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AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON AUGUST 25, 1999
REGISTRATION NO. 33-59751
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 4
TO
FORM S-6
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FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
OF 1933 OF SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT
TRUSTS REGISTERED ON FORM N-8B-2
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A. EXACT NAME OF TRUST:
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES--256
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
B. NAME OF DEPOSITOR:
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INC.
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
C. COMPLETE ADDRESSES OF DEPOSITORS' PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES:
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE,
FENNER & SMITH
INCORPORATED
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
POST OFFICE BOX 9051
PRINCETON, NJ 08543-9051 SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.
388 GREENWICH
STREET--23RD FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10013
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
INCORPORATED 1285 AVENUE OF THE TWO WORLD TRADE
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA AMERICAS CENTER--59TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10292 NEW YORK, NY 10019 NEW YORK, NY 10048
D. NAMES AND COMPLETE ADDRESSES OF AGENTS FOR SERVICE:
TERESA KONCICK, ESQ. ROBERT E. HOLLEY MICHAEL KOCHMANN
P.O. BOX 9051 1200 HARBOR BLVD. 388 GREENWICH STREET
PRINCETON, NJ 08543-9051 WEEHAWKEN, NJ 07087 NEW YORK, NY 10013
COPIES TO: DOUGLAS LOWE, ESQ.
PIERRE DE SAINT PHALLE, DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
LEE B. SPENCER, JR. ESQ. TWO WORLD TRADE
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA 450 LEXINGTON AVENUE CENTER--59TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10292 NEW YORK, NY 10017 NEW YORK, NY 10048
The issuer has registered an indefinite number of Units under the Securities Act
of 1933 pursuant to Rule 24f-2 and filed the Rule 24f-2 Notice for the most
recent fiscal year on March 16, 1999.
Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective on September
3, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485. / x /
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DEFINED ASSET FUNDSSM
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MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES--256
(A UNIT INVESTMENT TRUST)
O PORTFOLIO OF INTERMEDIATE TERM MUNICIPAL BONDS
O DESIGNED FOR INCOME FREE FROM REGULAR FEDERAL
INCOME TAX
O MONTHLY INCOME DISTRIBUTIONS
SPONSORS:
Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith -------------------------------------------------
Incorporated The Securities and Exchange Commission has not
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. approved or disapproved these Securities or
PaineWebber Incorporated passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any
Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. representation to the contrary is a criminal
Prudential Securities offense.
Incorporated Prospectus dated September 3, 1999.
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Defined Asset FundsSM
Defined Asset FundsSM is America's oldest and largest family of unit investment
trusts, with over $160 billion sponsored over the last 28 years. Defined Asset
Funds has been a leader in unit investment trust research and product
innovation. Our family of Funds helps investors work toward their financial
goals with a full range of quality investments, including municipal, corporate
and government bond portfolios, as well as domestic and international equity
portfolios.
Defined Asset Funds offer a number of advantages:
o A disciplined strategy of buying and holding with a long-term view is the
cornerstone of Defined Asset Funds.
o Fixed portfolio: Defined Funds follow a buy and hold investment strategy;
funds are not managed and portfolio changes are limited.
o Defined Portfolios: We choose the stocks and bonds in advance, so you know
what you're investing in.
o Professional research: Our dedicated research team seeks out stocks or bonds
appropriate for a particular fund's objectives.
o Ongoing supervision: We monitor each portfolio on an ongoing basis.
No matter what your investment goals, tolerance for risk or time horizon,
there's probably a Defined Asset Fund that suits your investment style. Your
financial professional can help you select a Defined Asset Fund that works best
for your investment portfolio.
THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS AS OF MAY 31, 1999, THE
EVALUATION DATE.
CONTENTS
PAGE
---------
Risk/Return Summary.................................... 3
What You Can Expect From Your Investment............... 7
Monthly Income...................................... 7
Return Figures...................................... 7
Records and Reports................................. 7
The Risks You Face..................................... 8
Interest Rate Risk.................................. 8
Call Risk........................................... 8
Reduced Diversification Risk........................ 8
Liquidity Risk...................................... 8
Concentration Risk.................................. 8
Bond Quality Risk................................... 8
Insurance Related Risk.............................. 8
Litigation and Legislation Risks.................... 9
Selling or Exchanging Units............................ 9
Sponsors' Secondary Market.......................... 9
Selling Units to the Trustee........................ 9
Exchange Option..................................... 10
How The Fund Works..................................... 10
Pricing............................................. 10
Evaluations......................................... 10
Income.............................................. 10
Expenses............................................ 11
Portfolio Changes................................... 11
Fund Termination.................................... 11
Certificates........................................ 12
Trust Indenture..................................... 12
Legal Opinion....................................... 12
Auditors............................................ 13
Sponsors............................................ 13
Trustee............................................. 13
Underwriters' and Sponsors' Profits................. 13
Public Distribution................................. 13
Code of Ethics...................................... 13
Year 2000 Issues.................................... 14
Taxes.................................................. 14
Supplemental Information............................... 15
Financial Statements................................... D-1
2
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RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
1. WHAT IS THE FUND'S OBJECTIVE?
The Fund seeks interest income that is exempt from regular
federal income taxes by investing in a fixed portfolio
consisting primarily of municipal revenue bonds with an
estimated average life of 6 years.
2. WHAT ARE MUNICIPAL REVENUE BONDS?
Municipal revenue bonds are bonds issued by states,
municipalities and public authorities to finance the cost
of buying, building or improving various projects intended
to generate revenue, such as airports, health care
facilities, housing and municipal electric, water and sewer
utilities. Generally, payments on these bonds depend solely
on the revenues generated by the projects, excise taxes or
state appropriations, and are not backed by the
government's taxing power.
3. WHAT IS THE FUND'S INVESTMENT STRATEGY?
O The Fund plans to hold to maturity 13 intermediate term
tax-exempt municipal bonds with a current aggregate face
amount of $11,250,000.
o The Fund is a unit investment trust which means that,
unlike a mutual fund, the Fund's portfolio is not managed.
o When the bonds were initially deposited (June 30, 1995),
they were rated A or better by Standard & Poor's, Moody's
or Fitch, or in the opinion of the agent for the Sponsors
had similar credit quality to bonds rated A or better. The
credit quality of the bonds may currently be lower.
o Many of the bonds can be called at a premium declining over
time to par value. Some bonds may be called earlier at par
for extraordinary reasons.
o 15% of the bonds are backed by bank letters of credit.
o 58% of the bonds are insured by insurance companies.
Letters of credit and insurance guarantee timely payments
of principal and interest on the bonds (but not Fund units
or the market value of the bonds before they mature).
The Portfolio consists of municipal bonds of the following
types:
APPROXIMATE
PORTFOLIO
PERCENTAGE
o Airports/Ports/Highways 15%
o General Obligation 4%
o Hospital/Health Care 16%
o Housing 7%
o Industrial Development Revenue 4%
o Lease Rental Appropriation 9%
o Miscellaneous 9%
o Refunded Bonds 12%
o Special Tax 8%
o Universities/Colleges 16%
4. WHAT ARE THE SIGNIFICANT RISKS?
YOU CAN LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE FUND. THIS CAN
HAPPEN FOR VARIOUS REASONS, INCLUDING:
o Rising interest rates, an issuer's worsening financial
condition or a drop in bond ratings can reduce the price of
your units.
o Assuming no changes in interest rates, when you sell your
units, they will generally be worth less than your cost
because your cost included a sales fee.
o The Fund will receive early returns of principal if bonds
are called or sold before they mature. If this happens your
income will decline and you may not be able to reinvest the
money you receive at as high a yield or as long a maturity.
