AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B
10-K, 2000-03-30
EQUIPMENT RENTAL & LEASING, NEC
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<PAGE>

                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

|X|  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
      ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended                 December 31, 1999
                         -------------------------------------------------------

                                       OR

|_|   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
      EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]

For the transition period from                      to
                              ---------------------    -------------------------

Commission file number                        33-35148-02
                        --------------------------------------------------------

         American Income Fund I-B, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Massachusetts                                   04-3106525
- ------------------------------------            --------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                 (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization)                  Identification No.)

88 Broad St., Sixth Floor, Boston, MA           02110
- ----------------------------------------        --------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)        (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code         (617) 854-5800
                                                  ------------------------------

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act        NONE
                                                           ---------------------

  Title of each class               Name of each exchange on which registered

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

             286,711 Units Representing Limited Partnership Interest
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (Title of class)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (Title of class)

      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes |X| No |_|

      State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates
of the registrant. Not applicable. Securities are nonvoting for this purpose.
Refer to Item 12 for further information.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
       Portions of the Registrant's Annual Report to security holders for
                the year ended December 31, 1999 (Part I and II)
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership

                                    FORM 10-K

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

                                     PART I

Item 1.     Business                                                           3

Item 2.     Properties                                                         4

Item 3.     Legal Proceedings                                                  4

Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders                4


                                     PART II

Item 5.     Market for the Partnership's Securities and Related Security
            Holder Matters                                                     5

Item 6.     Selected Financial Data                                            6

Item 7.     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
            and Results of Operations                                          6

Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                        6

Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
            and Financial Disclosure                                           6


                                    PART III

Item 10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Partnership                7

Item 11.    Executive Compensation                                             9

Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management     9

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions                    10


                                     PART IV

Item 14.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on
            Form 8-K                                                       12-15


                                       2
<PAGE>

PART I

Item 1. Business.

   (a) General Development of Business

   American Income Fund I-B, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, (the
"Partnership") was organized as a limited partnership under the Massachusetts
Uniform Limited Partnership Act (the "Uniform Act") on December 31, 1990 for the
purpose of acquiring and leasing to third parties a diversified portfolio of
capital equipment. Partners' capital initially consisted of contributions of
$1,000 from the General Partner (AFG Leasing VI Incorporated) and $100 from the
Initial Limited Partner (AFG Assignor Corporation). On March 1, 1991, the
Partnership issued 286,711 units of limited partnership interest (the "Units")
to 453 investors. The Partnership has one General Partner, AFG Leasing VI
Incorporated, a Massachusetts corporation formed in 1990 and an affiliate of
Equis Financial Group Limited Partnership (formerly known as American Finance
Group), a Massachusetts limited partnership ("EFG" or the "Manager"). The
General Partner is not required to make any other capital contributions except
as may be required under the Uniform Act and Section 6.1(b) of the Amended and
Restated Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership (the "Restated
Agreement, as amended").

   (b) Financial Information About Industry Segments

   The Partnership is engaged in only one industry segment: the business of
acquiring capital equipment and leasing the equipment to creditworthy lessees on
a full payout or operating lease basis. Full payout leases are those in which
aggregate undiscounted, noncancellable rents equal or exceed the acquisition
cost of the leased equipment. Operating leases are those in which the aggregate
undiscounted, noncancellable rental payments are less than the acquisition cost
of the leased equipment. Industry segment data is not applicable.

   (c) Narrative Description of Business

   The Partnership was organized to acquire a diversified portfolio of capital
equipment subject to various full payout and operating leases and to lease the
equipment to third parties as income-producing investments. More specifically,
the Partnership's primary investment objectives were to acquire and lease
equipment that would:

   1. Generate quarterly cash distributions;

   2. Preserve and protect Partnership capital; and

   3. Maintain substantial residual value for ultimate sale.

   The Partnership has the additional objective of providing certain federal
income tax benefits.

   The Closing Date of the offering of Units of the Partnership was March 1,
1991. Significant operations commenced coincident with the Partnership's initial
purchase of equipment and the associated lease commitments on March 1, 1991. The
acquisition of the equipment and its associated leases is described in Note 3 to
the financial statements included in Item 14, herein. The Restated Agreement, as
amended, provides that the Partnership will terminate no later than December 31,
2002. However, the Partnership is a Nominal Defendant in a Class Action Lawsuit,
the outcome of which could significantly alter the nature of the Partnership's
organization and its future business operations. See Note 6 to the financial
statements in the 1999 Annual Report.

   The Partnership has no employees; however, it is managed pursuant to a
Management Agreement with EFG or one of its affiliates. The Manager's role,
among other things, is to (i) evaluate, select, negotiate, and consummate the
acquisition of equipment, (ii) manage the leasing, re-leasing, financing, and
refinancing of equipment, and (iii) arrange the resale of equipment. The Manager
is compensated for such services as provided for in the Restated Agreement, as
amended, described in Item 13 herein, and in Note 4 to the financial statements
included in Item 14, herein.

   The Partnership's investment in equipment is, and will continue to be,
subject to various risks, including physical deterioration, technological
obsolescence and defaults by lessees. A principal business risk of owning


                                       3
<PAGE>

and leasing equipment is the possibility that aggregate lease revenue and
equipment sale proceeds will be insufficient to provide an acceptable rate of
return on invested capital after payment of all debt service costs and operating
expenses. In addition, the leasing industry is very competitive. The Partnership
is subject to considerable competition when equipment is re-leased or sold at
the expiration of primary lease terms. The Partnership must compete with lease
programs offered directly by manufacturers and other equipment leasing
companies, including limited partnerships and trusts organized and managed
similarly to the Partnership, and including other EFG-sponsored partnerships and
trusts, which may seek to re-lease or sell equipment within their own portfolios
to the same customers as the Partnership. Many competitors have greater
financial resources and more experience than the Partnership, the General
Partner and the Manager. In addition, default by a lessee under a lease may
cause equipment to be returned to the Partnership at a time when the General
Partner or the Manager is unable to arrange for the re-lease or sale of such
equipment. This could result in the loss of anticipated revenue.

   Revenue from major individual lessees which accounted for 10% or more of
lease revenue during the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 is
incorporated herein by reference to Note 2 to the financial statements in the
1999 Annual Report. Refer to Item 14(a)(3) for lease agreements filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

   EFG is a Massachusetts limited partnership formerly known as American Finance
Group ("AFG"). AFG was established in 1988 as a Massachusetts general
partnership and succeeded American Finance Group, Inc., a Massachusetts
corporation organized in 1980. EFG and its subsidiaries (collectively, the
"Company") are engaged in various aspects of the equipment leasing business,
including EFG's role as Manager or Advisor to the Partnership and several other
direct-participation equipment leasing programs sponsored or co-sponsored by EFG
(the "Other Investment Programs"). The Company arranges to broker or originate
equipment leases, acts as remarketing agent and asset manager, and provides
leasing support services, such as billing, collecting, and asset tracking.

   The general partner of EFG, with a 1% controlling interest, is Equis
Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation owned and controlled entirely by Gary
D. Engle, its President, Chief Executive Officer and sole Director. Equis
Corporation also owns a controlling 1% general partner interest in EFG's 99%
limited partner, GDE Acquisition Limited Partnership ("GDE LP"). Mr. Engle
established Equis Corporation and GDE LP in December 1994 for the sole purpose
of acquiring the business of AFG.

   In January 1996, the Company sold certain assets of AFG relating primarily to
the business of originating new leases, and the name "American Finance Group,"
and its acronym, to a third party. AFG changed its name to Equis Financial Group
Limited Partnership after the sale was concluded. Pursuant to terms of the sale
agreements, EFG specifically reserved the rights to continue using the name
American Finance Group and its acronym in connection with the Partnership and
the Other Investment Programs and to continue managing all assets owned by the
Partnership and the Other Investment Programs.

   (d) Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export
Sales

   Not applicable.

Item 2. Properties.

   Incorporated herein by reference to Note 3 to the financial statements in the
1999 Annual Report.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

   Incorporated herein by reference to Note 6 to the financial statements in the
1999 Annual Report.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

   None.


                                       4
<PAGE>

PART II

Item 5. Market for the Partnership's Securities and Related Security Holder
        Matters.

   (a) Market Information

   There is no public market for the resale of the Units and it is not
anticipated that a public market for resale of the Units will develop.

   (b) Approximate Number of Security Holders

   At December 31, 1999, there were 444 record holders in the Partnership.

   (c) Dividend History and Restrictions

   Historically, the amount of cash distributions to be paid to the Partners has
been determined on a quarterly basis. Each quarter's distribution may have
varied in amount and was made 95% to the Limited Partners and 5% to the General
Partner. Generally, cash distributions have been paid within 15 days after the
completion of each calendar quarter.

   The Partnership is a Nominal Defendant in a Class Action Lawsuit described in
Note 6 to the accompanying Annual Report. The proposed settlement to that
lawsuit, if effected, will materially change the future organizational structure
and business interests of the Partnership, as well as its cash distribution
policies. In addition, commencing with the first quarter of 2000, the General
Partner believes that it will be in the Partnership's best interests to suspend
the payment of quarterly cash distributions pending final resolution of the
Class Action Lawsuit. Accordingly, future cash distributions are not expected to
be paid until the Class Action Lawsuit is adjudicated.

   Distributions in 1999 and 1998 were as follows:

                                                     General          Limited
                                     Total           Partner         Partners
                                 -----------      -----------      -----------
Total 1999 distributions         $   226,351      $    11,318      $   215,033

Total 1998 distributions             226,351           11,318          215,033
                                 -----------      -----------      -----------
             Total               $   452,702      $    22,636      $   430,066
                                 ===========      ===========      ===========

   Distributions payable were $56,588 at both December 31, 1999 and 1998.

   There are no formal restrictions under the Restated Agreement, as amended,
that materially limit the Partnership's ability to pay cash distributions,
except that the General Partner may suspend or limit cash distributions to
ensure that the Partnership maintains sufficient working capital reserves to
cover, among other things, operating costs and potential expenditures, such as
refurbishment costs to remarket equipment upon lease expiration. Liquidity is
especially important as the Partnership matures and sells equipment, because the
remaining equipment base consists of fewer revenue-producing assets that are
available to cover prospective cash disbursements. Insufficient liquidity could
inhibit the Partnership's ability to sustain its operations or maximize the
realization of proceeds from remarketing its remaining assets.

   Cash distributions consist of Distributable Cash From Operations and
Distributable Cash From Sales or Refinancings.

   "Distributable Cash From Operations" means the net cash provided by the
Partnership's normal operations after general expenses and current liabilities
of the Partnership are paid, reduced by any reserves for working capital and
contingent liabilities to be funded from such cash, to the extent deemed
reasonable by the General Partner, and increased by any portion of such reserves
deemed by the General Partner not to be required for Partnership operations and
reduced by all accrued and unpaid Equipment Management Fees and, after Payout,


                                       5
<PAGE>

further reduced by all accrued and unpaid Subordinated Remarketing Fees.
Distributable Cash From Operations does not include any Distributable Cash From
Sales or Refinancings.

   "Distributable Cash From Sales or Refinancings" means Cash From Sales or
Refinancings as reduced by (i)(a) amounts realized from any loss or destruction
of equipment which the General Partner determines shall be reinvested in similar
equipment for the remainder of the original lease term of the lost or destroyed
equipment, or in isolated instances, in other equipment, if the General Partner
determines that investment of such proceeds will significantly improve the
diversity of the Partnership's equipment portfolio, and subject in either case
to satisfaction of all existing indebtedness secured by such equipment to the
extent deemed necessary or appropriate by the General Partner, or (b) the
proceeds from the sale of an interest in equipment pursuant to any agreement
governing a joint venture which the General Partner determines will be invested
in additional equipment or interests in equipment and which ultimately are so
reinvested and (ii) any accrued and unpaid Equipment Management Fees and, after
Payout, any accrued and unpaid Subordinated Remarketing Fees.

   "Cash From Sales or Refinancings" means cash received by the Partnership from
sale or refinancing transactions, as reduced by (i)(a) all debts and liabilities
of the Partnership required to be paid as a result of sale or refinancing
transactions, whether or not then due and payable (including any liabilities on
an item of equipment sold which are not assumed by the buyer and any remarketing
fees required to be paid to persons not affiliated with the General Partner, but
not including any Subordinated Remarketing Fees whether or not then due and
payable) and (b) general expenses and current liabilities of the Partnership
(other than any portion of the Equipment Management Fee which is required to be
accrued and the Subordinated Remarketing Fee) and (c) any reserves for working
capital and contingent liabilities funded from such cash to the extent deemed
reasonable by the General Partner and (ii) increased by any portion of such
reserves deemed by the General Partner not to be required for Partnership
operations. In the event the Partnership accepts a note in connection with any
sale or refinancing transaction, all payments subsequently received in cash by
the Partnership with respect to such note shall be included in Cash From Sales
or Refinancings, regardless of the treatment of such payments by the Partnership
for tax or accounting purposes. If the Partnership receives purchase money
obligations in payment for equipment sold, which are secured by liens on such
equipment, the amount of such obligations shall not be included in Cash From
Sales or Refinancings until the obligations are fully satisfied.

   "Payout" is defined as the first time when the aggregate amount of all
distributions to the Limited Partners of Distributable Cash From Operations and
Distributable Cash From Sales or Refinancings equals the aggregate amount of the
Limited Partners' original capital contributions plus a cumulative annual
distribution of 11% (compounded quarterly and calculated beginning with the last
day of the month of the Partnership's Closing Date) on their aggregate
unreturned capital contributions. For purposes of this definition, capital
contributions shall be deemed to have been returned only to the extent that
distributions of cash to the Limited Partners exceed the amount required to
satisfy the cumulative annual distribution of 11% (compounded quarterly) on the
Limited Partners' aggregate unreturned capital contributions, such calculation
to be based on the aggregate unreturned capital contributions outstanding on the
first day of each fiscal quarter.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

   Incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled "Selected Financial
Data" in the 1999 Annual Report.

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
        of Operations.

   Incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the
1999 Annual Report.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

   Incorporated herein by reference to the financial statements and
supplementary data included in the 1999 Annual Report.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
        Financial Disclosure.

   None.


                                       6
<PAGE>

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Partnership.

   (a-b) Identification of Directors and Executive Officers

   The Partnership has no Directors or Officers. As indicated in Item 1 of this
report, AFG Leasing VI Incorporated is the sole General Partner of the
Partnership. Under the Restated Agreement, as amended, the General Partner is
solely responsible for the operation of the Partnership's properties. The
Limited Partners have no right to participate in the control of the
Partnership's general operations, but they do have certain voting rights, as
described in Item 12 herein. The names, titles and ages of the Directors and
Executive Officers of the General Partner as of March 15, 2000 are as follows:

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF
THE GENERAL PARTNER (See Item 13)

          Name                         Title                   Age       Term
- ----------------------   -----------------------------------  -----    ---------

Geoffrey A. MacDonald    Chairman and a member of the                   Until a
                         Executive Committee of EFG                    successor
                         and President and a Director                   is duly
                         of the General Partner                51       elected
                                                                          and
                                                                       qualified
Gary D. Engle            President and Chief Executive
                         Officer and member of the
                         Executive Committee of EFG            51

Gary M. Romano           Executive Vice President and Chief
                         Operating Officer of EFG and
                         Clerk of the General Partner          40

James A. Coyne           Executive Vice President of EFG       39

Michael J. Butterfield   Senior Vice President, Finance and
                         Treasurer of EFG and Treasurer of
                         the General Partner                   40

Sandra L. Simonsen       Senior Vice President, Information
                         Systems of EFG                        49

Gail D. Ofgant           Senior Vice President, Lease
                         Operations of EFG                     34

   (c) Identification of Certain Significant Persons

   None.

   (d) Family Relationship

   No family relationship exists among any of the foregoing Partners, Directors
or Executive Officers.


                                       7
<PAGE>

(e) Business Experience

   Mr. MacDonald, age 51, is a co-founder, Chairman and a member of the
Executive Committee of EFG and President and a Director of the General Partner.
Mr. MacDonald was also a co-founder, Director, and Senior Vice President of
EFG's predecessor corporation from 1980 to 1988. Mr. MacDonald is President of
American Finance Group Securities Corp. and a limited partner in Atlantic
Acquisition Limited Partnership ("AALP") and Old North Capital Limited
Partnership ("ONC"). Prior to co-founding EFG's predecessors, Mr. MacDonald held
various executive and management positions in the leasing and pharmaceutical
industries. Mr. MacDonald holds a M.B.A. from Boston College and a B.A. degree
from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst).

   Mr. Engle, age 51, is President and Chief Executive Officer of EFG and sole
shareholder and Director of its general partner, Equis Corporation and a member
of the Executive Committee of EFG and President of AFG Realty Corporation. Mr.
Engle joined EFG in 1990 as Executive Vice President and acquired control of EFG
and its subsidiaries in December 1994. Mr. Engle is Vice President and a
Director of certain of EFG's subsidiaries and affiliates, a limited partner in
AALP and ONC and controls the general partners of AALP and ONC. Mr. Engle is
also Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors
of Semele Group, Inc. ("Semele"). From 1987 to 1990, Mr. Engle was a principal
and co-founder of Cobb Partners Development, Inc., a real estate and mortgage
banking company. From 1980 to 1987, Mr. Engle was Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of Arvida Disney Company, a large-scale community
development company owned by Walt Disney Company. Prior to 1980, Mr. Engle
served in various management consulting and institutional brokerage capacities.
Mr. Engle has a MBA from Harvard University and a BS degree from the University
of Massachusetts (Amherst).

   Mr. Romano, age 40, became Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer of EFG, and Secretary of Equis Corporation in 1996 and is Secretary or
Clerk of several of EFG's subsidiaries and affiliates. Mr. Romano joined EFG in
November 1989, became Vice President and Controller in April 1993 and Chief
Financial Officer in April 1995. Mr. Romano assumed his current position in
April 1996. Mr. Romano is also Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
Semele. Prior to joining EFG, Mr. Romano was Assistant Controller for a
privately held real estate development and mortgage origination company that he
joined in 1987. Previously, Mr. Romano was an Audit Manager at Ernst & Whinney
(now Ernst & Young LLP), where he was employed from 1982 to 1986. Mr. Romano is
a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.S. degree from Boston College.

   Mr. Coyne, age 39, is Executive Vice President, Capital Markets of EFG and
President, Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of
Semele. Mr. Coyne joined EFG in 1989, remained until May 1993, and rejoined EFG
in November 1994. In September 1997, Mr. Coyne was appointed Executive Vice
President of EFG. Mr. Coyne is a limited partner in AALP and ONC. From May 1993
through November 1994, he was employed by the Raymond Company, a private
investment firm, where he was responsible for financing corporate and real
estate acquisitions. From 1985 through 1989, Mr. Coyne was affiliated with a
real estate investment company and an equipment leasing company. Prior to 1985,
he was with the accounting firm of Ernst & Whinney (now Ernst & Young LLP). He
has a BS in Business Administration from John Carroll University, a Masters
Degree in Accounting from Case Western Reserve University and is a Certified
Public Accountant.

