of loss in trading futures contracts in some strategies can be
substantial, due both to the low margin deposits required, and the extremely
high degree of leverage involved in futures pricing. 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 initial margin requirement for the contract. However, because the
futures strategies of the Portfolio are engaged in only for hedging purposes,
the Adviser does not believe that the Portfolio is subject to the risks of loss
frequently associated with futures transactions. The Portfolio 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.
    
 
     Utilization of futures transactions by the Portfolio does involve the risk
of imperfect or no correlation where the securities underlying futures contracts
have different maturities or other characteristics than the portfolio securities
being hedged. It is also possible that the Portfolio could both lose money on
futures contracts and also experience a decline in value of its portfolio
securities. There is also the risk of loss by the Portfolio of margin deposits
in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom the Portfolio has an open
position in a futures contract or related option.
 
     Most 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 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 future positions and subjecting some futures
traders to substantial losses.
 
   
OTHER TYPES OF DERIVATIVES
    
 
   
     In addition to futures and options, the Insured Long-Term Portfolio may
invest in other types of derivatives, including warrants, swap agreements and
partnerships or grantor trust derivative products. Derivatives are instruments
whose value is linked to or derived from an underlying security. Derivatives may
be traded separately on exchanges or in the over-the-counter market, or they may
be imbedded in securities. The most common imbedded derivative is the call
option attached to or imbedded in a callable bond. The owner of a
    
 
                                       B-4
<PAGE>   35
 
   
traditional callable bond holds a combination of a long position in a
non-callable bond and a short position in a call option on that bond.
    
 
   
     Derivative instruments may be used individually or in combination to hedge
against unfavorable changes in interest rates, or to speculate on anticipated
changes in interest rates. Derivatives may be structured with no or a high
degree of leverage. When derivatives are used as hedges, the risk incurred is
that the derivative instrument's value may change differently than the value of
the security being hedged. This "basis risk" is generally lower than the risk
associated with an unhedged position in the security being hedged. Some
derivatives may entail liquidity risk, i.e., the risk that the instrument cannot
be sold at a reasonable price in highly volatile markets. Leveraged derivatives
used for speculation are very volatile, and therefore, very risky. However, the
Portfolios will only utilize derivatives for hedging or arbitrage purposes, and
not for speculative purposes. Over-the-counter derivatives involve a
counterparty risk, i.e., the risk that the individual or institution on the
other side of the agreement will not or cannot meet their obligations under the
derivative agreement.
    
 
FEDERAL TAX TREATMENT OF FUTURES CONTRACTS
 
   
     The Insured Long-Term Portfolio is required for federal income tax purposes
to recognize as income for each taxable year net unrealized gains and losses on
certain futures contracts held as of the end of the year as well as those
actually realized during the year. In most cases, any gain or loss recognized
with respect to a futures contract is considered to 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. Furthermore, sales of futures contracts which
are intended to hedge against a change in the value of securities held by the
Portfolio may affect the holding period of such securities and, consequently,
the nature of the gain or loss on such securities upon disposition. A Portfolio
may be required to defer the recognition of losses on futures contracts to the
extent of any unrecognized gains on related positions held by the Portfolio.
    
 
     In order for the Portfolio 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, gains from the sale of
securities or of foreign currencies or other income derived with respect to the
Portfolio's business of investing in securities. In addition, gains realized on
the sale or other disposition of securities held for less than three months must
be limited to less than 30% of the Portfolio's annual gross income. It is
anticipated that any net gain realized from the closing out of futures contracts
will be considered gain from the sale of securities and therefore be qualifying
income for purposes of the 90% requirement. In order to avoid realizing
excessive gains on securities held less than three months, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio's fiscal year and which are recognized for tax
purposes, will not be considered gains on sales of securities held less than
three months for the purpose of the 30% test.
 
     The Portfolio will distribute to shareholders annually any net capital
gains which have been recognized for federal income tax purposes (including
unrealized gains at the end of the Portfolio's fiscal year) on futures
transactions. Such distributions will be combined with distributions of capital
gains realized on the Portfolio's other investments and shareholders will be
advised on the nature of the transactions.
 
   
                            NEW JERSEY RISK FACTORS
    
 
   
     The Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund invests primarily in the obligations
of New Jersey state government and various local governments, including
counties, cities, special districts, agencies and authorities. In general, the
credit quality and credit risk of any issuer's debt depend on the state and
local economy, the health of the issuer's finances, the amount of the issuer's
debt, the quality of management, and the strength of legal provisions in debt
documents that protect debt holders. Credit risk is usually lower wherever the
economy is strong, growing and diversified; financial operations are sound; and
the debt burden is reasonable.
    
 
                                       B-5
<PAGE>   36
 
   
     The average rating among American states for full faith and credit state
debt is "Aa" and "AA" by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor's
Corporation, respectively. Against this measure and the criteria listed above,
the credit risk associated with direct obligations of the State of New Jersey
and State agencies, including general obligation and revenue bonds, and lease
debt, compares very favorably. For most of the last two decades, the State's
general obligation bonds have enjoyed the highest rating by either Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor's. In the early 1990's, however, both
Moody's and Standard & Poor's both slightly downgraded the state's credit rating
to the high "AA" level due to an economy and state finances weakened by
recession. In general, New Jersey's high credit quality over time reflects the
strong growth and diversification of its economy, a moderate debt position,
wealth levels much higher than the national average, and a historically sound
and stable financial position.
    
 
   
     New Jersey's economy continues to gradually emerge from the depths of the
1990-92 national recession. Between 1989 and 1992, the state lost 8.7 percent of
its employment total or about one job in 12. Significant job losses occurred in
the construction, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trades, and in financial
and real estate services. The only sectors to experience growth during the
period were the healthcare and government sectors. Unemployment rates exceeded
the national averages and reached a high of 9.8% in July of 1992. Economic
variables indicate a slowly improving New Jersey economy, as evidenced by a
decrease in the unemployment rate for 1993. However, this progress could be
mitigated by layoffs in the pharmaceutical industry and AT&T, New Jersey's
largest employer.
    
 
   
     The most recent cyclical weakening of the New Jersey economy follows an
unprecedented period of diversification and growth for the state in the 1980's.
Like many other northeastern and "rust-belt" states, New Jersey's economy
declined during the 1970s. This set the stage for a remarkable period of
transformation in the 1980s. The State economy changed from a
manufacturing-dominated base to an economy balanced among manufacturing, trade
and services, closely mirroring the U.S. economy. Population growth exceeded the
regional average during this time, and growth in employment and income outpaced
the U.S. average. This growth occurred not only in the developed northeastern
and Delaware River Valley areas, but also in central New Jersey around Princeton
and the Atlantic coastal region. Despite the recession of 1990 to 1992, New
Jersey remains a wealthy state, and continues to be the second wealthiest after
Connecticut. Per capita state income is over a third higher than the U.S.
average.
    
 
   
     The State's debt burden is moderate in relation to the state's wealth and
resources, but has increased significantly since 1991 as the state has financed
capital outlays previously funded out of current revenues and stepped up debt
issuance to stimulate a weakened economy. Tax-supported debt as measured against
income and population is close to average levels among the states. Debt
retirement is rapid even though debt service has a modest claim on State
revenues. New debt issuance is expected to be manageable.
    
 
   
     After a decade of sound financial operations in the 1980's, characterized
by robust increases in revenues and fund balances, the State faced several years
of budgetary distress in the early 1990's. Declining tax revenues and swelling
expenditures for Medicaid, public assistance, and corrections generated repeated
budget gaps that the State was able to close only by utilizing non-recurring
revenue sources. Continued high credit quality will depend on the resolve of
State leaders and taxpayers to maintain fiscal balance while diminishing a
reliance on one-time revenue sources. Most recently an improving state and
national economy has resulted in increased revenues and some moderation in
budgeting strain. However the significant income tax cuts recently enacted in
the state may prove to strain state finances if an economic slowdown were to
occur.
    