5. IS THIS FUND APPROPRIATE FOR YOU?
Yes, if you want monthly income free from regular federal
income tax. You will benefit from a professionally selected
and supervised portfolio whose risk is reduced by investing
in bonds of several different issuers.
The Fund is not appropriate for you if you want a
speculative investment that changes to take advantage of
market movements, if you do not want a tax-advantaged
investment, if you are subject to AMT or if you cannot
tolerate any risk.
3
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DEFINING YOUR INCOME
WHAT YOU MAY EXPECT (PAYABLE ON THE 25TH DAY OF
EACH MONTH):
Regular Monthly Income per unit $ 4.58
Annual Income per unit $ 55.06
RECORD DAY: 10th day of each month
These figures are estimates on the evaluation date; actual
payments may vary.
6. WHAT ARE THE FUND'S FEES AND EXPENSES?
This table shows the costs and expenses you may pay,
directly or indirectly, when you invest in the Fund.
INVESTOR FEES
Maximum Sales Fee (Load) on ne
purchases (as a percentage of
$1,000 invested) 2.75%
Employees of some of the Sponsors and their affiliates may
be charged a reduced sales fee of no less than $5.00 per
Unit.
The maximum sales fee is reduced if you invest at least
$100,000, as follows:
YOUR MAXIMUM
SALES FEE
IF YOU INVEST: WILL BE:
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Less than $100,000 2.75%
$100,000 to $249,999 2.50%
$250,000 to $499,999 2.25%
$500,000 to $999,999 2.00%
$1,000,000 and over 1.75%
Maximum Exchange Fee 1.75%
ESTIMATED ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
AMOUNT
PER UNIT
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$ 0.70
Trustee's Fee
$ 0.45
Portfolio Supervision,
Bookkeeping and
Administrative Fees
(including updating
expenses)
$ 0.12
Organization Costs
$ 0.20
Evaluator's Fee
$ 0.29
Other Operating Expenses
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$ 1.76
TOTAL
The Sponsors historically paid organization costs and
updating expenses.
7. HOW HAVE SIMILAR FUNDS PERFORMED IN THE PAST?
In the following chart we show past performance of prior
Intermediate Series, which had the same investment
objectives, strategies and types of bonds as this Fund.
These prior Intermediate Series were offered between
August 9, 1988 and October 18, 1996 and were outstanding
on June 30, 1999. OF COURSE, PAST PERFORMANCE OF PRIOR
SERIES IS NO GUARANTEE OF FUTURE RESULTS OF THIS FUND.
AVERAGE ANNUAL COMPOUND TOTAL RETURNS
FOR PRIOR SERIES
Reflecting all expenses. For periods ended 6/30/99.
WITH SALES FEE NO SALES FEE
1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
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High 5.99% 5.88% 6.21% 6.77% 6.80% 6.73%
Average 0.96 5.11 6.00 3.23 5.92 6.50
Low -1.84 4.25 5.80 -0.70 4.96 6.31
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Average
Sales fee 2.29% 3.98% 4.82%
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Note: All returns represent changes in unit price with distributions reinvested
into the Municipal Fund Investment Accumulation Program.
8. IS THE FUND MANAGED?
Unlike a mutual fund, the Fund is not managed and bonds are
not sold because of market changes. Rather, experienced
Defined Asset Funds financial analysts regularly review the
bonds in the Fund. The Fund may sell a bond if certain
adverse credit or other conditions exist.
9. HOW DO I BUY UNITS?
The minimum investment is one unit.
You can buy units from any of the Sponsors and other
broker-dealers. The Sponsors are listed later in this
prospectus. Some banks may offer units for sale through
special arrangements with the Sponsors, although certain
legal restrictions may apply.
4
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UNIT PRICE PER UNIT $1,071.75
(as of May 31, 1999)
Unit price is based on the net asset value of the Fund plus
the sales fee. An amount equal to any principal cash, as
well as net accrued but undistributed interest on the unit,
is added to the unit price. An independent evaluator prices
the bonds at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time every business day. Unit
price changes every day with changes in the prices of the
bonds in the Fund.
10. HOW DO I SELL UNITS?
You may sell your units at any time to any
Sponsor or the Trustee for the net asset
value determined at the close of business on
the date of sale. You will not pay any other fee when you
sell your units.
11. HOW ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE AND TAXED?
The Fund pays income monthly. In the opinion of bond counsel
when each bond was issued, interest on the bonds in this
Fund is generally 100% exempt from regular federal income
tax.
Interest on approximately 28% of the bonds will be a
preference item for Alternative Minimum Tax. A portion of
the income may also be exempt from state and local personal
income taxes, depending on where you live.
You will also receive principal payments if bonds are sold
or called or mature, when the cash available is more than
$5.00 per unit. You will be subject to tax on any gain
realized by the Fund on the disposition of bonds.
12. WHAT OTHER SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?
REINVESTMENT
You will receive your monthly income in cash unless you
choose to compound your income by reinvesting with no sales
fee in the Municipal Fund Investment Accumulation Program,
Inc. This program is an open-end mutual fund with a
comparable investment objective. Income from this program
will generally be subject to state and local income taxes.
For more complete information about the program, including
charges and fees, ask the Trustee for the program's
prospectus. Read it carefully before you invest. The
Trustee must receive your written election to reinvest at
least 10 days before the record day of an income payment.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES
You may exchange units of this Fund for units of certain
other Defined Asset Funds. You may also exchange into this
Fund from certain other funds. We charge a reduced sales
fee on exchanges.
5
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TAX-FREE VS. TAXABLE INCOME: A COMPARISON OF TAXABLE AND TAX-FREE YIELDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EFFECTIVE
TAXABLE INCOME 1999* % TAX TAX-FREE YIELD OF
SINGLE RETURN JOINT RETURN BRACKET 3% 3.5% 4% 4.5% 5% 5.5% 6% 6.5%
IS EQUIVALENT TO A TAXABLE YIELD OF
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0- 25,750 $ 0- 43,050 15.00 3.53 4.12 4.71 5.29 5.88 6.47 7.06 7.65
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$ 25,751- 62,450 $ 43,051-104,050 28.00 4.17 4.86 5.56 6.25 6.94 7.64 8.33 9.03
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$ 62,451-130,250 $104,051-158,550 31.00 4.35 5.07 5.80 6.52 7.25 7.97 8.70 9.42
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$130,251-283,150 $158,551-283,150 36.00 4.69 5.47 6.25 7.03 7.81 8.59 9.38 10.16
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OVER $283,151 OVER $283,151 39.60 4.97 5.79 6.62 7.45 8.28 9.11 9.93 10.76
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</TABLE>
To compare the yield of a taxable security with the yield of a federally
tax-free security, find your taxable income and read across. The table
incorporates 1999 federal income tax rates and assumes that all income would
otherwise be taxed at a U.S. investor's highest tax rate. Yield figures are for
example only.
*Based upon net amount subject to federal income tax after deductions and
exemptions. This table does not reflect the possible effect of other tax
factors, such as alternative minimum tax, personal exemptions, the phase-out of
exemptions, itemized deductions, the possible partial disallowance of deductions
or state and local taxation. Consequently, investors are urged to consult their
own tax advisers in this regard.