   Mr. Butterfield, age 40, is Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer of
EFG and certain of its affiliates and is Treasurer of the General Partner and
Semele. Mr. Butterfield joined EFG in June 1992, became Vice President, Finance
and Treasurer of EFG and certain of its affiliates in April 1996 and was
promoted to Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer of EFG and certain of
its affiliates in July 1998. Prior to joining EFG, Mr. Butterfield was an Audit
Manager with Ernst & Young LLP, which he joined in 1987. Mr. Butterfield was
employed in public accounting and industry positions in New Zealand and London
(UK) prior to coming to the United States in 1987. Mr. Butterfield attained his
Associate Chartered Accountant (A.C.A.) professional qualification in New
Zealand and has completed his CPA requirements in the United States. He holds a
Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.

   Ms. Simonsen, age 49, joined EFG in February 1990 and was promoted to Senior
Vice President, Information Systems of EFG in April 1996. Prior to joining EFG,
Ms. Simonsen was Vice President, Information Systems with Investors Mortgage
Insurance Company, which she joined in 1973. Ms. Simonsen provided systems
consulting for a subsidiary of American International Group and authored a
software program published by IBM. Ms. Simonsen holds a BA degree from Wilson
College.


                                       8
<PAGE>

   Ms. Ofgant, age 34, is Senior Vice President, Lease Operations of EFG and
certain of its affiliates. Ms. Ofgant joined EFG in July 1989, was promoted to
Manager Lease Operations in April 1994, and became Vice President of Lease
Operations in April 1996. In July 1998, Ms. Ofgant was promoted to Senior Vice
President of Lease Operations. Prior to joining EFG, Ms. Ofgant was employed by
Security Pacific National Trust Company. Ms. Ofgant holds a BS degree in Finance
from Providence College.

   (f) Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

   None.

   (g) Promoters and Control Persons

   See Item 10 (a-b) above.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

   (a) Cash Compensation

   Currently, the Partnership has no employees. However, under the terms of the
Restated Agreement, as amended, the Partnership is obligated to pay all costs of
personnel employed full or part-time by the Partnership, including officers or
employees of the General Partner or its Affiliates. There is no plan at the
present time to make any officers or employees of the General Partner or its
Affiliates employees of the Partnership. The Partnership has not paid and does
not propose to pay any options, warrants or rights to the officers or employees
of the General Partner or its Affiliates.

   (b) Compensation Pursuant to Plans

   None.

   (c) Other Compensation

   Although the Partnership has no employees, as discussed in Item 11(a),
pursuant to Section 9.4(c) of the Restated Agreement, as amended, the
Partnership incurs a monthly charge for personnel costs of the Manager for
persons engaged in providing administrative services to the Partnership. A
description of the remuneration paid by the Partnership to the Manager for such
services is included in Item 13, herein and in Note 4 to the financial
statements included in Item 14, herein.

   (d) Compensation of Directors

   None.

   (e) Termination of Employment and Change of Control Arrangement

   There exists no remuneration plan or arrangement with the General Partner or
its Affiliates which results or may result from their resignation, retirement or
any other termination.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

   By virtue of its organization as a limited partnership, the Partnership has
outstanding no securities possessing traditional voting rights. However, as
provided in Section 10.2(a) of the Restated Agreement, as amended (subject to
Sections 10.2(b) and 10.3), a majority interest of the Limited Partners has
voting rights with respect to:

      1. Amendment of the Restated Agreement;

      2. Termination of the Partnership;

      3. Removal of the General Partner; and


                                       9
<PAGE>

      4. Approval or disapproval of the sale of all, or substantially all, of
         the assets of the Partnership (except in the orderly liquidation of the
         Partnership upon its termination and dissolution).

   No person or group is known by the General Partner to own beneficially more
than 5% of the Partnership's 286,711 outstanding Units as of March 1, 2000.

   The ownership and organization of EFG is described in Item 1 of this report.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

   The General Partner of the Partnership is AFG Leasing VI Incorporated, an
affiliate of EFG.

   (a) Transactions with Management and Others

   All operating expenses incurred by the Partnership are paid by EFG on behalf
of the Partnership and EFG is reimbursed at its actual cost for such
expenditures. Fees and other costs incurred during the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997, which were paid or accrued by the Partnership to EFG or its
Affiliates, are as follows:

                                        1999             1998            1997
                                     ----------       ----------      ----------

Equipment management fees            $   10,590       $   13,384      $   28,733
Administrative charges                   85,773           57,048          53,604
Reimbursable operating expenses
   due to third parties                 146,577          393,632          61,100
                                     ----------       ----------      ----------

                    Total            $  242,940       $  464,064      $  143,437
                                     ==========       ==========      ==========

   As provided under the terms of the Management Agreement, EFG is compensated
for its services to the Partnership. Such services include acquisition and
management of equipment. For acquisition services, EFG was compensated by an
amount equal to 2.23% of Equipment Base Price paid by the Partnership. For
management services, EFG is compensated by an amount equal to 5% of gross
operating lease rental revenue and 2% of gross full payout lease rental revenue
received by the Partnership. Both acquisition and management fees are subject to
certain limitations defined in the Management Agreement.

   Administrative charges represent amounts owed to EFG, pursuant to Section
9.4(c) of the Restated Agreement, as amended, for persons employed by EFG who
are engaged in providing administrative services to the Partnership.
Reimbursable operating expenses due to third parties represent costs paid by EFG
on behalf of the Partnership which are reimbursed to EFG at actual cost.

   All equipment was purchased from EFG, one of its affiliates, including other
equipment leasing programs sponsored by EFG, or from third-party sellers. The
Partnership's acquisition cost was determined by the method described in Note 2
to the financial statements included in Item 14, herein.

   All rents and proceeds from the sale of equipment are paid directly EFG. EFG
temporarily deposits collected funds in a separate interest-bearing escrow
account prior to remittance to the Partnership. At December 31, 1999, the
Partnership was owed $22,736 by EFG for such funds and the interest thereon.
These funds were remitted to the Partnership in January 2000.

   Certain affiliates of the General Partner own Units in the Partnership as
follows:

         -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Percent of Total
                                            Number of      Outstanding
                    Affiliate              Units Owned        Units
         -----------------------------------------------------------------

         Atlantic Acquisition Limited
         Partnership                         11,442           3.99%
         -----------------------------------------------------------------

         Old North Capital Limited
         Partnership                            990           0.35%
         -----------------------------------------------------------------


                                       10
<PAGE>

   Atlantic Acquisition Limited Partnership ("AALP") and Old North Capital
Limited Partnership ("ONC") are both Massachusetts limited partnerships formed
in 1995 and affiliates of EFG. The general partners of AALP and ONC are
controlled by Gary D. Engle. In addition, the limited partnership interests of
ONC are owned by Semele. Gary D. Engle is Chairman and CEO of Semele.

   (b) Certain Business Relationships

   None.

   (c) Indebtedness of Management to the Partnership

   None.

   (d) Transactions with Promoters

   See Item 13(a) above.


                                       11
<PAGE>

PART IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a) Documents filed as part of this report:

   (1)   Financial Statements:

         Report of Independent Auditors........................................*

         Statement of Financial Position
         at December 31, 1999 and 1998.........................................*

         Statement of Operations
         for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997..................*

         Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital
         for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997..................*

         Statement of Cash Flows
         for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997..................*

         Notes to the Financial Statements.....................................*

   (2)   Financial Statement Schedules:

         None Required.

   (3)   Exhibits:

         Except as set forth below, all Exhibits to Form 10-K, as set forth in
         Item 601 of Regulation S-K, are not applicable.

         A list of exhibits filed or incorporated by reference is as follows:

Exhibit
Number
- ------

  2.1    Plaintiffs' and Defendants' Joint Motion to Modify Order Preliminarily
         Approving Settlement, Conditionally Certifying Settlement Class and
         Providing for Notice of, and Hearing on, the Proposed Settlement was
         filed in the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year
         ended December 31, 1998 as Exhibit 2.1 and is incorporated herein by
         reference.

  2.2    Plaintiffs' and Defendants' Joint Memorandum in Support of Joint Motion
         to Modify Order Preliminarily Approving Settlement, Conditionally
         Certifying Settlement Class and Providing for Notice of, and Hearing
         on, the Proposed Settlement was filed in the Registrant's Annual Report
         on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1998 as Exhibit 2.2 and
         is incorporated herein by reference.


        *Incorporated herein by reference to the appropriate portion of the
         1999 Annual Report to security holders for the year ended December 31,
         1999 (see Part II).


                                       12
<PAGE>

Exhibit
Number
- ------

  2.3     Order Preliminarily Approving Settlement, Conditionally Certifying
          Settlement Class and Providing for Notice of, and Hearing on, the
          Proposed Settlement (August 20, 1998) was filed in the Registrant's
          Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1998 as
          Exhibit 2.3 and is incorporated herein by reference.

  2.4     Modified Order Preliminarily Approving Settlement, Conditionally
          Certifying Settlement Class and Providing for Notice of, and Hearing
          on, the Proposed Settlement (March 22, 1999) was filed in the
          Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December
          31, 1998 as Exhibit 2.4 and is incorporated herein by reference.

  2.5     Plaintiffs' and Defendants' Joint Memorandum in Support of Joint
          Motion to Further Modify Order Preliminarily Approving Settlement,
          Conditionally Certifying Settlement Class and Providing for Notice of,
          and Hearing on, the Proposed Settlement is filed in the Registrant's
          Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 as
          Exhibit 2.5 and is included herein.

  2.6     Second Modified Order Preliminarily Approving Settlement,
          Conditionally Certifying Settlement Class and Providing for Notice of,
          and Hearing on, the Proposed Settlement (March 5, 2000) is filed in
          the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
          December 31, 1999 as Exhibit 2.6 and is included herein.

  4       Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership
          included as Exhibit A to the Prospectus, which is included in
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-35148).

  10.1    Promissory Note in the principal amount of $1,310,000 dated March 8,
          2000 between the Registrant, as lender, and Echelon Residential
          Holdings LLC, as borrower, is filed in the Registrant's Annual Report
          on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 as Exhibit 10.1 and
          is included herein.

  10.2    Pledge Agreement dated March 8, 2000 between Echelon Residential
          Holdings LLC (Pledgor) and American Income Partners V-A Limited
          Partnership, as Agent for itself and the Registrant, is filed in the
          Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
          31, 1999 as Exhibit 10.2 and is included herein.

  13      The 1999 Annual Report to security holders, a copy of which is
          furnished for the information of the Securities and Exchange
          Commission. Such Report, except for those portions thereof which are
          incorporated herein by reference, is not deemed "filed" with the
          Commission.

  23      Consent of Independent Auditors.

  99(a)   Lease agreement with Horizon Air Industries, Inc. was filed in the
          Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
          31, 1991 as Exhibit 28 (a) and is incorporated herein by reference.

  99(b)   Lease agreement with General Motors Corporation was filed in the
          Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
          31, 1995 as Exhibit 99 (d) and is incorporated herein by reference.


                                       13
<PAGE>

  99(c)   Lease agreement with Awin Leasing Company, Inc. was filed in the
          Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
          31, 1997 as Exhibit 99 (e) and is incorporated herein by reference.

  99(d)   Lease agreement with Enseco Incorporated was filed in the Registrant's
          Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 as
          Exhibit 99 (e) and is incorporated herein by reference.

  99(e)   Lease agreement with Quanterra Incorporated is filed in the
          Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
          31, 1999 Exhibit 99 (e) and is included herein.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

    None.


                                       14
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

   Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below on behalf of the registrant and in the capacity and
on the date indicated.


          AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership


                       By: AFG Leasing VI Incorporated,
                       a Massachusetts corporation and the
                       General Partner of the Registrant.


By: /s/ Geoffrey A. MacDonald               By: /s/ Gary D. Engle
   -------------------------------             ---------------------------------
Geoffrey A. MacDonald                       Gary D. Engle
Chairman and a member of the                President and Chief Executive
Executive Committee of EFG and              Officer and a member of the
President and a Director of the             Executive Committee of EFG
General Partner                             (Principal Executive Officer)


Date:     March 30, 2000                    Date:     March 30, 2000
     -----------------------------               -------------------------------


By: /s/ Gary M. Romano                      By: /s/ Michael J. Butterfield
   -------------------------------             ---------------------------------
Gary M. Romano                              Michael J. Butterfield
Executive Vice President and Chief          Senior Vice President, Finance and
Operating Officer of EFG and Clerk          Treasurer of EFG and Treasurer
of the General Partner                      of the General Partner
(Principal Financial Officer)               (Principal Accounting Officer)


Date:     March 30, 2000                    Date:     March 30, 2000
     -----------------------------               -------------------------------


                                       16
<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX
                                 1999 Form 10-K

Exhibit

2.5     Plaintiffs' and Defendants' Joint Memorandum in Support of
        Joint - Motion to Further Modify Order Preliminarily Approving
        Settlement, Conditionally Certifying Settlement Class and
        Providing for Notice of, and Hearing on, the Proposed
        Settlement.

2.6     Second Modified Order Preliminarily Approving Settlement,
        Conditionally Certifying Settlement Class and Providing for
        Notice of, and Hearing on, the Proposed Settlement (March 5,
        2000).

10.1    Promissory Note in the principal amount of $1,310,000 dated
        March 8, 2000 between the Registrant, as lender, and Echelon
        Residential Holdings LLC, as borrower.

10.2    Pledge Agreement dated March 8, 2000 between Echelon
        Residential Holdings LLC (Pledgor) and American Income
        Partners V-A Limited Partnership, as Agent for itself and the
        Registrant.

99(e)   Lease agreement with Quanterra Incorporated.


                                       17

<PAGE>

                                                                     Exhibit 2.5

                       IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
                          SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA

                                                     CASE NO. 98-8030-CIV-HURLEY

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

LEONARD ROSENBLUM, J/B INVESTMENT PARTNERS, SMALL AND REBECCA BARMACK, PARTNERS,
BARBARA HALL, HENRY R. GRAHAM, ANNE R. GRAHAM, MARGO CORTELL, PATRICK M. RHODES,
BERNICE M. HUELS, GARRETT N. VOIGHT, CLAIRE E. FULCHER, MARCELLA LEVY, RICHARD
HODGSON, CITY PARTNERSHIPS, HELMAN PARSONS AND CLEVA PARSONS, on behalf of
themselves and all others similarly situated and derivatively on behalf of the
Nominal Defendants,

                                   Plaintiffs,

vs.

EQUIS FINANCIAL GROUP LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts, Limited Partnership,
EQUIS CORPORATION, a Massachusetts Corporation, GDE ACQUISITION LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AFG LEASING INCORPORATED, a
Massachusetts Corporation, AFG LEASING IV INCORPORATED, a Massachusetts
Corporation, AFG LEASING VI INCORPORATED, a Massachusetts Corporation, AFG
AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, a Massachusetts Corporation, AFG ASIT
CORPORATION, a Massachusetts Corporation, AF/AIP PROGRAMS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a
Massachusetts Limited Partnership, GARY D. ENGLE and GEOFFREY A. MACDONALD,

                                   Defendants,

AIRFUND I INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited
Partnership, AIRFUND II INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts
Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME 4 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts
Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME 5 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts
<PAGE>

Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME 6 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts
Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME 7 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts
Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME 8 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts
Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a
Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-B LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-C
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME
PARTNERS III-D LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership,
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited
Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts
Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-C LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a
Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-D LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME
PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN
INCOME PARTNERS V-C LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership,
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-D LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited
Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership,
AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-C, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AFG INVESTMENT
TRUST A, a Delaware business trust, AFG INVESTMENT TRUST B, a Delaware business
trust, AFG INVESTMENT TRUST C, a Delaware business trust, and AFG INVESTMENT
TRUST D, a Delaware business trust,

                               Nominal Defendants.

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


                                       2
<PAGE>

                 PLAINTIFFS' AND DEFENDANTS' JOINT MEMORANDUM IN
                 SUPPORT OF JOINT MOTION TO FURTHER MODIFY ORDER
                PRELIMINARILY APPROVING SETTLEMENT, CONDITIONALLY
                    CERTIFYING SETTLEMENT CLASS AND PROVIDING
             FOR NOTICE OF, AND HEARING ON, THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT

      Plaintiffs ("Plaintiffs" or "Class Counsel") and Defendants submit this
Joint Memorandum in support of their Joint Motion To Further Modify Order
Preliminarily Approving Settlement, Conditionally Certifying Settlement Class
and Providing For Notice of, And Hearing On, The Proposed Settlement.

                                   Background

      By Order dated August 20, 1998, this Court preliminarily approved the
original Stipulation of Settlement dated July 16, 1998, conditionally certified
the Settlement Class, and three sub-classes,(1) and provided for Notice of, and
Hearing on, the proposed Settlement (the "Settlement"). A true and complete copy
of the Court's August 20, 1998 Order (the "Preliminary Approval Order") is
attached to the Motion as Exhibit 1.

      As part of the settlement of the claims brought by the Operating
Partnership Sub-Class, the Settlement provides for Defendants to pursue and
cause the consummation of an exchange transaction (the "Exchange"), pursuant to
which eleven (11) of the limited partnerships named as Nominal Defendants (the
"Operating Partnerships") would be restructured, and converted into a
publicly-traded entity ("Newco") whose securities would be listed and traded on
the NASDAQ National Market System or other national securities exchange.

      On or about August 24, 1998, four days after the Court's entry of the
Preliminary Approval Order, Defendants filed a Consent Solicitation Statement
(Form 14A) to be used in


                                       3
<PAGE>

connection with the solicitation of the Operating Partnership Sub-Class' consent
to the Exchange for review with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC"). The parties had anticipated that the SEC would be able to complete the
review within several months, and thereafter the Notice of the Settlement and
fairness hearing would be sent to all Class members, with the Consent
Solicitation Statement included only with the Notice sent to the Operating
Partnership Sub-Class members.

      However, after encountering numerous unanticipated delays in the SEC
review process, the parties entered into an Amended Stipulation of Settlement
dated March 15, 1999 (the "Amended Stipulation"). On March 22, 1999, after a
hearing, this Court entered an order modifying the preliminary approval order
(the "Modified Preliminary Approval Order"). A true and complete copy of the
Modified Preliminary Approval Order is attached the Motion as Exhibit 2.
Pursuant to the Modified Preliminary Approval Order, the settlement process was
bifurcated into two phases. In the first phase, the parties asked the Court to
approve the settlement with respect to the claims brought by the so-called RSL
and Trust Sub-Classes.(2) In the second phase, the parties will seek the Court's
final approval of the settlement with respect to the claims brought by the
Operating Partnership Sub-Class.