 
   
     A positive credit factor for local governments in New Jersey is the strong
State oversight of local government operations. The State can and has seized
control of mismanaged jurisdictions. In general, the high level of wealth and
the strong economic base in the State have resulted in credit quality for local
government that is among the highest in the U.S. In addition, the State
guarantees the debt service of many local government bond issues. As state
finances remain under pressure, however, local governments may see levels of
state aid reduced, a development that could result in a dilution of local credit
quality. Successful tax appeals by property owners in many municipalities have
also reduced revenues for some local governments.
    
 
                                       B-6
<PAGE>   37
 
   
     Despite the strengths of New Jersey credit quality, there are risks. New
Jersey has a number of older urban centers, including Newark and Camden, that
present a continuing vulnerability with respect to economic and social problems.
The State is facing educational finance reforms which could affect the credit
quality of certain school districts as well as state financial operations. In
addition, health care and welfare reform proposals must be addressed in the
coming fiscal year. State taxes were increased in 1990 to balance the State's
budget and then reduced in 1992 after a "taxpayer revolt" reversed the political
power balance in the state legislature. Finally, overbuilding in the residential
and commercial real estate sector has weakened property values as well as the
general health of the construction industry and related financial institutions.
    
 
                             YIELD AND TOTAL RETURN
 
   
     The yield of the New Jersey Insured Long-Term Portfolio for the 30-day
period ended November 30, 1996 was 4.91%.
    
 
   
     The average annual total return of the New Jersey Insured Long-Term
Portfolio for the one- and five-year periods ended November 30, 1996 was +4.75%
and +7.91%, respectively. The average annual total return of the New Jersey
Insured Long-term Portfolio since its inception on February 3, 1988 is +8.39%.
The average annual total return of the New Jersey Money Market Portfolio for the
one- and five-year periods ended November 30, 1996 was +3.22%, and +2.93%,
respectively. The average annual total return of the New Jersey Money Market
Portfolio since its inception on February 3, 1988 was +4.02%. Total return is
computed by finding the average compounded rates of return over the period set
forth above that would equate an initial amount invested at the beginning of the
period to the ending redeemable value of the investment.
    
 
                              CALCULATION OF YIELD
 
     The current yield of the New Jersey Money Market Portfolio is calculated
daily on a base period return of a hypothetical account having a beginning
balance of one share for a particular period of time (generally 7 days). The
return is determined by dividing the net change (exclusive of any capital
changes) in such account by its average net asset value for the period, and then
multiplying it by 365/7 to get the annualized current yield. The calculation of
net change reflects the value of additional shares purchased with the dividends
by the Portfolio, including dividends on both the original share and on such
additional shares. An effective yield, which reflects the effects of compounding
and represents an annualization of the current yield with all dividends
reinvested, may also be calculated for the Portfolio by adding 1 to the net
change, raising the sum to the 365/7 power, and subtracting 1 from the result.
 
   
     Set forth below is an example, for purposes of illustration only, of the
current and effective yield calculations for the New Jersey Money Market
Portfolio for the 7-day base period ended November 30, 1996.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
                                                                                ----------------------
                                                                                       11/30/96
                                                                                ----------------------
<S>                                                                             <C>
Value of account at beginning of period......................................          $1.00000
Value of same account at end of period*......................................           1.00062
                                                                                       --------
Net Change in account value..................................................          $ .00062
Annualized Current Net Yield
  (Net Change X 365/7) average net asset value...............................              3.23%
Effective Yield
  [(Net Change) + 1] 365/7 -1................................................              3.28%
Average Weighted Maturity of Investments.....................................           67 Days
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
* Exclusive of any capital changes.
 
   
     The New Jersey Money Market Portfolio seeks to maintain but does not
guarantee, a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share. The yield of the
Portfolio will fluctuate. Although the Money Market Portfolio invests in
high-quality instruments, the shares of the Portfolio are not insured or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government. The Fund has obtained private insurance that
partially protects the Money Market Portfolio against default of
    
 
                                       B-7
<PAGE>   38
 
   
principal or interest payments on the instruments it holds, and against
bankruptcy by issuers and credit enhancers of these instruments. Treasury and
other U.S. Government securities held by the Portfolio are excluded from this
coverage. The annualization of a week's dividend is not a representation by the
Portfolio as to what an investment in the Portfolio will actually yield in the
future. Actual yields will depend on such variables as investment quality,
average maturity, the type of instruments the Portfolio invests in, changes in
interest rates on instruments, changes in the expenses of the Fund and other
factors. Yields are one basis investors may use to analyze the Portfolios of the
Fund, and other investment vehicles, however, yields of other investment
vehicles may not be comparable because of the factors set forth in the preceding
sentence, differences in the time periods compared, and differences in the
methods used in valuing portfolio instruments, computing net asset value and
calculating yield.
    
 
   
                              PERFORMANCE MEASURES
    
 
     Vanguard may use reprinted material discussing The Vanguard Group, Inc. or
any of the member funds of The Vanguard Group of Investment Companies.
 
   
     The Fund may use one or more of the following unmanaged indexes for
comparative performance purposes.
    
 
STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 COMPOSITE STOCK PRICE INDEX -- is a well diversified
list of 500 companies representing the U.S. Stock Market.
 
   
WILSHIRE 5000 EQUITY INDEX -- consists of more than 7,000 common equity
securities, covering all stocks in the U.S. for which daily pricing is
available.
    
 
WILSHIRE 4500 EQUITY INDEX -- consists of all stocks in the Wilshire 5000 except
for the 500 stocks in the Standard and Poor's 500 Index.
 
RUSSELL 3000 STOCK INDEX -- a diversified portfolio of approximately 3,000
common stocks accounting for over 90% of the market value of publicly traded
stocks in the U.S.
 
RUSSELL 2000 STOCK INDEX -- a subset of approximately 2,000 of the smallest
stocks contained in the Russell 3000; a widely-used benchmark for small
capitalization common stocks.
 
MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL EAFE INDEX -- is an arithmetic, market
value-weighted average of the performance of over 900 securities listed on the
stock exchanges of countries in Europe, Australia and the Far East.
 
GOLDMAN SACHS 100 CONVERTIBLE BOND INDEX -- currently includes 71 bonds and 29
preferreds. The original list of names was generated by screening for
convertible issues of $100 million or greater in market capitalization. The
index is priced monthly.
 
SALOMON BROTHERS GNMA INDEX -- includes pools of mortgages originated by private
lenders and guaranteed by the mortgage pools of the Government National Mortgage
Association.
 
SALOMON BROTHERS HIGH-GRADE CORPORATE BOND INDEX -- consists of publicly issued,
non-convertible corporate bonds rated Aa or Aaa. It is a value-weighted, total
return index, including approximately 800 issues with maturities of 12 years or
greater.
 
LEHMAN LONG-TERM TREASURY BOND -- is composed of all bonds covered by the
Shearson Lehman Hutton Treasury Bond Index with maturities of 10 years or
greater.
 
MERRILL LYNCH CORPORATE & GOVERNMENT BOND -- consists of over 4,500 U.S.
Treasury, Agency and investment grade corporate bonds.
 
LEHMAN CORPORATE (Baa) BOND INDEX -- all publicly offered fixed-rate,
nonconvertible domestic corporate bonds rated Baa by Moody's, with a maturity
longer than 1 year and with more than $25 million outstanding. This index
includes over 1,000 issues.
 
                                       B-8
<PAGE>   39
 
LEHMAN BROTHERS LONG-TERM CORPORATE BOND INDEX -- is a subset of the Lehman Bond
Index covering all corporate, publicly issued, fixed-rate, nonconvertible U.S.
debt issues rated at least Baa, with at least $50 million principal outstanding
and maturity greater than 10 years.
 
   
BOND BUYER MUNICIPAL BOND INDEX -- is a yield index on current coupon high-grade
general obligation municipal bonds.
    