MUNICIPAL BONDS AND THE ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX
INCOME+ MAXIMUM 'PREFERENCE' INCOME
WITHOUT TRIGGERING AMT
(STATE INCOME TAX RATES)
SINGLE ++ JOINT ++ 0% 7% 11%
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$50,000 $21,000 $16,000 $13,000
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$30,000 $20,000 $16,000 $14,000
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$100,000 $25,000 $16,000 $11,000
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$55,000 $22,000 $16,000 $13,000
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$225,000 $31,000 $14,000 $4,000
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$205,000 $31,000 $15,000 $6,000
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NOTES:
+ Regular taxable income plus state income
taxes and personal exemptions.
++ Assuming no dependents.
Under federal tax law, interest income on certain municipal bonds, although
exempt from regular income tax, is treated as a 'preference' item for purposes
of AMT. The table above shows amounts of such municipal bond 'preference'
interest income, assuming no other 'preference' or similar items apply, that
individual taxpayers could receive in 1999 without becoming subject to the AMT.
The table gives information for single and joint returns of U.S. individuals
having no dependents. The table provides three income levels and three
hypothetical state income tax rates. The table further assumes that the stated
amount of municipal bond 'preference' interest income is subject to state income
taxes.
6
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WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR INVESTMENT
MONTHLY INCOME
The Fund will pay you regular monthly income. Your monthly income may vary
because of:
o elimination of one or more bonds from the Fund's portfolio because of
calls, redemptions or sales;
o a change in the Fund's expenses; or
o the failure by a bond's issuer to pay interest.
Changes in interest rates generally will not affect your monthly income because
the portfolio is fixed.
Along with your monthly income, you will receive your share of any available
bond principal.
RETURN FIGURES
We cannot predict your actual return, which will vary with unit price, how long
you hold your investment and changes in the portfolio, interest income and
expenses.
Estimated Current Return equals the estimated annual cash to be received from
the bonds in the Fund less estimated annual Fund expenses, divided by the Unit
Price (including the maximum sales fee):
Estimated Annual Estimated
Interest Income - Annual Expenses
- -------------------------------------------------
Unit Price
Estimated Long Term Return is a measure of the estimated return over the
estimated life of the Fund. Unlike Estimated Current Return, Estimated Long Term
Return reflects maturities, discounts and premiums of the bonds in the Fund. It
is an average of the yields to maturity (or in certain cases, to an earlier call
date) of the individual bonds in the portfolio, adjusted to reflect the Fund's
maximum sales fee and estimated expenses. We calculate the average yield for the
portfolio by weighting each bond's yield by its market value and the time
remaining to the call or maturity date.
Yields on individual bonds depend on many factors including general conditions
of the bond markets, the size of a particular offering and the maturity and
quality rating of the particular issues. Yields can vary among bonds with
similar maturities, coupons and ratings.
These return quotations are designed to be comparative rather than predictive.
RECORDS AND REPORTS
You will receive:
o a monthly statement of income payments and any principal payments;
o a notice from the Trustee when new bonds are deposited in exchange or
substitution for bonds originally deposited;
o an annual report on Fund activity; and
o annual tax information. This will also be sent to the IRS. You must report the
amount of tax-exempt interest received during the year.
You may request:
o copies of bond evaluations to enable you to comply with federal and state tax
reporting requirements; and
o audited financial statements of the Fund.
You may inspect records of Fund transactions at the Trustee's office during
regular business hours.
7
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THE RISKS YOU FACE
INTEREST RATE RISK
Investing involves risks, including the risk that your investment will decline
in value if interest rates rise. Generally, bonds with longer maturities will
change in value more than bonds with shorter maturities. Bonds in the Fund are
more likely to be called when interest rates decline. This would result in early
returns of principal to you and may result in early termination of the Fund. Of
course, we cannot predict how interest rates may change.
CALL RISK
Many bonds can be prepaid or 'called' by the issuer before their stated
maturity. For example, some bonds may be required to be called pursuant to
mandatory sinking fund provisions.
Also, an issuer might call its bonds during periods of falling interest rates,
if the issuer's bonds have a coupon higher than current market rates.
An issuer might call its bonds in extraordinary cases, including if:
o it no longer needs the money for the original purpose;
o the project is condemned or sold;
o the project is destroyed and insurance proceeds are used to redeem the
bonds;
o any related credit support expires and is not replaced; or
o interest on the bonds become taxable.
If the bonds are called, your income will decline and you may not be able to
reinvest the money you receive at as high a yield or as long a maturity. An
early call at par of a premium bond will reduce your return.
REDUCED DIVERSIFICATION RISK
If many investors sell their units, the Fund will have to sell bonds. This could
reduce the diversification of your investment and increase your share of Fund
expenses.
LIQUIDITY RISK
The bonds will generally trade in the over-the-counter market. We cannot assure
you that a liquid trading market will exist, especially since current law may
restrict the Fund from selling bonds to any Sponsor. The value of the bonds, and
of your investment, may be reduced if trading in bonds is limited or absent.
CONCENTRATION RISK
When a certain type of bond makes up 25% or more of the portfolio, the Fund is
said to be 'concentrated' in that bond type, which makes the Fund less
diversified. However, this Fund is not concentrated in any particular type of
bond.
Changes to the portfolio from bond redemptions, maturities and sales may affect
the Fund's concentration over time.
BOND QUALITY RISK
A reduction in a bond's rating may decrease its value and, indirectly, the value
of your investment in the Fund.
INSURANCE RELATED RISK
Some bonds may be backed by insurance companies (as shown under Portfolio).
Insurance policies generally make payments only according to a bond's original
payment schedule and do not make early payments when a bond defaults or becomes
taxable. Although the federal government does not regulate the insurance
business, various state laws and federal initiatives and tax law
8
<PAGE>
changes could significantly affect the insurance business. The claims-paying
ability of the insurance companies is generally rated A or better by Standard &
Poor's or another nationally recognized rating organization. The insurance
company ratings are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the
rating agencies.
LITIGATION AND LEGISLATION RISKS
We do not know of any pending litigation that might have a material adverse
effect upon the Fund.
Future tax legislation could affect the value of the portfolio by:
o limiting real property taxes,
o reducing tax rates,
o imposing a flat or other form of tax, or
o exempting investment income from tax.
SELLING OR EXCHANGING UNITS
You can sell your units at any time for a price based on net asset value. Your
net asset value is calculated each business day by:
o adding the value of the bonds, net accrued interest, cash and any other
Fund assets;
o subtracting accrued but unpaid Fund expenses, unreimbursed Trustee
advances, cash held to buy back units or for distribution to investors and
any other Fund liabilities; and
o dividing the result by the number of outstanding units.
Your net asset value when you sell may be more or less than your cost because of
sales fees, market movements and changes in the portfolio.
SPONSORS' SECONDARY MARKET
While we are not obligated to do so, we will buy back units at net asset value
without any other fee or charge. We may resell the units to other buyers or to
the Trustee. You should consult your financial professional for current market
prices to determine if other broker-dealers or banks are offering higher prices.
We have maintained a secondary market continuously for over 25 years, but we
could discontinue it without prior notice for any business reason.
SELLING UNITS TO THE TRUSTEE
Regardless of whether we maintain a secondary market, you can sell your units to
the Trustee at any time by sending the Trustee a letter (with any outstanding
certificates if you hold unit certificates). You must properly endorse your
certificates (or execute a written transfer instrument with signatures
guaranteed by an eligible institution). Sometimes, additional documents are
needed such as a trust document, certificate of corporate authority, certificate
of death or appointment as executor, administrator or guardian.
Within seven days after your request and the necessary documents are received,
the Trustee will mail a check to you. Contact the Trustee for additional
information.