      Due to the delays caused by the SEC review process, certain financial
information upon which the settlement was based has become outdated.
Accordingly, the parties have agreed to further modifications to the Amended
Stipulation to reflect updated valuations of

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The three sub-classes are referred to as: (a) the "RSL Sub-Class"; (b) the
"Operating Partnership Sub-Class'; and (c) the "Trust Sub-Class".

(2) A hearing on the final approval of the settlement with respect to the RSL
and Trust Sub-Classes was held on May 21, 1999. After that hearing, on May 26,
1999, the Court entered an order approving the settlement with respect to the
RSL and Trust Sub-Classes.


                                       4
<PAGE>

the Operating Partnerships and Management Assets and revised allocations of
Shares in Newco based on those valuations.

                             The Proposed Amendments

      The following is a description of the proposed amendments to the
Settlement that were negotiated on an arm's-length basis by Class Counsel and
the Defendants. The vast majority of the original Stipulation and the Amended
Stipulation have not been altered, and the sub-classes, which were conditionally
certified by the Court in its August 20, 1998 Order, remain the same. The
parties have agreed to the following amendments to the Amended Stipulation:

            (a) amend the $10 million cash distribution schedule (see Chart #1)
            in Section 2.2(a) to reflect the updated cash reserves held by each
            of the Operating Partnerships as of September 30, 1999;

            (b) amend the allocations of Newco Shares in Sections 2.2(c) and
            2.2(d) (see Chart #2 and #3) to reflect updated valuations of the
            Operating Partnerships and Management Assets;

            (c) amend Section 2.2(d) to increase the payment by Equis of Newco
            Shares to the Operating Partnership Sub-Class members from $8
            million to $9 million;

            (d) eliminate Section 2.2(g) which offered so-called "appraisal
            rights" for Participating Investors who did not wish to retain their
            Shares in Newco;

            (e) eliminate Section 2.2(i) which required that twenty-five percent
            (25%) of the Shares of Newco allocated to the Equis Owners be placed
            in an escrow account:

            and


                                       5
<PAGE>

            (f) amend Section 4.1(i) to clarify that the Operating Partnerships
            may invest a total of $32 million in New Investments, to be
            increased only upon the further agreement of the parties, which
            amount corresponds to forty percent (40%) of the total aggregate net
            asset values of all the Operating Partnerships as of March 19, 1999.

      1.    Amendments Pertaining to Updated Financial Information, Including
            Valuations and Allocations

      The information which is fundamental to the terms of the original
Stipulation and Amended Stipulation has become outdated. Specifically, the data
supporting the valuation of the Operating Partnerships and the Management Assets
was prepared as of September 1998 and now has changed. The Partnerships have
sold various of their equipment assets and, in certain instances, they have
entered into agreements to renew existing leases or otherwise to re-lease their
equipment assets. In addition, information that was used to assess the potential
market value of the common stock of Newco, and the value of the Management
Assets to be contributed by the Defendants, such as price earnings ratios and
other market multiples for companies comparable to Newco and the Management
Assets, has changed due to the passage of time and resulting changes in the
business environment and stock markets. Therefore, the parties believe that it
is in the best interests of the limited partners of the Partnerships to update
the valuation of the transaction using the same methodology employed before and
to revise the Amended Stipulation to simplify and improve upon its terms.

      The Defendants have updated and revised the valuation information as of
September 30, 1999 and based on this latest analysis and negotiations with Class
Counsel, Equis has agreed to reduce its net allocation of Newco Shares for the
Management Assets


                                       6
<PAGE>

to 14.72% from the prior 22.335%, representing a reduction of approximately 34%.
Accordingly, the parties have amended Sections 2.2(c) and 2.2(d) of the Amended
Stipulation to reflect the updated valuations of the Operating Partnerships and
Management Assets. Set forth below is a schedule showing the revised valuations
and allocations as of September 30, 1999 in comparison with the September 30,
1998 valuations and allocations (3):

                       REVISED VALUATIONS AND ALLOCATIONS

                       ---------------------------------------------------------
                          September 30, 1999               September 30, 1998
                       ---------------------------------------------------------
                           Value        Percent           Value          Percent
                       ---------------------------------------------------------
Partnerships           $64,686,726       85.28%        $ 78,042,346      77.665%
Management Assets       11,165,280       14.72%          22,443,000      22.335%
                       ---------------------------------------------------------
                       $75,852,006      100.00%        $100,485,346     100.000%
                       ---------------------------------------------------------

      2.    Amendments Pertaining To Increased Payment by Equis of Newco Shares
            from $8 Million to $9 Million and Elimination of Promissory Notes
            and Escrow Account Provisions

      Equis has also agreed to increase the reallocation of Newco Shares it
would have received for the Management Assets to the Partnerships from $8
million to $9 million. By increasing the payment to $9 million, Equis will give
up a much greater percentage of the estimated value of the Management Assets in
favor of the limited partners (44.6% compared to the previous 26.3%). In
exchange for the substantial benefits to the limited partners caused by the
changes described above, the parties have agreed to eliminate the requirement
that the Defendants defer retention of 25% of the Newco Shares allocated to them
for the Management Assets in escrow pending attainment of future target net
income

- ----------
(3) The allocations above are net of the $10 million cash distribution and
reflect the re-allocation of $9 million of value from Equis' Management Assets
to the Partnerships.


                                       7
<PAGE>

levels. Under the prior settlement agreement, the Defendants would have received
16.75% of Newco's common stock in exchange for the Management Assets, assuming
that none of the escrow shares were retained by the Defendants, and 22.335%,
assuming that all of the escrow shares were retained by the Defendants. Under
the revised settlement agreement, the Defendants will receive a smaller stock
allocation of 14.72% for the Management Assets and the escrow concept will be
eliminated. The elimination of the escrow shares concept will permit management
to focus on Newco's long-term success while having the added benefit of
accelerating finalization of the settlement to a date coincident to the date of
Consolidation.

      In addition, the parties have agreed to eliminate the option for the
limited partners to elect to receive promissory notes instead of common stock in
order to simplify the capital structure of Newco and eliminate any form of
"equity" debt service upon the Consolidation. This revision will cause all
limited partners of the Operating Partnerships (and the general partners) to
have uniform financial interests and will simplify the choices presented to the
limited partners to either (a) object to their Partnership participating in the
Consolidation, or (b) approve of its participation.

      3.    Amendments to Clarify Maximum Amount Which May be Reinvested In New
            Investments

      In its Modified Preliminary Approval Order, this Court approved amendments
to the Settlement which permitted the Operating Partnerships, pending the
completion of the SEC review process and ultimately the Exchange, to reinvest a
certain portion of the money (40% of the total aggregate net asset value of the
Partnerships) they have received from the sales of equipment. The parties now
seek to clarify the Amended Stipulation to make clear that the Operating
Partnerships may invest a total of $32 million in New


                                       8
<PAGE>

Investments, to be increased only upon the further agreement of the parties,
which amount corresponds to forty percent (40%) of the total aggregate net asset
values of all the Operating Partnerships as of March 19, 1999.

                                   Conclusion

      For the foregoing reasons, Plaintiffs and Defendants request that this
Court grant the Joint Motion To Further Modify Order Preliminarily Approving
Settlement, Conditionally Certifying Settlement Class and Providing For Notice
of, And Hearing On, The Proposed Settlement.

                                          Respectfully submitted,
                                          this 24 day of February 2000,

                                          ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANTS:
                                          /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          RICHMAN GREER WEIL BRUMBAUGH
                                          MIRABITO & CHRISTENSEN, PA.
                                          Gerald F. Richman
                                          Joseph F. Hession
                                          Phillips Point - East Tower
                                          777 South Flager Drive - Suite 1100
                                          West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
                                          (561) 803-3500


                                          NIXON PEABODY LLP
                                          Deborah L. Thaxter, P.C.
                                          Gregory P. Deschenes
                                          101 Federal Street
                                          Boston, MA 02110 - 1832
                                          (617) 345-1000


                                       9
<PAGE>

                                          ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS:

                                          /s/ [ILLEGIBLE] /FOR/
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          LERNER & PEARCE, P.A.
                                          Allan M. Lerner
                                          2888 East Oakland Park Boulevard
                                          Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306
                                          (954) 563-8111

                                          /s/ [ILLEGIBLE] /FOR/
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          WINCHESTER HARWOOD HALEBIAN
                                          & FEFFER LLP
                                          Andrew D. Friedman
                                          488 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor
                                          New York, NY 10022
                                          (212) 935-7400

                                          LAW OFFICES OF VINCENT T.
                                          GRESHAM
                                          Vincent T. Gresham
                                          6065 Roswell Road, Ste. 1445
                                          Atlanta, GA 30328
                                          (770) 552-5270

                                          GILMAN AND PASTOR
                                          Peter A. Lagorio
                                          One Boston Place
                                          Boston, MA 02108-4400
                                          (617) 589-3750

                                          BENJAMIN S. SCHWARTZ,
                                          CHARTERED
                                          Benjamin S. Schwartz
                                          4600 Olympic Way
                                          Evergreen, CO 80439
                                          (303) 670-5941

                                          LAW OFFICES OF LIONEL Z. GLANCY
                                          Lionel Z. Glancy
                                          1801 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 306
                                          Los Angeles, CA 90067
                                          (310) 201-9150


                                       10
<PAGE>

                                          LAW OFFICES OF JAMES V. BASHIAN
                                          500 Fifth Avenue, Ste. 2700
                                          New York, NY 10110
                                          (212) 921-4100

                                          THOMAS A. HOADLEY, PA
                                          310 Australian Avenue
                                          Palm Beach, FL 33480
                                          (561) 792-9006

                                          GOODKIND, LABATAN, RUDOFF &
                                          SUCHAROW, LLP
                                          Lynda J. Grant
                                          Robert N. Cappucci
                                          100 Park Avenue
                                          New York, NY 10017
                                          (212) 907-0700

                                          LASKY & RIFKIND, LTD.
                                          Leigh Lasky
                                          30 North LaSalle Street, Ste. 2140
                                          Chicago, IL 60602
                                          (312) 759-7670

                                          HAROLD B. OBSTFELD, P.C.
                                          Harold B. Obstfeld
                                          260 Madison Avenue
                                          New York, NY 10116
                                          (212) 696-1212


                                       11

<PAGE>

                                                                     Exhibit 2.6

                       IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
                      FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA

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

LEONARD ROSENBLUM, J/B INVESTMENT PARTNERS, SMALL and REBECCA BARMACK, PARTNERS,
BARBARA HALL, HENRY R. GRAHAM, ANNE R. GRAHAM, MARGO CORTELL. PATRICK M RHODES,
BERNICE M. HUELS, GARRETT N. VOIGHT, CLAIRE E. FULCHER, MARCELLA LEVY, RICHARD
HODGSON, CITY PARTNERSHIPS, HELMAN PARSONS AND CLEVA PARSONS, on behalf of
themselves and all others similarly situated and derivatively on behalf of the
Nominal Defendants,

                                   Plaintiffs,

v.                                                              Case No. 98-8030

EQUIS FINANCIAL GROUP LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership.
EQUIS CORPORATION, a Massachusetts Corporation, GDE ACQUISITION LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AFG LEASING INCORPORATED, a
Massachusetts Corporation, AFG LEASING IV INCORPORATED, a Massachusetts
Corporation. AFG LEASING VI INCORPORATED, a Massachusetts Corporation, AFG
AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, a Massachusetts Corporation, AFG ASIT
CORPORATION. a Massachusetts Corporation, AF/AIP PROGRAMS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a
Massachusetts Limited Partnership, GARY D. ENGLE and GEOFFREY A. MACDONALD.

                                   Defendants,

AIRFUND I INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AIRFUND II INTERNATIONAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP,
a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME 4 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP. a
Massachusetts Limited partnership, AMERICAN INCOME 5 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a
Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME 6 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a
Massachusetts Limited partnership, AMERICAN INCOME 7 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a
Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME 8 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a
Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-B
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME
PARTNERS III-C LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership,
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-D LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited
Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts
Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a
Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-C LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS IV-D
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME
PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN
INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership,
AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-C LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts Limited
Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-D LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Massachusetts
Limited Partnership,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                      -2-
<PAGE>

AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME
FUND I-C, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-D, a
Massachusetts Limited Partnership, AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-E, a Massachusetts
Limited Partnership, AFG INVESTMENT TRUST A, a Delaware business trust, AFG
INVESTMENT TRUST B, a Delaware business trust, AFG INVESTMENT TRUST C, a
Delaware business trust, and AFG INVESTMENT TRUST D, a Delaware business trust,

                               Nominal Defendants.

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

            SECOND MODIFIED ORDER PRELIMINARILY APPROVING SETTLEMENT,
            CONDITIONALLY CERTIFYING SETTLEMENT CLASS AND PROVIDING
             FOR NOTICE OF, AND HEARING ON, THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT

      WHEREAS, by Order dated August 20, 1998 (the "Preliminary Approval
Order"), this Court issued an order in the above captioned action (the "Action")
preliminarily approving the Settlement, conditionally certifying the settlement
class and providing for notice of, and hearing on the proposed settlement, and
by order dated March 22, 1999, this Court entered an order modifying the
Preliminary Approval Order ("Modified Preliminary Approval Order"), and the
parties to the Action have now agreed to further amend the Stipulation of
Settlement ("Second Amended Stipulation"), this Court having read and considered
the Second Amended Stipulation and the exhibits annexed thereto;


                                      -3-
<PAGE>

      NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT THE COURT FURTHER MODIFIES THE
ORDER INSOFAR AS SET FORTH BELOW:

      1. A hearing (the "Hearing") shall be held before this Court on Thursday,
July 27, 2000, at 701 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, Florida, 4:00 p.m., in
Courtroom 5, to determine whether the proposed Settlement of the Action on the
terms and conditions provided for in the Second Amended Stipulation, with
respect to the Operating Partnership Sub-Class, including the issuance and
exchange of the securities in the Exchange, is fair, reasonable and adequate and
should be finally approved by the Court; whether a final judgment as provided in
the Second Amended Stipulation should be entered herein with respect to the
claims brought by the Operating Partnership Sub-Class: and whether Class
Counsels application(s) for attorneys' fees, awards to the Class Plaintiffs and
the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses should be granted. The Court may
continue the Hearing without further notice to Class Members.

      2. The Court approves, as to form and content, the Notices of Class Action
Determination, Proposed Settlement and Fairness Hearing (the "Notices"), and
finds that the mailing of the Notices substantially in the manner and form set
forth in paragraph 3 of this Order meets the requirements of Rule 23 of the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Constitution of the United States and any
other applicable law, is the best notice practicable


                                      -4-
<PAGE>

under the circumstances, and constitutes due and sufficient notice to all
persons entitled thereto.

      3. (a) Within five (5) days following review by the SEC of the Consent
Solicitation Statement (said 5th day being referred to hereafter as the "Notice
Date), the Defendants shall cause a copy of the Notice and the Consent
Solicitation Statement to be mailed to all Operating Partnership Sub-Class
Members at their last known address as appearing in the records maintained by
the Partnerships;

            (b) At or prior to the Hearing, Defendants' counsel shall serve and
file with the Court proof, by affidavit or declaration, of such mailing to the
Operating Partnership Sub-Class; and

            (c) All reasonable costs incurred in identifying and notifying Class
Members shall be paid as set forth in the Second Amended Stipulation. In the
event that the Settlement is not approved by the Court, or otherwise fails to
become effective, Defendants shall not have any recourse against the Plaintiffs,
Class Counsel or the Claims Administrator for such costs and expenses which have
been incurred or advanced pursuant to the Second Amended Stipulation or Second
Modified Court Order.


                                      -5-
<PAGE>

      4. Class Members may enter an appearance in the Action, at their own
expense, individually or through counsel of their own choice. If they do not
enter an appearance, they will be represented by Class Counsel.

      5. Pending final determination of whether the Settlement should be
approved, neither the Class Plaintiffs nor any Class Member, either directly,
representatively, derivatively, or in any other capacity, shall commence or
prosecute against any of the Defendants or the Released Parties, any action or
proceeding in any court or tribunal asserting any of the Settled Claims.

      6. Pending final determination of whether the Settlement should be
approved, the Class Plaintiffs and all other Class Members are barred and
permanently enjoined from (i) transferring, selling, assigning, giving,
pledging, hypothesizing or otherwise disposing of any Units of the Operating
Partnerships to any person other than a family member or in cases of divorce,
incapacity or death of the Unitholder; (ii) granting a proxy to object to the
Exchange; or (iii) commencing a tender offer for the Units. In addition, pending
final determination of whether the Settlement should be approved, the General
Partners of the Operating Partnerships are enjoined from (i) recording any
transfers made in violation of the Order and (ii) providing the list


                                      -6-
<PAGE>

of investors in any Operating Partnership to any person for the purpose of
conducting a tender offer.

      7. In addition effective March 19, 1999, the Operating Partnerships may
collectively invest up to forty percent (40%), to be Increased only upon
agreement of the parties, of the total aggregate net asset values of all
Operating Partnerships, in any investment, including, but not limited to
additional equipment and other business activities, that the General Partner and
the Manager reasonably believe to be consistent with the operating objectives
and business interests of Newco after the Exchange (the New Investments"),
subject to the following limitations:

      a.    Under no circumstances may the Operating Partnership reduce its cash
            balance to an amount less than the amount required to pay the
            Operating Partnership's share of the $10 Million Cash Distribution
            provided for herein, plus such additional amount as the General
            Partner reasonably believes to be necessary to meet working capital
            and other cash reserve requirements of the Operating Partnership.

      b.    To the extent that New Investments are made in additional equipment,
            the Manager will (i) defer, until the earlier of the effective date
            of the Exchange or December 31, 1999, any Acquisition Fees resulting
            therefrom and (ii) limit its Management Fee on all such assets to 2%
            of rental income. In the event the


                                      -7-
<PAGE>

            Exchange is consummated, all such Acquisition and Management Fees
            related to the New Investments will be paid to Newco.

      c.    To the extent that New Investments are not represented by equipment
            (ie: business acquisitions), the Manager will forego any Acquisition
            Fees and Management Fees related to such assets.

      d.    Except for permitting New Investments, or as otherwise provided for
            herein, all other provisions of the Partnership Agreements governing
            the investment objectives and policies of the Partnership shall
            remain in full force and effect.

      e.    In the event that an Operating Partnership has acquired New
            Investments pursuant to Section 4.1 (i)(a) through (d) of the Second
            Amended Stipulation, and is not a party to the Exchange, Newco shall
            acquire all such New Investments from such Operating Partnership for
            an amount equal to the Operating Partnership's net equity investment
            in such New Investments plus an annualized return thereon of 7.5%.

      f.    In the event that an Operating Partnership has acquired New
            Investments pursuant to Section 4.1(i)(a) through (d) of the Second
            Amended Stipulation, and the Exchange is not consummated, the
            General Partner(s) shall (i) use its (their) best efforts to divest
            all such New Investments in an orderly and timely fashion, and (ii)
            cancel or return to each Operating Partnership any accumulated or
            deferred fees on such New Investments.

      g.    The parties agree the Operating Partnerships may invest a total of
            $32 million in New Investments, to be increased only upon the
            further agreement of the


                                      -8-
<PAGE>

            parties, which amount corresponds to forty percent (40%) of the
            total aggregate net asset values of all Operating Partnerships as of
            March 19, 1999.