 
STANDARD & POOR'S PREFERRED INDEX -- is a yield index based upon the average
yield of four high-grade, non-callable preferred stock issues.
 
NASDAQ INDUSTRIAL INDEX -- is composed of more than 3,000 industrial issues. It
is a value-weighted index calculated on price change only and does not include
income.
 
   
COMPOSITE INDEX -- 70% Standard & Poor's Index and 30% NASDAQ Industrial Index.
    
 
   
COMPOSITE INDEX -- 65% Standard & Poor's 500 Index and 35% Lehman Long-Term
Corporate AA or Better Bond Index.
    
 
   
COMPOSITE INDEX -- 65% Lehman Long-Term Corporate AA or Better Bond Index and a
35% weighting in a blended equity composite (75% Standard & Poor's/BARRA Value
Index 12.5% Standard & Poor's Utilities Index and 12.5% Standard & Poor's
Telephone Index.)
    
 
   
LEHMAN LONG-TERM CORPORATE AA OR BETTER BOND INDEX -- consists of all publicly
issued, fixed rate, nonconvertible investment grade, dollar-denominated,
SEC-registered corporate debt rated AA or AAA.
    
 
LEHMAN BROTHERS AGGREGATE BOND INDEX -- is a market-weighted index that contains
individually priced U.S. Treasury, agency, corporate, and mortgage pass-through
securities corporate rated BBB- or better. The Index has a market value of over
$4 trillion.
 
   
LEHMAN BROTHERS MUTUAL FUND SHORT (1-5) GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE INDEX -- is a
market-weighted index that contains individually priced U.S. Treasury, agency,
and corporate investment grade bonds rated BBB- or better with maturities
between 1 and 5 years. The index has a market value of over $1.6 trillion.
    
 
   
LEHMAN BROTHERS MUTUAL FUND INTERMEDIATE (5-10) GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE INDEX -- is
a market-weighted index that contains individually priced U.S. Treasury, agency,
and corporate securities rated BBB- or better with maturities between 5 and 10
years. The index has a market value of over $700 billion.
    
 
LEHMAN BROTHERS MUTUAL FUND LONG (10+) GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE INDEX -- is a
market-weighted index that contains individually priced U.S. Treasury, agency,
and corporate securities rated BBB- or better with maturities greater than 10
years. The index has a market value of over $900 billion.
 
LIPPER SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND AVERAGE -- the average performance of small
company growth funds as defined by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. Lipper
defines a small company growth fund as a fund that by prospectus or portfolio
practice, limits its investments to companies on the basis of the size of the
company. From time to time, Vanguard may advertise using the average performance
and/or the average expense ratio of the small company growth funds. (This fund
category was first established in 1982. For years prior to 1982, the results of
the Lipper Small Company Growth category were estimated using the returns of the
Funds that constituted the Group at its inception.)
 
LIPPER BALANCED FUND AVERAGE -- an industry benchmark of average balanced funds
with similar investment objectives and policies, as measured by Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc.
 
LIPPER GENERAL EQUITY FUND AVERAGE -- an industry benchmark of average general
equity funds with similar investment objectives and policies, as measured by
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
 
   
LIPPER FIXED INCOME FUND AVERAGE -- an industry benchmark of average fixed
income funds with similar investment objectives and policies, as measured by
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
    
 
                                       B-9
<PAGE>   40
 
                             INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
 
     The Fund receives all investment advisory services on an "internalized,"
at-cost basis from an experienced investment management staff employed directly
by The Vanguard Group, Inc. ("Vanguard"), a subsidiary jointly owned by the Fund
and the other Funds in The Vanguard Group of Investment Companies. The
investment management staff is supervised by the senior Officers of the Fund.
 
     The investment management staff is responsible for: maintaining the
specified standards; making changes in specific issues in light of changes in
the fundamental basis for purchasing such securities; and adjusting the Fund to
meet cash inflow (or outflow), which reflects net purchases and exchanges of
shares by investors (or net redemptions of shares) and reinvestment of the
Fund's income.
 
     A change in securities held by the Fund is known as "portfolio turnover"
and may involve the payment of the Fund of dealer mark-ups, underwriting
commissions and other transaction costs on the sales of securities as well as on
the reinvestment of the proceeds in other securities. The annual portfolio
turnover rate for each of the Fund's portfolios is set forth under the heading
"Financial Highlights" in the New Jersey Tax-Free Fund prospectus. The portfolio
turnover rate is not a limiting factor when management deems it desirable to
sell or purchase securities. It is impossible to predict whether or not the
portfolio turnover rate in future years will vary significantly from the rates
in recent years.
 
   
     During the fiscal years ended November 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Fund
did not pay any brokerage commissions.
    
 
   
                             PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
    
 
   
HOW TRANSACTIONS ARE AFFECTED
    
 
   
     The types of securities in which the Portfolios invest are generally
purchased and sold through principal transactions, meaning that the Portfolios
normally purchase securities directly from the issuer or a primary market-maker
acting as principal for the securities on a net basis. Brokerage commissions are
not paid on these transactions, although the purchase price for securities
usually includes an undisclosed compensation. Purchases from underwriters of
securities typically include a commission or concession paid by the issuer to
the underwriter, and purchases from dealers serving as market makers typically
include a dealer's mark-up (i.e., a spread between the bid and the asked
prices). During the fiscal years ended November 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the
Portfolios did not pay any brokerage commissions.
    
 
   
HOW BROKERS AND DEALERS ARE SELECTED
    
 
   
     Vanguard's Fixed Income Group chooses brokers or dealers to handle the
purchase and sale of the Portfolios' securities, and is responsible for getting
the best available price and most favorable execution for all transactions. When
the Portfolios purchase a newly issued security at a fixed price, the Group may
designate certain members of the underwriting syndicate to receive compensation
associated with that transaction. Certain dealers have agreed to rebate a
portion of such compensation directly to the Portfolios to offset their
management expenses. The Group is required to seek best execution of all
transactions and is not authorized to pay a brokerage commission in excess of
that which another broker might have charged for effecting the same transaction
solely on account of the receipt of research or other services.
    
 
   
HOW THE REASONABLENESS OF BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS IS EVALUATED
    
 
   
     As previously explained, the types of securities that the Portfolios
purchase do not normally involve the payment of brokerage commissions. If any
brokerage commissions are paid, however, the Fixed Income Group will evaluate
their reasonableness by considering: (a) historical commission rates; (b) rates
which other institutional investors are paying, based upon publicly available
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;
    
 
                                      B-10
<PAGE>   41
 
   
(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.
    
 
                               PURCHASE OF SHARES
 
     The Fund reserves the right in its sole discretion (i) to suspend the
offering of its shares, (ii) to reject purchase orders when in the judgment of
management such rejection is in the best interest of the Fund, and (iii) to
reduce or waive the minimum investment for or any other restrictions on initial
and subsequent investments under circumstances where certain economies can be
achieved in sales of the Fund's shares.
 
   
     STOCK CERTIFICATES.  Your purchase will be made in full and fractional
shares of the Fund calculated to three decimal places. Shares are normally held
on deposit for shareholders by the Fund, which will send to shareholders a
statement of shares owned at the time of each transaction. This saves the
shareholders the trouble of safekeeping the certificates and saves the Fund the
cost of issuing certificates. Share certificates for the New Jersey Insured
Long-Term Portfolio are available at any time upon written request at no
additional cost to shareholders. No certificates will be issued for fractional
shares of that Portfolio, or any shares of the Money Market Portfolio.
    
 
                              REDEMPTION OF SHARES
 
     The Fund may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment
(i) during any period that the New York Stock Exchange is closed, or trading on
the Exchange is restricted as determined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"), (ii) during any period when an emergency exists
as defined by the rules of the Commission as a result of which it is not
reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or
fairly to determine the value of its assets, and (iii) for such other periods as
the Commission may permit.
 