As long as we are maintaining a secondary market, the Trustee will sell your
units to us at a price based on net asset value. If there is no secondary
market, the Trustee may sell your units in the over-the-counter market for a
higher price, but it is not obligated to do so. In that case, you will receive
the net proceeds of the sale.
If the Fund does not have cash available to pay you for units you are selling,
the agent for the Sponsors will select bonds to be sold. Bonds will be selected
based on market and credit factors. These sales could be made at times when the
bonds would not otherwise be sold and may result in your receiving less than the
unit par value and also reduce the size and diversity of the Fund.
9
<PAGE>
There could be a delay in paying you for your units:
o if the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and
holiday closings);
o if the SEC determines that trading on the New York Stock Exchange is
restricted or that an emergency exists making sale or evaluation of the
bonds not reasonably practicable; and
o for any other period permitted by SEC order.
EXCHANGE OPTION
You may exchange units of certain Defined Asset Funds for units of this Fund at
a maximum exchange fee of 1.75%. You may exchange units of this Fund for units
of certain other funds at a reduced sales fee if your investment goals change.
To exchange units, you should talk to your financial professional about what
funds are exchangeable, suitable and currently available.
Normally, an exchange is taxable and you must recognize any gain or loss on the
exchange. However, the IRS may try to disallow a loss if the portfolios of the
two funds are not materially different; you should consult your own tax adviser.
We may amend or terminate this exchange option at any time without notice.
HOW THE FUND WORKS
PRICING
The price of a unit includes interest accrued on the bonds, less expenses, from
the most recent Record Day up to, but not including, the settlement date, which
is usually three business days after the purchase date of the unit.
A portion of the price of a unit consists of cash so that the Trustee can
provide you with regular monthly income. When you sell your units you will
receive your share of this cash.
In addition, as with mutual funds, the Fund (and therefore the investors) pay
all or some of the costs of organizing the Fund including:
o cost of initial preparation of legal documents;
o federal and state registration fees;
o initial fees and expenses of the Trustee;
o initial audit; and
o legal expenses and other out-of-pocket expenses.
These costs are amortized over the first five years of the Fund.
EVALUATIONS
An independent Evaluator values the bonds on each business day (excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and the following holidays as observed by the New York Stock
Exchange: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas).
Bond values are based on current bid or offer prices for the bonds or comparable
bonds. In the past, the difference between bid and offer prices of publicly
offered tax-exempt bonds has ranged from 0.5% of face amount on actively traded
issues to 3.5% on inactively traded issues; the difference has averaged between
1 and 2%.
INCOME
The Trustee credits interest to an Income Account and other receipts to a
Capital Account. The Trustee may establish a Reserve Account by withdrawing from
these accounts amounts it considers appropriate to pay any material liability.
These accounts do not bear interest.
10
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EXPENSES
The Trustee is paid monthly. It also benefits when it holds cash for the Fund in
non-interest bearing accounts. The Trustee may also receive additional amounts:
o to reimburse the Trustee for the Fund's operating expenses;
o for extraordinary services and costs of indemnifying the Trustee and the
Sponsors;
o costs of actions taken to protect the Fund and other legal fees and
expenses;
o expenses for keeping the Fund's registration statement current; and
o Fund termination expenses and any governmental charges.
The Sponsors are currently reimbursed up to 45 cents per $1,000 face amount
annually for providing portfolio supervisory, bookkeeping and administrative
services and for any other expenses properly chargeable to the Fund. Legal,
typesetting, electronic filing and regulatory filing fees and expenses
associated with updating the Portfolio's registration statement yearly are also
now chargeable to the Portfolio. While this fee may exceed the amount of these
costs and expenses attributable to this Fund, the total of these fees for all
Series of Defined Asset Funds will not exceed the aggregate amount attributable
to all of these Series for any calendar year. The Fund also pays the Evaluator's
fees.
The Trustee's, Sponsors' and Evaluator's fees may be adjusted for inflation
without investors' approval.
The Sponsors will pay advertising and selling expenses at no charge to the Fund.
If Fund expenses exceed initial estimates, the Fund will owe the excess. The
Trustee has a lien on Fund assets to secure reimbursement of Fund expenses and
may sell bonds if cash is not available.
PORTFOLIO CHANGES
The Sponsors and Trustee are not liable for any default or defect in a bond.
Unlike a mutual fund, the portfolio is designed to remain intact and we may keep
bonds in the portfolio even if their credit quality declines or other adverse
financial circumstances occur. However, we may sell a bond in certain cases if
we believe that certain adverse credit conditions exist or if a bond becomes
taxable.
If we maintain a secondary market in units but are unable to sell the units that
we buy in the secondary market, we will redeem units, which will affect the size
and composition of the portfolio. Units offered in the secondary market may not
represent the same face amount of bonds that they did originally.
We decide whether or not to offer units for sale that we acquire in the
secondary market after reviewing:
o diversity of the portfolio;
o size of the Fund relative to its original size;
o ratio of Fund expenses to income;
o current and long-term returns;
o degree to which units may be selling at a premium over par; and
o cost of maintaining a current prospectus.
FUND TERMINATION
The Fund will terminate following the stated maturity or sale of the last bond
in the portfolio. The Fund may also terminate earlier with the consent of
investors holding 51% of the units or if total assets of the Fund have fallen
below 40% of the face amount of bonds deposited. We will decide whether to
terminate the Fund early based on the same factors used in deciding whether or
not to offer units in the secondary market.
When the Fund is about to terminate you will receive a notice, and you will be
unable to sell
11
<PAGE>
your units after that time. On or shortly before termination, we will sell any
remaining bonds, and you will receive your final distribution. Any bond that
cannot be sold at a reasonable price may continue to be held by the Trustee in a
liquidating trust pending its final sale.
You will pay your share of the expenses associated with termination, including
brokerage costs in selling bonds. This may reduce the amount you receive as your
final distribution.
CERTIFICATES
Certificates for units are issued on request. You may transfer certificates by
complying with the requirements for redeeming certificates, described above. You
can replace lost or mutilated certificates by delivering satisfactory indemnity
and paying the associated costs.
TRUST INDENTURE
The Fund is a 'unit investment trust' governed by a Trust Indenture, a contract
among the Sponsors, the Trustee and the Evaluator, which sets forth their duties
and obligations and your rights. A copy of the Indenture is available to you on
request to the Trustee. The following summarizes certain provisions of the
Indenture.
The Sponsors and the Trustee may amend the Indenture without your consent:
o to cure ambiguities;
o to correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision;
o to make any amendment required by any governmental agency; or
o to make other changes determined not to be materially adverse to your best
interest (as determined by the Sponsors).
Investors holding 51% of the units may amend the Indenture. Every investor must
consent to any amendment that changes the 51% requirement. No amendment may
reduce your interest in the Fund without your written consent.
The Trustee may resign by notifying the Sponsors. The Sponsors may remove the
Trustee without your consent if:
o it fails to perform its duties and the Sponsors determine that its
replacement is in your best interest; or
o it becomes incapable of acting or bankrupt or its affairs are taken over by
public authorities.
Investors holding 51% of the units may remove the Trustee. The Evaluator may
resign or be removed by the Sponsors and the Trustee without the consent of
investors. The resignation or removal of either becomes effective when a
successor accepts appointment. The Sponsors will try to appoint a successor
promptly; however, if no successor has accepted within 30 days after notice of
resignation, the resigning Trustee or Evaluator may petition a court to appoint
a successor.