      8. Any Member of the Settlement Class may appear at the Settlement
Hearings and object to (a) the approval of the proposed Settlement of the Action
as fair, reasonable and adequate, (b) the entrance of a final judgment, and/or
(c) the application(s) for attorneys' fees and expenses; provided, however, that
no Class Member or any other person shall be heard or entitled to contest the
approval of the terms and conditions of the proposed Settlement, or, if
approved, the judgment to be entered thereto approving the same, or the
attorneys' fees and expenses to Class Counsel, unless on or before fourteen (14)
days prior to the Hearing, that person has served, by hand or by first-class
mail, written objections and copies of any papers and briefs desired to be
considered by the Court, together with proof of membership in the Settlement
Class, upon both Plaintiffs' Lead Counsel: Andrew D. Friedman, Esq., Wechsler
Harwood Halebian & Feffer, LLP, 488 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10022; and
Defendants' Counsel: Deborah L. Thaxter, P.C., Nixon Peabody LLP, 101 Federal
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, and filed said objections, papers and
briefs with the Clerk of the United States District Court for the Southern
District of Florida. Any Member of the Settlement Class who does not make his or
her objection in the manner provided herein shall be deemed to have waived such
objection, including the right to appeal, and shall forever be foreclosed


                                      -9-
<PAGE>

from making any objection to the fairness or adequacy of the proposed Settlement
as incorporated in the Second Amended Stipulation and the award of attorneys'
fees and expenses to Class Counsel, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

      9. The Court reserves the right to continue the date of the Hearing and
any continuation thereof without further notice to the members of the Settlement
Class, and retains jurisdiction to consider all further applications arising out
of or connected with the proposed Settlement.

       DONE and SIGNED in Chambers at West Palm Beach, Florida, this 5th day of
March, 2000.


                                         /s/ Daniel T.K. Hurley
                                         -----------------------------------
                                         Daniel T.K. Hurley
                                         United States District Judge

Copies To All Counsel Of Record


                                      -10-

<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 10.1

                                 PROMISSORY NOTE


$1,310,000                                                   As of March 8, 2000

      FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, Echelon Residential Holdings LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company with a principal address of 450 Carillon
Parkway, Suite 200, St. Petersburg, FL 33716 (hereinafter "the Maker"), promises
to pay to the order of American Income Partners I-B Limited Partnership, with a
principal address of 88 Broad Street, Boston, MA 02110 (together with any other
holder hereof, the "Payee") or at such address or at such other place as the
Payee may from time to time designate in writing, the principal sum of

                 ONE MILLION THREE HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS

($1,310,000), together with interest on the unpaid principal balance hereof from
time to time at a fixed rate equal to fourteen percent (14.0%) per annum through
that date which is twenty-four (24) months from the date hereof and eighteen
percent (18%) per annum thereafter. Such interest shall accrue and compound on a
monthly basis but shall not be due and payable until the Maturity Date. In the
absence of demonstrable error, the books and records of the Payee shall
constitute conclusive evidence of the unpaid principal balance hereof from time
to time.

      This Note may be prepaid, in whole or from time to time in part, at any
time, without premium or penalty. All payments shall be applied first to
collection costs, then to accrued interest and any remainder in payment of
principal. The principal amount prepaid, if any, may not at any time be
reborrowed.

      If not sooner paid, all outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid
interest thereon shall be due and payable on that date which is thirty (30)
months from the date hereof (the "Maturity Date").

      All payments hereunder shall be payable in lawful money of the United
States which shall be legal tender for public and private debts at the time of
payment. Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a year consisting of 360
days and payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day
but excluding the last day), including any time extended by reason of Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays.

      It is expressly agreed that the occurrence of any one or more of the
following shall constitute an "Event of Default" hereunder:

      (a) any failure to pay any amount or installment of interest or principal
and interest whereon the same is payable as above expressed;

      (b) any representation or warranty made by the Maker in connection
herewith be untrue when made or not be fulfilled;
<PAGE>

      (c) failure to observe or perform any other covenant, agreement,
condition, term or provision hereof;

      (d) the Borrower or any guarantor or any member or joint venturer in the
Borrower shall be involved in financial difficulties as evidenced by: (1) its
commencement of a voluntary case under Title 11 of the United States Code as
from time to time in effect, or its authorizing, by appropriate proceedings, the
commencement of such a voluntary case; (2) its filing an answer or other
pleading admitting or failing to deny the material allegations of a petition
filed against it commencing an involuntary case under said Title 11, or seeking,
consenting to or acquiescing in the relief therein provided, or by its failing
to controvert timely the material allegations of any such petition; (3) the
entry of an order for relief in any involuntary case commenced under said Title
11; (4) its seeking relief as a debtor under any applicable law, other than said
Title 11, of any jurisdiction relating to the liquidation or reorganization of
debtors or to the modification or alteration of the rights of creditors, or its
consenting to or acquiescing in such relief; (5) the entry of an order by a
court of competent jurisdiction (i) finding it to be bankrupt or insolvent, (ii)
ordering or approving its liquidation, reorganization or any modification or
alteration of the rights of creditors, or (iii) assuming custody of, or
appointing a receiver or other custodian for, all or a substantial part of its
property; or (6) its making an assignment for the benefit of, or entering into a
composition with, its creditors, or appointing or consenting to the appointment
of a receiver or other custodian for all or a substantial part of its property.

      If any such Event of Default hereunder shall occur, the Payee may declare
to be immediately due and payable the then outstanding principal balance under
this Note, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and all other
amounts payable to the Payee hereunder, whereupon all such amounts shall become
and be due and payable immediately. The failure of the Payee to exercise said
option to accelerate shall not constitute a waiver of the right to exercise the
same at any other time.

      The Maker will pay on demand all costs and expenses, including reasonable
attorneys' fees, incurred or paid by the Payee in enforcing or collecting any of
the obligations of the Maker hereunder. The Maker agrees that all such costs and
expenses and all other expenditures by the Payees on account hereof which are
not reimbursed by the Maker immediately upon demand, and all amounts due under
this Note after maturity and any amounts due hereunder if an Event of Default
shall occur hereunder shall bear interest at a rate equal to the lesser of
eighteen percent (18.0%) per annum or the maximum rate permitted by law until
such expenditures are repaid or this Note and such amounts are paid in full to
the Payee.

      Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the Maker shall not be
required to pay any amount pursuant hereto which is in excess of the maximum
amount permitted under applicable law. It is the intention of the parties hereto
to conform strictly to any applicable usury law, and it is agreed that if any
amount contracted for, chargeable or receivable under this Note shall exceed the
maximum amount permitted under any such law, any such excess shall be deemed a
mistake and cancelled automatically and, if theretofore paid, shall be refunded
to the Maker or, at the Payee's sole option, shall be applied as set forth
above.
<PAGE>

      All notices required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be given in
the writing and shall be effective when mailed, postage prepaid, by registered
or certified mail, addressed in the case of the Maker to it at the address of
the Maker set forth above and in the case of the Payee to it at the address of
the Payee set forth above or to such other address as either the Maker or the
Payee may from time to time specify by like notice.

      All of the provisions of this Note shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the Maker and the Payee and their respective successors and assigns.
This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal
laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

      The Maker and every indorser and guarantor hereof hereby consents to any
extension of time of payment hereof, release of all or any part of the security
for the payment hereof, or release of any party liable for this obligation, and
waives presentment for payment, demand, protest and notice of dishonor. Any such
extension or release may be made without notice to the Maker and without
discharging their liability.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Maker has executed and delivered this Note, under
seal, on the day and year first written above.

                                    ECHELON RESIDENTIAL HOLDINGS LLC


                                    /s James A. Coyne
                                    -----------------
                                    James A. Coyne, Manager

<PAGE>

                                                                  Exhibit 10.2

                                PLEDGE AGREEMENT
                                 (PARTNERSHIPS)

            FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, Echelon Residential Holdings
LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Pledgor") and the sole member of
Echelon Residential LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Residential"),
hereby assigns and pledges to American Income Partners V-A Limited Partnership,
a Massachusetts limited partnership, in its capacity as collateral agent (the
"Agent") for itself and each of American Income Partners V-B Limited
Partnership, a Massachusetts limited partnership, American Income Partners V-C
Limited Partnership, a Massachusetts limited partnership, American Income
Partners V-D Limited Partnership, a Massachusetts limited partnership, American
Income Fund I-A Limited Partnership, a Massachusetts limited partnership,
American Income Fund I-B Limited Partnership, a Massachusetts limited
partnership, American Income Fund I-C Limited Partnership, a Massachusetts
limited partnership, American Income Fund I-D Limited Partnership, a
Massachusetts limited partnership, American Income Fund I-E Limited Partnership,
a Massachusetts limited partnership, AIRFUND International Limited Partnership,
a Massachusetts limited partnership and AIRFUND II International Limited
Partnership, a Massachusetts limited partnership and their respective successors
and assigns (collectively, the "Lenders"), and grants to the Agent a security
interest in all of the Pledgor's right, title and interest in and to its
membership interests in Residential, wherever located and whether now owned or
hereafter acquired, together with (i) all payments and distributions, whether in
cash, property or otherwise, at any time owing or payable to the Pledgor on
account of its interest as a member of Residential, (ii) all of the Pledgor's
rights and interests under the operating agreement of Residential (the
"Operating Agreement"), including all voting and management rights and all
rights to grant or withhold consents or approvals, (iii) all rights of access
and inspection to and use of all books and records, including computer software
and computer software programs, of Residential, (iv) all other rights,
interests, property or claims to which the Pledgor may be entitled to in its
capacity as a member of Residential, (v) any and all substitutions and
replacements thereof, including any securities or other instruments into which
any of the foregoing may at any time and from time to time be converted or
exchanged, and (vi) any and all proceeds and products of the foregoing, cash and
non-cash (collectively, the "Pledged Interest"). The Pledgor irrevocably waives
any and all provisions of the Operating Agreement that (i) prohibit, restrict,
condition or otherwise affect the grant hereunder of any lien, security interest
or encumbrance on the Pledged Interest or any enforcement action which may be
taken in respect of any such lien, security interest or encumbrance, or (ii)
otherwise conflict with the terms of this Pledge Agreement.

      This Pledge Agreement is entered into in connection with and secures the
payment of amounts due to the Lenders from the Pledgor pursuant to those certain
Promissory Notes of even date herewith (each a "Note" and collectively, the
"Notes") made by the Pledgor in favor of each of the Lenders, together with all
covenants and agreements contained herein (collectively, the "Secured
Liabilities").
<PAGE>

      The Pledgor and each of the Lenders hereby represent, warrant, covenant
and agree as follows:

      1. Pledgor hereby represents and warrants that (i) the Operating
Agreement, a true, correct and complete copy of which is attached hereto as
Exhibit A, is in full force and effect and has not been amended or modified in
any respect, except for such amendments or modifications as are attached to the
copy thereof delivered herewith; (ii) it is a duly constituted and is the sole
member of Residential pursuant to the Operating Agreement, although such
membership is not evidenced by any certificate issued by Residential; (iii) the
Pledged Interest are validly issued, non-assessable and fully paid membership
interests in Residential; (iv) Pledgor has full right, power and authority to
make this Pledge Agreement (including the provisions enabling the Agent, upon
the occurrence of an Event of Default, to exercise the voting or other rights
provided for herein, under the Operating Agreement and under applicable law,
without the consent, approval or authorization of, or notice to, any other
person, including any regulatory authority or any person having any interest in
Residential, except for such consents as have been duly received; and (v) this
Pledge Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Pledgor and is the
legal, valid and binding obligation of the Pledgor enforceable in accordance
with its terms.

      2. Pledgor shall protect and preserve the Pledged Interest. Pledgor will
not permit or agree to any amendment or modification of the Operating Agreement,
or waive any rights or benefits under the Operating Agreement, without the prior
written consent of the Agent. Pledgor hereby represents and warrants that
Pledgor has and will continue to have good and marketable title to the Pledged
Interest, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and security interests,
except those created hereby, and agrees to preserve such unencumbered title and
the Lenders' security interest in the Pledged Interest and to defend it against
all parties. Risk of loss of, damage to, or destruction of, the Pledged Interest
shall be the responsibility of Pledgor, although the Agent shall exercise
reasonable care in the custody and preservation of the Pledged Interest in its
possession to the extent applicable. The Agent shall be deemed to have exercised
such reasonable care if it takes such action for that purpose as the Pledgor
shall reasonably request in writing, but no omission to do any act not requested
by the Pledgor shall be deemed a failure to exercise reasonable care, and no
omission to comply with any request of the Pledgor shall of itself be deemed a
failure to exercise reasonable care. The Pledgor shall execute and deliver to
the Agent and the Lenders any financing statements, continuation statements,
assignments, or other instruments, or take any other action deemed necessary by
the Agent or the Lenders to perfect or continue the perfection of its security
interest in the Pledged Interest. The Agent is hereby irrevocably appointed
attorney-in-fact of the Pledgor to do all acts and things which the Agent may
deem necessary or advisable to perfect and continue perfected their security
interest in the Pledged Interest. The address of the Pledgor is listed below the
Pledgor's signature hereto.

      3. This Pledge Agreement has been entered into under and pursuant to the
Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code, except that perfection and the effect of
perfection of Secured Party's security interest in collateral in another
jurisdiction will be governed by the Uniform Commercial Code ("UCC") of such
other jurisdiction, and the Agent has all the rights


                                       2
<PAGE>

and remedies of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code or applicable
legislation of the applicable jurisdiction. If any one or more of the provisions
hereof should for any reason be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any
respect, the remaining provisions contained herein shall not in any way be
affected or impaired thereby, and such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable
provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to render it valid
while most nearly preserving its original intent. The Pledgor has (i) caused
Residential to duly register the security interest granted hereby on
Residential's books and has furnished the Agent with evidence thereof in form
and substance satisfactory to the Agent, (ii) has duly executed and caused any
financing statements with respect to the Pledged Interest to be filed in such a
manner and in such places as may be required by applicable law in order to fully
protect the rights of the Agent and the Lenders hereunder and (iii) will cause
any financing statements with respect to the Pledged Interest at all times to be
kept recorded and filed at the Pledgor's sole cost and expense in such a manner
and in such places as may be required by law in order to fully perfect the
interests and protect the rights of the Agent and the Lenders hereunder.

      4. Any one or more of the following events shall constitute an "Event of
Default" hereunder: (i) the Pledgor shall fail to comply with, observe or
perform any obligation hereunder or shall fail to make any payment when due
under any Note; (ii) any representation or warranty made or furnished to the
Agent or the Lenders by or on behalf of the Pledgor in connection with this
Pledge Agreement or any document or instrument furnished, or to be furnished, in
connection herewith or therewith, proves to have been untrue in any material
respect when so made or furnished; (iii) the Pledgor shall commence a voluntary
case under the federal bankruptcy laws (as now or hereafter in effect), file a
petition seeking to take advantage of any other laws relating to bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, winding up or composition for adjustment of debts or
the marshaling of assets ("Bankruptcy Laws"), consent to or fail to contest in a
timely and appropriate manner, any petition filed against the Pledgor in any
involuntary case under any Bankruptcy Laws or other laws, apply for, consent to,
indicate its approval of, acquiesce to or fail to contest in a timely and
appropriate manner, the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a
receiver, custodian, trustee, or liquidator for the Pledgor or of a substantial
part of the Pledgor's property, admit in writing its inability to pay debts as
they become due, make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, make a
conveyance fraudulent as to creditors under any state or federal law, or take
any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; (iv) a case or
other proceeding shall be commenced against the Pledgor in any court of
competent jurisdiction seeking relief under any Bankruptcy Laws, (v) the
appointment of a trustee, receiver, custodian, liquidator or the like for the
Pledgor, or of all or any substantial part of its assets; or (vi) the Pledgor
shall fail to perform any of its obligations under the Operating Agreement.

      5. During the continuance of an Event of Default, the Agent shall have, in
addition to the rights, powers and authorizations to collect the sums assigned
hereunder, all rights and remedies of a secured party under the Uniform
Commercial Code and under other applicable law with respect to the Pledged
Interest, including, without limitation, the following rights and remedies: (i)
the Agent may, in its sole discretion, exercise any management or voting rights
relating to the Pledged Interest (whether or not the same shall have been
transferred into its name


                                       3
<PAGE>

or the name of its nominee or nominees) for any lawful purpose, including for
the amendment or modification of the Operating Agreement or other governing
documents or the liquidation of the assets of Residential, give all consents,
waivers, approvals, and ratifications in respect of such Pledged Interest, and
otherwise act with respect thereto as though it were the outright owner thereof
(the Pledgor hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing the Lenders the
proxy and attorney-in-fact of the Pledgor, with full power and authority of
substitution, to do so); (ii) the Agent may, in its sole discretion, demand, sue
for, collect, compromise, or settle any rights or claims in respect of the
Pledged Interest; (iii) the Agent may, in its sole discretion, sell, resell,
assign, deliver, or otherwise dispose of any or all of the Pledged Interest, for
cash or credit or both and upon such terms, in such manner, at such place or
places, at such time or times, and to such persons or entities as the Agent
think expedient, all without demand for performance by the Pledgor or any notice
or advertisement whatsoever except as expressly provided herein or as may
otherwise be required by applicable law; and (iv) the Agent may, in its sole
discretion, cause all or any part of the Pledged Interest held by it to be
transferred into its name or the name of its nominee or nominees.

      The proceeds of any collection, sale or other disposition of the Pledged
Interest or any part thereof shall, after the Agent has made all deductions of
expenses, including but not limited to attorneys' fees and other expenses
incurred in connection with repossession, collection, sale, or disposition of
the Pledged Interest or in connection with the enforcement of Agent's rights
with respect to the Pledged Interest in any insolvency, bankruptcy or
reorganization proceedings, be applied against any of the Secured Liabilities,
whether or not all the same shall be then due and payable, in such manner as the
Agent and the Lenders shall in their sole discretion determine.

      No single or partial exercise by the Agent of any right, power or remedy
hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise
of any other right, power or remedy. Each right, power and remedy herein
specifically granted to the Agent or otherwise available to them shall be
cumulative, and shall be in addition to every other right, power, and remedy
herein specifically given or now or hereafter existing at law, in equity, or
otherwise. Each such right, power and remedy, whether specifically granted
herein or otherwise existing, may be exercised at any time and from time to time
and as often and in such order as may be deemed expedient by the Agent in its
sole discretion. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to
require the Agent to take any action with respect to the Pledged Interest,
whether by way of foreclosure or otherwise and except as required by any
Operating Agreement, in order to permit the Agent to become a substitute member
of Residential under the Operating Agreement.