     If the Board of Trustees determines that it would be detrimental to the
best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to make payment wholly
or partly in cash, the Fund may pay the redemption price in whole or in part by
a distribution in kind of securities held by the Fund in lieu of cash in
conformity with applicable rules of the Commission. Investors may incur
brokerage charges on the sale of such securities so received in payment of
redemptions.
 
     No charge is made by the Fund for redemptions except for wire redemptions
of under $5000 which may be charged a maximum fee of $5.00. Any redemption may
be more or less than the shareholder's cost depending on the market value of the
securities held by the Fund.
 
     SIGNATURE GUARANTEES.  To protect your account, the Fund and Vanguard from
fraud, signature guarantees are required for certain redemptions. Signature
guarantees enable the Fund to be sure that you are the person who has authorized
a redemption from your account. SIGNATURE GUARANTEES ARE REQUIRED IN CONNECTION
WITH: (1) ALL REDEMPTIONS, REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT INVOLVED, WHEN THE PROCEEDS
ARE TO BE PAID TO SOMEONE OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED OWNERS; AND (2) SHARE
TRANSFER REQUESTS.
 
     A signature guarantor may be obtained from banks, brokers and any other
guarantor institution that Vanguard deems acceptable.
 
     The signature guarantees must appear either: (1) on the written request for
redemption, (2) on a separate instrument for assignment ("stock power") which
should specify the total number of shares to be redeemed, or (3) on all stock
certificates tendered for redemption and, if shares held by the Fund are also
being redeemed, on the letter or stock power.
 
                              VALUATION OF SHARES
 
     The valuation of shares of the New Jersey Insured Long-Term Portfolio is
described in detail in the Prospectus.
 
                                      B-11
<PAGE>   42
 
     NEW JERSEY MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO.  The net asset value per share of the
New Jersey Money Market Portfolio is determined on each day that the New York
Stock Exchange is open.
 
   
     It is the policy of the New Jersey Money Market Portfolio to attempt to
maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per share for purposes of sales and
redemptions. The New Jersey Money Market Portfolio seeks to maintain, but does
not guarantee a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share. Although the New
Jersey Money Market Portfolio invests in high-quality instruments, the shares of
the Portfolio are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government. The
instruments held by the New Jersey Money Market Portfolio are valued on the
basis of amortized cost which does not take into account unrealized capital
gains or losses. This involves valuing an instrument at-cost and thereafter
assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or premium,
regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market value of
the instrument. While this method provides certainty in valuation, it may result
in periods during which value, as determined by amortized cost, is higher or
lower than the price the Portfolio would receive if it sold the instrument.
During periods of declining interest rates, the daily yield on shares of the
Portfolio computed as described above under Calculation of Yield may tend to be
higher than a like computation made by a fund with identical investments
utilizing a method of valuation based upon market prices and estimates of market
prices for all of its portfolio instruments. Thus, if the use of amortized cost
by the Portfolio resulted in a lower aggregate portfolio value on a particular
day, a prospective investor in the Portfolio would be able to obtain a somewhat
higher yield than would result from investment in a fund utilizing solely market
values, and existing investors in the Portfolio would receive less investment
income. The converse would apply in a period of rising interest rates.
    
 
   
     The valuation of the New Jersey Money Market Portfolio's instruments based
upon their amortized cost and the commitment to maintain the Portfolio's per
share net asset value of $1.00 is permitted by Rule 2a-7 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, pursuant to which the Fund has agreed to adhere to certain
conditions. Accordingly, the Fund has agreed to maintain a dollar-weighted
average portfolio maturity for the New Jersey Money Market Portfolio of 90 days
or less, to purchase instruments having remaining maturities of thirteen months
or less only, and to invest only in securities determined by the Board of
Trustees to be of high quality with minimal credit risks.
    
 
     It is a fundamental objective of management to maintain the Portfolio's
price per share as computed for the purpose of sales and redemptions at $1.00.
The Trustees have established procedures designed to achieve this objective.
Such procedures will include a review of the Portfolio's holdings by the
Trustees, at such intervals as they may deem appropriate, to determine whether
the Portfolio's net asset value calculated by using available market quotations
deviates from $1.00 per share based on amortized cost. The extent of any
deviation will be examined by the Trustees. If such deviation exceeds 1/2 of 1%,
the Trustees will promptly consider what action, if any, will be initiated. In
the event the Trustees determine that a deviation exists which may result in
material dilution or other unfair results to investors or existing shareholders,
they have agreed to take such corrective action as they regard as necessary and
appropriate, including the sale of portfolio instruments prior to maturity to
realize capital gains or losses or to shorten average portfolio maturity;
withholding dividends; making a special capital distribution; redemptions of
shares in kind; or establishing a net asset value per share by using available
market quotations.
 
                                      B-12
<PAGE>   43
 
                             MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
 
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
 
   
     The Fund's Officers, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, manage
the day-to-day operations of the Fund. The Trustees set broad policies for the
Fund and choose its Officers. A list of the Trustees and Officers of the Fund
and a brief statement of their present positions and principal occupations
during the past 5 years is set forth below. As of November 30, 1996, the
Trustees owned less than 1% of the Fund's outstanding shares. The mailing
address of the Fund's Trustees and Officers is Post Office Box 876, Valley
Forge, PA 19482.
    
 
JOHN C. BOGLE, Chairman and Trustee*
   
     Chairman and Director of The Vanguard Group, Inc., and of each of the
     investment companies in The Vanguard Group; Director of The Mead
     Corporation, General Accident Insurance and Chris-Craft Industries, Inc.
    
 
JOHN J. BRENNAN, President, Chief Executive Officer & Trustee*
     President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of The Vanguard Group,
     Inc., and of each of the investment companies in The Vanguard Group.
 
ROBERT E. CAWTHORN, Trustee
   
     Chairman Emeritus and Director of Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Inc.; Director of
     Sun Company, Inc.; Director of Westinghouse Electric Corporation.
    
 
BARBARA BARNES HAUPTFUHRER, Trustee
     Director of The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, Alco Standard
     Corp., Raytheon Company, Knight-Ridder, Inc., and Massachusetts Mutual Life
     Insurance Co. and Trustee Emerita of Wellesley College.
 
BURTON G. MALKIEL, Trustee
     Chemical Bank Chairman's Professor of Economics, Princeton University;
     Director of Prudential Insurance Co. of America, Amdahl Corporation, Baker
     Fentress & Co., The Jeffrey Co., and Southern New England Communications
     Company.
 
ALFRED M. RANKIN, Trustee
     Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of NACCO Industries, Inc.;
     Director of the BFGoodrich Company and The Standard Products Company.
 
JOHN C. SAWHILL, Trustee
   
     President and Chief Executive Officer, The Nature Conservancy; formerly,
     Director and Senior Partner, McKinsey & Co. and President, New York
     University; Director of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Procter & Gamble
     Company and NACCO Industries.
    
 
JAMES O. WELCH, JR., Trustee
     Retired Chairman of Nabisco Brands, Inc., retired Vice Chairman and
     Director of RJR Nabisco; Director of TECO Energy, Inc. and Director of
     Kmart Corporation.
 
J. LAWRENCE WILSON, Trustee
     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rohm & Haas Company; Director of
     Cummins Engine Company and Trustee of Vanderbilt University.
 
RAYMOND J. KLAPINSKY, Secretary*
     Senior Vice President and Secretary of The Vanguard Group, Inc., Secretary
     of each of the investment companies in The Vanguard Group.
 
RICHARD F. HYLAND, Treasurer*
     Treasurer of The Vanguard Group, Inc. and of each of the investment
     companies in The Vanguard Group.
 
KAREN E. WEST, Controller*
     Principal of The Vanguard Group, Inc., Controller of each of the investment
     companies in The Vanguard Group.
- ---------------
   
* Mr. Bogle and the Officers of the Fund are "interested persons" as defined in
  the Investment Company Act of 1940.
    