Any Sponsor may resign as long as one Sponsor with a net worth of $2 million
remains and agrees to the resignation. The remaining Sponsors and the Trustee
may appoint a replacement. If there is only one Sponsor and it fails to perform
its duties or becomes bankrupt the Trustee may:
o remove it and appoint a replacement Sponsor;
o liquidate the Fund; or
o continue to act as Trustee without a Sponsor.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated acts as agent for the
Sponsors.
The Trust Indenture contains customary provisions limiting the liability of the
Trustee, the Sponsors and the Evaluator.
12
<PAGE>
LEGAL OPINION
Davis Polk & Wardwell, 450 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, as
special counsel for the Sponsors, has given an opinion that the units are
validly issued.
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, 2 World Financial Center, New York, New York 10281,
independent accountants, audited the Statement of Condition included in this
prospectus.
SPONSORS
The Sponsors are:
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED (a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.)
P.O. Box 9051,
Princeton, NJ 08543-9051
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC. (an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Citigroup
Inc.)
388 Greenwich Street--23rd Floor,
New York, NY 10013
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC. (a principal operating subsidiary of Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter & Co.)
Two World Trade Center--59th Floor,
New York, NY 10048
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Prudential Insurance Company of America)
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10292
PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED (a wholly-owned subsidiary of PaineWebber Group Inc.)
1285 Avenue of the Americas,
New York, NY 10019
Each Sponsor is a Delaware corporation and it, or its predecessor, has acted as
sponsor to many unit investment trusts. As a registered broker-dealer each
Sponsor buys and sells securities (including investment company shares) for
others (including investment companies) and participates as an underwriter in
various selling groups.
TRUSTEE
The Chase Manhattan Bank, Unit Investment Trust Department, 4 New York
Plaza--6th Floor, New York, New York 10004, is the Trustee.
It is supervised by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System and New York State banking authorities.
UNDERWRITERS' AND SPONSORS' PROFITS
Underwriters receive sales charges when they sell units. The Sponsors also
realized a profit or loss on the initial deposit of the bonds. Any cash made
available by you to the Sponsors before the settlement date for those units may
be used in the Sponsors' businesses to the extent permitted by federal law and
may benefit the Sponsors.
A Sponsor or Underwriter may realize profits or sustain losses on bonds in the
Fund which were acquired from underwriting syndicates of which it was a member.
In maintaining a secondary market, the Sponsors will also realize profits or
sustain losses in the amount of any difference between the prices at which they
buy units and the prices at which they resell or redeem them.
PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
The Sponsors do not intend to qualify units for sale in any foreign countries.
This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell units in any country where
units cannot lawfully be sold.
CODE OF ETHICS
Merrill Lynch, as agent for the Sponsors, has adopted a code of ethics requiring
13
<PAGE>
preclearance and reporting of personal securities transactions by its employees
with access to information on portfolio transactions. The goal of the code is to
prevent fraud, deception or misconduct against the Fund and to provide
reasonable standards of conduct.
YEAR 2000 ISSUES
Many computer systems were designed in such a way that they may be unable to
distinguish between the year 2000 and the year 1900 (commonly known as the 'Year
2000 Problem'). We do not expect that the computer system changes necessary to
prepare for the Year 2000 will cause any major operational difficulties for the
Fund. The Year 2000 Problem may adversely affect the issuers of the securities
contained in the Portfolio, but we cannot predict whether any impact will be
material to the Portfolio as a whole.
TAXES
The following summary describes some of the important income tax consequences of
holding units. It assumes that you are not a dealer in securities, financial
institution, insurance company or other investor with special circumstances. You
should consult your own tax adviser about your particular circumstances.
At the date of issue of each bond, counsel for the issuer delivered an opinion
to the effect that interest on the bond is exempt from regular federal income
tax. However, interest may be subject to state and local taxes and federal
alternative minimum tax. Neither we nor our counsel have reviewed the issuance
of the bonds, related proceedings or the basis for the opinions of counsel for
the issuers. We cannot assure you that the issuer (or other users) have complied
or will comply with any requirements necessary for a bond to be tax-exempt. If
any of the bonds were determined not to be tax-exempt, you could be required to
pay income tax for current and prior years, and if the Fund were to sell the
bond, it might have to sell it at a substantial discount.
In the opinion of our counsel, under existing law:
GENERAL TREATMENT OF THE FUND AND YOUR INVESTMENT
The Fund will not be taxed as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, and
you will be considered to own directly your share of each bond in the Fund.
INCOME OR LOSS UPON DISPOSITION
When all or part of your share of a bond is disposed of (for example, when the
Fund sells, exchanges or redeems a bond or when you sell or exchange your
units), you will generally recognize capital gain or loss. Your gain, however,
will generally be ordinary income to the extent of any accrued 'market
discount'. Generally you will have market discount to the extent that your basis
in a bond when you purchase a unit is less than its stated redemption price at
maturity (or, if it is an original issue discount bond, the issue price
increased by original issue discount that has accrued on the bond before your
purchase). You should consult your tax adviser in this regard.
If your net long-term capital gains exceed your net short-term capital losses,
the excess may be subject to tax at a lower rate than ordinary income. Any
capital gain from the Fund will be long-term if you are considered to have held
your investment on each bond for more than one year and short-term if you held
it for one year or less. If you are an individual and sell your units after
holding them for more than one year, you may be entitled to a 20% maximum
federal tax rate on any resulting gains. Consult your tax adviser in this
regard.
14
<PAGE>
Because the deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations, you may
not be able to deduct all of your capital losses.
YOUR BASIS IN THE BONDS
Your aggregate basis in the bonds will be equal to the cost of your units,
including any sales charges and the organizational expenses you pay, adjusted to
reflect any accruals of 'original issue discount,' 'acquisition premium' and
'bond premium'. You should consult your tax adviser in this regard.
EXPENSES
If you are not a corporate investor, you will not be entitled to a deduction for
your share of fees and expenses of the Fund. Also, if you borrowed money in
order to purchase or carry your units, you will not be able to deduct the
interest on this borrowing for federal income tax purposes. The IRS may treat
your purchase of units as made with borrowed money even if the money is not
directly traceable to the purchase of units.
STATE AND LOCAL TAXES
Under the income tax laws of the State and City of New York, the Fund will not
be taxed as a corporation. If you are a New York taxpayer, your income from the
Fund will not be tax-exempt in New York except to the extent that the income is
earned on bonds that are tax-exempt for New York purposes. Depending on where
you live, your income from the Fund may be subject to state and local taxation.
You should consult your tax adviser in this regard.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
You can receive at no cost supplemental information about the Fund by calling
the Trustee. The supplemental information includes more detailed risk disclosure
about the types of bonds that may be in the Fund's portfolio, general risk
disclosure concerning any insurance securing certain bonds, and general
information about the structure and operation of the Fund. The supplemental
information is also available from the SEC.
15
<PAGE>
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 256,
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Sponsors, Trustee and Holders
of Municipal Investment Trust Fund,
Intermediate Term Series - 256,
Defined Asset Funds:
We have audited the accompanying statement of condition of
Municipal Investment Trust Fund, Intermediate Term Series - 256,
Defined Asset Funds, including the portfolio, as of May 31,
1999 and the related statements of operations and of changes in
net assets for the years ended May 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Trustee. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
Securities owned at May 31, 1999, as shown in such portfolio,
were confirmed to us by The Chase Manhattan Bank, the Trustee.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by the Trustee, 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 Municipal Investment Trust Fund, Intermediate Term
Series - 256, Defined Asset Funds at May 31, 1999 and the
results of its operations and changes in its net assets for the
above-stated years in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, N.Y.