      6. If any notification of intended sale of any of the Pledged Interest is
required by law, such notification shall be deemed reasonable if mailed at least
ten (10) days before such sale, postage prepaid, (i) addressed to the Pledgor at
its notice address herein, and (ii) to any other secured party from whom the
Agent or the Lenders have received (prior to notification of the Pledgor or the
Pledgor's renunciation of his rights after default) written notice of a claim of
an interest in the Pledged Interest.


                                       4
<PAGE>

      7. Any delay or omission by the Agent or the Lenders to exercise any
rights or powers arising from any default or any partial exercise thereof shall
not impair any such rights or powers, nor shall the same be construed to be a
waiver thereof or any acquiescence therein, nor shall any action or non-action
by the Agent or the Lenders in the event of any default alter or impair the
rights of the Agent or the Lenders in respect of any subsequent default, or
impair or affect any rights or powers resulting therefrom. This Pledge Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect until such time as all amounts due under
the Notes shall have been fully and irrevocably paid in full.

      8. All notices, statements, requests, and demands given to or made upon
the any party hereto shall be given or made to such party at the address of such
party as set forth below its signature block herein.

      9. The provisions of this Pledge Agreement shall be binding upon the
Pledgor, the Agent and the Lenders, and their respective heirs, personal
representatives, successors and assigns.

      10. The Agent is hereby appointed by the Indemnities as their collateral
agent and each of the Lenders irrevocably authorize the Agent to act as the
collateral agent of such Lender. The Agent shall not have a fiduciary
relationship in respect of any Lender by reason of this Pledge Agreement, and
the nature of Agent's duties shall be mechanical and administrative in nature
only.

      The Agent shall have and may exercise such powers hereunder as are
specifically delegated to or required by at least two-thirds of the Lenders (the
"Required Lenders") by the terms hereof or under any related document, together
with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The Agent shall have no
implied duties to the Lenders or any obligation to the Lenders to take any
action hereunder except any action hereunder specifically provided hereunder or
under any related document to be taken by the Lenders. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if the Agent shall receive a specific written instruction which shall
be inconsistent in any way with the foregoing, or which contradicts or
purportedly supersedes a previous instruction, the Agent agrees to honor and be
bound by such written instruction.

      Neither the Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees
shall be liable to the Lenders for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it
or them hereunder except for its or their own gross negligence or willful
misconduct.

      The Lenders agree to keep the Agent informed on a prompt and timely basis
of any information required by the Agent to perform its duties hereunder and
under any related documents.

      If the Agent shall request instructions from the Lenders with respect to
any act or action (including failure to act) in connection with this Pledge
Agreement or any related documents, the Agent shall be entitled to refrain from
such act or taking such action unless and until the Agent


                                       5
<PAGE>

shall have received instructions from the Required Lenders, and the Agent shall
not incur liability to any person by reason of so refraining.

      The Agent may consult with legal counsel, independent public accountants
and any other experts selected by it. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, neither the Agent nor its directors, officers, agents or employees
shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them in
good faith reliance upon the advice of such persons.

      The Lenders severally (on the basis of the pro rata principal amounts of
each of the Notes) agree to reimburse and indemnify the Agent for and against
any expenses incurred by the Agent on behalf of the Lenders in connection with
the administration and enforcement of this Pledge Agreement and any related
documents and any liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind and nature
whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Agent in
performing its duties hereunder or under any related documents or in any way
relating to or arising out of this Pledge Agreement or any related documents;
provided, however that the Lenders shall not be liable for any of the foregoing
to the extent they arise from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the
Agent.

      This Agent may be removed by the Lenders at any time upon delivery of
written notice to the Agent and the Pledgor.


                  [Remainder of page left blank intentionally.]


                                       6
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound,
have caused their authorized representatives to execute this Pledge Agreement
under seal as of the 8th day of March, 2000.

                                 ECHELON RESIDENTIAL
                                 HOLDINGS LLC

                                 By: /s/ James A. Coyne
                                     ------------------
                                     James A. Coyne, Member

                                 Address:  450 Carillon Parkway,
                                           Suite 200
                                           St. Petersburg, FL  33716


                                 AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A
                                 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                 By:  AFG Leasing IV Incorporation, their
                                      general partner

                                      By:  /s/ Gail D. Ofgant
                                           ------------------
                                           Gail Ofgant, Senior Vice President

                                 Address:  88 Broad Street
                                           Boston, MA  02110


      The undersigned hereby acknowledges the foregoing Pledge Agreement and
consents to the terms contained therein.

                                 ECHELON RESIDENTIAL LLC
                                 By: Equis/Echelon Management Corp.,
                                     its Manager

                                     By:  /s/ Michael J. Butterfield
                                          --------------------------
                                          Michael J. Butterfield, Vice Pres.

                                 Address:  450 Carillon Parkway, Suite 200
                                           St. Petersburg, FL  33716


                                       7

<PAGE>

                                                                      Exhibit 13

                             AMERICAN INCOME FUND I


                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,

                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership


                Annual Report to the Partners, December 31, 1999
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership

                     INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT TO THE PARTNERS

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA                                                        2

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS                                          3-6

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

Report of Independent Auditors                                                 7

Statement of Financial Position
at December 31, 1999 and 1998                                                  8

Statement of Operations
for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997                           9

Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital
for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997                          10

Statement of Cash Flows
for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997                          11

Notes to the Financial Statements                                          12-21

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Schedule of Excess (Deficiency) of Total Cash
Generated to Cost of Equipment Disposed                                       22

Statement of Cash and Distributable Cash
From Operations, Sales and Refinancing                                        23

Schedule of Costs Reimbursed to the General
Partner and its Affiliates as Required by
Section 9.4 of the Amended and Restated
Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership                              24
<PAGE>

                             SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

   The following data should be read in conjunction with Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the financial
statements.

   For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1999:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    Summary of
    Operations              1999          1998           1997          1996          1995
- ---------------------   -----------   -----------    -----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                     <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
Lease revenue           $   303,817   $   352,921    $   658,262   $   779,404   $ 1,645,094

Net income (loss)       $   103,359   $  (235,711)   $   238,231   $   609,579   $   (16,951)

Per Unit:
   Net income (loss)    $      0.34   $     (0.78)   $      0.79   $      2.02   $     (0.06)

   Cash distributions   $      0.75   $      0.75    $      0.94   $      1.38   $      2.25

Financial Position
- ---------------------

Total assets            $ 2,325,286   $ 2,480,535    $ 2,782,171   $ 3,576,563   $ 3,746,642

Total long-term
obligations             $        --   $        --    $    22,990   $   726,096   $ 1,022,276

Partners' capital       $ 2,072,006   $ 2,194,998    $ 2,657,060   $ 2,701,770   $ 2,507,170
</TABLE>


                                       2
<PAGE>

                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                  FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

                Year ended December 31, 1999 compared to the year
          ended December 31, 1998 and the year ended December 31, 1998
                  compared to the year ended December 31, 1997

   Certain statements in this annual report of American Income Fund I-B, a
Massachusetts Limited Partnership (the "Partnership") that are not historical
fact constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to a variety of risks
and uncertainties. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results
to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made
herein. These factors include, but are not limited to, the outcome of the Class
Action Lawsuit described in Note 6 to the accompanying financial statements and
the remarketing of the Partnership's equipment.

Overview

   The Partnership was organized in 1990 as a direct-participation equipment
leasing program to acquire a diversified portfolio of capital equipment subject
to lease agreements with third parties. Presently, the Partnership is a Nominal
Defendant in a Class Action Lawsuit, the outcome of which could significantly
alter the nature of the Partnership's organization and its future business
operations. See Note 6 to the accompanying financial statements. Pursuant to the
Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership (the
"Restated Agreement, as amended"), the Partnership is scheduled to be dissolved
by December 31, 2001.

Year 2000 Issue

   The Partnership uses information systems provided by Equis Financial Group
Limited Partnership ("EFG") and has no information systems of its own. EFG
completed all Year 2000 readiness work prior to December 31, 1999 and did not
experience any significant problems. Additionally, EFG is not aware of any
outside customer or vendor that experienced a Year 2000 issue that would have a
material effect on the Partnership's results of operations, liquidity, or
financial position. However, EFG has no means of ensuring that all customers,
vendors and third-party servicers have conformed to Year 2000 standards. The
effect of this risk to the Partnership is not determinable.

Results of Operations

   For the year ended December 31, 1999, the Partnership recognized lease
revenue of $303,817, compared to $352,921 and $658,262 for the years ended
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The decrease in lease revenue from
1997 to 1999 resulted principally from the sale of the Partnership's interest in
two aircraft which provided a total of $44,050 and $278,208 of lease revenue for
the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Other reductions in
lease revenue from 1997 to 1999 resulted from lease term expirations and the
sale of other equipment. In the future, lease revenue will continue to decline
due to lease term expirations and equipment sales. The Partnership also earns
interest income from temporary investments of rental receipts and equipment
sales proceeds in short-term instruments.

   The Partnership's equipment portfolio includes certain assets in which the
Partnership holds a proportionate ownership interest. In such cases, the
remaining interests are owned by an affiliated equipment leasing program
sponsored by EFG. Proportionate equipment ownership enabled the Partnership to
further diversify its equipment portfolio at inception by participating in the
ownership of selected assets, thereby reducing the general levels of risk which
could have resulted from a concentration in any single equipment type, industry
or lessee. The Partnership and each affiliate individually report, in proportion
to their respective ownership interests, their respective shares of assets,
liabilities, revenues, and expenses associated with the equipment.

   In 1999, the Partnership sold equipment having a net book value of $35,179 to
existing lessees and third parties. These sales resulted in a net gain, for
financial statement purposes, of $38,412 compared to a net gain in 1998 of
$6,520 on equipment having a net book value of $671,684 and a net gain in 1997
of $115,379 on equipment having a net book value of $8,564.


                                       3
<PAGE>

   It cannot be determined whether future sales of equipment will result in a
net gain or a net loss to the Partnership, as such transactions will be
dependent upon the condition and type of equipment being sold and its
marketability at the time of sale. In addition, the amount of gain or loss
reported for financial statement purposes is partly a function of the amount of
accumulated depreciation associated with the equipment being sold.

   The ultimate realization of residual value for any type of equipment is
dependent upon many factors, including EFG's ability to sell and re-lease
equipment. Changing market conditions, industry trends, technological advances,
and many other events can converge to enhance or detract from asset values at
any given time. EFG attempts to monitor these changes in order to identify
opportunities which may be advantageous to the Partnership and which will
maximize total cash returns for each asset.

   The total economic value realized for each asset is comprised of all primary
lease term revenues generated from that asset, together with its residual value.
The latter consists of cash proceeds realized upon the asset's sale in addition
to all other cash receipts obtained from renting the asset on a re-lease,
renewal or month-to-month basis. The Partnership classifies such residual rental
payments as lease revenue. Consequently, the amount of gain or loss reported in
the financial statements is not necessarily indicative of the total residual
value the Partnership achieved from leasing the equipment.

   Depreciation expense was $99,072, $213,530 and $431,940 for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. For financial reporting
purposes, to the extent that an asset is held on primary lease term, the
Partnership depreciates the difference between (i) the cost of the asset and
(ii) the estimated residual value of the asset on a straight-line basis over
such term. For purposes of this policy, estimated residual values represent
estimates of equipment values at the date of primary lease expiration. To the
extent that an asset is held beyond its primary lease term, the Partnership
continues to depreciate the remaining net book value of the asset on a
straight-line basis over the asset's remaining economic life.

   Interest expense $39,438 or 6% of lease revenue in 1997. The Partnership's
notes payable were fully amortized at January 1, 1998.

   Management fees were approximately 3.5%, 3.8%, and 4.4% of lease revenue
during the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Management fees are based on 5% of gross lease revenue generated by operating
leases and 2% of gross lease revenue generated by full payout leases.

   Operating expenses were $232,350, $450,680, and $114,704 for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Operating expenses in 1999
include approximately $50,000 accrued for certain legal and Consolidation
expenses related to the Class Action Lawsuit described in Note 6 to the
financial statements. During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Partnership
incurred or accrued approximately $262,000 for such expenses related to the
Class Action Lawsuit. In addition, the Partnership incurred certain remarketing
expenses in 1998 related to the sale of its interest in an aircraft. Other
operating expenses consist principally of professional service costs, such as
audit and other legal fees, as well as printing, distribution and remarketing
expenses. In certain cases, equipment storage or repairs and maintenance costs
may be incurred in connection with equipment being remarketed.

Liquidity and Capital Resources and Discussion of Cash Flows

   In connection with a preliminary settlement agreement for the Class Action
Lawsuit described in Note 6 to the accompanying financial statements, the
Partnership is permitted to invest in new equipment or other business
activities, subject to certain limitations. On March 8, 2000, the Partnership
invested $1,310,000 in a debt instrument that matures in September 2002. (See
Notes 6 and 7 to the accompanying financial statements for additional
information concerning this transaction.)

   The Partnership by its nature is a limited life entity. As an equipment
leasing program, the Partnership's principal operating activities derive from
asset rental transactions. Accordingly, the Partnership's principal source of
cash from operations is provided by the collection of periodic rents. These cash
inflows are used to pay management fees and operating costs. In addition, prior
to 1999, such cash inflows were used to satisfy debt service obligations
associated with leveraged leases. Operating activities generated net cash
inflows of $180,054,


                                       4
<PAGE>

$187,610 and $460,812 in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Future renewal,
re-lease and equipment sale activities will cause a decline in the Partnership's
lease revenues and corresponding sources of operating cash. The amount of future
interest income is expected to fluctuate as a result of changing interest rates
and the level of cash available for investment, among other factors. Overall,
expenses associated with rental activities, such as management fees, and net
cash flow from operating activities also will decline as the Partnership
experiences a higher frequency of remarketing events.

   Cash expended for equipment acquisitions and cash realized from equipment
disposal transactions are reported under investing activities on the
accompanying Statement of Cash Flows. During 1997, the Partnership expended
$75,957 to upgrade certain research and test equipment. There were no equipment
acquisitions during 1999 or 1998. For the year ended December 31, 1999, the
Partnership realized $73,591 in equipment sale proceeds compared to $678,204 and
$123,943 in 1998 and 1997, respectively. Future inflows of cash from asset
disposals will vary in timing and amount and will be influenced by many factors
including, but not limited to, the frequency and timing of lease expirations,
the type of equipment being sold, its condition and age, and future market
conditions.

   At December 31, 1999, the Partnership was due aggregate future minimum lease
payments of $210,235 from contractual lease agreements (see Note 2 to the
financial statements). At the expiration of the individual primary and renewal
lease terms underlying the Partnership's future minimum lease payments, the
Partnership will sell the equipment or enter re-lease or renewal agreements when
considered advantageous by the General Partner and EFG. Such future remarketing
activities will result in the realization of additional cash inflows in the form
of equipment sale proceeds or rents from renewals and re-leases, the timing and
extent of which cannot be predicted with certainty. This is because the timing
and extent of remarketing events often is dependent upon the needs and interests
of the existing lessees. Some lessees may choose to renew their lease contracts,
while others may elect to return the equipment. In the latter instances, the
equipment could be re-leased to another lessee or sold to a third party.

   The Partnership obtained long-term financing in connection with certain
equipment leases. The repayments of principal related to such indebtedness are
reported as a component of financing activities. The Partnership's indebtedness
was fully amortized on January 1, 1998.

   There are no formal restrictions under the Restated Agreement, as amended,
that materially limit the Partnership's ability to pay cash distributions,
except that the General Partner may suspend or limit cash distributions to
ensure that the Partnership maintains sufficient working capital reserves to
cover, among other things, operating costs and potential expenditures, such as
refurbishment costs to remarket equipment upon lease expiration. Liquidity is
especially important as the Partnership matures and sells equipment, because the
remaining equipment base consists of fewer revenue-producing assets that are
available to cover prospective cash disbursements. Insufficient liquidity could
inhibit the Partnership's ability to sustain its operations or maximize the
realization of proceeds from remarketing its remaining assets.

   Cash distributions to the General and Limited Partners have been declared and
generally paid within fifteen days following the end of each calendar quarter.
The payment of such distributions is reported under financing activities on the
accompanying Statement of Cash Flows. For the year ended December 31, 1999, the
Partnership declared total cash distributions of Distributable Cash From
Operations and Distributable Cash From Sales and Refinancings of $226,351. In
accordance with the Restated Agreement, as amended, the Limited Partners were
allocated 95% of these distributions, or $215,033 and the General Partner was
allocated 5%, or $11,318. The fourth quarter 1999 cash distribution was paid on
January 14, 2000.

   Cash distributions paid to the Limited Partners consist of both a return of
and a return on capital. Cash distributions do not represent and are not
indicative of yield on investment. Actual yield on investment cannot be
determined with any certainty until conclusion of the Partnership and will be
dependent upon the collection of all future contracted rents, the generation of
renewal and/or re-lease rents, and the residual value realized for each asset at
its disposal date.

   The Partnership's capital account balances for federal income tax and for
financial reporting purposes are different primarily due to differing treatments
of income and expense items for income tax purposes in comparison to financial
reporting purposes (generally referred to as permanent or timing differences;
see Note 5 to the


                                       5
<PAGE>

financial statements presented in the Partnership's 1999 Annual Report). For
instance, selling commissions and organization and offering costs pertaining to
syndication of the Partnership's limited partnership units are not deductible
for federal income tax purposes, but are recorded as a reduction of partners'
capital for financial reporting purposes. Therefore, such differences are
permanent differences between capital accounts for financial reporting and
federal income tax purposes. Other differences between the bases of capital
accounts for federal income tax and financial reporting purposes occur due to
timing differences. Such items consist of the cumulative difference between
income or loss for tax purposes and financial statement income or loss and the
difference between distributions (declared vs. paid) for income tax and
financial reporting purposes. The principal component of the cumulative
difference between financial statement income or loss and tax income or loss
results from different depreciation policies for book and tax purposes.

   For financial reporting purposes, the General Partner has accumulated a
capital deficit at December 31, 1999. This is the result of aggregate cash
distributions to the General Partner being in excess of its capital contribution
of $1,000 and its allocation of financial statement net income or loss.
Ultimately, the existence of a capital deficit for the General Partner for
financial reporting purposes is not indicative of any further capital
obligations to the Partnership by the General Partner. The Restated Agreement,
as amended, requires that upon the dissolution of the Partnership, the General
Partner will be required to contribute to the Partnership an amount equal to any
negative balance which may exist in the General Partner's tax capital account.
At December 31, 1999, the General Partner had a positive tax capital account
balance.

   The outcome of the Class Action Lawsuit described in Note 6 to the
accompanying financial statements will be the principal factor in determining
the future of the Partnership's operations. The proposed settlement to that
lawsuit, if effected, will materially change the future organizational structure
and business interests of the Partnership, as well as its cash distribution
policies. In addition, commencing with the first quarter of 2000, the General
Partner believes that it will be in the Partnership's best interests to suspend
the payment of quarterly cash distributions pending final resolution of the
Class Action Lawsuit. Accordingly, future cash distributions are not expected to
be paid until the Class Action Lawsuit is adjudicated.