 
THE VANGUARD GROUP
 
     Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund is a member of The Vanguard Group of
Investment Companies. Through their jointly-owned subsidiary, The Vanguard
Group, Inc. ("Vanguard"), the Fund and the other
 
                                      B-13
<PAGE>   44
 
Funds in the Group obtain at-cost virtually all of their corporate management,
administrative and distribution services. Vanguard also provides investment
advisory services on an at-cost basis to several of the Vanguard Funds,
including the Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund.
 
     Vanguard employs a supporting staff of management and administrative
personnel needed to provide the requisite services to the Funds and also
furnishes the Funds with necessary office space, furnishings and equipment. Each
Fund pays its share of Vanguard's net expenses which are allocated among the
Funds under methods approved by the Board of Trustees (Directors) of each Fund.
In addition, each Fund bears its own direct expenses such as legal, auditing and
custodian fees. In order to generate additional revenues for Vanguard and
thereby reduce the Fund's expenses, Vanguard also provides certain
administrative services to other organizations.
 
     The Fund's Officers are also Officers and employees of Vanguard. No Officer
or employee owns, or is permitted to own, any securities of any external adviser
for the Funds.
 
     The Vanguard Group adheres to a Code of Ethics established pursuant to Rule
17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Code is designed to prevent
unlawful practices in connection with the purchase or sale of securities by
persons associated with Vanguard. Under Vanguard's Code of Ethics certain
officers and employees of Vanguard who are considered access persons are
permitted to engage in personal securities transactions. However, such
transactions are subject to procedures and guidelines substantially similar to
those recommended by the mutual fund industry and approved by the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
   
     The Vanguard Group, Inc. ("Vanguard") was established and operates under a
Fund's Service Agreement which was approved by the shareholders of each of the
Funds. The amounts which each of the Funds has invested are adjusted from time
to time in order to maintain the proportionate relationship between each Fund's
relative net assets and its contribution to Vanguard's capital. At November 30,
1996 Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund had contributed capital of $160,000 to
Vanguard representing 0.8% of Vanguard's capitalization. The Fund's Service
Agreement provides as follows: (a) each Vanguard Fund may invest up to 0.40% of
its current net assets in Vanguard and (b) there is no other limitation on the
amount that each Vanguard Fund may contribute to Vanguard's capitalization.
    
 
   
     MANAGEMENT.  Corporate management and administrative services include: (1)
executive staff; (2) accounting and financial; (3) legal and regulatory; (4)
shareholder account maintenance; (5) monitoring and control of custodian
relationships; (6) shareholder reporting; and (7) review and evaluation of
advisory and other services provided to the Funds by third parties. During the
year ended November 30, 1996, the Fund's share of Vanguard's actual net costs of
operations relating to management and administrative services (including
transfer agency) totaled approximately $2,548,000.
    
 
     DISTRIBUTION.  Vanguard provides all distribution and marketing activities
for the Funds in the Group. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of The Vanguard Group, Inc. acts as Sales Agent for shares of the
Funds, in connection with any sales made directly to investors in the states of
Florida, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Texas and such other states as it may be
required.
 
     The principal distribution expenses are for advertising, promotional
materials and marketing personnel. Distribution services may also include
organizing and offering to the public, from time to time, one or more new
investment companies which will become members of the Group. The Trustees
(Directors) and Officers of Vanguard determine the amount to be spent annually
on distribution activities, the manner and amount to be spent on each Fund, and
whether to organize new investment companies.
 
     One half of the distribution expenses of a marketing and promotional nature
is allocated among the Funds based upon their relative net assets. The remaining
one half of these expenses is allocated among the Funds based upon each Fund's
sales for the preceding 24 months relative to the total sales of the Funds as a
Group, provided, however, that no Fund's aggregate quarterly rate of
contribution for distribution expenses of a marketing and promotional nature
shall exceed 125% of the average distribution expense rate for the Group, and
that no Fund shall incur annual distribution expenses in excess of 20/100 of 1%
of its average month-end net
 
                                      B-14
<PAGE>   45
 
   
assets. During the year ended November 30, 1996, the Fund paid approximately
$432,000 of the Group's distribution and marketing expenses.
    
 
   
     INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES.  Vanguard also provides investment advisory
services to the Fund, Vanguard Municipal Bond Fund, Vanguard Bond Index Fund,
Vanguard Money Market Reserves, Vanguard New York Insured Tax-Free Fund,
Vanguard Ohio Tax-Free, Vanguard Florida Insured Tax- Free Fund, Vanguard
Pennsylvania Tax-Free Fund, Vanguard California Tax-Free Fund, Vanguard Admiral
Funds, Vanguard International Equity Index Fund, Vanguard Balanced Index Fund,
Vanguard REIT Index Portfolio, Vanguard Institutional Index Fund, Vanguard Index
Trust, Vanguard Tax-Managed Fund, the Aggressive Growth Portfolio of Vanguard
Horizon Fund, the Total International Portfolio of Vanguard STAR Fund several
Portfolios of Vanguard Variable Insurance Fund, several Portfolios of Vanguard
Fixed Income Securities Fund, a portion of Vanguard/Windsor II, a portion of
Vanguard/Morgan Growth Fund as well as several indexed separate accounts. These
services are provided on an at-cost basis from a money management staff employed
directly by Vanguard. The compensation and other expenses of this staff are paid
by the Funds utilizing these services. During the years ended November 30, 1994,
1995 and 1996 the Fund paid approximately $170,000, $201,000 and $211,000 of
Vanguard's investment advisory expenses.
    
 
   
     REMUNERATION OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS.  The Fund pays each Trustee, who is
not also an Officer, an annual fee plus travel and other expenses incurred in
attending Board meetings. During the year ended November 30, 1996, the Fund paid
$5,000 in Trustee expenses. The Fund's Officers and employees are paid by
Vanguard which, in turn, is reimbursed by the Fund, and each other Fund in the
Group, for its proportionate share of Officers' and employees' salaries and
retirement benefits. During the year ended November 30, 1996 the Fund's
proportionate share of remuneration paid to all Officers as a group was
approximately $54,057.
    
 
   
     Trustees who are not Officers are paid an annual fee based on the number of
years of service on the Board upon retirement. The fee is equal to $1,000 for
each year of service (up to fifteen years) and each investment company member of
the Vanguard Group contributes a proportionate amount to this fee based on its
relative net assets. Under its retirement plan, Vanguard contributes annually an
amount equal to 10% of each eligible officer's annual compensation plus 5.7% of
that part of an eligible officer's compensation during the year, if any, that
exceeds the Social Security Taxable Wage Base then in effect. Under its thrift
plan, all eligible officers are permitted to make pre-tax contributions in an
amount up to 4% of total compensation, subject to federal tax limitations, which
are matched by Vanguard on a 100% basis. The Fund's proportionate share of
retirement contributions made by Vanguard under its retirement and thrift plans
on behalf of all Officers of the Fund, as a group, during the 1996 fiscal year
was approximately $1,200.
    
 
   
     The following table provides detailed information with respect to the
amounts paid or accrued for the Trustees for the fiscal year ended November 30,
1996.
    
 
                       VANGUARD NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE FUND
                               COMPENSATION TABLE
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                AGGREGATE       PENSION OR RETIREMENT        ESTIMATED          TOTAL COMPENSATION
                               COMPENSATION      BENEFITS ACCRUED AS      ANNUAL BENEFITS     FROM ALL VANGUARD FUNDS
     NAMES OF TRUSTEES          FROM FUND       PART OF FUND EXPENSES     UPON RETIREMENT       PAID TO TRUSTEES(2)
- ---------------------------    ------------     ---------------------     ---------------     -----------------------
<S>                            <C>              <C>                       <C>                 <C>
John C. Bogle(1)                     --                   --                       --                      --
John J. Brennan(1)                   --                   --                       --                      --
Barbara Barnes Hauptfuhrer         $602                  $97                  $15,000                 $65,000
Robert E. Cawthorn                 $602                  $81                  $13,000                 $65,000
Burton G. Malkiel                  $602                  $65                  $15,000                 $65,000
Alfred M. Rankin, Jr.              $602                  $51                  $15,000                 $65,000
John C. Sawhill                    $602                  $61                  $15,000                 $65,000
James O. Welch, Jr.                $602                  $75                  $15,000                 $65,000
J. Lawrence Wilson                 $602                  $54                  $15,000                 $65,000
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
(1) As "Interested Trustees," Messrs. Bogle and Brennan receive no compensation
    for their service as Trustees.
    