August 18, 1999
D - 1.
<PAGE>
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 256,
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
STATEMENT OF CONDITION
As of May 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
TRUST PROPERTY:
Investment in marketable securities
{ 20} at value (cost $ 11,216,101)(Note 1) ........ $11,799,794
{ 36} Accrued interest................................ 194,387
Deferred organization cost (Note 5) ............ 3,178
{ 34} Cash - principal ............................... 7,168
-------------
{ 40} Total trust property ......................... 12,004,527
LESS LIABILITIES:
{ 50} Income advance from Trustee..................... $ 69,987
{143} Accrued Sponsors' fees ......................... 2,176
{ 52} Other liabilities .............................. 3,178 75,341
------------- -------------
NET ASSETS, REPRESENTED BY:
{ 80} 11,298 units of fractional undivided
{ 80} interest outstanding (Note 3) ............... 11,806,962
{105} Undistributed net investment income ............ 122,224 11,929,186
------------- =============
{130}UNIT VALUE ($ 11,929,186 / 11,298 units )......... $ 1,055.87
=============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
D - 2.
<PAGE>
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 256,
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended May 31,
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
{ 10} Interest income ........................ $ 662,033 $ 722,596 $ 796,736
{ 20} Trustee's fees and expenses ............ (14,583) (16,188) (16,727)
{ 30} Sponsors' fees ......................... (5,414) (5,898) (5,570)
----------------------------------------------
{ 40} Net investment income .................. 642,036 700,510 774,439
----------------------------------------------
REALIZED OR UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
ON INVESTMENTS:
Realized gain on
{ 50} securities sold or redeemed .......... 61,896 81,873 22,904
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
{ 60} of investments ....................... (129,333) 404,263 387,515
----------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized
{ 80} gain (loss) on investments ........... (67,437) 486,136 410,419
----------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
{ 80} RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS .............. $ 574,599 $ 1,186,646 $ 1,184,858
==============================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
D - 3.
<PAGE>
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 256,
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended May 31,
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS:
{ 10} Net investment income .................. $ 642,036 $ 700,510 $ 774,439
Realized gain on
{ 20} securities sold or redeemed .......... 61,896 81,873 22,904
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
{ 30} of investments ....................... (129,333) 404,263 387,515
----------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets
{ 40} resulting from operations ............ 574,599 1,186,646 1,184,858
----------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO HOLDERS (Note 2):
{ 50} Income ................................ (642,718) (700,661) (774,368)
{ 60} Principal .............................. (10,045) (21,020) (12,835)
----------------------------------------------
{ 70} Total distributions .................... (652,763) (721,681) (787,203)
----------------------------------------------
SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
{ 82} Redemption amounts - income ............ (6,769) (14,328) (11,811)
{ 83} Redemption amounts - principal ......... (732,912) (1,486,936) (1,138,901)
----------------------------------------------
{ 84} Total share transactions ............... (739,681) (1,501,264) (1,150,712)
----------------------------------------------
{ 90}NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS ............... (817,845) (1,036,299) (753,057)
{100}NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR .......... 12,747,031 13,783,330 14,536,387
----------------------------------------------
{110}NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR ................ $11,929,186 $12,747,031 $13,783,330
==============================================
PER UNIT:
Income distributions during
{120} year ................................. $ 55.04 $ 54.92 $ 55.09
==============================================
Principal distributions during
{130} year ................................. $ 0.86 $ 1.67 $ 0.91
==============================================
Net asset value at end of
{140} year ................................. $ 1,055.87 $ 1,062.96 $ 1,027.61
==============================================
TRUST UNITS:
{ 83} Redeemed during year ................... 694 1,421 1,126
{150} Outstanding at end of year ............. 11,298 11,992 13,413
==============================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
D - 4.
<PAGE>
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 256,
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a Unit
Investment Trust. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies
consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial
statements. The policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
(A) Securities are stated at value as determined by the
Evaluator based on bid side evaluations for the securities.
(B) The Fund is not subject to income taxes. Accordingly, no
provision for such taxes is required.
(C) Interest income is recorded as earned.
2. DISTRIBUTIONS
A distribution of net investment income is made to Holders each month.
Receipts other than interest, after deductions for redemptions and
applicable expenses, are also distributed periodically.
3. NET CAPITAL
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
{ 10} Cost of 11,298 units at Date of Deposit ..................... $11,704,199
{ 20} Less sales charge .......................................... 468,190
-----------
{ 25} Net amount applicable to Holders ........................... 11,236,009
{143} Redemptions of units - net cost of 3,407 units redeemed
less redemption amounts (principal)....................... (135,885)
{ 40} Realized gain on securities sold or redeemed ............... 167,045
{ 50} Principal distributions .................................... (43,900)
{ 70} Unrealized appreciation of investments...................... 583,693
-----------
{ 80} Net capital applicable to Holders .......................... $11,806,962
===========
</TABLE>
4. INCOME TAXES
As of May 31, 1999, unrealized appreciation of investments, based on cost for
Federal income tax purposes, aggregated $583,693, all of which related to
appreciated securities. The cost of investment securities for Federal income tax
purposes was $11,216,101 at May 31, 1999.
5. DEFERRED ORGANIZATION COSTS
Deferred organization costs are being amortized over a period of five years.
Included in "Other liabilities" in the accompanying Statement of Condition is
$3,178 payable to the Trustee for reimbursement of costs related to the
organization of the Trust
D - 5.
<PAGE>
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 256,
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
PORTFOLIO
As of May 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating Optional
Portfolio No. and Title of of Face Redemption
Securities Issues(1) Amount Coupon Maturities(3) Provisions(3) Cost Value(2)
---------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 California State Pub. Wks. Bd., A1(m) $ 140,000 4.750 % 2005 None $ 131,219 $ 145,233
Lease Rev. Rfdg. Bonds (Dept. of
Corrections-Del Note - C)
2 City and Cnty. of Denver, CO, Arpt. AAA 250,000 5.300 2005 None 246,068 261,963
Sys. Rev. Bonds, Ser. 1995 B {249181LX4}
(MBIA Ins.) (AMT) (4) (5)
AAA 355,000 5.500 2007 11/15/05 348,731 375,654
{249181LZ9} @ 102.000
3 City of North Sioux City, SD, (b) 285,000 6.250 2003 None 293,120 300,712
Sales Tax Rev. Bonds, Ser. 1995 {66251PAH4}
300,000 5.650 2004 07/01/03 294,816 308,571
{66251PAJ0} @ 100.000
320,000 5.700 2005 07/01/03 312,854 328,538
{66251PAK7} @ 100.000
4 City of Philadelphia, PA, Arpt. Rev. AAA 50,000 5.700 2007 06/15/05 50,000 53,504
Bonds (Philadelphia Arpt. Sys.), {717817DP2} @ 102.000
Ser. 1995 A (AMBAC Ins.) (AMT) (4) (5)
5 County of Warren, OH, Adjustable Rate Aa3(m)(a) 1,335,000 6.130 2007(7) 05/01/04 1,338,004 1,402,685
Demand Ind. Dev. Rev. Bonds (Precision {935159BX0} @ 102.000
Industries, Inc. Proj.), Ser. 1989
(Keybank N.A., OH, - Letter of Credit)
(6) 360,000 6.130 2004 None 368,089 372,611
{935159BW2}
</TABLE>
D - 6.