                                       6
<PAGE>

                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


To the Partners of American Income Fund I-B,
a Massachusetts Limited Partnership:

   We have audited the accompanying statements of financial position of American
Income Fund I-B, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, as of December 31, 1999
and 1998, and the related statements of operations, changes in partners'
capital, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1999. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.

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

   In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of American Income Fund I-B, a
Massachusetts Limited Partnership at December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the results
of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States.

   Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The Additional Financial Information
identified in the Index to Annual Report to the Partners is presented for
purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic
financial statements. Such information has been subjected to the auditing
procedures applied in our audits of the basic financial statements and, in our
opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole.


                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
March 10, 2000


                                       7
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership

                         STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
                           December 31, 1999 and 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1999           1998
                                                         -----------    -----------
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>
ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents                                $ 2,086,622    $ 2,059,328

Rents receivable                                               2,500         32,020

Accounts receivable - affiliate                               22,736         41,508

Equipment at cost, net of accumulated
   depreciation of $995,293 and $1,512,283
   at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively               213,428        347,679
                                                         -----------    -----------

     Total assets                                        $ 2,325,286    $ 2,480,535
                                                         ===========    ===========

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL

Accrued liabilities                                      $   189,816    $   222,500
Accrued liabilities - affiliate                                6,876          6,449
Cash distributions payable to partners                        56,588         56,588
                                                         -----------    -----------

     Total liabilities                                       253,280        285,537
                                                         -----------    -----------
Partners' capital (deficit):
   General Partner                                          (213,771)      (207,621)
   Limited Partnership Interests
   (286,711 Units; initial purchase price of $25 each)     2,285,777      2,402,619
                                                         -----------    -----------

     Total partners' capital                               2,072,006      2,194,998
                                                         -----------    -----------

     Total liabilities and partners' capital             $ 2,325,286    $ 2,480,535
                                                         ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

                 The accompanying notes are an integral part of
                          these financial statements.


                                       8
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership

                             STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
              for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997

                                               1999         1998          1997
                                            ---------    ---------     ---------

Income:

   Lease revenue                            $ 303,817    $ 352,921     $ 658,262

   Interest income                            103,142       82,442        79,405

   Gain on sale of equipment                   38,412        6,520       115,379
                                            ---------    ---------     ---------
      Total income                            445,371      441,883       853,046
                                            ---------    ---------     ---------

Expenses:

   Depreciation                                99,072      213,530       431,940

   Interest expense                                --           --        39,438

   Equipment management fees                   10,590       13,384        28,733

   Operating expenses - affiliate             232,350      450,680       114,704
                                            ---------    ---------     ---------

      Total expenses                          342,012      677,594       614,815
                                            ---------    ---------     ---------

Net income (loss)                           $ 103,359    $(235,711)    $ 238,231
                                            =========    =========     =========

Net income (loss)
   per limited partnership unit             $    0.34    $   (0.78)    $    0.79
                                            =========    =========     =========

Cash distributions declared
   per limited partnership unit             $    0.75    $    0.75     $    0.94
                                            =========    =========     =========

                 The accompanying notes are an integral part of
                          these financial statements.


                                       9
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership

                    STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL
              for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    General           Limited Partners
                                    Partner      -------------------------
                                     Amount         Units         Amount         Total
                                  -----------    -----------   -----------    -----------
<S>                               <C>                <C>       <C>            <C>
Balance at December 31, 1996      $  (182,282)       286,711   $ 2,884,052    $ 2,701,770

    Net income - 1997                  11,912             --       226,319        238,231

    Cash distributions declared       (14,147)            --      (268,794)      (282,941)
                                  -----------    -----------   -----------    -----------

Balance at December 31, 1997         (184,517)       286,711     2,841,577      2,657,060

    Net loss - 1998                   (11,786)            --      (223,925)      (235,711)

    Cash distributions declared       (11,318)            --      (215,033)      (226,351)
                                  -----------    -----------   -----------    -----------

Balance at December 31, 1998         (207,621)       286,711     2,402,619      2,194,998

    Net income - 1999                   5,168             --        98,191        103,359

    Cash distributions declared       (11,318)            --      (215,033)      (226,351)
                                  -----------    -----------   -----------    -----------

Balance at December 31, 1999      $  (213,771)       286,711   $ 2,285,777    $ 2,072,006
                                  ===========    ===========   ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

                 The accompanying notes are an integral part of
                          these financial statements.


                                       10
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership

                             STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
              for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1999           1998           1997
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>            <C>
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities:
Net income (loss)                                      $   103,359    $  (235,711)   $   238,231

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
   to net cash from operating activities:
      Depreciation                                          99,072        213,530        431,940
      Gain on sale of equipment                            (38,412)        (6,520)      (115,379)

Changes in assets and liabilities:
   Decrease (increase) in:
      Rents receivable                                      29,520         (1,669)       (28,842)
      Accounts receivable - affiliate                       18,772         34,564        (37,425)
   Increase (decrease) in:
      Accrued interest                                          --           (195)        (3,688)
      Accrued liabilities                                  (32,684)       213,300        (13,550)
      Accrued liabilities - affiliate                          427         (8,823)        (5,176)
      Deferred rental income                                    --        (20,866)        (5,299)
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------
        Net cash from operating activities                 180,054        187,610        460,812
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities
   Purchase of equipment                                        --             --        (75,957)
   Proceeds from equipment sales                            73,591        678,204        123,943
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------

        Net cash from investing activities                  73,591        678,204         47,986
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------
Cash flows used in financing activities:
   Principal payments - notes payable                           --        (22,990)      (703,106)
   Distributions paid                                     (226,351)      (226,351)      (301,804)
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------
        Net cash used in financing activities             (226,351)      (249,341)    (1,004,910)
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents        27,294        616,473       (496,112)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year           2,059,328      1,442,855      1,938,967
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year               $ 2,086,622    $ 2,059,328    $ 1,442,855
                                                       ===========    ===========    ===========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
   Cash paid during the year for interest              $        --    $       195    $    43,126
                                                       ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

                 The accompanying notes are an integral part of
                          these financial statements.


                                       11
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership
                        Notes to the Financial Statements

                                December 31, 1999

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND PARTNERSHIP MATTERS

   American Income Fund I-B, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership (the
"Partnership") was organized as a limited partnership under the Massachusetts
Uniform Limited Partnership Act (the "Uniform Act") on December 31, 1990, for
the purpose of acquiring and leasing to third parties a diversified portfolio of
capital equipment. Partners' capital initially consisted of contributions of
$1,000 from the General Partner (AFG Leasing VI Incorporated) and $100 from the
Initial Limited Partner (AFG Assignor Corporation). On March 1, 1991, the
Partnership issued 286,711 units of limited partnership interest (the "Units")
to 453 investors. The Partnership's General Partner, AFG Leasing VI
Incorporated, is a Massachusetts corporation formed in 1990 and an affiliate of
Equis Financial Group Limited Partnership (formerly known as American Finance
Group), a Massachusetts limited partnership ("EFG"). The General Partner is not
required to make any other capital contributions except as may be required under
the Uniform Act and Section 6.1(b) of the Amended and Restated Agreement and
Certificate of Limited Partnership ("Restated Agreement, as amended").

   Significant operations commenced March 1, 1991 when the Partnership made its
initial equipment purchase. Pursuant to the Restated Agreement, as amended,
Distributable Cash From Operations and Distributable Cash From Sales or
Refinancings will be allocated 95% to the Limited Partners and 5% to the General
Partner.

   Under the terms of a Management Agreement between the Partnership and EFG,
management services are provided by EFG to the Partnership at fees which the
General Partner believes to be competitive for similar services (see Note 4).

   EFG is a Massachusetts limited partnership formerly known as American Finance
Group ("AFG"). AFG was established in 1988 as a Massachusetts general
partnership and succeeded American Finance Group, Inc., a Massachusetts
corporation organized in 1980. EFG and its subsidiaries (collectively, the
"Company") are engaged in various aspects of the equipment leasing business,
including EFG's role as Manager or Advisor to the Partnership and several other
direct-participation equipment leasing programs sponsored or co-sponsored by EFG
(the "Other Investment Programs"). The Company arranges to broker or originate
equipment leases, acts as remarketing agent and asset manager, and provides
leasing support services, such as billing, collecting, and asset tracking.

   The general partner of EFG, with a 1% controlling interest, is Equis
Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation owned and controlled entirely by Gary
D. Engle, its President, Chief Executive Officer and sole Director. Equis
Corporation also owns a controlling 1% general partner interest in EFG's 99%
limited partner, GDE Acquisition Limited Partnership ("GDE LP"). Equis
Corporation and GDE LP were established in December 1994 by Mr. Engle for the
sole purpose of acquiring the business of AFG.

   In January 1996, the Company sold certain assets of AFG relating primarily to
the business of originating new leases, and the name "American Finance Group",
and its acronym, to a third-party. AFG changed its name to Equis Financial Group
Limited Partnership after the sale was concluded. Pursuant to terms of the sale
agreements, EFG specifically reserved the rights to continue using the name
American Finance Group and its acronym in connection with the Partnership and
the Other Investment Programs and to continue managing all assets owned by the
Partnership and the Other Investment Programs.


                                       12
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership
                        Notes to the Financial Statements

                                   (Continued)

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Statement of Cash Flows

   The Partnership considers liquid investment instruments purchased with a
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. From time to time, the
Partnership invests excess cash with large institutional banks in federal agency
discount notes and repurchase agreements with overnight maturities. Under the
terms of the agreements, title to the underlying securities passes to the
Partnership. The securities underlying the agreements are book entry securities.
At December 31, 1999, the Partnership had $1,971,769 invested in federal agency
discount notes, repurchase agreements secured by U.S. Treasury Bills or
interests in U.S. Government securities, or other highly liquid overnight
investments.

Revenue Recognition

   Rents are payable to the Partnership monthly or quarterly and no significant
amounts are calculated on factors other than the passage of time. The leases are
accounted for as operating leases and are noncancellable. Rents received prior
to their due dates are deferred. In certain instances, the Partnership may enter
renewal or re-lease agreements which expire beyond the Partnership's anticipated
dissolution date. This circumstance is not expected to prevent the orderly
wind-up of the Partnership's business activities as the General Partner and EFG
would seek to sell the then-remaining equipment assets either to the lessee or
to a third party, taking into consideration the amount of future noncancellable
rental payments associated with the attendant lease agreements. See also Note 6
regarding the Class Action Lawsuit. Future minimum rents of $210,235 are due as
follows:

   For the year ending December 31, 2000           $ 114,506
                                    2001              74,445
                                    2002              21,284
                                                   ---------

                                   Total           $ 210,235
                                                   =========

   Revenue from major individual lessees which accounted for 10% or more of
lease revenue during the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 is as
follows:

                                    1999              1998              1997
                                ------------      ------------      ------------

Awin Leasing Company, Inc.      $     91,622      $     91,622      $     91,622
General Motors Corporation      $     90,417      $     94,977      $    110,455
Enseco Incorporated             $     37,062      $     38,616      $         --
Quanterra, Inc.                 $     31,506      $         --      $         --
Horizon Air Industries, Inc.    $         --      $     44,050      $    278,208

Use of Estimates

   The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions
that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying
notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


                                       13
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership
                        Notes to the Financial Statements

                                   (Continued)

Equipment on Lease

   All equipment was acquired from EFG, one of its Affiliates or from
third-party sellers. Equipment Cost means the actual cost paid by the
Partnership to acquire the equipment, including acquisition fees. Where
equipment was acquired from EFG or an Affiliate, Equipment Cost reflects the
actual price paid for the equipment by EFG or the Affiliate plus all actual
costs incurred by EFG or the Affiliate while carrying the equipment, including
all liens and encumbrances, less the amount of all primary term rents earned by
EFG or the Affiliate prior to selling the equipment. Where the seller of the
equipment was a third party, Equipment Cost reflects the seller's invoice price.

Depreciation

   The Partnership's depreciation policy is intended to allocate the cost of
equipment over the period during which it produces economic benefit. The
principal period of economic benefit is considered to correspond to each asset's
primary lease term, which term generally represents the period of greatest
revenue potential for each asset. Accordingly, to the extent that an asset is
held on primary lease term, the Partnership depreciates the difference between
(i) the cost of the asset and (ii) the estimated residual value of the asset on
a straight-line basis over such term. For purposes of this policy, estimated
residual values represent estimates of equipment values at the date of primary
lease expiration. To the extent that an asset is held beyond its primary lease
term, the Partnership continues to depreciate the remaining net book value of
the asset on a straight-line basis over the asset's remaining economic life.
Periodically, the General Partner evaluates the net carrying value of equipment
to determine whether it exceeds estimated net realizable value. Adjustments to
reduce the net carrying value of equipment are recorded in those instances where
estimated net realizable value is considered to be less than net carrying value.

   The ultimate realization of residual value for any type of equipment is
dependent upon many factors, including EFG's ability to sell and re-lease
equipment. Changing market conditions, industry trends, technological advances,
and many other events can converge to enhance or detract from asset values at
any given time.

Accrued Liabilities - Affiliate

   Unpaid operating expenses and fees paid by EFG on behalf of the Partnership
and accrued but unpaid administrative charges and management fees are reported
as Accrued Liabilities - Affiliate (see Note 4).

Contingencies

   It is the Partnership's policy to recognize a liability for goods and
services during the period when the goods or services are received. To the
extent that the Partnership has a contingent liability, meaning generally a
liability the payment of which is subject to the outcome of a future event, the
Partnership recognizes a liability in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 5 "Accounting for Contingencies" ("SFAS No. 5"). SFAS
No. 5 requires the recognition of contingent liabilities when the amount of
liability can be reasonably estimated and the liability is likely to be
incurred.

   The Partnership is a Nominal Defendant in a Class Action Lawsuit. In 1998, a
settlement proposal to resolve that litigation was negotiated and remains
pending (See Note 7). The Partnership's estimated exposure for costs anticipated
to be incurred in pursuing the settlement proposal is approximately $312,000
consisting principally of legal fees and other professional service costs. These
costs are expected to be incurred regardless of whether the proposed settlement
ultimately is effected and, therefore, the Partnership accrued approximately
$262,000 of these costs in 1998 following the Court's approval of the settlement
plan. The cost estimate is subject to change and is monitored by the General
Partner based upon the progress of the settlement proposal and other pertinent
information. As a result, the Partnership accrued and expensed an additional
$50,000 for such costs during 1999.


                                       14
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership
                        Notes to the Financial Statements

                                   (Continued)

Allocation of Profits and Losses

   For financial statement purposes, net income or loss is allocated to each
Partner according to their respective ownership percentages (95% to the Limited
Partners and 5% to the General Partner). See Note 5 for allocation of income or
loss for income tax purposes.

Net Income (Loss) and Cash Distributions Per Unit

   Net income (loss) and cash distributions per Unit are based on 286,711 Units
outstanding during each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999
and computed after allocation of the General Partner's 5% share of net income
(loss) and cash distributions.

Provision for Income Taxes

   No provision or benefit from income taxes is included in the accompanying
financial statements. The Partners are responsible for reporting their
proportionate shares of the Partnership's taxable income or loss and other tax
attributes on their tax returns.

NOTE 3 - EQUIPMENT

   The following is a summary of equipment owned by the Partnership at December
31, 1999. Remaining Lease Term (Months), as used below, represents the number of
months remaining from December 31, 1999 under contracted lease terms and is
presented as a range when more than one lease agreement is contained in the
stated equipment category. A Remaining Lease Term equal to zero reflects
equipment either held for sale or re-lease or being leased on a month-to-month
basis. In the opinion of EFG, the acquisition cost of the equipment did not
exceed its fair market value.

                             Remaining
                            Lease Term      Equipment
      Equipment Type         (Months)        at Cost            Location
- -------------------------   -----------   ------------    ----------------------
Materials handling                  0-5   $    665,420    GA/MI/NV/OH/TX/UT
Trailers/intermodal
containers                         0-36        543,301    GA/MI/OK
                                          ------------

                   Total equipment cost      1,208,721

               Accumulated depreciation       (995,293)
                                          ------------

          Equipment, net of accumulated
                           depreciation   $    213,428
                                          ============

   In certain cases, the cost of the Partnership's equipment represents a
proportionate ownership interest. The remaining interests are owned by EFG or an
affiliated equipment leasing program sponsored by EFG. The Partnership and each
affiliate individually report, in proportion to their respective ownership
interests their respective shares of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses
associated with the equipment. Proportionate equipment ownership enabled the
Partnership to further diversify its equipment portfolio at inception by
participating in the ownership of selected assets, thereby reducing the general
levels of risk which could have resulted from a concentration in any single
equipment type, industry or lessee. At December 31, 1999, the


                                       15
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership
                        Notes to the Financial Statements

                                   (Continued)

Partnership's equipment portfolio included equipment having a proportionate
original cost of $151,529, representing approximately 13% of total equipment
cost.

   Generally, the costs associated with maintaining, insuring and operating the
Partnership's equipment are incurred by the respective lessees pursuant to terms
specified in their individual lease agreements with the Partnership.

   As equipment is sold to third parties, or otherwise disposed of, the
Partnership recognizes a gain or loss equal to the difference between the net
book value of the equipment at the time of sale or disposition and the proceeds
realized upon sale or disposition. The ultimate realization of estimated
residual value in the equipment is dependent upon, among other things, EFG's
ability to maximize proceeds from selling or re-leasing the equipment upon the
expiration of the primary lease terms. At December 31, 1999, the Partnership was
not holding any equipment not subject to a lease and no equipment was held for
sale or re-lease.

NOTE 4 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

   All operating expenses incurred by the Partnership are paid by EFG on behalf
of the Partnership and EFG is reimbursed at its actual cost for such
expenditures. Fees and other costs incurred during the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997, which were paid or accrued by the Partnership to EFG or its
Affiliates, are as follows:

                                      1999             1998             1997
                                  ------------     ------------     ------------

Equipment management fees         $     10,590     $     13,384     $     28,733
Administrative charges                  85,773           57,048           53,604
Reimbursable operating expenses
   due to third parties                146,577          393,632           61,100
                                  ------------     ------------     ------------
                          Total   $    242,940     $    464,064     $    143,437
                                  ============     ============     ============

   As provided under the terms of the Management Agreement, EFG is compensated
for its services to the Partnership. Such services include acquisition and
management of equipment. For acquisition services, EFG was compensated by an
amount equal to 2.23% of Equipment Base Price paid by the Partnership. For
management services, EFG is compensated by an amount equal to 5% of gross
operating lease rental revenues and 2% of gross full payout lease rental
revenues received by the Partnership. Both acquisition and management fees are
subject to certain limitations defined in the Management Agreement.