   
(2) The amounts reported in this column reflect the total compensation paid to
    each Trustee for their service as Director or Trustee of 34 Vanguard Funds
    (33 in the case of Mr. Malkiel).
    
 
                                      B-15
<PAGE>   46
 
                    DESCRIPTION OF SHARES AND VOTING RIGHTS
 
   
     The Fund was organized as a Pennsylvania business trust on September 25,
1987.
    
 
     The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number
of shares of beneficial interest, without par value, from an unlimited number of
separate classes ("Portfolios") of shares. Currently, the Fund is offering
shares of two Portfolios.
 
     The shares of the Fund are fully paid and nonassessable, except as set
forth under "Shareholder and Trustee Liability," and have no preference as to
conversion, exchange, dividends, retirement or other features. The shares of the
Fund have no pre-emptive rights. The shares of the Fund have noncumulative
voting rights, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares
voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees if they
choose to do so. A shareholder is entitled to one vote for each full share held
(and a fractional vote for each fractional share held), then standing in his
name on the books of the Fund. On any matter submitted to a vote of
shareholders, all shares of the Fund then issued and outstanding and entitled to
vote, irrespective of the class, shall be voted in the aggregate and not by
class; except (i) when required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, shares
shall be voted by individual class; and (ii) when the matter does not affect any
interest of a particular class, then only shareholders of the affected class or
classes shall be entitled to vote thereon.
 
     The Fund will continue without limitation of time, provided, however that:
 
     1) Subject to the majority vote of the holders of shares of the Fund
        outstanding, the Trustees may sell or convert the assets of the Fund to
        another investment company in exchange for shares of such investment
        company, and distribute such shares, ratably among the shareholders of
        the Fund.
 
     2) Subject to the majority vote of shares of the Fund outstanding, the
        Trustees may sell and convert into money the assets of the Fund and
        distribute such assets ratably among the shareholders of the Fund; and
 
     Upon completion of the distribution of the remaining proceeds or the
remaining assets of any Portfolio as provided in paragraphs 1) and 2) above the
Fund shall terminate and the Trustees shall be discharged of any and all further
liabilities and duties hereunder and the right, title and interest of all
parties shall be cancelled and discharged.
 
     SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY.  Under Pennsylvania law shareholders of
such a Trust may under certain circumstances, be held personally liable as
partners for the obligations of the Fund. Therefore, the Declaration of Trust
contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations
of the Fund and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each
agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the Fund or the
Trustees. The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of the Fund
property of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the
Fund. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Fund shall, upon request,
assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or
obligation of the Fund and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a
shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is
limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself would be unable to meet its
obligations.
 
     The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees will not be
liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law, but nothing in the
Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against any liability to which he would
otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his
office.
 
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
     The Fund's Financial Statements for the year ended November 30, 1996,
including the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period
ended November 30, 1996, appearing in the Fund's 1996 Annual Report to
Shareholders, and the report thereon of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent
accountants, also
    
 
                                      B-16
<PAGE>   47
 
   
appearing therein, are incorporated by reference in this Statement of Additional
Information. The Fund's 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders is available upon
request.
    
 
         APPENDIX A -- DESCRIPTION OF MUNICIPAL BONDS AND THEIR RATINGS
 
     MUNICIPAL BONDS -- GENERAL.  Municipal Bonds generally include debt
obligations issued by states and their political subdivisions, and duly
constituted authorities and corporations, to obtain funds to construct, repair
or improve various public facilities such as airports, bridges, highways,
hospitals, housing, schools, streets and water and sewer works. Municipal Bonds
may also be issued to refinance outstanding obligations as well as to obtain
funds for general operating expenses and for loan to other public institutions
and facilities.
 
   
     The two principal classifications of Municipal Bonds are "general
obligation" and "revenue" or "special tax" bonds. General obligation bonds are
secured by the issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing power for
the payment of principal and interest. Revenue or special tax bonds are payable
only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities
or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other tax, but not
from general tax revenues. The Fund may also invest in tax-exempt industrial
development bonds, short-term municipal obligations (rated SP-1+ of SP-1 by
Standard & Poor's Corp. or MIG1 or MIG2 by Moody's Investor Service, Inc.),
project notes, demand notes and tax-exempt commercial papers (rated A-1 by
Standard & Poor's Corp. or P-1 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.). The Fund may
invest in unrated notes if considered by the Board of Trustees to be of credit
quality comparable to that required for rated notes.
    
 
     Industrial revenue bonds in most cases are revenue bonds and generally do
not have the pledge of the credit of the issuer. The payment of the principal
and interest on such industrial revenue bonds is dependent solely on the ability
of the user of the facilities financed by the bonds to meet its financial
obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed as
security for such payment. Short-term municipal obligations issued by states,
cities, municipalities or municipal agencies, include Tax Anticipation Notes,
Revenue Anticipation Notes, Bond Anticipation Notes, Construction Loan Notes and
Short-Term Discount Notes.
 
   
     Note obligations with demand or put options may have a stated maturity in
excess of one year, but permit any holder to demand payment of principal plus
accrued interest upon a specified number of days' notice. Frequently, such
obligations are secured by letters of credit or other credit support
arrangements provided by banks. The issuer of such bonds or notes normally has a
corresponding right, after a given period, to repay in its discretion the
outstanding principal of the note plus accrued interest upon a specific number
of days' notice to the bondholders. The interest rate on a demand bond or note
may be based upon a known lending rate, such as a bank's prime rate, and be
adjusted when such rate changes, or the interest rate on a demand note may be a
market rate that is adjusted at specified intervals. The demand bonds or notes
in which the Fund will invest normally are payable on not more than one year's
notice. Each note purchased by the Fund will meet the quality criteria set out
above for the Fund.
    
 
     The yields of Municipal Bonds depend on, among other things, general money
market conditions, conditions in the Municipal Bonds market, the size of a
particular offering, the maturity of the obligation, and the rating of the
issue. The ratings of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard and Poor's
Corporation represent their opinions of the quality of the Municipal Bonds rated
by them. It should be emphasized that such ratings are general and are not
absolute standards of quality. Consequently, Municipal Bonds with the same
maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields, while Municipal Bonds of
the same maturity and coupon, but with different ratings may have the same
yield. It will be the responsibility of the investment management staff to
appraise independently the fundamental quality of the bonds held by the Fund.
 
     Municipal Bonds are sometimes purchased on a "when-issued" basis meaning
the Fund has committed to purchasing certain specified securities at an agreed
upon price when they are issued. The period between commitment date and issuance
date can be a month or more. It is possible that the securities will never be
issued and the commitment canceled.
 
                                      B-17
<PAGE>   48
 
     From time to time proposals have been introduced before Congress to
restrict or eliminate the Federal income tax exemption for interest on Municipal
Bonds. Similar proposals may be introduced in the future. If any such proposal
were enacted, it might restrict or eliminate the ability of the Fund to achieve
its investment objective. In that event, the Fund's Trustees and officers would
reevaluate its investment objective and policies and consider recommending to
its shareholders changes in such objective and policies.
 
     Similarly, from time to time proposals have been introduced before State
and local legislatures to restrict or eliminate the State and local income tax
exemption for interest on Municipal Bonds. Similar proposals may be introduced
in the future. If any such proposal were enacted, it might restrict or eliminate
the ability of each Portfolio to achieve its respective investment objective. In
that event, the fund's trustees and officers would reevaluate its investment
objective and policies and consider recommending to its shareholders changes in
such objective and policies. (For more information please refer to "Risk
Factors" on page 8.)
 