<PAGE>
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 256,
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
PORTFOLIO
As of May 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating Optional
Portfolio No. and Title of of Face Redemption
Securities Issues(1) Amount Coupon Maturities(3) Provisions(3) Cost Value(2)
---------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
6 District of Columbia, Washington D.C., AAA $ 25,000 4.950 % 2005 None $ 23,958 $ 25,909
G.O. Rfdg. Bonds (AMBAC Ins.) (4) {25476ALX5}
475,000 4.950 2005 None 455,202 488,409
{25476ANV7}
7 Educational Fac. Auth. for Pvt. AA 200,000 5.500 2005 None 198,482 210,326
Nonprofit Inst. of Higher Learning, {836898AJ5}
SC, Educl. Fac. Rev. Bonds (Benedict
College Proj.), Ser. 1995
(Asset Guaranty Ins.) (4) 905,000 5.600 2006 07/01/05 897,670 957,508
{836898AK2} @ 102.000
760,000 5.700 2007 07/01/05 753,487 808,739
{836898AL0} @ 102.000
8 Fort Wayne-Allen Cnty., IN, Arpt. A- 185,000 5.900 2005 None 187,009 195,312
Auth., Rev. Rfdg. Bonds, Ser. 1995 {349204AU1}
165,000 5.700 2003 None 166,502 171,491
{349204AQ0}
170,000 5.800 2004 None 171,702 177,992
{349204AS6}
190,000 5.900 2005 None 192,143 201,411
{349204AV9}
175,000 5.800 2004 None 176,831 184,023
{349204AT4}
170,000 5.700 2003 None 171,629 177,409
{349204AR8}
9 Michigan State Hsg. Dev. Auth., AAA 750,000 5.550 2004 None 752,505 780,030
Rental Hsg. Rev. Bonds, 1995 Ser. A {59465MGG4}
(MBIA Ins.) (AMT) (4) (5)
</TABLE>
D - 7.
<PAGE>
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 256,
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
PORTFOLIO
As of May 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating Optional
Portfolio No. and Title of of Face Redemption
Securities Issues(1) Amount Coupon Maturities(3) Provisions(3) Cost Value(2)
---------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
10 New Jersey Econ. Dev. Auth., Econ. AA $ 245,000 6.250 % 2004 None $ 254,308 $ 264,375
Dev. Rev. Bonds (Dwight Englewood {64577MG79}
Sch. - The Bede Sch. Proj.)
(Asset Guaranty Ins.) (4)
260,000 6.350 2005 None 270,657 283,790
{64577MG87}
275,000 6.050 2006 06/01/05 278,270 297,223
{64577MG95} @ 102.000
230,000 6.200 2003 None 238,719 245,254
{64577MG61}
11 New York State Urban Dev. Corp., BBB+ 915,000 5.625 2007 01/01/03 897,926 957,529
Correctional Fac. Rev. Bonds, 1993 {650033YX5} @ 102.000
Rfdg. Ser.
12 The City of Cape Coral, FL, Hlth. Fac. AA 310,000 5.300 2003 None 307,929 318,311
Auth., First Mtge. Rev. Rfdg. Bonds {13937TAZ0}
(Gulf Care, Inc. Proj.), Ser. 1995 A
(Asset Guaranty Ins.) (4)
335,000 5.400 2004 None 332,565 345,271
{13937TBA4}
345,000 5.500 2005 None 342,302 357,092
{13937TBB2}
375,000 5.600 2006 None 371,876 389,824
{13937TBF3}
395,000 5.700 2007 None 391,528 413,095
{13937TBG1}
---------- ---------- ----------
$11,250,000 $11,216,101 $11,799,794
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Portfolio.
D - 8.
<PAGE>
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 256,
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
NOTES TO PORTFOLIO
As of May 31, 1999
(1) The ratings are of the bonds themselves are by Standard & Poor's
ratings Group, or by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. if followed by
"(m)", or by Fitch Investors Service, Inc. if followed by "(f)"; "(a)"
indicates that it is a rating of the outstanding debt obligations of
the institution providing the letter of credit or guarantee; "(b)"
indicates that while there is no such available rating, in the opinion
of Defined Asset Funds research analysts, the bond has credit
characteristics comparable to bonds rated "A" or better; "(c)"
indicates that while there is no such available rating, in the opinion
of Defined Asset Funds research analysts, the bond does not have
credit characteristics comparable to bonds rated "A" or better. Bond
ratings have been furnished by the Evaluator but not confirmed with
the rating agencies.
(2) See Notes to Financial Statements.
(3) Optional redemption provisions, which may be exercised in whole or in
part, are initially at prices of par plus a premium, then subsequently
at prices declining to par. Certain securities may provide for
redemption at par prior or in addition to any optional or mandatory
redemption dates or maturity, for example, through the operation of a
maintenance and replacement fund, if proceeds are not able to be used
as contemplated, the project is condemned or sold or the project is
destroyed and insurance proceeds are used to redeem the securities.
Many of the securities are also subject to mandatory sinking fund
redemption commencing on dates which may be prior to the date on which
securities may be optionally redeemed. Sinking fund redemptions are at
par and redeem only part of the issue. Some of the securities have
mandatory sinking funds which contain optional provisions permitting
the issuer to increase the principal amount of securities called on a
mandatory redemption date. The sinking fund redemptions with optional
provisions may, and optional refunding redemptions generally will,
occur at times when the redeemed securities have an offering side
evaluation which represents a premium over par. To the extent that the
securities were acquired at a price higher than the redemption price,
this will represent a loss of capital when compared with the Public
Offering Price of the Units when acquired. Distributions will
generally be reduced by the amount of the income which would otherwise
have been paid with respect to redeemed securities and there will be
distributed to Holders any principal amount and premium received on
such redemption after satisfying any redemption requests for Units
received by the Fund. The estimated current return may be affected by
redemptions.
(4) Insured by the indicated municipal bond insurance company.
(5) Securities that are tax preference items for purposes of the
Alternative Minimum Tax are indicated by "(AMT)".
(6) Certain bonds are covered by letters of credit which may expire prior
to the maturity dates of the bonds. Upon expiration of a letter of
credit, the issuer of the bond is obligated to obtain a replacement
letter of credit or call the bond.
D - 9.
<PAGE>
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES - 256,
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
NOTES TO PORTFOLIO
As of May 31, 1999
(7) The debt obligation in Portfolio Number 5 has a stated maturity date
of July 1, 2009. However, the Trustee, as the holder of this debt
obligation, has the right to cause such debt obligation to be
repurchased or redeemed at par on the specific date indicated. In the
certain instances, the corporate obligator of such debt obligation has
the right to cause a third party to purchase the debt obligation in
lieu of redemption. The Sponsors have given irrevocable instructions
to the Trustee to exercise its right to cause such debt obligation to
be so redeemed, repurchased for purchased, unless it can be sold, in
the opinion of the Trustee, for a net amount in excess of par before
such time as the Trustee is required to exercise such rights.
D - 10.
<PAGE>
Defined
Asset FundsSM
HAVE QUESTIONS ? MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
Request the most recent free INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES--256
Information Supplement (A Unit Investment Trust)
that gives more details about ---------------------------------------
the Fund, by calling: This Prospectus does not contain
The Chase Manhattan Bank complete information about the
1-800-323-1508 investment company filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission in
Washington, D.C. under the:
o Securities Act of 1933 (file no.
33-59751) and
o Investment Company Act of 1940 (file
no. 811-1777).
TO OBTAIN COPIES AT PRESCRIBED RATES--
WRITE: Public Reference Section of the
Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549-6009
CALL: 1-800-SEC-0330.
VISIT: http://www.sec.gov.