   Administrative charges represent amounts owed to EFG, pursuant to Section
9.4(c) of the Restated Agreement, as amended, for persons employed by EFG who
are engaged in providing administrative services to the Partnership.
Reimbursable operating expenses due to third parties represent costs paid by EFG
on behalf of the Partnership which are reimbursed to EFG at actual cost.

   All equipment was purchased from EFG, one of its affiliates, including other
equipment leasing programs sponsored by EFG, or from third-party sellers. The
Partnership's Purchase Price is determined by the method described in Note 2,
Equipment on Lease.

   All rents and proceeds from the sale of equipment are paid directly to EFG.
EFG temporarily deposits collected funds in a separate interest-bearing escrow
account prior to remittance to the Partnership. At December


                                       16
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership
                        Notes to the Financial Statements

                                   (Continued)

31, 1999, the Partnership was owed $22,736 by EFG for such funds and the
interest thereon. These funds were remitted to the Partnership in January 2000.

Certain affiliates of the General Partner own Units in the Partnership as
follows:

          ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Percent of
                                               Number of         Total
                                                 Units        Outstanding
                     Affiliate                   Owned           Units
          ------------------------------------------------------------------

          Atlantic Acquisition Limited
          Partnership                               11,442            3.99%
          ------------------------------------------------------------------

          Old North Capital Limited
          Partnership                                  990            0.35%
          ------------------------------------------------------------------

   Atlantic Acquisition Limited Partnership ("AALP") and Old North Capital
Limited Partnership ("ONC") are both Massachusetts limited partnerships formed
in 1995 and affiliates of EFG. The general partners of AALP and ONC are
controlled by Gary D. Engle. In addition, the limited partnership interests of
ONC are owned by Semele Group, Inc. ("Semele"). Gary D. Engle is Chairman and
CEO of Semele.

NOTE 5 - INCOME TAXES

   The Partnership is not a taxable entity for federal income tax purposes.
Accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been recorded in the accounts of
the Partnership.

   For financial statement purposes, the Partnership allocates net income or
loss to each class of partner according to their respective ownership
percentages (95% to the Limited Partners and 5% to the General Partner). This
convention differs from the income or loss allocation requirements for income
tax and Dissolution Event purposes as delineated in the Restated Agreement, as
amended. For income tax purposes, the Partnership allocates net income or net
loss in accordance with the provisions of such agreement. The Restated
Agreement, as amended, requires that upon dissolution of the Partnership, the
General Partner will be required to contribute to the Partnership an amount
equal to any negative balance which may exist in the General Partner's tax
capital account. At December 31, 1999, the General Partner had a positive tax
capital account balance.

   The following is a reconciliation between net income or loss reported for
financial statement and federal income tax reporting purposes for the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997:

                                                1999        1998         1997
                                             ---------   ---------    ---------

Net income (loss)                            $ 103,359   $(235,711)   $ 238,231
   Financial statement depreciation in
      excess of (less than) tax depreciation    39,569     (11,073)      34,752
   Deferred rental income                           --     (20,866)      (5,299)
   Other                                        39,693     649,684       (9,136)
                                             ---------   ---------    ---------
Net income for federal income tax
   reporting purposes                        $ 182,621   $ 382,034    $ 258,548
                                             =========   =========    =========

   The principal component of "Other" consists of the difference between the tax
and financial statement gain or loss on equipment disposals.


                                       17
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership
                        Notes to the Financial Statements

                                   (Continued)

   The following is a reconciliation between partners' capital reported for
financial statement and federal income tax reporting purposes for the years
ended December 31, 1999 and 1998:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1999           1998
                                                              -----------    -----------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>
Partners' capital                                             $ 2,072,006    $ 2,194,998
   Add back selling commissions and organization
      and offering costs                                          801,375        801,375
   Financial  statement  distributions in excess of
      tax distributions                                                --          2,829
   Cumulative difference between federal income tax
   and financial statement income (loss)                         (129,344)      (208,606)
                                                              -----------    -----------

Partners' capital for federal income tax reporting purposes   $ 2,744,037    $ 2,790,596
                                                              ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

   Financial statement distributions in excess of tax distributions and
cumulative difference between federal income tax and financial statement income
(loss) represent timing differences.

NOTE 6 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   In January 1998, certain plaintiffs (the "Plaintiffs") filed a class and
derivative action, captioned Leonard Rosenblum, et al. v. Equis Financial Group
Limited Partnership, et al., in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of Florida (the "Court") on behalf of a proposed class of
investors in 28 equipment leasing programs sponsored by EFG, including the
Partnership (collectively, the "Nominal Defendants"), against EFG and a number
of its affiliates, including the General Partner, as defendants (collectively,
the "Defendants"). Certain of the Plaintiffs, on or about June 24, 1997, had
filed an earlier derivative action, captioned Leonard Rosenblum, et al. v. Equis
Financial Group Limited Partnership, et al., in the Superior Court of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts on behalf of the Nominal Defendants against the
Defendants. Both actions are referred to herein collectively as the "Class
Action Lawsuit".

   The Plaintiffs have asserted, among other things, claims against the
Defendants on behalf of the Nominal Defendants for violations of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, common law fraud, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary
duty, and violations of the partnership or trust agreements that govern each of
the Nominal Defendants. The Defendants have denied, and continue to deny, that
any of them have committed or threatened to commit any violations of law or
breached any fiduciary duties to the Plaintiffs or the Nominal Defendants.

   On July 16, 1998, counsel for the Defendants and the Plaintiffs executed a
Stipulation of Settlement setting forth terms pursuant to which a settlement of
the Class Action Lawsuit is intended to be achieved and which, among other
things, is expected to reduce the burdens and expenses attendant to continuing
litigation. The Stipulation of Settlement was preliminarily approved by the
Court on August 20, 1998 when the Court issued its "Order Preliminarily
Approving Settlement, Conditionally Certifying Settlement Class and Providing
for Notice of, and Hearing on, the Proposed Settlement" (the "August 20 Order").

   On March 12, 1999, counsel for the Plaintiffs and the Defendants entered into
an amended stipulation of settlement (the "Amended Stipulation") which was filed
with the Court on March 12, 1999. The Amended Stipulation was preliminarily
approved by the Court by its "Modified Order Preliminarily Approving Settlement,
Conditionally Certifying Settlement Class and Providing For Notice of, and
Hearing On, the Proposed Settlement"


                                       18
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership
                        Notes to the Financial Statements

                                   (Continued)

dated March 22, 1999 (the "March 22 Order"). The Amended Stipulation, among
other things, divided the Class Action Lawsuit into two separate sub-classes
that could be settled individually. On May 26, 1999, the Court issued an Order
and Final Judgment approving settlement of one of the sub-classes. Settlement of
the second sub-class, involving the Partnership and 10 affiliated partnerships
(collectively referred to as the "Exchange Partnerships"), remains pending due,
in part, to the complexity of the proposed settlement pertaining to this class.

   In February 2000, counsel for the Plaintiffs and the Defendants entered into
a second amended stipulation of settlement (the "Second Amended Stipulation")
which modified certain of the settlement terms contained in the Amended
Stipulation. The Second Amended Stipulation was preliminarily approved by the
Court by its "Second Modified Order Preliminarily Approving Settlement,
Conditionally Certifying Settlement Class and Providing For Notice of, and
Hearing On, the Proposed Settlement" dated March 6, 2000 (the "March 2000
Order"). Prior to issuing a final order approving the settlement of the second
sub-class involving the Partnership, the Court will hold a fairness hearing that
will be open to all interested parties and permit any party to object to the
settlement. The investors of the Partnership and all other plaintiff sub-class
members will receive a Notice of Settlement and other information pertinent to
the settlement of their claims that will be mailed to them in advance of the
fairness hearing.

   The settlement of the second sub-class is premised on the consolidation of
the Exchange Partnerships' net assets (the "Consolidation"), subject to certain
conditions, into a single successor company ("Newco"). Under the proposed
Consolidation, the partners of the Exchange Partnerships would receive both
common stock in Newco and a cash distribution; and thereupon the Exchange
Partnerships would be dissolved. In addition, EFG would contribute certain
management contracts, operations personnel, and business opportunities to Newco
and cancel its current management contracts with all of the Exchange
Partnerships. Newco would operate principally as a finance company and would use
its best efforts to list its shares on the NASDAQ National Market or another
national exchange or market as soon after the Consolidation as Newco deems that
market conditions and its business operations are suitable for listing its
shares and Newco has satisfied all necessary regulatory and listing
requirements. The potential benefits and risks of the Consolidation will be
presented in a Solicitation Statement that will be mailed to all of the partners
of the Exchange Partnerships as soon as the associated regulatory review process
is completed and at least 60 days prior to the fairness hearing. A preliminary
Solicitation Statement was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
August 24, 1998 and remains pending. Class members will be notified of the
actual fairness hearing date when it is confirmed.

   One of the principal objectives of the Consolidation is to create a company
that would have the potential to generate more value for the benefit of existing
limited partners than other alternatives, including continuing the Partnership's
customary business operations until all of its assets are disposed in the
ordinary course of business. To facilitate the realization of this objective,
the Amended Stipulation provided, among other things, that commencing March 22,
1999, the Exchange Partnerships could collectively invest up to 40% of the total
aggregate net asset values of all of the Exchange Partnerships in any
investment, including additional equipment and other business activities that
the general partners of the Exchange Partnerships and EFG reasonably believed to
be consistent with the anticipated business interests and objectives of Newco,
subject to certain limitations. The Second Amended Stipulation, among other
things, quantified the 40% limitation using a whole dollar amount of $32 million
in the aggregate.

   On March 8, 2000, the Exchange Partnerships collectively invested $32 million
as permitted by the Second Amended Stipulation approved by the Court. The
Partnership's portion of the aggregate investment is $1,310,000. The investment
consists of a term loan to Echelon Residential Holdings LLC, a newly-formed real
estate development company that will be owned by several investors, including
James A. Coyne, Executive Vice President of EFG. Mr. Coyne, in his individual
capacity, is the only investor in Echelon Residential Holdings LLC who is
related to EFG. The loan proceeds were used by Echelon Residential Holdings LLC
in the formation of a subsidiary, Echelon Residential LLC, that in turn acquired
various real estate assets from Echelon International Corporation, a Florida
based real estate company. The loan has a term of 30 months maturing on
September 7,


                                       19
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership
                        Notes to the Financial Statements

                                   (Continued)

2002 and bears interest at the annual rate of 14% for the first 24 months and
18% for the final six months of the term. Interest accrues and compounds
monthly but is not payable until maturity. Echelon Residential Holdings LLC
has pledged a security interest in all of its right, title and interest in
and to its membership interests in Echelon Residential LLC to the Exchange
Partnerships as collateral.

   In the absence of the Court's authorization to enter into new investment
activities, the Partnership's Restated Agreement, as amended, would not permit
such activities without the approval of limited partners owning a majority of
the Partnership's outstanding Units. Consistent with the Amended Stipulation,
the Second Amended Stipulation provides terms for unwinding any new investment
transactions in the event that the Consolidation is not effected or the
Partnership objects to its participation in the Consolidation.

   The Second Amended Stipulation, as well as the Amended Stipulation and the
original Stipulation of Settlement, prescribe certain conditions necessary to
effect a final settlement, including providing the partners of the Exchange
Partnerships with the opportunity to object to the participation of their
partnership in the Consolidation. Assuming the proposed settlement is effected
according to present terms, the Partnership's share of legal fees and expenses
related to the Class Action Lawsuit and the Consolidation is estimated to be
approximately $312,000, of which approximately $262,000 was accrued and expensed
by the Partnership in 1998 and approximately $50,000 was accrued and expensed in
1999.

   While the Court's August 20 Order enjoined certain class members, including
all of the partners of the Partnership, from transferring, selling, assigning,
giving, pledging, hypothecating, or otherwise disposing of any Units pending the
Court's final determination of whether the settlement should be approved, the
March 22 Order permitted the partners to transfer Units to family members or as
a result of the divorce, disability or death of the partner. No other transfers
are permitted pending the Court's final determination of whether the settlement
should be approved. The provision of the August 20 Order which enjoined the
General Partners of the Exchange Partnerships from, among other things,
recording any transfers not in accordance with the Court's order remains
effective.

   There can be no assurance that settlement of the sub-class involving the
Exchange Partnerships will receive final Court approval and be effected. There
also can be no assurance that all or any of the Exchange Partnerships will
participate in the Consolidation because if limited partners owning more than
one-third of the outstanding Units of a partnership object to the Consolidation,
then that partnership will be excluded from the Consolidation. Notwithstanding
the extent of delays experienced thus far in achieving a final settlement of the
Class Action Lawsuit with respect to the Exchange Partnerships, the General
Partner and its affiliates, in consultation with counsel, continue to feel that
there is a reasonable basis to believe that a final settlement of the sub-class
involving the Exchange Partnerships ultimately will be achieved. However, in the
absence of a final settlement approved by the Court, the Defendants intend to
defend vigorously against the claims asserted in the Class Action Lawsuit.
Neither the General Partner nor its affiliates can predict with any degree of
certainty the cost of continuing litigation to the Partnership or the ultimate
outcome.

   In addition to the foregoing, the Partnership is a party to other lawsuits
that have arisen out of the conduct of its business, principally involving
disputes or disagreements with lessees over lease terms and conditions as
described below:

Action involving National Steel Corporation

   EFG, on behalf of the Partnership and certain affiliated investment programs
(collectively, the "Plaintiffs"), filed an action in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Superior Court, Department of the Trial Court in and for the


                                       20
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership
                        Notes to the Financial Statements

                                   (Continued)

County of Suffolk on July 27, 1995, for damages and declaratory relief against a
lessee of the Partnership, National Steel Corporation ("National Steel"). The
Complaint sought reimbursement from National Steel of certain sales and/or use
taxes paid to the State of Illinois in connection with equipment leased by
National Steel from the Plaintiffs and other remedies provided under the Master
Lease Agreement ("MLA"). On August 30, 1995, National Steel filed a Notice of
Removal, which removed the case to United States District Court, District of
Massachusetts. On September 7, 1995, National Steel filed its Answer to the
Plaintiff's Complaint along with Affirmative Defenses and Counterclaims and
sought declaratory relief, alleging breach of contract, implied covenant of good
faith and fair dealing, and specific performance. The Plaintiffs filed an Answer
to National Steel's Counterclaims on September 29, 1995. The parties discussed
settlement with respect to this matter for some time; however, the negotiations
were unsuccessful. The Plaintiffs filed an Amended and Supplemental Complaint
alleging further default under the MLA and filed a motion for Summary Judgment
on all claims and Counterclaims. The Court held a hearing on the Plaintiff's
motion in December 1997 and later entered a decision dismissing certain of
National Steel's Counterclaims, finding in favor of the Plaintiffs on certain
issues and in favor of National Steel on other issues. On May 11, 1999, the
parties executed a comprehensive settlement agreement to resolve all outstanding
issues, including reimbursement to the Partnership for the disputed sales tax
items referenced above. This matter did not have a material effect on the
Partnership's financial position or results of operations.

NOTE 7 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT

   On March 8, 2000, the Exchange Partnerships (see Note 6) collectively loaned
$32 million to Echelon Residential Holdings LLC, a newly-formed real estate
development company that will be owned by several investors, including James A.
Coyne, Executive Vice President of EFG. Mr. Coyne, in his individual capacity,
is the only investor in Echelon Residential Holdings LLC who is related to EFG.

   The Partnership's participation in the loan is $1,310,000. Echelon
Residential Holdings LLC, through a subsidiary (Echelon Residential LLC),
used the loan proceeds to acquire various real estate assets from Echelon
International Corporation, a Florida based real estate company. The loan has
a term of 30 months maturing on September 7, 2002 and bears interest at the
annual rate of 14% for the first 24 months and 18% for the final six months
of the term. Interest accrues and compounds monthly but is not payable until
maturity. In connection with the transaction, Echelon Residential Holdings
LLC has pledged a security interest in all of its right, title and interest
in and to its membership interests in Echelon Residential LLC to the Exchange
Partnerships as collateral.


                                       21
<PAGE>

                        ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership

         SCHEDULE OF EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF TOTAL CASH GENERATED TO COST
                              OF EQUIPMENT DISPOSED

              for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997

   The Partnership classifies all rents from leasing equipment as lease revenue.
Upon expiration of the primary lease terms, equipment may be sold, rented on a
month-to-month basis or re-leased for a defined period under a new or extended
lease agreement. The proceeds generated from selling or re-leasing the
equipment, in addition to any month-to-month revenue, represent the total
residual value realized for each item of equipment. Therefore, the financial
statement gain or loss, which reflects the difference between the net book value
of the equipment at the time of sale or disposition and the proceeds realized
upon sale or disposition may not reflect the aggregate residual proceeds
realized by the Partnership for such equipment.

   The following is a summary of cash excess associated with equipment
dispositions occurring in the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997.

                                               1999         1998         1997
                                            ----------   ----------   ----------

Rents earned prior to disposal of
   equipment, net of interest charges       $1,056,983   $2,119,870   $  531,173

Sale proceeds realized upon disposition
   of equipment                                 73,591      678,204      123,943
                                            ----------   ----------   ----------

Total cash generated from rents
   and equipment sale proceeds               1,130,574    2,798,074      655,116

Original acquisition cost of equipment
   Disposed                                    651,241    2,706,744      567,366
                                            ----------   ----------   ----------

Excess of total cash generated to cost
   of equipment disposed                    $  479,333   $   91,330   $   87,750
                                            ==========   ==========   ==========


                                       22
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership

            STATEMENT OF CASH AND DISTRIBUTABLE CASH FROM OPERATIONS,
                             SALES AND REFINANCINGS

                      for the year ended December 31, 1999

                                                       Sales and
                                        Operations    Refinancings     Total
                                        -----------   ------------  -----------
Net income                              $    64,947   $    38,412   $   103,359

Add:
   Depreciation                              99,072            --        99,072
   Management fees                           10,590            --        10,590
   Book value of disposed equipment              --        35,179        35,179
                                        -----------   -----------   -----------

   Cash from operations, sales and
   refinancings                             174,609        73,591       248,200

Less:
   Management fees                          (10,590)           --       (10,590)
                                        -----------   -----------   -----------

   Distributable cash from operations,
   sales and refinancings                   164,019        73,591       237,610

Other sources and uses of cash:
   Cash at beginning of year              1,607,475       451,853     2,059,328
   Net change in receivables and
   accruals                                  16,035            --        16,035

Less:
   Cash distributions paid                       --      (226,351)     (226,351)
                                        -----------   -----------   -----------

Cash at end of year                     $ 1,787,529   $   299,093   $ 2,086,622
                                        ===========   ===========   ===========


                                       23
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN INCOME FUND I-B,
                       a Massachusetts Limited Partnership

                       SCHEDULE OF COSTS REIMBURSED TO THE
                 GENERAL PARTNER AND ITS AFFILIATES AS REQUIRED
                   BY SECTION 9.4 OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED
                AGREEMENT AND CERTIFICATE OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                                December 31, 1999


   For the year ended December 31, 1999, the Partnership reimbursed the General
Partner and its Affiliates for the following costs:


   Operating expenses                        $ 265,390


                                       24

<PAGE>

                                                                      Exhibit 23


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

   We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form
10-K) of American Income Fund I-B, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership, of our
report dated March 10, 2000, included in the 1999 Annual Report to the Partners
of American Income Fund I-B, a Massachusetts Limited Partnership.