     RATINGS.  Excerpts from Moody's Investors Service, Inc.'s Municipal Bond
ratings: Aaa -- judged to be of the "best quality" and are referred to as "gilt
edge"; interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
margin and principal is secure; Aa -- judged to be of "high quality by all
standards" but as to which margins of protection or other elements make
long-term risks appear somewhat larger than Aaa-rated Municipal Bonds; together
with Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as "high grade bonds";
A -- possess many favorable investment attributes and are considered "upper
medium grade obligations." Factors giving security to principal and interest of
A-rated Municipal Bonds are considered adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future; Baa --
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; Ba -- protection of
principal and interest payments may be very moderate; judged to have speculative
elements; their future cannot be considered as well-assured; B -- lack
characteristics of a desirable investment; assurance of interest and principal
payments over any long period of time may be small; Caa -- poor standing; may be
in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal
and interest; Ca -- speculative in a high degree; often in default; C -- lowest
rated class of bonds; issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor
prospects for ever attaining any real investment standing.
 
     Description of Moody's ratings of state and municipal notes: Moody's
ratings for state and municipal notes and other short-term obligations are
designated Moody's Investment Grade ("MIG"). Symbols used will be as follows:
MIG-1 -- Best quality, enjoying strong protection from established cash flows of
funds for their servicing or from established and broad-based access to the
market for refinancing, or both; MIG-2 -- High quality with margins of
protection ample although not so large as in the preceding group.
 
     Description of Moody's highest commercial paper rating: Prime-1
("P-1") -- Judged to be of the best quality. Their short-term debt obligations
carry the smallest degree of investment risk.
 
     Excerpts from Standard & Poor's Corporation's Municipal Bond ratings:
AAA -- has the highest rating assigned by S&P; extremely strong capacity to pay
principal and interest; AA -- has a very strong capacity to pay interest and
repay principal and differs from the higher rated issues only in a small degree;
A -- has a strong capacity to pay principal and interest, although somewhat more
susceptible to the adverse changes in circumstances and economic conditions;
BBB -- regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest;
normally exhibit adequate protection parameters but adverse economic conditions
or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay
principal and interest than for bonds in A category;
BB -- B -- CCC -- CC -- predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to
pay interest and repay principal in accordance with terms of obligation; BB is
being paid; D -- in default, and payment of principal and/or interest is in
arrears.
 
     The ratings from "AA" to "B" may be modified by the addition of a plus or
minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
 
     Excerpt from Standard & Poor's Corporation's rating of municipal note
issues: SP-1+ -- very strong capacity to pay principal and interest;
SP-1 -- strong capacity to pay principal and interest.
 
                                      B-18
<PAGE>   49
 
     Description of S&P's highest commercial papers ratings: A-1+ -- This
designation indicates the degree of safety regarding timely payment is
overwhelming. A-1 -- This designation indicates the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is very strong.
 
                   APPENDIX B -- MUNICIPAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
 
   
     Each Portfolio may invest in municipal lease obligations. Such securities
will be treated as liquid under the following guidelines established by the
Board of Trustees:
    
 
     1. The obligation has been rated "investment grade" by at least one NRSRO
and is considered to be investment grade by the investment adviser.
 
     2. The obligation is secured by payments from a governmental lessee which
is generally recognized and has debt obligations which are actively traded by a
minimum of five broker/dealers.
 
     3. At least $25 million of the lessee debt is outstanding either in a
single transaction or on parity, and owned by a minimum of five institutional
investors.
 
     4. The investment adviser has determined that the obligation, or a
comparable lessee security, trades in the institutional marketplace at least
periodically, with a bid/offer spread of 20 basis points or less.
 
     5. The governmental lessee has a full faith and credit general obligation
rating of at least "A-" as published by at least one NRSRO or as determined by
the investment adviser. If the lessee is a state government, the general
obligation rating must be at least BAA1, BBB+, or equivalent, as determined
above.
 
     6. The projects to be financed by the obligation are determined to be
critical to the lessee's ability to deliver essential services.
 
     7. Specific legal features such as covenants to maintain the tax-exempt
status of the obligation, covenants to make lease payments without the right of
offset or counterclaim, covenants to return leased property to the lessor in the
event of non-appropriation, insurance policies, debt service reserve fund, are
present.
 
     8. The lease must be "triple net" (i.e. -- lease payments are net of
property maintenance, taxes and insurance).
 
     9. If the lessor is a private entity, there must be a sale and absolute
assignment of rental payments to the trustee, accompanied by a legal opinion
from recognized bond counsel that lease payments would not be considered
property of the lessor's estate in the event of lessor's bankruptcy.
 
                                      B-19
<PAGE>   50
 
                                     PART C
                       VANGUARD NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE FUND
                               OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
     (a) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
     The Registrant's audited Financial Statements for the year ended November
30, 1996, including Price Waterhouse LLP's report thereon, are incorporated by
reference in the Statement of Additional Information from the Registrant's 1996
Annual Report to Shareholders which has been filed with the Commission. The
financial statements of each Portfolio included in the Annual Report are:
    
 
   
      1. Statement of Net Assets as of November 30, 1996
    
   
      2. Statement of Operations for the year ended November 30, 1996
    
   
      3. Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended November 30,
1995 and 1996
    
   
     *4. Financial Highlights for each of the five years in the period ended
November 30, 1996
    
      5. Notes to Financial Statements
      6. Report of Independent Accountants
- ---------------
* In addition, the financial highlights for each of the respective periods
  presented is included in Part A of this registration.
 
     (b) EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 EXHIBIT NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION
          ----------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------
          <S>                           <C>
           1..........................  Declaration of Trust**
           2..........................  By-Laws of Registrant**
           3..........................  Not Applicable
           4..........................  Not Applicable
           5..........................  Not Applicable
           6..........................  Not Applicable
           7..........................  Reference is made to the section entitled
                                        "Management of the Fund" in the Registrant's
                                        Statement of Additional Information
           8..........................  Form of Custody Agreement**
           9..........................  Form of Vanguard Service Agreement**
          10..........................  Opinion of Counsel**
          11..........................  Consent of Independent Accountants*
          12..........................  Financial Statements -- reference is made to (a)
                                        above
          13..........................  Not Applicable
          14..........................  Not Applicable
          15..........................  Not Applicable
          16..........................  Schedule for Computation of Performance Quotations*
          27..........................  Financial Data Schedule*
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 * Filed herewith
** Previously filed
 
ITEM 25. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
 
     Registrant is not controlled by or under common control with any person.
The Officers of the Registrant, the investment companies in The Vanguard Group
of Investment Companies and The Vanguard Group, Inc. are identical. Reference is
made to the caption "Management of the Fund" in the Prospectus constituting Part
A and in the Statement of Additional Information constituting Part B of this
Registration Statement.
 
                                       C-1
<PAGE>   51
 
ITEM 26. NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
 
   
     As of November 30, 1996 the number of shareholders of each portfolio of the
Fund was as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
          <S>                                                                   <C>
          Money Market Portfolio..............................................    14,604
          Insured Long-Term Portfolio.........................................    15,620
</TABLE>
    
 
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION
 
     Reference is made to Article XI of Registrant's Articles of Incorporation.
 
   
     Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
    
 
ITEM 28. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER
 
     Investment advisory services are provided to the Registrant on an at-cost
basis by The Vanguard Group, Inc., a jointly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant
and the other Funds in the Group. See the information concerning The Vanguard
Group, Inc. set forth in Parts A and B.
 
ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
 
     (a) None
     (b) Not Applicable
 
ITEM 30. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
 
     The books, accounts and other documents required by Section 31(a) under the
Investment Company Act and the rules promulgated thereunder will be maintained
in the physical possession of Registrant; Registrant's Transfer Agent, The
Vanguard Group, Inc. c/o The Vanguard Financial Center, Valley Forge,
Pennsylvania 19482; and the Registrant's Custodian, CoreStates Bank, N.A.,
Philadelphia, PA.
 
ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
 
     Other than the Amended and Restated Funds' Service Agreement with The
Vanguard Group, Inc. which was previously filed as Exhibit 9(c) and described in
Part B hereof under "Management of the Fund;" the Registrant is not a party of
any management-related service contract.
 
ITEM 32. UNDERTAKINGS
 
     Annual meetings of shareholders will not be held except as required by the
Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act") or other applicable law. Registrant
undertakes to comply with the provisions of Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act in
regard to shareholders' rights to call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose
of voting on the removal of Directors and to assist in shareholder
communications in such matters, to the extent required by law.
 
     Registrant hereby undertakes to provide an Annual Report to Shareholders or
prospective investors, free of charge, upon request.
 
                                       C-2
<PAGE>   52
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this
Post-Effective Amendment to this Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Town of Valley
Forge and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on the 21st day of March, 1997.
    
 
                                       VANGUARD NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE FUND
 
   
                                       By:         /s/ JOHN J. BRENNAN
    
 
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                                 (Raymond J. Klapinsky)
   
                                                    John J. Brennan*
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer
    
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by
the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SIGNATURES
                        ----------                                  TITLE                        DATE
                                                           -----------------------          ---------------
<C>                                                        <S>                              <C>
 
                 By: /s/ JOHN C. BOGLE                     Chairman of the Board             March 21, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------      and Trustee
                (Raymond J. Klapinsky)
                    John C. Bogle*
 
                By: /s/ JOHN J. BRENNAN                    Chief Executive                   March 21, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------      Officer, President
                (Raymond J. Klapinsky)                       and Trustee
                   John J. Brennan*
 
            By: /s/ BARBARA B. HAUPTFUHRER                 Trustee                           March 21, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------
                (Raymond J. Klapinsky)
                Barbara B. Hauptfuhrer*
 
               By: /s/ BURTON G. MALKIEL                   Trustee                           March 21, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------
                (Raymond J. Klapinsky)
                  Burton G. Malkiel*
 
                By: /s/ JOHN C. SAWHILL                    Trustee                           March 21, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------
                (Raymond J. Klapinsky)
                   John C. Sawhill*
 
              By: /s/ JAMES O. WELCH, JR.                  Trustee                           March 21, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------
                (Raymond J. Klapinsky)
                 James O. Welch, Jr.*
 
              By: /s/ J. LAWRENCE WILSON                   Trustee                           March 21, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------
                (Raymond J. Klapinsky)
                  J. Lawrence Wilson*
 
              By: /s/ ROBERT E. CAWTHORN                   Trustee                           March 21, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------
                (Raymond J. Klapinsky)
                  Robert E. Cawthorn*
 
             By: /s/ ALFRED M. RANKIN, JR.                 Trustee                           March 21, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------
                (Raymond J. Klapinsky)
                Alfred M. Rankin, Jr.*
 
               By: /s/ RICHARD F. HYLAND                   Treasurer and Principal           March 21, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------      Financial Officer and
                (Raymond J. Klapinsky)                       Accounting Officer
                  Richard F. Hyland*
 
             By: /s/ RAYMOND J. KLAPINSKY                  Secretary                         March 21, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------
                (Raymond J. Klapinsky)
                 Raymond J. Klapinsky*
</TABLE>
    
 
* By Power of Attorney -- See File Number 2-14336, January 23, 1990.
Incorporated by Reference.
<PAGE>   53
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                     <C>
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS...................................................   EX-99.B11
SCHEDULE FOR COMPUTATION OF PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS...................................   EX-99.B16
FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE..............................................................   EX-27
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                       EX-99.B11
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information constituting parts of this Post-Effective
Amendment No. 10 to the registration statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration
Statement") of our report dated December 31, 1996, relating to the financial
statements and financial highlights appearing in the November 30, 1996 Annual
Report to Shareholders of Vanguard New Jersey Tax-Free Fund, which are
incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement. We also consent to
the references to us under the heading "Financial Highlights" in the Prospectus
and under the heading "Financial Statements" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
    
 
Price Waterhouse LLP
Philadelphia, PA
   
March 20, 1997
    

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                       EX-99.B16
 
               SCHEDULE FOR COMPUTATION OF PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS
                       VANGUARD NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE FUND
                          INSURED LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO
 
   
1. AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (As of November 30, 1996)
    
 
   P (1 + T)(n) = ERV
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>     <C>
   Where:        P =  a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
                 T =  average annual total return
                 N =  number of years
               ERV =  ending redeemable value at the end of the period
EXAMPLE:
One Year
- ---------
                 P =  $1,000
                 T =  +4.75%
                 N =  1
               ERV =  $1,047.48
Five Year
- ---------
                 P =  $1,000
                 T =  +7.91%
                 N =  5
               ERV =  $1,463.25
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>               <C>
* Since Inception (2/3/88)
                    P =  $1,000
                    T =  +8.39%*
                    N =  *
                  ERV =  $2,035.52*
</TABLE>
    
 
   
2. YIELD (30 Days Ended November 30, 1996)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            a - b
            ------
Yield = 2 [ (      + 1)(6) - 1]
            c X d
<S>             <C>   <C>
   Where:        a =  dividends and interest paid during the period
                 b =  expense dollars during the period (net of reimbursements)
                 c =  the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period
                 d =  the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period
   Example:      a =  $3,542,634.58
                 b =  $127,444.89
                 c =  72,559,093.3176
                 d =  $11.62
Yield =               4.91%
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   2
 
                                                                       EX-99.B16
 
               SCHEDULE FOR COMPUTATION OF PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS
                       VANGUARD NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE FUND
                             MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
 
   
1. AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (As of November 30, 1996)
    
 
   P (1 + T)(n) = ERV
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>     <C>
   Where:        P =  a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
                 T =  average annual total return
                 N =  number of years
               ERV =  ending redeemable value at the end of the period
EXAMPLE:
One Year
- ---------
                 P =  $1,000
                 T =  +3.22%
                 N =  1
               ERV =  $1,032.23
Five Year
- ---------
                 P =  $1,000
                 T =  +2.93%
                 N =  5
               ERV =  $1,155.50
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>               <C>
* Since Inception (2/3/88)
                    P =  $1,000
                    T =  +4.02%*
                    N =  *
                  ERV =  $1,415.88*
</TABLE>
    
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000821404
<NAME> VANGUARD NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE FUND
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 01
   <NAME> NEW JERSEY INSURED LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> US DOLLAR
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          NOV-30-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-30-1996
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                      1
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           787730
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          841660
<RECEIVABLES>                                    17070
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                     134
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  858864
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                          7886
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                         1984
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                               9870
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        793414
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                            72907
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                            67802
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                           1650
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                         53930
<NET-ASSETS>                                    848994
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                44754
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                    1558
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          43196
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                          2070
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                        (6387)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            38879
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                        43196
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                          3940
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                          15151
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                      13024
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                               3178
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                           52940
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                         3520
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                              101
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                   1577
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            810550
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            11.78
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                  0.616 
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                         (0.082)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             0.616
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                        0.058
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              11.64
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   0.20
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000821404
<NAME> VANGUARD NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE FUND
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 01
   <NAME> NEW JERSEY MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> US DOLLAR
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          NOV-30-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-30-1996
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                      1
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                           910853
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                          910853
<RECEIVABLES>                                     8930
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                     192
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  919975
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                         2093
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                               2093
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                        917934
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           917919
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           859172
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                            (52)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                    917882
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                29798
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                    1709
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          28089
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            28089
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                        28089
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                         780375
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                     748471
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                              26843
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                           58747
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                          (52)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                              110
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                   1733
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            888198
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             1.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                  0.032 
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             0.032
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               1.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   0.20
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>


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