---------------------------------------
No person is authorized to give any
information or representations about
this Fund not contained in this
Prospectus or the Information
Supplement, and you should not rely on
any other information.
---------------------------------------
When units of this Fund are no longer
available, this Prospectus may be used
as a preliminary prospectus for a
future series, but some of the
information in this Prospectus will be
changed for that series.
Units of any future series may not be
sold nor may offers to buy be accepted
until that series has become effective
with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. No units can be sold in any
State where a sale would be illegal.
15127--9/99
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
This Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement on Form S-6
comprises the following papers and documents:
The facing sheet of Form S-6.
The cross-reference sheet (incorporated by reference to the Cross-Reference
Sheet to the Registration Statement of Defined Asset Funds Municipal Insured
Series, 1933 Act File No. 33-54565).
The Prospectus.
The Signatures.
The following exhibits:
1.1.1--Form of Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust Effective as of
October 21, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1.1 to the
Registration Statement of Municipal Investment Trust Fund,
Multi-state Series--48, 1933 Act File No. 33-50247).
4.1 --Consent of the Evaluator.
5.1 --Consent of independent accountants.
9.1 --Information Supplement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9.1 to
Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement of Municipal
Investment Trust Fund, Insured Series--207, 1933 Act File No. 33-54037).
R-1
<PAGE>
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES--256
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT,
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND, INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES--256, DEFINED ASSET
FUNDS, CERTIFIES THAT IT MEETS ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO RULE 485(B) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AMENDMENT TO THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED THEREUNTO DULY
AUTHORIZED IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK AND STATE OF NEW YORK ON THE 25TH DAY OF
AUGUST, 1999.
SIGNATURES APPEAR ON PAGES R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6 AND R-7.
A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated has signed this Registration Statement or
Amendment to the Registration Statement pursuant to Powers of Attorney
authorizing the person signing this Registration Statement or Amendment to the
Registration Statement to do so on behalf of such members.
A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Salomon Smith Barney
Inc. has signed this Registration Statement or Amendment to the Registration
Statement pursuant to Powers of Attorney authorizing the person signing this
Registration Statement or Amendment to the Registration Statement to do so on
behalf of such members.
A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Prudential
Securities Incorporated has signed this Registration Statement or Amendment to
the Registration Statement pursuant to Powers of Attorney authorizing the person
signing this Registration Statement or Amendment to the Registration Statement
to do so on behalf of such members.
A majority of the members of the Executive Committee of the Board of
Directors of PaineWebber Incorporated has signed this Registration Statement or
Amendment to the Registration Statement pursuant to Powers of Attorney
authorizing the person signing this Registration Statement or Amendment to the
Registration Statement to do so on behalf of such members.
A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Dean Witter Reynolds
Inc. has signed this Registration Statement or Amendment to the Registration
Statement pursuant to Powers of Attorney authorizing the person signing this
Registration Statement or Amendment to the Registration Statement to do so on
behalf of such members.
R-2
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
DEPOSITOR
By the following persons, who constitute Powers of Attorney have been filed
a majority of under
the Board of Directors of Merrill Form SE and the following 1933 Act
Lynch, Pierce, File
Fenner & Smith Incorporated: NumberNumber: 333-70593
GEORGE A. SCHIEREN
JOHN L. STEFFENS
By J. DAVID MEGLEN
(As authorized signatory for Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated and
Attorney-in-fact for the persons listed above)
R-3
<PAGE>
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.
DEPOSITOR
By the following persons, who constitute a majority of Powers of Attorney
the Board of Directors of Salomon Smith Barney Inc.: have been filed
under the 1933 Act
File Numbers:
333-63417 and
333-63033
MICHAEL A. CARPENTER
DERYCK C. MAUGHAN
By GINA LEMON
(As authorized signatory for
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and
Attorney-in-fact for the persons listed above)
R-4
<PAGE>
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
DEPOSITOR
By the following persons, who constitute a majority of Powers of Attorney
the Board of Directors of Prudential Securities have been filed
Incorporated: under Form SE and
the following 1933
Act File Numbers:
33-41631 and
333-15919
ROBERT C. GOLDEN
ALAN D. HOGAN
A. LAURENCE NORTON, JR.
LELAND B. PATON
VINCENT T. PICA II
MARTIN PFINSGRAFF
HARDWICK SIMMONS
LEE B. SPENCER, JR.
BRIAN M. STORMS
By RICHARD R. HOFFMANN
(As authorized signatory for Prudential Securities
Incorporated and Attorney-in-fact for the persons
listed above)
R-5
<PAGE>
PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
DEPOSITOR
By the following persons, who constitute Powers of Attorney have been filed
the Board of Directors of PaineWebber under
Incorporated: the following 1933 Act File
Number: 33-55073
MARGO N. ALEXANDER
TERRY L. ATKINSON
BRIAN M. BAREFOOT
STEVEN P. BAUM
MICHAEL CULP
REGINA A. DOLAN
JOSEPH J. GRANO, JR.
EDWARD M. KERSCHNER
JAMES P. MacGILVRAY
DONALD B. MARRON
ROBERT H. SILVER
MARK B. SUTTON
By
ROBERT E. HOLLEY
(As authorized signatory for
PaineWebber Incorporated
and Attorney-in-fact for the persons listed above)
R-6
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
DEPOSITOR
By the following persons, who constitute Powers of Attorney have been filed
a majority of under Form SE and the following 1933
the Board of Directors of Dean Witter Act File Numbers: 33-17085,
Reynolds Inc.: 333-13039 and 333-47553
RICHARD M. DeMARTINI
RAYMOND J. DROP
JAMES F. HIGGINS
MITCHELL M. MERIN
STEPHEN R. MILLER
PHILIP J. PURCELL
THOMAS C. SCHNEIDER
By
MICHAEL D. BROWNE
(As authorized signatory for
Dean Witter Reynolds Inc.
and Attorney-in-fact for the persons listed above)
R-7
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4.1
STANDARD & POOR'S
A DIVISION OF THE McGRAW-HILL COMPANIES
J. J. KENNY
65 BROADWAY
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10006-2551
TELEPHONE (212) 770-4422
FAX 212/797-8681
August 25, 1999
Frank A. Ciccotto, Jr
Vice President
Tax-Exempt Evaluations
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
Defined Asset Funds
P.O. Box 9051
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9051
The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza--6th Floor
New York, New York 10004
RE: DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
INTERMEDIATE TERM SERIES--256
Gentlemen:
We have examined the post-effective Amendment to the Registration Statement
File No. 33-59751 for the above-captioned trust. We hereby acknowledge that
Kenny S&P Evaluation Services, a division of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc. is currently
acting as the evaluator for the trust. We hereby consent to the use in the
Amendment of the reference to Kenny S&P Evaluation Services, a division of J. J.
Kenny Co., Inc. as evaluator.
In addition, we hereby confirm that the ratings indicated in the
above-referenced Amendment to the Registration Statement for the respective
bonds comprising the trust portfolio are the ratings currently indicated in our
KENNYBASE database.
You are hereby authorized to file copies of this letter with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
Sincerely,
FRANK A. CICCOTTO
Vice President
<PAGE>
Exhibit 5.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Sponsors and Trustee of
Municipal Investment Trust Fund--Intermediate Term Series--256, Defined Asset
Funds
We consent to the use in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration
Statement No. 33-59751 of our opinion dated , 1999 appearing in the
Prospectus, which is part of such Registration Statement, and to the reference
to us under the heading 'Auditors' in such Prospectus.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, N.Y.
August 25, 1999