                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
March 10, 2000

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1999
<CASH>                                       2,086,622
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   25,236
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             2,111,858
<PP&E>                                       1,208,721
<DEPRECIATION>                               (995,293)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,325,286
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          253,280
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                   2,072,006
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,325,286
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               445,371
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               342,012
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                103,359
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            103,359
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   103,359
<EPS-BASIC>                                          0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0


</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 99(e)

  RENTAL SCHEDULE AND ACCEPTANCE CERTIFICATE NO. A-10A (the "Rental Schedule")
                           DATED AS OF JANUARY 1, 1997
          TO MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT NO. 9508COG514 (the "Master Lease")
                          DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 1996

LESSOR                                   LESSEE

EQUIS FINANCIAL GROUP                    QUANTERRA INC.
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP                      4955 YARROW STREET
98 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET               ARVADA, CO 80002
BOSTON, MA 02114

1.    LEASE TERM. PAYMENT DATES.

      This Rental Schedule between Lessor and Lessee incorporates by reference
the terms and conditions of the Master Lease. Lessor hereby leases to Lessee and
Lessee hereby leases from Lessor those items of Equipment described on the
attached Schedule B, for the Lease Term and at the Periodic Rent payable on the
Payment Dates hereinafter set forth on the attached Schedule A, on the terms and
conditions set forth in the Master Lease. The Lease Term is for the period from
and including the Acceptance Date of each item of Equipment set forth on the
attached Schedule B, to but not including the Primary Start Date, as hereinafter
defined ("Interim Term") and for a Primary Term commencing on the first day of
the calendar quarter following the last Acceptance Date for any item of
Equipment leased pursuant hereto ("Primary Start Date") and continuing to and
including the Lease Expiration Date set forth on the attached Schedule A. The
Acceptance Date for each item of Equipment shall be the earlier of the date on
which the item of Equipment is accepted for lease by Lessee, or the tenth (10th)
day following the date on which the item of Equipment is delivered to Lessee.

2.    INTERIM RENT. PERIODIC RENT.

      Interim Rent shall be due and payable in full on the Primary Start Date.
Interim Rent is computed by multiplying the Total Equipment Cost by the Per Diem
Lease Rate set forth on the attached Schedule A and multiplying the product by
the number of days in the Interim Term.

      For the Primary Term, Periodic Rent is due and payable in full beginning
on the Payment Commencement Date and continuing at the Payment Frequency and for
the Number of Payments specified herein. Periodic Rent is computed by
multiplying the Total Equipment Cost by the periodic Lease Rate set forth on the
attached Schedule A. Lessee shall also pay to Lessor a fee in the amount
indicated on the attached Schedule A under the heading "Documentation Fee" as
reimbursement for fees owed by Lessor relating to Uniform Commercial Code
Financing Statements to be filed in connection with the acquisition of the
Equipment. Such fees shall be due and payable on the Payment Commencement Date.

      In the event the Total Equipment Cost for the Equipment described herein
contains soft costs, including, but not limited to software, installation,
<PAGE>

              RENTAL SCHEDULE AND ACCEPTANCE CERTIFICATE NO. A-10A
                                    PAGE TWO

freight, testing, maintenance agreements, registration and licensing fees, or
federal excise tax (each a "Soft Cost" and collectively the "Soft Costs"), each
being understood by the parties hereto to have limited residual value, Lessee
shall pay to Lessor, in the event Lessee does not exercise its option to renew
the Rental Schedule upon the Lease Expiration Date for a term of twelve (12)
months or more, in addition to the final payment of Periodic Rent due hereunder,
an executory fee equal to ten percent (10%) of the total amount of Soft Costs
included in the Total Equipment Cost for the Rental Schedule.

3.    SPECIAL RETURN CONDITIONS.

      In Furtherance, and not in limitation of, the use, maintenance and return
conditions for the Equipment set forth in the Master Lease Agreement, Lessee
hereby agrees to return the Equipment to Lessor in accordance with all of the
terms and conditions of the Master Lease Agreement and in compliance with the
following return conditions:

      Each item, of Equipment shall be in both good appearance and operating
condition, less reasonable wear and tear. Each unit and component of such unit
shall be capable of performing or meeting the manufacturer's minimum performance
specifications when new ("Minimum Return Conditions") . Lessee will relinquish
to Lessor all its rights, claims and interest in and to all modifications and
upgrades performed by Lessee during the lease term. Lessee will not tamper with,
alter or remove any non--proprietary software feature that currently resides
with the Equipment. Upon any termination or expiration of this Rental Schedule,
Lessee will, at its own cost and expense de-install the equipment and provide
Lessor with a letter which will be provided by a manufacturer's representative
certifying that the equipment is eligible for maintenance. Lessee will also
return to Lessor all operating manuals and cables required for the full
functioning of the Equipment.

      If requested by Lessor, Lessee shall provide free and safe storage and
insurance for the Equipment for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days from the
date of expiration of the Lease Term or any extension or renewal thereof. At the
expiration of the Lease Term or any extension or renewal thereof, or at the
expiration of the ninety (90) day storage period, if any, Lessee shall return
each item of Equipment in accordance with the Master Lease and this Section 3.
Lessor may, but is not required to, inspect the Equipment prior to its return.
Lessor's failure to inspect the Equipment prior to its return shall in no way be
considered a waiver of Lessor's right to inspect the Equipment upon its return
to Lessor or Lessor's agent. Regardless of whether Lessor's inspection occurs
upon Lessee's premises, if upon such inspection, Lessor determines that the
Equipment does not conform to the Minimum Return Conditions, Lessor will
promptly notify Lessee of such determination, specifying the repairs or
refurbishments ("Repairs") needed to place the Equipment in the Minimum Return
Conditions. Lessor may, at its option, either require Lessee to effect such
Repairs or itself effect such Repairs. In either case, all costs associated with
any Repairs and inspections shall be paid by Lessee within thirty (30) days of
receipt of Lessor's invoice therefor. Until Lessor deems the Equipment to be in
full compliance with the Minimum Return Conditions, the Rental Schedule shall
continue in full force and effect and
<PAGE>

              RENTAL SCHEDULE AND ACCEPTANCE CERTIFICATE NO. A-10A
                                   PAGE THREE

Lessee shall continue to pay Periodic Rent, notwithstanding any expiration or
termination of the Lease Term, or the physical return of any item of Equipment
to Lessor or its agent, through and including the date on which Lessor the
Equipment to be full compliance with the Minimum Return Conditions.

      If Lessor and Lessee cannot agree as to such Repairs, then the parties
will mutually agree upon the selection of a third party expert who shall render
a final and binding decision on the parties with respect to the condition of the
Equipment and any Repairs required in order for the Equipment to fully comply
with the Minimum Return Conditions. The party against whom such decision is made
shall bear said expert's fees and expenses.

4.    ACCEPTANCE CERTIFICATE.

      Lessee hereby represents, warrants and certifies (a) that the Equipment
described herein has been delivered to and inspected and found satisfactory by
Lessee and is accepted for lease by Lessee under this Rental Schedule and the
Master Lease as incorporated herein by reference, as of the Acceptance Date set
forth above; (b) all items of Equipment are new and unused as of the Acceptance
Date, except as otherwise specified above; (c) the Equipment is located as
specified on Schedule B hereto; (d) the representations and warranties of Lessee
set forth in the Master Lease are true and correct as of the date hereof; (e)
Lessor has furnished, and Lessee has reviewed and hereby approves of the terms
of, Lessor's purchase order, purchase contract, or other instrument evidencing
Lessor's purchase of the Equipment, including any manufacturer or vendor
warranties contained therein; and (f) unless otherwise specified above, the
Equipment is not a fixture or accession to any real or personal property
including any other property owned by Lessor.

5.    SCHEDULE OF CASUALTY VALUES.

      The Schedule of Casualty Values attached hereto is incorporated herein by
reference and shall be applicable to the Equipment described in Schedule C
hereto.

6.    ENTIRE AGREEMENT. MODIFICATION AND WAIVERS. EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS.

      This Rental Schedule and the Master Lease constitute the entire agreement
between Lessee and Lessor with respect to the leasing of the Equipment.
Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in
the Master Lease. To the extent any of the terms and conditions set forth in
this Rental Schedule conflict with the Master Lease, the conflicting terms of
this Rental Schedule shall govern and control. No amendment, modification or
waiver of this Rental Schedule or the Master Lease will be effective unless
evidenced in writing signed by the party to be charged. This Rental Schedule may
be executed in counterparts, all of which together shall constitute one and the
same instrument.
<PAGE>

              RENTAL SCHEDULE AND ACCEPTANCE CERTIFICATE NO. A-10A
                                    PAGE FOUR

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have caused this Rental Schedule and
Acceptance Certificate to be executed and delivered by their duly authorized
representatives as of the date first above written.


EQUIS FINANCIAL GROUP
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP                      QUANTERRA INC.
Lessor                                   Lessee

By: Equis Corporation                    By:    /s/ Debbie Pentek
    its general partner                         --------------------------
                                         Title: Purchasing Manager
                                                --------------------------

By:    /s/ Gail Ofgant
       --------------------
Title: Vice President
       --------------------

      COUNTERPART NO. 1 OF 2 SERIALLY NUMBERED MANUALLY EXECUTED COUNTERPARTS.
      TO THE EXTENT IF ANY THAT THIS DOCUMENT CONSTITUTES CHATTEL PAPER UNDER
      THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE, NO SECURITY INTEREST MAY BE CREATED THROUGH
      THE TRANSFER AND POSSESSION OF ANY COUNTERPART OTHER THAN COUNTERPART NO.
      1
<PAGE>

LLR4OD-O1             EQUIS FINANCIAL GROUP              1/10/97 17:11:39 PAGE 1

                     Schedule A - Rental Schedule Economics

LESSEE:       QUANTERRA INC.
LESSOR:       EQUIS FINANCIAL GROUP

RENTAL SCHEDULE:                 A-10A
LEASE TERM (months):                            36
PRIMARY START DATE:                       2/1/1997 GDO
LEASE EXPIRATION DATE:                   1/31/2000 GDO
PAYMENT FREQUENCY:                         MONTHLY
ADVANCE/ARREARS:                           ADVANCE
LEASE RATE:                             .032705000
PER DIEM LEASE RATE:                    .001090167
PERIODIC RENT:                           $2,429.98
NUMBER OF PAYMENTS:                             36
TOTAL INTERIM RENT:                      $1,052.99
PAYMENT COMMENCEMENT DATE:               1/01/1997
TOTAL EQUIPMENT COST:                   $74,300.00

DOCUMENTATION FEE:                  $20.00
                              --------------------

    DP      LESSEE INITIALS
- ----------

    GDO     LESSOR INITIALS
- ----------

ATF#: 96-0009-1
<PAGE>

LLR41D-01                     EQUIS FINANCIAL GROUP      1/10/97 17:11:45 PAGE 1

                        Schedule B Equipment Description

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LESSEE: QUANTERRA, INC                                  RENTAL SCHEDULE AND ACCEPTANCE CERTIFICATE NUMBER: A-10A

LESSOR: EQUIS FINANCIAL GROUP

                                                                                                      Acceptance
Equipment Cost    Serial Number              Year Manufacturer    Model   Type                        Date
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>                        <C>                  <C>     <C>                         <C>
     74,300.00    AP100140                   FINNIGAN MAT         F-079   ESI/APCI UPGRADE/XSQ700/7   12/19/1996
- --------------
     74,300.00    Total for Location 4955    YARROW STREET        ARVADA              CO 80002
==============
     74,300.00    Total Equipment Cost
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                    EQUIS FINANCIAL GROUP LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                 QUANTERRA INC.
           Schedule C - Casualty Value Table for Rental Schedule A-10A
                   (Stated as a Percentage of Equipment Cost)

                  AFTER
                PRIMARY
                  TERM                                   CASUALTY
               PAYMENT NO.                                 VALUE
               -----------                               --------
               Prior to 1                                 120.00
                        1                                 118.24
                        2                                 116.48
                        3                                 114.69
                        4                                 112.90
                        5                                 111.09
                        6                                 109.27
                        7                                 107.44
                        8                                 105.59
                        9                                 103.73
                       10                                 101.86
                       11                                  99.98
                       12                                  98.08
                       13                                  96.18
                       14                                  94.26
                       15                                  92.33
                       16                                  90.39
                       17                                  88.44
                       18                                  86.48
                       19                                  84.51
                       20                                  82.52
                       21                                  80.53
                       22                                  78.53
                       23                                  76.53
                       24                                  74.51
                       25                                  72.49
                       26                                  70.45
                       27                                  68.42
                       28                                  66.37
                       29                                  64.32
                       30                                  62.26
                       31                                  60.20
                       32                                  58.13
                       33                                  56.07
                       34                                  53.99
                       35                                  51.92
                       36                                  50.00
<PAGE>

================================================================================
                                   - INVOICE -

Finnigan Corporation                                                      page 1
dba Finnigan MAT                                                    ------------
355 River Oaks Parkway         End User: MR. PAUL WINKLER           S-021222-011
San Jose, CA 95134-1991        (303) 421-6611                       ------------
(408) 433-4800 TELEX 470745
TELEFAX: (408) 433-4823                   [LOGO] Finnigan
CABLE ADDRESS: FINISTRO                          MAT
                                          PLEASE REMIT TO:
                                          Finnigan MAT [or] Finnigan Corporation
                                          P0 Box 73429, Chicago, IL 60673-7429

                               System SN:
================================================================================
Your Order is Acknowledged And Accepted Subject To The Terms And Conditions
Listed on SOTC Rev B.

SOLD TO                                 SHIP TO

EQUIS FINANCIAL GROUP                   QUANTERRA, INC.
98 NORTH WASHINGTON ST.                 4955 YARROW STREET
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE                        ARVADA, CO 80002
BOSTON, MA 02114

================================================================================
DATE SHIPPED   SHIPPER   WAYBILL NO.    CUSTOMER NO.  INVOICE DATE   INVOICE NO.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  12/19/96      BURGL     338123623       4156-01       12/19/96    S-021222-011
================================================================================
 ACKN DATE      SHIP VIA INSTRUCTIONS      CUSTOMER ORDER NO.    SALES ORDER NO.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  12/10/96         FOB DESTINATION              12329EFG            S-021222
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM                                                SHIP     QTY                  AMOUNT
 NO.                   DESCRIPTION                   ID   ORD  SHIP    PRICE        DUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>   <C>                                             <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>         <C>
 01   F-079         ESI/APCI FIELD UPG/XSQ700/7000    1    1    1    73,500.00   73,500.00

      Shipping S/N: AP100140

      FIELD-INSTALLED ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
      IONIZATION SOURCE FOR ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
      CHEMICAL IONIZATION (APCI) AND ELECTROSPRAY
      IONIZATION (ESI) FOR TSQ 700/7000, SSQ
      700/7000 AND SSQ 710 SYSTEMS.

 02   70005-60039   ONE-INCH FORELINE HOSE ASSY       1    1    1       800.00      800.00

        Terms:

      100% due On Shipment, net 30 days.

        Special Instructions:

      SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT MUST BE SIGNED
      AND ON FILE PRIOR TO SHIPMENT
      TRAFFIC: PLEASE INSURE SHIPMENT
      TAX EXEMPT

      Mfg. Account: 410106

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
All claims for loss or damage in transit must be
made against the carrier. Prices F.O.B. San Jose.              ===========================
California, unless otherwise specified. Seller                      PLEASE REMIT
represents that these goods were produced in                            TOTAL    74,300.00
compliance with all applicable requirements of                      THIS AMOUNT
Section 6, 7 and 12 of the Fair Labor Standards
Act as amended, and regulations and orders of the
United States Department of Labor issued under
Section 14 thereof.
==========================================================================================
</TABLE>

A subsidiary of Thermo Instrument Systems, Inc.   SOPRTSJ (KS: 01/16/95)

                                    CUSTOMER
<PAGE>

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

Finnigan Corporation                           [LOGO] Finnigan
355 River Oaks Parkway                                MAT
San Jose, CA 95134                                          [LOGO]
Phone: (408) 433-4800 x2732                    WESTERN REGION QUOTATION
Fax: (408) 383-9641
E-mail: [email protected]

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

   Submit Quotation to:                   Send Purchase Order to:
   --------------------                   -----------------------
     Quanterra (RMA)                       Finnigan Corporation
    4955 Yarrow Street                    355 River Oaks Parkway
     Arvada, CO 80002                       San Jose, CA 95134
   Phone: 303/421-6611       Attn.: Steven R. Brown, Regional Service Manager
    Fax: 303/467-9136

        IN RESPONSE TO YOUR REQUEST WE ARE PLEASED TO QUOTE AS FOLLOWS...

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REFERENCE          SHIPMENT        F.O.B.           TERMS              DATE      QUOTATION
- ---------          --------        ------           -----              ----      ---------
                                                                                  NUMBER
                                                                                  ------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>                 <C>        <C>                     <C>        <C>
  SRB/ss      60 - 90 Days ARO    San Jose   Net 30 After Invoice    8/23/96    WQII96-049

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITEM  QTY  CATALOG                   DESCRIPTION                UNIT      TOTAL
- ----  ---   NUMBER                   -----------                PRICE     PRICE
            ------                                              -----     -----
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1   1ea   F-079   Field installed atmospheric pressure        $73,500  $73,500
                    ionization source for atmospheric pressure
                    ionization (APCI) and electrospray
                    ionization (ESI) on TSQ700/7000 systems.
                    Includes loop injector and infusion pump.
                    Requires revision 7.0 or higher ICIS
                    software, "download" firmware (for systems
                    manufactured before September. 1990), and
                    one-inch foreline hose assembly (for
                    systems manufactured before January 1991)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  3   1ea   70005-  One-inch foreline hose assembly (for           $800     $800
            60039   systems manufactured before January 1991)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                Total: 73,500.00

                                                                          800.00
                                                                      ----------
                                                                      $74,300.00
                                                                      ==========

Freight and handling prepaid and added.
Plus tax where applicable.

                                     MORE...

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
<PAGE>

1.    All items sold and installed by Finnigan carry a standard 90-day warranty.
      Finnigan implies no warranty on items supplied by customer.

2.    No corrective maintenance or repair is included in the quote.

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

Quotation Firm for 60 days                              Finnigan Corporation
                                                        d/b/a Finnigan MAT

                                                        /s/ Steven R. Brown

                                                        Steven R. Brown
                                                        Regional Service Manager

        Quotation subject to terms and conditions listed QSF PR0003 Rev B


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